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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - EVWD Board of Directors - 11/25/2008Approved D ecember 22, 2008 4 1AO EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT November 25, 2008 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES The meeting was called to order at 2:30 p.m. by President Goodin. Mr. Martin 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; Cecilia Contreras, Administrative Office Specialist II LEGAL COUNSEL: Steve Kennedy GUEST (S): Jo McAndrews (McAndrews & Boyd), Becky Kasten (EVWD), 4a,d Gary Sturdivan (EVWD), Charles Roberts (Highland Community News), Larry Malmberg, Robert Reeb (Reeb Government Relations, LLC), Kurt Yeager (Stradling, Yocca, Carlson & Rauth), Michael Cates (CDM) 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 M /S /C (Sturgeon - Wilson) that the November 25, 2008 agenda be approved as submitted. (Minutes 11/25/2008) etb 1 APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 15, 2008 M/S /C (Wilson - Morales) that the April 15, 2008 Special Board Meeting Minutes be approved as submitted. APPROVAL OF BOARD MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 28, 2008 M /S /C (Wilson - Morales) that the October 28, 2008 Board Meeting Minutes be approved as submitted. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 30, 2008 M/S /C (Wilson - Morales) that the October 30, 2008 Special Board Meeting Minutes be approved as submitted. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 3, 2008 M /S /C (Wilson - Morales) that the November 3, 2008 Special Board Meeting Minutes be approved as submitted. RESOLUTION 2008.23 — A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT ACCEPTING CONVEYANCE OF PIPELINE EASEMENT FROM CENTERGATE SAN BERNARDINO, LLC M/S /C (Wilson - Morales) that Resolution 2008.23 be approved. RESOLUTION 2008.24 — A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT ACCEPTING CONVEYANCE OF PIPELINE EASEMENT FROM CENTERGATE SAN BERNARDINO, LLC M /S /C (Wilson - Morales) that Resolution 2008.24 be approved. DISBURSEMENTS M /S /C (Wilson- Morales) that General Fund Disbursements #216942 through #217334 which were distributed during the period of October 22, 2008, through November 19, 2008, in the amount of $1,662,806.70 and Payroll Fund Disbursements for the period �k,s (Minutes 11/25/2008) etb 2 ended October 24, 2008 and November 7, 2008 and included checks and direct deposits, in the amount of $194,215.03, and $178,361.94 totaling $2,035,383.67 be approved. HEADQUARTERS PROJECT REVIEW AND UPDATE The General Manager stated that this item will be discussed within Item #25, Committee Reports. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING SPECIAL COUNSEL AGREEMENT BETWEEN EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT AND STRADLING YOCCA CARLSON & RAUTH The General Manager stated that the agreement is to authorize Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth to prepare appropriate documents for the issuance of Certificates of Participation (C:OP's); that this agreement needs to be approved to move forward on the financing package; that this item is in the budget under capital projects. Legal Counsel advised that Exhibit A, paragraph 3 be changed to fit the District policy; that, it has been a policy to avoid binding arbitration; that he would like direction from the Board. Mr. Yeager stated that if Exhibit A, paragraph 3 were to be objectionable then that section and Paragraph 6 of the agreement will be withdrawn from the agreement; that this k4310 agreement would cost approximately $70,000. Director Sturgeon stated that he would like this to go to the Budget committee for review before the Board approves. Director Wilson stated his concern whether there was enough time to have the Budget committee review. �uur Director Morales inquire on the cost to implement this agreement; that he would also like to have this agreement go to the Budget committee for review due to the language in question. Director Goodin suggested that the Board have legal counsel change the language in question for this agreement M /S /C (LeVesque- Wilson) to approve the Special Counsel Agreement between East Valley Water District and Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth with the suggested amendments from legal counsel. (Minutes 11125/2008) etb 3 RESOLUTION 2008.25 — A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE EAST VALLEY WATER DISTICT REGARDING ITS INTENTION TO ISSUE TAX - EXEMPT OBLIGATIONS Director Morales inquired if legal counsel had reviewed this resolution. The General Manager recommended that the Board approve the resolution. Director Sturgeon stated that a correction needed to be made on page 4. It should state County of San Bernardino and not County of Riverside. M/S /C (Sturgeon - LeVesque) that Resolution 2008.25 be approved with the recommended change. PRESENTATION FROM ROBERT REEB REGARDING 2008 ANNUAL REPORT AND STATE LOBBYING ACTIVITIES