HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD MINUTES 05-21-98
120
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING
OF THE DISTRICT BOARD OF THE
CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT
HELD ON MAY 21, 1998
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 May 21, 1998.
President Nejedly called the meeting to order and requested that the Secretary call roll.
1. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Members:
Lucey, Menesini, Hockett, Boneysteele, Nejedly
ABSENT:
Members:
None
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
3. AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS
a.
PRESENTATION OF SAFETY SUGGESTION OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR 1996 TO
MR. KENNETH HARRISON. MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN III. MECHANICAL. PLANT
OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT AND SAFETY SUGGESTION OF THE YEAR AWARD
FOR 1997 TO MR. ALLEN CAMBRON. ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN. PLANT
OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
Mr. Roger J. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, introduced Mr. Steve Larsen, Chair
of the District Safety Committee. Mr. Larsen stated that one of the keys to the District's
Safety Program is employee participation. We try to generate employee participation and
awareness through the Safety Suggestion Program, among other things. At least one
safety suggestion is selected for recognition each month. Mr. Allen Cambron's safety
suggestion was selected to receive the Safety Suggestion of the Year Award for 1997.
Mr. Cambron suggested that the control circuit transformer for the bypass from the
transformer for the control in the variable frequency driver (VFD) at the Maltby Pumping
Station be isolated. When these two circuits were connected together, it allowed the VFD
to be supplied with 480 volts of electricity even though the VFD circuit breaker was off.
By separating these two circuits, a second source that created an unexpected high voltage
within the VFD cabinet was prevented. The Safety Suggestion of the Year Award for
1997 was presented to Mr. Allen Cambron and he was commended for his outstanding
suggestion and for his concern for the safety of District employees.
It was noted that presentation of the Safety Suggestion of the Year Award for 1996 was
deferred to June 9, 1998.
b.
RECEIVE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNICATIONS FOR A ONE-TIME
PUBLICATION FROM THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
OFFICERS (CAPIO) FOR THE DISTRICT'S TOUR BROCHURE
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, introduced Mr. Tim Tullis, Public Information
and Production Assistant II, who stated that the District received the Third Place Award
for Excellence in Communication for a One-Time Publication for the District's tour
brochure. Copies of the tour brochure were distributed. Mr. Tullis stated that most of the
work on this brochure was done in house. The "following the flow" diagram has been
used in a number of other publications. The Board recognized the Communications
Services staff for their fine work.
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4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Following discussion of delivery of recycled water, it was moved by Member Hockett and
seconded by Member Menesini, that the Consent Calendar, consisting of Items a. through
k., be approved as recommended, resolutions adoPted as appropriate, and recordings duly
authorized. .
Resolution No. 98-049 accepting an easement at no cost to the District
from UDC Homes, Inc., Job 1001, Parcel 83 A through I, Rossmoor area,
was adopted and recording was authorized.
a.
Motion unanimously approved on the following vote:
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
b.
Hockett, Menesini, Lucey, Boneysteele, Nejedly
None
None
Resolution No. 98-050 accepting work and Offers of Dedication from
California Kosaido, Inc., doing business as Canyon Lakes Country Club, Job
5211, Parcel 1, San Ramon area, was adopted and recording was
authorized.
Motion unanimously approved on the following vote:
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
Hockett, Menesini, Lucey, Boneysteele, Nejedly
None
None
Resolution No. 98-051 accepting work and Offers of Dedication from
California Kosaido, Inc., doing business as Canyon Lakes Country Club, Job
5211, Parcel 2, San Ramon area, was adopted and recording was
authorized.
c.
Motion unanimously approved on the following vote:
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
d.
Hockett, Menesini, Lucey, Boneysteele, Nejedly
None
None
Resolution No. 98-052 accepting work and Offers of Dedication from
California Kosaido, Inc., doing business as Canyon Lakes Country Club, Job
5211, Parcel 3, San Ramon area, was adopted and recording was
authorized.
Motion unanimously approved on the following vote:
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
e.
Hockett, Menesini, Lucey, Boneysteele, Nejedly
None
None
Resolution No. 98-053 accepting work and Offers of Dedication from
Canyon Green Homeowners Association, Job 5211, Parcel 4, San Ramon
area, was adopted and recording was authorized.
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Motion unanimously approved on the following vote:
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
f.
Hockett, Menesini, Lucey, Boneysteele, Nejedly
None
None
Resolution No. 98-054 accepting work and Offers of Dedication from
William C. Flett and Elaine T. Flett, Trustees, Job 5229, Parcel 1, Danville
area, was adopted and recording was authorized.
