minutes
Regular Meeting
Governing Board of Sweetwater Authority
September 12, 2007
The Governing Board of Sweetwater Authority held a regular meeting on
Wednesday, September 12, 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,
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, Tom Woodrum, and Dina Yorba. Also present: Mr. and Mrs. Todd
Hillman and Mr. and Mrs. John Pool
• PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Director Welsh conducted the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
• OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT (Government Code Section (54954.3)
Mr. John Pool, 5949 Lazy Trail Court, Bonita, stated that he was representing
his family and neighbors in protest against the McMillin Water Tank cell phone
antenna installation. He attended and made a presentation at the Operations
Committee meeting this week and wished to also make the presentation to the
entire Board. He stated that more and more public health officials, scientists,
and doctors are concerned about the growing number of health issues because of
cell phone antennas. There is concern about the risk of cancer, brain tumors,
etc. from radio waves. He said the problem is that there is no other site at the
same level and closeness as this site which affects their homes. He stated that
his home was 95 feet from the site where the antennas would be installed, and
his neighbor is within 120 feet of the site. Mr. Pool said that his neighbors
have signed a petition which the Authority has, and he is still signing people
up. Last night he attended a meeting of the Bonita Highlands Homeowner’s
Association, which represents 667 homes, and they are going to provide a letter
to present to the Board stating that they are also against this installation at
this site. Mr. Pool’s main objection is that the site was deeded to the
Authority for a water tank and water tank equipment, and now it is being turned
into a communications site. He does not believe the Authority is being a good
neighbor or following a good neighbor policy because it is changing what this
site was originally intended for. He highly recommended that the Authority work
with T-Mobile to find another site. He said there has to be other sites in the
general area that are not in the close proximity to residential homes as this
site is to their homes.
Note: Director Morrison entered the meeting at 6:03 p.m.
Mr. Todd Hillman, 5941 Lazy Trail Court, Bonita, agreed with Mr. Pool’s
statements. He added that he has read Sweetwater Authority’s mission statement
and suggested that the Board re-read it. He stated that they are just looking
for some good neighbors, that they are taking all of the risks, that their
futures are at stake, and that it is a big deal to them.
• CHAIR’S PRESENTATION
There was none.
ACTION CALENDAR ITEMS
1. ITEMS TO BE ADDED, WITHDRAWN, OR REORDERED IN THE AGENDA
Upon requests from Directors Thomas and Doud, Director Alkire made a motion,
seconded by Director Welsh, that the Governing Board add reports on the Bonita
Business and Professional Association meeting of August 28, 2007 and the CSDA
San Diego Chapter Board meeting of September 12, 2007 to the agenda under Item
9; and the CSDA Special District Leadership Academy - Board’s Role in Human
Resources course on November 9, 2007 as Item 8.F. The motion carried.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Director Pocklington made a motion, seconded by Director Doud, that the
Governing Board approve the minutes of the August 22, 2007 meeting. The motion
carried.
3. APPROVAL OF DEMANDS AND WARRANTS
Director Thomas made a motion, seconded by Director Doud, that the Governing
Board approve Warrants 111215 through 111432 including all voided checks. The
motion carried.
4. OPERATIONS COMMITTEE (Meeting of September 5, 2007)
A. Director Doud made a motion, seconded by Director Welsh, that the
Governing Board direct staff to arrange for a workshop with the full Governing
Board to discuss the proposed T-Mobile wireless telecommunication facility at
the McMillin Tank Site. Director Doud stated that Mr. and Mrs. Hillman and Mr.
and Mrs. Pool attended the Committee meeting and addressed their issues and
concerns in opposition to the proposed cellular communication facility. Based on
concerns of the neighbors and some Board members, General Manager Bostad stated
that there would be value in conducting a Board workshop to provide an
opportunity for discussion and a presentation from Jerrold Talmadge Bushberg,
PhD., DABMP, DABSNM, an expert in health and medical physics. Additionally, the
legal implications will be examined. T-Mobile will also be in attendance.
Director Welsh stated that she appreciates the Hillman’s and Pool’s concerns,
and that she takes the Authority’s mission statement very seriously, as well as
being a good neighbor. Director Morrison noted the difference in this situation,
which involves a decision about a tank site on the Authority’s property, as
opposed to the same type of situation on private property for which the City
could not deny a conditional use permit because of health concerns. Director
Thomas recused herself from this discussion and vote due to a possible conflict
of interest, which she will clarify with legal counsel before the workshop. The
motion carried.
