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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD MINUTES 04-21-05 204 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF THE DISTRICT BOARD OF THE CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT HELD ON APRIL 21 2005 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 April 21, 2005. President Hockett called the meeting to order and requested that the Secretary call roll. 1. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Members: Boneysteele, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly, Hockett ABSENT: Members: None a. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Board and staff joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. b. INTRODUCTIONS General Manager Charles Batts introduced Elaine Boehme, newly-hired Secretary of the District. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. 3. CONSENT CALENAR It was moved by Member Menesini and seconded by Member Lucey that the Consent Calendar, consisting of Items a. through g., be approved as recommended, resolutions adopted as appropriate, and recordings duly authorized. a. Public sewer improvements and an offer of dedication from Shapellindustries, Inc. accepted for an easement shown on the recorded final map of Subdivision No. 8632 in the San Ramon area (Job 5658), and staff authorized to record the resolution with the Contra Costa County Recorder. Resolution No. 2005-021 adopted. Motion unanimously approved by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Members: Members: Members: Boneysteele, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly, Hockett None None b. Public sewer improvements and offers of dedication accepted from Keith and Laura W. Howard, Tre, Glen and Kathy Koutz, Mark P. Spilker, and James R. and Pamela S. Bledsoe, in the Town of Danville, District Proj~r.t 5667 - Parcels 4, 5,6, and 7, and staff authorized to record the resolutions w:th the Contra Costa County Recorder. Resolution Nos. 2005-022, 2005-023. 2005-024 and 2005-025 adopted. Motion unanimously approved by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Members: Members: Members: Boneysteele, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly, Hockett None None 4-21-05 I I I I I I 205 Public sewer improvements and offers of dedication accepted from Windemere BLC Land Company, LLC, and Contra Costa Community College District, in the San Ramon area, Job 5713 - Parcels 1 and 2, and staff authorized to record the resolutions with the Contra Costa County Recorder. Resolution Noso 2005-026 and 2005-027 adopted. c. Motion unanimously approved by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Members: Members: Members: Boneysteele, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly, Hockett None None Final assessments confirmed and levied for Arbor Lane Contractual Assessment District No. 2002-4, District Project 5644, and staff authorized to record Notice of Assessment with the Contra Costa County Recorder. Resolution No. 2005-028 adopted. d. Motion unanimously approved by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Members: Members: Members: Boneysteele, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly, Hockett None None e. Medical leave of absence without pay authorized for Mark Lafferty, Maintenance Technician III, Mechanical, through May 5,2005. Motion unanimously approved by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Members: Members: Members: f. Boneysteele, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly, Hockett None None May 19, 2005 established as the date for a public hearing to receive comments on the Draft Fiscal Year (FY) 2005-06 Capital Improvement Budget/2005 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan. Motion unanimously approved by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Members: Members: Members: Boneysteele, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly, Hockett None None g. Rejected claim for damages by Edwin Wolske and Nanci Oberg regarding property located at 35 Crest Road, Lafayette, California. Motion unanimously approved by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Members: Members: Members: Boneysteele, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly, Hockett None None 4. HEARINGS CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE COMMENTS ON AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND DISTRICT CODE SECTION 6.12.090 "SCHEDULE OF CAPACITY FEES. RATES AND CHARGES;" ADOPT THE ORDINANCE CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE COMMENTS ON AND CONSIDER ADOPTING A PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO REVISE DISTRICT CODE CHAPTER 6.30 "SCHEDULE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND DEVELOPMENT-RELATED RATES AND CHARGES" a. b. 4-21-05 206 Mr. Charles W. Batts, General Manager, stated that the District charges a one-time capacity fee when a property first connects to the system, or when an added burden occurs due to a change in the use of a previously connected property. This fee is calculated as a buy-in to the District assets. Development-related fees are intended to recover the District's costs to provide services such as permitting, plan review, inspection and the resolution of right-of-way issues associated with development. These fees were last changed in October 2003. He stated that the two public hearings on today's agenda were properly noticed with postings and publication in the Contra Costa Times. Staff conducted an extensive public outreach program including direct mailing of information on the fee proposals to