Motion unanimously approved on the following vote:
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
Hockett, Menesini, Lucey, Boneysteele, Nejedly
None
None
Grant of Easement was accepted from William C. Herbert and Roxana L.
Herbert for a sanitary sewer easement at 115 Russell Drive, Walnut Creek,
in connection with the Lakewood Sewer Renovation Project, DP 4805; staff
was authorized to record said Grant of Easement with the Contra Costa
County Recorder; and Resolution No. 98-055 was adopted to that effect.
g.
Motion unanimously approved on the following vote:
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
h.
Hockett, Menesini, Lucey, Boneysteele, Nejedly
None
None
The contract work for the construction of the Orinda Crossroads, Moraga
and Lower Orinda Pumping Stations Improvements, Phase II, Project, DP
4898, was accepted and the filing of the Notice of Completion was
authorized.
Motion unanimously approved on the following vote:
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
i.
Hockett, Menesini, Lucey, Boneysteele, Nejedly
None
None
The contract work for the Recycled Water Customer Connections Project,
DP 7181, in Pleasant Hill and Concord, was accepted and the filing of the
Notice of Completion was authorized.
Motion unanimously approved on the following vote:
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
J.
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Hockett, Menesini, Lucey, Boneysteele, Nejedly
None
None
June 9, 1998, at 2:00 p.m. was set as the date and time for a public
hearing to receive comments on the draft Fiscal Year 1998-1999 Capital
Improvement Budgetl1998 Capital Improvement Plan.
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Motion unanimously approved on the following vote:
AYES: Members: Hockett, Menesini, Lucey, Boneysteele, Nejedly
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: None
k.
The attendance of Mr. Ricardo Hernandez, Engineering Assistant, was
authorized at the International Right of Way Association's Annual Education
Seminar from June 28 through July 2, 1998, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at
a cost of $1,500.
Motion unanimously approved on the following vote:
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
Hockett, Menesini, Lucey, Boneysteele, Nejedly
None
None
5. CALL FOR REQUESTS TO CONSIDER ITEMS OUT OF ORDER
President Nejedly indicated that a request has been received to take Engineering Items
8.a., 8.b., and 8.c. out of order. President Nejedly proceeded to Item 8., Engineering.
8. ENGINEERING
a.
AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER-CHIEF ENGINEER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH WINDEMERE RANCH PARTNERS AND SHAPELL INDUSTRIES
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF PLANNING. DESIGN.
CONSTRUCTION. AND PROPERTY RIGHTS ACQUISITION COSTS FOR THE
DOUGHERTY TUNNEL AND TRUNK SEWER PROJECT. DP 5902
b.
AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER-CHIEF ENGINEER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH WOODWARD-CLYDE CONSULTANTS TO PROVIDE
PRELIMINARY AND FINAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE TUNNEL PORTION OF THE
DOUGHERTY TUNNEL AND TRUNK SEWER PROJECT. DP 5902
c.
AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER-CHIEF ENGINEER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH BROWN AND CALDWELL TO PROVIDE PRELIMINARY AND
FINAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE TRUNK SEWER PORTION OF THE DOUGHERTY
TUNNEL AND TRUNK SEWER PROJECT. DP 5902
Mr. Thomas J. Koch, of Shapellindustries of Northern California, expressed support for the
staff recommendation and tremendous appreciation for the staff efforts, especially Principal
Engineer Jarred Miyamoto-Mills and District Counsel Kenton L. Aim. Mr. Koch stated that
this has been a lengthy and complicated process.
Mr. Dan Coleman, of Windemere Ranch Partners, thanked District staff for their assistance
through this process. Mr. Coleman stated that the Association of Bay Area Governments
(ABAG) Finance Committee will meet today to consider approval of the next round of bond
financing for this work.
Mr. Jarred Miyamoto-Mills, Principal Engineer, showed a map of the location of the
Windemere and Shapell properties and the areas tributary to the Dougherty Tunnel. Mr.
Miyamoto-Mills reviewed the changes to the proposed agreement last considered by the
Board on February 5, 1998.
.
Shapell has been added as a party.
.
Provisions have been included for potential "who goes first" situations.
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The key elements of the Agreement with Windemere and Shapell are as follows:
.
The District will design and build the Dougherty Tunnel and Trunk Sewer
Project.
.
Windemere will pay for the design.
.
The first developer who needs service will be the "installer," and will pay for
construction.
.
A construction financing agreement is required prior to advertising the project
for bidding.
