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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD MINUTES 01-20-66 176 MINUTES CENTRAL OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE DISTRICT BOARD CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT HELD JANUARY 20, 1966 The District Board of Central Contra Costa Sanitary District convened in an Adjourned Regular Session at its regular place of meeting located at 1250 Springbrook Road, Walnut Creek, County of Contra Costa, State of California, on January 20, 1966, at 8:00 o'clock P.M. The meeting was called to order by President Mitchell. 1. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Members: Gibbs, Howard, Roemer and Mitchell ABSENT: Member: Rustigian Member Rustigian arrived at 8:06 o'clock P.M. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the meeting of January 13, 1966, were approved as presented. III. APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES None. IV. BIDS None. V. OLD BUSINESS MARTINEZ SEWERING STUDY Members of the District Board discussed with Mr. Horstkotte, District Manager-Engineer, and Mr. Dalton, District Administrative Engineer, the various aspects of sewering the City of Martinez and surrounding area. The discussion included the recovery, through watershed charges, of District Sewer Construction funds advanced for construction of the line to serve the City, participation of the Federal Government in the cost, the effect on bond tax rates, annexation and connection fees, and the cost of maintaining the sewers. Mr. Dalton explained the service areas to be included, as shown on the map presented to the Board. Mr. Horstkotte stated the Martinez sewering project was very similar to the installation which was made to serve the Ygnacio Valley area of Walnut Creek where recovery of more than one-half the costs advanced have been re- ceived through watershed charges since October, 1961. Member Gibbs pointed out that the proposed sewering would result in the District's serving, with one treatment plant, a greater area, with benefit to the people in the District. Member Rustigian agreed. Mr. Horstkotte stated the greatest advantages are an immediate reduction in bond redemption tax rates and development of the industrial area along the waterfront. Mr. Dalton said the rate of plant investment until 1980 per person in the District is one-tenth of what Martinez will spend. President Mitchell asked for a clarification of the service charge in Martinez and Mr. Horstkotte explained that the residential service charge would be discontinued. 01 20 66 1~l7 Mr. Horstkotte stated there would be a meeting at 7:30 o'clock P.M. on Monday, January 24, at the City Hall in Martinez, and he would like to be in a position to report to the Citizens Committee whether or not the Board would advance up to $1,000,000 from District Sewer Construction funds and assume $355,000 outstanding obligation bonds of the City, etc., as recommended by staff memorandum of December 6,1965. Based- on Mr. Horstkotte's stated position, it was moved by Member Howard, seconded by Member Gibbs, that the Board Members approve the presentation ex- pressed to the Board by the staff and authorize the staff to present it to the City of Martinez as a preliminary proposal of annexation of the City of Martinez to the District. Carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Members: Members: Members: Gibbs, Rustigian, Howard, Roemer and Mitchell None None President Mitchell said he would attend the meeting as an observer. Mr. Horstkotte reported that Mr. Dalton and he had an appointment in San Francisco Friday morning re the availability of Federal funds for the project. Member Howard commended the staff for its outstanding work in preparing the Martinez sewering study. Mr. Horstkotte said credit should be given to Mr. Dalton, District Administrative Engineer, for an outstanding piece of work. VI. NEW BUSINESS ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR ORINDA UPLANDS AREA Mr. Horstkotte, District Manager-Engineer, reviewed the history of the Orinda Uplands sewering area and stated that the Board had felt there was not sufficient interest shown by existing residents to justify the District's proceeding with sewer service. Member Gibbs asked Mr. Horstkotte if it was true that at first the Orinda Uplands area had a sufficient number of petitions. Mr. Horstkotte explained. President Mitchell asked if there was any way to get a sewer line into the area without serving all of it. Mr. Horstkotte explained that there are lines but with zero reserve capacity. Mr. Martin Rosen, attorney representing Mr. Brock and Mr. McKinley, called the Board's attention to correspondence in July, 1963, indicating the feasi- bility of a local improvement district in the Orinda Uplands area, and stated development of Mr. McKinley's property depends on the formation of an improve- ment district as the County will not approve another septic tank. President Mitchell and Mr. Horstkotte explained that the cost of sewering the area would be very high and the Board endeavors to determine the feeling of the residents in the area. Mr. Rosen stated that whatever the financial burden is they are prepared to pay their share. Mr. Horstkotte replied that, if they could bring in assurances that the people involved in P.S.A. 8 will accept that burden and can show evidence that they will acknowledge and accept this, then he would recommend it to the Board although they are talking about an unrealistic cost. President Mitchell asked for other viewpoints. Mr. Ian McKinley, architect, expressed his feeling of frustration. 