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minutes
Regular Meeting
Governing Board of Sweetwater Authority
Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - 6:00 p.m.
The Governing Board of Sweetwater Authority held a regular meeting on
Wednesday, April 9, 2008, 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, Thomas, Welsh
Directors Absent: Morrison and Pocklington
Others Present: General Manager Bostad, Operations Manager Rogers, Legal Counsel
Cowett, Treasurer Farrow, and Board Secretary Schoonderwoerd. Staff members:
Jack Adam, Rick Alexander, Sue King, Bill Olson, George Silva, Jim Smyth, Don
Thomson, and Tom Woodrum. Also present were Lynda Bostad, Supervisor Greg Cox,
and Michael de la Rosa
• PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Director Thomas 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.
• CHAIR’S PRESENTATION
There was none.
• PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION FOR DENNIS BOSTAD BY SAN DIEGO COUNTY SUPERVISOR
GREG COX
San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox expressed the County’s appreciation and
thanks for the great job that General Manager Bostad has done for Sweetwater
Authority, South Bay Irrigation District, and residents of San Diego County. He
stated that the almost 30 years of service Dennis has put in with the Authority
is very admirable, and many very positive things have happened during that
period of time. The citizens depend on this agency for good, reliable water
resources, and the Authority has done a phenomenal job over the years providing
that service. Dennis has been the General Manager since 2002 and has been
attributably involved in many very important projects such as the storm water
diversion system, the Habitat Management Plan, the Conservation Garden, and
shoreline fishing at the Loveland and Sweetwater Reservoirs. Beyond his service
here at the Authority, Dennis has been one of those people who has given back a
lot to the community. It says a lot about him as an individual as well as the
Authority for giving him the ability to do that. Dennis has been President of
the National City Chamber of Commerce, President of the National City Kiwanis,
and Business Person of the Year for the Chamber. Probably the most important
recognition he has ever received was being inducted into the Hilltop High School
Hall of Fame. On behalf of San Diego County, Supervisor Cox commended Dennis for
the great job he has done for all these years with Sweetwater Authority, and he
thanked him for his leadership, commitment, and involvement in the community. He
presented Dennis with a framed proclamation which memorializes some of his
accomplishments over the years. He declared this day, the ninth day of April,
2008, as Dennis Bostad Day throughout San Diego County. He wished Dennis and his
wife Lynda the best during his retirement.
General Manager Bostad expressed his appreciation and noted that he was at the
Regional Water Quality Control Board all day trying to further the Carlsbad
Desalination Plant. He presented Supervisor Cox with a token “Got Desal” button.
Supervisor Cox added that he appreciates the leadership and work Dennis has done
towards desalination.
ACTION CALENDAR ITEMS
1. ITEMS TO BE ADDED, WITHDRAWN, OR REORDERED IN THE AGENDA
Director Alkire made a motion, seconded by Director Doud, that the LAFCO
Commission meeting of April 7, 2008 be added to the agenda as item 8.E. The
motion carried.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Director Doud made a motion, seconded by Director Welsh, that the Governing
Board approve the minutes of the March 26, 2008 meeting. The motion carried.
3. APPROVAL OF DEMANDS AND WARRANTS
Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Thomas, that the Governing
Board approve Warrants 113763 through 113943 including all voided checks. The
motion carried.
4. FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE (Meeting of April 7, 2008)
A. Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Doud, that the Governing
Board approve a contract amendment in the amount of $28,945 to be allocated from
the Capital Contingency Fund, for a total contract amount of $335,813 for FY
2007-08, with AMEC Earth and Environmental Inc., for additional computer
modeling and literature review for the Richard A. Reynolds Desalination Facility
Expansion. The motion carried.
B. Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Thomas, that the Governing
Board approve the 2008 membership renewal in the National City Chamber of
Commerce and the payment of dues in the amount of $500. The motion carried.
C. Fiscal year 2008-09 budget schedule. This was an information item and no
action was required by the Governing Board.
