FVWD presents draft budget, water conservation and the upcoming elections

All five directors were present at the May Fern Valley Water District (FVWD) meeting to discuss the FY 2021/22 draft budget, water conservation and the upcoming district elections.
The district made its second payment to El-Co Contractors, Inc. for $136,301.25 for the emergency pipeline replacement project. The asphalt work still needs to be completed. General Manager Victor Jimenez told the board the water loss number improved after replacing the bad pipes.
Director Richard Schnetzer requested a copy of the report FVWD submits to the state regarding the district’s annual usage.

Water conservation
The district is moving to stage 2 conservation. The district will continue to monitor its wells and if they drop, then they will go to stage 3 conservation. The actual date moving to stage 2 was not established.

Elections
Initially, the district had three directors up for election this year, but due to the timing of Trischa Clark’s resignation, Director Walter Bonneau (appointed to fill Clark’s seat) will also be up for election. In total, four of FVWD’s directors (Bonneau, Robert Krieger, Jim Gates and Gary Erb) will be up for election Aug. 31. According to Assistant General Manager Jessica Priefer, the current terms do not end until Dec. 3.

General manager evaluation
The board agreed the district is really fortunate to have Jimenez as the district’s general manager.
The board agreed its only concern is that it wants to set up a discussion of long-term budget plans and lay out a five-year plan. They said they would also like to have a study session regarding the district’s health and infrastructure.
Jimenez replied the Consumer Confidence Report has to go out by July and then he is going to work on revamping the procedure books then put together plans for future pipeline projects and get a rate study for the next five years completed.