Revolution against rate increase
This is in response to the notification we received in the mail concerning the proposed rate increases or “Adjustments” as stated on a flyer mailed to all Clearlake Oaks water customers.
As I have read and think I understand the reasoning for this, I question the order in which this seems to be the reasons. Under “Water Utility Service” in part it states… “The proposed rate adjustment will provide funding to cover increased operational costs such as LABOR, state and federal water treatment regulations and to continue to provide for the set-aside of funds for renewal land replacement of infrastructure as it ages.”
Then, under Wastewater (sewer) Utility Service, it goes on to say this rate adjustment will provide funding to cover the costs of, again, LABOR etc etc.
We plan to attend the meeting at the Grange Hall on Aug. 16 at 7 p.m., and we hope we can get answers such as how many employees the service is paying, which includes benefits and whatever compared to other water districts in this county. How many other water districts in this county have updated all their equipment?
My, all these new trucks we see in town now. Are all the district”s men out there in the field certified? Has the district looked into cutbacks in the work force as everyone else has had to do?
From what we have observed this water district has increased the employees working there and salaries are way up there. In these times medical benefits are like gold, and I for one, have to pay a portion of our benefits, approximately $400.00 a month as do our kids that live out of county. It”s funny how other companies have found ways to decrease their overhead and maintain a business. Look at the situation the schools are in.
How have we “cutback?” We took out our flowers and replaced them with artificial ones. Put in rock and solar lights. We have a few greenerys but rarely water anything. Because we are on Social Security now and believe me its not much a month we have decreased our usage of PG&E, which keeps us a little warmer in the summer, decreased our heating for the winter, cutback our television to minimum channels, basic on phone.
And for what? To pay almost $100 for water and sewer a month so all of you can benefit and want to pass on to the water users to pay for the labor. We will also be ready to submit number of employees in other water districts in this county and salaries. Take a good look at the district”s overhead and be ready to answer some of these questions at that board meeting.
Before any increases take effect, an outside auditor must be brought in, not by the district”s choice but approved by the people of Clearlake Oaks Water District before any rate increases take effect. After all, you work for us.
Bob and Judy Heeszel
Clearlake Oaks
Look for City Council meetings on TV
This letter is to express appreciation for cable TV8 Manager Allen Markowski. Recently people have told me how pleased they are to have viewed fascinating programming on our local Public, Education, Government (PEG) channel. They have especially enjoyed watching the history of Lake County as seen through the eyes of local Native American historians. The film is called “Hinthel Gaahnula,” translated “Indian Speaks.” We have Allen Markowski to thank for volunteering his time, expertise, and enthusiasm for the past several months as station manager.
Recently Allen ran a wire from the broadcasting cubicle of Clearlake City Hall to the Clearlake City Hall Chambers. He then broadcast live the Clearlake City Council meeting of Thursday, June 12. Allen was eager to help those who were not able to attend the City Council view the public meeting. He felt this program to be in harmony with the Report of the Clearlake Vision Task Force, pages 17, 18, 21 and 22, a report endorsed by the City Council in 2007. It can be found online at http://theclearlakevisiontaskforce.wikispaces.com/Report. Refer to headings of Education and Services for Seniors or e-mail manager@laketv8.com.
The report cites requests from the public for live broadcasting of city and county meetings. Allen also followed the Members Manual of the PEG Committee, which is currently a work in progress to guide his broadcasting decisions. This document may be viewed at http://laketv8.wikispaces.com/Members+Manual.
Allen extends his apologies to anyone whom he surprised by filming of this public meeting and now realizes how important it is to warn anyone present that their words and actions are being recorded and broadcast live. He assures citizens that he will follow the new proper protocol in accordance with the PEG Channel 8 Policies and Procedures Manual, as well as instate ways to mute anyone who would use profanity at a public meeting.
I am certain that our Clearlake City Council and the PEG Board will find positive ways to assure that as many citizens of Clearlake as possible be able to become fully informed of their city”s business through the avenue of live broadcast.
For anyone interested in becoming active in TV 8 and its local broadcasts, please attend both PEG Board and PEG Committee meetings. There is a special public meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, to be held at the El Grande Hotel in Clearlake to decide various procedures surrounding the PEG channel. Regular PEG Board meetings are also open to the public and are held at 7 a.m. each third Wednesday at the El Grande Hotel. Regular PEG Committee meetings are held at 2 p.m. each first Wednesday of the month at the Clearlake City Hall Chambers. For more information, contact Barbara Christwitz, member of PEG Committee ; at 995-0940.
Barbara Christwitz
PEG Committee
Don”t forget to write!
The Clear Lake Observer*American welcomes letters responding to articles and opinions that have appeared in this newspaper, as well as on topics of general interest. Letters can be sent to letters@clearlakeobserver.com or mailed to PO Box 6200, Clearlake, CA 95422. Please include complete name, address and telephone number. Anonymous submissions will be discarded.
