Public Hearing Minutes

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MONTECITO WATER DISTRICT

 

Montecito Union School Auditorium

385 SAN YSIDRO ROAD, MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

6:30 P.m.

 

 

 

1.  CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, DETERMINATION OF QUORUM       

 

President Edmonston called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

 

Directors Present:

President Robert M. Edmonston

Directors Jan E. Abel, W.W. Drewry, Robert W. Puddicombe, and Larry Wilson

 

Directors Absent:

None

 

Staff Present:

Bob Roebuck, General Manager

Toni Bailey, Finance and Computer Specialist

Chip Wullbrandt, District Counsel

Lois Werner, Recording Secretary

               

There were approximately 50 members of the public present.

 

2.  PUBLIC FORUM.                                                                                                          

 

There were no members of the public who wished to speak on matters not on the agenda.

 

           

3. Public Hearing / Resolution

 

A.                 Conduct Public Hearing and Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 2004 Adopting Water Rates and Service Charges

 

Mr. Roebuck gave a brief presentation outlining the proposal before the Board.

 

Counsel Wullbrandt explained the hearing requirements of Proposition 218.

 

President Edmonston announced, “The Montecito Water District Final Report-Phase I Water Revenue Plan and Cost of Service Study prepared by Kennedy/Jenks Consultants contains findings and other information and has been available for inspection since October 18, 2005 at the District office and on its website.  The report along with the adopted Fiscal Year 2005/06 Montecito Water District Budget establishes the basis of the proposed water rates.” He then confirmed that the Secretary has signed the Affidavit of Mailing of Notice of the Hearing and then opened the hearing to public testimony.

 

Testimony was presented by thirty four (34) individuals, one supporting Resolution 2004 and thirty-three (33) opposed.

 

Speakers: Anita Eidelson Don Iselin J’Amy Brown Sam Frye Dan Eidelson Rich Shade Paul Foley Duncan Abbott Scott Van Der Kar Charles Hamilton Maria Herold David Strauss Willard Thompson Randy Thwing Dana Newquist Ron McLain Ralph Baxter

Michael Meredith Don Peterson Mike McEwen W.D. (Douglas) Morgan Mike Wilson Professor John C. Bruch, Jr. Palmer Jackson Robert Collector David Green Donald Davis Dierdree Hanssen Joan Wells Dan Wright Juliet Spohn-Twomey Arthur Henzell Marilyn DeYoung Gwat Bhattacharjie

 

 

There being no further public testimony, the Public Hearing was closed at 8:45 p.m.

 

General Manager Roebuck informed the Board that the protests received did not constitute more than 50% of the property owners within the District service area.

 

President Edmonston asked if there was a motion from the Board to approve Resolution No. 2004 as presented.

 

There being no motion to approve Resolution 2004 as presented, it was moved by Director Abel, seconded by Director Puddicombe, and carried by the following roll call vote that the Board of Directors amend and adopt Resolution No. 2004. The proposed amendment was to Section 1A only, and would increase revenues from Montecito Water District quantity water rates by 5.0% for all classes of use except commercial, which shall remain unchanged, and all monthly service charges by 6.0%, effective January 1, 2006.  Before the vote was taken, Counsel Wullbrandt attested to the legality of the adoption of the amended resolution.

 

Ayes:                Directors Abel, Drewry, Edmonston, Puddicombe, and Wilson

Noes:               None

Absent:            None

 

A copy of Resolution No. 2004 is attached to these minutes.

 

4.  ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.