5. REPORT OF SWEETWATER AUTHORITY DIRECTOR TO THE WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN
AUTHORITY
Chair Beauchamp reported on highlights on today’s Conservation Garden Board
agenda. A 3.0 percent cost increase in agency member participation was approved
due to increased salaries, benefits, cost of living and the withdrawal of Padre
Dam MWD. The Garden recently held a plant sale attended by 1,740 people.
Vallecitos Water District is coming down on Saturday to tour the Garden and
explore membership options. A contract is being worked out through CWA for North
County sessions beyond the homeowner’s associations, indicating that the Garden
is becoming a countywide facility. General Manager Bostad emphasized that, in
the bigger picture, if some analysis can be done through the Garden on how much
water is being conserved, there should be a credit for conservation on all the
different statewide programs. There isn’t a decent methodology for measuring
conservation. If everyone would get a certain credit by being a sponsor at the
Garden, it would be a lot easier to get people to join. Chair Beauchamp
continued stating that the Garden is partnering with the San Diego Natural
History Museum to share educational programs. The museum has a display on local
water and one will be coming on water supply. The sensory garden (for scented
plants) is close to being finished, and they are working on a contract for the
patio garden. March visitors this year were up 12 percent compared to last year.
The public service announcements should be out soon on Channel 4. Additional
memberships include Poseidon Resources for $5,000; SDG&E for $10,000; and
Lakeside Water District is considering joining. An organization that used to
meet back in the 1970s, the San Diego Xeriscape Council, signed over $7,000 that
had been sitting in the bank. With difficulties raising the $100,000 necessary
to make changes, they are contemplating what to do with the amphitheatre. They
are hoping for a potential $5,000 donation from Recreation Equipment Inc. (REI),
where several of the Garden volunteers are employed. There is a potential for
talks with Otay Water District to bring reclaimed water to the Garden.
6. NEW BUSINESS
There was none.
7. APPROVAL OF DIRECTORS’ ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA
ITEMS
A. Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Thomas, that the Governing
Board approve per diem for Director Alkire’s attendance at the Vallecitos Water
District Board tour of the Water Conservation Garden on April 12, 2008 at 9:00
a.m. The motion carried.
B. Council of Water Utilities San Diego Meeting at StoneRidge Country Club on
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. – Program: “The Certified Public Manager
Program,” presented by Peggy Steward and Keren Stashower, The Centre for
Organization Effectiveness. Directors wishing to attend this pre-approved event
will contact the secretary. No action was required by the Governing Board.
C. Water Agencies Association of San Diego County Quarterly Meeting at the
Windmill in Carlsbad, CA on Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. – Program: “Is
California in Crisis?” presented by Senator Alex Padilla, 20th District. A sign
up sheet was circulated for directors wishing to attend this pre-approved event.
No action was required by the Governing Board.
D. Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Alkire, that the Governing
Board approve per diem for Director Thomas’ attendance at the kickoff meeting
for the Cuyamaca/Palomar College Industry Driven Regional Collaborative Grant
for Water Industry Training on April 30, 2008. The motion carried.
E. California Special Districts Association Strategic Planning Meeting for
Special Districts on May 2, 2008 at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Emeryville,
CA. Directors wishing to attend this pre-approved event will contact the
secretary. No action was required by the Governing Board.
F. Director Doud made a motion, seconded by Director Thomas, that the Governing
Board approve per diem for directors who wish to participate in the Festival
Cinco de Mayo in downtown Chula Vista on Sunday, May 4, 2008. A booth sign up
sheet was distributed for those directors who would be participating. The motion
carried.
G. California Special Districts Legislative Day on May 12, 2008 at the Sheraton
Grand Hotel in Sacramento, CA. Directors wishing to attend this pre-approved
event will contact the secretary. No action was required by the Governing Board.
H. Consideration of proposed date for the Special Board Meeting for review of
the fiscal year 2008-09 budget on Friday, June 13, 2008. Pending the
availability of Directors Pocklington and Morrison, the Board agreed to hold the
Special Board Meeting on this date. This was an information item and no action
was required by the Governing Board.
