Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - EVWD Board of Directors - 08/27/2014 (special) Approved September 10, 2014 EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT August 27, 2014 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING MINUTES The Chairman of the Board called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Mr. Maestas led the flag salute. PRESENT: Directors: Coats, Coleman, LeVesque, Morales ABSENT: Directors: None STAFF: John Mura, General Manager/CEO; Mike Maestas, Assistant General Manager; Brian Tompkins, Chief Financial Officer; Justine Hendricksen, Administrative Manager; Cecilia Contreras, Executive Assistant LEGAL COUNSEL: Jean Cihigoyenetche GUEST(s): Members of the public PUBLIC PARTICIPATION L Chairman Morales declared the public participation section of the meeting open at 7:02 pm. 0 There being no written or verbal comments, the public participation section was closed. WASTEWATER RECLAMATION PLANT FEASIBILITY STUDY UPDATE The General Manager/CEO stated that we are continuing to move forward with the feasibility study. He introduced Lyndel Melton from RMC Water and Environment who gave an update on the Water Reclamation Plant Feasibility Study. Mr. Melton thanked the Board for allowing him to be at the Board meeting and give an update on the feasibility study. Mr. Melton reviewed the timeline schedule and where they are at this time. Mr. Melton stated that last month the efforts were focused on locating a potential site, and that the Sterling property was identified as having the most benefits for groundwater replenishment; that there are strategic benefits with groundwater recharge; that the potential for a purple pipe recycled water system irrigate parks and fields is very expensive and requires very expensive infrastructure. He stated that the focus on groundwater recharge reduces the need for infrastructure, contributes to the local water supply and reliability, and that by putting water back into the ground benefits the District and the Region. Minutes: 08/27/14 CMC Mr. Melton discussed how reclamation plants are becoming good neighbors by being able to build them into the community and blend in; that they can be used as multipurpose facilities; such as parking structures or logistics facilities and can also provide a revenue source. Mr. Melton discussed that the evaluation focus is on three options; (1) a system improvement for all flows to continue to San Bernardino Treatment facility, (2) build a plant that treats partial flows for recharge and the remaining flows continue to San Bernardino, or (3) build a plant that treats all District flows for recharge. In comparing the options the following was reviewed: Capitol costs, annual operations and maintenance cost, value of water produced, 20-year costs analysis, and how the costs are allocated between existing and new connections. Mr. Melton discussed the differences with estimated numbers for a 20-year cost analysis with each of the options that were mentioned; that the percent increase in existing costs is much lower if the District chooses to move forward with building a plant that treats all District flows. He discussed the financing options that are available to build the facility; that there are revenue bonds, State and Federal Grants, and State Loan programs with low interest rates. Mr. Melton stated that the next step in the project decision timeline is the draft report and summary; that a summary of the report will be provided at the next special meeting in September. The General Manager/CEO stated that the staff is looking at high level numbers and that these are continuing to be worked on to be able to bring real level numbers; that there will be shared benefits and costs among all the rate payers if the District chooses to move forward with treating one hundred percent of flows; that staff took a very conservative approach on the numbers provided. He stated that with the amount of groundwater pumping that continues, the basins won't be able to sustain enough to provide to agencies; that this could be helped by providing water to recharge the basins. Chairman Morales stated that the concepts provided are showing the value of putting water to a greater beneficial use and will have more local control; that underground water is being used frequently and how will it affect the District. Director Coats stated that he is wondering why San Bernardino sends the water downstream and not looking into a way to reuse the water; that he would like to know the conversion of million gallons per day to acre feet per year. Mr. Ash Dhingra stated that one acre foot is equal to 325,900 gallons. Director LeVesque stated that he would like to consider treating all the flows from the District and that the District would be able to keep local control. Vice Chairman Coleman stated that it is a waste if we send the water downstream; that it would be a benefit to the economy and to the District to move forward with option three which is to treat all flows and recharge the basins. 7 Minutes: 08/27/14 cmc The General Manager/CEO stated that a decision will be made in October to move forward with either of the three options presented, and more exact numbers will be provided in March of 2015. Chairman Morales that everyone in attendee and that the Board is looking into the best decision for the rate payers. Information only. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 7:54 pm. J es Morales, Jr, President John J. Mura, Se retary I I I I .i 3 Minutes: 08/27/14 cmc I I I I