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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - EVWD Board of Directors - 09/24/2014 (special) Approved October 8, 2014 EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT September 24, 2014 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING MINUTES The Chairman of the Board called the meeting to order at 6:28 pm. Director Carrillo led the flag salute. PRESENT: Directors: Carrillo, 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: Rich Clouse GUEST(s): Members of the public PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Chairman Morales declared the public participation section of the meeting open at 6:29 pm. Ms. Hendricksen read a letter received from Mr. Ron Fontenot. The letter stated concerns regarding odor mitigation, backup plan for catastrophic failure, effects with homes currently on septic, and concerns regarding eminent domain. The General Manager/CEO responded by stating that odor control is one of the big issues that will be addressed; that the District is trying to find financial ways to help the District customers who are on septic to connect to the sewer; that East Valley Water District owns the property and eminent domain is not a concern. 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 gave a comprehensive overview of the history beginning with the long term needs that came out of the Sewer Master Plan; he explained the current challenges with the policy considerations with the current contract with San Bernardino Water district to continue the treatment or for the District to take over the treatment process completely. He reviewed the different options that had been presented to the Board; and that the final recommendation will be brought to the October 22 board meeting. Minutes: 09/24/14 CMC Lyndel Melton from RMC Water and Environment gave an update on the Water Reclamation Plant Feasibility Study. He reviewed the content of the past workshops that had been discussed. He stated that by choosing the Sterling Site for the Water Reclamation Facility, it minimizes pumping and the need for infrastructure; that the Sterling site lies over the Bunker Hill Basin and is good for the ground water recharge; that the groundwater recharge is a great opportunity for recharging existing basins and the possibility of creating new ones. Mr. Melton stated that there are strategic benefits of the ground water recharge; that title 22 tertiary treatment will most likely be required; that this is the regulation requirement for the Membrane Bioreactors (MBR); that the MBR is the most advanced technology and is easily constructed indoors with no odors, the ability to blend into a community, and the modular is easily expandable. Mr. Melton reviewed the three options proposed, 1. Improvements to main lines to send to San Bernardino, 2. Build a plant to treat a portion of the flows and send a portion to San Bernardino to treat, and 3. For the District to capture and treat all the flows from our District. He discussed the 20-year cost analysis of each of the mentioned options; that if the District were to capture all the flows, the percent increase to existing cost would be 10% and 40% if we were to continue to send all flows to San Bernardino. Mr. Melton discussed different options to develop the site; that the site is also able to have subterranial development; that the building could be mutli-use such as possibale parking structure or a warehouse facility. He stated that this project has economic benefits such as it could add up to 400 new jobs during construction. Mr. Melton went on to explain the different permits and environmental documentation that is going to be needed for this project; that there may be funding available through Proposition 1 for projects of this nature; that a design build contractor would be needed to finish this project in the timeline that is being discussed. Mr. Melton described the public outreach that has currently been going on and the importance of it as the project progresses; that with the type of facility that is being proposed, you can achieve the objective of no noise and no odor. The General Manager/CEO stated that he the board has done a 360 degree look at this project; and that this will be on the October 22, 2014 board meeting for consideration. Director Coats inquired to the cost of the plant for existing rate payers versus new rate payers and when the timeline of the actual costs will be ready. Mr. Melton stated that currently the District has six million gallons of flow per day; that the existing ratepayers would be pay for that cost and the new rate payers would pay for the additional flows. He stated that the costs are unknown until the District enters into a contract with a Design Build firm. 2 oq-�y iy Minutes: 44cmc Vice Chairman Coleman stated that the project looks good to him and he likes the idea that jobs will be created from this. Director LeVesque stated that this is testament to the foresight of organization ; that with the General Manager/CEO working with partners allows this project to move at a fast pace; that he has great confidence in the team. Director Carrillo thanked Mr. Melton for his presentation and inquired as to why 20 years was chosen to present and what the lifespan of this plant would be. Mr. Melton stated that the 20 years represents 2035 when looking into the future; that facilities like this have been around for 40-50 years; that the equipment requires routine maintenance and the membranes would need to be replaced; that this technology moving forward is very advanced. Chairman Morales stated that he was encouraged at the length of detail and the comprehensive approach take at this large of a project; that he is confident that the right people are included for this project; and that he is confident that the no odors and no noise will be achieved. He stated that the economics, technical, and blending into the community will be right. The General Manager/CEO stated that the District is currently looking into secondary uses for the surplus property and wilt be working with developers; that this could be second revenue to help ratepayers. Information only. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 7:54 pm. mes Morales, Jr, President John J. Mura, ecretary 3 pq•24.1`; Minutes:-08•/27/11 cmc I