|
HOME
|
minutes
Regular Meeting
Governing Board of Sweetwater Authority
September 26, 2007
The Governing Board of Sweetwater Authority held a regular meeting on
Wednesday, September 26, 2007, at the Sweetwater Authority Administrative
Office, 505 Garrett Avenue, Chula Vista, California. Chair Beauchamp called the
meeting to order at 3:34 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: Cynthia Berndt, Michael Garrod, Bill Olson,
George Silva, Jim Smyth, Don Thomson, Tom Woodrum, and Dina Yorba. Also present:
Ivar Leetma, Marina Gateway Development Company; Chip Willet, Wiggans & Willet,
Inc.; and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hefner.
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Hillman, Mr. and Mrs. John Pool, Jerrold Bushberg, PhD., and
Darryl Dougherty, T-Mobile entered the meeting at 4:30 p.m.
• PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Director Alkire conducted the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
• OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT (Government Code Section (54954.3)
Mr. Ivar Leetma of the Marina Gateway Development Company presented the Board
with visuals to support a request to declare a small strip of Sweetwater
Authority land approximately 10 feet wide by 200 hundred feet long as surplus
property and deed it over to the City of National City for completion of a hotel
project for the Sycuan Tribal Development Company. (See Item 5.C.) Mr. Leetma
thanked the Board for moving forward with this request in a timely manner
enabling his company to stay on track with this project’s completion.
* Note: Director Morrison entered the meeting at 3:45 p.m.
Mr. Michael Hefner of 601 Telegraph Canyon Road, #104, Chula Vista, revisited
the issue he raised with the Board last month regarding the method for water
billing at his place of residence. Mr. Hefner stated that the problem with the
management company not itemizing water usage at the apartment complex continues
with the management company. Mr. Hefner requested that the Board take action to
resolve this unfair method of billing, which subjects residents to absorbing the
cost for water used by other residents and the landlord for irrigation. He
believes more on-site investigation into water use and billing at this location
needs to be conducted by the Authority. He stated that the method being used
enables the owner to make a profit off residents from water charges, and that
they are not using water responsibly for irrigation and being wasteful at the
tenants’ expense. General Manager Bostad stated that staff has been working with
Mr. Hefner and explained that the owner of his property has finally signed an
agreement to implement the Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS), a standard
billing method that meets the Authority’s requirements. He added that Mr. Hefner
has expressed additional concerns which require more defined measurement.
Currently, one meter serves 6-8 units, as well as landscaping. He suggested that
staff would review the current billing agreement with legal counsel and bring
the item back to the Board through Committee. Mr. Hefner added that residents
are being billed based 50 percent on occupancy and 50 percent on square footage,
which is not a fair method of measurement.
• CHAIR’S PRESENTATION
There was none.
ACTION CALENDAR ITEMS
1. ITEMS TO BE ADDED, WITHDRAWN, OR REORDERED IN THE AGENDA
Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Alkire, that the Governing
Board add the CSDA 2008 Committee and Volunteer Interest Form as Item 6 and
reorder subsequent items on the agenda. The motion carried. Item 12 will be
heard at the time certain hour of 4:30, and all other agenda items will be
reordered accordingly. It was also noted that the date of the Bonita Business
and Professional Association meeting on Item 8.F. should be September 25, 2007.
2. CLOSED SESSION
At 3:52 p.m., the Board recessed to convene in Closed Session to confer with
legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation on one case, in compliance with
Government Code Section 54956.9. There were no minutes taken and the session was
not tape recorded.
At 4:29 p.m., Chair Beauchamp declared the meeting to be in open session, and
there was no reportable action.
3. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED T-MOBILE WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY AT
THE MCMILLIN TANK SITE – Time Certain 4:30 p.m.
