Residents raise concerns about backflow inspection notices and vendor list

During public comment, several residents asked about backflow-inspection notices and the costs quoted in those notices. One commenter noted that the notice listed a vendor who appeared to be related to a Crystal Clear manager and expressed concern about whether that vendor was being favored. Joseph Benavides said the vendor in question "was on that list of vendors" and that, after another board member raised it, the vendor was removed from the list.

Speakers described the inspection as a standard plumbing/backflow check and debated reasonable fees for that service; one resident said some older meters may not have backflow devices and urged the board to clarify requirements. Commissioners encouraged commenters to raise the issue directly at utility board meetings so the board and management could address vendor lists and inspection protocols.

Next steps: Commissioners recommended raising the procurement/vendor question at the utility board meeting and, if necessary, filing a complaint or requesting clarification of vendor-selection procedures.