contractors, developers, engineers and building industry advocates. Principal Engineer Jarred Miyamoto-Mills presented a report on the two fee proposals. He stated that Capacity Fees comprise approximately 25% of long-term revenues for the Sewer Construction Fund. He stated that current Capacity Fees for gravity service are $3,983, and pumped service $4,971, per residential unit equivalent (RUE). He described the history of capacity fees, including the rationale for use of the "buy-in" approach. The proposed Capacity Fees for FY 2005-06 are $4,150 per RUE for gravity service and $5,481 per RUE for pumped service. The higher rate increase for pumped service is a result of major investments by the District in pumping station facilities over the past couple of years. He stated that the revenue potential for the gravity zone is an additional $55,000, and $745,000 in the pumped zone, mainly as a result of the Dougherty Valley. He stated that the Board is being asked to adopt the ordinance as proposed, and make appropriate findings as follows: That customers have made a substantial investment in assets that will benefit new users; that the purpose of the Capacity Fee Program is to equalize the investment in assets between current and new users, ensuring that new users pay their fair share for capacity; that new users generate an added burden on services and facilities; that to maintain an adequate level of service, maintenance of existing capacity and construction of new capacity in the future is necessary; that current fund balances and Capacity Fee revenue will be allocated to life-cycle replacement, renovation, upgrading and improvements to maintain existing capacity, and the addition and expansion of facilities when needed or required to meet legal and regulatory requirements; that revenue will be allocated to equitable adjustment of contributions between current, new and contractual users, and to fund the new users' share of "Funds Required" in the Sewer Construction Fund, Running Expense Fund and Self Insurance Fund; that there is a strong and reasonable relationship between the added burden of new users and the capacity fees; and that the Capacity Fee Program is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. With regard to the Environmental Services and Development-Related Rates and Charges, he stated that the revisions are proposed to recover the costs of providing the services. Some rates will go up, some will go down, and some will remain unchanged. He described the public outreach program, including letters mailed to homebuilders associations, interested parties and informal public meetings. He concluded by stating that staff recommends adoption of the ordinance as proposed, and stated that the new fees, if approved, will be effective July 1,2005. The public hearings on both items were opened and closed without comments. Boardmembers and staff discussed the method of calculation of the fees and the finding that there is a strong and reasonable relationship between the added burden of new users and the Capacity Fees. 4-21-05 I I I I I I 207 Following questions from Boardmembers and responses from staff, motion was made by Menesini and seconded by Lucey to adopt Ordinance 234 and Ordinance 235 and findings as recommended. Motion unanimously approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: None. a. Members: Members: Members: Boneysteele, Lucey, Menesini, Nejedly, Hockett None None 5. CALL FOR REQUESTS TO CONSIDER ITEMS OUT OF ORDER: 6. REPORTS GENERAL MANAGER 1) General Manager Charles Batts stated that, as reported at a prior Board meeting, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inspection of the treatment plant was conducted on January 12, 2005. Plant Operations Division Manager Doug Craig presented a summary of the January 12, 2005 EPA inspection report of the District facility at 5019 Imhoff Place, stating that the inspection covered ten major categories and inspectors toured the facilities. The inspectors looked at procedures including laboratory, operations, maintenance procedures, solid waste disposal procedures, and onsite stormwater management. He described the rating system, stating that out of the 132 areas inspected, the District received the highest rating of Satisfactory. One marginal rating was received as a date was not put on a PH sample, although the Standard Operating Procedure is correct. There were no major findings and the EPA determined that the facility is well maintained and efficiently operated. 2) General Manager Charles Batts stated that the Board requested an update on an ongoing major project, the Lower Orinda Pumping Station, which is over 50 years old and undergoing a complete renovation. Part of the difficultly of this project is that the pumping station is being completely renovated in its existing location. Senior Engineer Andrew Antkowiak, project manager, presented a report on the project, describing the background of the project and the need for renovation. He stated that the station is the District's oldest and is need of renovation of the site, which was also requested by the City of Orinda. The total project cost is $8,048,000 and is expected to be completed by December 31,2005. It is a two-year project consisting of two phases, the Dry Weather Station and the Wet Weather Station. He described the progress of the project, and showed photographs of the pump stations and electrical room. He concluded that the construction contract amount is $5,696,000 and work completed to date totals $2,759,000, with change orders at less than two percent. 