General Manager Bostad announced that presentations would be given by Darryl
Dougherty of T-Mobile and Dr. Jerrold Bushberg, followed by an opportunity for
the public to speak to the issue and a question and answer period with the Board
so that a decision can be made on the McMillin site. Mr. Dougherty spoke on the
issue of the projected T-Mobile cell antenna location on the McMillin Tank. He
stated that this is the fifth location where T-Mobile will be locating their
equipment on Authority property. Using a series of photographic views, he
pointed out the location of the Hillman’s and Pool’s residences in relation to
the tank site and the proposed area for the equipment location. He stated that
T-Mobile has met with the Hillmans and Pools previously and agreed to reduce the
number of antennas at the McMillin site from four to two and to push them 10 to
15 feet farther to the east on the side of the tank. Mr. Dougherty described how
landscaping can limit visual exposure to the equipment and that T-Mobile would
be utilizing fast-growing trees as a buffer. He displayed an illustration
showing the coverage for the current sites in the area and the need for this
additional site. He added that T-Mobile and AT&T will also be co-developing a
mono-tree in Bonita Long Canyon Park in Chula Vista. He noted that Dr. Bushberg
conducted some testing of the ambient conditions at the site. He stated that the
County and the Sweetwater Planning Group recommend approval of this project. The
County has a condition that they have a right to inspect the site to ensure
compliance. The County found that the site will not be visually obtrusive and a
noise analysis concludes that there will not be an issue.
Dr. Bushberg began by saying that he was asked to provide an analysis of the
maximum potential for radiofrequency (RF) exposure from the proposed site, the
background on health effects, and the standards that have been set. He explained
that the issue here was about radio waves, or RF, exposure. He stated that
people have been exposed to similar waves from television, radios, wireless PCs,
microwaves, and cell communications for a very long time. The energy contained
within the radio waves from cell antennas is about a million times lower than
the energy from visible light. The exposure standards in the U.S. are
established by the Federal Communications Commission and are based on the
findings of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP).
The Federal Interagency Agency Working Group on RF Safety Surveillance
consisting of representatives from several federal agencies meets six times a
year to review new studies and ensure the standards are up-to-date. When safety
standards are recommended by these experts in the field, they look for the
lowest observable adverse effect level. The scientific literature, studies and
experiments are evaluated based on the quality of the study, the established,
relevant, and health effects, as well as the relative magnitude of the health
risk or benefit. Dr. Bushberg explained the importance of correlation versus
causation in evaluating experiments and studies. In the biological basis for the
RF exposure standards, the NCRP investigated a broad spectrum of effects and
concluded that the lowest observed effect level in the body (energy deposition
rate) was 4 watts per kilogram. In explaining the typical RF exposures from cell
sites, Dr. Bushberg stated that the vast majority of RF energy is contained in
the main beam, which is directed toward the horizon, and very little goes up or
down or back. As it moves away from the antenna, it spreads out and decreases in
intensity very rapidly with distance. As for the McMillin site, even if you
floated in the air directly in front of the antenna you would meet the Public
Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) at 10.5 feet. Anything beyond that above,
below, or even at the antenna would be less than the Public MPE during exposure
24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Dr. Bushberg closed by saying that, based upon
the best scientific evidence that we have available today, there is a
presumption of safety based upon the best scientific tools and methods. Science
can identify what RF exposure conditions do give rise to demonstrable harmful
effects, and from this information reduction factors are applied in a safety
standard to keep human exposures far below those levels. The World Health
Organization states that, “From all evidence accumulated so far, no adverse
short- or long-term health effects have been shown to occur from the RF signals
produced by base stations. Considering the very low exposure levels and research
results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the
weak RF signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health
effects.”
Director Pocklington asked how long RF energy has been studied, and Dr.
Bushberg replied that it has been about 18 years in Europe and 12 years in the
U.S. He noted that during this time, no adverse effects have been discovered,
and we have been exposed to artificial sources of RF energy such as radio waves
for over 50 years. Director Thomas expressed concern for some of the potential
safety issues from environmental impacts of radiation that might zero in on
society, and that in some situations the precautionary principal might be used
better. Dr. Bushberg replied that this principal is built into the safety
standards that exist. Director Thomas pointed out that, from the photo of the
Hillman’s residence, it appears that the intended location of the antenna is
facing their home, and she asked if it could be redirected away from the home.
Mr. Dougherty responded by stating that they have been moved further away and
that the main antenna signal is not going out over anyone’s home. The reality is
that these antennas cover 120 degrees so they are essentially not directed in
any one direction. Director Thomas asked if the impact could be decreased by
placing an artificial tree antenna or something similar on the other side of the
tank that would satisfy the concerns of the residents. Mr. Dougherty stated that
this has been investigated, though the County’s ordinance requiring a 50-foot
setback from all residential property lines for a free-standing structure would
not allow such a placement because that 50-foot setback would fall in the middle
of the tank.
