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Home My WebLink About12, WS Code and BylawsWorkshop Item # 12 Discussion of Possible Revisions to the District Code and District Bylaws May 2, 2012 Background / History • Board periodically reviews and updates District Code and District Bylaws — New or changed Board policies — New applicable laws and regulations — New or changed District procedures • Bylaws revised in 2007 • Board completely updated code in 2010 2 New Information • Staff has reviewed District Code and District Bylaws • Staff recommends changes and updates in a few general areas in order to: — Conform to industry standards and current practices — Describe the current employee and retiree benefits — Clarify existing code — Tighten the District's credit policy 3 Proposed Changes to Code • To conform to industry standards and current practices — Chapter 3.10 Capitalization limits — Chapter 3.16 Treasurer's reporting requirements — Chapter 5.12 General Manager authorized to adjust connection fees for reconnections — Chapter 7.83 Renewable Portfolio Standards • To describe the current employee and retiree benefits — Chapter 4.07 employment and post -retirement benefits — No Changes to benefits 0 Proposed Changes to Code • To clarify existing code — Chapter 5.01 definition of a "Co -Signer" — Chapter 5.09 customers' responsibility to notify the District • To tighten the District's credit policy — Chapter 5.02 deposit waiver conditions — Chapter 5.04 deposit payment requirement for more than two 48-hour Notices in 12 months — Chapter 5.12 ramifications of non -sufficient funds payments or failure to comply with District rules, regulations and codes 5 Proposed Changes to Bylaws • Bylaws require an update to be consistent with District Code — Allows documents and notices to be provided via electronic format — Clarifies that the Board appoints Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and Accountant — Updates the order of business of Board meetings a Fiscal Impact • There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this item 7 Recommendation Review the proposed Code provide direction to staff and Bylaw revisions and Proposed Changes to Code Title 2: Administration • Delete Section 2.30.010 regarding Planning Department Notices because that department no longer exists Title 3: Finance and Accounting • Modify Section 3.04 to require the posting of the audited financial statements on the District's website only • Modify Section 3.06(A) to align the definition of renewable resources to Public Utilities Code Win Proposed Changes to Code Title 3: Finance and Accounting (Cont'd) • Update Section 3.06 (C) to focus on procuring renewable resources from WAPA, NCPA and UAMPS • Modify Section 3.10.020 to establish a minimum capitalization limit of $10,000 for all assets, except land and land rights to conform to industry standards • Update Section 3.16.030.7 describing the Treasurer's reporting requirements, to allow flexibility when regular Board meetings are canceled 11 Proposed Changes to Code Title 4: Personnel • Modify Section 4.02.020.4 to align the definition of forms of prohibited harassment with federal, state, and local regulations • Update Chapter 4.07 to describe the District's current medical, dental, vision and post -retirement benefits 12 Proposed Changes to Code Title 5: Customer Relations • Modify Section 5.01.005 to add that a Co -Signer must be a current customer for at least 24 months with good credit • Delete Section 5.02.010.1(A) regarding the use of letters from other utilities to establish credit because the District now uses a national credit service • Delete Section 5.02.010.1(B) allowing homeowners an automatic waiver of deposit • Add Section 5.02.010.1 (B) to allow a waiver of deposit for customers utilizing Electronic Funds Transfer payments 13 Proposed Changes to Code Title 5: Customer Relations (Cont'd) • Add Section 5.02.010.6 to require customers to pay a deposit for reconnecting services temporarily for inspections • Add Section 5.04.020.3 to require customers who receive two 48-hour notices within a trailing 12-month period to establish a deposit • Modify Section 5.08.010.6 to clarify consequences of rejected payments and to tighten the District's credit policy by placing customers on a cash -only basis if more than two payments are rejected in 12 months 14 Proposed Changes to Code Title 5: Customer Relations (Cont'd) • Add Section 5.12.040.2(F) to clarify that District may disconnect or refuse service for non-compliance • Add Sections 5.12.050(A) and 5.12.055.1(A) requiring payments to be received by 4:00 PM to allow the District adequate time to process the reconnection without incurring after -hour costs • Add Sections 5.12.050.3 and 5.12.055.2 to allow temporary reconnection of service for inspections 15 Proposed Changes to Code Title 5: Customer Relations (Cont'd) • Add a provision in Sections 5.12.050.5 and 5.12.055.4 to allow the General Manager to credit connection fees for existing and operational service connections when customers reconnect services abandoned for more than 5 years 16 Proposed Changes to Code Title 7: Electric Services • Update Section 7.16.040.1(C) to provide independent access to meters in locked double -lock arrangement or a lock box • Add Section 7.48.040 to align Safety Electric Code regardin installation and construction District areas with either a g District's Code to National overhead optical cable • Modify Section 7.56.020.3(B) to require a 3" underground conduit for a single phase panel • Update Chapter 7.83 to align the District's Renewable Portfolio Standards to recent California legislatio 1'Approved by the District's Board f Proposed Changes to Code Title 7: Electric Services (Cont'd) • Modify Section 7.56.020.3(B) to require a 3" underground conduit for a single phase panel • Update Chapter 7.83 to align the District's Renewable Portfolio Standards to recent California legislation, as approved by the District's Board Proposed Changes to Bylaws • Update clauses to describe that the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Accountant shall be appointed by the Board • Amend clause to list e-mail as an additional method of giving notice of special meetings • Amend clause to list e-mail and District website as additional methods of providing written notice of all meetings • Add a clause to include a statement on agenda packets advising that the related material is publically available at the District office and website • Add a clause to describe Directors' rights to request items to be placed on the agenda 19 r"AISM Proposed Changes to Bylaws • Add a clause to clarify that consultant, staff, and Board shall be kept informed of major projects in advance of agenda items • Updated the order of business • Updated clause to record meeting minutes on electronic medium • Updated the dates to present the budget calendar and to approve the budget; delete Budget Committee 901