B. Director Doud made a motion, seconded by Director Thomas, that the
Governing Board approve the easement quitclaim noted as Area A on the sketch as
presented to the Board, with a value assessed at $14,425, and including the
following conditions: 1) Return the ground topography within Area B on the
sketch to a condition that will be usable in the future, requiring the
installation of a retaining wall; 2) Implement Storm Water Pollution Prevention
standards with Area B; 3) Execute a Hold Harmless Agreement with the Authority
covering the remaining easement area; and 4) Redesign the site drainage within
Area C. The motion carried.
C. Director Doud made a motion, seconded by Director Welsh, that the
Governing Board approve Resolution 07-12 Authorizing Acceptance of Funding for
the Zero Discharge Solar Distillation Research and Development Project Pursuant
to the California Department of Water Resources 2006 Water Desalination Grants
Implemented Under Chapter 6(a) of Proposition 50. The motion carried.
Upon said motion, the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION 07-12
RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF SWEETWATER AUTHORITY
AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDING FOR THE
ZERO DISCHARGE SOLAR DISTILLATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF
WATER RESOURCES 2006 WATER DESALINATION GRANTS
IMPLEMENTED UNDER CHAPTER 6(a) OF PROPOSITION 50
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
D. Director Doud made a motion, seconded by Director Alkire, that the
Governing Board reject all bids received for the solar power system at Bonita
Valley Reservoir. The motion carried.
E. Otay Water District’s recycled water project within the Middle Sweetwater
River Basin. This was an information item and no action was required by the
Governing Board.
F. Status of regional fluoridation by the Metropolitan Water District.
Operations Manager Rogers informed the Board that Authority customers will be
notified of the possibility of receiving fluoridated water by way of a bill
insert beginning this week. He distributed a question and answer fact sheet on
fluoride created by Communications staff that will be available to customers on
the website and as handouts. He also noted that an article will appear in the
Sunday Union Tribune on fluoridation. Director Thomas inquired whether a
database could be created to keep track of customers who call with concerns or
sensitivities to fluoride. General Manager Bostad stated that this would be very
difficult and impractical at this time and noted that the Authority’s
communications to the public list good resources for any technical questions and
concerns customers may have. This was an information item and no action was
required by the Governing Board.
G. Question of copyright regarding Anthony Mercieca’s photos. This was an
information item and no action was required by the Governing Board.
5. FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE (Meeting of September 10, 2007) (Agenda
items reordered as follows)
A. Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Doud, that the
Governing Board award a sole-source contract in the amount of $33,671 to the
Dionex Corporation, 3000 Lakeside Drive, Suite 116N, Bannockburn, IL 60015, for
the purchase of a new Ion Chromatograph. The motion carried.
B. Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Doud, that the
Governing Board award a contract in the amount of $56,818 to Berggren &
Associates, Inc., 6046 Cornerstone Court West, Suite 116, San Diego, CA 92121,
for the 2007-08 design survey and construction staking services for pipeline
replacements. The motion carried.
C. Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Thomas, that the
Governing Board award a sole-source contract in the amount of $18,000 to V&A
Consulting Engineers, Inc., 1999 Harrison Street, Suite 975, Oakland, CA 94612,
for Phase One of the Cathodic Protection Feasibility Study. The motion carried.
D. Proposed changes to Adjustments to Customer Water Bills Policy. Director
of Finance Farrow outlined the proposed policy changes to the Board. The main
points are that both the current and proposed policy recover the Authority’s
water cost at wholesale rates; one adjustment to handle both identified leaks
and unexplained usage is proposed; and a one-time-only adjustment per account
for both residential and commercial is proposed. She presented examples and
comparisons of high bill adjustments as calculated per the current and the
proposed policy. The proposed changes are intended to simplify the process.
Director Thomas recommended that the timeframe for customers to respond with an
appeal be extended to 30 days as opposed to two weeks from notice.
Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Thomas, that the Governing
Board approve the proposed changes to the Adjustments to Customer Water Bills
Policy, with an amendment to allow the submittal of letters of appeal within 30
days as opposed to within two weeks of the date of notice. The motion carried.
E. Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Morrison, that the
Governing Board approve an additional adjustment of $270.69, based on the
amended Adjustments to Customer Water Bills Policy, and authorize a 12-month
payment plan of $38.16 per month for Mrs. Lizama. The motion carried.
F. Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Pocklington, that the
Governing Board approve the proposed changes to Board Policy 510 – Per Diem and
Reimbursement, setting the maximum reimbursement for daily lodging costs to be
$225, unless published conference group rates or comparable lodging rates are
available, and the maximum reimbursement for meals not included in conference
registration to be $75 per day. The motion carried.
6. REPORT OF SWEETWATER AUTHORITY DIRECTOR TO THE WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN
AUTHORITY
Chair Beauchamp attended the Garden Board meeting earlier today. He reported
that the parking lot will be redone due to higher demand for parking, and a
proposal for a children’s garden was abandoned due to greater focus placed on
public education and awareness on conservation and water rationing. They are
considering a virtual web on California friendly garden landscaping. Marisa
Farpon, the Board Secretary, will be leaving and Otay, which currently holds the
chairmanship, will consider supplying the secretarial support for the meetings.
Attendance at the Garden has increased 200 percent from last year. Cuyamaca
College President Perry is applying for a grant to be used to train water
technicians. The Padre Dam MWD Board voted 3 to 2 to pull out of the Garden at
the end of the fiscal year due to funding issues. General Manager Bostad said
that the Garden is looking into other sponsorship options, including possibly
Poseidon Resources. Director Beauchamp noted that the National City Electric
Railway Museum is going to incorporate low water usage demonstration material,
reviewed and endorsed by the Garden, so it can be another showcase for water
conservation.
7. ACWA REGION 10 ELECTION BALLOT FOR 2008-2009 TERM
Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Pocklington, that the
Governing Board cast its ballot concurring with the ACWA Region 10 Nominating
Committee’s recommendations as follows: Merle Aleshire, Chair; Peer Swan, Vice
Chair; and Jan Debay, Darrell Gentry, Susan Hinman, Saundra Jacobs, and Jo
Mackenzie, Board Members. The motion carried.
8. APPROVAL OF DIRECTORS’ ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA
ITEMS
A. Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Doud, that the
Governing Board approve per diem for Directors who attended the First Friday
Meeting on September 7, 2007 featuring a presentation on water conservation and
the 20-Gallon Challenge by the San Diego County Water Authority. The motion
carried.
B. Council of Water Utilities, San Diego County Meeting, StoneRidge Country
Club – Tuesday, September 18, 2007, 7:15 a.m. – Program: Glen M. MacDonald,
Professor of Geology and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UCLA. Directors
wishing to attend this pre-approved event will contact the Secretary. No action
was required by the Governing Board.
C. Sweetwater Authority Leader Tour, Richard A. Reynolds Desalination
Facility – Friday, September 28, 2007, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. meeting. A sign
up sheet was distributed for those directors interested in attending this
pre-approved event. No action was required by the Governing Board.
D. Water Education Foundation Climate Change: Water Adaptation Summit –
Wednesday, October 3, 2007, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Doubletree Hotel, Santa
Monica, CA. No interest in attending this event was expressed by the Board
members. No action was required by the Governing Board.
E. Western Coalition of Arid States 2007 Fall Conference – Renaissance
Scottsdale Resort, October 31, 2007 – November 2, 2007. Directors wishing to
attend this pre-approved event will contact the Secretary. No action was
required by the Governing Board.
F. CSDA Special District Leadership Academy - Board’s Role in Human Resources
course, November 9, 2007, Ontario, CA. This event is scheduled to be added to
the September 26, 2007 Board agenda. No action was required by the Governing
Board.
9. REPORTS BY DIRECTORS ON EVENTS ATTENDED
Director Doud reported on his attendance at the 14th Annual Urban Water
Conference on August 23-24 and stated that drought-resistant plants are now
referred to as climate-appropriate plants. Pete Silva, MWD, was a panel
moderator on Colorado River shortage issues. A report was given by Santa Clara
Water Valley Water District on their brackish desalination plant. They have just
doubled their capacity to ten million gallons a day. Director Welsh added that
this was a very good conference. Director Thomas stated that she was especially
impressed with the authoritative nature of each of the speakers who were superb.
She regrets that she did not participate in the pre-conference which featured
the North-South roundtable discussion.