Mr. Hillman asked Mr. Dougherty if the cell site facing south on the tank,
which is their main concern, were eliminated, could the proposed cell site in
Bonita Long Canyon take up that coverage. Using coverage maps, Mr. Dougherty
illustrated how coverage provided directly east of the McMillin site could not
be covered by the Bonita Long Canyon site. Mr. Hillman asked Dr. Bushberg what
would motivate scientific experts to meet six times a year and the constant
studies if there were no uncertainty or concern. Dr. Bushberg replied that it is
driven by public concern and the proliferation of wireless devices. He noted
that exposure to cell towers is far lower than using a cell phone and that the
proposed cell site emitted a maximum of three percent of the Public MPE, as
opposed to 80 percent emitted by a child’s Hello Kitty walkie-talkie. He
believes that the additional research is being driven by public demand and
anxiety here and around the world as more and more people begin to use cell
devices and are new to the technology, and he believes it is a good thing.
Wireless communications are essentially the synergy of radio, telephone and
computer energy coming together, and it has been studied for over fifty years.
Mr. Hillman then reiterated his concerns to the Board regarding health, noise,
esthetics, and devaluation of his property. He understands that there is a
financial impact to the Authority with regard to future as well as current
antenna sites if this project is stopped, but he believes that, due to
elevation, this project should be deemed a special circumstance. He does not see
a major impact in removing Sector B altogether, but if not, he would like more
trees installed as a barrier, and he would like the Board to assure him that
there would be no more facilities put in on that site. Finally, he believes
there should be a policy for limiting these projects and feels the Board should
be willing to compromise.
Mrs. Hillman added that science is not infallible, and she raised the issues
of environment, personal health, peace of mind, and quality of life. She asked
the Board to respect community values and ask themselves if they would want this
in their backyard or that of their family or friends. Even though this
installation is within FCC guidelines, some might be more concerned than others.
Some important questions she had to be considered regarding the endeavors by the
telecommunication industry included: What is the minimum number of towers needed
to provide service? Have all possible sites been identified and thoroughly
researched? Is there a master plan for providing services in the effected area
that includes locations and RFP emissions of all service providers? What impacts
would the new source of RF radiation have on existing emergency and other
communication services? How often and exactly where would RF radiation levels be
routinely monitored? What specific guidelines for exposure safety are being
used, particularly which address possible non-thermal effects and exposure to
people at street level in neighborhoods and homes in direct line of site. She
stated that the entire debate of the safety of cell towers hinges on the
question whether low level exposures are great enough to cause health problems,
and the short answer is that no one knows because the matter has not been
sufficiently studied. FCC guidelines expressly take into account thermal effects
of radio frequency energy but do not directly address postulated non-thermal
effects such as those due to chronic exposure, which some studies report may
have biological consequences. She stated that Dr. Bushberg agreed that the
minimum safe distance findings that people living, working or studying in a
building usually get less exposure from a base station located on their building
than they would from a base station several hundred meters away. She said her
family’s home is at a questionable 112 feet at eye level or line of site, and
gave examples that they could be exposed to 2-3 times more exposure than the
average U.S. household from this facility. She said that there is scientific
documented data suggesting genetic and tumor-causing effects, and that evidence
for biological effects is unclear. In closing, she quoted Dr. Robert O. Becker,
twice nominated for the Nobel prize, “I have no doubt in my mind at the present
time that the greatest polluting element in the earth’s environment is the
proliferation of electromagnetic fields. I consider that to be far greater on a
global scale then warming and the increase in chemical elements in the
environment.” She then reiterated her concern about devaluation of their
property, and that the antenna site would be subject to disclosure upon sale.
She again asked the Authority to be a good neighbor and heed their advice.
Mrs. Margaret Pool asked Dr. Bushberg whether there are sufficient studies in
existence that show that these emissions are really safe at 100 meters, and
should she feel comfortable putting these sites so close to people’s homes. Dr.
Bushberg responded that while it is true that all the evidence is not in, we
will never know everything. And unless and until we have complete knowledge of
how the body operates at the molecular level, and how those interactions occur
with every physical and chemical agent in the environment, we will never know.
He said that if we were to make a decision not to allow technology, physical, or
chemical agents in our society because the jury is out or because the evidence
is incomplete, there could be no technology in our society. He argued that, on
that basis, more is known about the biological effects of RF energy than
virtually any other physical or chemical substance known to science with the
exception of ionizing radiation, and on that basis, is among the more benign at
these low levels of exposure. Dr. Bushberg added that the statement was
previously made that the FCC did not take into account the thermal effects,
which is not correct. The FCC standard is based on the recommendations of the
NCRP and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and entire
chapters are devoted to non-thermal biological effects. The standards are not
set at non-thermal levels because, when they looked at them, they did not find
any established health effects at low levels.
