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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes - EVWD Board of Directors - 08/11/2009Aooroved August 2 5, 2009 EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT August 11, 2009 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES President Goodin called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. The General Manager 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; LEGAL COUNSEL: Steve Kennedy GUEST (S): Jo McAndrews (McAndrews & Boyd), Charles Roberts (Highland Community News), Larry Malmberg, Ron Butcher (Nobel Systems, Inc.), Mark Vargas (Mission Infrastructure), Michael Russell (The Russell Company), Debbie Johnson (Aerial Information Systems), idimy Edward Reyes (Aerial Information Systems), Michael Nielson Aerial Information Systems), Balaji Dadaba (Nobel Systems, Inc.) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION President Goodin declared the public participation section of the meeting open at 3:00 p.m. There being no verbal or written comments the public participation section was closed. APPROVAL OF AGENDA M /S /C (Sturgeon - Morales) that the August 11, 2009 agenda be approved as submitted. APPROVAL OF BOARD MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 14, 2009 M /S /C (Wilson - Sturgeon) that the July 14, 2009 Board Meeting Minutes be approved as submitted. woad (Minutes 8/11/2009) jph I M/S /C (Wilson - Sturgeon) that the July 28, 2009 Board Meeting Minutes be approved as submitted. DISBURSEMENTS M /S /C (Wilson - Sturgeon) that General Fund Disbursements #220703 through #220885 which were distributed during the period of July 28, 2009, through August 5, 2009, in the amount of $1,091,909.32 and Payroll Fund Disbursements for the period ended August 5, 2009 and included checks and direct deposits, in the amount of $290,942.54, totaling $1,382,851.86 be approved. GENERAL MANAGERS FEE'S AND EXPENSES No expenses. No action taken DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE GIS DATA CONVERSION CONTRACT The General Manager stated that this item was on a previous agenda but that the Board had requested additional information available in order to make an informed decision. Vice President Wilson would like clarification regarding the waste of sheets 1 -10. Director Sturgeon stated that he appreciates the information provided and work that has 1, been prepared but still supports his previous position. M/S (Sturgeon - LeVesque) that the Board approve staff recommendations and award the contract to AIS Systems for the GIS Data Conversion. Director Morales understands the concerns with keeping jobs local, but cannot support the motion to award a contract to AIS Systems that is 193K higher than the Nobel Systems, Inc. proposal, for the same work and final outcome. Vice President Wilson concurs with Director Morales' statements. Director LeVesque stated that the District has an established track record with AIS Systems; that he does not support shipping jobs out of our local economy and that this is a serious issue with him and we need to make a stand and keep jobs local. Directors Sturgeon and LeVesque voted YES. Directors Morales, Wilson and Goodin voted NO. The motion failed on a 2 -3 vote. (Minutes 8/11/2009) jph 2 M /S /C (Wilson- Morales) that the Board award the contract to Nobel Systems, Inc. for the GIS Data Conversion. 4ihk al Directors Morales, Wilson and Goodin voted YES. Directors Sturgeon and LeVesque voted NO. The motion passed with a 3 -2 vote. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE PREPARATION OF A WATER AND SEWER RATE INVESTIGATION The General Manager stated that the Board chose not to have a rate increase this year but that we need to begin the preparation process for next year's rate increase; that there should be two alternatives investigated: 1. Single rates 2. Modified tiered rates The General Manager suggested that a ground water recharge line item be added to next years budget and be included in the rate study investigation. M/S /C (LeVesque - Wilson) that the Board authorize staff to solicit a proposal from HDR to perform a rate study investigation. u as President Goodin stated that Yucaipa Valley Water District performed an in house rate study rather than contracting with a company to do the work. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE APPROVAL TO WRITE OFF CLOSED CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS WITH BALANCES OF LESS THAN $18.00. M/S /C (LeVesque - Wilson) that the District wrtie off closed customer accounts with balances of less than $18.00. DISCUSSIONd AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE APPROVAL TO WRITE OFF 10- YEAR - OLD -LIENS M /S /C (LeVesque - Wilson) that the District write off 10- year -old- liens. uia_,i DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATING AGREEMENT BETWEEN EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT AND MISSION INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE RUSSELL COMPANY (Minutes 8/11/2009) jph 3 The General Manager reviewed the agreement with the Board; that this agreement starts the process to find property and conduct preliminary development activities with a cost of approximately $630K, which would be reimbursable. M/S (LeVesque- Sturgeon) that the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement between East Valley Water District, Mission infrastructure and the Russell Company be approved. The General Manager stated that he is not completely ready to move forward at this point but needs direction from the board if this is the concept they would like the District to move forward with. Mr. Kennedy received the draft agreement but has a number of substantial concerns with the agreement; that he cannot recommend the Board approve the agreement at this time. Directors LeVesque and Sturgeon withdrew their motions and second. Director LeVesque supports the concept of outsourcing the headquarters project and feasibility study to individuals that deal with these types of projects on a daily basis but realizes the agreement needs to be reworked. Director Morales supports the concept to explore alternatives for the headquarters project. Vice President Wilson supports the concept. Director Sturgeon would like the Headquarters Committee to review alternatives for the project and has requested that the committee bring recommendations back to the Board at a later date. Director Morales stated his concern with item number III on page four of the agreement. