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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - EVWD Board of Directors - 10/14/2015 Approved November 18, 2015 EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT October 14, 2015 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES The Chairman of the Board called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Director Coleman led the flag salute. PRESENT: Directors: Carrillo, Coats, Coleman, Shelton, Morales ABSENT: None STAFF: John Mura, General Manager/CEO; Brian Tompkins, Chief Financial Officer; Jose Martinez, Assistant General Manager; Justine Hendricksen, District Clerk; Eileen Bateman, Senior Administrative Assistant; Shayla Gerber, Administrative Assistant LEGAL COUNSEL: Jean Cihigoyenetche GUEST(s): Members of the public PRESENTATION AND CEREMONIAL ITEMS • INTRODUCTION OF JOSE MARTINEZ, ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER The General Manager/CEO introduced Jose Martinez, the District's recently hired Assistant General Manager to the Board. PRESENTATIONS AND CEREMONIAL ITEMS • Presentation to Justine Hendricksen for 25 years of dedicated public service The Chairman of the Board presented Resolution 2015.14 to Ms. Hendricksen in recognition of her 25 years of service with East Valley Water District. • California Special Districts Association Chairman of the Year Award. The General Manager/CEO provided a brief overview of the California Special Districts Association as well the District's accomplishments under the leadership of Chairman Morales. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Morales declared the public participation section of the meeting open at 5:45 pm. Ms. Jodi Scott expressed her delight in the District's great strides and also her concerns of a recent letter she and City Counsel received regarding one of the Board 1 Minutes 10/14/2015 etb members. She stated that board members are elected by the citizens and should be treated the same and that the actions of the board to ridicule a board member during a public meeting need to stop. Assembly Member Steinorth stated that he had a break in session and was in the area and wanted to introduce himself to the Board members and take any suggestions on how to better serve in his role. There being no further written or verbal comments, the public participation section was closed. APPROVAL OF AGENDA M/S/C (Coats-Shelton) that the October 14, 2015 agenda be approved as submitted. APPROVE THE AUGUST 26, 2015 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES M/S/C (Shelton-Carrillo) that the Board approve the August 26, 2015 regular board meeting minutes as submitted. APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES M/S/C (Shelton-Carrillo) that the Board approve the September 9, 2015 regular board meeting minutes as submitted. APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING MINUTES M/S/C (Shelton-Carrillo) that the Board approve the September 17, 2015 special board meeting minutes as submitted. APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES M/S/C (Shelton-Carrillo) that the Board approve the September 23, 2015 regular board meeting minutes as submitted. Chairman Morales abstained from this item as he was not in attendance at this meeting. DIRECTORS FEES AND EXPENSES M/S/C (Shelton-Carrillo) that the Directors' fees and expenses for September 2015 be approved as submitted. CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM AND CUSTOMER SERVICE STRATEGIC PLAN 2 Minutes 10/14/2015 etb The General Manager/CEO provided information regarding the Districts' efforts to strive for World Class Customer Service, including partnering with the Customer Service Advantage Team. Ms. Bryan provided a brief presentation of the Customer Service Excellence Program, including customer service strategic plan, accomplishments to date, and future strides in the program. GASB 45 OPEB VALUATION REPORT Mr. Tompkins, Chief Financial Officer, presented information to the Board regarding the District's June 2015 OPEB Valuation including Other Post-Employment Benefits and how to fund them, GASB 45 requirements, consultant calculations and OPEB comparisons of other agencies. Mr. Tompkins addressed inquiries from the Board regarding possible benefits of adding additional funds to the contributions and if it was factored into the valuation for future retirement eligibility with approximately 25% of the District's employees being eligible for retirement within the next five years. M/S/C (Carrillo-Coats) that the Board authorize staff to finalize the attached OPEB actuarial valuation report, including the assumptions used to calculate the District's OPEB liability. OVERVIEW OF THE CEQA ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS The General Manager/CEO introduced Ms. Jane Usher. She is a member of the recycled water effort team and is assisting San Bernardino Valley District with the development of an EIR strategy. He stated that this presentation is to provide information about the CEQA guidelines and processes for public input prior to the implementation of a project. He also stated that there will be an opportunity for public comments after the presentation, as he received several inquiries regarding this item. Ms. Usher shared that this is her 35th year practicing law