Last Board Meeting Recap & Today's Meeting with Helix Staff regarding Proposed 2015 Policy Changes.

December 17 Board Meeting Recap: Director Linden nominated Director Verbeke for President; Director Scalzitti nominated me for President. Verbeke got 3 votes, I got 2 votes. Followed with Director Linden then nominated Director Muse as Vice President; I nominated Director Scalzitti as Vice President. Muse got 3 votes, Scalzitti got 2 votes. Basically, the President and Vice President switched seats. Next Board Meeting the Board President Verbeke will assign Committee Seats. After 8 years of being on the Board I have never been President or Vice President...someday...

Regarding new policy manual changes, I brought up my concern at the Board Meeting that there was quite a few changes and new fees proposed and that I could not support the changes without going over them and that it would take some time. Director Scalzitti agreed with my concern, Director Muse said he went over all the changes and was fine with them, Director Linden said he leaves this stuff to the staff as they are the experts. I don't remember what Director Verbeke said. 

The compromise was to set a date for the Policy Manual Public Hearing adoption, January 7, 2015, and not to approve “consider” the changes, and in the meantime any board member who has a concern can meet with staff directly to discuss and go over the changes…and any changes can be made at the January 7th meeting.

Today, December 22, 2014, Director Scalzitti and I met with staff at 2pm-3:30pm (on our own time), and went over all the changes. The consultant we hired, Raftelis, after reviewing our current policies and those of other agencies, had many suggestions. Many of these suggestions were to simplify billing processes with our new computer system. Some of the fees are new, some existing went up and some went down. Also a complete rewrite on temporary meters. They were all well supported with documentation of cost and time. We were told that the staff had met with the BIA, Building Industry Association and that they are fine with the changes. I have a better understanding of the changes made and very happy that staff took the time to meet with the Board on these policy changes.

Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & I will see you next year!
Kathleen