HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.02.23 WB Minutes Regular MtgBAKER FIELD
THE SOUND OF ,5nw4e(L(utay Ve*
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR
MEETING OF THE
WATER BOARD - CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
Wednesday, March 2, 2023 - 11:00 a.m.
Water Resources Conference Room
1000 Buena Vista Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93311
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Smith called the meeting to order at 11:12 a.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Chairman Smith, Member Freeman, Member Gonzales
Absent: None
3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS - None
4. MINUTES
A. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of February 15, 2023.
Motion by Member Gonzales to approve the Minutes of February 15,
2023.
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
5. KERN RIVER LEVEE DISTRICT - None
6. REPORTS - None
7. HEARINGS
A. Domestic Water Rate Study and Proposed Domestic Water Rate Increase
Water Board Chairman Smith announced this is the time and place for a
public hearing regarding the Domestic Water Rate Study and Proposed
Water Rate Increase for the City of Bakersfield. Chairman Smith turned it
over to Daniel Maldonado, Assistant Water Resources Director, for staff's
presentation. Daniel Maldonado introduced John Wright, who attended the
meeting in person and Sudhir Pardiwala and Cleo Koening, who participated
Bakersfield, California, March 2, 2023 - Page 2
via Zoom, from Raftelis Financial Consultants. The City of Bakersfield Water
Resources Department contracted the services of Raftelis Financial
Consultants to prepare a Domestic Water Rate Study and Proposed
Domestic Water Rate Increase Study. Mr. Wright presented the Domestic
Water Rate Study and Proposed Domestic Water Rate Increase model
presentation for the next 5 years of a 7.5% rate increase in each year of FY
2024 -FY 2027 and a 4% rate increase in FY 2028.
Chairman Smith opened the Public Hearing for comments. With no public
comments, the Public Hearing was closed. Chairman Smith asked if there
are any comments from the Board. Member Freeman requested an
explanation of assumptions and inflation built into the Domestic Water Rate
Increase financial model when brought before the full City Council.
Member Gonzales requested Mr. Wright to clarify the drought rates and
would like to see how rates were structured. Chairman Smith inquired about
our debt service. Gary Hallen, Assistant City Manager clarified it was a bond
with the County of Kern that was issued for 30 year at 1.3 million per year.
Chairman Smith requested staff clarify what the City of Bakersfield received
from the County of Kern. Member Freeman requested staff include a chart
showing City of Bakersfield rates with the percentage increase compared to
other cities when presenting presentation to the City Council.
Motion by Member Freeman to front load rates between 9-10% the
first year, 5% the next 5 years rate increase to City Council for
approval on March 22, 2023.
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
8. NEW BUSINESS - None
9. WATER BOARD STATEMENTS - None
10. CLOSED SESSION — None
11. CLOSED SESSION ACTION - None
12. ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Smith adjourned the ,meeting at 12:13 p.m.
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Bob Smith, Chairman
City of Bakersfield Water Board
KiInberly Ale n, Secretary
City of Bakersfield Water
Board