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4 Water rate increase
Agenda Item # •. w u w '* • Public Hearing To: Board of Directors From: John Ulrich Date: November 29, 2007 Subject: Water Rate Increase public hearing Why this matter is before the Board: This matter involves a public hearing regarding the proposal to increase water rates by six percent as adopted in Ordinance 2006-06, dated July 13, 2006, for the year 2008. The board conducts this hearing. History: The Board has expressed its intent to increase water rates by six percent effective in 2007 and six percent effective in 2008. This agenda item moves that process forward by scheduling a public hearing. History: Certificates of Participation (Water Improvement Projects) 2006 were authorized in July 2006. The need to issue new water system debt was to cover the cost of capital projects. The Board approved increasing water rates by six percent in 2007 and again on January 1, 2008 to establish an operating reserve, to satisfy debt service coverage and to cover projected increases in operating costs. New Information: Proposition 218, the California Constitution Article XIII and state law require the District to provide a protest procedure and opportunity to stop the water rate increase. A public hearing notice was advertised in the Sierra Sun on November 28, a notice posted in the Nevada County Library and a notice placed on the District's website. Letters were sent to customers on October 22, 2007. Twenty-seven protests have been filed in writing with the Deputy Clerk of the District. Recom endatio : is is only a public hearing. Uric erim GM Attached: protest letters Mailing notice Ordinance 2006-06 Dear District Customer: Pursuant to the requirements of Proposition 218 and the California Constitution Article XIII, this notice provides information regard- ing the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District ("District") consideration of a District budget for the year 2008 and previously adopted water rate increases. The District Board will hold a public hearing on the rate increases and receive public comment on the date,time and location specified below in the NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING. WHY ARE WATER RATES BEING INCREASED? To continue the District's tradition of providing reliable water services to our customers, rate increases are needed to provide funds for our water capital programs using long term financing through issuance of Certificates of Participation and to improve cash reserves. HOW MUCH ARE WATER RATES BEING INCREASED? Rather than imposing increased amounts needed in a single rate increase,in 2006 the District's Board opted to increase rates in annual increments. The first annual incremental increase was implemented on Jan. 1, 2007 for 6 percent. The second annual incremental increase is scheduled to become effective Jan. 1,2008 also for 6 percent.The proposed second increase rate schedule is as follows: Residential-Rate for single family home Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9 Zone 10 Zone 11 $54.46 57.08 1 58.29 1 59.60 J60.38 1 60.88 I 63.90 65.82 66.56 70.69 74.64 Residential-Rate for unit under 300 square feet with no provision for washer/dryer,dishwasher,hose bib,no improved landscaping Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 one 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9 Zone 10 Zone 11 $39.62 42.24 43.45 44.77 45.54 46.04 49.06 46.74 51.72 55.85 62.28 Commercial Rates-all duplex& other multiple dwelling units,trailer parks and other commercial establishments /q„ 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 2„ 3„ 4„ 6,000 gpm 11,000 gpm 17,000 gpm 24,000 gpm 43,000 gpm 96,000 gpm 171,000 gpm $44.97 53.64 64.57 75.41 103.66 173.53 248.30 Water used in any month above the allowance will be charged as follows: 0 to 16,000 gallons$2.01/1,000; 16,000 to 56,000$1.58/1,000; 56,000 to 96000 $1.26/1,000; 96,000& above$1.03/1,000 The following Zone charge per 1,000 gallons shall be added for all commercial water used: Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9 Zone 10 Zone 11 $.35 .64 .80 .97 1.04 1.49 1.69 1.77 2.26 2.73 HOW DO I PROTEST THE PROPOSED WATER RATE INCREASES? Under Proposition 218, if you are the owner of record for a parcel or parcels or a tenant directly liable for payment of the water fees subject to the proposed water rate increase,you may submit a written protest regarding the proposed rate increase. Protests must be filed in writing with the Deputy Clerk of the District. They may be filed with the Deputy Clerk at any time before the close of the public hearing. Written protests may be mailed or hand delivered to the Deputy Clerk at P. O. Box 309 - 11570 Donner Pass Road,Truckee,CA 96160. Any written protest must be signed by the property owner or the customer responsible for payment of the water fees and it must include the service address or assessor's parcel number(APN). Only one protest may be filed per parcel or service address. This is a public meeting.Notice is further given that the District's Board may continue the public hearing to another time. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON A BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2008 WATER RATE INCREASES Notice is hereby given that the Truckee Bonner Public Utility District is considering a budget for the year 2008 and previously adopted water rate increases. The District Board of Directors will hold a public hearing and receive public cornmcnt on: Date. Wednesday,December 5,2007 Time: 6:00 p.m. Place: District Board Room at 11570 Donner Pass Road,Truckee,California This notice has been sent to all District customers receiving water services. All customers and interested parties are invited to express their views during the public hearing in written or oral form or to submit written views prior to the time of the public hearing at the District office or by mail(P.O.Box 309,Truckee,CA 96160). This notice also describes the water rate increase amounts,background information,and how to file a protest against the rate increases. o ��o P q% 968£-L89(O£5)8uO4d 60£O-0906 vo`aa)13njl Cb l96 Peoa ssed JOW00 OL9 L L'60£%08'O"d IIVV i:1 31S lowsla Auan olignd jauuo0 empnil Oldd II 39VISOd 's'n ' Aiwin '' ' • OIS-1SHd • II , r r Public District Ordinance No. 2006 - 06 AMENDING THE WATER MONTHLY RETAIL RATES WHEREAS the District is engaged in construction of various water system capital projects during the next five years; and WHEREAS to provide funds for this water capital program the District intends to secure long- term financing through issuance of Certificates of Participation; and WHEREAS a analyses of the District's financial status demonstrates that it does not have an adequate cash reserve; and WHEREAS the financial markets look for financial strength in a water utility as a condition for lending money; and WHEREAS the Board has been advised that a six percent water rate increase implemented on January 1, 2007 and again on January 1, 2008 would provide a revenue stream to establish a cash reserve and cover increasing operating costs: and WHEREAS, on July 5, 2006 and July 13, 2006 public hearings were held to receive comments from the public concerning a proposal to adopt such rate increases; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED by the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District as follows: Section 1. Effective January 1, 2007 following monthly water rates shall be effective. Residential Water Rates - The Domestic Water Rates for single family homes, individual condominium units and townhouse units shall relate to the pressure zone in which said service is located. The Domestic Flat Rate Base for all zones shall be the fixed monthly rate of $48.57. The appropriate zonal pumping costs shall be added to the base monthly rate yielding the appropriate flat zonal rates as follows: Zone Charge Zone 1 51.38 Zone 2 53.85 Zone 3 54.99 Zone 4 56.23 Zone 5 56.96 Zone 6 57.43 Zone 7 60.28 Zone 8 62.09 Zone 9 62.80 Zone 10 66.69 Zone 11 70.42 Ordinance 2006-06 1 Commercial Water Rates - The following Commercial Rates shall apply to all duplex and other multiple dwelling units, trailer parks, and other commercial establishments: Size Gallons Per Service Month Water Rate Allowance 3/4" 6,000 42.43 1" 11,000 50.61 1 1/4" 17,000 60.91 1 1/2" 24,000 71.14 2" 43,000 97.79 3" 96,000 163.71 4" 171,000 234.24 Water used in any month above the allowance will be charged as follows: Gallons Charge 0 to 16,000 gallons 1.89/1,000 16,000 - 56,000 gallons 1.49/1,000 56,000 - 96,000 gallons 1.19/1,000 96,000 and above .97/1,000 The following Zone Charge per 1,000 gallons shall be added for all water used: Zone Charge Zone 1 $ .33 Zone 2 .61 Zone 3 .76 Zone 4 .91 Zone 5 .98 Zone 6 1.06 Zone 7 1.40 Zone 8 1.59 Zone 9 1.67 Zone 10 2.13 Zone 11 2.58 Until meters are installed, the Commercial Flat Rate shall be based on the foregoing allowance, and the Zone Charge shall be levied against the maximum number of gallons in said allowance. Ordinance 2006-06 2 Small Residential Unit Rate - Domestic water rates for single family homes, individual condominium units and townhouses units under 300 square feet with no provisions for washer/dryer, dishwasher or outside hose bib, no improved landscaping needing water other than that provided by nature, no leaking plumbing fixtures as determined by District staff. The Domestic Flat Rate Base for all zones shall be the fixed amount of $34.57. The appropriate zonal pumping costs shall be added to the base monthly rate yielding the appropriate flat zonal rates as follows: Zone Rate Zone 1 $37.37 Zone 2 39.85 Zone 3 40.99 Zone 4 42.24 Zone 5 42.96 Zone 6 43.43 Zone 7 46.28 Zone 8 46.92 Zone 9 48.79 Zone 10 52.69 Zone 11 58.76 Section 2. Effective January 1, 2008 following monthly water rates shall be effective. Residential Water Rates - The Domestic Water Rates for single family homes, individual condominium units and townhouse units shall relate to the pressure zone in which said service is located. The Domestic Flat Rate Base for all zones shall be the fixed monthly rate of $51.48. The appropriate zonal pumping costs shall be added to the base monthly rate yielding the appropriate flat zonal rates as follows: Zone Charge Zone 1 54.46 Zone 2 57.08 Zone 3 58.29 Zone 4 59.60 Zone 5 60.38 Zone 6 60.88 Zone 7 63.90 Zone 8 65.82 Zone 9 66.56 Zone 10 70.69 Zone 11 74.64 t, Ordinance 2006-06 3 Commercial Water Rates - The following Commercial Rates shall apply to all duplex and other multiple dwelling units, trailer parks, and other commercial establishments: Size Gallons Per Service Allowance Water Rate 3/4" 6,000 44.97 1" 11,000 53.64 1 1/4" 17,000 64.57 1 1/2" 24,000 75.41 2" 43,000 103.66 3" 96,000 173.53 4" 171,000 248.30 Water used in any month above the allowance will be charged as follows: Gallons Charge 0 to 16,000 gallons 2.01/1,000 16,000 - 56,000 gallons 1.58/1,000 56,000 - 96,000 gallons 1.26/1,000 96,000 and above 1.03/1,000 The following Zone Charge per 1,000 gallons shall be added for all water used: Zone Charge Zone 1 $ .35 Zone 2 .64 Zone 3 .80 Zone 4 .97 Zone 5 1.04 Zone 6 1.13 Zone 7 1.49 Zone 8 1.69 Zone 9 1.77 Zone 10 2.26 Zone 11 2.73 Until meters are installed, the Commercial Flat Rate shall be based on the foregoing allowance, and the Zone Charge shall be levied against the maximum number of gallons in said allowance. f Ordinance 2006-06 4 Small Residential Unit Rate - Domestic water rates for single family homes, individual condominium units and townhouses units under 300 square feet with no provisions for washer/dryer, dishwasher or outside hose bib, no improved landscaping needing water other than that provided by nature, no leaking plumbing fixtures as determined by District staff. The Domestic Flat Rate Base for all zones shall be the fixed amount of $36.64. The appropriate zonal pumping costs shall be added to the base monthly rate yielding the appropriate flat zonal rates as follows: Zone Rate Zone 1 $39.62 Zone 2 42.24 Zone 3 43.45 Zone 4 44.77 Zone 5 45.54 Zone 6 46.04 Zone 7 49.06 Zone 8 46.74 Zone 9 51.72 Zone 10 55.85 Zone 11 62.28 Section 3. If no protest is made pursuant to Public Utilities Code Section 16078, then the terms of this ordinance shall be effective thirty days after adoption by the board of directors of the District. Section 4. The Clerk of the District shall immediately cause a copy of this ordinance to be published in a newspaper of general circulation and posted in three places within the District. Section 5. The provisions of other Ordinances shall remain in effect to the extent that they do not conflict with this ordinance. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District at a meeting duly called and held within the District on the 13th day of July 2006 by the following roll call vote: AYES: Directors Aguera, Hemig and Taylor NOES: Directors Sutton and Thomason ABSENT: None TRUCK DO R PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT By emlb, President oft°he Board 3 Peter L. Holzmeister, Clerk of the Board Ordinance 2006-06 5 Page 1 of 2 John Ulrich From: Tim Taylor Sent: Thursday, November 01,2007 6:59 AM To: JCLEANDEAN@aol.com;John Ulrich Subject: RE:TDPUD website Mr. Abramson: I am glad to hear that you are comfortable with the information provided from John.Though none of us like rate increases it is a necessary evil to ensure quality water to all customers. Have a great week and please feel free to contact any of us when you have a question. Sincerely, Tim From: JCLEANDEAN@aol.com [mailto:]CLEANDEAN@aol.com] Sent:Thursday, November 01, 2007 12:30 AM To:johnuirich@tdpud.org; Tim Taylor Subject: Re: TDPUD website In a message dated 10/31/2007 4:41:36 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,johnulrich@tdpud.org writes: Mr. Abramson and Tim, Our apology to Mr. Abramson for the loss of the email addresses on our web site. This problem came to my attention this morning and we are in the process of making the corrections. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x A brief message to John and Tim from Dean: I am genuinely grateful and absolutely delighted with the responses you gentlemen gave me after I had my fling on the soapbox. John's detailed description of the"water process" certainly told me all I could possibly ask for. And though I do not really intend to be a crank who believes in regular badgering, I feel very comfortable knowing that I can let you know if I need information or advice. My sincere thanks! Dean Abramson Page 1 of , Barbara Cahill --- From: John Ulrich Sent: Wednesday,October 31, 2007 4:41 PM To: Tim Taylor;JCLEANDEANOaol.com Cc: Barbara Cahill; Ed Taylor Subject: RE:TDPUD website Mr. Abramson and Tim, Our apology to Mr. Abramson for the loss of the email addresses on our web site. This problem came to my attention this morning and we are in the process of making the corrections. ts ll be r. Regarding the rate increase information we sent how the rote increas to our customers - e s calculated'for their endrvidual home,and other customers who attempt to understand not have enough provided information to answer more specific questions about how the rate increase impacts their specific bill. A customer needs to know the Zone-not listed on the bill. Mr. Abramson's residence is located in Zone 1 within the unique Donner Lake assessment district. His 2007 bill has a Service Charge of $58.78, which is made up of the base charge for Zone 1 of $51.38, plus a $.75 water hydrant charge(not listed separately on the bill)and the$6.65 Donner Lake charge, for a total of $58.78 per month. The 6% rate increase for 2008 is applied to the Zone 1 rate of $51.38 for a $3.08 increase. Adding the $3.08 increase to the total 2007 rate of $58.78 achieves a total 2008 bill of $61.86, not $62.31. No rate increase is applied to the $.75 hydrant nor the Donner Lake charge. I think Mr. Abramson got $3.53 by adding 6%to his total 2007 bill of $58.78. Sorry for the way this communication was handled. Please call or email with any additional questions or comments. Sincerely, John Ulrich Interim General Manager Truckee Donner Public Utility District PO Box 309 Truckee, California 96160 530-582-3916 This electronic message contains information from Truckee Donner Public Utility District which is intended to be sent to the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient,be aware that any disclosure,copying or distribution or use of the contents of this information is prohibited. if you receive this electronic transmission in error,please notify me by email at phnulrich@tdpud.org. From:Tim Taylor Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 2:29 PM To: JCLEANDEANC@aol.com Cc: John Ulrich; Barbara Cahill; Ed Taylor Subject: RE: TDPUD website Mr. Abramson: Page 2 of 2 You are more then welcome to contact the Interim General Manager, Mr.John Ulrich, in order for you to get answers to your questions. I have Cc'd Mr. Ulrich so you will have his direct email address. He is extremely efficient and eager in getting back to people on their questions. Additionally,you may contact the Water Utilities Supervisor, Mr. Ed Taylor(Whom I have also Cc'd), if you would like to discuss this with someone in the Water Department. As for the staff emails, I have also Cc'd the Board Executive Secretary on this email and will call her directly as to why emails are not on the website. I did notice just now when I went to the website that there are some technical difficulties going on and hopefully it is just an internet hiccup that can be quickly remedied. Should you not receive answers in a timely manner please let me know at your convenience. I apologize for any inconvenience. Sincerely, Tim F.Taylor, PE TDPUD Board President From: JCLEANDEAN@aol.com [mailtoXLEANDEAN@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 1:16 PM To: timtaylor@tdpud.org Subject:TDPUD website Dear Mr.Taylor, I have property at Donner Lake but my home is in Santa Rosa. I want to ask some questions about the water program. But I discovered that the TDPUD Website does not list ANY e-mail addresses for ANY TDPUD departments, managers,or anything except the Board of Directors! (The"CONTACT" link only lists phone numbers, no e-mail addresses! This is DISGRACEFUL !) I just received the mailing about the 2008 water rate increases and have a question about the "Zone" definitions because none of the zones listed match up with my"current bill plus 6%". 