Water Supply Q&A Graphic

Q&A

Questions and answers arising from the City’s acquisition of RCH.

  1. Will RCH Water Supply Corporation customer rates change?
    When the City acquires RCH, it will be able to set rates without going through the Public Utility Commission (PUC) for approval. The McLendon-Chisholm City Council sets the rates just like they do with services provided by vendors like Waste Management Services, Trash Services, etc. Once the Transfer Agreement is executed there is a list of events which will occur, including, but not limited to: an inspection of RCH’s financial documents for the purpose of conducting a study to ensure the City is covering the expenses and has a reserve. Customers inside the City Limits do not have the right to appeal rates to the PUC, because they have the power of the vote in City elections. [Texas Water Code Sec. 13.043]
  2. What can customers in the ETJ do about rate changes?
    For those customers that live outside the City Limits and are unable to vote in City elections, they have the right to appeal the rates to the PUC. An appeal requires 10% of the customers outside the City Limits to join. [Texas Water Code Sec. 13.043]
  3. Will there be a future rate study?
    Yes, it may take place for the 2024-2025 City Budget Season. There are current rates already set by RCH that will be used at this time. Please note that rates for outside City customers would need justification to be treated differently than those inside the City Limits, such as the additional infrastructure, resources and personnel time required to provide service to the ETJ customers. The City would have to give notice to the City customers outside the City Limits of the rate change within 60 days after the effective date of the rate change. [Texas Water Code Sec. 13.043]
  4. Can the City offer billing administration?
    Yes. The City has an agreement with Inframark and will start new account administration once the City provides customer data.
  5. Will the City produce an audit?
    Yes. 180 days after the end of the fiscal year an independent audit has to be presented and accepted to the City Council.
  6. Did the City request items in the RCH WSC Transfer Agreement?
    When the City Council passed this agreement on September 27, 2022 there is a “Section V. Review Period and Right to Inspect” stating within fourteen (14) days of the Effective Date, RCH shall make “documents” available for reasonable inspection and copying by McLendon-Chisholm. “Documents” includes such items as operation logs and engineering to financial related documents. This is a standard list of items to be requested, and the City understands due to lack of improvements it may be difficult to deliver. However, good faith efforts should be attempted.
  7. Did the City include clauses in the RCH WSC Transfer Agreement that McLendon-Chisholm can terminate the Agreement?
    The City Management, City Council and local citizens have exhibited good faith in all their efforts to show support. This includes things like allowing a secure water payment lock box to be placed at the City Hall. The City Council retained a water specialist, Emily Rogers of Bickerstaff, Heath Delgado Acosta, LLP. The City Council appointed several citizens to serve on a City Water Committee. A plethora of actions taken by local government showing its support for this transfer exhibit the City’s firm belief this Agreement will serve our public.
  8. How long will it take for an approval of the Agreement by the Public Utility Commission?
    In some cases, it has taken approximately nine (9) months. Most of the application and documents have already been processed from City Administration and our Legal Team. McLendon-Chisholm has drafted an interim agreement and the City Council unanimously passed that agenda item on May 24, 2023. The RCH WSC Board Directors should have received certified letters by Postal Service containing this Interim Agreement. No board director or RCH WSC registered agent has requested these documents from City Administration.
  9. Can RCH WSC Board of Directors approve for the president to sign the Interim Agreement and the Transfer Agreement while both parties await for the PUC to respond to the filing?
    Yes. It’s the City’s earnest hope the RCH WSC Board President, David Naylor, will have followed through in producing a June 7, 2023, 4:00 PM RCH Board meeting agenda which includes discussion and action of the referenced agreements. Once the RCH WSC Board approves both agreements then designated representatives City Administrator Konrad Hildebrandt and Mayor Pro Tem Adrienne Balkum will provide an immediate remedy by initiating the process to negotiate an Interim Management Agreement (also delivered to RCH) on behalf of RCH to handle the day-to-day operations, business affairs, repair, maintenance, water meter reading, billing, etc.
  10. Does the City of McLendon-Chisholm have the monies to manage water system improvements?
    Yes. During the interim of the first stage of the transfer process we have cost-related information for immediate needs that will be necessary for operations and billing administration. Additional stages for improvements will be addressed in future budgets and will be planned for as it involves several entities including NTMWD.

If there are additional questions or concerns please email City Administrator Konrad Hildebrandt so that it may be addressed in a timely manner.

RCH Water Towe against Cloudy Sky

McLendon-Chisholm City Council unanimously passed a resolution approving an Asset Transfer Agreement, which includes water, utility (both inside and outside the City’s limits) and calling upon the Board of Directors for RCH Water Supply Corporation to authorize and approve the same.  Additionally, the City Council approved the City Administrator Konrad Hildebrandt and Mayor Pro Tem Adrienne Balkum to enter negotiations with authorized service providers to provide interim operation, maintenance and billing services for water on behalf of RCH.

