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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - EVWD Board of Directors - 08/12/2008Appr A ueust 26, 2008 WDa EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT August 12, 2008 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES The meeting was called to order at 2:30 p.m. by Vice President Wilson. Director Morales led the flag salute. PRESENT: Directors: Goodin, LeVesque, Morales, Sturgeon, Wilson ABSENT: None STAFF: Robert Martin, General Manager; Brian Tompkins, Chief Financial Officer; Ron Buchwald, District Engineer; Eileen Bateman, Executive Assistant LEGAL COUNSEL: Steve Kennedy GUEST (S): Jo McAndrews (McAndrews & Boyd), Becky Kasten (EV WD), Gary Sturdivan (EVWD), Bill Moses (MuniFinancial), Pamela Kasprzyk (Highland Community News), Larry Malmberg PUBLIC PARTICIPATION President Goodin declared the public participation section of the meeting open at 2:31 p.m. There being no verbal or written comments the public participation section was closed. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Vice President Wilson stated that an item needed to be deleted from his expense report on Item # 7. M/S /C (Sturgeon - LeVesque) that the August 12, 2008 agenda be approved as amended. (Minutes 8/12/2008) etb I APPROVAL OF BOARD MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 22, 2008 M/S /C (Wilson - LeVesque) that the July 22, 2008 Board Meeting Minutes be approved as submitted. DISBURSEMENTS M/S /C (Wilson - LeVesque) that General Fund Disbursements #215630 through 4215887 which were distributed during the period of July 23, 2008, through August 6, 2008, in the amount of $1,510,415.35 and Payroll Fund Disbursements for the period ended July 18, 2008 and included checks and direct deposits, in the amount of $189,713.96, totaling $1,700,129.31 be approved. HEADQUARTERS PROJECT REVIEW AND UPDATE The General Manager stated that the District is waiting for approval from the City's Planning Department as well as the Building and Safety Department; that the approval should be completed by the end of September; that he will advise the Directors as to when the San Bernardino Design Review Committee will meet. President Goodin expressed concern regarding the time it is taking for this project; he proposes to have a meeting every week to speed up the process; that a meeting has been = -. scheduled for Monday, August 18, 2008 after the Committee meets. Director Morales agrees with having the meetings; he feels it would be beneficial to have bi- weekly meetings and to set up appointments with agencies involved in this project. Director LeVesque stated that he would like to see all Directors attend the Design Review Committee meetings; that he would like to see a Calendar of events from the architects involved. Vice President Wilson stated that he agrees with Directors LeVesque and Morales; that he would like to be up to date on the project. Director Sturgeon stated that he would like to see an ad -hoc committee set up for this project; that Director Morales and LeVesque should be on said committee. (Minutes 8/1212008) etb 2 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE WATER & SEWER RATE STUDY ANALYSIS PREPARED BY MUNIFINANCIAL W40 The Chief Financial Officer introduced Bill Moses from MuniFinancial. Mr. Moses gave a detailed presentation of the Water and Sewer Rate study analysis. M/S (Sturgeon - Wilson) to adopt the water and sewer rate study analysis prepared by MuniFinancial. Director LeVesque inquired as to what average was used on a commercial water and sewer accounts. Director Morales inquired if the analysis would require a new water bond issue. The General Manager stated that the analysis is to assist with the next rate hearing; that it is infonnation for the District to abide within the guidelines of Proposition 218. Director LeVesque would Iike to preview the basis of the analysis. President Goodin inquired if grants were of interest in the analysis; that he would like tiered rates to be considered. M/S /C (Sturgeon- Wilson) to amend their motion to reflect accepting the Water and Sewer rate study analysis prepared by MuniFinancial. DIRECTORS' FEES AND EXPENSES FOR JUNE AND JULY 2008 Vice President Wilson stated that his participation for the Highland Parade on July 4, 2008, needed to be deleted from his expense report. M/S /C (LeVesque- Morales) that the Directors' fees and expenses for June and July 2008 be approved with the amendment made by Vice President Wilson. REVIEW AND ACCEPT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2008 M/S /C (Wilson - LeVesque) to accept Financial Statements for the period ended June 30, 2008. Vice President Wilson commended the Chief Financial Officer for his efforts in preparing the Financial Statements. (Minutes 8/12/2008) etb 3 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CSDA'S 