01 2l) 66- 178 Mr. Charles W. Brock, owner of the property at the end of Briones View, asked on what basis was the County Health Department willing to issue permits to install septic tanks. Mr. Horstkotte stated that temporary septic tank permits were issued on the basis that sewers would become available within a short period of time. Mr. Harry LeBleu, Senior Sanitarian in the County Health Department, explained temporary septic tank permits would be for a period of from two years to five years, depending on the design of the sewer system. Mr. and Mrs. Ingraham, Canyon View Drive, presented maps and photographs of slide conditions on their property and described the difficulties they have experienced with septic tanks. They introduced engineer, Carl Jamieson, who said septic tanks represent a factor in the slide problem, and the Ingraham's septic tank area is in a very limited space. Mrs. Ingraham stated they are surrounded by septic tanks and raw sewage is running out of the side of their hill after it has gone through their drainfield. Member Roemer asked Mrs. Ingraham if they were in favor of sewers in-the smaller area or larger area. Mr. Ingraham said that whether it is a big or little district, the work must be done because of the health problem. Mr. McCamy, Canyon View Drive, stated that "a bigger district would re- duce the cost and if an owner didn't want to sign up is there any way he could avoid the cost?" President Mitchell replied, "No". Member Roemer said there still isn't the required percentage of assessed valuation signed up. Mr. Horstkotte explained there were three choices: (1) form an improve- ment proceeding with a small district with no contribution and very high costs; (2) form an improvement district using area as the criteria, recog- nizing you only have 44% of assessed value represented by petition, and (3) provide the small district with service and District contribute about $100,000. Mr. Davis, Poppy Lane, stated he felt there was a definite need for sewers and was in favor of them. Mr. Peter Muller, Nider and Minor Road, stated he wants the larger district for economic reasons. He has personally rung doorbells. The health hazard and future costs are going to be fantastic. Mr. Conroy stated he preferred a larger area to keep the cost down. Member Gibbs asked if he would be willing to pay the extra costs for a smaller area if the larger didn't go. Mr. Conroy replied that he would not pay the larger cost. Member Roemer stated all were convinced there is a terrific septic tank condition in the small area and did not think the staff has been given a fair opportunity to present different suggestions for correction of the condition and express to the people of the area our wish to correct this horrible condition. We are completely sympathetic. Mr. Horstkotte stated the County Health Officer has recommended strongly that action be taken. Mr. Coleman, Canyon View Drive, asked if there was a septic tank problem in the larger area. 01 20 66 t79 Mr. LeBleu, County Health Department, replied that there are problems in the large area but not as many because it is not as developed as the small area. Mr. Muller stated the last petition form was only related to individual areas. President Mitchell explained. Mr. Muller asked what Mr. Horstkotte estimated the increase in costs of sewer installations is each year. Mr. Horstkotte replied, "7%". Mr. Muller asked if sewers do not go in, what is going to happen? Member Gibbs said the Board realizes these things but these are the things that should be brought to the attention of the people in the area. Mr. Ingraham asked when a decision could be made by the Board. Mr. Horstkotte suggested to Mrs. Ingraham that she get the signatures of 12 people who have not yet signed petitions. Mr. Rosen asked what is the outstanding issue since everyone in the room is for sewers. President Mitchell stated the pasture area has not been studied, and the staff will do this and prepare comparison of alternate plans for sewering; there should be a report ready by the third Thursday in February. President Mitchell said it was his understanding that there has never been a petition circulated for the whole area. Mr. Horstkotte said it had been divided into two sewering areas and the staff will prepare a map of the entire area for petitions to be signed. Mr. Horstkotte stated that, until there is detailed information through engineering and survey, there can't be any definite cost figure. Continued for report at the meeting of February 17,1966. CORNELISON LITIGATION (ASSESSMENT NO. 44-8-2-5) Mr. Bohn explained the Cornelison problem and requested authority to associate with Mr. Wilson, attorney for Assessment District No. 44. It was moved by Member Gibbs, seconded by Member Howard, that the necessary funds be authorized to handle the Cornelison litigation costs not to exceed $2,500.00. Carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Members: Members: Members: Gibbs, Rustigian, Howard, Roemer and Mitchell None None