3) General Manager Charles Batts announced that on Sunday, April 17, 2005, at approximately 10:30 a.m., there was an overflow in southeast San Ramon near Danville where a 10-inch line plugged with grease and rags. The line overflowed into a storm drain and to the San Catanio Creek, and to the San Ramon Creek. The volume was approximately 13,500 gallons, most of which was returned to the system. Regulatory agencies were properly notified. 4-21-05 ------ ..-------------------------------------------...--.-------.------------ 208 4) He stated that the line is on a six-month cleaning schedule, and seems to have a grease and rag build-up which is unusual for a large line with a frequent cleaning schedule; CSO has asked that Source Control investigate. He stated that a school is located upstream from the line that may be the source of the rags and grease. There has been no follow-up to date from the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Member Nejedly suggested that staff attempt to locate the source of the rags. In response to questions from Member Lucey, Mr. Batts stated that staff is in contact with the school and talking with their facilities manager. He stated that response time to the overflow was 30 minutes. General Manager Charles Batts announced that on Saturday, May 14, 2005, the District will conduct a mobile household hazardous waste collection event in San Ramon. The event will be held at the City of San Ramon corporation yard on Crow Canyon Road. This is the only mobile event that the District will conduct this fiscal year. Like last year's event, only household hazardous waste will be collected. He stated that staff is planning for a maximum of 500 customer appointments. Philip Services Corporation will schedule appointments, set up and dismantle the temporary collection equipment, and provide the labor to collect and dispose of the waste from the temporary event. District staff will be on-site throughout the day to manage the event. I 5) General Manager Charles Batts reported that a major revision to the District's Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) has been completed, including making it a "smart" document that can be posted on the District intranet. The originalllPP was developed in 1998. All District employees have received training on the new program. The program and training were well received, and the District Safety and Risk Management section is initiating a review of all safety directives and training. I 6) General Manager Charles Batts announced that Senior Engineering Assistant Ricardo Hernandez will be traveling to Toronto, Canada, from June 12 to 16, 2005, to attend the annual conference of the International Right-of-Way Association. Topics to be covered at the conference include appraisal of easements, real estate negotiations, acquiring property rights through eminent domain, and case studies of acquiring easements for pipelines. Travel to this particular conference is included in the 2004-05 Engineering Department Travel & Conference Budget. Environmental Services Division Manager Curtis Swanson responded to questions from Member Lucey regarding the appropriateness of the conference. 7) General Manager Charles Batts announced that Associate Engineer Dave Reindl will be attending the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Turbine Expo Technical Conference on June 6 through 9, 2005, in Reno, Nevada. Funds were budgeted for attending an out-of-state maintenance technical conference in the Operations Travel & Conference Budget. I 8) General Manager Charles Batts stated that the District will participate in 2005 John Muir Earth Day event on Saturday, April 23, 2005, from 11 :00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez. Over 40 exhibitors will be on hand representing conservation and pollution prevention practices. 9) General Manager Charles Batts announced the public workshop for the South Orinda Sewer Improvements Project, Phase Two, to be held 4-21-05 ..------ - ---.--.- ------ ------....-..--.-----.------.-- I I I b. None. 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 209 tonight, April 21, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. at the Glorietta Elementary School in Orinda. General Manager Charles Batts announced a public workshop for the Vessing Sewer Renovation Project, Phase 1. He stated that the Vessing Sewer Renovation Project, Phase 1, consists of rehabilitating approximately 15,000 feet of existing sewers between Oak Park Boulevard and Del Oceano Drive in Pleasant Hill and unincorporated areas of the County. The existing lines are on a 6- to 36-month cleaning schedule, are under capacity and have suffered several overflows in the past 12 years due to grease and root plugs and capacity deficiencies. The public workshop will be held on May 9,2005, at 7:00 p.m. at the City of Pleasant Hill City Hall - Community Room, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. The Engineer's estimate for the construction of this project is $3,300,000. As part of the project, a slide near the project alignment will be restored for the City of Pleasant Hill. Under a Joint Powers Agreement proposed by the City, they will reimburse the District 100 percent of the construction cost plus staff time. Bids for the project will be received on May 20, 2005. General Manager Charles Batts announced that Communication Services Manager Harriette Heibel and Community Affairs Representative Bonnie Lowe will be attending a national corporate communications conference in Las Vegas on June 8 through 10,2005. Topics to be covered include best practices in writing and editing, the next generation of intranets, and