A Message from the General Manager |
|
It’s hard to believe that it’s now been a year since our community began reacting to the news that COVID-19 had become a pandemic. In March of 2020, TCPUD took proactive measures to ensure our ability to provide essential water and sewer services, to protect the health and safety of our dedicated employees and to do our part for our community to help slow the spread of the virus. Just like you, the TCPUD continued to adapt and change as the unexpected and unprecedented challenges continued throughout the year. Behind each of the adaptations and actions that the TCPUD took was the commitment to achieve our vision of “Building a healthy mountain community through our passion for public service.”
Looking back over the past year, I’m filled with a sense of appreciation to be part of such a dedicated team and part of a community that truly believes in the idea that “we are stronger together”.
Together, we endured numerous unexpected challenges, and experienced changes to our daily lives, well–being, and financial situations. Despite all these changes and challenges, we showed up for each other, supported each other and truly demonstrated what it means to be a healthy mountain community.
The pandemic’s persistent threat to our health and safety forced state and local health officials to release frequent changes to COVID protocols and mandates. The TCPUD team monitored these continually and responded each time to ensure there was no interruption to your essential water and sewer services, while also ensuring continued access to healthy recreation facilities and programs. And throughout the year, the TCPUD Board of Directors ensured the community was at the forefront of their decisions, acting decisively to provide utility rate relief to our customers.
In addition to meeting the challenges presented by COVID, the TCPUD continued making progress on many critical infrastructure projects, continued the planning and preparation for new ones and completed the acquisition of two exciting recreation assets on behalf of the community.
Even though we are all still navigating COVID restrictions and protocols, I’m optimistic about the year ahead. The outlook this spring seems hopeful that things will soon be better for all of us. I’m hopeful that at some point in 2021 we will re-open our office to the public, be able to meet face to face, and be able to gather and recreate together once again. Until then, take care and stay healthy.
In Service,
Sean Barclay, General Manager
|
|
North Lake Tahoe Active Recreation Facilities Assessment (Assessment), Phase I |
|
The Assessment is a collaborative, multi-phased project initiated by the TCPUD and North Tahoe PUD to identify our community’s demographics, needs, interests and attitudes concerning active recreation programming and facilities. Phase I of the Assessment, conducted June – September 2020, included community listening sessions, stakeholder workshops, and online surveys to solicit input early in the process to inform the scope of Phase II. With input from more than 600 constituents, the results of Phase 1 showed a resounding appreciation for the active recreation activities and programs already offered in the North Lake Tahoe area. Participants articulated their strong desire to build a multi-use recreation and aquatic center that would serve communities from both Districts. Other priorities identified in Phase 1 include maintenance and upgrades to existing recreation infrastructure, and the construction of new facilities such as a skate park, a pump track, and a covered ice rink.
Phase II of the project will begin in spring 2021 and focus on analyzing existing and projected recreation use patterns across the region and identifying opportunities for new recreation facilities. In addition to assessing existing and potential sites for new facilities, Phase II will also explore revenue streams and funding mechanisms, and prepare conceptual models associated with operating and maintaining new facilities. The PUDs are committed to continued community engagement as the project moves into Phase II and future phases.
|
|
Acquisition of Community Assets |
|
Two exciting acquisitions were completed by the TCPUD in 2020. In October 2020, the TCPUD purchased the former Tahoe Tree Company Property just south of downtown Tahoe City at 401 West Lake Boulevard (401 Property). This iconic West Shore property consists of approximately 11 acres and features a 6,572 sq. ft. two-story building built in 1988. The grounds behind the building feature a park-like setting with attractive gardens and a gazebo area. TCPUD is currently in the process of making improvements to the property and is excited to open the property up to the public later this year.
In the near-term, the TCPUD will relocate its Recreation Center and recreation staff offices (formerly at Rideout Elementary School) to the existing building on the 401 Property and begin to use the park-like property for special events, weddings, small concerts and other recreation opportunities. The TCPUD entered into lease agreements with two existing local businesses that were tenants on the property at the time of acquisition. These lease agreements will allow the Tahoe Tree Company and Green Envy Landscaping to continue operating on the property for the next five years.
The long-term vision for the Property will be developed by the TCPUD over the course of the next several years. The North Lake Tahoe Active Recreation Facilities Assessment will help inform the future use. The 401 Property is truly a unique community asset and offers exciting potential for future recreation opportunities.
