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Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 12/06/2014 12:36 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 12/06/2014 10:42 AM
Expires: 01/01/2019 12:00 AM
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A Thank You Letter~From Dennis Dooley, Former CCWD Director (Updated)
Angels Camp, CA...Dear Voters:I wish to thank all the citizens of Calaveras County that supported me and elected me to the Board of Directors for Calaveras County Water District. I served eight years from 1989 to 1997 and again form 2009 until now, a total of 13 years. I chose not to run again because of my disdain for political attitudes and a commitment to several voters who let it be known to me that they believed I betrayed them with my support for the huge rate increase this past summer, which cut me to the quick. I still support the rate increase even as painful as it is...
I had been told by a previous General Manager that we could put off the rate increase for a few more years. However, when Mitch Dion spoke to us about the dire need right now to fund replacement of many parts of our infrastructure and equipment I believed that I had no other choice than to support the rate increase. Due to the recession and no growth, CCWD’s Capital Replacement funds dried up and millions were desperately needed ASAP. Everything to do with Capital Improvement costs including consulting and legal fees, labor, regulatory requirements and the many other costs are so frustratingly expensive, but there is little way to get away from this, despite what some of the new directors have said. But I wish them luck in their efforts, maybe they can do what I couldn’t do.
Another area where I believe I fell short of my goals involved attempting to get the staff and other Board members to cooperate in working with me for better relationships with other agencies. I know that there was a lot of distrust of CCWD by other agencies that I tried very hard to overcome but failed. I had to back off in my efforts fearing that the effects could potentially become worse. I wish the new board success, and at the same time, caution them to be very careful to be honest and not to presume that CCWD knows best.
In another area of concern, the staff and Board seemed to have forgotten about our ownership of the North Fork Project. This project has the potential to be very lucrative for our future yet poses a potential fiscal shortfall in the short run. This project has a replacement cost in the neighborhood of one Billion dollars. Most of our planning and discussions were discussed in closed sessions for legitimate reasons. I hope the new Board will keep their eyes on this issue as it would be devastating if they let the ball drop on this issue. CCWD’s new General Manager has more experience with hydroelectric issues than any other potential GM candidate.
The use of consultants and the chasing of grants and low interest loans from the government have always been a problem for me. Many times we have used consultants unnecessarily or for a scope of work in excess of and more costly than needed. I have more confidence in our lead employees for identifying what is needed than consultants who have no knowledge of our operations and needs. Also, when we start chasing many of the government loans and grants for many of the bundled programs dangled out for many regional districts to compete for, it is usually a waste of our time and expense. It’s like fighting for the proverbial “banana” at the end of a stick. I much prefer going it alone after government loans and grants and then only after careful consideration of the benefits and costs. The government (state and federal) has many slick programs designed to lure districts into compliance that include spending more money and jumping through regulatory hoops than may be needed.
Finally, I have been often criticized for not being involved as much as I should have been with the voters with complaints. I much prefer to operate behind the scenes and let others take the public bows. Whenever I have been contacted about a complaint I usually called the staff and asked them what they know about the problem and if they wish to take care of it or have me try to take care of it. The staff has almost always chosen to address the issue directly, whereupon I have usually backed out. I also do not particularly like going to meetings, either locally or for state meetings unless asked. I had made an effort early on to let all the local organizations know that I am willing to attend their meetings if asked, but few have asked.
In summation, I again wish to thank the citizens of Calaveras for the opportunity to serve on the CCWD Board of Directors. I have considered it to be an honor. I now wish the new Board of Directors good luck on the many issues they will have to address.
Sincerely,
Dennis Dooley, former CCWD Director, District 4
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