measurement and survey tools. Travel to this particular conference is included in the 2004-05 Administrative Department Travel & Conference Budget. General Manager Charles Batts announced that staff intends to advertise for bids for the Walnut Creek Sewer Renovations Project, Phase 3, starting April 28, 2005. This project will renovate approximately 7,000 linear feet of 6- and 8-inch sewer at twelve locations within public right-of-way, private streets, and easements. There will be a public workshop for the project on May 10, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. at the CSOD office in Walnut Creek. The project will be awarded at the June 2,2005 Board meeting. Work will begin approximately July 1, 2005, and is to be completed by the end of 2005. The Engineer's estimate is $1.2 million. General Manager Charles Batts announced that staff intends to advertise for the Television Inspection of Sanitary Sewers, DP5547 Phase 4 on May 6, 2005 and May 11, 2005 with bid opening on May 20, 2005. The position paper for award is planned for June 2, 2005. The work is a 1-year service contract that provides sewer TV inspection services for the District-wide assessment of the sewer system. The estimated quantity of TV inspection is 1,000,000 feet. General Manager Charles Batts announced that the District has received three out of four responses to the RFP for actuarial services related to GASB 45, public agency accounting of Other Post Employment Benefits. Staff will be interviewing the firms that meet the requirements listed in the RFP. Staff is hoping to review the selection at the Finance Committee meeting on May 2, 2005, and will announce the final decision to the Board on May 5, 2005. COUNSEL FOR THE DISTRICT 4-21-05 --------- -- -----.----...--.---- -----.----.---.---- ------.-- . 210 c. SECRETARY OF THE DISTRICT Secretary of the District Elaine Boehme distributed a memo outlining proposed revisions to the Board agenda format to add a Staff Recommendation line to agenda items. She stated that she will mail Boardmembers the Action Summary prepared following each regular Board meeting. d. BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1) Member Lucey, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, reported that he and President Hockett reviewed the expenditures and took no exception. Motion was made by Member Lucey and seconded by Chair Hockett that the Expenditure List dated April 21, 2005, including Self Insurance Check Nos. 102215 to 102216, Running Expense Check Nos. 155000 to 155259, Sewer Construction Fund Check Nos. 27572 to 27597, Payroll Fund Manual Check Nos. 49031 to 49037 and Payroll Regular Check Nos. 55382 to 55409 be approved as recommended. Motion passed by unanimous vote of the Board. 2) Member Lucey, Chair of the Real Estate Committee, reported that the Committee met with staff on April 12, 2005. He stated that staff presented an update on the Kiewit property RFP and on proposed Conco Cement Company and U.S. Development County land use permits. Member Nejedly stated that a request has been received from Bay Cities Paving and Grading that they be permitted to lease approximately 2 acres of the Kiewit site for the storage of reprocessed gravel for a 6-month period. He stated that Bay Cities indicated it would fully comply with any County requirements. He concluded that the Committee supported granting of the request. Motion was made by Member Lucey and seconded by Member Nejedly to direct staff to prepare a short-term lease with Bay Cities Paving and Grading for a portion of the Kiewit property for the storage of rock and aggregate, with Bay Cities required to obtain necessary County permits and insurance, and be responsible for preparation and clean-up of the site upon termination of the lease, with the lease to be brought back on the Consent Calendar for Board approval. Motion passed by unanimous vote of the Board. 3) Member Menesini reported on the April 18, 2005, Contra Costa Special Districts Association Meeting, including that the new LAFCO management had requested an increase in the budget, and stated that the Association is working on a new outreach program for Special Districts. He stated that the guest speaker was Bill Pollacek, County Treasurer and member of the Contra Costa County Employees' Retirement Association, who discussed pension reform. BREAK At 3:12 p.m., President Hockett declared a recess, reconvening at the hour of 3:21 p.m. with all parties present at previously designated. Member Lucey stated that he has been attending pension meetings. He said that, with regard to the County pension, the Board can determine who are designated safety officers. This has traditionally been Fire and Police, but now that is being expanded, and Probation Officers are now considered safety officers. The District Attorney is making the same 4-21-05 I I I I I I 211 claim, he said, and alerted the Board to the continuing expansion of designated safety officers. 4) Member Menesini commended Director Jim Kelly on his report on mercury at the Environmental Alliance meeting held on Monday, April 18, 2005. 