ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
4.	Consider Expenditure of Budgeted Funds to Print and Mail a Postcard throughout the District
Meeting Date:			March 21, 2011	Budgeted:	Yes
From:			Darby Fuerst,	Program/	Public Outreach
			General Manager	Line Item No.:	3-1-2
Prepared By:			Arlene Tavani	Cost Estimate:	$11,300
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Public Outreach Committee reviewed this item on March 8, 2011 and recommended publication and distribution of the postcard. The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on March 14, 2011 and recommended that the expenditure be approved on a vote of 2 to 0, Director Lehman was absent.
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: The Public Outreach Committee developed a postcard scheduled for District-wide distribution in early April 2011. The postcard was prepared in-house by District staff and the Committee. The total cost should not exceed $11,300. At the March 8, 2011 Public Outreach Committee meeting, the committee recommended publication and distribution of the postcard.

Attached as Exhibit 4-A is a draft version of the postcard design. Attached as Exhibit 4-B is a sample of text that would appear on the back of the postcard. The purpose is to draw the public’s attention to Water Project 1 (underground storage); the District’s fishery projects; and water conservation achieved by the community. The postcard delivers a brief message and refers the recipient to our website for additional information, or provides the option of receiving the same information free-of-charge by mail. The Public Outreach Committee has tentative plans to mail postcards on a regular basis to keep the public informed of progress in development of water supplies and protection of the environment.

RECOMMENDATION: Staff requests that the Board approve a not-to-exceed amount of $11,300 to print and mail a postcard throughout the District in April 2011. The Board should also indicate a preference for one of the postcard designs, and approve the text.

IMPACT TO STAFF/RESOURCES: The Fiscal Year 2010-11 Budget includes $11,300 to fund this effort under item 3-1-1, Annual Newsletter. The cost will be allocated as follows: purchase design elements/graphics $100; printing $2,500; prepare mailing and postage $8,700.

EXHIBITS

4-A Draft Version of Postcard Design

4-B Sample of Text for Reverse Side of Postcard

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