Mr. John Pool presented the Board with a letter from the Bonita Highlands
Homeowners Association stating that they are against the installation in their
residential area. He stated that he is against the property devaluation and
health issues. He said that, for decades, the government told the public that
cigarettes were safe, scientists told the public that asbestos was safe, and the
public was told that Agent Orange and other chemicals were safe. Now, health
problems are arising over these same issues. He added that Dr. Bushberg is paid
for by the cell industry and is going to repeat what they want him to say to
convince everybody that they are safe. He said the Board needs to look at this
and be good neighbors, and the cell site does not need to be installed 95 feet
from his home.
Director Welsh made a motion, seconded by Director Thomas, that the Governing
Board not move forward with the proposal to install cellular antennas on the
McMillin Tank site. The motion failed with Directors Alkire, Beauchamp, Doud,
Morrison, and Pocklington opposing.
At 5:33 p.m. Chair Beauchamp called a brief recess. The meeting was called
back to order at 5:39 p.m. with all members of the Board in attendance.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Director Pocklington made a motion, seconded by Director Morrison, that the
Governing Board approve the minutes of the September 12, 2007 meeting. The
motion carried.
5. APPROVAL OF DEMANDS AND WARRANTS
Director Morrison made a motion, seconded by Director Alkire, that the
Governing Board approve Warrants 111433 through 111617 including all voided
checks. The motion carried.
6. OPERATIONS COMMITTEE (Meeting of Date September 19, 2007)
A. Director Thomas made a motion, seconded by Director Welsh, that the
Governing Board approve the Second Addendum to the Final Environmental Impact
Report for the Lower Sweetwater River Groundwater Demineralization Project for
the Zero Discharge Solar Distillation Loop Research and Development Project to
provide the environmental documentation that would allow construction of the
project by the U.S. Geological Survey. The motion carried.
B. Director Doud made a motion, seconded by Director Welsh, that the
Governing Board adopt the Policy on Gifts, Tokens, Handouts, and Services as
proposed, incorporating minor changes as recommended by the Committee. The
motion carried.
C. Director Doud made a motion, seconded by Director Welsh, that the
Governing Board deem the real property, part of a proposed hotel project in
National City, as described on the sketch presented, totaling 2,200 square feet,
as surplus property; direct staff to proceed with the standard disposition and
sale process, including a letter to National City’s Community Development
Commission (CDC) stating the Authority’s intention to negotiate the sale of this
property subject to the Surplus Land Act; and approve the quitclaim of the
Kimball Brothers easement with the provision that the CDC or MRW Group, Inc.
will pay all processing costs and the value of the real property. Director
Beauchamp disclosed having received an email and photos of the site alleging
that creosote was discovered beneath this property. His services were requested,
but he declined due to his position on the Authority’s Board. Director Morrison
noted that the site was under state control, the state conducted testing and
released the site to the County, which in turn released it to the City of
National City as a cleaned site. Mr. Bostad assured the Board that standard
procedures would be followed in the sale of this property. Director Beauchamp
will discuss the subject communication with Legal Counsel. The motion carried.
D. Director Doud made a motion, seconded by Director Alkire, that the
Governing Board approve funding from the Capital Contingency Fund in the amount
of $7,910 for the Emerson Street Storm Drain Improvements; the City of Chula
Vista will refund the Authority one-half of the final cost. The motion carried.
E. Discussion of the Metropolitan Water District and San Diego County Water
Authority actions regarding the Quagga Mussel. This was an information item and
no action was required by the Governing Board.
7. CSDA 2008 COMMITTEE AND VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM
Director Doud informed the Board that he currently serves on the Planning
Committee and would like to volunteer for that committee, the Legislative, or
the Membership & Recruitment Committee in 2008. Director Thomas expressed
interest in serving on the Special Task Forces.
Director Pocklington made a motion, seconded by Director Morrison, that the
Governing Board approve the participation of Directors Doud and Thomas on
California Special Districts Association committees. The motion carried.
