lica committee meeting minutes - acwd
TRANSCRIPT
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LEGAL, INTERGOVERNMENTAL & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES Tuesday, January 12, 2020
4:15 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Directors: Jim Gunther (Chair), Paul Sethy Staff: Robert Shaver, Sharene Gonzales, Ben Egger Legislative Representatives: Jonathan Clay, Erin Gilbert
The monthly Legal, Intergovernmental & Community Affairs Committee Meeting was held on January 12, 2021 at 4:15 PM. Due to COVID-19 and in accordance with Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-25-20 which suspends portions of the Brown Act, this meeting was conducted by Zoom Webinar and Teleconference and members of the public were invited to participate.
DISCUSSION TOPICS
1. Update on State Legislation: Jonathan Clay and Erin Gilbert of JGC Government Relationsreviewed the attached monthly legislative report with discussion on the State’s 2021/22 FiscalYear Budget and legislative updates. Mr. Clay and Ms. Gilbert responded to questions fromthe Committee.
2. Public Outreach Update: Sharene Gonzales, Public Affairs Supervisor, reviewed the attachedcommunications and outreach report covering December 9, 2020 through January 12, 2021.Ms. Gonzales’ overview included a summary of District communication and outreach efforts,including the water bill message, website articles, and social and traditional media updates forthe reporting period routine communications and program outreach.
• During this reporting period, the District mailed 124,253 postcards to announce the2021 Main Cleaning Program. The District also issued a press release announcing thegeneral manager’s planned retirement with earned media in ACWA News, TheMercury News and East Bay Times. During this same reporting period, ACWDGeneral Manager Robert Shaver was interviewed for a Tri-City Voice frontpage article,“Where’s the Water?” Additional outreach included Conservation staff’s participationin the 2020 California Water Efficiency Partnership Peer to Peer Reimagineconference.
• The 2020/2021 school session is underway, and ZunZun has completed 15 liveassemblies serving a total of 702 students.
• The 2nd annual WaterClips Student Video Contest launched on January 4 and emailswere sent to 198 educators, parents and students to promote the program.
• 8,226 school supplies have been distributed in the school year.
Staff responded to questions from the Committee.
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3. Update on Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project: Ben Egger, Project Engineering Supervisor, provided an update on the upcoming AMI Project public outreach. This technology allows for remote reading of water meters for faster leak detection, an increase in customers’ ability to monitor, analyze, and compare consumption data from a user-friendly web portal, and creates an overall improved customer experience. AMI also provides the District the ability to increase its operational efficiencies related to metering, water supply, rate development, water use efficiency, infrastructure replacement, and demand management modeling. Mr. Egger reported that the District is partnering with Badger Meter, Inc. and Professional Meters, Inc. (PMI) to install the AMI system commencing with a Proof of Concept (PoC) deployment in March 2021, which coincides with Fix a Leak Week (March 15 through 21, 2021), a nationwide campaign led by the US Environmental Protection Agency to inspire leak detection — dripping faucets or worn toilet flappers — and promote fixes. The PoC deployment will include approximately 3,500 meters in the Warm Springs area of Fremont and New Park Mall area of Newark. Full implementation in Fremont, Newark, and Union City is scheduled to be complete by December 2023. Mr. Egger also reported that the project team, which includes staff from multiple District departments and consultant EMA, has developed draft public outreach materials to support the upcoming PoC deployment, and outlined the schedule of the associated upcoming customer interactions to the committee. The planned customer interactions are sequenced to ensure that each customer is aware of both the timing of the meter upgrade and the anticipated customer experience. Each customer will also receive information regarding the purpose of the upgrade and the functionality that will be available. The provided schedule included timing regarding the issuance of project specific FAQs, that are currently posted on the District’s website and are continuously updated as the project progresses, the installation team’s co-branded uniform, the project’s social media calendar, and the upcoming PoC Virtual Community Informational Meeting, in addition to draft examples of outreach materials. Draft examples of the public outreach materials provided for discussion included: an infographic fact sheet, meter upgrade door hangers, a mock-up of the My Smart Water Connect customer portal login, PoC stakeholder emails, a press release, a PoC commencement letter, an installer authorization letter, and an appointment letter. The infographic fact sheet will be used in multiple ways during the deployment, but primarily as a handout for interested customers and as an insert with the commencement letter mailing. The door hangers will be used in two ways, first as a notice to customers within 5 days their scheduled meter upgrade, and second following the successful completion of their meter upgrade. The stakeholder emails will be targeted at local community stakeholders to help spread news about the project. In a similar effort to promote the news about the project commencement, staff prepared a press release for early February. The "meter upgrade commencement" letter will be mailed, in advance, to all customers within a billing cycle as meter upgrades proceed in that billing cycles area. Additionally, the PoC-specific version of the commencement letter includes an invitation for customers to participate in a Virtual Community Informational Meeting. Additional meetings are planned to continue on a regular cadence throughout the project. The "meter upgrade appointment" letter has been prepared for PMI to offer critical water-dependent community services, such as hospitals and dialysis facilities, during the deployment. The
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"installer authorization letter" has been developed to help inquiring customers understand that the District has authorized PMI to upgrade the District’s existing water meters. Staff responded to questions from the Committee.
4. Public Comments: There were no public comments. RECOMMENDATIONS Topics discussed by the Committee were informational only, and no recommendations are being made.
