minutes
Regular Meeting
Governing Board of Sweetwater Authority
March 14, 2007
The Governing Board of Sweetwater Authority held a regular meeting on
Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at the Sweetwater Authority Administrative Office,
505 Garrett Avenue, Chula Vista, California. Chair Beauchamp called the meeting
to order at 6:00 p.m.
• ROLL CALL
Directors Present: Alkire, Beauchamp, Doud, Morrison*, Pocklington, Thomas
and Welsh
Directors Absent: None
Others Present: General Manager/Treasurer Bostad, Operations Manager Rogers,
Legal Counsel Cowett, Treasurer Delegatee Farrow, and Board Secretary
Schoonderwoerd. Staff members: Rick Alexander, Bill Olson, George Silva, Jim
Smyth, Don Thomson, and Tom Woodrum. Also: Don Detisch and Tanya Shome of the
Law Offices of Don Detisch
• PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Director Doud conducted the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
• OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT (Government Code Section (54954.3)
There were no members of the public present for comment.
• CHAIR’S PRESENTATION
ACTION CALENDAR ITEMS
1. ITEMS TO BE ADDED, WITHDRAWN, OR REORDERED IN THE AGENDA
Director Pocklington made a motion, seconded by Director Alkire, that the
Closed Session (Item 12) be moved to Item 2 and all subsequent items be
reordered on the agenda, and that the Citizens Advisory Committee Public
Workshop for the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan on March 15, 2007 be added as
Item 8.E. (reordered as 9.E.). The motion carried.
2. CLOSED SESSION
At 6:05 p.m., in compliance with Government Code Section 54956.9(a), the
Board recessed to convene in closed session to confer with Legal Counsel
regarding pending litigation on California Department of Transportation v.
Sweetwater Authority, Case No. GIC 838118-1 (C/W: GIC 838119-1 and GIC
838120-1). All persons left the room with the exception of the Governing Board,
Management Team, Legal Counsel, Staff and Board Secretary. There were no minutes
taken, and the session was not tape-recorded.
At 6:41 p.m., Chair Beauchamp declared the meeting to be in open session.
There was no reportable action.
*NOTE: Director Morrison entered the meeting at 6:09 p.m.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Director Doud made a motion, seconded by Director Thomas, that the
Governing Board approve the minutes of the February 28, 2007 meeting with an
amendment under Item 6.B. to replace the word “junior” college with the word
“community” college. The motion carried.
B. The Special Meeting of March 1, 2007 did not meet a quorum. The Directors
present proceeded on the field trip with staff, and a brief description of the
tour was entered into the record in lieu of formal minutes. No action was
required by the Governing Board.
4. APPROVAL OF DEMANDS AND WARRANTS
Director Doud made a motion, seconded by Director Alkire, that the Governing
Board approve Warrants 109067 through 109247 including all voided checks. The
motion carried.
5. OPERATIONS COMMITTEE (Meeting of March 7, 2007)
A. 2007/2008 federal funding strategy. Director Doud commented that a very
informational report was given at the meeting. General Manager Bostad stated
that he would be providing an update on this under the Management Report later
in the meeting. This was an information item and no action was required by the
Governing Board.
B. Closed Session. In accordance with Government Code Section 54956.9(a), the
Committee met in closed session to confer with Legal Counsel regarding pending
litigation on California Department of Transportation v. Sweetwater Authority,
Case No. GIC 838118-1 (C/W: GIC 838119-1 and GIC 838120-1). There was no
reportable action.
6. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS
A. Director Thomas made a motion, seconded by Director Alkire, that the
Governing Board adopt Resolution 07-07 Concurring in the Nomination of Merle J.
Aleshire to the ACWA/JPIA Executive Committee. (Approved by Board action on
February 28th) The motion carried.