Mr. Miyamoto-Mills reviewed the project cost estimate for planning and engineering
activities conducted prior to March 31, 1998, design, right of way, construction, and
contingency, totaling $16,630,000.
Following discussion of the consultant selection process and the qualifications of the
consultants recommended, it was moved by Member Hockett and seconded by Member
Lucey, that the General Manager-Chief Engineer be authorized to execute the proposed
agreement with Windemere Ranch Partners and Shapell Industries of Northern California
for reimbursement of planning, design, property rights acquisition, and construction costs
for the Dougherty Tunnel and Trunk Sewer Project, DP 5902; that the General Manager-
Chief Engineer be authorized to execute an agreement with Woodward-Clyde Consultants
with a cost ceiling of $530,000 to provide preliminary and final design services and
geotechnical engineering services for tunnel portion of the Dougherty Tunnel and Trunk
Sewer Project, DP 5902; and that the General Manager-Chief Engineer be authorized to
execute an agreement with Brown and Caldwell with a cost ceiling of $168,200 to provide
design and engineering services for the trunk sewer portion of the Dougherty Tunnel and
Trunk Sewer Project, DP 5902. There being np objection, the motion was unanimously
approved.
At this time, President Nejedly reverted to the order of the agenda.
a.
05
6. REPORTS
GENERAL MANAGER-CHIEF ENGINEER
1 )
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, introduced Ms. Elaine Jacobs,
Household Hazardous Waste Supervisor, who stated that business is good
at the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Facility. There is still
a strorg demand for these services. People are very pleased and a lot of
positive feedback has been received. There is no indication of a decline in
business. A presentation was made to the County Hazardous Materials
Commission last month and they were very impressed with the District's
HHW Collection Facility and indicated they would like to see it as a model for
West County. The HHW Collection Facility began accepting small business
waste last month. There have been few appointments for small businesses
so far. During the coming fiscal year it is planned to target small businesses
more aggressively. There will be a mobile collection event in Lafayette on
May 30, 1998. Mobile collection events were held in Danville on March 28,
1998 and in San Ramon on April 4, 1998. Participation was minimal. That
information will be presented to the cities who requested these services.
Ms. Jacobs reported that an incident occurred at the HHW Collection Facility
on May 9, 1998. Ms. Jacobs noted that this type of incident is very rare at
HHW Collection Facilities. A pint bottle of picric acid, an explosive chemical
if subjected to heat or shock, was left at the HHW Collection Facility. Mr.
Wilson Brooks, Household Hazardous Waste Technician, recognized it and
immediately notified Ms. Jacobs and the Philips Site Manager. The Sheriff's
Department was contacted." That prompted a response by the County
Hazardous Mat and Bomb Squad. The HHW Collection Facility was
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evacuated. That was the appropriate and safe thing to do. It was about
three hours until the material was safely detonated and the HHW Collection
Facility was reopened. The Sheriff's Department contacted the person
leaving the material at the HHW Collection Facility since the District records
contained the name, address, and type of vehicle of the person who left the
material. The material left by this individual contained a number of laboratory
chemicals. The picric acid was the only explosive. The person stated that
he did not know it was explosive.
In response to a question from President Nejedly, Ms. Jacobs stated that the
District would not incur any costs for the Bomb Squad response since the
County was contacted first in accordance with the agreement that we have
with the County and the County called the Bomb Squad.
The Board thanked Ms. Jacobs for the update.
2)
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, introduced Mr. Curt Swanson,
Principal Engineer, who provided an update on the Alhambra Way Contractual
Assessment District (CAD). Mr. Swanson showed a map and described the
location of the eleven homes involved in the Alhambra Way CAD. Mr.
Swanson noted that this is an increase over the original five homes. Mr.
Swanson stated that after the last Board action to proceed with the
formation of the CAD, the homeowners hired an engineer who is now
developing plans. Once the plans are approved, contractor bids will be
sought and assessments will be finalized. All residents of the CAD area have
requested annexation to the District. Annexation will proceed through the
normal process. Mr. Swanson reviewed the schedule and next steps relative
to establishment of the Alhambra Way CAD. Construction is expected to
begin in August or September 1998.
Mr. Swanson stated that the second aspect of this discussion relates to the
differences between a CAD and a Local Improvement District (LID), and the
preferred alternative for use by the Alhambra Way residents. Mr. Swanson
described the significant features of a CAD and a LID. Mr. Swanson stated
that this issue was raised by the residents previously but the urgent need of
some of the residents to get off septic tanks made a CAD the preferred
alternative initially. The residents asked whether the CAD could then be
absorbed into a larger LID.
