HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - EVWD Board of Directors - 06/04/2014 Approved June 25, 2014
EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT June 4, 2014
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
MINUTES
The Chairman of the Board called the meeting to order at 3:34 pm. Director
Sturgeon led the flag salute.
PRESENT: Directors: Coats, Coleman, LeVesque, Morales, Sturgeon
ABSENT: None
STAFF: John Mura, General Manager/CEO; Brian Tompkins, Chief
Financial Officer; Mike Maestas, Assistant General Manager;
Justine Hendricksen, Administrative Manager; Eileen Bateman,
Executive Assistant
LEGAL COUNSEL: None
GUEST(s): Members of the public
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Chairman Morales declared the public participation section of the meeting open at
3:35 pm.
There being no written or verbal comments, the public participation section was
closed.
REVIEW FY-2014-15 PROPOSED BUDGET
Chairman Morales stated that this is the initial review of the draft budget for the
Board to review and provide comments.
The General Manager/CEO stated that a copy of the draft budget has been
provided and encourages Board members to thoroughly review the document and
to note that the goals and objectives are in line with the District's strategic goals.
He reviewed the details of the budget and power point presentation which
included efforts of a regional partnerships, accomplishments, goals and objectives
for the Governing Board and all Departments and also reviewed the Capital Outlay
and Capital Improvements.
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Chairman Morales would like the Board to consider adding language to the
Governing Board section Goals Ft Objectives to state "and take appropriate action"
after bullet points #3 and #5.
Vice Chairman Coleman inquired about the types of water conservation community
event involvement listed in the Public Affairs section of the budget.
Ms. Malloy stated that the events included the Master Gardeners Program and
additional organizations for customers to have a wide variety of opportunities to
learn about conservation measures.
The General Manager/CEO provided more information regarding the Program
Manager Meetings in the Finance section of the budget.
The Chief Financial Officer clarified the definitions of GFOA (Government Finance
Officers Association). The GFOA offers training and best practices of financial
reporting. He also stated that the District received an award for its
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and year-end financial statements. He
stated that he would address investments in the Investment Policy review
scheduled for July as requested by Vice-Chairman Coleman.
Director Sturgeon requested that the District's satellite facility be established at
the proposed reclamation plant and stop the improvements at the Del Rosa Avenue
site. Director Sturgeon also requested that this item be brought back to the Board
for further review.
The General Manager/CEO stated that combining the satellite and reclamation
plant facilities is being studied; however, the Del Rosa facility will also house
supplies and emergency provisions. He stated that item will be brought back to
the Board for review at a later date.
Director Coats inquired about the number of water conservation audits to be
conducted and if there were any issues with wiring of the automated meters.
Ms. Malloy detailed the large anticipation of water conservation audits that is
reflected in the budget.
The General Manager/CEO stated that the District currently utilizes a transponder
that connects to the meters and the District is addressing tampering issues; that
staff is investigating the possibility of installing a remote reader which is similar to
the type of system that the electric company is utilizing.
Vice-Chairman Coleman had concerns with the increased costs per acre foot of
groundwater produced.
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It Mr. Henderson provided information regarding the increased maintenance costs
that affect the cost per acre foot of groundwater produced.
Ms. Ricci stated that there are direct costs associated with the production of
groundwater including equipment, motors, and pumps.
The General Manager/CEO articulated to the Board that the budget reflects water
treatment costs being decreased in the production of water due to Plant 134
upgrades and treating a higher quantity of water.
The Chief Financial Officer provided a detailed overview of the District's Capital
Outlay including furniture, printers/plotter, SCADA Network Equipment, IT
Management Software, backup hardware and recovery software, and the
replacement of heavy duty trucks for field operations.
The Assistant General Manager discussed the District's Capital Improvement
Program in great detail including: completed projects, main replacements, full
monitoring of the sewer pipelines, and the Valaria Drive man-hole replacement
project.
Director Sturgeon stated that he would like to see specific details relating to
Contract Services on page 31 . He also stated that he would like to see the
reclamation project tabled for Board review and recommends that the District cut
the budget as much as possible so it doesn't impact rate payers next year.
Information only.
GENERAL MANAGER REPORT
The General Manager/CEO thanked Mr. Tompkins, Ms. Ricci, and staff for their
tremendous efforts in producing the draft budget.
LEGAL COUNSEL REPORT
No reports at this time.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMENTS
Vice Chairman Coleman advised everyone that water saving plants will be on sale
at the Redlands Home Depot this weekend; that the plants will not only save
I. water but be less expensive.
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Chairman Morales thanked staff for achieving this monumental task of drafting the
proposed budget and thanked the public for their continued support, attendance
and involvement with the District.
Information only.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 4:49 pm.
Ja s Morales, Jr, President
41,A,K
John J. Mura, ecretary
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