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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD MINUTES 07-15-99 119 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF THE DISTRICT BOARD OF THE CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT HELD ON JULY 15, 1999 The District Board of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District convened in a regular session at its regular place of meeting, 5019 Imhoff Place, Martinez, County of Contra Costa, State of California, at 2:00 p.m. on July 15, 1999. In the absence of President Lucey, President Pro Tem Hockett called the meeting to order and requested that the Secretary call roll. 1. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Members: Menesini, Boneysteele, Hockett ABSENT: Members: Nejedly, Lucey Members Nejedly and Lucey had indicated they would be unable to attend this meeting and had requested to be excused. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS None 3. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Member Boneysteele and seconded by Member Menesini, that the Consent Calendar, consisting of Items a. through c., be approved as recommended, resolutions adopted as appropriate, and recordings duly authorized. a. Staff was directed to secure the services of an arbitrator in accordance with the District's appeal procedures in the discipline of Plant Operator" Walter Norman. Motion approved on the following vote: AYES: Members: Boneysteele, Menesini, Hockett NOES: Members: None ABSENT: Members: Nejedly, Lucey b. The contract work for the construction of the Martinez East Side Trunk Sewer Improvements Project, DP 4950, was accepted and the filing of the Notice of Completion was authorized Motion approved on the following vote: AYES: Members: Boneysteele, Menesini, Hockett NOES: Members: None ABSENT: Members: Nejedly, Lucey c. Resolution No. 99-072 was adopted, confirming the publication of District Ordinance No. 210, which adopts the Schedule of Operations and Maintenance Rates and Charges and Amends District Code Section 6.30. Motion approved on the following vote: 07 15 99 120 None a. 07 AYES: Members: Boneysteele, Menesini, Hockett NOES: Members: None ABSENT: Members: Nejedly, Lucey 4. CALL FOR REQUESTS TO CONSIDER ITEMS OUT OF ORDER 5. REPORTS GENERAL MANAGER 1 ) Mr. Charles W. Batts, General Manager, announced that today, July 15, is the 53rd anniversary of the formation of the District. 2) Mr. Batts, General Manager, stated that an item dealing with the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) special districts election procedures was received by the District after the deadline for posting the Board meeting agenda. Input from the Board is requested at the Contra Costa Special Districts Association (CCSDA) meeting on Monday, July 19, 1999. Section 54954.2(b)(2) of the Brown Act provides that an item can be added to the agenda by two-thirds vote of the Board, or unanimous vote if less than two- thirds of the Board Members are present, if the item came to the attention of the District subsequent to the deadline for posting the agenda and immediate action is required. It was moved by Member Boneysteele and seconded by Member Menesini, that in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(2), the Board of Directors of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District determines that the issue of LAFCO Special Districts election procedures and the need to take immediate action came to the attention of the District subsequent to the agenda being posted, and that the item be added to the agenda for consideration by the Board. There being no objection, the motion was unanimously approved with Members Nejedly and Lucey being absent. Mr. Batts stated that copies of the memorandum from Mr. Mike Yeraka, CCSDA, were distributed for the Board's review. Three options for LAFCO special districts elections were outlined in the memorandum. The recommended option provides for a plurality vote and for each district to either mail in a ballot or vote at the election. This option is recommended since it provides the highest probability that the required minimum number of votes will be received. Following discussion of the options, it was moved by Member Menesini and seconded by Member Boneysteele, that the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Board of Directors endorses Option 1, a plurality vote and provision for each district either mailing in a ballot or voting at the LAFCO special districts election. There being no objection, the motion was unanimously approved with Members Nejedly and Lucey being absent. Member Menesini, the District's CCSDA representative, and General Manager Charles Batts were directed to communicate the Board's decision at the July 19 CCSDA meeting. 