Water Utility Committee


Objective:

To develop action programs to initiate, evaluate, respond and comment, within the framework of VA Section and Association policies, on legislative, regulatory and other matters which directly affect water utilities and to encourage provision of better water service to the consuming public.

Membership:

This committee shall have twelve (12) members, which will include eight (8) utility members, one (1) regulatory agency member, and three (3) at-large members.  

Additionally, the Section Chair-Elect shall serve as an ex-officio member. The utility members shall be recommended by the utility member representatives of the VA Section and appointed by the Board of Trustees. The non-utility members shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees. The term of office for these members shall be three years on a staggered basis, with the eligibility to succeed themselves for one additional term. The term of office of the Chair-Elect member shall be one year. All terms shall begin and end at the conclusion of the VA Section Annual Meeting.

The officers of this committee shall be a Chair and Vice Chair, elected from the membership of the committee on an annual basis at the same time as elections are held for section officers. Each is eligible to succeed himself. The Vice Chair shall not automatically succeed to the chair's position.

In the event a Chair is unable to complete the term of office, the Vice chair shall act as Chair until the next committee meeting, at which time a new Chair shall be elected to fill the unexpired term. Vacancies occurring in other offices shall be filled by appointment of the Chair for the unexpired term, and all such appointees shall be eligible for election at the next scheduled election to a full term in office.

Vacancies occurring in the membership of this committee shall be filled by appointment by the Section Chair for the unexpired term, and all such appointees shall be eligible for election to a full term in office following the expiration of the unexpired term.

Reports to:

Chair-Elect

Duties:

     The following duties are assigned to this committee:

a.   Provide pertinent information to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the Newsletter.

b.   Establish liaison with officials in State agencies who are responsible for water resources and water utilities in the State. Request that the Chair be included  on mailing lists for notice of proposed rules and regulations and public hearings or seminars.

c.   Bring to the attention of other committees within the VA Section and the Association those policies, procedures and matters which may fall within their areas of interest. In particular, the committee shall cooperate with the Association's Water Utility Council in responding to and implementing the program of such latter Council.

d.   When the General Assembly is in session, obtain daily calendar and copies of such bills that may affect water utilities.

e.   Suggest programs for the Section's annual meeting.

f.   Letter ballots may be sent to committee members by the Chair when a decision is needed on a committee position on an issue or proposed committee action and the question cannot be deferred until the next scheduled committee meeting. Each letter ballot shall contain a summary of the issue to be voted on, any attachments necessary to allow members to examine the issue in depth, a response date and provision for a three-option (yes, no, abstain) answer.

An affirmative vote of a two-thirds majority of the committee shall be required for passage of a letter ballot issue. Comments on an issue raised in a letter ballot will be welcomed, but will not be substituted for an answer.

When time does not permit approval by committee members, the Chair or Vice Chair or a designated committee member with the approval of the VA Section Chair may present position statements in the interest of the members on proposals or impending legislation, rules, study commissions and other proposals.

g.   The committee shall hold at least four meetings each year at times established by the Chair. Other meetings may be held upon the call of the Chair at such times and places as may be specified.

h.   Adhere to guidelines set forth in the general policies for committees.  (Section IIIA of the Handbook).