1017LStreet#403|Sacramento,CA95814|[email protected]|[email protected]
TO:RobertShaver,AlamedaCountyWaterDistrictFROM:JGCGovernmentRelations,Inc.DATE:January8,2021SUBJECT:JanuaryLegislativeReportGovernorNewsomreleasedhis2021/22FYBudgetonJanuary8thwithaprojected$34billionbudgetsurplus,includingreserves.This$34billionconsistsofroughly$22billioninactualreservesalongwithanoperatingsurplusof$15billion…whichofcoursedoesnotaddupto$34billionbutthesearethenumberssharedintheGovernor’spresentation.Thisyear’sbudgetsurplushighlightsthevariancesoftheCaliforniaBudget–atthebeginningof2020,theGovernor’sbudgetproposalincludedroughly$20.5billioninreserves,whichthentransformedtoadeficitof$54billioninMay.TherewilllikelybeearlyactiononcomponentsoftheBudgetproposalastheLegislatureandGovernorattempttomovequicklyproposalsrelatedtoeconomicrelief,rentrelief,andassistancetoCaliforniansinneed.SeparatefromearlyactionBudgetitems,theLegislaturewillbeginreviewingtheGovernor’sBudgetinFebruary,withfinalactioncominginlateMay/earlyJune.ThecurrentplanisforbothhousesofthelegislaturetoreturntoSacramentoandbeginsessiononJanuary11th.AswitheverythingduringtheCOVIDpandemic,thisdateissubjecttochange.WeanticipatethelegislaturewillmoveforwardwithcriticalitemsfromtheBudgetproposalincludingtheproposed$5billionimmediateactionpackagewhichincludesreopeningschoolssafely,smallbusinessgrants,feewaiversforsmallbusinesses,goldenstatestimulus($600rapidcashsupport)andextendingtheevictionmoratorium.Ofnote,neitherhousehasformallylimitedthenumbersofbillsthatanindividualmembercanintroduce,buttherecontinuetoberumorsofinformallimitsorlimitingbillstodealingwithitemsspecifictoCOVID.Again,withallthingsCOVIDrelatedandwiththeLegislature,allthingsseemtoremaininasomewhatconstantstateofflux.Intermsoflegislation,ACWAisproposingtosponsorlegislationrelatedtovalidationofwaterrates.WehavebeentalkingwithACWAonthisproposalandACWAapproachedSenatorWieckowskiasapossibleauthorofthemeasure.
Alameda County Water District Legislative Report1/8/2021
AB 100 (Holden D) Drinking water: pipes and fittings: lead content. Current Text: Introduced: 12/11/2020 html pdf Introduced: 12/11/2020 Status: 12/12/2020-From printer. May be heard in committee January 11. Is Urgency: N Is Fiscal: Y Location: 12/11/2020-A. PRINT Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Conc. Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered1st House 2nd House
Summary: The California Safe Drinking Water Act prohibits, with certain exceptions, the use of anypipe, pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture, solder, or flux that is not lead free in the installation or repair ofany public water system or any plumbing in a facility providing water for human consumption. The actdefines “lead free” for purposes of conveying or dispensing water for human consumption to mean notmore than 0.2% lead when used with respect to solder and flux and not more than a weightedaverage of 0.25% lead when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes and pipe fittings,plumbing fittings, and fixtures. This bill would additionally define “lead free,” with respect to endpointdevices, as defined, to mean that the devices do not leach more than one microgram of lead undercertain tests and meeting a specified certification.
Position Subject
AB 123 (Gonzalez, Lorena D) Paid family leave: weekly benefit amount. Current Text: Introduced: 12/18/2020 html pdf Introduced: 12/18/2020 Status: 12/19/2020-From printer. May be heard in committee January 18. Is Urgency: N Is Fiscal: Y Location: 12/18/2020-A. PRINT Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Conc. Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered1st House 2nd House
Summary: Current law establishes, within the Unemployment Compensation Disability Fund program,a family temporary disability insurance program, also known as the paid family leave program, for theprovision of wage replacement benefits for up to 8 weeks to workers who take time off work to carefor a seriously ill family member or to bond with a minor child within one year of birth or placement, asspecified. Current law defines “weekly benefit amount” for purposes of both employee contributionsand benefits under this program to mean the amount of weekly benefits available to qualifyingdisabled individuals pursuant to unemployment compensation disability law, calculated pursuant tospecified formulas partly based on the applicable percentage of the wages paid to an individual foremployment by employers during the quarter of the individual’s disability base period in which thesewages were highest, but not to exceed the maximum workers’ compensation temporary disabilityindemnity weekly benefit amount established by the Department of Industrial Relations. This bill wouldrevise the formula for determining benefits available pursuant to the family temporary disabilityinsurance program, for periods of disability commencing after January 1, 2022, by redefining theweekly benefit amount to be equal to 90% of the wages paid to an individual for employment byemployers during the quarter of the individual’s disability base period in which these wages werehighest, divided by 13, but not exceeding the maximum workers’ compensation temporary disabilityindemnity weekly benefit amount established by the Department of Industrial Relations.
Position Subject
SB 45 (Portantino D) Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation, and FloodProtection Bond Act of 2022.
Current Text: Introduced: 12/7/2020 html pdf Introduced: 12/7/2020 Status: 12/8/2020-From printer. May be acted upon on or after January 7. Is Urgency: N Is Fiscal: Y
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Location: 12/7/2020-S. RLS. Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Conc. Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered1st House 2nd House
Summary: Would enact the Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation, and FloodProtection Bond Act of 2022, which, if approved by the voters, would authorize the issuance of bondsin the amount of $5,510,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law to financeprojects for a wildfire prevention, safe drinking water, drought preparation, and flood protectionprogram.
Position Subject
SB 46 (Stern D) Employment: contact tracing and safety policies: COVID-19. Current Text: Introduced: 12/7/2020 html pdf Introduced: 12/7/2020 Status: 12/8/2020-From printer. May be acted upon on or after January 7. Is Urgency: N Is Fiscal: N Location: 12/7/2020-S. RLS. Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Conc. Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered1st House 2nd House
Summary: Current law requires an employer to furnish employment and a place of employment that issafe and healthful for its employees.This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enactlegislation that would require an employer to develop and implement contact tracing and safetypolicies for its employees, including requiring notice to the employer when an employee receives apositive COVID-19 test.
Position Subject
SB 52 (Dodd D) State of emergency: local emergency: sudden and severe energy shortage: plannedpower outage.