CLAIM FOR DAMAGES, BOYD H. FARR Upon the recommendation of Mr. Horstkotte, District Manager-Engineer, it was moved by Member Gibbs, seconded by Member Rustigian, that the claim for damages of Boyd H. Farr in the amount of $59.80 as the result of a sewer backup be paid following receipt of a signed Release in Full Settlement and Compromise. Carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Members: Members: Members: Gibbs, Rustigian, Howard, Roemer and Mitchell None None PAYMENT OF PLUMBING BILL, ROBERT W. VETTER Mr. Horstkotte explained that the Vetter claim was for Roto Rooter ser- vice to clear a plugged line. 01 20 66 lH() Upon the recommendation of Mr. Horstkotte, District Manager-Engineer, it was moved by Member Gibbs, seconded by Member Rustigian, that $26.50 be paid to Robert W. Vetter for Roto Rooter Service due to a plugged sewer after receipt of a signed Release in Full Settlement and Compromise. Carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: LINE C-l Members: Members: Members: Gibbs, Rustigian, Howard, Roemer and Mitchell None None Mr. Horstkotte presented a letter addressed to the Commanding Officer of the U. S. Naval Weapons Station, Concord, containing a proposal for serving the Concord Naval Depot. He explained that the entire initial system is convertible for usage later, with the exception of the pumping station. It was moved by Member Rustigian, seconded by Member Howard, that President Mitchell be authorized to sign the letter addressed to the Commanding Officer of the U. S. Naval Weapons Station, Concord. Carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Members: Members: Members: MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR Gibbs, Rustigian, Howard, Roemer and Mitchell None None "POLES AWAY" PROJECT Mr. Victor W. Sauer, Public Works Director of Contra Costa County, presented a pictorial survey of the "Poles Away" project on Mt. Diablo Blvd. in downtown Lafayette, and expressed appreciation for the District's cooperation in the project. He pointed out that the District headed the "honor role" of the various agencies involved. Members of the Board thanked Mr. Sauer for the presentation. VII. REPORTS DISTRICT MANAGER-ENGINEER PRINT MACHINE PURCHASE Mr. Horstkotte, District Manager-Engineer, referred to his memorandum of January 13,1966, to the Board of Directors, regarding a two-year cost comparison between the print machine now in use and a new machine. He stated that, if this was the information the Board Members needed, he would like approval for the purchase of the new machine at this meeting because the office building expansion work is progressing. It was moved by Member Gibbs, seconded by Member Roemer, that authoriza- tion be given for the purchase of a new print machine. Carried by the follow- ing vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Members: Members: Members: Gibbs, Rustigian, Howard, Roemer and Mitchell None None QUIT CLAIM DEED TO NUCLEAR ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC. After an explanation from Mr. Horstkotte, it was moved by Member Roemer, seconded by Member Gibbs, that the President and Secretary be authorized to sign the Quit Claim Deed to Nuclear Engineering Company, Inc., Local Improve- ment District No. 44, Schedule 7, Parcel 4. Carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 01 20 Members: Members: Members: 66 Gibbs, Rustigian, Howard, Roemer and Mitchell None None CARPETING FOR THREE OFFICES Mr. Horstkotte, District Manager-Engineer, requested authorization to purchase carpeting for the offices of the Assistant Manager, Accounting department, and the Manager because of the extremely cold floors due to the location of the offices over the carport. After discussion, it was moved by Member Roemer, seconded by Member Howard, that carpeting be purchased for the offices of the District Manager- Engineer, Assistant Manager and Accounting Department at an estimated cost of $1,200.00 from Sewer Construction funds. Motion failed to carry by the following vote: AYES: Members: Howard and Roemer NOES: Members: Gibbs ABSTAINING: Members: Rustigian and Mitchell ABSENT: Members: None The matter was referred back to the staff. LINE C-l AUTHORIZATION After an explanation from Mr. Horstkotte, it was moved by Member Rustigian, seconded by Member Gibbs, that $4,000.00 be authorized from Sewer Construction funds for District expense in re Line C-l. Carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Members: Members: Members: Gibbs, Rustigian, Howard, Roemer and Mitchell None None COUNSEL FOR THE DISTRICT LETTER TO JOHN T. KNOX, ASSEMBLYMAN, ELEVENTH DISTRICT Mr. Bohn, Counsel for the District, discussed with the Board Members the letter from Mr. Bonneysteele to Assemblyman John T. Knox, and suggested and recommended that he be authorized to send his views to Mr. Knox in relation to Executive Sessions regarding personnel. The Board Members approved his request. VIII. ADJOURNMENT At 10:32 o'clock P.M., the meeting was adjourned by President Mitchell to February 3,1966. President the District Board of the Central ntra Costa Sanitary District of Contra Costa County, State of California COUNTERSIGNED: --., ~~-, ~-. -¿; Sec f the District Board of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District of Contra Costa County, State of California 01' 20 66