Snow Driving… Are You Prepared?

After this weeks great snowstorm, we are thankful for the precipitation. However, with the snow comes an increased risk of dangerous road conditions. Proper preparation and prevention for winter driving weather can help keep you safe.

When the threat of cold weather approaches it’s a good idea to give your car a good checkup to make sure it is winterized for the coming weather. Purchase snow tires or aggressive tires for good traction. Make sure you have the appropriate amount of antifreeze. Check that your headlights, tail lights and defroster are in good working condition. New windshield wipers and winterized wiper fluid will help ensure your windshield will stay free of rain show and debris. For inside preparation of your car keeping some essential items. Snow chains can come in handy and are sometimes necessary. Purchase a snow shovel and kitty litter or sand for digging yourself out of a jam and giving your vehicle traction. Flares, a flashlight and a snow scraper should also be kept in your car in case an emergency situation arises. Proper visibility is essential before you even attempt to venture out in the snow. Make sure your car is clear of all the snow, including the roof.

Just because you have all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles doesn’t make you unstoppable during winter driving. Four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive can greatly assist you to get going in snow and ice, plus provide extra control when turning. However, they won’t help you stop much faster than a front- or rear-wheel-drive car when you hit that patch of black ice.
Many experts suggest driving super-smoothly in the winter, as if though you don’t have brakes at all, since you don’t know whether you’ll have any grip for braking when you need it. If you have a 2WD vehicle it is imperative to use your chains while driving in snow, slush or ice.

It is best to use the highest precautions when driving on winter roads. When the roads are icy or snowy drive slow enough to have control of your vehicle is safest for you and other drivers. Do not stop and loose momentum while going up hill. Keep a double safe distance between you and the driver in front of you. Remember, it can take up to 10 seconds more to stop your vehicle on winter roads, so don’t ride to close and don’t slam on your brakes.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need chains please get to a safe place to put your chains on.

EWNS Early Warning Notification System

Did you know that Riverside County offers an emergency telephone alerting system? When disasters occur that are unknown to you, REVERSE 911 calls you. Early Warning Notification System (EWNS) allows public safety first responders to rapidly alert and warn the general public in the event of emergencies.

The EWNS is one of a group of alert warning tools used in Riverside County. Any Business or residence in Riverside county that has traditional land line phone service (listed or unlisted) is already a part of the EWNS. Cell phones or VoIP numbers have to be registered to receive these emergency alerts. Just visit Riverside County’s secure website homepage: www.countyofriverside.us and add the number you would like to be notified by.

The EWNS can make up to 250,000 calls per hour to reach the public of Riverside County. Registered phone numbers will be notified in the event of a small, medium or large emergency. It is important for us to get the notification as soon as possible in the event of a wildfire, flood, severe weather, hazardous material warning, law enforcement incidents, etc. Having an early warning can help keep you and your loved ones safe and informed about potential dangers in our community.

PCWD Winter Reminder

The winter weather we have been experiencing can cause frozen, leaky or burst pipes. We advise all of our customers to turn your customer valve off by the meter when you leave your mountain home. Forgetting to turn off your water during the winter season increases the risk for burst pipes and damage to your home. When water freezes in a pipe, it expands. If it expands enough, the pipe bursts, water escapes and serious, costly damage is the result. If you don’t know where your customer valve is we would be happy to send a field worker during regular office hours to come show you or if you need your customer valve shut off we can shut it off for you for a $15 service charge. In the unfortunate event that a pipe does break any and all water that is lost will be the responsibility of the homeowner. PCWD does not forgive any water usage even if it is from a burst pipe. As always feel free to contact to office for any questions or concerns regarding your water bill, usage or winterizing your home.

PCWD Office: (951)659-2675

Emergency after hours: (951)294-8282

Wildfire Preparedness

Build an Emergency Evacuation Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery powered or hand crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.  You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car.  The kit should include:

Copies of prescription medications; Cell Phone chargers; Bedding/clothing, including sleeping bags & pillows;  Bottled water; battery operated radio/extra batteries; first-aid kit; flashlight; Copies of important documents, like your drivers license, SS card, PROOF OF RESIDENCY, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, etc.; Pre-pack non-replaceable, personal items that you can quickly move to a vehicle if you are instructed to evacuate.