Upon said motion, the following resolution:
RESOLUTION 07-07
RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF SWEETWATER AUTHORITY CONCURRING IN THE
NOMINATION OF MERLE J. ALESHIRE TO
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA WATER AGENCIES JOINT
POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY (“ACWA/JPIA”)
was passed and adopted by the following vote to wit:
Ayes: Directors Alkire, Beauchamp, Doud, Morrison, Pocklington, Thomas, and
Welsh
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
B. Director Alkire made a motion, seconded by Director Thomas, that the
Governing Board adopt Resolution 07-08 Concurring in the Nomination of Melody
Henriques-McDonald to the ACWA/JPIA Executive Committee. (Approved by Board
action on February 28th) The motion carried.
Upon said motion, the following resolution:
RESOLUTION 07-08
RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF SWEETWATER AUTHORITY CONCURRING IN THE
NOMINATION OF MELODY HENRIQUES-MCDONALD TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE
ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA WATER AGENCIES JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY (“ACWA/JPIA”)
was passed and adopted by the following vote to wit:
Ayes: Directors Alkire, Beauchamp, Doud, Morrison, Pocklington, Thomas, and
Welsh
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
7. NEW BUSINESS
There was none.
8. REPORT OF THE SWEETWATER AUTHORITY DIRECTOR TO THE WATER CONSERVATION
GARDEN AUTHORITY
Chair Beauchamp reported that there was discussion at today’s Board meeting
regarding the filling of two CWA positions for landscape conservation and who
they should be involved with. General Manager Bostad added that part of the
discussion considered the possibility of an organizational approach whereby this
could provide additional staff and/or support for the Garden and work through
the existing Garden in dealing with landscape. There was no real outcome,
although there was a good discussion looking at creative approaches towards
helping the Garden without creating a new landscape approach at CWA. An Ad Hoc
Committee is looking into this issue. Chair Beauchamp said that the Friend’s
Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, March 17th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A
lot of activity was focused on fundraising for the organization. He noted the
grand openings in April of the Firewise Garden Exhibit sponsored by the San
Miguel Fire Protection District and the Garden, and Cuyamaca College’s new
computer buildings.
9. APPROVAL OF DIRECTORS’ ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
A. Council of Water Utilities, San Diego County Meeting, StoneRidge Country
Club, Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at 7:15 a.m. – Program: “A Visit with Fern
Steiner, Chair of the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors.”
Directors wishing to attend this pre-approved meeting will contact the
Secretary. No action was required by the Governing Board.
B. CSDA Chapter Roundtable, Friday, March 23, 2007, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
in Sacramento, CA. Director Doud will attend this pre-approved event
representing the San Diego Chapter. No action was required by the Governing
Board.
C. CSDA Special District Leadership Academy, Module 1, Governance Foundations
on Friday, April 13, 2007, and Module 2, Setting Direction/Community Leadership
on Friday, May 11, 2007, in Ontario, CA. Director Thomas expressed interest in
attending one or both of these pre-approved events. No action was required by
the Governing Board.
D. Water Education Foundation Central Valley Water Tour, April 18-20, 2007.
No Directors expressed interest in attending this pre-approved event at this
time. No action was required by the Governing Board.
E. Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Doud, that the
Governing Board approve per diem for Directors who wish to attend the Chula
Vista Bayfront Master Plan Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting on Thursday,
March 15, 2007, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Director
Morrison expressed opposition explaining that this is a local planning meeting
with more of a community vs. water interest and compared it to National City’s
Downtown Specific Plan meetings. Director Pocklington stated that he believed
there was interest concerning water, based on the large amount of water use
involved in this size project and whether reclaimed water will be used. Director
Thomas concurred that a Sweetwater Authority Director should be represented at
this significant, large, land use project and noted that since she will attend
as a member of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee representing the General Plan
Update Steering Committee, she wants it to be a part of the public record that
she will not be receiving a per diem. Director Doud added that he believes this
meeting to be of interest, as the issue of the Port District turning down the
building of the LS power plant on the bayfront may be addressed. The motion
carried with Directors Morrison and Beauchamp opposing.