2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION AND BALLOT =_, M/S /C (LeVesque - Wilson) to submit the ballot with Allan Dyer (West Valley Water District) as the District's vote. RESOLUTION 2008.17 — A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT ESTABLISHING AN INVESTMENT POLICY FOR PUBLIC FUNDS The Chief Financial Officer presented a brief overview of the investment policy for public funds; that the resolution does not change the District's brokerage usage. Director Sturgeon inquired if this Resolution had any effect on which broker the District uses; that the LAIF conference is scheduled for October 22 -23` 2008. M/S /C (LeVesque - Wilson) to approve Resolution 2008.17 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING BOARD AND STAFF TRAVEL AND REIMBURSEMENT POLICY President Goodin stated that his reason to review the policies regarding travel and reimbursements was to provide accountability to the public; that he would like all absences of the General Manager to be pre approved by the Board; that he would like the General Manager's expense reports submitted for approval; that the Directors need to advise the District of any leaves of absence (personal or business). Director Morales inquired as to a travel policy in place for staff; that he would like to review the current travel policy; that the policy should be referred to the Budget Committee for review. Director LeVesque stated that the General Manager's expense report should be reviewed by the Budget Committee periodically; that the General Manager should notify the Directors of any leaves of absence. Vice President Wilson stated that there is a travel policy in place; that travel and expense reports need to be approved; that any Director can approve the reports. Legal counsel stated that there is no specific policy in place regarding staff travel. (Minutes 8/12/2008) etb 4 The General Manager stated that any travel arrangements for staff have been reviewed and approved by him; that he makes an effort to advise Board members of any leave of absence or District related business trip; that he is provided an American Express Card to cover any travel or business related expenses. GENERAL MANAGER/STAFF REPORTS The General Manager reported on the District's operations to date; that during the past earthquake the District assessed all production and storage sites; that there was no reportable damage to the District's service lines; that each director received an update regarding the status of the District. Gary Sturdivan gave a brief report on the response process of the District in an emergency situation; that the Emergency Response Plan is updated quarterly. The Chief Financial Officer stated that there was a change to the delinquent notices; that the District has changed the print and mailing company; that the District has a new website in place. CONSULTANT REPORTS There were no reports at this time. non COMMITTEE REPORTS Director Morales stated that AB 2882 had been discussed in the state level; that AB 2882 regarding tiered pricing clarifies language and guidance for any legal challenges. Vice President Wilson stated that he understood AB 2882 to be voluntary; that Proposition 218 is the main factor; that a correction needed to be made to the Public Outreach Committee minutes; that it should reflect "ACWA would like to know what types of collaborative efforts the District is undertaking with other agencies. Director Morales attended the Tiered Rate Seminar; that he found it to be very informative. Director LeVesque stated that he would still like to see the overall strategy and goals of the Public Outreach Committee; that he is pleased with the District's new website. Vice President Wilson stated that he was not impressed with the Tiered Rate Seminar; that he attended the State Drinking Water subcommittee meeting regarding pharmaceuticals. (Minutes 8/12/2008) etb 5 Director Sturgeon stated that he was happy with the District's new website; that he reviewed information which supports having electric meters be read by online devices; that the online meter reads could happen in the next five years. President Goodin expressed his gratitude to the District Engineer for his updates regarding the past earthquake. The Board took a five- minute break at 4:35 p.m. Returned to session at 4:40 p.m. CLOSED SESSION The Board entered into Closed Session at 4:40 p.m. as provided in the California Open Meeting Law, Government Code Section 54945.9(a), to discuss those items listed on the agenda. ADJOURN TO REGULAR SESSION President Gooding declared that the meeting adjourn to regular session ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS No reportable action at this time. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m. until the next Regular Board Meeting on August 26, 2008. Z,�& Robert E. Martin, ecretary Donald D. Goodin, resident M �­V (Minutes 8/12/2008) etb 6