Mr. Kenton L. Aim, Counsel for the District, stated that this matter was
discussed previously with the Board. Local Agency Formation Commission
(LAFCO) approval may be required for one district (CAD) to be absorbed into
another district (LID). A bond counsel was consulted. It was the opinion of
the bond counsel and of Mr. Aim's firm that this could be termed as a
refinance. When a LID is formed it would refinance and assume existing
debt. The Central Contra Costa Sanitary District would then take action to
terminate the CAD because there would be no debt outstanding and the CAD
would no longer be needed. It may be necessary to send formal notice to
LAFCO by resolution that the LID will be absorbing the CAD but LAFCO does
not need to take action. The problem may be getting sufficient votes to form
the LID including the CAD area. That would depend on the costs.
Mr. Swanson stated that staff will explore these options with the Alhambra
Way residents to determine if they wish to go forward with petitions for a
LID.
Member Menesini stated that he has received feedback from Alhambra Way
residents commending District staff, particularly Mr. Swanson.
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, introduced Infrastructure Division
Manager Jay S. McCoy, who stated that certain points were raised during
discussion of the Alhambra Way Contractual Assessment District (CAD)
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4)
5)
which require additional discussion. Mr. McCoy presented and reviewed
updated CAD criteria as set forth in the handout provided to the Board.
Discussion followed with regard to whether the cost of the installation of the
private pipe on the participant's property and the connection fees paid to the
District should be included or excluded from assessments.
Following discussion, it was moved by Member Menesini and seconded by
Member Boneysteele, that the revised CAD criteria as presented by staff be
approved. As set forth in that criteria, the cost of the pipeline will be
included in assessments but the cost of the installation of the private pipe on
the participant's property and the connection fees paid to the District will be
excluded from assessments. The motion was approved on the following roll
call vote:
AYES: Members: Menesini, Boneysteele, Lucey, Nejedly
NOES: Members: Hockett
ABSENT: Members: None
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, stated that funds have been
budgeted for a summer newsletter to the District's customers. The two big
news items that drove including funds in the budget for this newsletter were
the need for public notification of a possible Sewer Service Charge rate
increase, and publication of Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
services. Both of these items are less driving than when the budget was
compiled. Staff has discussed internally whether to proceed with the July
edition of the Pipeline newsletter. Staff believes there are a number of
important messages to get out to the public. The Board's input and guidance
is requested.
Ms. Harriette Heibel, Community Affairs Manager, reviewed ideas for the
upcoming Pipeline newsletter to be published in July. The following are ideas
for stories presented by Ms. Heibel and/or suggested by the Board: The fact
that the District has not had a Sewer Service Charge rate increase for five
years linked with the local services and improvements being provided; the
South Orinda Sewer Improvements Project and the innovative measures
being used to mitigate construction impacts; the Integrated Pest
Management (lPM) Garden and less toxic alternatives; the Household
Hazardous Waste Collection Facility Reuse Room; grease in sewer lines and
tips to educate customers; the first of a series of wastewater treatment
process articles; and survey results from the survey in the last Pipeline
newsletter. In addition, Member Lucey requested that the full name of the
District, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, be used in the body of the
newsletter as well as in the title. It was suggested that the "Follow the
Flow" graphic be put on the web page. Ms. Heibel thanked the Board for
their input.
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, stated that earlier on the agenda
the Board voted to accept work and Offers of Dedication from California
Kosaido, Inc., doing business as the Canyon Lakes Country Club. Mr. Dolan
introduced Mr. Curt Swanson, Principal Engineer, who reported that about a
year ago a Resolution of Necessity was considered to secure easements on
Canyon Lakes Country Club Fairway 14 for a pipeline to serve the Shapell
Country Club at Gale Ranch development. An agreement was reached with
the Canyon Lakes Country Club on construction technology and schedule,
and the use of the Resolution of Necessity was not necessary. Mr. Swanson
showed photographs and described the construction which occurred in
October, November, and December 1997. To minimize the impact on
Canyon Lakes Country Club operations, Shapell used directional drilling to
install 1,500 feet of pipeline. Since the golf course was open on weekends,
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construction was done Monday through Thursday. Construction took six to
eight weeks. By having construction vehicles off site, the back nine holes
of the golf course were only shut down for three days during the entire
construction period. The total construction cost was $165,000 according
to Shapell. The General Manager of the Canyon Lakes Country Club was
pleased with how the project went. Shapell and their contractor tried hard
to limit impacts on the Canyon Lakes Country Club.