8. REPORTS BY DIRECTORS ON EVENTS ATTENDED
Director Thomas reported on the ACWA Region 10 membership meeting on March 31st,
which was also attended by Directors Pocklington and Beauchamp. She stated that
Keith Lewinger did a wonderful job presiding. Charles Anderson of ACWA did a
walk-through of how to get into the website. There were reports from every
Region 10 committee representative, and the Legislative Committee gave some
handouts and updates on legislation. Susan Varty of Olivenhain MWD pointed out
the need for inclusion of water people on some of the state task forces
designated for key projects that have a huge impact on water. A two-day meeting
in Orange County was recommended including a visit to the Irvine Water
Reclamation Plant in progress. Chair Beauchamp added that it was a good meeting,
there was great leadership from Mr. Lewinger, and the issues were well
addressed.
Chair Beauchamp attended the South County Economic Development Council meeting
on April 1st and reported that Ben Hueso, San Diego City Councilmember and
Coastal Commissioner, gave a presentation on economic development in District 8.
Chair Beauchamp said he spoke up to thank Mr. Hueso for his leadership on
desalination. The big push is on for the cross-border terminal in Otay Mesa,
where passengers would be able to park on the U.S. side and walk across the
border to Mexico to catch their flight. He believes this will take a lot of
pressure off Lindberg. The Gaylord project was also discussed.
Director Doud reported on the Water Education Foundation Executive Briefing on
April 3-4. Lester Snow, Director of the Department of Water Resources, gave the
state of the state’s water report. He reported that the Delta pumping
restrictions led to the loss of 450,000 acre-feet of water. Approximately 35
percent of water is allocated to contractors. Phil Isenberg, Chair of the Delta
Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force gave a presentation on The Big Picture. The task
force can only make recommendations, has no legislative authority, and is ready
to go out of business by the end of 2008 when their charter is up. There was a
good six-member panel debate on the subject of reasonable and beneficial use of
water. Bob Johnson, Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, reports that
water in the west is safe for the rest of the year; there will be no declared
shortages. There was a good turnout of about 150 people at the conference.
Director Thomas attended the First Friday meeting on April 4th with a record
attendance. Mayor Cox introduced the bayfront update presentation given by
Bennett Westbrook, Vice President of Gaylord Enterprises. His presentation
included timelines, the full range of numbers and types of jobs, and the
economic impact. There is still concern for environmental impacts, which will be
responded to in the EIR that will come out in about a month and a half. Project
completion is projected in 2013, and it is set to be bird-friendly and
green-smart.
Director Doud attended the LAFCO Commission meeting on April 7th in Director
Pocklington’s absence. Harry Ehrlich gave a legislative report on SB 1191 (Alquist),
which amends Section 61100 of the Government Code, related to local government
community services districts and the provision of broadband services. This bill
is supported by ACWA, CSDA, and LAFCO. Director Doud distributed copies of a
report prepared by Mr. Ehrlich on the role of LAFCO in water service/delivery
issues. Speaking on water shortages, Supervisor Bill Horn said that 10,000 trees
have been cut down in North County, it takes six to seven years to make any
money when the trees grow back, and he blames our water woes on the Regional
Water Quality Control Board. Supervisor Dianne Jacob stated that reclaimed water
has a higher quality than tap water and noted that Otay Water District cannot
use recycled water on Cottonwood and Steele Canyon golf courses, but they can on
their golf course in Chula Vista. Dana Friehauf spoke on some of CWA’s concerns
regarding the water service/delivery report and will bring additional
information to the next meeting. At the suggestion of Alternate Commissioner
John Ingalls, the Commission directed staff to send this item to the LAFCO
Advisory Committee for review.
9. REPORT OF TREASURER
The Board had no questions for Ms. Farrow regarding the investment portfolio and
monthly Treasurer’s report for March 2008.
