Kendall Helm

The special board meeting commenced with roll call confirming a quorum. Key procedural points involved deferring agenda items N6 and N24. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comment, featuring discussions on significant billing issues, including a resident receiving an excessive bill due to a malfunctioning meter over five years, which prompted the manager of customer relations to offer immediate assistance. Subsequent public comments centered heavily on congratulating President Richard Katz on his service and expressing strong support for the expansion of the Tilman Reclamation Facility. Speakers emphasized that this expansion and the resulting local water supply are critical for climate resilience and enabling the reduction of water diversions from Mono Lake to allow its elevation to recover to 6,392 feet. Advocates urged the commission to communicate this support to the State Water Resource Control Board.

This Water Infrastructure Plan outlines the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's (LADWP) goals and accomplishments for maintaining and operating its vast water system, encompassing an $8 billion five-year capital plan. It details strategic objectives across key infrastructure components, including distribution mainlines, trunk lines, large valves, reservoirs, dams, tanks, treatment facilities, pump stations, pressure regulators, and water meters, as well as the Los Angeles Aqueduct System. The plan focuses on ensuring the delivery of high-quality water, systematically managing assets through an Asset Management Program, and enhancing overall system reliability and resilience.

The meeting included opening remarks by the Commission President, recognizing Commissioner Lehrer's work on the So-Fi Stadium. The General Manager reported on Black History Month celebrations, Lunar New Year events, and upcoming Women's History Month activities. Discussions covered the Red Cloud Wind Project in New Mexico, LA100 Equity strategies, and participation in the Canadian Water and Road Show 2022. The Board approved a Communications Use Lease with the Bureau of Land Management and authorized the issuance of Power System Revenue Bonds. Presentations were given on the John Ferraro Building Reconsolidation Update, Return to Office Update, and Customer Assistance and State Relief Funds Update. The meeting also included a closed session to discuss existing and anticipated litigation.

The meeting centered around the amended Intra-City Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Certified Neighborhood Councils (NC) and the Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Key points of discussion included enhancing effective communications, providing additional time for Neighborhood Council review of multiple year rate actions, and extending the term of the MOU for five years. The original MOU was modified to include LADWP providing 90 days' notice for single year rate actions and 120 days' notice for multiple year rate actions. The amended MOU includes educational components, communication goals, and notification requirements. The potential increased staff resources are budgeted and funded seventy percent Power Revenue Fund and thirty percent Water Revenue Fund.

The Board of Water and Power Commissioners convened to discuss various operational and financial matters. Discussions included the General Manager's report, commissioner's requests related to department operations, and public comments. The board addressed honors for Cecilia K. Weldon upon her retirement, grant funding applications to the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART programs, and authorized execution of agreements related to the ULARA Watermaster service, Banner Customer Information System Upgrade, and collection services with Sequoia Financial Services. Additionally, the board approved Standby Bond Purchase Agreements, insurance and bond brokering services, emission credit brokerage services, and awarded contracts for furnishing and delivering meters, envelopes, and vertical turbine pumps. The 2010 Urban Water Management Plan was adopted, and agreements for communication transport services, helicopter repair and maintenance services, and a utility infrastructure loan agreement with the Los Angeles Convention Center were authorized.