Update approved by the board on January 13, 2022. PDF here.
Background:
In 2017, a 4-year long term plan was created and posted on the VPID website. . In January 2021, a review of the plan was completed which identified successes, areas requiring completion and a new 3-year plan created. The new plan included targets for Financial Stability, Water Supply, Communication, Education and Completion of the Meter Study. It has been updated again in January 2022.
Review of the year 2021
Financial Stability:
- For both Sewer and Water, tolls were increased and taxes reduced by an equivalent amount. The accumulated operating deficit for Sewer has been eliminated. The accumulated operating deficit for Water has been reduced by $50,000.
- BC Hydro costs for the treatment plant were reduced by challenging the rate class for the plant. Insurance costs were reduced by searching out a new insurance provider.
- Water mainline pipe replacement loan paid off for a cost of $22,026.
- Accounting procedures were improved as suggested by our auditor.
Water Supply :
- Well 19 project was completed and brought on line in July.
Communication:
- 2 landowner forums were held.
- Notice board in Village Bay Park was resurrected and information posted.
- Storage levels were not posted.
- No articles were written for the MayneLiner
Education:
- Articles included in the quarterly update letters on techniques for saving water.
- One article written identifying main areas for household water usage.
Meter Study :
- Committee members established with 6 meetings held via Zoom throughout the year
- Survey conducted with 130 landowners participating.
- Goal of research and presentation of facts achieved.
- Comprehensive report written
- Preparations made for a vote to judge landowner support for meters.
New 3 Year Plan:
The new 3-year plan begins in January of 2022 and includes the same 5 pillars of Financial Stability, Water Supply, Communication, Education and Completion of the Meter Study. The intent is to continue a planning horizon of 3 years in an ongoing rolling basis. Below are the objectives for the next 3 years:
Year 1 (2022)
Financial Stability:
- Create a slight operating surplus for Sewer
- Reduce the accumulated operating deficit for Water to less than $50,000
- Continue searching for cost reduction measures.
- Continue to bring the accounting and documentation retention in line with the expectation of the auditor.
Water supply:
- Research well 9 to identify and correct any issues causing reduced production
- Continue search for hidden corporation stops which are an impairment to leak detection
- Study potential for additional storage capacity.
Communications:
- Continue with 2 Landowner forums in the Spring and Fall
- Provide input to the Mayne Island Integrated Water Systems Society articles in the MayneLiner
- Post storage levels on a weekly basis during the summer months on the VPID notice boards as well as in strategic locations.
- Prepare a manual for the VPID Board of Trustees to ensure that various policies, procedures and principles that have been developed over the years are not lost when new Trustees are elected.
Education:
- Include articles in the quarterly update letters on techniques for saving water.
- Identify main areas of water usage in homes.
- Identify how to recognize leaks on houses or properties.
- Provide simplified information on the VPID system.
- Promote rainwater collection by residents
Meter study:
- Bring study to a close by holding a referendum.
- Future work on meters will be dependent on the referendum outcome.
Year 2 (2023)
Financial Stability:
- Eliminate the accumulated operating deficit for water.
- Adjust tolls and taxes to provide a slight operating surplus for water.
- Continue searching for cost reduction measures
Water supply:
- Complete the search for hidden corporation stops
Communications:
- Continue with landowner forums in the Spring and Fall
Education:
- Provide good news articles on how some VPID residents have captured and are using rainwater.
Year 3 (2024)
Financial Stability:
- Review the amount of money in the Renewal Reserve Fund and consideration given to paying down a portion of the Water loan
Water Supply:
- Add one more storage tank at the Tank Farm.
- Identify VPID facilities that may be compromised by flooding
Communications:
- Continue with landowner forums in the Spring and Fall
Education:
- Continue providing information on water consumption and identifying methods for water conservation.
Approved by the board on January 13th, 2022
Posted January 19, 2022