NO MATTER WHAT HOLIDAY YOU CELEBRATE, WE’D LIKE TO WISH YOU A SAFE, HEALTHY, AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!
Message from Board President Phil Hawkins
Phil Hawkins, President
At our monthly meeting, the Board of Directors was pleased to recognize the newly elected and outgoing Directors, including the first woman director in our agency’s over 100-year history.
I am already enjoying serving with newly elected Director Trudi Kew DesRoches, a fourth-generation Orange County resident and water industry veteran. Her experience as a Civil Engineer is valuable to our community and will help achieve YLWD’s mission of providing safe and reliable water and sewer services.
We recognized Vice President Andrew J. Hall and Director Al Nederhood for their service as they leave their Board positions. Director Hall is retiring from the board after serving as a Director from 2016 to 2020. Director Nederhood was elected to serve as a Director on the Board of the Municipal Water District of Orange County and assumed office on Friday, December 4, 2020, creating a vacancy on the YLWD Board of Directors.
Both Directors have provided forward-thinking leadership and thoughtful direction in setting policy and focusing on the strategic goals of the District. The leadership and support of the outgoing Directors has been instrumental in furthering the agency’s overall mission and vision.
The Board now embarks on the task of appointing a new Director to fill the vacancy. We are looking for applicants who desire to serve our beloved community. If you have a passion for service, we encourage you to apply and join us in our commitment to providing residents, businesses, schools, and nonprofits with great service.
Committed to you,
Phil Hawkins
Board President
Message from General Manager
The Year 2020 has certainly been a memorable one for all of us at the Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD).
It was a year where we said goodbye to our 7th General Manager, Marc Marcantonio. We also said goodbye to two Directors who have served this community for 4 years: Director Andy Hall retired after one term and Director Al Nederhood was elected to the Board of Directors of the Municipal Water District of Orange County.
We also made history when our 27th Director was seated – Trudi Kew DesRoches became the first female Board Member of YLWD.
As firefighters were working to fend off the Blue Ridge Fire that was racing towards our community, YLWD was able to provide a consistent supply of water via the world’s first helicopter hydrant for fire-fighting helicopters. The helicopter hydrant was installed in March, allowing pilots and fire crews to train in order to be prepared prior to the start of “fire season.” This is a critical new tool for protecting our community. The pilots told us after the fire that with this new addition to our system, they were able to cut down flight time by 50% which increased their ability to make more water drops in order to keep the fire away from our homes.
YLWD also made numerous upgrades to our District infrastructure, including installing a permanent natural gas back-up generator at our Elk Mountain Pump Station in order to keep the water flowing should there be an interruption of electric service to the eastern edge of our District during a fire. We fire-hardened our most vulnerable reservoirs and pump stations to increase our reliability during the “fire season.”
This year our community started hearing about something called PFAS, a man-made micro-particle found in groundwater that will require YLWD to construct the largest PFAS Water Treatment Plant in California. Look for information on the groundbreaking, construction, and dedication ceremonies in 2021. This is yet another investment we are making in the water system to ensure that YLWD customers receive the highest quality water.
Finally, our team persevered throughout the year while coping with the unprecedented challenges provided by COVID-19. We continue to provide outstanding water and sewer service to our community – 24 hours a day, 366 days this year. Our Board and the community have been most supportive through the challenges posed by COVID-19 and we are proud to be one of only two water districts in Orange County which remain fully staffed and operational every day.
As we look ahead to the year 2021, there will certainly be challenges for each and every one of us. Rest assured, YLWD will continue to provide reliable water and sewer services to protect public health and the environment with financial integrity and superior customer service.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful 2021. As always, please feel free to contact me at brbarbre@ylwd.com if there is any way in which I may be of assistance to you.
Committed to you,
Brett R. Barbre
General Manager
Board Vacancy
The Board of Directors is seeking a candidate to fill a vacancy on the Board. YLWD Director Al Nederhood was elected to serve as a Director on the Board of the Municipal Water District of Orange County and assumed office on Friday, December 4, 2020, creating a vacancy on the YLWD Board of Directors.
On December 8, 2020, the Board of Directors voted to take immediate action to fill the vacant board position. The Board has chosen to appoint this position in an open and transparent public process, rather than incur the delay and cost of calling a special election, an option that would have cost the District’s ratepayers an estimated $361,567 to $398,711. The successful candidate will fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term (thru December 2022). The next four-year term for this seat will be determined by the voting public in the November 2022 general election.
Directors are expected to attend board meetings and various interagency meetings each month. The District will provide the successful candidate with orientation and make an effort to provide additional governance training as it becomes available.
To be considered for appointment, an applicant must be a registered voter, reside within the District’s boundaries, and be willing and dedicated to serving the public. Interested parties must submit a letter of interest, including their name, residential address, a statement of qualifications, and their reasons for wanting to serve on the board. Candidates shall mail or e-mail their letter of interest and supporting information, which must be received no later than noon on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at the address or e-mail address below. Postmarked materials will not be accepted if not received by the deadline.
YLWD Board of Directors
c/o Annie Alexander, Board Secretary
Yorba Linda Water District
PO Box 309
Yorba Linda CA 92885
aalexander@ylwd.com
The Board desires to select a qualified and willing candidate that is committed to serving for at least the next two years. The Board will interview qualified applicants in a special public meeting scheduled at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. This meeting will be facilitated telephonically pursuant to Paragraph 3 of Executive Order N-29-20 issued by the Governor of California on March 17, 2020 meaning candidate interviews will not be held in person. The Board may choose to appoint a candidate that evening or schedule this action for a future Board meeting.
For more information, please contact Alison Martin, Public Affairs Manager, at 714-701-3023 or visit www.ylwd.com.