PREPARE YOUR HOME
Protect your property from wildfires by designing and landscaping your home with wildfire safety
in mind.
Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it.
Use fire resistant or non-combustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of the dwelling.
Treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking or trim with UL-approved fire retardant chemicals.
Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine,
evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees.
Regularly clean roof and gutters.
Inspect chimneys at least twice a year. Clean them at least once a year. Keep the dampers in good
working order. Equip chimneys and stovepipes with a spark arrester that meets the requirements of
National Fire Protection Association Code 211. (Contact your local fire department for exact
specifications.)
Use 1/2-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas and the home itself. Also, screen
openings to floors, roof and attic.
Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and
change the batteries at least once each year.
Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.
Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.
Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, axe, handsaw or chainsaw,
bucket and shovel.
Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the
property.
Install freeze-proof exterior water outlets on at least two sides of the home and near other
structures on the property. Install additional outlets at least 50 feet from the home.
Consider obtaining a portable gasoline-powered generator in case electrical power is cut off.

Create a 30- to 100-Foot Safety Zone Around Your Home:

• Within this area, you can take steps to reduce potential exposure to flames and radiant heat.
• Homes built in pine forests should have a minimum safety zone of 100 feet. If your home
  sits on a steep slope, standard protective measures may not suffice. Contact your local fire
  department or forestry of fire for additional information.
• Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
• Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures and dispose of them properly.
• Thin a 15-foot space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.
• Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
• Prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.
• Ask the power company to clear branches from power lines.
• Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue. Place a screen over the grill—
  use non-flammable material with mesh no coarser than one-quarter inch
• Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish at an approved site. Follow local burning
  regulations.
• Place stove, fireplace and grill ashes in a metal bucket, soak in water for two days, then
  bury the cold ashes in mineral soil.
• Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans
  in a safe location away from the base of buildings.
• Stack firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your home. Clear combustible material within 20 feet. Use only UL-approved wood-burning devices.

MAKE A PLAN!

Talk to your family, make a plan!  Decide where to meet, where to stay, where you are going.  If you do not have a car, make a plan ahead of time…ask a friend or a neighbor ahead of time, if you can ride off the hill with them.   If you have a car, keep 1/2 tank of gas in it at all times.  If the power goes out, the stations can’t pump gas…not without a generator.

MAKE A PLAN FOR YOUR PETS.

PETS

• Plan ahead. Know where you will take or leave your pets. In case you are not home when disaster strikes, arrange in advance for a neighbor to check on or transport your pets. Make sure your neighbors have your contact numbers (cell phone, work, home, etc.). In the event of evacuation pets may not be allowed inside human emergency shelters – have an alternate prearranged location to take your animals.
• Make sure your pets are always wearing properly fitted collars with personal identification, rabies and license tags.
• Each animal should have it’s own pet carrier. Birds, rodents and reptiles should be transported in cages. Cover cages with a light sheet or cloth to minimize their fear.
• Store vaccination/medical records, veterinary contact information, proof of owner- ship, a current photo, and a Disaster Preparedness Kit in one location.

Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit

• Pet carrier for each pet
• Two week supply of food and water
• Non-spill food and water bowls
• Pet first-aid kit
• Medications and dosing instructions
• Car litter box and litter
• Plastic bags for waste disposal
• Paper towels
• Disinfectants
• Leashes/collars/harnesses
• Blankets
• Toys and treats
• Newspaper

IF YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR PET

• If you must leave your pets, bring them indoors. Never leave pets chained outdoors!
• Use a room with no windows and adequate ventilation, such as a utility room, garage, bathroom, or other area that can be easily cleaned. Do not tie pets up!
• Leave only dry foods and fresh water in non-spill containers. If possible open a faucet to let water drip into a large container or partially fill a bathtub with water.

Cranston Fire

Well, we all made it!  The Cranston fire tried hard to come over the ridge, but the fire fighters were able to keep it away!  It’s ironic that we had already prepared to send you Evacuation information from CalFire, when the fire hit and we were evacuated.  We feel that you’ll still find it useful, in preparation for the next time we have to be evacuated.  You’ll also see a letter from the General Manager.  Please read it.  And for those of you that are interested, we have our monthly board meeting tomorrow morning, 8/8/2018, at 10:00 in the board room at PCWD.  The public is invited to attend.

