CC 1995 04-27 CITY OF POWAY, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 27, 1995
The April 27, 1995 meeting, adjourned from the April 25, 1995 regular
meeting of the City Council of the City of Poway, was called to order at 5:09
p.m., by Mayor Higginson at the City Council Chambers, 13325 Civic Center Drive,
Poway, California.
COUNCILHEMBERS PRESENT AT ROLL CALL
Susan Callery, Betty Rexford, Don Higginson
COUNCILMENBERS ABSENT AT ROLL CALL
Mickey Cafagna, Bob Emery {Councilmember Emery arrived at 5:31 p.m.}
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
John Fitch
Peggy Stewart
Randy Williams
Marie Lofton
Assistant City Manager
Director of Administrative Services
Director of Public Services
Deputy City Clerk
PUBLIC OPAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Higginson explained the procedure for Public Oral Communications. There
was no one present wishing to speak.
ITEM 3 (1503-03)
SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
RATE STRUCTURE AND RECENT DECISIONS
Item introduced by Assistant City Manager Fitch. Linda Brannon, Poway's
representative on the Board of Directors for the San Diego County Water Authority
(SDCWA}, with the technical assistance of members of the SDCWA staff, presented
current information regarding Metropolitan Water District's {MWD} rate structure,
actual rates adopted, as well as recent decisions of the SDCWA regarding their
rates. From the beginning, staff has monitored the various elements of the
changed rate structure and unit costs to evaluate and mitigate the impact to
Poway water customers. Some of staff's efforts will also be discussed.
Director Brannon outlined the reasons for the water rate increase which included
the reliability and quality of the water supply and capital improvement programs.
Bob Campbell, Chief Financial Officer for SDCWA, reviewed the current capital
improvement programs; the proposed Emergency Storage System sites and new
pipelines; the Authority's preparation for any possible earthquake damage; local
resource development; and MWD's reasons for a new rate structure and its effect
on the City of Poway.
5487
Page 2 - CITY OF POWAY - April 27, 1995
(Councilmember Emery arrived during this discussion at 5:31 p.m.)
Director of Public Services Williams presented a staff report with a detailed
review of the rate structure adopted by MWD. The charges include a commodity
charge, a connection maintenance charge, a readiness-to-serve charge and a new
demand charge. He discussed the reasons for the Authority's increase in rates
every year by explaining how their bonds are sold over a period of years.
Director Williams described six areas of concern that he has regarding what is
being done for Poway customers. They are: 1) the quality of water to the
customers; 2) ability to provide an adequate water supply of water on a day-to-
day basis; 3) protection of customers from drought conditions; 4) the efficiency
of the treatment plant and its distribution system; 5) how to control and
eventually eliminate rate increases to the customer; and 6) the protection of the
water supply during an emergency or disaster. He noted the current upgrade of
the water treatment plant will help assure that the quality of the water remains
higher and the capital replacement fund creates a reserve for future capital
projects. Director Williams stated he has information on available "water tours"
if anyone would be interested.
Council discussion included the status of the distribution system at Lake Poway;
a history of the capital replacement fund; the effect of rate increases on
affordable housing which is sponsored or owned by the City; and the status of
wells.
Larry Quate, 16239 Oak Creek Trail, distributed copies of graphs showing water
rates in Poway and the CPI, and water/sewer costs as percentage of gross income.
He requested Council speak up against further increases in water rates.
ADgOURNNENT
Upon motion by Councilmember Callery, seconded by Councilmember Rexford, Mayor
Higginson ordered the meeting adjourned. The time of adjournment was 6:15 p.m.
Marjorie\K. Wahlsten, City Clerk
City of Poway
5488