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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD MINUTES 11-20-95 209 MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF THE DISTRICT BOARD OF THE CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT HELD ON NOVEMBER 20, 1995 The District Board of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District convened in an adjourned 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 November 20, 1995. President Hockett called the meeting to order and requested that the Secretary call roll. 1. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Members: Menesini, Rainey, Boneysteele, Hockett ABSENT: Members: Dalton Member Dalton had advised staff that he would be unable to attend this meeting and had requested that he be excused. Also in attendance were the following representatives from the following agencies. CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF SANITARY AGENCIES - Michael Dillon CONTRA COSTA INSIDER - Pat Keeble CONTRA COSTA WATER DISTRICT - Noble Elcenko, Jim Pretti, Margaret Wilkins CROCKETT V ALONA SANITARY DISTRICT - Kent Peterson CONTRA COSTA TIMES - Andy Jokelson DIABLO WATER DISTRICT - Mike Yeraka EAST BAY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT - Douglas Wallace GSD & ASSOCIATES - Gary Dodson IRONHOUSE SANITARY DISTRICT - Lenny Byer, Marv Lindorf MT. VIEW SANITARY DISTRICT - David Contreras, Dorothy Sakazaki STEGE SANITARY DISTRICT - Alan Miller, Larry Rugaard WEST COUNTY WASTEWATER DISTRICT - Jack Foley 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS None 3. BOARD WORKSHOP a. WORKSHOP TO CONSIDER THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION PROPOSAL AND PREPARE TESTIMONY AS APPROPRIATE Mr. Roger J. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, briefly reviewed recent events leading to this workshop and invited all those present to participate in the round table discussion of the topic. The draft report of the California Constitution Revision Commission (CCRC) recently released, changed drastically from previous CCRC positions with regard to local governance. Prior to taking a position or recommending to the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) that sanitary districts take a position, the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (CCCSD) Board of Directors felt it would be appropriate to discuss the CCRC proposal with other local independent sanitary and water districts with the goal of developing a common or consensus position and presentation. Mr. Dolan referred to the CCRC News attached to the agenda. This document summarizes the preliminary recommendations of the CCRC. One of the hallmarks of the proposal, according to the authors, is flexibility. While flexibility is commendable, the flip side is a lack of clarity in the recommendations. Mr. Dolan introduced Mr. Michael Dillon, Executive Director of CASA, who was invited to this workshop because he has been the person representing the sanitary agencies with respect to CCRC. Mr. Dillon reviewed the background leading to establishment of the CCRC, the membership of the CCRC, and its 11 20 95 210 wide-ranging discussions. It is anticipated that the report will not be completed until early to mid December, and it is likely it will be March before it is in final form. Mr. Dillon stated that originally it was thought that because special districts are not part of the Constitution, they would be excluded from CCRC recommendations. However, discussion of the number of special districts led to the community charter concept whereby local agencies would consider and agree upon restructuring the local government, as appropriate, to provide for the organization and financing of local services. Mr. Dillon reviewed the schedule of hearings on the CCRC proposal, stating that he believes passage of the proposal will be very difficult for two reasons. A two-thirds vote is required; and 1 ) 2) It is currently contemplated that the proposal will be considered as one complete package rather than a number of separate elements. Mr. Dillon stated that he feels that the Legislature will probably not pass the Constitutional amendment next year. Whether there will be another attempt in the future is unknown. The deadline is June/July 1996, which allows a very short time frame for the measure to go through all of the committees. There has been some talk of appointing one large committee, but that has not been done to date. Discussion followed with regard to possible actions by the Legislature, whether any calculation has been done of the potential for financial savings to be realized from use of the community charter concept as opposed to the current specials districts, the financial condition of counties, the fact that there has been no significant revision in county boundaries since the early 1900's, and the fact that special districts' reserves might be viewed as a revenue source by cities and counties. It was noted that there has been a slight decrease in the number of independent special districts with elected boards over the last ten years. It was agreed that independent special districts must do a better job of selling themselves and proclaiming successes to the public they serve and the legislators. Discussion followed relative to development of a common position. Mr. Dolan suggested that the focal point of any presentation be positive and offer workable alternatives. He shared his concerns for the creation of more large multi-functional governments when the existing large multi-functional governments in California are already unmanageable due to their complexity. Mr. Larry Rugaard, of Stege Sanitary District, described the strong desire of the public for local control encountered by Stege when it tried to dissolve itself some years ago. It was suggested that the independent special districts consider whether there is any degree of consolidation that would be appropriate. Mr. Alan Miller, of Stege Sanitary District, suggested that objective performance parameters as a criteria for doing business would be helpful in evaluating possible consolidations. Mr. Dillon stated that sanitary and water districts are somewhat different than other special districts in that services are currently provided on a regional basis, they are accountable to the public, and with the Gotch Bill, there is an established avenue for consolidations. The question of whether to make a presentation at one or more of the upcoming hearings was discussed. Mr. Dillon suggested that no presentation be made by this group until the proposal is in final form next spring and specific comments can be made. Mr. Dillon stated that it is currently planned that all of the special district organizations will be testifying at the hearings in December. At least four elected representatives from special districts will testify, focusing on finances, structure, process, and accountability. It was suggested that this group act as a support group collecting data, presenting information to the public, encouraging open communication, and offering support to the special district organizations as needed. It was agreed that the CCRC proposal be calendared as a continuing subject on the Sanitation and Water Agencies agenda. If events warrant, a special meeting of that organization could be called. A liaison will be established between the Sanitation and Water Agencies and the Contra Costa Special Districts Association to facilitate 11 20 95 211 communication. It was agreed further that several of the individuals present today may attend the upcoming hearings; not to speak, but to act as a support group and to provide any supplementary thoughts as appropriate. A presentation may be made in the future when more information is available. Those present were encouraged to meet frequently with local legislators, inviting them and/or their staff to local meetings and plant tours. Mr. Dolan thanked Mr. Dillon and all those present for their helpful input in the discussions of the CCRC proposal. b. NOMINATION FOR LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION (LAFCO) ALTERNATE Member Rainey stated that the Contra Costa Special Districts Association and the Independent Special District Selection Committee will meet on Saturday, January 20, 1996 at 9:00 a.m. at Ironhouse Sanitary District, 450 Walnut Meadows Drive, Oakley, to consider election of two Special District Representatives to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). Anyone interested should submit a nomination form and resolution adopted by your District supporting the election. 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, announced that the M-4 pipeline, one of several lengths of pipe between the District and Martinez, was damaged a year ago and emergency spot repairs were done. Staff is now investigating the break in the new plastic pipe that was originally thought to be in one location but now appears as if it could be in several locations. This item will be calendared for Board consideration at the Adjourned Regular Meeting scheduled for November 30, 1995. Member Boneysteele announced that he has reconsidered his earlier position with regard to the grievance of Planning Assistant Russell Leavitt. Member Boneysteele stated that he will be guided by the advice of Counsel for the District on the law and he will participate in consideration of the matter. 5. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, President Hockett adjourned the meeting at the hour of 4:32 p.m. to reconvene at 2:00 p.m. on November 30, 1995 in the Second Floor Conference Room for an Adjourned Regular Meeting to discuss the District's Recycled Water Program and emergency repair of the M-4 Force Main. A1 ~t?J1. ~~ - President of the Board of Directors, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, County of Contra Costa, State of California COUNTERSIGNED: 11 20 95