“We hope the RCH WSC Board Directors will discuss and take action at their next board meeting at City Hall on June 7 at 4:00 pm to approve the Asset Transfer Agreement and agree to the City of McLendon-Chisholm handling all maintenance and operational functions of RCH so customers are not inconvenienced or negatively impacted by their current status.” says Mayor Keith Short.

Further, Mayor Pro Tem Balkum explained, “This resolution says McLendon-Chisholm wants RCH to transfer all its assets, systems and all customers to the City. Most importantly, this will provide an immediate remedy by initiating the process of allowing the City to negotiate an Interim Management Agreement on behalf of RCH to handle the day-to-day operations, business affairs, repair, maintenance, water meter reading, billing, etc. RCH is currently unable to handle. The RCH Board Directors will still need to host an election with the ballot language to members to vote for or against the transfer agreement.”

Certified letters have been sent to RCH’s Board of Directors containing the signed resolution, asset transfer agreement, authorization letter and a request to add these items onto the next agenda.

H2O Services is no longer providing billing administration and operations to RCH Water Supply Corporation as of May 3, 2023. Local management from the City of Rockwall and Blackland Water Supply Corporation has been graciously managing the pump station operations and notifications on a temporary basis. There is a new lockbox installed at City Hall for anyone who would like to drop off their check for a past billing statement.

The RCH website is still undergoing revisions and payments are no longer being processed online.

For emergencies, water line breaks or maintenance issues please contact the after hours phone number (325) 266-8366.

National Public Works week graphic.

The City of McLendon-Chisholm joined communities around the country in honoring the employees who play an important role in keeping the community safe and functioning smoothly.

Mayor Keith Short proclaimed May 21 – May 27 as National Public Works Week. He recognized the City of Rockwall Public Works and Pump Tech Supervisor Shon Bellah at the City Council Meeting.

“We encourage all citizens to educate themselves with the efforts involved with public works and recognize the contributions that the City of Rockwall public works officials make every day to our health, safety and comfort and quality of life,” said Mayor Short. “We want to thank the extraordinary contributions that Shon Bellah has made to the City of McLendon-Chisholm community for the timely service; and coordinating efforts with neighboring service providers.”

Connecting the World Through Public Works is the theme for 2023 and illustrates how public works connects us all through infrastructure and service, enhancing the quality of life for the communities these professionals serve.

Public Works proclamation made by Mayor Short.
Above: Mayor Short (left) and Mayor Pro Tem Andrienne Balkum (right) celebrate the work of Rockwall Public Works employees. Left picture with Shon Bellah, Pump Tech Supervisor and Amy Williams, P.E. Director of Public Works. Right picture with Shon Bellah and his son Allen.

Armed Forces Memorial headstone at City Hall

The City’s Annual Memorial Day Program will take place on Saturday, May 27 at the Armed Forces Memorial located at City Hall, 1371 W. FM 550.

The program, which honors those who gave the ultimate sacrifice begins at 11:30 am. All are encouraged to attend.

RCH Water Supply Corporation Board of Directors have enacted Stage 2 of the Drought Contingency Plan on May 3, 2023 for customers who are served in McLendon-Chisholm and Rockwall County.

WHAT ARE STAGE 2 REGULATIONS?

(a) Irrigation of landscaped areas with hose-end sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems shall be limited to Sundays and Thursdays for customers with a street address ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6 or 8), and Saturdays and Wednesdays for water customers with a street address ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7 or 9), and irrigation of landscaped areas is further limited to the hours of 12:00 midnight until 10:00 a.m. and between 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight on designated watering days. However, irrigation of landscaped areas is permitted at anytime if it is by means of a hand-held hose, a faucet filled bucket or watering can of five (5) gallons or less, or drip irrigation system.

Please consider water conservation efforts as RCH is in the process of management changes. It was recorded on May 2, 2023 that usage levels are steadily increasing and it is critical to conserve water.

RCH are working with local management from the City of Rockwall and Blackland WSC temporarily managing the pump station operations and notifications.

Quarterly sample testing was completed on Monday, May 8 and elevated tower cleaning is scheduled between May 22 – May 24.

NEW MEETING LOCATION

The next monthly RCH Board of Directors meeting is on Wednesday, June 7 at 2pm at the McLendon-Chisholm City Hall located at 1371 West FM 550.

H2O Services is no longer contracted to provide billing administration and operations.

The RCH Water Supply Corporation website will no longer accept online payments. Please consider dropping your payment off at the designated drop off location at McLendon-Chisholm City Hall.

If you have any questions and/or concerns please email David Naylor, President of RCH Water Supply Corporation at: naylor@rchwatersupply.com.

For emergencies, water line breaks or maintenance issues please contact the after hours phone number (325) 266-8366.

Spring Cleanup Graphic

This is your opportunity to do some spring cleaning and the City ofMcLendon-Chisholm would like to help. All residents are encouraged to participate in the Cleanup Campaign.