The TCPUD also took ownership of the Lake Forest Boat Ramp and Campground (Property) which is comprised of two parcels totaling approximately 8 acres. This Property, located just east of downtown Tahoe City, has been operated and maintained by the TCPUD for over 40 years. The Property offers public access to Lake Tahoe via the boat ramp, restrooms, parking, and 20 campsites located within walking distance of the Lake. This Property is directly adjacent to Pomin Field and Playground (owned by California State Parks and operated by TCPUD), and together forms a popular destination for outdoor recreation including youth sports, family gatherings, motorized and non-motorized Lake access, and camping. The TCPUD looks forward to offering this exceptional recreation area for future generations to enjoy.
|
|
TAHOE CEDARS AND MADDEN CREEK WATER SYSTEM MASTER PLANS |
|
Following the acquisition of the Tahoe Cedars and Madden Creek Water Systems in 2018, the TCPUD immediately began operating the systems and evaluating each system’s infrastructure. This led to the development of the Tahoe Cedars and Madden Creek Water System Master Plans (Master Plans) to study the deficiencies in both aging water systems. The Master Plans, adopted by the TCPUD Board of Directors in early 2021, recommend the complete renewal and replacement of the entire water system infrastructure within both aged systems. The infrastructure replacement projects include increasing the size of water mains to improve fire flow, optimization of infrastructure location (e.g. moving water mains from back yards to streets), significant additions to the number of fire hydrants and the addition of water meters. Funding the infrastructure replacement called for in the Master Plans represents a significant challenge and work will now be focused on developing a range of implementation and funding strategies with associated timeframes. The Master Plans are robust and comprehensive, and through implementation, will help the TCPUD ensure all customers have reliable and safe drinking water with adequate fire suppression capabilities. |
|
TIMBERLAND WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
|
|
The TCPUD completed the construction of new water mains and service laterals to replace the existing aged infrastructure and installed 131 new water meters and 22 fire hydrants within the Timberland Water System. The water meters included the newest technology that allows meter data to communicate daily via cellular connectivity. This important feature allows customers to be notified of a potential water leak within 24 hours of it starting. Additionally, customers can access their meter data online and view their water use data from the last 24 hours, see water usage trends, set up or edit leak detection alerts and see historical water use data.
Collectively, these water system improvements include improved fire hydrant coverage, a significant increase in available water flow rate from those hydrants to fight fires, and new infrastructure to prevent leaks and conserve water, all of which will benefit the community for a very long time.
|
|
Navigating the continual development of COVID restrictions and mandates demanded patience and compelled the TCPUD to envision and implement new ways of serving our community’s recreation needs. The TCPUD revised work plans and routinely closed, modified and opened park facilities and adapted recreation programming to maintain recreation opportunities for our community. New work plan activities included additional signage, garbage removal, sanitation schedules, and creating online recreation programming. Following strict guidelines, the TCPUD was eventually able to offer youth golf, sailing and camp programs that provided healthy outlets for our youth. And as more people sought relief from COVID impacts by recreating outdoors, the TCPUD saw record numbers of visitation at the Tahoe City Golf Course, Lake Forest Boat Ramp, and along the Multi-Use Trail System. |
|
In recognition of the financial impacts the COVID-19 pandemic was having on our entire community, the Board of Directors took immediate action to help alleviate the financial hardships for our customers by implementing utility rate relief in March 2020. This relief included the suspension of late fees and penalties for utility services, and a reminder of the District’s “No Shut-Off for Non-payment” policy. The Board took further action in May 2020 and implemented a temporary commercial sewer rate relief program that reduced monthly commercial sewer bills by 50% for three months between June and September 2020. Both of these rate relief programs were reinstated by the Board in early 2021. For more information, please visit www.tcpud.org/raterelief.
|
|
EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING |
|
The TCPUD was once again recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) when it was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 4th year in a row. This award is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment for the 4th consecutive year represents a significant accomplishment by the TCPUD. The TCPUD encourages community engagement in its financial decisions and welcomes the public to participate in its budget process. To review District financial reports, audits, and budgets, please visit the TCPUD website at www.tcpud.org/finance
|
|
2021 NEW DISTRICT TEAM MEMBERS |
|
TCPUD said good-bye to Barbara Smith, Construction Inspector II, after 24 years of exceptional service conducting countless plan reviews and inspections and making immeasurable contributions to the District’s Backflow Program. TCPUD welcomed the promotion of Brent Pass to Construction Inspector I to help fill these essential duties. Brent is no stranger to the District, as he has been with the District for 3 years as an Operations Specialist I in the Utilities Department. In his new position, he will be responsible for plan reviews and inspections for residential construction projects, overseeing and monitoring the Cross Connection Control Program, and assisting with the FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) Program.
Kendal Price is our newest team member, joining the District in January 2021 as our GIS Specialist. She brings expertise in the area of GIS database administration and will be responsible for our GraniteNet Inspection Software administration, supporting all departments with asset management programs, web applications, and preparation of District maps, exhibits, reports, and graphics.
|
|
Board Meeting Calendar
All TCPUD Board meetings can be viewed online via live web streaming or you can watch the recorded meetings anytime. To access the live web stream and for more information regarding Board meetings, visit tcpud.org/meetings
|
|
For emergency, construction, recreation, general public information or announcements subscribe to our E-notices and manage your subscription online: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
