AgdaPkt 2013-07-22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.1.1. - Page 5 F3. The rates and the process of setting them are difficult to understand because so many variables, such as added city fees, come into play. Response: The City does not agree with this finding. The rates and the process of setting fees is no more difficult than it is with other utilities. However, since the board is made up of staff officials, the general public does not pay as much attention to the issue as it does when such matters are determined by those the public holds accountable — elected officials. Therefore the City believes that this finding supports appointing elected officials to the board. F4. Customers would benefit from receiving itemized billing statements that show charges imposed by Recology and additional fees imposed by the relevant Member Agency. Response: The City does not have enough information to agree or disagree with this finding. F5. Elected officials already have sufficient influence in the decision-making process because the governing body of each Member Agency must approve major decisions such as contracts and rate increases. Response: The City does not agree with this finding. Elected officials do not approve the actual budget of the SBWMA, they do not set policy of the SBWMA, they do not appoint the Executive Director, and they do not have a voice in discussions relative to land use decisions. A recent review of SBWMA Board Agendas revealed that a great number of items were clearly higher- level, critical issues more suited for decision making by elected officials. Moreover, the relative professional levels of staff serving on the Board varies widely. For example, a City Manager who sits on the board from one city will inherently have more influence over the board than a lower- level staff appointee from another agency. With a board of elected officials, all member agencies will be represented consistently, on a"level playing field." F6. There is no demonstrable advantage to changing the Board composition from only senior management staff to only elected officials. Response: The City does not agree with this finding. The previously mentioned 2009 Grand Jury Report recommended that elected officials serve on the board. The Grand Jury recommended this based on its Finding #2 which stated "Whether or not elected officials from the member agencies are on the SBWMA Board of Directors, these elected officials are ultimately responsible for all actions taken by the SBWMA." Redwood City responded to this recommendation in 2009 that the staff-composed board arrangement should continue but that the City Council may elect to revisit this matter in the future. Since the 2009 report, concerns over the operations and management of SBWMA, whether real or perceived, continue to fall under public scrutiny. As elected officials ultimately responsible for all actions taken by the SBWMA, it is time for elected officials to serve on the board and provide the level of oversight which the public expects and deserves. Furthermore, a recent survey prepared for the Blue Ribbon Task Force of similar types of joint powers authorities (JPAsJ revealed that all had boards comprised of elected officials. Those similar JPAs include Alameda 3