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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD MINUTES 12-13-90 223 MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED RE"GULAR BOARD MEETING OF THE DISTRICT BOARD OF THE CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT HELD ON DECEMBER 13. 1990 The District Board of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District convened in an adjourned regular session at 5019 Imhoff Place, Martinez, County of Contra Costa, State of California, at 2 p.m. on December 13, 1990. President Clausen called the meeting to order and requested that the Secretary call roll. 1 . ROLL CALL PRESENT: Members: Boneysteele, Dalton, Rainey, Clausen ABSENT: Members: Carlson Member Carlson had advised staff that he would be late and requested that the meeting begin without him. Member Carlson arrived at 2: 10 p.m. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS None 3. WORKSHOP ON STRATEGIC ISSUES a. INTRODUCTION Mr. Roger J. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, provided background on the strategic planning and goals and objectives processes at the District. Mr. Dolan stated that without the Board's involvement to some degree, the strategic planning process is not able to deal with truly strategic issues relating to the future of the District. This year, staff wished to open a dialogue with the Board on the subject of strategic issues. The first step in the strategic planning process is identification of problems and opportunities. This step is the subject of the workshop. Strategic issues are then defined, key results identified, responsibility assigned, solution plans developed, and resources prioritized. Out of this process comes a strategic plan. Member Carlson entered the meeting at the hour of 2: 1 0 p.m. b. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REQUIREMENTS Mr. Dolan introduced Mr. Charles W. Batts, Plant Operations Department Manager, who discussed the regulatory requirements facing the District in the future. Mr. Batts indicated that staff is working to develop strategy and capital planning and operating procedures to meet these regulatory requirements. Mr. Batts highlighted concerns with metals, toxicity, dilution, and overflows relating to water regulations; concerns with furnace emissions and odors relating to air regulations; and ash and raw sludge disposal concerns. President Clausen asked if the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires analysis of the economic impacts of these requirements on the public. Mr. Batts indicated that it does not, and that is one of the problems. c. REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION Mr. John A. Larson, Collections System Operations Department Manager, stated that the problems and opportunities in the collection system are diverse. Mr. Larson predicted that in the future, focus will be on non-point source discharge and urban runoff. Pressure will be brought to bear on both treatme~rít plants and collection systems and that will drive the process in the future. Mr. Larson discussed dry weather overflows, wet weather overflows, and regulatory enforcement actions. To address more stringent ~2 ~"' '" 13 90 224 regulations, the District must have an effective maintenance program and an aggressive repair and replacement program. In addition to federal and state regulations, local jurisdictions are implementing new requirements for underground construction work which will impact collection system operations. d. FINANCING FUTURE CAPITAL PROJECTS Mr. Robert A. Baker, Deputy Chief Engineer, stated that the capital improvement budgeting process is maturing, and we now have a good understanding of predictable costs over the next ten years. As suggested by Member Carlson last year, a "cap" approach to spending is being implemented to match income with expenditures. To achieve a defensible, lean budget, most projects address current regulations only, not possible future regulations. This resulted in deferral of some projects. Mr. Baker discussed financing issues including the need for maintenance of a small but adequate Sewer Construction Fund reserve, the fact that new laws or regulations may require new funding, and possible sources of additional funding such as bonds, rehabilitation/replacement service charges, and a potential service agreement with Tri- Valley Wastewater Authority (TWAL Mr. Baker stated that a financial analysis will be presented to the Board in conjunction with presentation of the Capital Improvement Plan. It does not appear that a substantial increase in capital charges will be recommended this year, but we face the necessity for an increase the following year. Staff is proceeding with development of a conceptual agreement for the project with TWA and will return to the Board in January or February 1991. e. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Mr. Paul Morsen, Deputy General Manager, reviewed the occupational health and safety requirements with regard to trench safety, chemical monitoring, and technical training. The Department of Transportation/Department of Motor Vehicles regulations relating to vehicle operation are being expanded. In addition, added requirements for Workers' Compensation, confined space entry procedures, lock out/tag out procedures, emergency planning, and laboratory safety must be addressed. Member Carlson recommended that the District's specifications require that each contractor on a project be responsible for an accident prevention program rather than having the District assume the entire responsibility. Mr. Morsen stated that both the District and the contractor must have an accident prevention program. f. SOLID WASTE ISSUES Mr. Morsen, Deputy General Manager, briefly discussed the new regulations relating to source reduction, recycling, composting, household hazardous waste, solid waste planning, and public information. In addition, the ratepayers must bear the cost for disposal and closure and post-closure of landfills. There is a potential for cost savings through a publicly-owned transfer station or landfill and implementation of the automated transfer (POD) system. Mr. Morsen stated that there are three options available with regard to the role of the District in solid waste: 1 ) 2) 3) Continue as a franchiser; Turn the franchising authority over to the cities and the county; or Turn the franchising authority over to a Joint Powers Authority. g. PUBLIC EDUCATION Mr. Morsen, Deputy General Manager, stated that an increased level of public education and information activity is needed to respond to the goals and requirements of AB 939, Environmental Protection Agency source control requirements, the increase.d level of citizen concern, and the growing focus on environmental issues. It is proposed that additional public education and information efforts be concentrated on sewer and garbage ratepayers, political leaders and opinion leaders, residents affected by sewering projects, treatment plant neighbors, and job seekers. 12 13 90 225 h. RECRUITMENT. RETENTION. AND TRAINING Mr. Baker, Deputy Chief Engineer, stated that because of the high activity in the environmental job market and the changing nature of the entry level work force, recruitment and retention of employees have become a problem. Mr. Baker proposed that recruitment for new engineers be conducted at midwest colleges. To respond to the need for additional training, an in-house project management series is being done, and a seminar series is being presented free of charge by consultants. Additional emphasis is needed in the area of training and it is anticipated that training costs will increase substantially in the future. i. DISCUSSION Mr. Dolan, General Manager-Chief Engineer, recapped the major strategic issues discussed and requested input from the Board. President Clausen recommended that the Board Standing Committees work closely with the Department Heads to come up with Board policies on each of these issues, keeping sight of the financial impacts involved. Member Rainey expressed concern that because of the magnitude of the issues facing the District, maintenance activities may be deferred. Member Rainey stated that it is critical that the District's current systems and facilities be maintained at the highest level that we can afford. Mr. Dolan agreed that this is a vital concern. Member Carlson stated that he has sat on the Capital Projects Committee for a number of years. During that time, the District has had the benefit of reserves to address capital projects needs, and has been able to plan for needed projects. In the case of the San Ramon Valley Pipeline Project, some savings were realized. It is distressing that the number of capital projects has now increased because of governmental requirements, even though revenues have not increased. This situation will reduce the funds available, and other sources of income may be needed in future years, although implementation of the cap approach to capital spending should help stretch the funds as long as possible. Member Carlson concurred with Mr. Baker's approach for recruiting and training personnel. Member Carlson commended staff on their presentations and the thought that went into addressing the challenges facing the District. Mr. Dolan thanked the Board for their consideration, comments, and interest in the strategic planning process. 4.' ANNOUNCEMENTS President Clausen distributed proposed Board Committee assignments, and asked that Board Members call him with any changes or comments. The Board Committee assignments will be made at the December 20, 1990 Board Meeting. 5. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, President Clausen adjourned the meeting at the hour of 5:30 p.m. '-.'- / / P- sident of the Board of Directors, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, County of Contra Costa, State of California COUNTERSIGNED: , (j ~ ' ~ r ary of the Central ntra osta Sanitary District, County of Contra Costa, State of California ii2 i!s f}~ó