HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 2005-26 - Board ublic Utility District
Resolution No. 2005 - 26
Establishing a Public Outreach Policy
WHEREAS the District has determined it is necessary to adopt a policy setting forth a
procedure for initiating public contact when matters of community interest are being
considered; and
WHEREAS the District worked with a local organization to craft the policy; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT that:
The General Manager shall establish procedures to ensure adherence to this policy on the
part of District employees:
Public Outreach Policy
Policy Statement
It is the policy of the District to promote open communication with the customers of the
District on issues of importance appearing on the agenda of the Board of Directors. To
further this policy there is hereby established a process by which the District shall initiate
contact informing the community of important issues that are appearing before the Board of
Directors. This outreach shall occur early enough to permit thorough discussion of the
issue prior to the Board taking formal action.
Definition of important issues
Important issues are those that involve changes in monthly water and electric user
charges, changes in connection fees, changes in facilities fees, and changes in regulations
covering new and retrofit residential and commercial construction. Changes in monthly
water and electric user charges or changes in connection fees shall normally occur as part
of the Board budget discussion prior to adoption of the annual budget. Changes in facility
fees shall normally occur as part of the five year Water/Electric Master Plan review or when
the local General Plans are revised. Facility fee increases due to inflation, not resulting
from TDPUD Master Plan or local General Plan review, shall be discussed as part of the
Board budget sessions prior to adoption of the annual budget. Other issues will arise from
time to time that are difficult to enumerate in this policy statement. Such issues shall be
considered as important issues falling under the purview of this policy based on a review by
the General Manager of the circumstances involved and the persons who may be impacted
by adoption of the proposed action. Additionally, the Board of Directors may, by action at a
Board meeting, determine that an issue coming before it is an important issue falling under
the purview of this policy.
1 Resolution 2005-26
Method of public communication
The method of initial communication to the public will vary based on the kind of issue being
discussed.
With respect to the consideration of changes of the water and electric monthly user charge
a notice shall be printed on the utility bill going to customers of the District and a display ad
notice shall be placed in a newspaper of general circulation in the District. These changes
are generally associated with preparation and adoption of the District's annual budget
With respect to the consideration of changes in water and electric connection charges or
facilities fees (usually associated with adoption of the District's annual budget) or changes
in regulations covering new and retrofit residential and commercial construction, a notice
shall be sent by fax or e-mail to the office of the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe
With respect to other important issues so designated by the General Manager or the Board
of Directors, the method of initial communication shall be determined on a case by case
basis.
Other types of communication
To the extent practical the office of General Manager shall maintain on the District's Web
page a description of the important issues that are scheduled to be considered by the
Board of Directors during the next six months. The Web page description shall briefly
define the nature of the issue and sufficient general background information to allow
members of the public to decide whether the issue should be followed more closely.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors at a meeting duly called and held
within the District on the seventh day of September, 2005 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Directors Aguera, Hemig, Sutton, Taylor and Thomason
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
TRUCKEE DO ER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT
�,Q 00*10 ) Q
J. on emig, President
ATT T:
Peter L. Holzmeister, District Clerk
2 Resolution 2005-26