1 should be able to ask someone in the Water Dept. but I can't! (When the organization had a general manager, I used to be able to direct my e-mails to Mr. Holzmeister, and I always got prompt,thoughtful responses from the appropriate department.) I'll be grateful if you could get someone in the place to answer my question: I'm John Dean Abramson (Icleandean @ aol.com) My Donner address is 15036 Southshore Drive, and my 2007 water bill has been $58.78 each month.The 6% increase for 2008 ($3.53)would make it$62.31 (which puts it between Zones 6 and 7). 1 think the notice I received needs an explanation. I also hope that you and your board colleagues will get the staff to include appropriate e-mail addresses in the website. (I should not have to make long-distance calls just to get answers.) Best regards, Dean Abramson See what's new at AOL.com.and Make_AOL Your Homepage. CT NO V - 1 2007 October 29,2007 Deputy Clerk Roger Armbruster P.O. Box 309 7635 Buckhaven Drive 11570 Donner Pass Road San Jose,CA 95135 Truckee,CA 96160 Dear Deputy Clerk: I oppose the water rate increase to part time"vacation home owners".It is very unfair that I,a "vacation home owner"(16758 Glenshire Dr. (parcel number,40-390-02-000)),pay for these increases because of the increased number of"permanent residents"now living in Truckee/Glenshire.If you need more money either make a higher rate for"permanent residents" or put water meters on all the properties,even if it requires a"one time"charge for the installations. Please take this idea under consideration at your next District Board meeting and report to me their findings and rational for their findings. Thank you in advance for this report. Sincerely, Rog Armbruster n NOV 15 Z007 JOHN HENRY BEYER 701 HANCOCK WAY EL CERRITO, CALIFORNIA 94530 SERVICE ADDRESS: 10561 CEDAR DRIVE, TRUCKEEy CA 96161 Cell 1-510-914-1911, Office Tel 1-916-654-4609, E-MAIL jhbeyer@comcast.net November 10, 2007 Deputy Clerk P. O. Box 309 Truckee, CA 96160 Re: Protest of Proposed Water Rate Increase To whom it may concern: I oppose rate increases until Truckee Donner Public Utility District installs and starts using water meters for billing. This would mean a fixed charge for infrastructure and staff, and a variable charge for the volume of water used. Water is a valuable resource and volumetric pricing is the way to encourage people to conserve. In Assembly Bill 2572 (Kehoe), passed in September 2004, it says, in part: The Legislature ... finds and declares all of the following: (a) Water furnished or used without any method of determination of the quantities of water used by the person to whom the water is furnished has caused, and will continue to cause, waste and unreasonable use of water, and that this waste and unreasonable use should be identified, isolated, and eliminated. (b) Water metering and volumetric pricing are among the most efficient conservation tools, providing information on how much water is being used and pricing to encourage conservation. (c) Without water meters, it is impossible for homeowners and businesses to know how much water they are using, thereby inhibiting conservation, punishing those who conserve, and rewarding those who waste water. On the TDPUD website it says, "... customers will probably be charged a metered rate at some point in the future ..." That is just not good enough. TDPUD needs to adopt a plan For metering water and make it happen soon. Sincerely, /John�Henry Beyer TDPUD Account Number 7700610025 ,f 6 79 tA (Fee (6-5�) 3W-ialr9 r • ze r- ? / .fps A r &A POOPwe,, Ross, C -_94 5 octobeY 30, 200�- Tv�'Uti� Board Mevu-bets p.o. fox 3oJg Truc�Zee, ca�6z�o Dear'oard mew hers, Lander T>ropos�t'ovL 212 I Mere-bt SubvkLt a protest regarding the proposed water rate increase starting inJ a nua rt 2002. Mt propertt is at 14:L 4 Copenhagen, in Tahoe Donner, parcel no. 44-400-27-000. This residence iS a vacation honte�onLt used f our or five tivu.eS a tear for not vu ore than a wee1e at a tiKA_e. since I live aLone water consuvuption is vu.inivu.aL. I'VI& outraged at v''`t current nt.onthLt biLL of.+(3.55 when I've. not there for vu.onths at a tinme and ant, vvcore outraged at the thought that this rate vwight increase next tear. I respect f uLLt asiz that this propeYtt, as Long as I own it, be excused frovtti the proposed increase. getteY tet, I as42 that MU rate be Lowered in Light of the propertt's LittLe use. ThavOz tou foY tour c w-SiAYatlOvL. .SLncereLt, 0-4,� Avw- CarroLL 905 Wendell Way Woodland,CA 95695 `e �0®7 C.B.R. Enteiprises November 2,2007 Truckee Donner PUD Attn.:Deputy Clerk of the District P.O.Box 309 Truckee, CA 96160 Dear Sir or Madam: I think I have already been slapped with an increase and it goes back to October 2006. You added a "Water System Upgrade Charge"of$6.65.That is more than a 12%increase and it has been a part of the bill for over a year—that's almost eighty dollars.I know you will say the additional charge is for "upgrades—whatever that meansr--but it is still an increase and just a political way to tack on an increase without calling it one. Just like all the fees following the passage of Prop. 13. It's like imposing a"customer charge"on many of the municipal and service bills received today—Truckee Donner PUD is $6.13;Southwest Gas labels it a"basic service charge"of$6.00.Let us not forget the"fuel charges"added to various bills that come across the consumer's desk. It makes me dizzy to compute the numerous special taxes and fees accompanying bills for cable,the phone companies,cell phones,etc. So,because of all this I strongly urge you to not allow this increase to happen. 