HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - EVWD Board of Directors - 11/03/2008Approved Novemb 25
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EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
SPECIAL MEETING NOVEMBER 3, 2008
MINUTES
President Goodin called the Special Meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Director Sturgeon led
the flag salute.
PRESENT: Directors: Goodin, Le Vesque, Morales, Sturgeon, Wilson
ABSENT: Directors: None
STAFF: Robert Martin, General Manager; Brian Tompkins, Chief
Financial Officer; Ron Buchwald, District Engineer; Justine
Hendricksen, Administrative Manager
LEGAL COUNSEL: Steve Kennedy
GUEST(s): Daniel Otianga (Highland Community News), Larry
44AO Malmberg
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
President Goodin declared the public participation section of the meeting open at 4:01
p.m.
Mr. Malmberg stated that the Public Hearing held on October 30, 2008 was very
enlightening.
There being no further written or verbal comments, the public participation section was
closed.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE DISTRICT'S
HEADQUARTERS PROJECT, RATE INCREASE, AND BUDGET
The Board President scheduled this special meeting in order to discuss the items that were
raised by the public at the public hearing on October 30 Three main issues of concern
with the public were:
1. 'Timing of a rate increase
2. The Headquarters Project
VytW 3. Ways to reduce costs
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Vice President Wilson was surprised that a number of customers were not aware that the
District had relocated its offices to a temporary location; and commented that the District
received less than %2 of 1 % of protest letters from its constituents.
Director Morales verified the yearly rent for the temporary location ($145k).
Director LeVesque stated that the presentation should have included additional capital
improvements projects.
President Goodin stated that there was not enough presented to the public for them to
understand the complete picture that the District is facing; that we should have given a
five year projection and provided a one -year cost analysis for the headquarters project as
we did in the other projects. President Goodin also stated that the Directors have
comprehensively reviewed the budget line by line and have proactively tightened the
budget.
Director Sturgeon stated that he was pleased with the public hearing and that timing will
always be an issue for a rate increase.
Director Morales asked Mr. Tompkins to comment on the budget to actual comparison for
this year's budget and where the District stands. Mr. Tompkins stated that no capital
expenditure has exceeded the budget.
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Director LeVesque stated that it would be beneficial for employees and Union
Representatives to attend future public hearings.
Director Morales stated his concern regarding fuel and power charges.
Director Sturgeon would like to know how the ENERNOC program is going.
President Goodin would like to get details on the KMART building.
Director LeVesque stated that the District must comply with State and Federal mandates
and is not able to wait and pay as you go as stated by Ms Scott.
Director Morales stated that the KMART building could possibly be turned into a mini
mall.
Director LeVesque stated his frustration with the City of San Bernardino and IVDA as it
relates to the District's Headquarters Project.
President Goodin would like the public to be correctly informed as to the actual
percentage of the rate increase, many customers were misinformed.
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Director Morales stated that it is imperative that the District be proactive in providing
information to the public.
Director LeVesque has suggested a number of items be added to future presentations
and /or meetings:
• Video of District operations
• Seven Oaks Dam information
• Emergency Response
• Tour Information
• Review of all District projects
• Review State and Federal compliance measures
• Debt vs. pay as you go
• Display units / Vendor displays
• Press Releases
• Staff and equipment present at meetings
• Union representatives present at meetings
• Public information meetings
Vice President Wilson concurs with Director LeVesque's statements. Vice President
Wilson also stated that he would be speaking at the Kiwanis club this month.
President Goodin stated that staff would work on ideas to lower construction costs for the
0i *1 Headquarters Project.
Director Morales suggests that Ms McAndrews become more active in the public
outreach program.
Mr. Tompkins will add project information to the District's website to keep the public
inf'o:rmed.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 5:07 p.m.
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Donald D. Goodin, President
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R Bert E. Martin, Secretary
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