Mr. Reeb presented a review of his activities to date and future Legislative Bills that may affect the District; that he will return to discuss more issues; that he has work relations with lobbyists from ACWA, CSDA and CMUA; that amended bills updates are posted on the capitol track website; that conservation is a local control issue. Director Sturgeon inquired about Mr. Reeb's relations with key members of ACWA, CSDA and CMUA; he also stated that Pepsi distributions proposed to use 20% less water by 2015. Director LeVesque inquired about conservation as it relates to other agencies. Director Morales stated that fees will be a concern in the future at the state level; that he looks forward to continue working with Mr. Reeb; that the District be active in all bills from the legislature. Vice President Wilson voiced his concerns regarding the Agriculture bill and how it includes conservation. President Goodin expressed his appreciation for Mr. Reeb's work that he has done on behalf of the District. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE STATE OF SANTA ANA RIVER WATERSHED "OVERCOMING BOUNDARIES' EVENT, ONTARIO, JANUARY 29, 2009 (Minutes 11/25/2008) etb 4 Vice President Wilson stated that the Public Outreach committee reviewed this item and recommended it be reviewed by the Board. iN W/ Ms McAndrews inquired on direction from the Board; that the Santa Ana River Watershed event is requesting the District's name on the host list or a donation of $1500. M /S /C (Wilson - LeVesque) that the District place its name on the host list for the Stage of Santa Ana River Watershed "Overcoming Boundaries" Event. RESOLUTION 2008.22 - A RESOLUTION TO TAX DEFER MEMBER PAID CONTRIBUTIONS — RESOLUTION FOR EMPLOYER PICK UP M /S /C (LeVesque - Wilson) that Resolution 2008.22 be approved. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES Mr. Cates from CDM gave a presentation of the decision process for construction management services; that interviews were held; that a recommendation to the Board is to award Cordoba Corporation for Construction Management Services. Director LeVesque stated that he participated in the interviews and concurs with the uliv recommendation. Director Morales stated that the Cordoba Corporation put extra effort into preparing for the District's project; that they were very aware of the utility lines in the area of the project. Viet. President Wilson stated that he would have liked to have been included with the interview process. The General Manager stated that he concurs with all the comments made by the members; that he supports the recommendation; that a detailed agreement will be brought to the Board in the future. President Goodin expressed his appreciation to CDM and Staff for their diligence in this process. M /S /C (LeVesque - Sturgeon) — to approve the recommendation from CUM to award Construction Management Services to Cordoba Corporation. 40 60 (Minutes 11/25/2008) etb 5 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CORRECTING GRANT DEED FOR GREENSPOT VILLAGE AND MARKET PLACE, LLC Mr. Buchwald stated that he was contacted by Mr. Snell to have the Grant Deed corrected. Legal Counsel recommended that this action needed to be clarified prior to the Board making corrections. Director Sturgeon wanted to know what concerns Director Morales may have. Director Morales stated that it was not clear as to what the necessary changes were. M /S /C (Wilson - LeVesque) to authorize legal counsel to contact Mr. Snell and make the necessary amendments to the grant deed. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE WATER EDUCATION FOUNDATION'S 11 2009 WATER LEADERS CLASS" Director Sturgeon stated that a water district employee could be mentored throughout the state with this program; that the candidate would bring back valuable information for our district. Director Morales inquired if the funding is available for this program to absorb cost; if there is a committee for the selection process. Director Morales stated that he would like the District to submit an application if time permits. President Goodin state that he would like more information about the program; are there benefits of being involved with the program; that personal advances in education is great. M /S /C (LeVesque- Sturgeon) to direct staff to submit an application and move forward with the 2009 application for the program. The General Manager stated that he would give all employees information to build an interest list. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE SCHEDULING OF MEETINGS, COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS Director LeVesque requested a draft agenda be given to the Board members for their review one (1) week prior to the Committee Meetings. (Minutes 11/25/2008) etb Vice President Wilson stated that for standing committee meetings there is a 72 -hour , posting prior to each meeting. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE SAN BERNARDINO AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICIAL BALLOT Director Morales inquired if the Board had any specific choice. M /S /C (Sturgeon - LeVesque) to vote for all 7 candidates. REVIEW AND ACCEPT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2008 Mr. Tompkins reviewed the Financial Statements in detail. Director Sturgeon commented that he was very pleased with the expanded format of the Financial Statements. Directors Wilson, Goodin, and Morales concurred with Director Sturgeon's comments regarding the expanded format. M /S /C (Sturgeon - Wilson) to accept the Financial Statements for the period ended October 31, 2008. DIRECTORS' FEES AND EXPENSES FOR OCTOBER 2008 M /S /C (Wilson - LeVesque) to approve Directors' fees and expenses for October 2008. GENERAL MANAGER/STAFF REPORTS The General Manager reported on the District's operations to date; that the news had stated that during the Yorba Linda Fires there was insufficient water pressure to fight the fire; that the low water pressure could have been caused by any number of items. Mr. Sturdivan gave a summary of the District's involvement in the Golden Guardian exercise; that this exercise is the first functional exercise that we have participate in; that the District participated in the exercise for two days; that scenarios were implemented in the two day exercise; that the ERNIE group was involved in the exercise which included 40do (Minutes 11/25/2008) etb 7 20 agencies; that the District used a low band radio system which works well in emergency situations; that he would like to train and certify staff on the use of HAM radios. Director Morales stated that he would prefer a report on items that would be needed in an emergency to be able to prioritize in a disaster. Director LeVesque stated that a spreadsheet would be beneficial for a report of a damage assessment. The General Manager stated that the newer plants are made to withstand a higher seismic load; that the older plants would not do well in a major seismic event. CONSULTANT REPORTS Ms McAndrews expressed gratitude to Director Sturgeon for his help and attendance at the Solar Challenge workshop; that the workshop consisted of technical sessions, safety, rules, and key points; that students from Cal Poly provided help with these sessions; that she is developing a sponsor list. COMMITTEE REPORTS Director Morales (Legislative) stated the State budget is still short; that $8.1 billion in spending cuts will be discussed in the next state legislative meeting. Vice President Wilson (Public Outreach) stated that he had taken calendars and bottled water to the Kiwanis club meeting. Director LeVesque (Headquarters) stated that he had met with GMID regarding the landscape challenges, irrigation requirements and the solar system. Director Morales stated that he set up a meeting with the mayor to discuss tree heights on the property. Director Sturgeon stated that it is still in the plans to name a fountain or garden after the sellers of the property. ORAL COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF DIRECTORS Director Morales stated that he was involved with the County EOC during the Golden Guardian exercise; that he was happy to see the District involved. —a, (Minutes 11/25/2008) etb 8 Director Sturgeon stated that that he would be testing for the certification of HAM radios in near future. ww President Goodin expressed his satisfaction with the operations of the District and the Board of Directors. &MAIL CORRESPONDENCE FROM AWWA RESEARCH FOUNDATION REGARDING NEW REPORT ON ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING COMPOUNDS (EDC'S) Information only. LETTER OF APPRECIATION TO THE DISTRICT FROM THE HIGHLAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Information only. LETTER OF APPRECIATION TO THE DISTRICT FROM BEV AND ED ARONSON REGARDING THE RECENT FACILITIES TOUR Information only. JUDY MABEN TRIBUTE DINNER, MADISON RESTAURANT & BAR, ]LONG BEACH, DECEMBER 1, 2008 Information only. ASSOCIATION OF THE SAN BERNARDINO COUNT SPECIAL DISTRICTS MEMBERSHIP MEETING HOSTED BY SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT, RILEY'S FARM, OAK GLEN, DECEMBER 15, 2008 Information only. CS]DA'S "HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE BOARD MEMBER" VARIOUS DATES AND LOCATIONS Information only. ACWA'S 2009 WASHINGTON, DC CONFERENCE, FEBRUARY 24 -26, 2009 Information only. The Board took a five- minute break at 5:12 p.m. Returned to session at 5:19 p.m. CLOSED SESSION The Board entered into Closed Session at 5:19 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. (Minutes 11/25/2008) etb 9 ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS The Board returned to regular session at 5:29 p.m. Items listed on the agenda were discussed in closed session with no reportable action being taken. The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m. until the next Regular Board Meeting on December 9, 2008. 44/ obert E. Martin, Secretary i ) , ,-u D� Donald D. Goodin, President (Minutes 11/25/2008) etb 1