6)
Mr. Curt Swanson, Principal Engineer, reported that progress is being made
on the joint project with the City of Lafayette. As the Board is aware, the
District took advantage of the City of Lafayette project to replace some 1 5-
inch sewer line in Glenside Drive which was not planned to be done for a
couple of years. The decision to proceed jointly with the City of Lafayette
minimizes costs to the District and impacts on residents in the area. At the
last Board Meeting, the Board approved an agreement with the City of
Lafayette. The City of Lafayette opened bids for the joint project on May 14,
1998. Mr. Swanson reviewed the results of the bids. The bid will be
awarded to the overall low bidder, Redgwick Construction at a total bid price
of $969,737.50. Although the Redgwick Construction bid was not the low
sewer replacement cost, staff would recommend that the District proceed
with the Glenside Drive Sewer Replacement Project, DP 5166, at a cost of
$125,459.00. Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, stated that this
is consistent with the action taken by the Board at the last Board Meeting.
Following discussion of the costs, the Board concurred. Member Menesini
suggested that this project might be an appropriate article for the upcoming
Pipeline publication.
7)
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, thanked the Board for taking the
time to visit the South Orinda Sewer Improvements Project site and the
Moraga and Orinda Crossroads Pumping Stations. Mr. Dolan updated the
Board on the current status of the South Orinda Sewer Improvements
Project. The microtunneling head is moving northwesterly towards the
pumping station. The tunneling machine has encountered boulders along the
way but moved through them. It is hoped that sometime next week the
microtunneling head will reach the pumping station. A conventional tunneling
machine has arrived and work on the launch pit is finished. The machine is
being put in place. The arborist hired by the City of Orinda has objected to
having the District contractor remove two 14-inch buckeye trees adjacent to
boring pits. The City had originally approved removing the trees. The
property owner had also approved removing the trees. If the City persists in
its objection, it could force the boring pit into the street. Staff is trying to
work out some alternative with the City. Staff will keep the Board informed.
Mr. Dolan reported that the City of Orinda intends to pave Moraga Way
between Casa Vieja and Vista Drive. The District has a future repair job
planned for that area which it is intended to accelerate and have performed
by Mt. Cascade Construction in cooperation with the City of Orinda Project
since the City prohibits reopening the street for five years after paving. This
would mean blocking traffic lanes at night for some of the work, and plating
the area during the day but this will still disrupt traffic.
Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, stated that he just returned from
the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies (AM SA) Legislative
Meeting in Washington, D.C. Development of regulatory programs is picking
up steam. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) top priorities of global
climate change and superfund have taken the spotlight off water to some
degree. Although President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and AMSA are
emphasizing the Administration's Clean Water Action Plan. The EPA water
agenda is being driven by public attention to pollution events, especially
beach closures, algae, and other microorganism growth caused by nutrients.
Programs in the next decade will likely include nutrient strategy, pathogen
control, and developing meaningful requirements for protecting biological
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health in the environment. Another high priority of the EPA is integration of
all Federal programs. Because of scrutiny forced by Chino Basin tests, the
EPA will also be looking at EPA-promulgated bioassay test procedures.
b.
COUNSEL FOR THE DISTRICT
None
c.
SECRETARY OF THE DISTRICT
None
d.
BOARD MEMBERS
1 )
Member Menesini announced that the Environmental Alliance will be hosting
a High School Junior and Senior Conference in Spring 1999. The conference
will focus on problem solving ideas and techniques.
2)
Member Hockett announced that she attended the East Bay Municipal Utility
District 75th anniversary celebration. The event was nicely done and well
attended.
BREAK
At 4:26 p.m., President Nejedly declared a recess, reconvening at the hour of 4:35 p.m.
with all parties present as previously designated.
7. ADMINISTRATIVE
a.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION REQUESTING CONSOLIDATION OF THE ELECTION OF
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION ON
NOVEMBER 3. 1998. AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH DISTRICT
REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATE STATEMENTS
Ms. Joyce E. Murphy, Secretary of the District, reviewed the current District regulations
for candidate statements which require that candidates seeking election to the District
Board of Directors be responsible for paying $500 towards the cost of publication of his/her
respective candidate statement at the time of filing nomination papers, that the balance
be paid by the District after the election costs have been determined, and that the
candidate statement be limited to 400 words. Ms. Murphy recommended that the Board
adopt a resolution requesting consolidation of the election of District Board Members with
the Statewide General Election to be held on November 3, 1998, and that the Board adopt
a resolution reaffirming or modifying the District regulations for candidate statements.