0 .:: e , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ r , n✓J ��✓W���'� i�''�' v ly,4,01VIj -A 1 �v J ^ i I c, OCT 2 5 2007 IRD s BCD NOV 2 7 Z007 s 11/20/2007 Truckee Donner PUD Attn.Deputy Clerk PO Box 309 11570 Donner Pass Rd Truckee CA 96160-0309 Dear Deputy Clerk: I am against any increase in water fees for 3 reasons: 1. The price of waxer in Truckee is already very high compared to other utility districts in California. 2. As a second home owner, I pay much more than local residents because we pay a flat fee each month even though owners that live in Truckee use much more water than we do.Water should be metered and paid based on usage to help encourage conservation. 3. The district speaks of reducing costs yet refuses to use paperless billing even to EFT customers.Instead of using paperless statements,they insist on mailing out bills each month,wasting postage, paper, ink, and manpower. This subject has been brought to the districts attention, yet ignored. Sincerely, Kevin Dielissen 12451 Falcon Point Place Truckee CA Judy Dowdy 16947 Skislope Way Truckee, CA 96161 p)530-550-9436 f)815-550-9366 November 16, 2007 TDPUD PO Box 309 Truckee, CA 96160 RE:Water Increase I am the responsible party for the payment of water fees at the above address. As a single person living in Truckee, I feel that the water rates are unfair. I do not use the same amount of water as the families with two children who live on either side of me. They also have lawns that they water all day in the summer. Yet,I have to pay the same amount that they do. I had someone move in to help pay for expenses, so now there are two of us,but the two of us do not use the same amount of water as a family of four. I have lived in various places in California since 1975. I have never experienced rate increases as frequently and as high as this area. I realize that it might be difficult to bill according to usage without water meters. When will water meters be installed? Is there a way to take an annual census of household members to approximate household usage and bill accordingly? Something must be done to curb these increases,not only per household usage,but overall. What justifies a 6%per year increase? Do we have new filtration systems in place? Have new lines been installed?I see water lines broken in my neighborhood every year. Are these increases paying for this maintenance? Thank you, udy Dowdy / WWW.MAPEORG L= Board of Directors 16 November 2007 Truckee Donner PUD Planning tomorrow. . 11570 Donner Pass Rd. Together. Truckee CA 96160 Ladies and Gentlemen I want to thank you for hosting the joint session with the Truckee Trwn Council discuss water availability. I also want to complement you for applying for a grant to get more thformatiow, about our aquifer. Unfortunately, I will bV celebrating Thanksgivin 'ith may. daughter and her family in Salt Lake Cif,and will bed unable to attn+ the meeting when it is discussed.. I do have some suggestions for your cons~ ratiron. 1. Have an expert in aquifer evaluation. ress=current methods and, -deeired outcomes. before you write th*grant ion 2., Share the expense of the study, and y workrlt tars of the aquifer, as well as the Town of Truckee TS11`Noctt °, tood, and DMB highlands. 3. Mr. Hemig expressed the desire to have any study a by he general public. It will be.much more likeiy to bey e€f it is done by a new consultant, using new methods which generate new data. A study reworking the old studies is likely to have the old results: Thank you very much for your co ed attention to this important issue. Joh Eaton PO BOX 971 TRUCKEE, CA 96161 P (530) 582-6751 1 � f a j 74 W ?e$ yM Mi A ; 3 .w V C OCT3020 Ol October 25,2007 Deputy Clerk of the District PO Box 309 11570 Donner Pass Road Truckee, CA 96160 RE: Protect concernine urouosed water rate increases by Truckee Danner PUD Dear Sir/Madame: I would like to formally protest the proposed water rate increases by Truckee Donner pUD. There are two reasons that Truckee Dormer PUD should not be granted these increases. First,there are no water meters in PUD system and Truckee Donner is not accurately collecting fees on a usage basis like most every other water company in the state of California. i have a vacation home in Tahoe Donner and most of my neighbors who are full time residents have sprinkler systems which run twice a day for probably seven months out of the year,now multiply this by the thousands of other homes with sprinklers. They pay the some amount for water as I do and they use probably 200 times as much water as I do. This is not right and Truckee Donner PUD should be forced to make the investment in water meters so they can more accurately collect fees for actual water usage and provide an incentive for everyone to conserve water. The water meters should be installed before any rate increase is granted. Secondly,Truckee Donner PUD has done a poor job of maintaining water lines and has therefore lost significant amounts of water,costing it both lost revenue and additional production cost. There have been many water main leaks on my street over the past years and they have always been slow to fix them. If my street is typical,there are significant water losses in their system due to poor maintenance. Truckee Donner PUD should be forced to improve maintenance in order to improve its financial situation before it will be granted any rate increases. In conclusion,the rate increase review process is an excellent time to require Truckee Donner