We want to remind everyone that the due date for the billing has changed!  It is no longer due on the 25th of the month.  It has been extended to the 1st of the following month, giving you more time to pay your bill.  Late fee’s will be assessed after the 1st of the month, if not paid.

Another reminder that we have moved into Stage 2 water restrictions.  Please restrict your watering to the hours of 6:00 pm to 8:00 am.  We offer free wood chips and compost to our customers!  Please take advantage while you can.

New Due Date for payments

A new due date has been approved and adopted by the Board of Directors.  Effective 8/1/2018, the new due date for payments will be the 1st of the month following billing (1st of the odd months).  A late fee of $15.00 will be added to the account if it is not paid in full by that date.

If account remains unpaid for 15 days after the 1st of the odd month, water service will be disconnected, and a disconnection fee of $75.00 will be added to your account.  All fees and amounts due will need to be paid in full to get water restored.

Stage 2 Water Conservation – Effective 6/1/2018

Effective 6/1/2018, we will be moving into Stage 2 Water Conservation.  We really had no winter to speak of, and want to conserve now, so we have water in the future.  Our customers do an excellent job of conserving, and we appreciate all of your efforts!  Please remember that the District offers free compost and wood chips to help with your efforts.  Contact the office for more information.

Change to Water Rates

The following Resolution was passed unanimously by the Board of Directors of Pine Cove Water District:

PINE COVE WATER DISTRICT

RESOLUTION #529

THIS RESOLUTION CONTAINS THE COMBINATION OF ALL SPECIAL RATES AND WATER RATES, INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, MOBILE HOME PARKS AND CAMPS.

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE PINE COVE WATER DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS THAT THIS RESOLUTION SUPERSEDES RESOLUTION #504.

THESE CHARGES WILL GO INTO EFFECT ON June 1, 2018

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL

Effective 6/1/2018, the Bi-monthly minimum charge, based on actual cost will be $65.00 for two-month billing period, excluding any water usage.  Water usage will be billed as follows:

$ 3.00 per thousand gallons from 0 to 7,500 gallons

$ 5.00 per thousand gallons from 7,500 to 15,000 gallons

$ 7.00 per thousand gallons over 15,000

Effective 4/1/2019, the Bi-monthly minimum charge will be $68.00 for two month billing period, excluding any water usage.  Water usage will be billed as follows:

$ 4.00 per thousand gallons from 0 to 7,500 gallons

$ 6.00 per thousand gallons from 7,500 to 15,000 gallons

$ 8.00 per thousand gallons over 15,000

Effective 2/1/2020, the Bi-monthly minimum charge will be $71.00 for two month billing period, excluding any water usage.  Water usage will be billed as follows:

$ 5.00 per thousand gallons from 0 to 7,500 gallons

$ 7.00 per thousand gallons from 7,500 to 15,000 gallons

$ 9.00 per thousand gallons over 15,000

Effective 2/1/2021, the Bi-monthly minimum will be $74.00 for two month billing period, excluding any water usage.  Water usage will be billed as follows:

$  6.00 per thousand gallons from 0 to 7,500 gallons

$  8.00 per thousand gallons from 7,500 to 15,000 gallons

$10.00 per thousand gallons over 15,000

Effective 2/1/2022, the Bi-monthly minimum will be $77.00 for two month billing period, excluding any water usage.  Water usage will be billed as follows:

$  7.00 per thousand gallons from 0 to 7,500 gallons

$  9.00 per thousand gallons from 7,500 to 15,000 gallons

$11.00 per thousand gallons over 15,000 gallons

Effective 2/1/2023, the Bi-monthly minimum will be $80.00 for two month billing period, excluding any water usage.  Water usage will be billed as follows:

$  8.00 per thousand gallons from 0 to 7,500 gallons

$10.00 per thousand gallons from 7,500 to 15,000 gallons

$12.00 per thousand gallons over 15,000

Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Water Rates (Proposition 218 Alternative Increase)

