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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-01-27; Ad Hoc - Water Commission; MinutesMINUTES MEETING OF: WATER COMMISSION DATE OF MEETING: TIME OF MEETING: 2:OO p.m. PLACE OF MEETING: January 27, 1993 (Regular Meeting) 5950 El Camlno Real CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Henley called the Meeting to order at 2:OO p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Absent: Commissioner Louis. Commissioners Henley, Kubota, Maerkle and Melideo. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Commissioner Maerkle. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: Chairman Henley acknowledged Margaret Bonas, former Commissioner, who was present at the Meeting. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Drouaht Update Jeanne Flack reported that since the snow and rain of the past few weeks, many people are asking whether the drought is over. She stated that as of December 1, 1992, runoff from the Sacramento Basin was 66 percent of average, and if the precipitation continued to be low, the forecast was for a runoff of 25 percent of normal. Ms. Flack stated that as of January 1, 1993, if the precipitation for the remainder of the year was average, there would be sufficient runoff to go from 'critical' classification to 'above normal". If the precipitation year is very dry, there would still be a runoff of 41 percent of average. Ms. Flack gave the following statistics: Reservoir Storaae Acre Feet Percent of Averaae Percent of Ca0ac.Q Jan. 4 - San Luis Rey 587,700 39 Oroville 1,438,000 60 Jan. 27 - San Luis Rey 1,094,871 73 Oroville 1,945,180 82 Snowpack Water Content 29 41 54 55 Jan. 4 - 133 percent of average statewide Jan. 27 - 180 percent of average statewide January 27,1993 WATER COMMISSION Page 2 NEW BUSINESS: (Continued) Ms. Flack stated that conditions have improved, but until the reservoirs are at normal levels, there would be no announcement that the drought was officially over. It would take three to five years to recharge the ground water basins, because of the drought. She stated that wise water management will be needed. The reservoirs may be full, but there are other factors that will take water from California. Margaret Bonas commented that in Whittier, they have a spreading basin to catch the water, and that might be something to consider in this area to catch some of the water. 2. Potential Water Rate Increases Jeanne Flack stated that Bob Greaney wanted her to discuss the possible water rate increases from Metropolitan and the Water Authorii with the Commission. She stated that the proposed capital projects that are listed are part of the reason why rates will be increasing. Again, with all the rain, the public is asking whether water rates will go down and do not understand why they will continue to increase. The public needs to know that the increases are not coming from the Carlsbad Water District or the other agencies-but are being passed through from Metropolitan Water District and the San Diego County Water Authority. She said that Metropolitan’s rate increase could be as much as $70 per acre foot, with the Water Authority’s from $15 to $20. Another charge that Metropolitan Water could initiate will be on the tax bill. They have a $5 standby fee, and they want to increase that from $5 to $1 1, in order to raise 50 million dollars. Ms. Flack stated that $750,000 property tax was not taken from the Carlsbad Water District by the State last year--but may be taken this year. The result is that the Carlsbad Water District may have to raise the rates. Commissioner Maerkle inquired whether there was a program available to explain to the public why the Water Authority and Metropolitan were increasing their charges. Ms. Flack said that the Water Authority will give a presentation to the City Council on February 9, and the Commissioners are invited to attend that meeting. At this time, no decisions can be made, since all pieces of the puzzle are not known. If Carlsbad were to raise the rates for the $70 increase, it would increase the rates 16 cents per unit, and if the Water Authority raises the rates $1 5 to $20, that will be an additional increase of 5 cents. That does not include the loss of property tax, if that occurs. The increase could be as high as 30 cents per unit. Ms. Flack stated that overhead costs are included in the unit cost of water and that affects the operations of the District. Savings will have to be made in some areas, and the Water District staff has to discuss this. The idea of placing more of the overhead costs into the standby charge was discussed, but the consensus was that would mean the small water user would be paying more and the larger users would be paying less. Ms. Flack stated the Commission will be updated regularly on this matter. Commissioner Maerkle stated he felt the Commission should be updated on some of the projects that are going on in the City. Many of those projects involve water lines and sewer lines and he requested that the Commission be kept informed of the progress of those projects and that all matters relating to water should be brought to the Commission. January 27, 1993 WATER COMMISSION Page 3 Jeanne Flack announced that the Election of Officers will be on the next agenda. WATER COMMISSION: ReDort on P 81 M Meetinq Commissioner Maerkle gave a report on the Presidents and Managers Council Meeting. The speaker was Don Bauder, Financial Editor of the San Diego Union Tribune, and the topic was The Economy. San Diego County is the weakest county in the United States today, with all the businesses that are moving out and the closing of businesses and hotels. He said that the speaker said that for the first time, that when you go to a hotel in the downtown area of San Diego, you can bargain for the price of the accommodations. There is a 20 to 25 percent occupancy rate in the hotels, and there is also an abundance of off ice space available. Commissioner Maerkle inquired about the change in insurance coverage to the CMlA under the Ctty of Carlsbad. He said he would like to know the amount of the premium as compared to JPIA. The deductible under the City is $500,000, and he would like to suggest that changes be made to get back to JPIA, where the deductible is much less. Commissioner Maerkle reiterated his request to have items placed on the Water Commission agenda before they go to Council. Ms. Flack stated she would discuss this with Mr. Greaney. Commissioner Kubota suggested there be a handout on the projects and a price tag on the possible rate increases. Chairman Henley requested an agenda item at the next meeting to provide a Proclamation for Eric Larson. By consensus, the Commission agreed to hold the February 10, 1993, meeting at 1:00 p.m., at the Water District Off ices. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On motion by Commissioner Maerkle, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held December 9,1992, were approved as presented. AYES: Henley, Kubota, Maerkle and Melideo ADJOURNMENT By proper motion, the Meeting of January 27, 1993, was adjourned at 250 p.m., to February 10, 1993, at 1:OO p.m. Respectfully wbmitted, r@P arriett Bab itt Minutes Clerk