Saturday, April 22, 2023 ~ 7:00 A.M. -12:00 Noon
City Hall, 1371 WEST FARM MARKET ROAD 550
Proof of Residency Required

  • The Cleanup Campaign is a service for the residents of McLendon-Chisholm and NOT for people from other communities, contractors, or businesses.
  • The City website will be updated as more information becomes available.
  • A roll off dumpster will be located at 1371 West FM 550, please bring the ACCEPTED items to this location for disposal.

Bulk Items ACCEPTED at ROLLO FF location:

  • Non-Freon Appliances
  • Furniture
  • Scrap Metal
  • Lumber
  • Mattresses/Box Springs

Bulk Items NOT ACCEPTED at ROLLOFF location:

  • Freon Appliances
  • Automotive products and parts
  • Chemicals / Paint/ Tires
  • Demolition/ construction debris
  • Brush/ tree limbs
  • TV’s

Thank you for helping to keep the city of McLendon-Chisholm looking clean and attractive.

DROP OFF MAP

Spring Clean-Up map of dumpster location

 

Windsong Ranch in Prosper, TX

Representatives from the Tellus Group made a presentation at the 02/28/23 Council Meeting regarding the proposed Mann Ranch development.

The development would encompass 1,100 acres and is located at the southern edge of McLendon-Chisholm extending into Kaufman County within the City’s ETJ.

Download the Presentation (4mb pdf)

NTMWD Water Treatment Process

The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) will temporarily change the disinfectant in its water treatment process from March 6 through April 3, 2023.

The annual, routine change is necessary to maintain the regional system and year-round water quality for the more than two million customers NTMWD serves in a 10-county region in North Texas in a 2,200-square-mile service area. NTMWD provides a capacity of more than 876 million gallons of treated water per day through more than 695 miles of transmission pipelines. For more information, visit www.NTMWD.com/SafeWater and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) at www.tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/disinfection/temporary-free-chlorine-conversion.

Disinfection is a critical part of the water treatment process that keeps drinking water free of harmful microorganisms, such as parasites and viruses. Disinfection involves a two-step process that first treats the water at the treatment plant and then chloramine disinfectant (chlorine + ammonia) is added to maintain water quality on its journey through the miles of pipes to homes and businesses. During the temporary change, NTMWD suspends adding ammonia and uses free chlorine to keep the water disinfected as it travels through pipes. It’s important to do this before summer because hotter temperatures can increase the potential for bacterial growth in pipes. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this temporary conversion is a common practice for many water providers using chloramines for disinfection.

The absence of ammonia during these few weeks may make the chlorine disinfectant more noticeable to some people. There are simple steps to minimize taste, odor, or skin sensitivities, including placing a pitcher of water in the refrigerator overnight or adding a slice of citrus to the water. Adding a crushed 1000 mg Vitamin C tablet to bath water will neutralize the chlorine.

“Protection of public health and keeping our water safe is a top priority,” said Zeke Campbell, NTMWD Assistant Director for Water Treatment and Conveyance. “This common maintenance practice is an essential step in our advanced year-round treatment and disinfection process and does not increase the amount of chlorine in the system. The water remains safe to drink and use every day, and we continue to meet or surpass safe drinking water standards.”

NTMWD has conducted the temporary change in water disinfectant for over a decade and continues to meet safe drinking water standards earning recognition from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as a Superior Public Water System.

During the change, the cities and districts served by NTMWD may help move the chlorine-disinfected water through the system faster by flushing water from fire hydrants. The combination of converting to chlorine disinfectant and flushing the pipes helps maintain the system and safe water year-round.

NTMWD conducts hundreds of tests daily in a state-certified laboratory to ensure water safety. Monthly and annual water quality reports are posted online, including results of tests conducted during the annual system maintenance. Customers can view this information at www.NTMWD.com/water-testing/. The TCEQ also conducts routine sampling and testing in NTMWD and city distribution systems through an independent laboratory to confirm water quality compliance with state and federal standards.

NTMWD has posted resources www.NTMWD.com/SafeWater, including fact sheets, frequently asked questions, infographics, videos, and guidelines for questions about water quality.

CWD Trash Collection Truck

CWD is reporting that trash collection will resume on Thursday, February 2nd, weather and road conditions permitting.

All weather impacted trash collection customers should have carts out by 10am and keep them out until 5pm on Sunday, February 5th. All other services – recycling, compost and bulk- are postponed until the next scheduled pickup day, the week of February 6th.

The CWD office will be closed on Thursday and reopen on Friday. Please visit the CWD website for continued updates.

Join us on Saturday, March 18th, for a pickleball tournament to raise funds for first responders and their families. We’ll have a food truck, live music, face painting, and an open format, round-robin draw open to the public. The event will end with an epic “battle of the badges” on Championship Court at 4:30pm.

Sign up to register for the open format, round-robin draw here.