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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - EVWD Board of Directors - 03/11/2015 Approved March 25, 2015 EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT March 11, 2015 BOARD MEETING MINUTES The Chairman of the Board called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Vice Chairman Coats led the flag salute. PRESENT: Directors: Carrillo, Coats, Coleman, Morales, Shelton ABSENT: None STAFF: John Mura, General Manager/CEO; Brian Tompkins, Chief Financial Officer; Tom Holliman, Engineering and Operations Manager; Justine Hendricksen, District Clerk; Eileen Bateman, Senior Administrative Assistant LEGAL COUNSEL: Jean Cihigoyenetche GUEST(s): Members of the public SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS No supplemental information at this time. PRESENTATIONS Et CEREMONIAL ITEMS • Check presentation from Amy Olson (Southern California Edison) for Energy Efficiency Pumping Savings Ms. Olson provided a brief efficiency savings overview to date, and thanked the Board for recognizing staff's efforts with the pumping projects and increasing efficiency. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Morales declared the public participation section of the meeting open at 5:36 pm. There being no written or verbal comments, the public participation section was closed. I Minutes: 03/11/15 etb APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chairman Morales requested that Closed Session Item #11 - Public Employee Performance Evaluation, be removed from the agenda as there are no updates at this time. M/S/C (Coats-Coleman) that the March 11, 2015 agenda be approved as amended. RESOLUTION 2015.02 - A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE WALMART EXPANSION PROJECT M/S/C (Coleman-Shelton) that the Board approve Resolution 2015.02. DISBURSEMENTS M/S/C (Coleman-Shelton) that the General Fund Disbursements #243205 through #243927 which were distributed during the period of January 1, 2015 through February 28, 2015 in the amount of $6,259,551 and payroll and benefit contributions in the amount of $840,170, totaling $7,099,721 be approved. APPROVE THE DIRECTORS' FEES AND EXPENSES FOR JANUARY a FEBRUARY 2015 M/S/C (Coleman-Shelton) that the Directors' fees and expenses for January Et February 2015 be approved as submitted. ACCEPT FINDINGS INCLUDED IN THE UPDATED RECYCLED WATER FEASIBILITY STUDY The General Manager/CEO stated that there have been recent opportunities to improve the Recycled Water Center Project, and RMC will provide an overview of their findings. Mr. Morrow, a representative from RMC provided a presentation regarding opportunities for the Recycled Water Center Project. The findings include a new location for the water reclamation plant on Del Rosa Avenue. Moving the location to the Del Rosa site will provide additional community benefits including a learning center near schools, capturing more flow by gravity, and reducing energy requirements. He provided a cost comparison of both sites (Sterling and Del Rosa) and stated the recycled water from the proposed facility could be used for groundwater recharge and habitat conservation in City Creek for the Santa Ana Sucker, as well as water supply reliability. M/S/C (Carrillo-Coats) that the Board accept the findings presented by RMC and include them in the revised Recycled Water Feasibility Study. RECEIVE AND FILE THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE EAST VALLEY RECYCLED WATER PROJECT REPORT Mr. John Husing of Economics &t Politics, Inc. provided a detailed report regarding the Recycled Water Center and the impacts to the community including costs reductions to District residents, groundwater sustainability, increased local economy, employment 2 Minutes: 03/11/15 etb during construction, and the need for water reclamation and recharge due to the threats to economic activity in the areas served by the Bunker Hill Basin. He also provided a cost comparison of current and future costs associated with the recycled water. The General Manager/CEO stated that it is important for the District to consider the information that was provided by Mr. Husing. He thanked Mr. Husing for doing such a great job of laying out the benefits of the Recycled Water Center. Director Carrillo stated that this was a fantastic presentation and appreciates having the information available regarding the positive economic impact that this project will have on the community. Director Shelton indicated that the numbers and the facts were amazing and enjoyed hearing facts presented and appreciates the work that was put into the presentation by Mr. Husing. Director Coleman stated that he appreciates the way this presentation was laid out and how easy it was to understand. Vice Chairman Coats thanked Mr. Husing for his presentation and stated that he is pleased that someone is excited as the District is regarding the Recycled Water Center and the positive impacts this project will have on the community. Chairman Morales stated that the District strives to be a leader in our region; that with this project the District will have self-sustainability and the benefit of becoming a regional economic multiplier catalyst. Mr. Husing stated that it was a pleasure working with John Mura, Kelly Malloy and Ashok Dhingra and thanked staff for their assistance. The General Manager/CEO stated that this project along with the benefits in creating jobs validates all the hard work we have been doing the past six months. Information only. RECEIVE AND FILE THE RESULTS FROM THE 2015 COMMUNITY SURVEY CONDUCTED BY PROBOLSKY RESEARCH Mr. Justin Wallen, Probolsky Research, reviewed the community survey that was conducted including general water issues and themes, recycled water and the Recycled Water Center; 78.8% approve of the job that East Valley Water District has been doing, 75% have concern of water supply availability, 90% support major investments that would modernize and upgrade our infrastructure, 75.8% are in support of the recycling center. He stated that the results of the survey identify how customers would prefer to receive information regarding the District which is consistent with the current public outreach efforts. 