PUD to complete some long overdue investments in water meters and maintenance before granting a rate increase. Please give serious consideration to these recommendations prior to granting any increase to Truckee Donner PUD. Thanks for your help. S' ly, 2L Cott M. Gip 15035 Swiss Lane Truckee, CA 96161 N(uG(c qA&rlSs 2`1 S Loth 20, 5 ij-N e6teWI - CDOCT3Q 200 cult- Aldo�14.Faralla 70 Dela►Pmt WaY _. . s Col mado,CA 92118-3516 _ �.c- _ 17 Y-- 77 • r rj I>i 07O B o�y1RAi Space 97 RECTQC r 3 a REn NOV - 9 2007 Harry N Lalor 11301 Sitzmark Way Truckee, CA 96161-6135 November 7,2007 Board of Directors Truckee Donner Public Utility District P. O. Box 309 Truckee, CA 96160-0309 Subject: Water Rate Increase Dear Board Members, I support the proposed rate increase as necessary to maintain the quantity and quality of the water supplied. However, I request you consider as part of your deliberations that a portion of the rate increase be used to provide water meters for residential customers. Unless the water user is made aware of the consequences of unfettered use there is no urgency to conserve. The conscientious user is subsidizing the water waster in the current "one size fits all" billing procedure. Thank you for your consideration. Harry November 7,2007 Deputy Clerk of the District Box 309 11570 Donner Pass Road Truckee,Ca.96160 Peter Leibrock Box 3259 12016 Lariat Lane Truckee,Ca.96160 Re:Protest of Water Rate Increase at 12016 Lariat Lane To Whom It May Concern: I received the Truckee Donner PUDs notice regarding water rate increases last week and would like to protest this increase as per State Proposition 218. I am the owner and sole occupant of 12016 Lariat Lane.This is my home and has been for many years. I am a disabled/retired Deputy Sheriff from Contra Costa County and live from a fixed income.My property is not landscaped; it retains the natural flora it has had since my father and I built this house in 1980;I do not water my property. As stated,I am the sole occupant of my house and do not use very much water. I would like to take this opportunity to express a long standing concern of mine with regards to the Districts management of our most vital resource-water.I've often wondered why residential water use in the town of Truckee isn't metered(I'm unaware of commercial uses). I pay the same flat rate as many of my neighbors who have multiple occupants,lawns and landscaping.This is truly unfair and encourages excessive consumption! Our water supply has always appeared to be abundant,but that is changing. I also truly hope the District is monitoring the impact of recent developments(residential, commercial,golf courses,etc.)on our most precious resource. I will begin to make inquiries into the Districts management of water and will attend the public hearing on December 5. In closing,I request you do not increase my water rate and strongly urge the District to meter water consumption to limit over/misuse of our most vital resource! Peter Lei k 15257 Icknield Way REn O C T 3 0 2007 Truckee,CA 96161 October 29,2007 Deputy Clerk-District PUD TDPUD PO Box 309 Truckee,CA 96160 Dear Deputy Clerk: I highly oppose the water rate increase being proposed. I am a resident and responsible homeowner of Truckee since 1979. I should not have to re-iterate the many reasons Americans are struggling with every penny to survive in the present economy. As far as Truckee,we the working people of Truckee making this the great town it is,should not pay over and over again for the second home owners with the big bucks who insist on landscaping with grassy lawns and living with golf course community mentalities. This is not the right time to push another price increase through. Have a heart and hear from real locals for a change. Sincerel , Nanc I.eikhim,long time resident CD NOV 13 2W7 Truckee Donner Public utility Distict P.O. Box 309 Truckee, CA. 96160-0309 Peggggy Lucas 15998 Old Hwy Dr. Truckee, CA. To whom it may concern, As a vacation home owner, that only uses my home, including guests, approximately 40 days a year. I strongly feel we are not fairly charged, on our monthly water bills. Presently pa ing $60, and don't even use the water,is unjust! ! my water main is shut off. I feel the distict should either meter the vacation homes, or charge a quarter of what full time re- sidents are paying. Fairly in my case, would be more like 1/8th of what the normal charge ends up to be. I realize, as a business owner myself, there are employee exspences, etc. , so I am accounting for that. The Board all being local full time residents, needs to consider both sides of the spectrum. Please be fair. THANK-YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION, Peggy Lucas Page 1 ,tioo-3,,C o7 v C ter REC'D NOV - 6 2W �oK - 11570 aavxA" jaws" M rofe5 { t l�. es►�en` - � w " kiS.� is Al re^4 lenov�l2 . �AC� e ,rn,o r e © rrL ,6--ree n -ce e -S V-a�5 qre- 50tex7 jr� ce p j ch?i �t,� ©,j d(lf J p 4 moe` /"Arr 14 4 6 F� co P en�myt An- TV P To: Truckee Donner Public Utility District P.O. Box 309 11570 Donner Pass Road Truckee,CA 96160-0309 From: Alec and Carol MacPhail 12719 Hidden Circle#3 Truckee,CA 96161 Mailing Address: 309 Arlington Ct. Danville, CA 94526 RE: Rate increases,and method of determining water charges This letter is to protest any increases in water charges,but more importantly to protest the method of charging for water usage, and no metering of usage. Your method of determining charges by Zones only rather that water usage is absolutely unfair.Elevation charges are appropriate because of the power required to pump,but to charge the same for 20,000 gal/mo as for 1000 gal/mo is unfair. Those of us who pay the same property taxes and cost for homes,yet do not use a lot of water,pay for those who use water on a daily basis. We or those who water plants,lawns and other hardly use any water,yet we have to pay f landscaping,hose driveways,etc.,and generally use water with no conservation plan in mind on a daily basis;and the district has not provided a means to track water usage at the individual sites. There are AMR electronic RF reporting meters available to the district that are also AWWA certified. The districts unwillingness to provide meters and means to read them is costing many,many people unfair charges. This is extremely unfair,and actually seems illegal... charging people for a service and product they do not use. We are paying the bill for those who use the majority of the water. We can understand the need for altitude adjustments for pumping water,but not charging people for usage by other residents. People should only have to pay for what they use! Sincerely, Alec Mac Phail Carol MacPhaiT �` .,� I �� - -);Z�S:,�:_ ._, ;',:,.