7. ENGINEERING a. PROVIDE BOARD WITH INFORMATION REGARDING THE COST OF MAINTAINING THE SHELL PIPELINE AND POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVES AND RECEIVE BOARD DIRECTION General Manager Charles Batts stated that at the March 25, 2005 Recycled Water Committee meeting, staff presented a report on the options relating to continued investment in the Shell Pipeline. At the April 7, 2005 Board meeting, the Committee reported the staff's recommendation to offer the portion of the line within East Bay Municipal Utility District's (EBMUD) jurisdiction to EBMUD. The Board requested that the Shell Pipeline issue be brought to the full Board for consideration. Assistant Engineer Melody LaBella presented a report, stating that the Shell pipeline was originally constructed in 1965-67, and was in service for four years to transport gasoline, jet fuel and diesel fuel. In 1994, the District purchased 83,000 feet of the pipeline for $1. She stated that seven sections of the pipe have been removed over the years, one as large as 35 feet. The pipeline was purchased originally to provide recycled water to the Lamorinda area. The District would wholesale the recycled water to East Bay Municipal Utility District, who would purchase their portion of the pipeline. She stated that the pipeline's exact location is not fully identified and cannot be mapped on the District's 200 foot scale system maps. Many of the original test stations which would be used to locate the pipeline have been buried or paved over. She described the costs associated with proper maintenance of the pipeline, including the installation of test stations, survey and mapping of the pipeline, and possible repair or replacement of the cathodic protection system in the near future. The approximate cost to locate the entire pipeline would be $444,000. She stated that the development projects planned for the Orinda area have eliminated many large-demand recycled water customers. It has not been financially feasible for EBMUD to move forward on the Lamorinda project, and EBMUD has been investigating other ways of providing recycled water to sites identified as being served by the pipeline. She concluded that alternatives include continuing with the current practice and risk damage to the pipeline; locating a portion or all of the pipeline and maintaining it as a District asset; authorizing staff to offer EBMUD the first right of refusal to purchase the portion of this pipeline in their service area; or, if EBMUD is not interested, seeking authorization from Shell to investigate other potential buyers. Member Menesini stated that, at one time, the pipeline was considered a valuable asset, particularly if planned developments in Orinda were constructed which would require recycled water. He expressed concern that the cost of repairing and maintaining the pipeline may far exceed any revenue from its future use. He stated that he would consider it fortunate if a buyer were found. Member Nejedly stated that, in his opinion, the pipeline is a valuable asset and that he does not support its sale at this time. He stated that the District should attempt to recoup funds already spent on the pipeline and expressed support for retaining it. Member Lucey expressed concern that large chunks of the pipeline had been permitted to be removed. He stated that he considers the pipeline to be a valuable asset that has been allowed to deteriorate, and that none of the alternatives presented is desirable. 4-21-05 212 Member Menesini concurred with comments by Member Lucey, and requested that more in-depth information be provided on what it would cost to retain the pipeline vs. the benefit gained if it were to be sold. President Hockett expressed interest in selling a portion of the pipeline to EBMUD but retaining the remainder for future use to distribute recycled water. She also requested more in-depth information. General Manager Charles Batts stated that the District will obtain additional information as requested and will return to the Board at a later date. 8. BUDGET AND FINANCE a. APPROVE 2005-2006 EQUIPMENT BUDGET General Manager Charles Batts stated that the 2005-06 Equipment Budget was submitted for review at the Capital Projects Workshop on March 24, 2005. The Committee did not suggest any changes to the budget. Staff is recommending approval of the 2005-06 Equipment Budget for inclusion in the District Budget to be adopted at the June 16, 2005 Board meeting. Motion was made by President Hockett and seconded by Member Nejedly to approve the 2005-06 Equipment Budget for inclusion in the District Budget as recommended. Member Lucey stated he would not support the motion for reasons stated at prior meetings, which are concerns that, in his opinion, Plant Operations and CSO do not hire women for traditional male jobs. Motion passed by the following vote of the Board: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Members: Members: Members: Boneysteele, Menesini, Nejedly, Hockett Lucey None 9. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION: a. AUTHORIZE CONTINUATION OF EMERGENCY REPAIR OF SEWER LINE IN DEL OCEANO DRIVE IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF THE COUNTY General Manager Charles Batts stated that Arrow Construction has completed the new sewer main installation, reconnected the three lateral connections, and backfilled all the excavation holes. The new sewer main is in service and functioning properly. Site restoration is almost complete - the remaining items are replacing/re-storing fencing and minor landscape work. He stated that he is terminating the emergency action and a full project report will be given when the project is closed. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. 4-21-05 I I I I I I 213 11. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, President Hockett adjourned the meeting at the hour of 3:56 p.m. COUNTERSIGNED: ~~~ Secretary of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, County of Contra Costa, State of California P1:~ ~J~ ~f¿11 Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, County of Contra Costa, State of California 4-21-05