Current Text: Introduced: 12/7/2020 html pdf Introduced: 12/7/2020 Status: 12/8/2020-From printer. May be acted upon on or after January 7. Is Urgency: N Is Fiscal: Y Location: 12/7/2020-S. RLS. Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Conc. Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered1st House 2nd House
Summary: Current law defines the terms “state of emergency” and “local emergency” to mean a dulyproclaimed existence of conditions of disaster or of extreme peril to the safety of persons and propertywithin the state or the territorial limits of a local government caused by, among other things, a suddenand severe energy shortage. Current law defines a “sudden and severe energy shortage” as a rapid,unforeseen shortage of energy, resulting from, but not limited to, events such as an embargo,sabotage, or natural disasters, and that has statewide, regional, or local impact. This bill wouldexpand the definition of “sudden and severe energy shortage” to include a “deenergization event,”defined as a planned power outage, as specified, and would make a deenergization event one ofthose conditions constituting a state of emergency and a local emergency.
Position Subject
SB 99 (Dodd D) Community Energy Resilience Act of 2021. Current Text: Introduced: 12/28/2020 html pdf Introduced: 12/28/2020 Status: 12/29/2020-From printer. May be acted upon on or after January 28. Is Urgency: N Is Fiscal: Y Location: 12/28/2020-S. RLS. Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Desk Policy Fiscal Floor Conf.
Conc. Enrolled Vetoed Chaptered1st House 2nd House
Summary: Would set forth guiding principles for plan development, including equitable access toreliable energy, as provided, and integration with other existing local planning documents. The billwould require a plan to, among other things, ensure that a reliable electricity supply is maintained atcritical facilities and identify areas most likely to experience a loss of electrical service. This bill contains
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other related provisions.
Position Subject Total Measures: 6Total Tracking Forms: 6
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Legal, Intergovernmental and Community Affairs Committee Monthly Update – Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Routine District Communications
Bill Message
Nov 6 – Dec 23 - The Help on Tap program provides income-qualified residential customers a credit on their water bill. The Board of Directors recently increased the credit from $25 to $35. Please visit acwd.org/hot to learn more. The Board is discussing water rates at a series of public meetings this year. Visit www.acwd.org/rates for more information. Receive a rebate for up to $50 when you install a rain barrel and begin cutting back on the potable water used for irrigation! Learn more at www.acwd.org/rebates. Our lobby remains closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please call 510-668-4200 or email [email protected] for assistance. Dec 24 – Jan 4 - The Help on Tap program provides income-qualified residential customers a credit on their water bill. The Board of Directors recently increased the credit from $25 to $35. Please visit acwd.org/hot to learn more. Get money back when you purchase a “smart” irrigation controller through ACWD. Visit www.acwd.org/rebates for more information. Our lobby remains closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please call 510-668-4200 or email [email protected] for assistance. Jan 5 – Present - The Help on Tap program provides income-qualified residential customers a credit on their water bill. The Board of Directors recently increased the credit from $25 to $35. Please visit acwd.org/hot to learn more. Get money back when you purchase a “smart” irrigation controller through ACWD. Visit www.acwd.org/rebates for more information. Water main cleaning is underway through June 2021. Learn more by visiting www.acwd.org/maincleaning or call 510-668-6500. Our lobby remains closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please call 510-668-4200 or email [email protected] for assistance.
Website Articles and Updates
• Coming Soon - Advanced Metering • (Fall)ing in Love with Conservation Savings • 2nd annual WaterClips Student Video Contest
Social Media
• Facebook – 738 Followers (+14) o Analytics – 181 page views, post reach 1,280, post engagement 362,
Video views 396 • Twitter – 776 followers (+10)
o Analytics – Tweets 18, Tweet impressions 12.7K, profile visits 321 • You Tube – 41 followers • Nextdoor –
Social Media Highlights – Annual main cleaning program is underway, General Manager job announcement, ACWD WaterClips Student Video Contest, ACWD employees raise over $10k for charity, New Year’s water savings resolutions, National Hero Day – not all heroes wear capes, Happy Holidays from ACWD, #Thankful for the rain, Last minute water savings gifts, #Thankful Thursday shoutout to our field staff and operators.
Media Coverage
• Television/Radio/Print o Dec 15 – Tri-City Voice – The ACWD Connection – ACWD Gift
Giving Guide o Dec 22 – Tri-City Voice – The ACWD Connection – Water Savings:
The Gift That Keeps on Giving o Dec 29 - Tri-City Voice – The ACWD Connection – Annual Main
Cleaning Program Set to Begin o Dec 29 – Tri-City Voice – News Article - Where’s the Water? o Jan 4 – ACWA News - Alameda County Water District General
Manager to Retire o Jan 5 – Tri-City Voice – The ACWD Connection – New Year New
Habits o Jan 6 – The Mercury News – Alameda County Water District
manager to retire in July o Jan 12 - Tri-City Voice – The ACWD Connection – WaterClips
Student Video Contest
Other Communication & Outreach • Finance
o Dec 18 – Website updates to Water Rates and Water Rate Process webpages
• Office of the General Manager o Dec 16 - Renee Gonzales attended Newark Unified School District's
Graduate Profile Design Committee (Community Group Member) o Dec 17 – Renee Gonzales attended ZunZun’s livestream
presentation at Stratford School. o Jan 4 – Press Release – Alameda County Water District General
Manager to Retire
o Jan 5 – Sharene Gonzales attended CalDesal Outreach Communications Committee
o Jan 6 – Sharene Gonzales called six Union City businesses to advise of temporary water outages on January 12 during night work for the Alvarado-Niles Pipeline Seismic Improvements
o Jan 7 – Sharene Gonzales and Renee Gonzales called 46 Union City businesses to advise of temporary water outages on January 13 during night work for the Alvarado-Niles Pipeline Seismic Improvements
o Jan 8 – Renee Gonzales called 12 Union City property owners to advise of temporary water outages during night work for the Alvarado-Niles Pipeline Seismic Improvements
• Operations o Dec 23 - Mailed 124,253 postcards to inform customers about the
main cleaning program starting in January. • Water Resources
o Dec 10 - Conservation staff coordinated, presented, and moderated a panel at the 2020 California Water Efficiency Partnership Peer to Peer Reimagine conference. The Panel, "Water and Energy Utilities Join Together for Conservation in Low Income Households," promoted the District's "Water Savings Assistance Partnership Program." PG&E, Richard Heath and Associates, SoCal Gas, and Metropolitan Water District also participated.
o Dec 29 - Conservation made several updates to the District website's conservation pages as part of a year-end website review.
