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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-25-20 Board Packet1 OTAY WATER DISTRICT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS BY TELECONFERENCE 2554 SWEETWATER SPRINGS BOULEVARD SPRING VALLEY, CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY March 25, 2020 12:00 P.M. AGENDA 1.ROLL CALL 2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3.APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TOSPEAK TO THE BOARD ON ANY SUBJECT MATTER WITHIN THE BOARD'SJURISDICTION BUT NOT AN ITEM ON TODAY'S AGENDA In lieu of in-person attendance, members of the public may submit their commentson agendized and non-agendized items via email at boardsecre-tary@otaywater.gov. Public comments submitted will be read into the record at the Board Meeting and the public may continue to listen to meetings. The information on how to listen to the District’s live streaming can be found at this link: https://otaywater.gov/board-of-directors/agenda-and-minutes/board-agenda/ 5.DISCUSS OTAY WATER DISTRICT’S CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESPONSE(MARTINEZ) 6.RATIFY THE GENERAL MANAGER’S DECISION TO TEMPORARILY SUSPEND DISCONNECTION OF WATER SERVICE AND LATE PAYMENT CHARGES ONCUSTOMER ACCOUNTS (MARTINEZ) RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION 7.CLOSED SESSION a)DISCUSSION RELATING TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) AND PUBLICSERVICES [GOVERNMENT CODE §54957] RETURN TO OPEN SESSION 2 8. REPORT ON ANY ACTIONS TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION. THE BOARD MAY ALSO TAKE ACTION ON ANY ITEMS POSTED IN CLOSED SESSION 9. ADJOURNMENT All items appearing on this agenda, whether or not expressly listed for action, may be deliberated and may be subject to action by the Board. The Agenda, and any attachments containing written information, are available at the District’s website at www.otaywater.gov. Written changes to any items to be considered at the open meeting, or to any attachments, will be posted on the District’s website. Copies of the Agenda and all attachments are also available through the District Secretary by contacting her at (619) 670-2280. If you have any disability which would require accommodation in order to enable you to participate in this meeting, please call the District Secretary at 670-2280 at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Certification of Posting I certify that on March 24, 2020, I posted a copy of the foregoing agenda near the regular meeting place of the Board of Directors of Otay Water District, said time being at least 24 hours in advance of the special meeting of the Board of Directors (Government Code Section §54954.2). Executed at Spring Valley, California on March 24, 2020. /s/ Susan Cruz, District Secretary STAFF REPORT TYPE MEETING: Special Board MEETING DATE: March 25, 2020 SUBMITTED BY: Jose Martinez General Manager PROJECT: DIV. NO. All APPROVED BY: Joseph R. Beachem, Chief Financial Officer Jose Martinez, General Manager SUBJECT: Ratify the General Manager’s decision to temporarily suspend disconnection of water service and late payment charges on customer accounts GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: That the Board ratify the General Manager’s decision to temporarily suspend disconnection of water service and late payment charges on customer accounts COMMITTEE ACTION: See Attachment A. PURPOSE: To support the General Manager’s decision to temporarily suspend disconnecting water service and late payment charges on customer accounts. ANALYSIS: On March 4, 2020 Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) health emergency. On March 16th, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-28-20 acknowledging many utility providers, both public and private, have voluntarily announced moratoriums on service disconnections and late fees for non-payment in response to COVID-19. Agenda Item 6 Recognizing the importance of hand washing and good hygiene to combat the spread of COVID-19, Otay stopped its practice of disconnecting customers for non-payment on March 16th. On March 19th, recognizing the economic burden COVID-19 is having on residential and commercial customers, the District stopped imposing late penalty charges on past due payments. The District’s decision to suspend disconnection and late penalty charges is in line with many other San Diego County water agencies. The City of San Diego, Helix Water District, Sweetwater Authority, Padre Dam and many others have also decided to suspend these activities. FISCAL IMPACT: Joe Beachem, Chief Financial Officer Average monthly penalty fees total $77,000. Impact from suspending water service disconnection for non-payment could result in the 60- day delinquency balance increasing by approximately $225,000. There may also be an increase to bad debt if customers move-out of their residence before the delinquency process returns to normal. District staff is updating financial models to look at the fiscal challenges that this pandemic presents. STRATEGIC GOAL: LEGAL IMPACT: None. Attachments: A) Committee Action ATTACHMENT A SUBJECT/PROJECT: COMMITTEE ACTION: NOTE: The “Committee Action” is written in anticipation of the Committee moving the item forward for board approval. This report will be sent to the Board as a committee approved item, or modified to reflect any discussion or changes as directed from the committee prior to presentation to the full board.