Member Lucey stated that he does not favor the District paying the balance of the cost of
publication of candidate statements over the initial $500 paid by the candidate. Member
Lucey stated that he will be running for election in November 1998. It could be viewed
that District customers were financing his campaign and he is not comfortable with that.
Member Lucey stated that he understands the reasons for the District subsidizing the cost
of the candidate statements, but he will vote against it.
Member Boneysteele stated that he can afford to pay the full cost of publication of the
candidate statement and he is willing to do so. However, the high cost of publication of
the candidate statement does have the disadvantage that it tends to price candidates out
of the market unless the person is in a position to obtain contributions. When this issue
was discussed in 1996, it was determined by the Board that the public interest was best
served by a balance between the $500 paid by the candidate with the remainder paid by
the District.
It was noted that the cost of publication of candidate statements is based on the number
of voters in the jurisdiction of the agency. The costs of candidate statements for District
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Board elections is higher than other agencies because there is a relatively higher customer
base.
Member Menesini spoke in favor of the District subsidy of the candidate statement from
the sense that just as the District does not want to keep people with limited resources
from connecting to the sanitary sewer, the same is true here. Member Menesini stated
that while he understands Member Lucey's position, making the opportunity to run for
election to the District Board more affordable only makes for a more healthy election.
It was moved by Member Menesini and seconded by Member Hockett, that Resolution No.
98-056, requesting consolidation of election of District Board Members with the Statewide
General Election to be held on November 3, 1998, be adopted; and that Resolution No. 98-
o.5..Z, reaffirming regulations for candidate statements, be adopted. Motion approved on
the following roll call vote:
AYES: Members: Menesini, Hockett, Boneysteele
NOES: Members: Lucey, Nejedly
ABSENT: Members: None
President Nejedly stated that this was a difficult decision and agreed that the cost of
publication of the candidate statement could be prohibitive for many people who might
want to run for election to the District Board. However, requiring the candidates to pay
for the cost of publication should ensure that candidates are serious about the job.
8. ENGINEERING
a.
AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER-CHIEF ENGINEER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH WINDEMERE RANCH PARTNERS AND SHAPELL INDUSTRIES
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF PLANNING. DESIGN.
CONSTRUCTION. AND PROPERTY RIGHTS ACQUISITION COSTS FOR THE
DOUGHERTY TUNNEL AND TRUNK SEWER PROJECT. DP 5902
b.
AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER-CHIEF ENGINEER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH WOODWARD-CLYDE CONSULTANTS TO PROVIDE
PRELIMINARY AND FINAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE TUNNEL PORTION OF THE
DOUGHERTY TUNNEL AND TRUNK SEWER PROJECT. DP 5902
c.
AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER-CHIEF ENGINEER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH BROWN AND CALDWELL TO PROVIDE PRELIMINARY AND
FINAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE TRUNK SEWER PORTION OF THE DOUGHERTY
TUNNEL AND TRUNK SEWER PROJECT. DP 5902
Engineering Items 8.a., 8.b., and 8.c. were taken out of order earlier in the agenda.
d.
ADOPT A RESOLUTION INFORMING RATEPAYERS REGARDING THE DISTRICT'S
POSITION ON PROPOSITION 224: THE GOVERNMENT COST SAVINGS AND
TAXPAYER PROTECTION AMENDMENT
Member Boneysteele stated that at the April 16, 1998 Board Meeting he stated that he
intended to abstain from voting on this resolution opposing Proposition 224 because of his
past association with the proponent, Professional Engineers in California Government.
Now, however, Member Boneysteele stated that he intends to vote no on the resolution
as drafted because he considers the proposed resolution to be against the best interests
of the District in that: 1) The District has been concerned with possible attempts of for-
profit organizations to privatize the District's operations. The proposed resolution is
inconsistent with those concerns in that the resolution would align the District with
consulting engineering organizations in their efforts to acquire, without competitive bidding,
the engineering design functions heretofore performed by career professional State civil
service employees of CalTrans and Department of Water Resources. 2) The last Whereas
clause of the proposed resolution states that the resolution is intended to provide "balanced
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information to inform ratepayers regarding Proposition 224." Preceding Whereas clauses
are merely regurgitations of propaganda supplied to the District by the consulting engineers'
lobby and evidence no consideration of the impartial analysis of the proposition as made
by the States' Legislative analyst or advanced by the proponents. Member Boneysteele
stated that the proposed resolution's lack of balance could cause open-minded voters to
question the credibility of the District's positions on other controversial matters.
