MINUTES
CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS
UTILITY ADVISORY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
April 26, 2022
Website - http://www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com
CALL TO ORDER
6:14 PM, City Hall, Council Chambers, 2250 Las Vegas Boulevard North,
North Las Vegas, Nevada 89030
ROLL CALL
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Chairman Collins
Vice Chairman Salazar
Member Arbuckle
Member Davis
Member Dias
Member Lattimore
Member Salazar
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Member Torres
STAFF PRESENT
Assistant City Attorney Aguayo
Community Services and Engagement Calvo
Chief of Staff Gipson
City Clerk Rodgers
Utilities Director Brady
Deputy Director of Utilities Llamado
Special Assistant to the Utilities Director Dillard
Deputy City Clerk II McDowell
Deputy City Clerk II Rivera
Deputy City Clerk II Obed
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - BY INVITATION
Chairman Collins
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There was no public participation.
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1. |
Approve Utility Advisory Board Regular Meeting Agenda of April 26, 2022. (For Possible Action) |
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ACTION: |
APPROVED |
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MOTION: |
Member Dias |
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AYES: |
Chairman Collins, Vice Chairman Salazar, Members Arbuckle, Davis, Dias, Collins, Lattimore |
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NAYS: |
None |
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ABSTAIN: |
None |
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ABSENT: |
Members Torres |
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2. |
Approve Utility Advisory Board Special Meeting Minutes of November 16, 2021. (For Possible Action) |
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ACTION: |
APPROVED |
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MOTION: |
Vice Chairman Salazar |
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AYES: |
Chairman Collins, Vice Chairman Salazar, Members Arbuckle, Davis, Dias, Collins, Lattimore |
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NAYS: |
None |
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ABSTAIN: |
None |
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ABSENT: |
Members Torres |
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3. |
Update on the Utilities Department Conservation Program. (For Discussion Only) |
Special Assistant to the Utilities Director Dillard provided a presentation to staff and members. She stated that the department’s purpose remains the same. Water efficiency and conservation are critical components of the City of North Las Vegas’ need to meet the current and future water demands for its customers. Water use regulations will effectively reduce unnecessary use (waste) of water and comply with regulatory requirements. Modifications to the Municipal Code was Passed and Adopted by Council on January 19, 2022.
Modification to the Municipal Code included:
- Increased administrative fines for water waste violations for meter size 1" and less.
- Created a reconsideration and appeals process to provide access to a third-party hearing officer for the second (2nd) formal violation and beyond.
Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget Approval:
- Proposed Five (5) Full-time Positions.
- Will Work with the Grants Department to Further Program Goals and Assist Customers.
- Potential Customer Retrofit or Replacement Program for in Home Water Fixtures and Toilets.
- Create Curriculum for Informative Classes on Efficient Landscape Water Use.
Water Conservation Program Goals:
- Provide awareness to NLV residents about the seriousness of the water shortage.
- Enforce mandatory seasonal watering restrictions for all water utility customers.
- Encourage commercial and residential properties to replace useless grass and provide rebate information.
- To have a proactive response to addressing water waste with utility customers.
- To notify customers about on property leaks that may be going undetected utilizing smart meter data.
Special Assistant to the Utilities Director Dillard answered Chairman Collins question and confirm that this program is for the entire City of North Las Vegas. She also stated that when they are made aware of active violations, they do provide information to residents on how to correct any issues.
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ACTION: |
DISCUSSION ONLY |
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4. |
Update on Residential Sewer Rate Reduction. (For Discussion Only) |
Utilities Director Brady stated that in early 2021, the department had begun the process to evaluate what opportunities would become available in order to reduce sewer rates. The department established a reserve policy which allowed them to reduce these rates by 25-30%. The rate reduction went into effect on February 1, 2022.
ACTION: DISCUSSION ONLY
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5. |
Discuss and Approve Modifications to the Utility Service Rules. (For Possible Action) |
Utilities Director Brady stated that the department has been transitioning from having water service rules, which are guidelines and principles policies in terms of how the department functions under the municipal code. Changes have been made to the municipal code in order to implement Utility service rules. The municipal code gives the authority to the Utilities Director to make changes. However, if there are recommendations from the board, they can consider them as they move through the process. The new changes will incorporate a backflow protection section and include a conversation section. In addition, they will include an appendix that will identify all current rates, fees, fines, and charges. Moving forward, all the information residents need will be consolidated and made available on the department’s website. The current goal is to make changes as necessary and disclose a current log that displays any changes.
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ACTION: |
DISCUSSION ONLY |
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6. |
Discuss and Approve Proposed Changes to Senior Rates (For Possible Action) |
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Utilities Director Brady stated the department has established senior rates for any resident currently 62 years or older, head of household or enrolled in the Nevada energy assistance program or similar one which has been approved by the director. One of the challenges they are facing since COVID is people who have lost their jobs, considered low income, or have been impacted in some way are not taking advantage of this opportunity. The senior rate program provides a 50% reduced rate. Currently, there are 13 seniors that are enrolled in the program. Brady stated that they need to reach out to North Las Vegas residents and provide more information regarding the programs that are offered through the City. The current marketing approach to inform residents is through the City’s website and the department’s customer service staff.
Chairman Collins suggested that staff market the program at Senior Centers in North Las Vegas.
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ACTION: |
DISCUSSION ONLY |
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7. |
Receive Director's Report Provided by Utilities Director Tom Brady, P.E., LEED AP. |
Utilities Director Brady stated that the department just hit a huge milestone. Their current customer base has reached over 100,000 enrolled residents. This is a testament to council’s leadership and the department’s dedication when it comes to customer service.
Chairman Collins stated that the fact that during this meeting there was no discussion on safe drinking water is a testament to the type of work the staff is doing to ensure that the department stays in compliance with the States requirements. He stated that he appreciated that all North Las Vegas utilities customers had high quality water.
Utilities Director Brady advised that the North Las Vegas Utilities Department received the 2022 Smart 50 Awards recognition. This was from the 5th annual Smart Cities Award, which recognizes and honors the 50 most transformative smart projects in the nation. He mentioned that the biggest testament is the data that has been collected and how that helps the progress of reducing water waste.
There was no board items.
There was no public participation.
The meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m.
APPROVED:
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/s/ Russell Collins |
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Russell Collins, Chairman |
ATTEST:
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/s/ Daisy Rivera |
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Daisy Rivera,
Deputy City Clerk II