 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON

PROPOSED WATER RATES

(Proposition 218 Notification)

Date:  Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Time:  10:00 am

Location:  24917 Marion Ridge Drive, Idyllwild CA 92549

The original Notice of Public Hearing on the Proposed Water Rates was mailed on March 19, 2018.  Last week, at our regular scheduled Board of Directors meeting on 4/11/2018, I presented an alternative plan on the proposed water rate increase.  Why?  Because I heard from a few of our customers that the first years hike was too much of an increase, in their opinion.  Many thought it would be better if averaged over the entire five years.  So, below is the new residential chart with the Fixed Cost averaged out over the entire 5 year period:

Fields that are highlighted are the changed amounts.

Residential Fixed:

Also discussed was the variable cost.  Instead of increasing it from $1.80/1000 gallons to $4.00/1000 gallons, the first year, we would only raise it to $3.00/1000 gallons, and then spread the remaining increase over 5 y ears.  See the revised chart below:

Variable Costs:

93% of our customers fall into Tier 1 and Tier 2.  We propose changing Tier 1 from 6000 gallons to 7500 gallons, and Tier 2 from 12,000 gallons to 15,000 gallons.  Tier 3 will apply to all water over 15,000 gallons, and we will eliminate the current Tier 4.

Please remember all cost breakdowns were determined by the Districts Engineer, John Egan, of Engineering Resources of Southern California.  I believe the Board of Directors were very satisfied and will be willing to adopt this new plan of averaging cost over the 5 year period.

If you should have any questions, or comments, please contact

Jerry Holldber, General Manager   or stop by the office.

Pine Cove Water District

24917 Marion Ridge Dr.

PO Box 2296

Idyllwild, CA 92549-2296

951-659-2675(office)

951-659-3112 (fax)

Prop 218 Notification of Public Hearing

Pine Cove Water District

24917 Marion Ridge Dr.

PO Box 2296

Idyllwild, CA 92549-2296

951-659-2675(office)

951-659-3112 (fax)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON

PROPOSED WATER RATES

(Proposition 218 Notification)

Date:  Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Time:  10:00 am

Location:  24917 Marion Ridge Drive, Idyllwild CA 92549

You are receiving this notice because you are a Pine Cove Water District customer and you own property that is receiving water service.  This notice is being furnished to you pursuant to California Constitution Article XIIID, also known as Proposition 218.  Pursuant to Proposition 218, a Public Hearing has been scheduled on May 9 regarding Pine Cove Water District’s rates.

What Do Water Rates Fund

Pine Cove Water District is a non-profit public entity.  In order to deliver water to more than 1,100 metered customers, Pine Cove Water District maintains 20 miles of pipe, 16 wells, 6 Storage Tanks and 2 pump stations throughout Pine Cove.  Monthly rates paid by the systems users are the primary source of revenue.  All revenue generated from your utility bill is used to fund the water system’s maintenance and operation.  These revenues are not used for any other general government purposes.  They are collected for two purposes:  (1) to finance the ongoing administration, operation and maintenance costs associated with the water distribution system; and (2) to pay for capital improvement and replacement program costs.  The purpose of the capital replacement program is to provide for long-term replacement of pipes and other infrastructure as they deteriorate.

How Will the Rate Adjustment Be Used

Pine Cove Water District recently utilized the District’s engineer, John Egan of Engineering Resources, to complete an analysis of the needed improvements, maintenance, and requirements for the water system.  The system requires investment, primarily in the maintenance and repair of aging tanks, new water sources and upgrades, smart meters, and other equipment, in order to maintain a safe and reliable water delivery system.  Rate revenues will be the primary funding for the repairs, maintenance, and upgrades.

What Is the Basis of the Proposed Rates?

Pine Cove Water District has kept meticulous records over the past 3 years on all aspects of producing and delivering water.  The District Engineer did a complete assessment of the District using the Budget Comparisons for the previous 3 years, analyzing fixed costs and variable costs for the District.  We are proposing to adopt a five-year schedule of proposed water rates to be implemented beginning on June 1, 2018.