3 Minutes: 03/11/15 etb Director Coleman stated that he was glad that the District is on the positive side of customer expectations. Director Shelton stated that it was an amazing presentation and that surveys give her a new perspective and their value. Director Carrillo thanked Mr. Wallen and District staff for their efforts in completing the presentation. Vice Chairman Coats stated that the survey revealed that staff is doing the right thing for our customers and that we have the right people in the proper positions throughout the District. Information only. BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORTS Director Coleman reported on the following: February 25th he attended the San Bernardino Chamber After Hours and spoke with a number of chamber members; March 3-5 he attended the ACWA Legislative Symposium and found it fascinating. He also had the opportunity to meet with State Legislators and was glad for the opportunity to attend the event as it was a worthwhile program. Director Shelton had no reports at this time. Director Carrillo reported on the following: he attended the East Valley Realtors Association and one of the items discussed was providing support for the District's Recycled Water Center. Vice Chairman Coats reported on the following: February 26th he attended the Upper Santa Ana Water Resources Association meeting where they discussed meeting schedules and information regarding water conservation and impacts to Federal and State laws as they pertain to budget based rates; he also met with Senator Morrell in Sacramento during the Legislative reception on March 3rd 4th. March 11th he attended the Upper Santa Ana Water Resources Water Association that was hosted by East Valley Water District and the San Bernardino Water Conservation District which reviewed the state of the Basin and its history. Chairman Morales reported on the following: he attended the ACWA Legislative Symposium and reception, met with Senator Morrell and discussed the effects of Proposition 218 to water agencies and possible changes to Proposition 218. In addition, he was in Sacramento and met with various delegates including Senator Morrell, Assemblymember Steinorth, Assemblymember Brown, the Governor's office, deputy legislatives affairs secretary, Jennifer West, former Legislative Director of the Water Reuse of Southern California to update them on projects with the District; he also attended the Upper Santa Ana Water Resources Association meeting. Information only. 4 Minutes: 03/11/15 etb GENERAL MANAGER/CEO REPORTS The General Manager/CEO provided information regarding his visit to Sacramento along with Director Carrillo and Chairman Morales, and had an opportunity to meet with Dan Newton, Head of the California EPA who is in charge of approvals with SRF funding for projects that are completed by 2017; Mr. Newton is also working on setting parameters for Proposition 1 B for grant money to improve water resources. East Valley Water District is being considered as a pilot project for the roll out of policies and funding distribution. He also stated newspaper articles are reporting that water agencies throughout California are raising rates up to 30%. He will be presenting at the San Bernardino Valley Advisory Commission the results from tonight's presentation and will be seeking support for the Recycled Water Center. There is a North Fork meeting scheduled for March 13th at 10:30 am and on March 18th there wilt be a Special Board meeting to request authorization from LAFCO for the Recycled Water Center, he encourages the community to get involved with the LAFCO process. LEGAL COUNSEL REPORT No reports at this time. BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMENTS Director Coleman clarified the time for the LAFCO meeting on March 18th; he stated that tonight was one of the most interesting meetings that he has attended and looks forward to being a part of the solution for the water problem. Director Shelton thanked the Board for her excused absence and stated that she is excited about all of the important things that the District is involved in and is thrilled to be a part of this organization. Director Carrillo stated that he was happy to have Director Shelton back and stated that he appreciated the opportunity to share the legislative platform in Sacramento and was very impressed with staff's preparation and professionalism. The General Manager/CEO reported that he was invited to Big Horn Country Club for a legislative briefing with Mr. John Boehner, Speaker of the House; and that it was a great opportunity to discuss a number of water issues in California. Chairman Morales stated that Mr. Husing's presentation will be available on the website and if there are any questions, to please contact the District Clerk. The Board took a break at 7:20 p.m. CLOSED SESSION The Board entered into Closed Session at 7:28 p.m. as provided in the Ralph M. Brown Act Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(1) and 54957 to discuss the items listed on the agenda. 5 Minutes: 03/11/15 etb ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS The Board returned to open session at 7:54 p.m. The items listed on the agenda were discussed in closed session with the following action being taken: With respect to item #10 - No reportable action taken. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m. Jame orates, Jr., Chairman ---- John J. Mura, S cretary 6 Minutes: 03/11/15 etb