If you missed the Oct. 8, 2013 GVLA meeting, the summary below will give you a more in depth overview.

Status of the System

Our Lakes Water System (LWS) is owned and operated by City of Vallejo (for nearly 125 years)
74% of the water supply piping network is decades over its useful life (50 to 60 years); much of the remaining piping network will be over its useful life in the next 10 years
Only 809 water service connections pay all the costs; about 8% are excluded to offset easements grants
The City is embarking on its next 5-year rate increase study
The City has deferred necessary maintenance and piping replacement for many decades

Actions that have occurred

The GVLA formally protested the rate increases set by the City in 2009
To preserve our legal rights, a “tolling agreement” was initiated by GVLA in 2009; slow response action by the City has required 10, six-month mutually agreed extensions
The City finally released a LWS appraisal GVLA requested several years ago; the appraisal is flawed
The City is contemplating the possible sale of our system to a Private, Investor-Owned Utility company

Possible Future Actions

Private Utility Company could charge us up to a 300% increase in our water bills
Future piping and pump replacement costs are estimated to be at least $24.1 million dollars; within 10 years, an additional $6 million of pipes and pumps will need to be replaced
Negotiations with the City
Protect our position for successful legal claims against the City; consideration of legal action
Consideration of forming a Community Services District (CSD ) that could acquire the LWS in the event we could reach an acceptable settlement with Vallejo regarding the terms of such a transfer.
Consideration of working with the Solano Irrigation District (SID) for essential services and operation of the LWS.

What is next?

GVLA to formally respond to Vallejo with detailed claim of inaccurate system appraisal
Funds will be needed for potential legal claims against the City and further exploration of additional options, such as forming a Community Service District
GVLA to work with the LWS customer community to raise necessary funds
Initiate meetings with Vallejo Administrators to attempt to resolve problems and misunderstandings
December 2013 deadline before tolling agreement expires; at that point legal action will need to be pursued if the tolling agreement is not renewed
Hold periodic meetings with the Lakes Water Customers to report progress and get feedback
Initiate subsequent phases of action.