School Education Program o Dec 10 - Jan 7 - ZunZun performed 9 live stream performances o Dec 10 - Jan 7 - 122 water science kits containing poppy seed
packets were given to two classes o Jan 4 – Launched 2nd annual WaterClips Student Video Contest o Jan 4 – Sent e-mails to 198 educators, parents and students
promoting WaterClips Student Video Contest. o 8,226 school supplies have been distributed for the 2020/21 school
year. o 2020/21 ZunZun is offering water education distance learning via
live stream assemblies. ZunZun has completed 15 live assemblies serving a total of 702 students. ZunZun has also created pre-recorded videos with general water education messaging accompanied by a Google form: 65 uses. ACWD-specific messaging: 121 uses
Upcoming Events No events scheduled
ACWD Gift Giving GuideACWD offers some last minute gift ideas that will be sure to bring smiles and waterconservation to all! Check out our top picks:
SucculentsRain barrelReusable water bottleRachio Smart SprinklerController
For more water conservationand rebate information visit:
www.acwd.org
In this program, income qualified customers can receive water andenergy conservation assessments from local contractors. Whennecessary, they will install new toilets, faucet aerators, low-flowshowerheads and more!
If residents qualify for the Energy Savings Assistance Program offered byPG&E and are ACWD customers they can receive additional watersavings services provided by ACWD for FREE.
Water Savings: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Sign up by calling Bottom Line Utility Solutions (BLUS) at 800-597-2835
It's the season of giving and we want to share with our customers the details of ACWD's Water SavingsAssistance Partnership Program with PG&E.
ACWD is scheduled to clean a selection of water mains in the city of Fremont, and all dead-end mains in theTri-Cities to improve water quality and remove sediment buildup in pipes. This is part of the vital serviceprovided by ACWD to ensure that all customers receive high quality water.
Annual Main Cleaning Program Set to Begin
Cleaning will occur at various locations throughout the service area fromJanuary through June 2021; Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.(excluding holidays).
To find out if, and when the water main on your street will be cleaned,please visit www.acwd.org/maincleaning or call our OperationsDepartment at 510.668.6500. Any program updates and futurenotifications will be posted on the Main Cleaning webpage.
• NEWSROOM
ALAMEDA COUNTY WATER DISTRICT GENERAL MANAGER TO RETIRE
• BY ALAMEDA COUNTY WATER DISTRICT • JAN 4, 2021 • MEMBER SUBMITTED NEWS
After 30 years of service with the Alameda County Water District and over six years as General Manager, Robert T. Shaver has announced his retirement from ACWD effective July 1, 2021.
Under Shaver’s leadership, ACWD efficiently: administered a $175 million annual operating and capital expense budget; responsibly managed local and imported water supplies guiding the District out of the historic drought ending in 2017; reached near completion of the District’s largest infrastructure investment to date with the construction of fish passage projects in Alameda Creek; and launched an Advanced Metering Infrastructure program that will allow the District to engage more effectively with customers and help ACWD continue its leadership in water use efficiency.
Shaver joined ACWD in 1991 as a project engineer and progressed to Assistant General Manager in 2010. During his tenure, he participated in or oversaw many capital improvement projects, including the construction of several water treatment-related projects, retrofits and seismic upgrades to critical facilities and pipelines in the earthquake-prone region, and construction and expansion of the Newark Desalination Facility in 2003 and 2010, respectively. Shaver has also emphasized watershed protection and stewardship, including the construction of fish passage facilities along Alameda Creek and the enactment of the ACWD Groundwater Protection Act, which was unanimously approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2009.
The ACWD Board of Directors appointed Shaver to be General Manager in December 2014.
“A three-decades-long commitment to ACWD proves Bob’s dedication to his work, community, and public service,” said ACWD Board President Aziz Akbari. “I am sincerely grateful for his leadership and the lasting contributions he’s made to ensure a reliable supply of drinking water for our customers. His ACWD career spans water quality, environmental and regulatory changes
requiring adaptiveness and resiliency,” Akbari added. “Bob’s guidance and interagency coordination align ACWD with area partners to strengthen the region’s water supply.”
Shaver currently serves as a Board member for the Bay Area Water Agencies Coalition and CalDesal and serves as the Board Chair for the California Urban Water Agencies.
“I am honored and humbled to have been entrusted to deliver the District’s mission as ACWD’s general manager,” said Shaver. “Throughout my career, I have enjoyed working with extremely capable colleagues both here at ACWD and industry-wide. Although my retirement is bittersweet, the District will continue its path as a well-respected agency because of the leadership of the Board of Directors, Executive Management, and a truly dedicated staff that serve our customers.”
“Thirty years ago, my wife and I moved from Long Island, NY, to Fremont so that I could pursue a position as an ACWD project engineer,” said Shaver. “It was a leap of faith that led to a career of professional fulfillment and satisfaction,” he said. “I’m glad we did it – the Tri-City area is a great community to raise a family, and ACWD is a stellar public agency,” added Shaver.
A longtime resident of Fremont, Shaver plans to travel, enjoy the outdoors, and continue his service to the community through his volunteer work with the Fremont Rotary Club.