8. REPORT OF THE SOUTH BAY IRRIGATION DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE AND THE CITY OF
NATIONAL CITY REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER
AUTHORITY
Director Pocklington reported on items of interest on the September 27th CWA
Board agenda. The Board will consider authorization of a water transfer
agreement with Butte Water District and/or other water districts to provide
additional Water Authority supplies for 2008; adoption of a position of support
on HR 3452 (Becerra), which will allow water suppliers to receive interest free
loans on the capital necessary to build qualified projects such as desalination,
recycling water, and groundwater facilities; adoption of a position of oppose on
HR 2421 (Oberstar), which would amend the Clean Water Act to clarify U.S.
jurisdiction over waters of the U.S.; and adoption of a position on SBX2-2 (Perata)
and SBX203 (Cogdill) regarding a proposed 2008 statewide water bond. The Board
will also consider compensation adjustments for executive and senior management
employees for the next three fiscal years. A presentation will be made by the
California Department of Water Resources on Delta improvements. Consideration
will be given to amending the professional services contract for as-needed SCADA
integrated services. Also, there will be a closed session on the City of San
Diego Pipeline 3 Mission Trails Relining Project.
9. APPROVAL OF DIRECTORS’ ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS AND FUTURE AGENDA
ITEMS
A. Director Pocklington made a motion, seconded by Director Doud, that the
Governing Board approve per diem for Directors who wish to attend the First
Friday Meeting on October 12, 2007 with Ron Lane, Director, San Diego County
Office of Emergency Services, presenting information in preparation for the next
earthquake or wildfire. The motion carried with Director Morrison opposing.
B. Director Doud made a motion, seconded by Director Thomas, that the
Governing Board approve per diem for Directors’ attendance at the California
Urban Water Conservation Council Drought Workshop held at the San Diego County
Water Authority on October 11, 2007. The motion carried.
C. Director Pocklington made a motion, seconded by Director Thomas, that the
Governing Board approve per diem for Directors’ attendance at the 2007 Water
Conservation Summit held at the University of San Diego on October 12, 2007U.
The motion carried.
D. Water Agencies Association of San Diego County meeting, Lake San Marcos
Resort – Thursday, October 18, 2007, 6:00 p.m. – Program: Dr. Tim Quinn,
Executive Director, Association of California Water Agencies presenting “Current
Issues and Future Goals for ACWA.” Directors wishing to attend this pre-approved
event will contact the Secretary. No action was required by the Governing Board.
E. CSDA Special District Leadership Academy Module 4: Board’s Role in Human
Resources – November 9, 2007, Ontario, CA. Director Thomas will attend this
pre-approved event. No action was required by the Governing Board.
10. REPORTS BY DIRECTORS ON EVENTS ATTENDED
Director Pocklington reported on the ACWA Region 10 Surface Storage, Delta
Conveyance, and Regional Solutions Summit held on September 13-14. He spoke with
Dr. Tim Quinn, who was concerned about past problems the Authority has had with
ACWA, and he offered to come down and speak to the Board. Director Thomas stated
that Brian Bilbray gave an interesting presentation and explained how he is
utilizing an outcome-based environmental strategy. Peter MacLaggan of Poseidon
Resources gave a superb update. The Delta issues and strategies were also
addressed. She added that General Manager Bostad participated on a panel on
regional solutions along with other managers, one of whom was Celeste Cantu, who
is very insightful. Director Doud added that, when asked some very difficult
questions, Peter did a beautiful job of selling desalination.
Director Pocklington attended the Local Government Commission Community
Choice Aggregation (CCA) workshop on September 14th. The CCA enables California
cities and counties to supply electricity to customers within their borders,
although it does not own the transmission and delivery system. The CCA is
responsible for providing the energy commodity which may or may not entail
ownership of electricity. He learned a lot about energy and water from this
workshop.
Director Morrison reported on the National City Chamber of Commerce meeting
on September 19th, which featured the Centurion Police Awards for police
officers and volunteers. Assembly Member Mary Salas also spoke on current
legislation in Sacramento and the special session dealing with water. He added
that the October meeting will feature a presentation on disaster preparedness
just as will the Chula Vista First Friday meeting.