-�,y " �,& ; ,,,I�,_, 'i",,,,--,,., ,� I �l,,, ,- . ,��'�, , � . ` �4 �� ;�,,I - ,, — ,x,�., i_7� "__�`7�� - ''".�', " I, _ .. a ' v r - �' F I'll a �A �Fpixx f' Sx y .� _4�;Q.,t-_-&-",�� �', I ,_-�� I-, _,�, ," , a r ti .���""�S.ne` y dIf r �V-,,�"',','�- _11 , -4 ,, 11�17 r' �r p-�5 ,� ,�„ �� r , s � �r ` s 'i -, -11, t + e"f �' a a. € j t k r xr ' �, �r x'c ,t - ' "i ✓ x - r s `�ET a 11 { -� -r z t .P7'"': lll „� fit'-. �'` -I` g` � ls ,42M- 44;**ellvm , ,, -0,*4444. -1--l", � 1 7 � �11 ,sTv ;- .` :'-�;;`*s 4g,- r� z rr x"f -gy m."s '� y sr /�ofgqUa �1}'-xt- ' s a �#. +z s $,w Klk,l at �� r �'"` �" -'�`, r",C #t x 3 e`s,. a .s4 .F„�a r'g s s.s s '°t` c m-4T * " -fix r t'` ` rr' , ,{ "x�� "s% �` s a .,� x E a a "� �w �" �2>`'' x''sit'-�x s 1. s 1-1 1-111-11.111WIM., -l't _ r > z v s s ' , ,s�rr� r , -IM.� _ fix..3`�.wr r ,�x , x , -t .,., �`' . . x "'�' - _s- ,� FT - .rw i 34 f # t` '+ awn ,F r , � s -1 g s - st'a,- v a "w`' s ',, I:::::::::""Ie�-u II,�-�"�II-�z 1-'I ',� 3 ',7, v r , N ' �' ii-# a xIIlI i ✓ < ;;m ,, , ,, - - I I_ ,,: - I �_I,, '� � - I- I _40* mow, _-- b,.z- . ,� - „. ,,. ,11- .._. .. �--- RECD NOV - 5 2007 3165 Sierra Dust Ct Sparks,NV 89436 October 31,2007 Deputy Clerk Truckee Donner PUD P.Q.Box 309 Truckee,CA 96160 Re:Public Hearing on Water Rate Increase Gentlemen: Now is our opportunity to protest the flat rate water charges on all Truckee properties. We are long-time second homeowners in Truckee,and our water bills for a few days of water'a month actually exceed our water bills for our full-time high desert residence in Sparks! As non-voting members of the Truckee community,we protest the high TDPUD water rates there and the fact that non-residents are obviously subsidizing full-time Truckee residents. You will find attached a comparison of our Truckee and Sparks water bills for the past two years and ton months and detail for each. We realize that the infrastructure cost in Trucker might be a bit higher than in Sparks,but this difference is ridiculous! It is time to install water meters in Truckee. If we truly have an impending water shortage (obviously not in Truckee?),it is time to encourage people to conserve water. Conclusions: • We paid$150 per year more for flat rate water in Truckee than we did for metered water in Sparks. • We spent only 4 days a month on average in Truckee compared to full time in Sparks. • In Truckee the only water we use is for showers and hand dish washing. • In Sparks we shower most days,use the dishwasher twice a week,do 5 loads of laundry every other week,and water the lawn twice a week for about 30 weeks a year. • When will we get water meters in Truckee? Charging a flat rate to every property owner,regardless of water usage,is not only unfair but also fails to encourage people to conserve water As proponents of resource conservation, one would think that full-time Truckee residents would want to conserve water also. r g 17 777777777 �� K Qt MOM 4 F 3 y ri` Y 3' �gw s � s , . r v r 6 Y 4 r ei RECT OCT 2 6 2007 ��� , � cl, o2ov7 30 T tea- REM OCT 2 8 2007 October 25, 2007 Truckee Donner PUD PO Box 309 Truckee, CA 96160 To Whom this may concern; This letter is to Pr otest the Rate increase that is proposed for January 1, 2008. Another 6 % increase is terrible. We continue to"pay" for the Water that is directed to all the new construction and especially the new Golf Courses. These Golf Courses are so expensive to play golf that we, locals find it necessary to go out of town to play golf due to their rates! I do not want, nor support a water rate increase!!!!!!!!! Judy Silar 15955 Rolands Way Truckee, CA 96161 REM Nov - 5 Zoo? November 2,2007 Truckee Donner Public Utility District Deputy Clerk P.O. Box 309 Truckee, CA 96160 Re: Water Rate Increase To Whom It May Concern, I ask that my opinion be read at the public hearing on December 5,2007. I want to express my opinion that I don't believe that the flat water fee rate is fair to those of us who own a second home in the area or the full time residents. Therefore,I object to the rate increase for 2008. We pay heavily for water, phone,garbage, and even cable television that we don't use. At what point is there going to be an elected official who sees the Inequality in this kind of fee structure? Citizens should not have to pay for utilities that they do not use or better yet consume. Isn't this why the civil war occurred?? I'm not trying to boo hoo,but somebody has to say something. Nobody likes to nay for things thev don't uselli Thank you for considering my opinion, T. Tanner 12551 Northowoods Blvd. Truckee,CA 96161 David Thompson 10560 Dogwood Street Truckee, CA Parcel No. 069-153-003-000 Truckee Donner PUD Deputy Clerk of the District P.O. Box 309 Truckee, CA 96160 RE: Protest Proposed Water Rate Increase We found your flyer to be of little use without some map or explanation of what or where the Zones are or mean. A 12%increase over two years appears to be excessive; especially considering that the District makes no effort to conserve water and rates are disproportionate for residential users vs. commercial users. I would recommend that the