in the State of California. She provided a presentation regarding CEQA process, including the agreement with East Valley Water District and San Bernardino Valley District and the required Environmental Impact Review of the proposed Sterling Natural Resource Center. Ms. Usher reviewed the Environment Impact Review process including the Notice of Preparation requirements and proposed project locations, draft Environmental Impacts Review for public review, as well as the final Environmental Impacts Review for Board certification and approval of project. Director Coleman expressed his concerns regarding the District sending water down the river which does not benefit the District. The General Manager/CEO expressed his appreciation for Ms. Usher's expertise and the information she provided this evening. 3 Minutes 10/14/2015 etb Mr. Serrano addressed the Board about his concerns with the San Bernardino County Special Assessments policy; that he would like to see the developers cover the costs of a special assessment and the coordination between the City of Highland and East Valley Water District for these covered costs. The General Manager/CEO explained that many options are available and will be analyzed regarding the costs associated with the project; that the process will continue to be transparent and that the District has a responsibility to existing ratepayers to anticipate future development and how to continue to meet the needs of the District. Information only. BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORTS Director Carrillo reported on the following: he attended the Ad-Hoc Conservation Committee meeting where they discussed the District's conservation outreach efforts. Director Shelton reported on the following: that on October 6th she attended the San Bernardino Valley District meeting where they discussed the drought updates; that on October 7th she attended an Ad-Hoc Conservation Committee meeting and congratulated the ratepayers for the conservation efforts and commended Ms. Malloy and staff for conservation outreach. Director Coleman reported on the following: he attended the East Valley Water District Training session and met with the General Manager/CEO regarding the Board Agenda. Vice Chairman Coats reported on the following: that on October 8th, he attended a meeting at San Bernardino Valley District where they discussed the efforts to date regarding the Sterling Natural Resource Center. Chairman Morales reported on the following: he attended the East Valley Association of Realtors meeting and was asked to form a water panel to educate them on the water conditions throughout the Valley. GENERAL MANAGER/CEO REPORT The General Manager/CEO reported that the District scheduled a facility tour for Wednesday, November 4, 2015; that the District was featured in ACWA's monthly newsletter regarding the East Valley Water District Employee Events Association formally adopting Hunt Elementary; that a meeting was held today with the North Fork Water Company's Legal Counsel; that the Employee Events Association will be sponsoring a chili/dessert cook-off event on Thursday, October 29, 2015 and is accepting coat donations to provide to the students at Hunt Elementary. He noted that last week was Customer Service Appreciation Week and wanted to recognize Carol, Aida, Jamie, Mercedes, Crystal, Jennifer, Shiela, Lois and the field staff who 4 Minutes 10/14/2015 etb assist with customer service on a daily basis and their efforts in providing world-class customer service to our constituents. LEGAL COUNSEL REPORT No report at this time. BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMENTS Director Coleman stated he is grateful to have someone speak on his behalf; he is appreciative for the presentations that were given tonight and for having the opportunity to learn more about the District. Director Carrillo stated that there is a misconception of the effects of El Nino and that the anticipated rainfall will assist with the current drought conditions; when in fact in order to help with the drought conditions we need the snowpack from the mountains. He also stated that he has noticed that people are preparing for the impacts of the expected rainfall from the storm. Director Shelton stated that it is a privilege to work with the District including all of the staff and is honored to be a part of the leadership displayed by Chairman Morales in receiving the Chairman of the Year Award and the dedication for employees like Ms. Hendricksen with 25 years of service with the District. She is pleased to hear that irpeople are preparing for the upcoming rain storm. Vice Chairman Coats stated that he completed nine classes in Debt Strategies. Chairman Morales congratulated his parents on their 50 year anniversary and thanked his grandmother for her attendance this evening. The Board took a break at 7:02 p.m. CLOSED SESSION The Board entered into Closed Session at 7:25 p.m. as provided in the Ralph M. Brown Act Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(4) to discuss the item listed on the agenda. The Board returned to session at 7:25 p.m. With respect to item #10: No reportable action taken. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m. 5 Minutes 10/14/2015 etb • - Morales, Jr., Chairman John J. Mura, ecretary mai Minutes 10/14/2015 etb