10. REPORTS BY DIRECTORS ON EVENTS ATTENDED
Director Thomas submitted a written report to be kept on file with the
Secretary on her attendance at the CSDA Board Member Training in Ontario, CA on
March 1-2. She stated that the session was a beneficial learning tool. She plans
to continue with the CSDA Leadership Academy series.
Director Doud reported on his attendance at the First Friday Meeting on March
2nd. Mark Fabiani, spokesperson for the San Diego Chargers, was the featured
speaker. He informed the group that there would be no cost to the voters should
a new stadium be located in Chula Vista. When asked about traffic and
transportation issues, Mr. Fabiani replied that there would be a need for some
trolley and bus provisions.
Director Doud reported on his attendance at the WateReuse/CA Section 2007
Conference on March 4-6 in Palm Springs. Attendees received a report from the
Water Replenishment District of Southern California on its local, storm runoff,
imported, and recycled water supplies that percolate into the San Gabriel and
Rio Hondo aquifers. They have new mound monitoring programs, 90-100 feet deep
wells, and studies involving organic carbons. He found it interesting to note
that every other mile of land in Palm Springs belonged to the Agua Caliente
Indians, who have agreed to abide by local Palm Springs laws. He found the
sessions on membrane bioreactor plants of great interest and distributed
handouts on the subject to the Board. This is something being considered in San
Diego County as well. He submitted the handouts and a CD of the conference
proceedings to the Secretary to be kept on file for review. He also commented
that he would like to have the Board consider action on SB 59, the Reliable
Water Supply Bond Act of 2008. General Manager Bostad stated that this and other
important legislation will be brought to the Board for review through the
Operations Committee.
Chair Beauchamp attended the South County Economic Development Council meeting
on March 6th. The Charger stadium issue was discussed because it is of great
interest to the South Bay community. The cross border terminal was also
discussed with concern that it is not being considered by the City of San Diego
in its redesigning of the land use plan for Otay Mesa. Issues still pending with
the 905 freeway design were also part of the discussion.
Director Thomas reported on the Water Education Foundation Mexican Delta Tour
on March 7-9. She stated that it was a very meaningful trip in relation to an
overview of the Mexican/United States border issues. A number of projects were
visited and representatives of many key organizations were in attendance.
Director Thomas stated that it is important for the water industry to have an
impact regionally with Mexico. She believed that a more extensive trip in the
San Diego/Tijuana region would be beneficial as well.
11. MANAGEMENT REPORT
A. Report of Operations Manager Rogers: Mr. Rogers stated that Management and
the Director of Finance met with each department and section head to go over the
capital budget as it stands today, and he was happy to report that they are each
doing a fantastic job. This coming year will have fewer carryovers, which means
we are on track with completing projects as budgeted. He reported that MWD shut
down the raw water line into San Diego on March 4th, it will come back online
tomorrow, and the Authority weathered the shutdown very well. We took water out
of the lake, and beginning tomorrow, we will start to take Seasonal Storage
Operating Agreement water for in lieu storage.
B. Report of General Manager Bostad: Mr. Bostad pointed out the new
investment report format and complimented Director of Finance Farrow for
creating the easy to read summary. He introduced Director of Environmental and
Governmental Services Alexander to provide the Board with an update following
their recent trip to Washington, D.C.
Mr. Alexander stated that the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) passed the
House in the 109th Congress and has now started to move on the Senate side with
a couple of sponsors. As of this morning, the Authority’s Washington
representatives reported that two of the Authority’s projects are included. One
is the Section 206 project, the vernal pool restoration cooperative project with
the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, and the other is the Corp of Engineer’s version
of the feasibility study for the four reservoir intertie project. Congressman
Filner’s office states that they will add the $400,000 project for exotic
species removal at the upper end of the Sweetwater Reservoir, which has been in
the wrong chapter for the past couple of years. It is not clear that it will
succeed, but it is finally moving and has some significant sponsors. Mr.