Member Hockett stated that she opposes Proposition 224. She watched a debate on this
matter on television and called in the following question: "Will the stock pile of projects
coming from special districts be dealt with in a timely manner to fit with special districts'
time schedules and budgets?" Member Hockett stated that the State proponent of
Proposition 224 was not even aware that special districts would be impacted. He was
under the impression that it dealt only with transportation contracts. He was advised that
special districts would be impacted. Member Hockett stated that she opposes Proposition
224.
Member Menesini expressed sympathy for the position of the State engineers, but stated
that he believes that the backlog that would be created by the passage of Proposition 224
would be horrendous. Member Menesini stated that he would vote in favor of the
resolution opposing Proposition 224.
Member Lucey stated that he had requested that this item be held over to allow more time
to review the arguments in favor of and against Proposition 224. Member Lucey stated
that he has read all the information and still opposes Proposition 224. Member Lucey
stated that the Board must focus on the impacts on the District. Passage of Proposition
224 would create a backlog of projects.
President Nejedly agreed, stating that Proposition 224 would have a direct impact on
special districts. President Nejedly expressed support for the proposed resolution opposing
Proposition 224.
It was moved by Member Lucey and seconded by Member Hockett, that Resolution No.
98-058, Resolution Informing Ratepayers regarding the District's Position on Proposition
224: The Government Cost Savings and Taxpayer Protection Amendment, be adopted.
Motion approved on the following vote:
AYES: Members: Lucey, Hockett, Menesini, Nejedly
NOES: Members: Boneysteele
ABSENT: Members: None
9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
MINUTES OF APRIL 16. 1998
It was moved by Member Boneysteele and seconded by Member Menesini, that the
minutes of April 16, 1998, be approved as presented. There being no objection, the
motion was unanimously approved.
10. APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES
a.
EXPENDITURE LIST DATED MAY 21. 1 998
It was moved by Member Boneysteele and seconded by President Nejedly, that the
Expenditure List dated May 21, 1998, including Self-Insurance Check Nos. 101448-
101451, Running Expense Check Nos. 110329-110682, and Sewer Construction Check
Nos. 19760-19796, be approved as recommended. There being no objection, the motion
was unanimously approved.
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11. BUDGET AND FINANCE
a.
RECEIVE THE 1 998-1999 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE BUDGET
Ms. Deborah Ratcliff, Controller, summarized the 1996-1997 actual, the 1997-1998
projected, and the 1998-1999 budgeted revenues, expenses, and reserves which show an
upward trend. Revenues for 1997-1998 are projected to be $29,682,000 compared to
1998-1999 budget of $31,168,000. Expenses for 1997-1998 are projected to be
$29,645,000 compared to 1998-1999 budget of $32,827,000. At June 30, 1998,
reserves are anticipated to be $7.6 million compared to the 1998-1999 budgeted fund
balance of $5.9 million at June 30, 1999. In February 1998, the Board made the decision
to maintain the Sewer Service Charge at $188. The Operations and Maintenance (O&M)
Budget before the Board is calculated using a Sewer Service Charge O&M component of
$157, with the remaining $31 allocated to the Sewer Construction Fund. Ms. Ratcliff
reviewed the key labor costs imbedded in the 1 998-1999 O&M Budget. Ms. Ratcliff
stated that interest expense for the Certificates of Deposit was shifted from the Sewer
Construction Fund to the O&M Budget this year. Tax revenue was shifted as well to cover
that increase in expense. Comparison of 1997-1998 to 1998-1999 budgeted O&M
expenses shows an increase in expenses of $3,547,000 or 12.1 percent.
Member Menesini stated that he was advised that the City of Concord has sent out a
notice of a rate increase resulting from a District rate increase. Mr. Dolan, General
Manager-Chief Engineer, stated that the increase to the City of Concord is a result of
increased capital costs and Concord's share of Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Facility costs, as well as O&M costs. Staff will compile those figures and report back to
the Board.
Member Lucey requested that a Personnel Committee meeting be scheduled next Fall to
review the 15 percent increase in employee benefits reflected in the revised administrative
orverhead. Ms. Ratcliff stated that the capitalized administrative overhead had not been
changed for ten years or more. The 15 percent increase in employee benefits occurred
over the last ten years.