3) Mr. Batts, General Manager, introduced Mr. Ron Klimczak, Senior Engineer, who provided an update on the Furnace Ash Handling Improvements Project, DP 7186. Mr. Klimczak reported that the contract was award to Monterey Mechanical Company on September 17, 1998. Notice to proceed was issued effective October 21, 1998, with a completion date of October 21, 1999. The project is on or slightly ahead of schedule. The original contract 15 99 121 value was $995,000. To date, two changes orders in the amount of $13,911 have been issued, bringing the contract value to $1,008,911. All equipment is one site and basically installed. The contractor is finishing up the electrical and mechanical work. That work should be completed this month and the testing procedure should begin the first part of August. Using a schematic of the ash handling system, Mr. Klimczak described the process and recommended modifications. The ash handling system was put in place about 30 years ago. As part of a Plant Work Redesign effort, this system was identified for upgrade because of continuing problems. Modifications are being made to the vacuum conveyance piping and valving, filters, vacuum blowers, and control system. Discussion followed with regard to the system, the modifications, and the potential reuse of the ash. Mr. Klimczak stated that an issue has emerged in the last few days with regard to a State of California, Division of Labor standards enforcement action. A stipulation to debarment and order has been issued to WSB Electric, Inc., the electrical subcontractor to Monterey Mechanical Company, for numerous violations of the State Labor Code relating to wages. WSB Electric is debarred from bidding or accepting any public works projects for a period of three years commencing from June 28, 1999; from performing any work on any public works projects commencing from September 1, 1999 except they may continue performance through August 31, 1 999 on projects currently in progress including the District's Ash Handling Improvements Project. Mr. Klimczak stated that Monterey Mechanical Company has three options for completing the work: . Complete all electrical work by August 31, 1999 using WSB Electric; . Request Board of Directors' approval for new electrical company subcontractor substitution; or . Hire WSB electricians under Monterey Mechanical Company's license. Mr. Klimczak stated that he believes it is possible to complete the majority of the electrical work by August 31, but he believes there will likely be some work relating to testing and follow up after August 31. A letter has been sent to Monterey Mechanical expressing the District's concern for the timely completion of the project and asking how Monterey Mechanical intends to complete the project after August 31. The District is waiting to hear back from Monterey Mechanical as to how they intend to proceed. President Pro Tem Hockett thanked Mr. Klimczak for his report and indicated that a tour or video of the furnace ash handling system modifications might be of interest to the Board at some point in the future. 4) Mr. Batts, General Manager, stated that in the near future the District will be advertising for bids for the Furnace Air Inlet Improvements Project, DP 7193. Mr. Batts introduced Mr. Randy Schmidt, Associate Engineer, who introduced the other project team members, Associate Engineers Dr. Gail Chesler and Mr. Don Berger. Mr. Schmidt stated that a project process identification was undertaken which included Plant Work Redesign teams, operator interviews, and regulatory concerns such as overall furnace compliance, air quality compliance, and water quality and future cyanide limits. The highest priority items identified were ash system reliability, response for furnace operational upset, furnace stability, and cyanide generation. The furnace hearth inlet air restrictions and induced draft fan operation were of technical concern. Mr. Schmidt showed photographs of the existing air inlets, the control room, and the induced draft fan and described the following proposed system project improvements: 07 99 15 122 07 9) . Replace air inlet valves; . Automate replacement air inlet valves; . Add automated inlet air valves to hearth 10; and . Improve control system logic. Mr. Schmidt stated that the proposed system improvements will increase operational flexibility and stability, avoid modification of induced draft fan, minimize cyanide formation, and prepare the furnace to meet future regulations. The construction estimate for the work is $700,000. The project will be bid in early August 1999. Improvements to the first furnace will be completed by April 2000 and the second by Fall 2000. Mr. Batts thanked Mr. Schmidt for his report and stated that by allowing better control of combustion and combustion air, the proposed improvements will enable operators to decrease the amount of cyanide in the scrubber water. 