The ACWD Board of Directors will recruit for a new General Manager, and Shaver will remain on board during the transition process.
In winter, water dry landscape areas by hand instead of running the entire irrigation system.Add mulch to your landscape. It helps to retain moisture so you don't have to water as often.Inspect your landscape regularly for leaks and fix broken sprinkler heads to avoid water waste.Decrease your shower time. Also, encourage family members to do the same for added savings.Collect water in the shower while waiting for the hot water. Use this water for plants and landscape.Purchase a rain barrel and harvest rainwater from downspouts. Check out our rain barrel rebate program.
Visit www.acwd.org/conserve for more water saving ideas and rebate information. We wish everyone a happy and healthy new year!
New Year New Habits Start 2021 with new water conservation habits that can save water, time and money!
Alameda County Water District manager to retire in July Robert Shaver has worked for ACWD since 1991 By Joseph Geha | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: January 5, 2021 at 3:11 p.m. | UPDATED: January 5, 2021 at 3:14 p.m.
FREMONT — Robert Shaver, the general manager of Alameda County Water District, which serves roughly 350,000 people across Fremont, Newark, and Union City, will retire on July 1, the district announced this week.
Shaver has been at the helm for six years, and will have worked at the district for 30 years when he retires, having started as an engineer, he said in an interview Tuesday.
“It’s a hard decision for me, because when is a good time to step away? But I feel pretty good about where the district is right now,” Shaver said.
He’s happy with progress the district is making on some major projects, including a nearly completed fishery restoration in Alameda Creek, which includes the construction of two fish ladders, among other measures aimed at supporting threatened steelhead trout.
The district is in the early phases of rolling out an advanced metering project, which will allow customers to more closely monitor their water consumption, Shaver said.
In partnership with other public agencies and nonprofits, the district is also in negotiations to potentially purchase the 50,500-acre N3 Cattle Company ranch property that spans four counties, in an effort to protect critical water supply.
When Shaver took over as general manager in 2014, the state was beginning one of the worst droughts on record, and it impacted the district’s finances, he said, which he has worked to set straight.
“What’s important to me is that I’ll be handing the keys to my successor with an agency that’s in sound financial shape,” he said.
But customers have not always been happy with how the district has balanced its books.
The district has raised rates on customers nearly every year for over two decades, and some double-digit increases in recent years stirred controversy, with some residents claiming the district compensation packages for employees are too generous.
Shaver has defended the increases as necessary to attract and retain a skilled workforce, maintain and upgrade much of the district’s 900 miles of water mains, and to pay down a roughly $120 million pensions and benefits debt within the next 15 years.
In the current fiscal year, the district is spending about $52.7 million, or about 32 percent of its general fund on salaries, pensions and benefits, according to spokeswoman Sharene Gonzales.
The district board voted in December to not raise rates on customers this year because of the pandemic.
Shaver’s current total compensation package, including salary and benefits, is worth about $410,000 annually, and district staff estimated he will be paid roughly $232,000 annually after retiring, Gonzales said.
The district’s board will recruit for a new general manager, and has hired a consultant to help with the search for candidates, the district said.
Tri-City Students in Grades 6-12:Enter to win $500!
#WaterClips2021Video Contest info and Prize Details at:www.acwd.org/waterclips
2nd Annual ACWDStudent Video ContestWater
Clips
00:00:00
TIM
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PSE
SLO
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VID
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HO
TO
P
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1x
30•
HD
CONTEST THEME:
WaterEmergencies
Plan & Prepare
Tap water is safe to drink and bottled water is only necessaryas an emergency supply.
Contest Deadline:
April 2, 2021
Alameda County Water District www.acwd.org • 510.668.4200 • 43885 S. Grimmer Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 4, 2021
CONTACT: Sharene Gonzales, Public Affairs Supervisor Phone: 510.668.4208 [email protected] @AlamedaCountyWD
Alameda County Water District General Manager to Retire
Fremont, Calif. – After 30 years of service with the Alameda County Water District and over six years as General Manager, Robert T. Shaver has announced his retirement from ACWD effective July 1, 2021.
Under Shaver’s leadership, ACWD efficiently: administered a $175 million annual operating and capital expense budget; responsibly managed local and imported water supplies guiding the District out of the historic drought ending in 2017; reached near completion of the District’s largest infrastructure investment to date with the construction of fish passage projects in Alameda Creek; and launched an Advanced Metering Infrastructure program that will allow the District to engage more effectively with customers and help ACWD continue its leadership in water use efficiency.
Shaver joined ACWD in 1991 as a project engineer and progressed to Assistant General Manager in 2010. During his tenure, he participated in or oversaw many capital improvement projects, including the construction of several water treatment-related projects, retrofits and seismic upgrades to critical facilities and pipelines in the earthquake-prone region, and construction and expansion of the Newark Desalination Facility in 2003 and 2010, respectively. Shaver has also emphasized watershed protection and stewardship, including the construction of fish passage facilities along Alameda Creek and the enactment of the ACWD Groundwater Protection Act, which was unanimously approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2009.
The ACWD Board of Directors appointed Shaver to be General Manager in December 2014.
-more-
Alameda County Water District www.acwd.org • 510.668.4200 • 43885 S. Grimmer Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538
News Release Page 2 ACWD GM to retire
“A three-decades-long commitment to ACWD proves Bob’s dedication to his work, community and public service,” said ACWD Board President Aziz Akbari. “I am sincerely grateful for his leadership and the lasting contributions he’s made to ensure a reliable supply of drinking water for our customers. His ACWD career spans water quality, environmental and regulatory changes requiring adaptiveness and resiliency,” Akbari added. “Bob’s guidance and interagency coordination align ACWD with area partners to strengthen the region’s water supply.”
Shaver currently serves as a Board member for the Bay Area Water Agencies Coalition and CalDesal and serves as the Board Chair for the California Urban Water Agencies.
