Helix Water District

The board recognized scholarship recipients and poster contest winners. Resolutions were adopted to proclaim National Public Works Week and to authorize an investment account with the California Asset Management Trust. The board reviewed financial and operational reports for April 2023, discussed the preliminary San Diego County Water Authority 2024 budget and rates, and heard reports from directors, the president, and the general manager. A closed session was held regarding labor negotiations.

The meeting included a service award presentation for the Water Treatment Plant Manager for 25 years of service. The board provided direction to staff regarding budget and rate-setting guidelines and principles for the fiscal year 2023-24 budget, including agreeing on water demand projections and cost factors. General Counsel provided an update on California Brown Act legislation effective in 2023, specifically regarding meeting mandates and policies on disruptive participants and political contributions. Additionally, various committee and director reports were shared, covering external board activities and community events.

The board received a staff presentation regarding the draft fiscal year 2023-24 operating and capital budget schedules. Discussion topics included electric and gas cost expenses, solar system contract terms, district interns, the treatment plant master plan, chlorination generation, and the proposed phone system upgrade. The board also processed per diem claims and ratified operating account checks. Additionally, the board heard reports from directors regarding their attendance at other agency meetings and received updates from the president and general manager.

The board approved a resolution to adopt a uniform system for rating bidders and approved the qualified bidders list for the Chet Harritt Pump Station replacement project. Additionally, midyear adjustments to the fiscal year 2022-23 capital improvement program budget were approved. The board also reviewed five-year water rate projection scenarios and provided guidance on selecting a specific rate structure for future fiscal years. Various directors provided reports on community and inter-agency meetings they attended.

The board reaffirmed procedures for hybrid meetings and conducted the election of officers. A public hearing was held regarding miscellaneous fees, and the board adopted updates to the policies and procedures manual, including administrative penalties for water theft. The board authorized the appointment of agents for real property and banking transactions, approved a loan application to the U.S. EPA, and filed notices of completion for infrastructure projects. Additionally, the board reviewed a marketing plan for surplus property, discussed the resumption of service shutoffs, and received various operational and financial reports along with updates on pending litigation.