5) Mr. Batts, General Manager, reported that on July 14, 1999, he and Member Boneysteele attended the Senate Local Government Committee hearing on AB 1549 (Torlakson) which mandates ward elections of the District Board of Directors. The amendment to the bill proposed by Senator Richard Rainey, Chair of the Senate Local Government Committee, was further modified and passed by the Senate Local Government Committee. Assembly Member Tom Torlakson and Mr. Henry Clarke, of Local One, were present and agreed to the amendments. The final amendment to AB 1549 approved by the Senate Local Government Committee is restricted just to Central Contra Costa Sanitary District and adopts the model in the Fire Protection District law. Rather than the State mandating ward elections, the District Board of Directors can put the question on the ballot, or a petition signed by five percent of the District's voters would require the question to be placed on the ballot. The amended bill has been referred back to the Appropriations Committee. 6) Mr. Batts, General Manager, introduced Mr. Paul Morsen, Director of Administration, who reported that the salary survey for Local One employees is moving forward. All job descriptions are being reviewed to make sure they are current. In three to four weeks, after completion of the review and update of job descriptions, the actual salary survey will begin. It is expected that work will be completed by Fall. Mr. Morsen stated that the Board's decision on the agencies to be used was communicated to the Union. The salary survey process is moving forward on schedule. 7) Mr. Batts, General Manager, announced that the 1999 Employee Health and Safety Picnic will be held on Saturday, September 25, 1999 at Concord Community Park. 8) Mr. Batts, General Manager, announced that Collection System Operations (CSO) Department employees will be participating in the Moraga-Orinda Fire District Trench Rescue Training Program. There will be classroom sessions and an in-trench session at the Fire District's site in Moraga. In addition, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District's Vactor unit will be demonstrated as a vacuum excavator in the rescue operation. Safety and Risk Manager David Clovis is looking into potential liability for the District and cost recovery. Mr. Clovis has indicated the District may wish to enter into a mutual support agreement with the Fire District. Mr. Batts, General Manager, announced that the District is advertising for bids for the Solids Conditioning Building Control Room Modifications Project, DP 6114A. The engineer's estimate for the work is $75,000. 15 99 10) 11 ) 12) 13) 14) 123 Mr. Batts, General Manager, announced that the District is advertising for the Treatment Plant Roof Replacement Phase 3 Project, DP 6143. This project will rehabilitate the existing roof over the Mechanical Maintenance and Materials Services Buildings. The engineer's estimate for the work is $35,000. Mr. Batts, General Manager, announced that the Collection System Operations (CSO) Department hosted a Best Work Practices Benchmarking Meeting on July 14, 1999. In addition to the District, six other collection system operations from around the State of California are participating in this Multi-Agency Collaborative Benchmarking Group. The Group is currently focusing on two areas: best work practices; and cooperative research and development on new or improved sewer maintenance technology. Mr. Batts, General Manager, announced that it is time to consider nominations for the District's Annual Pollution Prevention Awards. It is recommended that the process be streamlined. Rather than sending applications to businesses and permitted industries, it is recommended that an ad soliciting award nominations be placed in the Contra Costa Times and San Ramon Valley Times, and that press releases be sent to the Contra Costa Times Business section and the San Francisco Chronicle Contra Costa section. Last year Members Menesini and Lucey served on the Pollution Prevention Awards Section Committee. If those Board Members would be willing to serve again, the Secretary of the District will schedule a meeting to review the applications. Mr. Batts, General Manager, announced that there were two reportable excess emissions from the furnace, one on July 4, 1999 and one on July 7, 1999. Mr. Batts described the incidents and indicated that they were reported to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). To date, no fines have been assessed, although it is anticipated there will be a fine for the July 4 incident. The District has an excellent compliance record in this area and is working with BAAQMD. Mr. Batts indicated that he would report to the Board when the amount of the fine is known. Mr. Batts, General Manager, announced that there will be a tour of the Treatment Plant Seismic Project following the Board Meeting today. b. COUNSEL FOR THE DISTRICT None c. SECRETARY OF THE DISTRICT 1 ) Ms. Joyce E. Murphy, Secretary of the District, announced that the deadline for filing Semi Annual Campaign Statements is July 31, 1999. d. BOARD MEMBERS 1 ) 2) Member Menesini announced that General Manager Charles Batts will address the July 19, 1999 Environmental Alliance Discussion Series on the subject of Wastewater Discharge Permits. President Pro Tem Hockett commended Mr. Paul Morsen, Director of Administration, on the excellent article on District operations which ran last week in local newspapers. 