In response to a question from Member Hockett, Ms. Ratcliff stated that new computer
hardware purchased by the District is year 2000 compliant. Older systems may cost more
to bring into compliance than to replace. This issue will be a priority for the new
Management Information System (MIS) Administrator who begins work on May 29, 1998.
A report will be made to the Board later this summer.
President Nejedly noted that it was 6:00 p.m. and requested that the meeting be extended
to 6:30 p.m. Members Boneysteele, Menesini, and Nejedly voted yes to extend the
meeting. Members Lucey and Hockett voted no.
Director of Administration Paul Morsen, Director of Engineering Charles W. Batts, Director
of Collection System Operations John A. Larson, and Director of Plant Operations James
M. Kelly reviewed their respective departmental budgets.
President Nejedly thanked staff for their presentations and noted that approval of the O&M
Budget will be calendared for consideration at the June 9, 1998 Board Meeting.
b.
1997-1998 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
Mr. Jarred Miyamoto-Mills, Principal Engineer, presented the 1997-1998 Capital
Improvement Budget (CIB) Third Quarter Status Report. Mr. Miyamoto-Mills reviewed the
major projects underway and key project expenditures in the Treatment Plant and Recycled
Water Programs and the Collection System Program, and noted that at CIB expenditures
at year end are projected to be $1.1 million under bud'get. Mr. Miyamoto-Mills stated that
the differences between the 1997-1998 Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) estimate and
the current year-end projection for individual projects are generally due to expenditures
being shifted from one fiscal year to the next. Changes in the total project budgets are not
anticipated. The principal component of debt retirement for the current year is $790,000
and the interest component is $1.4 million. The interest will be paid from the O&M Budget
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next year. Principal will continue to be paid from the Capital Improvement Budget. Mr.
Miyamoto-Mills reviewed CIB revenues and noted that at year-end CIS revenues are
projected to be $20.6 million or $1.9 million less than budget. The Sewer Construction
Fund balance at July 1, 1997, was $54 million, plus projected revenues of $20.6 million,
less projected expenditures of $28.2 million and less debt retirement of $2.2 million, for
a projected balance at June 30, 1989 of $44.1 million, $10,000 less than the CIB
estimate.
President Nejedly declared that the 1997-1998 Capital Improvement Budget Third Quarter
Status Report was duly received.
12. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION
None
13. ANNOUNCEMENTS/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
President Nejedly requested an update on any enforcement actions relating to recent
problems and spills.
Member Lucey requested monthly updates on the South Orinda Sewer Improvements
Project.
14. CLOSED SESSION
a.
EXISTING LITIGATION
The closed session to discuss existing litigation, Vernon D. Paulson, et al v. Board of
Retirement of the Contra Costa County Employees Retirement Association, et al - Contra
Costa County Superior Court Case No. C96-02939, was continued to June 9, 1998.
b.
SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b), a point has been reached where in the
opinion of the Board of Directors of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, on the
advice of its Counsel, based on existing facts and circumstances, there is a significant
exposure to litigation against the District. Mr. Kenton L. Aim, Counsel for the District,
stated that the existing facts and circumstances relating to this matter include a series of
confrontations with Mr. Richard Lande in Orinda arising out of the South Orinda Sewer
Improvements Project. Mr. Lande has hired an attorney. The District has received letters
and had conversations with that attorney. They have indicated they will be settling up
after the project is completed. There have been contacts with District staff and last week
there was an incident where the police were involved. These facts and circumstances are
known to the potential plaintiff.
At 6:18 p.m., President Nejedly declared the closed session to discuss significant exposure
to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b). At 6:53 p.m., President
Nejedly concluded the closed session and reconvened the meeting into open session.
1 5. REPORT OF DISCUSSIONS IN CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Kenton L. Aim, Counsel for the District, stated that no decisions were made or votes
taken in closed session which require reporting at this time.
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16. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, President Nejedly adjourned the
meeting at the hour of 6:54 p.m. to reconvene at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 1998, at
the Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Boulevard, Concord, California, for a Special Board
Meeting/Strategic Planning Workshop; to reconvene at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8,
1998, in the Third Floor Executive Conference Room, 5019 Imhoff Place, Martinez,
California, for a Board Workshop to discuss the process for filling the General Manager-
Chief Engineer position upon the retirement of Mr. Roger J. Dolan; and to reconvene at
2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 1998, for an Adjourned Regular Board Meeting.
Pre' ent of the Board of irectors,
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District,
County of Contra Costa, State of California
COUNTERSIGNED:
4
ct (ß.
Se r ta of the Central C tra Costa
Sa \ . ary District, County of Contra
Costa, State of California
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