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE CALIFORNIA SPECIAL DISTRICTS ASSOCIATION OFFICIAL BALLOT FOR THE 2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS M/S /C (Wilson- Morales) that the Board vote for Vincent House on CSDA's official ballot for the 2009 Board of Directors. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PROPOSED PURCHASE OF SUPPLEMENTAL WATER FOR GROUNDWATER RECHARGE The General Manager stated that Valley Water District is looking for financial partners for a supplemental groundwater recharge program; that water levels are falling in our area and iJ (Minutes 8/11/2009) jph 4 that we are in a drought situation; that this program would put water back into our local water basin. The General Manager stated that EVWD has a $125K line item in its current iALig, budget for the purchase of supplemental water and is proposing to redirect the use of $I OOK for the purchase of water for the groundwater recharge project and to partner with Valley Water District. M/S /C (Wilson - LeVesque) that the Board approve the General Managers proposal to redirect the use of $100K for the purchase of water for the groundwater recharge project and to partner with Valley Water District on the project. Director Morales would like to know if it would make a difference if other agencies pull out of the project DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE DISTRICTS POSITION ON SENATE BILL 787 (CLEAN WATER ACT AMENDMENTS) The General Manger reviewed Senate Bill 787 with the Board and the concerns associated with the bill and recommends opposing the bill. M/S /C (Morales- Wilson) that the Board approve staff to send a letter of opposition to The Honorable Barbara Boxer, Chairwoman, Committee on Environment and Public Works in opposition to Senate Bill 787. 4wo DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF ADDENDUM: NO. 1 TO THE INITIAL STUDY OF EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICTS PLANT 40 DISPOSABLE RESIN ION EXCHANGE SYSTEM FOR URANIUM REMOVAL PROJECT The General Manager reviewed the addendum with the Board. M /S /C (LeVesque - Wilson) that the Addendum No. 1 to the Initial Study of East Valley Water Districts Plant 40 Disposable Resin Ion Exchange System for Uranuim Removal Project be approved. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA WATER AGENCIES CAUCUS NOMINATION FOR NWRA POSITIONS No action taken. ACCEPT MINUTES FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING ON MAY 7, 2009 vW0 (Minutes8 /11 /2009)jph 5 M /S /C (LeVesque - Wilson) that the Budget Committee meeting minutes for May 7, 2009 be accepted. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PRESIDENT DONALD D. GOODIN'S RESIGNATION FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT M/S /C (Sturgeon- Wilson) that the Board accept Donald D. Goodin's resignation from the Board of Directors of the East Valley Water District. RESOLUTION 2009.17 — A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT IN RECOGNITION OF DONALD D. GOODIN'S SERVICE AS DIRECTOR OF THE EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT M /S /C (LeVesque - Wilson) that Resolution 2009.17 be approved. DIRECTORS' FEES AND EXPENSES FOR JULY 2009 M/S /C (LeVesque - Wilson) that the Directors' fees and expenses for July 2009 be approved. GENERAL MANAGER/STAFF REPORTS The General Manager reported on the District's operations to date; that Fred Stafford will be retiring September 25, 2009; that pump testing at plant 120 has shown significant signs of sand being produced. CONSULTANT REPORTS Ms McAndrews wished President Goodin the best of luck and that it has been a pleasure working with him. COMMITTEE REPORTS No committee reports at this time. ORAL COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF DIRECTORS Director Sturgeon stated that he has known President Goodin for fifteen years and that it has been a pleasure working with him; that they haven't always agreed but have remained friends. Director Morales stated President Goodin's guidance and leadership would be missed. (Minutes 8/11/2009) jph President Goodin stated that there are three things he would like to discuss before he � leaves. 1. He is strongly committed to the original headquarters project; that there are alternatives available but to make sure the Board looks at the project with a 50 -year perspective. 2. He does not support friends being appointed to the Board as this looks suspicious to others and has suggested that his replacement have a financial background. 3. President Goodin stated that it has been an honor and privilege working with the Board of Directors and the employees of East Valley Water District; that there is no way he can convey his appreciation to everyone; that he is looking forward to his new ventures in life and politics and that the welcome mat is always out. 4. President Goodin recommended Bobbie Miller for the vacant Board position. LETTER TO THE DISTRICT FROM THE SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT Information only. WATER EDUCATION FOUNDATION'S NORTHERN CALIFORNIA TOUR, SACRAMENTO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, OCTOBER 7-9,2009 President Goodin handed the gavel and Board President position to Vice President Wilson and Vice President Wilson accepted. The Board took a five- minute break at 4:52 p.m. The Board returned to session at 4:58 p.m. CLOSED SESSION The Board entered into Closed Session at 4:59 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 Wilson declared that the meeting adjourn to regular session ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS No reportable action at this time. loved (Minutes 8 /I1 /2009)iph 7 ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m. w � n eor E. Wilson,, President Rolbert E. Martin, Secretary . V- ma p - (Minutes 8/11/2009) jph 8