It comes as an understatement of almost unprecedented proportions to say that much has happened since my last Commissioner's Corner article, which appeared in the January/February 2001 edition of this Newsletter.

Thanks in large part to several projects completed over the past years to retrofit the various water tanks located throughout the District to current earthquake standards, the water and sewer systems were able to withstand the big "shake" test with flying colors. While retrofitting the water tanks is expensive, the cost of tank failure, both in terms of risk to persons and property, can be catastrophic. The last of the projects to seismically upgrade our water tanks is planned for construction this year and should be completed by June 2002.

You have been informed over the year of significant major projects and system improvements that have been accomplished in 2001. These projects represent significant expenditures of time and money that have been accomplished within previously budgeted expenditure limits. Occasionally, significant expenses that were not planned, such as major changes to road and street rights-of-way that require relocations and or replacements of existing water or sewer improvements, occur. The financial goals the Board adopted during our last rate increase, which was at the beginning of last year, were developed to allow us to respond to a certain level of these unplanned expenditures and continue to provide reliable service within the revenue limits of existing rates. These rates are planned to remain at the same level through the year 2002. With these major expenditures behind us and recent labor contracts finalized for a few years, I trust that rate growth can be contained for the foreseeable future.

1. Tax exemption for water/sewer utility work in public right of way- develop legislation which will expand the existing retail sales tax exemption for improvement of public right of way to include public works projects to install, repair or replace water and sewer facilities in public right-of-way.
2. Engineer/architect selection- pursue a change to the existing engineering selection statute which will allow a public agency to request and consider professional fee rates in making the selection between engineers/architects of otherwise equal qualifications.
3. Public works- clarify and expand the conditions under which public works projects may be performed by public employees.
4. Water and sewer system connection charges- establish that districts may collect from property owners seeking to connect to the water/sewer systems without installing permanent local facilities the cost of future local facilities installed by private developers.
5. Assumption of special purpose districts- advance legislation that will require the ratepayers of special purpose water/sewer districts which provide service on a regional basis to approve the assumption of all, or part of, the district's service jurisdiction by a city under RCW Chapter 35.13A.
6. Reclaimed water- continue to pursue legislation to establish federal cost-sharing participation on reclaimed water projects within the District. (Update – with thanks to Representative Adam Smith, the House bill to provide funding for Lakehaven's reclaimed water project appears to be headed for a vote in the U. S. House in late October. Assistance with Senate approval is expected from Senators Murray & Cantwell).
7. Water rights- participate with public purveyor groups to establish legislation which will enhance the status of municipal water rights
8. Public Works Trust Fund- continue to work with other impacted groups to oppose loss of loan funding opportunities caused by legislative appropriations of public works trust fund monies allocated for public works projects.
9. Aquifer storage and recovery- pursue any necessary modifications to 1999 legislation

We will keep you updated as the 2002 Legislative Session develops.

Don't let snow and ice catch you unprepared. Prevent the expense and inconvenience of frozen or burst pipes by taking a few simple steps now.

1. Insulate exposed pipes and faucets.
2. Disconnect and drain hoses. Wrap the faucet with rags and duct tape, or buy a styrofoam faucet cover.
3. Know where your water shut-off valve is located.

Knowing the location of your shut-off valve and its proper operation is essential. You can help by keeping the water meter unobstructed for easy access in case of emergency.

For more information call Melinda @ 253-946-5426.

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Water conservation is not just for the summer, but the winter as well. The sewer charge for single family residences is determined each year by the water usage shown in the billings for the months of January through April. Conserving your water usage now will not only save you money on your water bill, but your sewer bill as well.

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If you are new to our area, you may not be aware that we do not add fluoride to our water. If you have young children and the lack of fluoride is a concern, you may wish to talk to your dentist.

Combine ingredients in a zip lock bag.

Squeeze bag until everything is mixed.

Remove playdough from bag and continue to mix with hands.

Use newspaper or construction paper to roll out the dough.

Use holiday cookie cutters to cut ornaments out of clay.

Use a straw to put a hole in the ornaments so that you can put string or ribbon through it to hang.

Let ornaments dry for 24 hours.