Updates from the Water Company’s First Virtual Meeting

The Board held its first meeting (via Zoom) under the Covid-19 restrictions and it was a success! A couple directors joined via their computer and others joined via phone. Buck McLelland, our Plant Operator, and two corporation members, Becky and Fritz Thornburg, were also in virtual attendance, as was our former President, Steve Martin.

Per our blog post of last week, we will continue to hold these meetings virtually until further notice.

Operational Meetings

Speaking of meetings…At Buck’s suggestion we have decided to hold ½ hour bi-weekly operational meetings so that we can quickly discuss current water systems operations, business operations, and website and communications. It will also allow us to stay in sync with the latest news and best practices as things develop during the Covid-19 pandemic. The first of these will be held on April 1^st at 6:30 p.m. You can find the latest agenda, including how to RSVP for any of these meetings, on our Important Documents page.

Safety Measures

Buck and Kris brought us up to speed on what they are doing to maximize safety and minimize contact as it relates to the Covid-19. They are no longer working at the plant, or anywhere else, together so that if one of them gets sick, the other won’t be compromised. They are in direct contact via phone, daily, as they have been for years.

Additionally, the board discussed contingency plans if both of them were down and not able to travel for any reason. Steve Martin, our former president, has the necessary experience to take over and can do so under Buck’s direction. Other board members can also step in, with direction from Buck via phone or facetime, for example, as the plant and our systems are set up accordingly.

Updated FAQs

We’ve recently this FAQ (and answer) to our FAQ page:

What do I do if I need to make payment arrangements during the Covid-19 pandemic?

If you are under financial hardship due to the pandemic, please contact our secretary, Joanne Oehlerking at 530-694-2924. It should be noted that Markleeville Water Company is considered a critical infrastructure utility and as such needs income in order to continue to operate and supply clean, potable water to our corporation members.

You’ll also find a few others, including one that answers the question: Who do I contact if I have a water emergency?

Updated Important Documents

We’ve added the agenda from Saturday’s meeting, as well the operations report; the approved minutes from last month’s meeting and the agenda for our first operational meeting. On this page, you’ll also find our Schedule of Rates & Fees and a 3-year waiver for testing of organic synthetic materials that we rec’d late last year. Kudos to Director Hartnett for his hard work and persistence in getting that waiver, by the way – not having to do that testing so often will save us money and give Kris a little more time back in his day.

Grant Update

Lastly, we want to let you know that our planning grant initiative is moving along nicely. We’ve had lengthy, detailed discussions on timing, cost and possible options. Some options will likely increase members’ rates but it’s too soon to tell for sure how much. We are VERY cognizant of the impact increased rates could have and will not make any such decisions without members’ input. We are discussing how and when we could host a meeting for members to bring you up to speed and get your feedback. It’s likely that the Covid-19 pandemic would have an impact on that meeting; right now it’s too early to tell. Once we have some certainty, however, we’ll post something on the website, and email and mail notice to all members.

Be Safe and Stay Healthy!

We wish you and your families well during this difficult time and urge you to follow all guidelines issued by the county and state. Urge your family and friends to do the same, too.

If we all stick together and do it for each other then we’ll get through this.