Dear Water Users Coalition Member,

We appreciate the many letters and emails received from our members expressing your continued support and gratitude for our efforts and accomplishments over the past year. After speaking with several members of the coalition it was determined that the coalition would take a wait and see approach effectively giving the North Harris County Regional Water Authority some time to address the many ideas and concerns our members have brought up through our coalition meetings.

Progress (Ideas and concerns put into action)

• Direct communications from the NHCRWA to the MUD Directors.
• NHCRWA forum presentation for MUD Directors.
• Participation in AWBD surface water presentation.
• Comprehensive layout of contractual and financial obligations and agreements.
• Improved opportunity for all individuals to address the NHCRWA Board of Directors at meetings.

The Coalition applauds the efforts of the NHCRWA for improving the communications to the MUD community and encourages them to continue with this effort moving forward.

Pending (Ideas and concerns under consideration)

• Regularly scheduled meetings (semi – annual) with the operations community to enhance operations and communications.
• A selected volunteer committee of water professionals, MUD directors and NHCRWA staff members to brain storm water topics and potential policies that may affect the Authority’s customers.
• The development of an early warning alert system with regards to water availability and quality issues.
• A NHCRWA booth at AWBD, with continued education and communication specifically for our MUD community.

The Water Users Coalition will continue to seek to improve communications with the NHCRWA and will actively advance the ideas and concerns of our coalition members.

 

Over the next several months the Coalition will be seeking volunteers to establish a board of directors to oversee the future of the Water Users Coalition. Should you have an interest in serving please contact Jerry Homan at JFHoman@district61.org or 281-469-9405.

 

Best regards,

Jerry Homan

Water Users Coalition

 

 

(Note: A new Water Users Coalition meeting will be scheduled in early November 2015, details will follow in an upcoming communication.)

I wanted to share information from the North Harris County Regional Water Authority Meeting that was held on September 14, 2015 where I spoke out about our concerns.

The Water Users Coalition had its first meeting on September 2, 2014 in the City of Tomball. We have had three board member meetings thus far located in Tomball, Cypress, and Spring. We have had two Operator meetings located in Cypress and Champions.  All of our meetings have been well attended and productive.

MUDs and the NHCRWA have common goals and with good faith cooperation we can build a partnership that would achieve better communication, improved problem solving and achieve support from the stakeholders.

The Water Users Coalition has offered up several good ideas. We have shown good faith and professionalism all along the way.

Achieving mutual cooperation requires a sincere effort from both parties. Mutual respect and follow through is necessary to build relationships.

Unfortunately, I no longer believe the NHCRWA has an interest in being a good faith partner. The NHCRWA has a closed shop. They know what they want to do and really do not need the MUDs getting in their way. Who needs partners when you can do it yourself, so they think.  We will need to work together to achieve our common goals. This may require a change in leadership, a new perspective, one that appreciates and respects the MUD community as partners moving forward.

Following is the letter I submitted on September 1, 2015 to Jimmie Schindewolf, P.E. :

September 1, 2015
Jimmie Schindewolf, P.E.
North Harris County Regional Water Authority
3648 Cypress Creek Pkwy., #110
Houston, Texas 77068
Dear Jimmie,

On May 4, 2015, I attended the NHCRWA board meeting and addressed the Board of Directors inquiring about funding for the upcoming capital projects. The following statements and bullet points were presented to the NHCRWA board members.

Please consider the following before determining how the NHCRWA will proceed in paying for the future capital project expenditures and the increasing of pumpage fees.

• Public forums to layout NHCRWA financial options on paying for the capital projects, seeking input from your stakeholders. (Possible Survey)
• Open Meeting Discussions “Agenda item” between NHCRWA board members and consultants discussing and considering all financial options available to the authority.
• Lay out a comprehensive financial strategy that informs MUDs of the cost that they should expect for both short and long term moving forward. This will help MUDs with their customers and future planning.

Ultimately I hope to see a collective strategy that does involve input from your stake holders whereas to achieve support from the MUD community.

Where is the NHCRWA with respect to these requested considerations?

Please read this communication during the next NHCRWA meeting.

Regards,

Jerry Homan