Alexander spoke to Congressman Hunter’s office regarding HR1190, which would
authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to conduct the feasibility study for the
four reservoir intertie system. The House passed the bill in the 109th Congress,
but once again it did not make it through the Senate. This bill will be
reintroduced in the 110th Congress next week, and Congressman Hunter’s office is
gathering up cosponsors primarily from the San Diego delegation. Chair Beauchamp
suggested that staff review the issue of saline and habitat alteration involved
with Tamarisk on the exotic species removal project fact sheet. General Bostad
reported that the partnership with the City of San Diego on the reservoir
intertie project is strong, and that he received an email from Jim Barrett
confirming WRDA listing of the Intertie Project. Alternate connections will be
looked at to potentially shorten the pipeline from El Capitan to Loveland and
include a pump storage component.
As a follow-up to Director Doud’s earlier comment on SB 59 (Cogdill), the
Reliable Water Supply Bond Act of 2008, Mr. Bostad reported that the ACWA
Legislative Committee is reviewing this bill and is currently taking a “support
and amend” position. This bill is basically the comprehensive water bond
supported by the Governor. Staff will bring a list of pertinent bills including
SB 59 via Operations Committee for Board review and action.
Mr. Bostad pointed out the invitation sent to the Board to meet Poseidon
Resources Corporation’s expanded team on the Carlsbad Desalination project on
April 13th. He said this will be an interesting opportunity for Board members
who were not able to make the recent tour, and for the Board to meet with some
of the engineering and construction contractors as well as other agency boards
who have expressed interest in desalination. This item will be placed on the
next Board agenda for consideration. The Board then viewed a five-minute video
presentation produced by CWA on the Emergency Storage Project. Mr. Bostad stated
that it is important to understand how the Authority’s dollars are spent on the
project and where the value comes from. The charges are based upon a three-year
rolling average, which means that as the Authority develops additional local
supplies or expands the National City well field or the Reynolds Plant, the
average quantity of water that is purchased from CWA will go down with a
subsequent reduction in fees.
12. DIRECTORS’ COMMENTS
Director Thomas thanked Administrative Services Director Woodrum for staffing
a table at the Bonita Business and Professional Association trade show yesterday
evening.
Director Pocklington distributed copies of a letter written by Dennis Cushman
to Peter MacLaggan of Poseidon Resources. Mr. Cushman stated that in his
presentation at the February 20th Council of Water Utilities meeting, Mr.
MacLaggan reported that the average CWA rate increase was 7.2 percent per year.
Mr. Cushman corrected that statement stating that it was 4.78 percent. In 1987,
the price of water was $247 an acre-foot, and today it is $628 an acre-foot. He
also wanted to make the Board aware of a few important decisions the CWA Board
is considering. CWA is putting steel lining into 82 miles of reinforced concrete
pipe. The cost so far is approximately $500 million, and when the project is
finished, it will be about $1 billion. Also, they want to raise the San Vicente
Dam 54 feet. The first 54 feet is going to cost $452 million and to add another
100,000 acre-feet will cost $150 million. He believes that it should be done now
as the cost of water is only going to rise, but he may bring this issue back to
the Board in the future for its direction and support. General Manager Bostad
suggested that the carryover storage probably makes sense. CWA planning presents
the idea that there is a risk analysis associated with different levels of
investment. At the General Manager’s meeting he asked what the assumptions are
associated with developing the risk analysis and requested a list of the
assumptions. It will give a better understanding of the amount of uncertainty.
He said it is very complicated and it is important to have all the facts. He
also suggested that the CWA Board discuss how they are going to pay for
carryover storage because it is very different from emergency storage.
13. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business before the Board, Chair Beauchamp adjourned the
meeting at 7:27 p.m., to the hour of 3:30 p.m. on March 28, 2007.
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