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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - EVWD Board of Directors - 04/22/2015 Approved May 27, 2015 EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT April 22, 2015 BOARD MEETING/PUBLIC HEARING 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 E: CEREMONIAL ITEMS No presentations Et ceremonial items at this time. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Morales declared the public participation section of the meeting open at 5:31 pm. There being no written or verbal comments, the public participation section was closed. APPROVAL OF AGENDA M/S/C (Coats-Carrillo) that the April 22, 2015 agenda be approved as submitted. APPROVE THE MARCH 18, 2015 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING MINUTES M/S/C (Carrillo-Shelton) that the Board approve the March 18, 2015 special board meeting minutes as submitted. Minutes: 04/22/15 etb APPROVE THE MARCH 25, 2015 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES M/S/C (Carrillo-Shelton) that the Board approve the March 25, 2015 regular board meeting minutes as submitted. ADOPT RESOLUTION 2015.09 - AUTHORIZING THE DISTRICT TO ENTER INTO A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DEPARTMENT OF STATE HOSPITALS - PATTON The Engineering and Operations Manager provided a brief overview of Patton State Hospital's sewer system, the benefits of a service agreement and partnership opportunities. The General Manager/CEO applauded Mr. HolLiman and Ms. Thomas for their hard work and dedication to the success of this agreement. The Board asked about infrastructure replacements and funds allocated in Patton's budget. They also expressed their appreciation on the collaborative efforts between agencies. M/S/C (Coats-Coleman) that the Board adopt Resolution 2015.09. ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2015 The Chief Financial Officer provided a detailed review of the quarterly investment report. M/S/C (Shelton-Coleman) that the Board accept and file the Investment Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. Director Coleman stated that he was glad to see a tremendous improvement in the District's return on investments and expressed his appreciation to Mr. Tompkins. AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER/CEO TO IMPLEMENT CONSERVATION MEASURES CONSISTENT WITH STATE REQUIREMENTS The General Manager/CEO stated that the Governor is establishing laws and restrictions for water conservation in order to address the effects of the drought. The Public Affairs/Conservation Manager presented an update on the drought including the following: reduction requirements, the deduction expectations for the District, restrictions to irrigation, conservation timeline to meet the District's 28% reduction requirements, outreach efforts throughout the community, and residential irrigation evaluations. Ms. Malloy commented on the actions items to date including the District's establishment of a conservation committee, the implementation of budget based rates, state legislative activities and the District's conservation transformation education plan. 2 Minutes: 04/22/15 etb Members of the public inquired about the Executive Order and how the population will affect the reduction requirements. The public also provided suggestions for the District to consider when enforcing water restrictions. The General Manager/CEO stated that the District and community need to embrace the Governor's mandates and make course corrections to obtain a sustainable water system for the community with a realistic approach in order to meet these mandates. He informed the public that if mandates are not met, the State has the authority to take over the District. He also explained that the Budget Based Rates included a 20% reduction and will utilize the census data for the population reduction requirements and will consider the suggestion as we move forward with the implementation of the requirements. Chairman Morales stated that the General Manager/CEO and Public Affairs staff did a phenomenal job in keeping the community informed of the Governor's actions and is confident that the District has the right employees in place to keep the District in a positive position. He suggested that Directors Carrillo and Shelton be on the Conservation Ad-Hoc Committee and inquired if they were interested. Director Carrillo stated that he looks forward to being a part of the committee and the challenges that need to be addressed related to the drought. Director Shelton stated that it is an honor to be a part of this Board and looks forward to being a part of the committee as well. Director Coleman stated that he is glad to donate his time if other opportunities are available for conservation efforts and suggested that the District partner with others for suggestions on drought tolerant plants and landscaping options. The Board discussed how the District will report water reduction to the state in order to meet the 28% reduction requirements and how the District will provide up to date information to its constituents regarding the ongoing changing requirements. M/S/C (Coats-Carrillo) that the Board authorize the General Manager/CEO to implement conservation measures consistent with State requirements. BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORTS Director Carrillo reported on the following: he stated that the North Fork Ad-Hoc Committee is currently vetting candidates for attorney representation. Director Coleman reported on the following: he attended the ASBCSD meeting on April 20th where they discussed the San Juan Capistrano tiered rates, and that state auditors may visit agencies to verify that tiered rate structures are in compliance; he attended the Highland City Counsel meeting on April 14th where they discussed a program that addresses excessive water usage with apartment managers. 3 Minutes: 04/22/15 etb Director Shelton reported on the following: she attended the ASBCSD meeting and was happy to see that they support smaller agencies. Vice Chairman Coats reported on the following: April 14th he attended a Valley District meeting and the items discussed dealt with the Bunker Hill Basin declining water levels, water production decreases, and storage updates; on April 20th he attended the ASBCSD meeting where they discussed the San Juan Capistrano court case dealing with tiered rates; April 21st he attended a Valley District meeting where they discussed SAWPA updates. Chairman Morales reported on the following: on September 18th the ACWA local Region 9 will be meeting to address concerns dealing with disadvantaged communities and what steps can be taken to deal with the drought, Proposition 1-B on how to distribute funds equitably, how to adopt new regulatory measures for bill tracking and attended the SBVMWD Ad-Hoc Committee meeting. He he also wished the General Manager/CEO a Happy Belated Birthday. Information only. GENERAL MANAGER/CEO REPORTS The General Manager/CEO stated that the District held a conservation community workshop on April 11th and that water efficient plants for your yard was the focus of the workshop, he reminded everyone that the 7th Annual Inland Solar Challenge was being held this weekend at Yucaipa Regional Park; he also stated that with the upcoming budget based rates, the first round of shadow bills were sent out last week and Customer Service has been fielding calls regarding the new rate structure and mapping the location of the calls. He commended Ms. Thomas and Mr. Holliman for taking a great approach to completing the agreement with Patton State Hospital; he noted the new format of tonight's presentation and thanked Ms. Stephanie Guida for her talent and outreach efforts. LEGAL COUNSEL REPORT Mr. Cihigoyenetche reviewed the San Juan Capistrano court case including the court findings and the failure to show the nexus of the establishment of tiered rates and not defining the source of costs that were included in the structure. He also stated that the rates that were under review were from 2010 and have been revamped and are now correct. BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMENTS Director Coleman stated that he was grateful for the opportunity to discuss rates and the increase to the investments. He thanked Mr. Tompkins on his efforts and the improvement to the District return on investments and thanked Ms. Malloy for the informative presentation. Director Shelton stated that she is proud to be a part of the District. 4 Minutes: 04/22/15 etb Director Carrillo thanked everyone for attending tonight's meeting. Vice Chairman Coats thanked the members of the public for attending the meeting and providing their input. He also stated that the District's represented employees voted to decertify from the union and that he was pleased to see that the employees understand that the Board takes their role very seriously and that they will be treated fairly without union representation. Chairman Morales thanked everyone for their attendance at tonight's meeting; he stated that the District facility is becoming more utilized by the community and he is confident that staff and the Board will meet the many challenges that are to come. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m. mes Morales, Jr., Chairman John J. Mura, S cretary 5 Minutes: 04/22/15 etb I I I