Fixed Costs

Year 2014/2015                                 $592,018

Year 2015/2016                                 $587,320

Year 2016/2017                                 $640,094

Average 3-year cost                        $606,477

Currently, we receive through our bi-monthly minimum $410,316.  To achieve our goals, we propose raising our bi‑monthly minimum as follows:

Residential Fixed:

Commercial Fixed – Buckhorn Camp, Coulter Pines and Hummingbird Trailer Parks:

Per Ordinance #9, new guidelines are in place to charge multiple units on a single meter.  This would be an additional charge on bi-monthly minimums, on three or more units per single meter.

Variable Costs

Average 3 year cost = $199,925.  Then, based on water sold the average price per 1000 gallons would be $7.35.

Based on info from previous 3 years, and assuming we sell 30,000,000 gallons of water per year, the breakdown per tier is:

0-7500 gallons                    10 MG   =             33% of sales (77% of customers)

7500-15000 gallons          10 MG   =             33% of sales (16% of customers)

Over 15,000 gallons         10 MG   =             34% of sales (  7% of customers)

93% of our customers fall into Tier 1 and Tier 2.  We propose changing Tier 1 from 6000 gallons to 7500 gallons, and Tier 2 from 12,000 gallons to 15,000 gallons.  Tier 3 will apply to all water over 15,000 gallons, and we will eliminate the current Tier 4.

Average Cost:                            $6.00/1000         $7.00/1000      $8.00/1000       $9.00/1000       $10.00/1000

The following table illustrates the impacts of the proposed rates and tiers on the typical residential and commercial customer.  Your bill will vary based on water consumption.

SPECIAL RATES AND CHARGES

Normal Customer Requested Turn on or Off                                                $15.00

After Hours Customer Requested Turn On or Off                             $40.00 – $75.00

Emergency Turn Off                                                                         $100.00 – $250.00

Delinquent Turn Off/On                                                                      $75.00

Transfer Fee                                                                                       $45.00

Return Check Fee                                                                              $45.00

Late Fee for Payments made after the 10^th of month                       $15.00

Lien Processing Fee                                                                           $215.00

Special Requests – meter readings, service calls, letters                  $15.00 – $100.00

Public Records Request –                                                                   $.25 per page

Fire Service –                                                                                                  $ 5.00 per inch of diameter/per month

$10.00 per month minimum

ALL 3/4” METER INSTALLATION FEES BE $740.00 PER BASIC INSTALLATION AND METERS THAT REQUIRE MORE TIME AND MATERIAL OR A NEW SERVICE LINE FROM METER TO MAIN LINE, WILL BE CHARGED TIME AND MATERIAL FOR INSTALLATION OF ALL COSTS OVER $740.00.

METER INSTALLATION FEES FOR OTHER METER SIZES WILL BE CHARGED FOR TIME & MATERIAL.   THIS RESOLUTION SUPERCEDES RESOLUTION #461.

FACILITY CHARGES FOR 3/4” METERS WILL BE $8260.00.

THE COST FOR BASIC METER INSTALLATION FEE AND FACILITY CHARGES FOR A 3/4” METER WILL BE $9000.00.

1” METER       =          $14,042 PLUS INSTALLATION.

2” METER       =          $43,778 PLUS INSTALLATION.

THESE CHARGES WILL GO INTO EFFECT ON JUNE 1, 2018.

How to Provide Comments or Protest the Rate Adjustment

You may comment or ask questions at any time by contacting Jerry Holldber, General Manager of Pine Cove Water District, or by participating in the May 9, 2018, Public Hearing at 10:00 am.   You have the right to protest the rate change if you are:

         The record owner of an affected parcel,

         A person with a legal interest in an affected parcel, or

         A person who is legally responsible to pay the rates for an affected parcel.

Water rates are subject to majority protest, which means if a majority of impacted owners submit written protest against the increase, Pine Cove Water District cannot institute the  new rates.

Protests must be in writing and mailed or hand delivered to Pine Cove Water District.  Faxed or emailed protests cannot be accepted.

In compliance with Proposition 218, only one protest per property will be counted.  All written protests must be received by Pine Cove Water District before the end of the Public Hearing on May 9, 2018.  Please direct written protests to Pine Cove Water District, Attn:  Jerry Holldber, PO Box 2296, Idyllwild CA 92549.