“I am honored and humbled to have been entrusted to deliver the District’s mission as ACWD’s general manager,” said Shaver. “Throughout my career, I have enjoyed working with extremely capable colleagues both here at ACWD and industry-wide. Although my retirement is bittersweet, the District will continue its path as a well-respected agency because of the leadership of the Board of Directors, Executive Management, and a truly dedicated staff that serve our customers.”
“Thirty years ago, my wife and I moved from Long Island, NY, to Fremont so that I could pursue a position as an ACWD project engineer,” said Shaver. “It was a leap of faith that led to a career of professional fulfillment and satisfaction,” he said. “I’m glad we did it – the Tri-City area is a great community to raise a family, and ACWD is a stellar public agency,” added Shaver.
A longtime resident of Fremont, Shaver plans to travel, enjoy the outdoors, and continue his service to the community through his volunteer work with the Fremont Rotary Club.
The ACWD Board of Directors will recruit for a new General Manager, and Shaver will remain on board during the transition process.
ACWD is working with Koff & Associates for the recruitment of the General Manager position. All interested and qualified candidates who would like to learn more can view the recruitment flyer at www.koffassociates.com/opportunities/ or visit www.acwd.org/jobs for more information.
# # #
For more than 100 years, the Alameda County Water District has supplied water to the residents and businesses of southern Alameda County. ACWD supplies drinking water to the more than 357,000 people living in the cities of Fremont, Newark, and Union City. For more information, please visit www.acwd.org.
ACWD 2020-21- UPDATE
School Contact Live Stream Delivery Date City Number of Students
Leitch Elementary Martha Silverstsen 11/16/2020 34 take home Packets Fremont 34PLA Decoto School Rachel Saucedo 11/18/20-9:00 32 take home packets Fremont 32PLA Decoto School Carmen Galli 11/19/20-9:00 33 take home packets Union City 30PLA Decoto School Carmen Kraska 12/4/20- 9:00 35 tke packets, 1-3 grade Union City 30PLA Decoto School Carmen Kraska 12/4/20- 10:00 Union City 35Kitayama Kimberly DeBono 12/7/2020-10:00 Union City 250Stratford School Fremont Blvd Shweta Jhaveri-Patel 12/9/20-9:45 Fremont 25Stratford School Fremont Blvd Shweta Jhaveri-Patel 12/9/20-10:30 Fremont 24Brookvale Connie Bi-On 12/10/20- 9:00 60 take home packets Fremont 30Stratford School Osgood Anita Singh 12/15/20- 9:20 Fremont 31Stratford School Osgood Anita Singh 12/15/20-10:30 Fremont 31PLA Decoto School Cathaleen Hampton 12/16/20-10:00 32 take home packets Fremont 32Stratford Schoo Fremont Blvd Shweta Jhaveri-Patel 12/16/20- 9:15 Fremont 64Stratford School Osgood Anita Singh 12/17/20-9:20 & 10:30 Fremont 24Brookvale Jessica Huang 01/7/21- 11:00 30 take home packets Fremont 30PLA Decoto School Kelly Payton 01/14/21-10:00 Union City 30Chadbourne Stacie Calimin 1/26/2021-9:15 Fremont 734 Total: each time is a grade levelChadbourne Stacie Calimin 1/26/2021-10:00 Fremont 702Chadbourne Stacie Calimin 1/26/2021-10:45 FremontChadbourne Stacie Calimin 1/29 - 9:15 FremontChadbourne Stacie Calimin 1/29 -10:00 FremontChadbourne Stacie Calimin 1/29-10:45 FremontChadbourne Stacie Calimin 1/29-11:30 Fremont
Horner Middle School Cindy Hick-Rodriguez TBA 1245 TBA Fremont 1,245
update as of 12/03/20
Update on Public Outreach for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project
1. Upcoming Public Outreach Items
2. Draft Collateral MaterialA. Stakeholder Emails
B. Project Fact Sheet
C. Press Release
D. Project Letters
E. Meter Upgrade Door Hangers
F. Homepage Mockup with Portal Log in
LICA Committee: Jan 12, 20211
Item/ Collateral Status Finalize By Execution TimingAMI Project FAQs Posted on acwd.org/ami
Ongoing updates as neededOngoing Complete
Stakeholder emails (2) Available in Draft 1/15/2021 Distribute:• Email #1 week of 1/18/2021• Email #2 week of 2/01/2021
PoC Press Release Available in Draft 1/22/2021 Distribute 2/9/2021
PoC Infographic Fact Sheet Available in Draft 1/15/2021 Distribute with Commencement Letter (Week of 2/22/2021)
PoC Door hangers Available in Draft 1/15/2021 Commencement of PoC (3/15/2021)
Co-branded Installer Gear Reviewed at Dec 2020 EIT Committee Complete Commencement of PoC (3/15/2021)
Social Media Calendar Delivered 12/16/2020 Complete Ongoing
Meter Upgrade CommencementLetter
Available in Draft 1/15/2021 Distribute 2/22/2021
Authorization Letter for Installers Available in Draft 1/15/2021 Commencement of PoC (3/15/2021)
Meter Upgrade Appointment Letter Available in Draft 1/15/2021 Commencement of PoC (3/15/2021)
PoC Community Meeting Virtual Open House. Invitation included in stakeholder emails and commencement letter.
2/22/2021 3/10/2021 @ 6pm
What’s coming in 2021?
2
3
Draft Infographic Fact SheetWhat’s Needed to Finalize: Swap out FPO imagery with updated Installer imagery
4
Draft Meter Upgrade Door Hangers
What’s Needed to Finalize:Swap out FPO imagery with updated Installer imagery.
5
Homepage Mockup with Portal LoginWhat’s Needed to Finalize:Completion of Portal development. Insert final imagery.
PoC Stakeholder Email #1
Purpose: This email, distributed by the ACWD team to the approved stakeholder list, will explain the Project and why the District is undertaking it, as well as provide information about the initial community meeting and to ask stakeholders to reach out to their networks.