10. MANAGEMENT REPORT
A. Report of Operations Manager Rogers: At Mr. Rogers’ request, Director of
Water Quality Don Thomson reported that, in February 2008, staff conducted a
full plant shutdown and inspection of every pipe and appurtenance at the plant.
Inside the filter effluent channel (a channel coming from the filters to the
clearwell), they found a very large limestone mass of calcium impregnated with
ammonia that had been forming for an undetermined number of years. The injectors
used to put ammonia and sodium hydroxide caustic soda for pH adjustment into the
filter effluent had broken off some time ago. In order to remove the mass, they
cut a hatch into the channel and began to coordinate with other departments to
plan for the Authority’s hazardous materials team to enter and clean it out.
Issues that needed to be resolved included lockout/tagout, fall protection,
confined space entry, adequate ventilation, and insuring adequate water supplies
were available while the channel was shut down. He displayed photos taken during
the process. Mr. Thomson said that there was no way they could have known about
the mass until the shutdown and inspection, but it explained the struggles they
had been dealing with in the disinfection process. New injectors will be
installed, and the removed mass will be sent to an outfit that will process and
turn it into clay for capping landfills. Now that there is a hatch into the
channel, they will go in twice a year to inspect the injectors. Mr. Thomson and
Mr. Rogers both commended the entire team on tackling this problem and for a job
well done.
B. Report of General Manager Bostad: Mr. Bostad reported that he and Chair
Beauchamp had spent about six hours at the San Diego Regional Water Quality
Control Board meeting today and provided testimony to support the Carlsbad
Desalination Project. He received a notification this evening that the Board
voted to approve the water discharge permit for the Carlsbad Desalination
Project, and this moves the project closer to construction. This was a
significant effort today and a keystone in impacting the State Lands Commission
permit and the Coastal Commission permit. Mr. Bostad then recognized Tom Woodrum
and the Authority’s Communications Section for receiving an Excellence in
Communication award from the California Association of Public Information
Officials for the Authority’s water quality report and calendar that was
prepared last year.
11. DIRECTORS’ COMMENTS
Director Doud stated that he received an email from the EPA Region 9 stating
Southern California agencies received grants, and the City of Chula Vista
Redevelopment Agency received $400,000 to create an inventory of sites
contaminated by hazardous substances and petroleum and to conduct environmental
site assessments and support community outreach activities.
Director Thomas requested two items to be placed on future agendas. First, she
would like the Board to consider a recommendation for the 2008 CSDA awards that
will be presented at the fall conference. A notice appeared in a recent CSDA
E-News announcing the program. Among several categories, she would specifically
like the Board to consider the nomination of Director Doud for the William
Hollingsworth Award. She also requested a follow-up concerning the Alliance for
Water Efficiency and an investigation into its value. She thought this may or
may not be coupled with some of the possibilities for the Water Conservation
Garden, but more specifically with some of the water-efficient type of
technologies that might be employed in an urbanized community such as the
Authority’s service area. Staff will gather information and bring these items to
the Board through appropriate committee review.
12. CLOSED SESSION
At 6:57 p.m., in compliance with Government Code Section 54956.9 (a), the
Governing Board recessed to convene in closed session to confer with Legal
Counsel concerning existing litigation in the case of Armenta et al. v. James
Jones Company et al. All persons left the room with the exception of the
Governing Board, Management Team, Legal Counsel, Board Secretary and the
following staff: Smyth, Alexander, Thomson, Olson, Farrow, and Adam.
At 7:08 p.m., in compliance with Government Code Section 54956.9 (b), the Board
continued to confer with Legal Counsel concerning anticipated litigation
regarding one item. All persons left the room with the exception of the
Governing Board, General Manager, and Legal Counsel. There were no minutes
taken, and both sessions were not tape-recorded.
At 7:24 p.m., Chair Beauchamp declared the meeting to be in open session. There
was no reportable action taken by the Governing Board in either closed session.
13. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business before the Board, Chair Beauchamp adjourned the meeting
at 7:25 p.m.
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