Director Pocklington stated that the Council of Water Utilities Meeting on
September 18th featured a presentation by Professor Glen MacDonald, who also
appeared at the MWD meeting yesterday. Director Pocklington believes that, from
a scientific standpoint, there is no doubt we are in global warming. The problem
is what to do about it, and no one seems to have a handle on it. Having
reservoirs to store water has been keeping us out of trouble for many years. He
hopes that the special session going on in Sacramento can bring about a solution
for the Delta and our reservoirs at the same time. Director Morrison added that
Dr. MacDonald gave a well-balanced presentation, which is something we do not
normally see. He brought out that the earth is constantly going through climate
change, and that one of the debates is how much, if any, are we causing this,
and we need to make sensible judgments on solutions. Director Thomas stated that
the speaker also brought up that this may warrant us going for what are adaptive
solutions rather than just assuming it is the global warming and trying to cut
out our footprint. She stated that Dr. MacDonald’s presentation data will be on
his website, www.biogeographer.com. She believed this was the best scientific
presentation and approach for the perfect drought, which includes less water
from Colorado, from the north, and also snow pack. This is useful information to
pass on to students, community members, and decision makers. General Manager
Bostad reiterated that, the pursuit of other supplies of water helps to provide
drought-proof scenarios that help to deal with changes in the surface runoff
conditions and the loss of snow pack.
Director Beauchamp attended the South County Economic Development Council
Elected Officials Reception on September 20th, and said that it was an
opportunity for very good interaction with various elected officials and was
well attended. Director Doud stated that he spoke with Mary Salas, who said she
was appointed by the speaker to an ad hoc committee on water issues.
Director Thomas attended the Bonita Business and Professional Association
meeting on September 25th. VIPs were honored for the Bonitafest, which takes
place this Saturday. In addition, there will be a wine tasting party, the Bonita
Museum and Cultural Center will be celebrating its 20th anniversary that same
day, and there will be a new western art exhibit. She left informational flyers
with the Secretary.
11. BUDGET REPORT – DIRECTOR OF FINANCE FARROW
Report as of August 31, 2007
Director of Finance Farrow stated that Water Revenue for August was $280,000,
or 3.9 percent under budget, which ties to the decline in consumption the last
two months. She informed the Board that in August the Authority received
$120,000 in capacity fees and expects to receive about $100,000 in September,
which would mean the budgeted amount for the fiscal year could be met within the
first three months. Operating Expenses for August were $311,000, or 5.2 percent,
under budget.
12. MANAGEMENT REPORT
A. Report of Operations Manager Rogers: Mr. Rogers reported that he spoke
with Mary Salas at his Kiwanis meeting, and she talked very seriously about the
Delta. It appears that the Republicans and Democrats are starting to move
together on that issue, which sounds very promising. He thanked the Board
members who attended the Employees’ Health and Safety Fair and said that, once
again, staff did an outstanding job. Randy Voepel, the Authority’s insurance
broker, said that he attends many of these events and that the Authority does it
the best by far. He added that, in anticipation of cutbacks, the third well in
National City will be started up and run next week as a test to see how much
production comes from that system if it is needed.
B. Report of General Manager Bostad: Mr. Bostad stated that, with all of the
talk about conservation, a critical question to be asked and answered is when do
you sign off on the water availability letter for new development? He suggests
that the Authority have a little more flexibility due to the new local supplies
it is creating.
13. DIRECTORS’ COMMENTS
Director Thomas reiterated Operations Manager Rogers’ comments about the
Health and Safety Fair. She thought it was very well done, informative,
enlightening, and she learned to use a fire extinguisher properly. She thought
it was exceptional that so many individuals received awards for their
contributions to safety and staff development.
Director Morrison invited everyone to the Taste of National City, which will
be held at the Martin Luther King building tomorrow evening from 5:00 p.m. to
7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, and there will be 19 restaurants represented. He
added that he ran across a copy of an 1896-97 U.S. Geological Survey report to
the Secretary of the Interior, which included a lot of information on Sweetwater
Dam. The originals are in very good condition, and he gave them to the Secretary
to make copies for the Board members.
Director Welsh commented regretfully that, due to a family emergency, she
will be unable to attend the Bonitafest.
Director Doud shared an item from a daily email notice he receives from the
EPA. The Mariposa County in Arizona was fined $155,000 by the EPA and the Air
Quality Control Board for allowing one of their construction trucks to leave a
construction site with dirt and sand on its tires fifty feet beyond the site.
Director Pocklington echoed Director Thomas’s comments on the quality of the
Health Fair and said he believed it was one of the largest.
14. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business before the Board, Chair Beauchamp adjourned the
meeting at 6:36 p.m.
|