Reporting on the First Friday Meeting of September 7th, Director Doud said
that Dennis Cushman was unable to attend and sent Jason Foster in his place to
give the presentation on water conservation and the 20-Gallon Challenge. He
stated that the City Attorney of San Diego was on the news today, mistakenly
informed the public of a 20-Gallon a “month” challenge, and no one corrected
him. Director Pocklington stated that Mr. Foster did a good job making the
presentation. Director Thomas added that there were excellent handouts for the
people from the business sector, and the YMCA had social services people in
attendance. She stated that this was the third time that Jason Foster
substituted for Dennis Cushman and did a very good job in each case. She added
that she feels strongly about people who put their name on a program then have a
substitute.
Chair Beauchamp announced that he was unable to attend the South County Economic
Development Council on September 11th.
Director Thomas reported on the Bonita Business and Professional Association
meeting on August 28th. She stated that the Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection
District gave the presentation. They brought an antique truck and new fire
trucks that displayed a tribute to the 9/11 firefighters. The theme of the
presentation was on the past, present, and the future of the district. The
district will be resubmitting a budget that will permit them to continue their
efforts as paramedics and firefighters. This will be coming before voters and
will provide an ongoing budget that will accrue over the years so that they will
be able to function.
Director Doud reported on the CSDA San Diego Chapter Board meeting he
attended earlier today. He stated that he was appointed chair of the nominating
committee for the November chapter elections. There is a vacancy for Second Vice
President, and he asked for any recommendations. The Secretary’s office is up
for reelection, but Harry Ehrlich intends to remain. The chapter will sponsor a
booth at the conference in Monterey in October.
10. MANAGEMENT REPORT
A. Report of Operations Manager Rogers: Mr. Rogers reported that there was an
outbreak of plankton in the reservoir on August 27th. Once treatment with copper
sulfate begins, it usually takes between 3-5 days to move all the way through
the system. Any customers with complaints should be informed that it could take
3-5 days to resolve. He added that the Authority’s lab staff has been trying to
find a certified lab to test for Quagga Mussels, without success. Staff did
find, however, that the Bureau of Reclamation has been conducting this testing
for many years. This information will be provided to the local agency and MWD
Quagga Mussel group meeting tomorrow. The Bureau is prepared to run these tests
at a cost of about $400 each. The Authority just needs to find the appropriate
equipment to collect the samples.
B. Report of General Manager Bostad: Mr. Bostad reported that he has been
asked to participate on a panel on regional solutions at the Surface Storage,
Delta Conveyance and Regional Solutions Summit in Carlsbad tomorrow, which
several Authority directors will be attending as well. The panel will talk about
Southern California’s water vision for the future, including the Authority’s
purchase contract for seawater desalination, the intertie storage project, and
the South County Water Supply Strategy. He added that currently nine agencies
have desalinated water purchase agreements, with a tenth very close to signing.
They are requesting 66.9 thousand acre-feet, and the plant’s production is only
56 thousand acre-feet. This means the plant is fully subscribed, and adjustments
to allotments may be forthcoming to accommodate new subscribers. This
desalinated water translates to 10 percent of the water that is not subject to
drought. He mentioned that there is a proposed signing event for the subscribers
at 10:00 a.m. on October 24th, and he hoped the Chair and Mayor Morrison would
be able to attend. He pointed out a September 12th article from the Voice of San
Diego reporting on the high water usage of some city officials in light of the
threat of water shortages looming and the call for reducing water use. He also
distributed information to the Board members regarding their individual water
consumption averaged over the last year.
11. DIRECTORS’ COMMENTS
Director Morrison stated that ACA 8, an amendment to the California State
Constitution relating to eminent domain, failed on the Assembly floor. The
cities’ initiative now contains protection for homes only. The Jarvis special
interest group has a proposal out there that will hurt our water projects, as
well as outlaw mobile home rent control. It looks now that either the Jarvis
group will have to pull back or both initiatives will be on the ballot.
Environmentalists, ACWA, and the cities are against the Jarvis bill.
Director Doud commented on a unique water saving device implemented in
Minnesota.
Director Pocklington commented that Quagga Mussels are a big topic up at MWD,
and they have allocated another $5 million to try to deal with them; $2 million
has already been spent. He recommended that, because the East Coast has this
problem as well, the federal government needs to get involved, especially in
research. He added that the issues of healthcare and water will be raised in a
special session in Sacramento.
12. CLOSED SESSION
There was none.
13. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business before the Board, Chair Beauchamp adjourned the
meeting at 7:59 p.m.
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