District install water meters so that everybody pays based on use. This approach would put the incentives where they belong and would eliminate wasteful use of water and encourage conservation. Implementing this well established method of conservation would reduce water consumption and benefit both the District and customers who use water responsibly. C)avidnmpson yy r 00 o RCT Nov 2 6 2007 WERTHEIM ......................................................................................................................................................... Brian Wertl3eiin P,O Box 428 7 TRICk-ee. CA 00160 C21,I.ic: A118 I707 November 20,2007 Truckee Donner PUD P.O.Box 309 Truckee,CA 96160 ATTN; Deputy Clerk of the District RE: Proposed Rate Increase-Budget Year 2008-APN: 16-470-43-000 Dear Board of Directors, I am NOT in favor of a water rate increase. Poor workmanship,illegal drug use and the district manager's irresponsible water use planning created the various infrastructure shortcomings. Find someone else to pay for these problems. Despite my position on the rate increase,I am here to help. 1 believe the TDPUD has accepted, annexed,inherited or otherwise chosen to adopt water pipelines in the various subdivisions which were openly and notoriously known for having been poorly constructed. As a 10 years plus customer and over 37 year resident,I feel it is NOT my responsibility to pay for upgrades and repairs and other capital improvements to those water pipe parts poorly constructed and otherwise prematurely deteriorating. If more thoughtful contractors and more careful employees been utilized from the start,we would not now be facing this: another"band-aide"rate increase. Furthermore,certain contactors and some of their employees working on many recent TDPUD repair and upgrade projects have used illegal drugs and consumed alcohol while at the job. I feel it is wrong of the TDPUD to allow illegal drug use to take place on the projects where OUR public money is being used. Moreover,workers may be using OUR PUBLIC MONEY to obtain ILLEGAL DRUGS! I feel if those workers and contractors are too unmotivated or otherwise bored with their jobs,then try giving the jobs to someone else. Furthermore,the district should try finding contractors who care about putting the pipes together properly...someone who cares about backfilling and compacting the backfill materials properly so our streets don't settle and mostly someone who enjoys their job more than their paycheck. Although workmanship of contractors in the past and even today may not be the best it can,the fact the district manager is concerned about running out of a good water supply troubles me the most. If any question existed about the ability of the district to supply a clean,safe and reliable water supply from the wells,the manager should have told the public the district is overextended and planned subdivisions cannot be supplied by the TDPUD. Indeed, developers may hire fancy and expensive groundwater specialists to tell public officials how plentiful groundwater is around Truckee and how the development will have no impact, yet our very,very highly paid TDPUD manager needs to tell officials `TDPUD is in a water crisis`. We are in a crisis,right? Or is TDPUD being"alarmed" by water use false? Will there be water in case of fire? Most importantly,I'm here to help. I want a reliable water supply like most everyone else. And yet I do not want to pay anything more for water. Therefore,I feel the Board should vote NOT to increase water rates. Perhaps,TDPUD might reconsider how to operate the water system? Sincerely, Truckee Donner Public Utility District Directors Joseph R.Aguera J. Ron Hemig Patricia S.Sutton November 29, 2007 Tim Taylor Bill Thomason Mr.Wertheim Interim General Manager P.O. Box 4287 John Ulrich Truckee, Ca. 96160 Dear Mr. Wertheim, As Clerk to the Board and Interim General Manager, I received yesterday a copy of your November 20, 2007 dated letter addressed to the"Board of Directors' of Truckee Donner PUD. You indicated in your letter several statements that I would like to understand further with your additional information and help. Please tell me more about what you know regarding these quoted statements from your letter: In the first paragraph, "Poor workmanship, illegal drug use and the district manager's irresponsible water use planning created the various infrastructure shortcomings". Who is the "district manager" you are referencing and the infrastructure shortcomings? In the second paragraph, "I believe the TDPUD has accepted, annexed, inherited or otherwise chosen to adopt water pipelines in the various subdivisions which were openly and notoriously known for having been poorly constructed." Can you tell me which pipelines and subdivisions you are referring too? In the third paragraph, you stated "Furthermore, certain contractors and some of their employees working on many recent TDPUD repair and upgrade projects have used illegal drugs and consumed alcohol while at the job". Would you tell me additional details? You indicate that "...workers may be using OUR PUBLIC MONEY to obtain ILLEGAL DRUGS!." We need to know any specific situations where you have knowledge of these activities. Further in the paragraph "...backfilling and compacting and backfill materials properly so our streets don't settle ..."Can you tell me the locations where you have seen settled streets? In the forth paragraph, you reference ...the manager should have told the public the district is overextended and planned subdivision cannot be supplied by the TDPUD." Can you be more specific about this matter? I will take these matters you have addressed seriously and investigate them thoroughly. I look forward to hearing from you about these additional details. Sincerely, J n Ulric terim General Manager 1 Truckee Donner Public Utility District P.O.Boa 309—Truckee,CA%160—Phone 530-587-38%—www.tdoud.ora