Join the Mid-Peninsula Water District Board of Directors!
The Mid-Peninsula Water District (MPWD) is looking for two community members to serve on its Board of Directors (Board). There is one opening within Division 4 and one within Division 5. Community members must live within one of these Division areas and be a registered voter in order to be eligible to serve as a Board Member. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of the critical role the District plays in providing water services to our community. If you’re passionate about water quality, environmental stewardship, and community service, we encourage you to submit an application!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to join the Board?
All interested candidates should submit an application by January 10, 2025 at 4pm. Applications received after this deadline may not be considered. Applications can be submitted via email to the Administrative Services Manager, Alison Bell, at abell@midpeninsulawater.org (download application form here) or via the online application. The Board Members will review all applications received, and candidates may be invited to a Board meeting to introduce themselves, give a brief presentation, and respond to questions from Board Members. Candidate interviews are expected to be held on January 14, 2025 at 6:00 pm at the District’s office at 1075 Old County Road, Suite A in Belmont.
What are the requirements to be a Board Member?
Board Members must reside within the district’s boundaries and in one of its five divisions, with one Director representing each division. They must also be a registered voter. While experience in areas like water management, engineering, law, finance, or public administration can be helpful, it is not required. Instead, a passion for community service, a willingness to learn, and a strong commitment to the District’s mission are essential qualities. New Board Members may receive training in governance, financial oversight, ethics, and legal responsibilities, along with an orientation on the District’s operations and priorities.
What are the time commitments and expectations for Board Members?
MPWD holds monthly board meetings, typically on the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm. The Board does not meet in August, and meetings dates are adjusted in November and December due to the holidays. Occasionally, the Board will be asked to meet for special meetings on dates and times that are agreeable to the Board. Board meetings are typically two to three hours. Board Members may participate in committee meetings, workshops, and occasional community events. Board Members are expected to review agenda packet materials in advance of the meeting so that they can make well-informed decisions. Board Members may also ask staff for additional information or clarification on agenda items and materials in advance of the board meeting. Additionally, Board Members may receive updates from District management and attend relevant training sessions or conferences to stay current on water industry issues.
What are the benefits of serving as an MPWD Director?
In addition to serving your community and being a part of the District’s invaluable mission of providing water to the community, all Board Members are eligible for District medical insurance and receive $100 per meeting attended. This includes public board meetings, committee meetings, and other events where they are serving as a representative of the District.
How long can appointed Directors serve for?
Both open Director seats can serve until November 2026. At that time, the appointed Director may choose to run for election. There are no term limits, and the District has had many Directors serve for 10 or more years in the 95 years since it was founded.
Why are there two Director positions open?
One Director has recently moved out of the service area. It is a requirement that all Board Members live within the District’s service area, specifically within the division that they represent. Based on current election returns, it is expected that the other Director will be elected to the Belmont City Council and would be unable to hold both a City Council and MPWD Board Member position at the same time. Election results are expected to be certified on December 5, 2024.
If Directors are elected, why are these positions being appointed?
Members of the Board are elected by registered voters within the service territory of the District. Board elections take place during even-numbered years with three Board Member positions up for election in November 2026 and two positions up for election in November 2028. The term of office for each Board Member is four years (unless appointed or elected to fill a vacancy).
Board vacancies are filled as provided by law whereby the remaining Board Members may fill the vacancy by appointment or by calling an election to fill it. The District will fund any election costs. Persons appointed or elected to fill a vacancy may hold office for the unexpired balance of that term.
What does the Mid-Peninsula Water District do?
The MPWD serves drinking water to the City of Belmont and portions of the Cities of San Carlos and Redwood City, and unincorporated San Mateo County. The mission of the Mid-Peninsula Water District is to deliver a safe, high quality, reliable supply of water for current and future generations in a cost effective, environmentally sensitive and efficient manner. The District manages the distribution of water, maintains infrastructure and works on projects that improve water service and conservation efforts within the community. MPWD purchases treated water from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), which operates the Regional Water System, also referred to as the Hetch Hetchy System. MPWD is an active member of the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) and the local and state-wide water and public works organizations.
What does the Board of Directors do?
MPWD has five elected Board Members, one representing each of five divisions across the service area. The Board of Directors is the governing body responsible for overseeing the District. The Board sets policies and the annual budget and makes key decisions to ensure the District operates effectively and serves the community’s needs. Board Members also provide direction to District management, monitor operations, and act as stewards of our public resources, ensuring accountability and transparency to the public. The District has a strong practice of transparency, well beyond the minimum requirements, and has received and maintains a District Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the California Special Districts Association.
What is an independent special district?
The MPWD is an independent special district. A special district is a local government that provides specialized services to a community, separate from the city or county. Special districts provide services that are essential to their community's health, safety, economy, and well-being, including fire protection, water supply, electricity, parks and recreation, sanitation, cemeteries, and libraries. The MPWD’s mission is to provide water service to the community, and it has been doing so for more than 95 years. While we are independent from the cities and counties, we do work closely with our neighboring agencies to ensure that we are collectively representing the best interests of the communities we all serve.
How can I see what an MPWD board meeting is like?
Community members are encouraged to attend board meetings held at the District’s offices at 1075 Old County Road, Suite A in Belmont. You may also attend a meeting by Zoom or view meeting recordings, which are available on the district’s YouTube page. Board meeting agendas, minutes, and meeting schedules
are all available on the website.
I have more questions! Who can I talk to?
We love questions! Please reach out to the Administrative Services Manager, Alison Bell, at abell@midpeninsulawater.org.