An Important Message from your Current Board of Directors
It’s that time of the year again – LFMWC Elections! Nominations are now open for the election to be held July 9, 2022.
The current Board is ready and eager to serve you for another term, and we are reaching out to you once more for your support!
Anna Romano
for President
Ethel Winchell
for VP/Treasurer
Lisa Thompson
for Secretary
The Board has a track record of accomplishments and continues to strive for the betterment of the community and the water company. Below is the list of what we have accomplished on your behalf thus far. Thank you for trusting us with your vote!
A List of Accomplishments:
- Conversion to Not-for-Profit Corporation
- Restatement of Articles of Incorporations and Bylaws
- Firewise Project – LFE is the first Firewise Designated Community in Yuba County!
- Submission of CalFire Grant Application w/ DOHFPD – 150 ft. fuel break around LFE from Lucero’s Winery and Ingersoll Development
- Partnership with Dobbins Oregon House Fire Protection District
- Implementation of Robocalling – for reminders and announcements
- Regular mailers/ website updates / Newsletter
- Website Development – Compliant
- Electronic Voting
- New! Ticketing System – water issues, billing, etc.
- Electronic Payments
- Annual Invoicing and live invoices
- State Arrearages Grant Relief
- Leak Detection Survey (via Grant)
- Water Capacity Plan (via Grant) – LFMWC has the capacity to supply water for full buildout.
- Engineering Plan, Design and Permits – Scope of Work Development and Selection of Engineering Firm (via State Waterboard Grant)
- Policies and Policy Development – Late Fees, Irresponsible Use of Water, Communication for Board Meetings, etc.
- On-going Grant Development and Applications – County, State, and Federal
- SAM and DUNs Account
- Corporate Books and Member Shares – Research, Compilation, Verification, Issuance
- CalWarn Membership
- Capital Improvement Plan
- Emergency Response Plan
- Having a representative at the California Waterboard SAFER Advisory Board (Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience Drinking Water program) – our VP has been appointed for a 2-year term. (This is an unpaid position). Relevant to LFMWC’s understanding of State legislations, regulations, and access to state grants. Small and rural water companies will be represented and heard.
There are several projects that are in progress that the Board would like to drive to completion. The goal of the LFMWC board is to be a sustainable Pilot community in Northern California.
Work-In-Progress:
- Phase 1 Engineering Plan/Design and Permits – Grant management and reporting. See attachment for example of State Requirements for Audit/Report
- Phase 2 Construction Grant Development and Application for water system upgrade (New tanks, pipes, pumps, generator, fire hydrants, fire suppression water storage/capacity/structure, road paving, culverts, etc.
- Fire Substation – LFE is in a High Fire Hazard Zone. Our system is at high risk of damage from wildfires. Residents on Kenneth ave. and the end of Shirley ave. and Ingersoll are at higher risk of loss of property and life endangerment. Some homes are being dropped by their fire insurance companies and/or are insured at exorbitant fees. The Board has a vision of being a ‘Shelter in Place’ Community. Very important to note, according to Calfire, if the entrance of the subdivision is on fire, their engines and crews will NOT enter.
- Acquisition of the 85-acre property for wildlife habitat/preservation, fire hazard mitigation, water utilities, wells, solar, waste water, rain storm collection.
- Computerization and Electronic Documentation of Water Data and Reports for recording and analysis in preparation for the SCADA Computer System entry.
All the Grant Development work the board is pursuing is 100% funded. LFMWC has no financial capacity to enter into loan or matching grant programs. Requirements for grants are strict regular reporting, auditing, management, record keeping, and implementation. Grant applications require Board Members CVs in order to demonstrate that the officers have the knowledge, experience, and education to qualify and be awarded the funding. Failure to submit timely and correct reports may cause loss/withdrawal of funding and return of monies received.