07 15 99 124 6. ADMINISTRATIVE a. APPROVE CONTINUANCE OF EMPLOYEE COMPUTER HARDWARE PURCHASE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM . Mr. Batts, General Manager, stated that this program was established with the Board's concurrence to allow employees to purchase standard computers with District loans on the basis that the employees would become more proficient in computer use and both the District and the employees would benefit as a result. The program has been very successful. Board approval is requested to allow the program to continue; and if the Board concurs, in the future further requests for continuance of the program will be placed on the Consent Calendar. It was moved by Member Menesini and seconded by Member Boneysteele, that the continuance of the Employee Computer Hardware Purchase Assistance Program be approved effective July 1, 1999. There being no objection, the motion was approved with Members Nejedly and Lucey being absent. 7. REAL PROPERTY a. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF PARCELS 159-150-046. 159-150-050. A PORTION OF OLD IMHOFF DRIVE. AND IMHOFF PLACE. MARTINEZ. CALIFORNIA: AUTHORIZE $2.970.000 FROM THE SEWER CONSTRUCTION FUND FOR THE GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM CONTINGENCY ACCOUNT: AND AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO ALLOCATE $2.970.000 FOR PURCHASE OF THE PROPERTIES Mr. Batts, General Manager, stated that this position paper requests authorization for purchase of the Contra Costa County property commonly referred to as the Animal Shelter. This matter was discussed previously with the Board in Closed Session. The County is preparing the required environmental report on the properties and closing is expected in September 1999. It was moved by Member Boneysteele and seconded by Member Menesini, that Resolution No. 99-073 be adopted, approving the purchase of Assessor's Parcels 159-150-046 and 159-150-050, a portion of Old Imhoff Drive, and Imhoff Place from the County of Contra Costa in the amount of $2,928,631; that $2,970,000 be authorized from the Sewer Construction Fund to the General Improvements Program Contingency Account; and that the General Manager be authorized to allocate $2,970,000 for the purchase of the properties. There being no objection, the motion was approved with Members Nejedly and Lucey being absent. 8. CORRESPONDENCE a. NOTE RECEIPT OF LETTER DATED JULY 7.1999 FROM W. D. PATTERSON. 23 LONGRIDGE ROAD. ORINDA. CONCERNING FOLLOW UP AFTER SOUTH ORINDA SEWER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT CONSTRUCTION Following discussion, receipt of the letter dated July 6, 1999 from Mr. W. D. Patterson, 23 Longridge Road, Orinda, concerning follow up after the South Orinda Sewer Improvements Project construction, was noted. The Board directed staff to forward a copy of Mr. Patterson's letter to the project contractor, Mountain Cascade, together with the Board's concerns. Staff was also requested to draft a response to Mr. Patterson. 9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. MINUTES OF JUNE 17. 1999 It was moved by Member Menesini and seconded by Member Boneysteele, that the minutes of June 17, 1999, be approved as presented. There being no objection, the motion was approved with Members Nejedly and Lucey being absent. 07 15 99 125 10. APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES a. EXPENDITURE LIST DATED JULY 15. 1999 Member Boneysteele, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, stated that in the absence of President Lucey, he reviewed the expenditures and found them to be satisfactory. It was moved by Member Boneysteele and seconded by Member Menesini, that the Expenditure List dated July 15, 1999, including Self Insurance Check Nos. 101551- 101552, Running Expense Check Nos. 118893-119281, Sewer Construction Check Nos. 21289-21330, Manual and Replacement Payroll Check Nos. 48544-48558, and Regular Payroll Check Nos. 50147-50262, be approved as recommended. There being no objection, the motion was approved with Members Nejedly and Lucey being absent. 11. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION None 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Member Menesini requested an update on the Safety Audit and an overview of changes in the Safety and Risk Management Division. 13. ADJOURNMENT a. ,TOUR TREATMENT PLANT SEISMIC PROJECT There being no further business to come before the Board, President Pro Tem Hockett adjourned the meeting at the hour of 3:27 p.m. to a tour of the Treatment Plant Seismic Project. President of the Board of Direct s, Central Contra Costa Sanitary Istrict, County of Contra Costa, State of California COUNTERSIGNED: 07 15 99