Recommended Email Subject: Help Us Share the Good News: New Water Infrastructure Makes Our Future Bright
Dear <Stakeholder>,
More than three-quarters (76%) of Alameda County Water District (ACWD) customers have made behavior changes in the past five years to better conserve water. While ACWD has offered many conservation programs over the years to support our customers’ efforts, what our customers have requested the most is a water-use monitoring device—and now we are providing one. Can we count on you to help us share the good news about our investment in the community?
We will be installing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) for our customers starting in March 2021, with full implementation in Fremont, Newark, and Union City by December 2023. With the new AMI technology customers will be able to view up-to-date water usage via a user friendly online customer portal, furthering their commitment to water use efficiency. As we replace our aging infrastructure, customers can spot leaks faster and reduce surprise water bills.
We are hosting a Virtual Community Informational Meeting on March 10, 2021at 6 p.m, and we hope you can attend to contribute your thoughts on this momentous project. Meeting details and a Zoom link will be posted to ACWD.org/AMI, closer to the meeting date. We would also be happy to join one of your organization’s upcoming events to share our good news.
Visit ACWD.org/AMI or reply to this email for more information. Sincerely,
Sharene Gonzales, Public Affairs Supervisor Alameda County Water District
POC Stakeholder Email #2
Purpose: This email, distributed by the ACWD team to the approved stakeholder list before the first community meeting, will encourage stakeholders to share widely with their networks and on their social channels about the Project. It will also have an infographic attached to the email that will be a visual depiction of the Project with key points of information, such as on the new portal, when the installation will take place, why new water meters are being installed, who is installing them, and who will be impacted.
Recommended Email Subject: Tapping You to Help Share the Good News: AMI Installations Begin in March
Dear <Stakeholder>,
As mentioned in our previous email, the Alameda County Water District (ACWD) is investing in the future of our community by installing Advanced Metering Infrastructure, more commonly known as AMI. We are excited about this new technology, which allows water meters to be read remotely in support of our customers’ already strong water efficiency habits.
The AMI installation process will begin rolling out to our customers starting in March 2021, with full implementation in Fremont, Newark, and Union City by December 2023. Can we “tap” you to help us let the good news “flow”?
Here are the ways you can help: ● Share one or more of the below posts on your organization’s social media
channels, starting today● Join us at our Virtual Community Informational Meeting on March 10, 2021 at 6
p.m., to learn more and share your feedback on the project. Meeting details and a Zoom link will be posted to ACWD.org/AMI, closer to the meeting date.
● Share your feedback via our survey <insert link>● Let us know about any upcoming (virtual) meetings or town halls you’re hosting
that we can attend to share our news with your members
Thank you for your support and continued efforts! Visit ACWD.org/AMI or reply to this email for more information or to let us know how you can help.
Sincerely,
Sharene Gonzales, Public Affairs Supervisor Alameda County Water District
43885 SOUTH GRIMMER BOULEVARD • FREMONT, CALIFORNIA 94538 (510) 668-4200 • FAX (510) 770-1793 • www.acwd.org
CONTACT: Sharene Gonzales, Public Affairs Supervisor (510) [email protected]: @AlamedaCountyWD
NEWS RELEASE:
Tri-City Soon to Have Access to New State-of-the-Art Water Meter Technology Infrastructure Project to Include Necessary Upgrades to Aging Water System
Fremont, Calif. – February 9, 2021, The Alameda County Water District (ACWD) is investing in the future of its community by installing Advanced Metering Infrastructure, more commonly known as AMI. This new technology allows for remote reading of water meters for faster leak detection, an increase in customers’ ability to monitor, analyze, and compare consumption data from a user-friendly web portal, and creates an overall improved customer experience.
A multi-beneficial project, AMI advances ACWD’s effort on water efficiency and long-range planning to ensure a reliable supply of water in drought-prone California. More than three-quarters (76%) of ACWD residential customers have made behavior changes in the past five years to better conserve water1, especially with the drought that wreaked havoc on California’s environment from 2012 to 2017. While ACWD has offered many conservation programs to support customers’ efforts, what residential customers have requested the most is a water use monitoring device1—and now the agency is providing one. This new tool supports customers’ water efficiency efforts and reduces the agency’s carbon footprint with fewer trucks on the road since water meters will soon be read remotely instead of manually once every two months.
“We are proud to invest in our community with a technology upgrade that our customers have asked for to support their water-efficiency habits” said ACWD Board President Aziz Akbari. “With smart meter technology, customers have more timely access to their water consumption data empowering them to make adjustments or fix leaks, as needed, he said. “Together, through this smart technology, we can work toward achieving ACWD’s water conservation goals and improving water supply reliability for our community.”
1 From Saturday, October 26, 2019 to Thursday, October 31, 2019, Probolsky Research conducted a live-interviewer telephone and online survey among 400 Alameda County Water District customers. A survey of this size yields a margin of error of +/-5%, with a confidence level of 95%. Interviews were conducted with respondents on both landline and mobile phones (50%) and were offered in English, Mandarin (5%) and Spanish (3%) languages.
Installation Details
ACWD is partnering with Badger Meter and Professional Meters, Inc. (PMI) to install the AMI devices outside of customers’ homes. PMI will hire up to 30 Bay Area-based installers for this project, bringing jobs to the region. Customers will recognize them because of their neon green uniforms and trucks with PMI/ACWD logos. Installers will also carry a photo ID badge and letter to authenticate their work on the project. Local, state and CDC guidelines will be followed, by performing daily health screenings, maintaining social distancing, and wearing face masks, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
During the installation process, water will be temporarily turned off for no more than one hour per home. No action is required from customers to ensure their installation happens seamlessly. Customers who will be the first to receive the AMI technology will receive a letter in February 2021. They will receive two additional notices – one will be on their doors 3-5 working days before the work, and a second when the work is completed.
