GDPUD June 2012 Meeting Notes

PUBLIC COMMENT

Steve Proe spoke and asked that the Sandtrap Siphon In-Conduit Hydroelectric Project item be postponed until the public had a chance to read the document.  He commented that there was too short a notice for the public to be able to comment.

Jack Podsedly asked about the process of bids for the new water treatment plant.  It seems Director Otermat was to ask to have this on the agenda, but she did not request the item in writing 30 days prior to this meeting

Pat Snelling told the board they should be open for questions at anytime to the public.  The project is approximately 8 million dollar liability to the ratepayers and the public is unable to find any information from the GM.  She reminded the directors that they worked for the public, not for the GM, and information about the process should be readily available.  She felt that the Greenwood project was a whirlwind and then it was over, the district raised rates to pay for a Greenwood Treatment Plant and then abandoned the project but continues to collect money, she felt more transparency was needed.

SANDTRAP SIPHON IN-CONDUIT HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT

A presentation was made by a consultant as to the proposed project.  There is an approximate lifetime for the project of 40 years, would take approximately 20 years to pay off construction then the revenue would come to the district.  (as the water would be ramped up in the irrigation system, there would be more revenue with ag water so it is only right that any revenue from the project should offset costs of ag water)  Staff was directed to research the potential for the project.

CONSENT CALENDAR

Non controversial items passed.

The Management Association (office union) had made a legal action to withdraw the Business/Finance Manger from the Association.  Director Otermat questioned why the legal costs were paid by the district and not the Association.  Discussion followed.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Director Ray Griffiths explained sugar pines

GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT

Report on the Fishing Derby.  Report on the Bike Path.  Report on 8 leaks.

REVIEW TO INCREASE METER HOOK UP RATES

The hook up rates for meters were established according to an index that consisted of 20 large metropolitan cities.  Director McLane opposed and commented on the need to maintain the current hook up fee at $9,200 and to look at this again next year.  In light of the difficult economic times, she felt that lowering meter fees and encouraging a larger customer base would benefit both the district and the customers.  A public comment was that the cost to deliver water to EBMUD had a much higher cost of infrastructure to deliver water from the Sierras to the Bay Area, as opposed to the gravity water flow system of GDPUD.  (The county is looking at lowering TIM fees in these hard economic times; Directors should consider doing the same for meters)

BUDGET WORKSHOP

The budget was discussed at length and passed. 

Public comment from Maria Capraun that the statement in the budget “staff is underpaid” was inappropriate at this time as the board was presently in negotiations with Management Association, she felt it editorializing and inappropriate.

(according to indeedjobsearch and ADMIN ASST. at a Sac Water District makes 33k annually an admin asst. at  GDPUD starting salary ADMIN ASST I $40,201 with benefits $67,167…….GDPUD ADMIN ASST III $59,202 with benefits $109,559………….very well paid in comparison with Sac Water District)

Ray Kringel as a public comment stated the Bryce Study on GDPUD wages was not a true accounting, as it did not consider the 2.7% retroactive on the 30-year employees. 

REQUEST FOR PAYMENT FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE FOR POTATO

Potato requested a reimbursement for property damage to his deck by a contracted agency.  Requested denied.

DIRECTOR KRIZL REQUEST DISCUSSTION WATER AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE

Director Krizl made a comment about Director Otermat missing the water agency meetings.  Director Otermat explained her mother had passed away and there was a probate and she had missed 3 meetings.  Motion by Krizl and second by Neeley to replace Otermat, vote did not pass with Director Griffiths, Otermat, and Mclane voting no

DIRECTOR REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION

Director Otermat initiated discussion on her difficulty in obtaining information from the district.  She felt as a director the records should be open for her review.  She stated she is able to go to the state and see any documents related to the district and she wanted the same access at the district office. She feels, as a director, she has a right to see past and present documents related to the district and does not understand the GM resistance to showing her the records????

BOARD COMMENTS

At the next meeting Director Otermat would like to have a description of the bid process on the new treatment plant.  She felt the board should be provided with information paper work as the process moved forward

Director Krizl gave a report on Mtn County Water Agency.
 
CLOSED SESSION:

Existing litigation case of Jean Lee Choo Leow vs GDPUD

Negotiations with Management & Confidential Employees Association by Director Vice Chair Bonnie McLane, and Treasurer, Bonnie Neeley, GM and William Wright Esq.

Conference with anticipated litigation by Larry and Korby Battenberg

Conference with anticipated litigation by Potato Richardson.

ADJOURN

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Divide Citizens for Water is a PAC established in 2006 to monitor and support candidates for GDPUD that would be fiscally conservative, work to keep rates down, and create a program to replace, maintain and extend water service to residents on the Divide.
The credit or blame is to go to the PAC not any one individual

http://flushthewaste.com/

General Meeting June 12, 2012
 
Board Members Present:  Director Otermet, Director McLane, Director Griffiths, Director Krizl, and Director Neeley.