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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - EVWD Board of Directors - 02/10/2015 Approved February 25, 2015 EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT February 10, 2015 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING MINUTES The Chairman of the Board called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. Director Shelton led the flag salute. PRESENT: Directors: Carrillo, Coats, Coleman, Morales, Shelton ABSENT: Directors: None STAFF: John Mura, General Manager/CEO; Brian Tompkins, Chief Financial Officer; Tom Holliman, Engineering and Operations Manager; Justine Hendricksen, District Clerk; Cecilia Contreras, Senior Administrative Assistant LEGAL COUNSEL: Jean Cihigoyenetche GUEST(s): Members of the public PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Morales declared the public participation section of the meeting open at 9:03 a.m. There being no written or verbal comments, the public participation section was closed. BOARD TRAINING FOR PROPOSITION 218 The General Manager/CEO began by stating that in everybody's best interest this meeting is to take some time to go over the Proposition 218 public hearing process and to be prepared for things that may come up; that he hopes the Directors enjoy this process, learn some new items, as well as foster team building. Representatives from CV Strategies gave an overview on the meeting objectives which were how to prepare the Board for the 218 process, assisted with communication training regarding the rate increase and budget based water rates, discussed outcomes and options, and increase the comfort in talking about these issues in the community. CV Strategies representatives reviewed the process of how the District came to this point of preparing for the public hearing to include: cost of service analysis, Board workshops, 218 requirements, public hearing, shadow billing, implementation, and outreach throughout. They reviewed the proposed budget based rates and structure. Minutes: 02/10/15 cmc The Representatives reviewed key messages about a Budget Based Rate Structure which consisted of the following: it treats all customers fairly, encourages conservation, increases customer control and information, connects bilk with behaviors, ensures more stable rates Et financial stability, and enables enhanced conservation programs. They also reviewed fixed versus variable costs and possible community comments. CV Strategies representatives presented on how to conduct an effective hearing, hearing guidelines, do's and don'ts, and what could possibly go wrong. The Board went through multiple exercises with possible scenarios that may come up during the hearing. The representatives reviewed with them how to respond to comments, protocol and procedures, and how to make this an effective hearing. Information only. GENERAL MANAGER/CEO REPORTS The General Manager/CEO stated that he had no reports but that he hoped the Board members enjoyed this training event in a controlled environment. LEGAL COUNSEL REPORT No report at this time. BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMENTS Director Coleman stated that he was glad for the program that they just went through. Vice Chairman Coats exclaimed that this training was awesome. Chairman Morales thanked CV Strategies and the General Manager/CEO for this training opportunity and that it was very beneficial. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 1:20 pm. J/' esoraIes, Jr., irman John J. Mura, Se retary 2 Minutes: 02/10/15 cmc