ACWD will start the installation process in March 2021, which coincides with Fix a Leak Week (March 15 through 21, 2021), a nationwide campaign led by the US Environmental Protection Agency to inspire leak detection — dripping faucets or worn toilet flappers — and promote fixes. This fortuitous timing underscores one of the key benefits of the new technology — helping customers detect leaks faster. That’s because the AMI technology will accurately read water consumption remotely on a near real time basis, helping to detect leaks with spikes in water consumption faster than the current, aging water meters. The new functionality’s more accurate reading of water usage employs a device that utilizes encrypted cellular network communications. Full implementation in Fremont, Newark, and Union City will be complete by December 2023.
There are many benefits that customers will see with the new AMI technology. Some of these new enhanced customer service items will be leak alerts, online access to timely usage measurements, and usage alerts to reduce surprise bills. The new water meters will ultimately help customers to better monitor and manage their water usage, while promoting overall water efficiency. To learn more about the AMI project, ACWD will host an online community meeting on March 11, 2021. For more information, including tracking project progress via an interactive map, or to provide feedback visit www.acwd.org/ami.
# # #
February 24, 2021
Dear XXXX:
The Alameda County Water District (ACWD) is investing in the future of our community by installing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which allows water meters to be read remotely. This technology will allow you to view up-to-date water usage, spot leaks faster, and reduce surprise bills. Installation in your neighborhood is starting in late March.
What you should know: • Please trim any overgrown landscaping near your water meter box to provide easy installer access.• You’ll receive two notifications on your door knob about your meter installation.
- First Notice: 5 working days in advance of the installation- Second Notice: Once the work is completed
• ACWD has partnered with Badger Meter and Professional Meters Inc. (PMI) to perform these upgrades. You willrecognize them because of their neon green ACWD/PMI uniforms and photo ID badges. Installers will also carry aletter to authenticate their work on the project.
• The installers are following local, state and CDC guidelines, by performing daily health screenings, maintainingsocial distancing, and wearing proper personal protective equipment, that includes face masks, to prevent thespread of COVID-19.
• Please keep a clear path to and around the meter box, so the installers can easily access and upgrade the meterwithin a reasonable amount of time.
• Water at your residence will be temporarily turned off — for no more than one hour unless otherwisecommunicated — for the installation of the AMI device. No further action is required from you.
Installation Details ACWD has partnered with Badger Meter and Professional Meters Inc. (PMI) to perform these upgrades. You will recognize them because of their neon green ACWD/PMI uniforms and branded vehicles. Installers will also carry a badge and letter to authenticate their work on the project. CDC guidelines will be followed, and workers will wear masks while being socially distant to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Please give our installers your cooperation for this water meter upgrade.
Tell Us What You Think & Learn More We want to hear from you as we embark on this important community improvement project! Join us for a Virtual Community Informational Meeting on [March 10, 2021 at 6 p.m.] to learn more, ask questions, and share your feedback. If you are unable to attend, please share your feedback via our short online survey. More information, including meeting details, how to take our survey, and an interactive map of the project can be found at ACWD.ORG/AMI. Follow our installation journey on Facebook and Twitter as we provide real-time updates, tagged with #SmartWaterConnect.
Together, through the use of this smart technology, we can work toward achieving our water conservation goals and improving water supply reliability for our community. Thank you for your valued support of these efforts and your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Ed Stevenson Manager of Engineering & Technology Services
ALAMEDA COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | WWW.ACWD.ORG/AMI
Dear Valued Water Customer:
The Alameda County Water District (ACWD) is investing in the future of our community by installing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which allows water meters to be read remotely. This project will allow you to view up-to-date water usage, spot leaks faster, and reduce surprise bills.
ACWD has partnered with Badger Meter and Professional Meters Inc. (PMI) to perform these upgrades, and here with you today is an experienced, licensed, and insured PMI water meter installer authorized to upgrade or replace your water meter.
For more information or to share your feedback visit ACWD.ORG/AMI or call our toll-free installer hotline at (844) 280-6521.
Sincerely,
Ed Stevenson Manager of Engineering & Technology Services
ALAMEDA COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | WWW.ACWD.ORG/AMI
[Insert Date]
Dear XXXX:
The Alameda County Water District (ACWD) is investing in the future of our community by installing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which allows water meters to be read remotely. This technology will allow you to view up-to-date water usage, spot leaks faster, and reduce surprise bills. Your facility needs to schedule an appointment to perform these upgrades within two weeks of receiving this notice. Please call (844) 280-6521 to schedule an upgrade appointment.
The information below will help us work together to ensure an easy and effective upgrade: • ACWD has partnered with Badger Meter and Professional Meters Inc. (PMI) to perform these upgrades.
You will recognize them because of their neon green ACWD/PMI uniforms and photo ID badges. Installers will also carry a letter to authenticate their work on the project.
• The installers are following local, state and CDC guidelines, by performing daily health screenings, maintaining social distancing, and wearing proper personal protective equipment, that includes face masks, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Water meters can be located in sprinkler rooms, utility closets, mechanical rooms, warehouse floors or even office spaces, which is why it is beneficial to have someone familiar with the mechanical systems in the building meet with the installers.
• Please keep a clear path to and around the meter, so the installers can easily access the meter and upgrade the meter within a reasonable amount of time. Please trim any overgrown landscaping near the water meter box to provide easy installer access.
• Water at your facility will be temporarily turned off — for no more than one hour unless otherwise communicated — for the installation of the AMI device. No further action is required from you.
Together, through the use of this smart technology, we can work toward achieving our water conservation goals and improving water supply reliability for our community. Thank you for your valued support of these efforts and your cooperation.
For more information, please visit ACWD.ORG/AMI or call the PMI installation toll-free hotline at (844) 280-6521.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Egger AMI Project Manager
ALAMEDA COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | WWW.ACWD.ORG/AMI