HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD MINUTES 08-07-08
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING
OF THE DISTRICT BOARD OF THE
CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT
HELD ON AUGUST 7, 2008
The District Board of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District convened in a regular
meeting at its regular place of meeting, 5019 Imhoff Place, Martinez, County of Contra
Costa, State of California, at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2008.
President Lucey called the meeting to order and requested that the Secretary call roll.
1. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Members: Hockett, McGill, Menesini, Lucey
ABSENT: Members: Nejedly
a. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Board and staff joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
b. INTRODUCTIONS
Board Members welcome newly-hired Utility Worker, Michael Muhlestein; Source
Control Inspector I, Casey Wheable; and Staff Engineer, Rita Cheng.
General Manager James Kelly announced that Plant Operator I Robert Maroon and
Pumping Stations Operator Anthony MacArthur have completed training programs and
have been promoted.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
3. AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS
a. PRESENTATION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CLEAN WATER
AGENCIES (NACWA) PLATINUM AWARD
Plant Operations Division Manager Randy Grieb gave a presentation on the NACWA
Platinum Award, stating that this is the tenth year in succession that the District has
received either a Gold or Platinum Award. He acknowledged the Board and staff for
their support. President Lucey accepted the award on behalf of the District.
Book 58 - Page 51
Board Minutes of August 7, 2008
b. PRESENTATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
(CAFR) AWARD FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007
General Manager James Kelly announced that, in December 2007, the District's Finance and
Accounting Division submitted the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 2007 to the Government Finance Officers Association. For the eighth
consecutive year, the District's financial report has been awarded the Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Controller Debbie Ratcliff presented a
brief report on the CAFR Award and thanked staff for their hard work. President Lucey
accepted the CAFR Award on behalf of the District.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Member Hockett and seconded by Member McGill to adopt the
Consent Calendar as recommended. Motion passed by the following vote of the Board:
AYES: Members: Hockett, McGill, Menesini, Lucey
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: Nejedly
a. Approve expenditures dated August 7, 2008. Reviewed by Budget and Finance
Committee.
b. Receive June 2008 Financial Statements. Reviewed by Budget and Finance
Committee.
c. Approve minutes of July 3, 2008 and July 17, 2008 Board Meetings.
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d. Approve attendance for Board Member McGill at the 39 Annual California
Special Districts Association (CSDA) Conference on September 22 through
September 25, 2008 in Irvine, California.
e. Approve a request for emergency withdrawal of funds from the Deferred
Compensation Plan.
f. Approve continuance of employee computer hardware purchase assistance
program for a one-year period, effective August 7, 2008. Reviewed by Budget
and Finance Committee.
g. Authorize a public notice to indicate availability of documentation in support of
the District's appropriations limit. Reviewed by Budget and Finance Committee.
Book 58 - Page 52
Board Minutes of August 7, 2008
5. HEARINGS
a. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE COMMENTS ON A PROPOSED
ORDINANCE (UNCODIFIED) TO ESTABLISH REIMBURSEMENT FEES FOR
PROPERTIES CONNECTING TO JOB 5177 (DANVILLE BOULEVARD IN
ALAMO); JOB 6421 (AMBERWOOD LANE IN WALNUT CREEK); AND JOB
6435 (RAMON COURT IN DANVILLE)
Engineering Assistant III Earlene Millier presented a report on Danville Boulevard and
Amberwood Lane reimbursement fees. She stated that the fees for Job 6435 (Ramon
Court in Danville) will be held until a future meeting as some changes that need to be
included have recently come to light.
She showed the location of the properties and stated that the reimbursement fee per
Residential Unit Equivalent (RUE) for Job 5177 is $5,804.50 and is $15,085.21 for Job
6421.
She stated that Job 6421 is a little different, as there was a special agreement among
the property owners to consider the participants by parcel, rather than living unit or
RUE, so there will be no additional fees charged for secondary living units on the same
parcel. Also, four of the non-installers paid $7,000 towards the installation costs and
were given partial waivers by the installer and will pay the balance upon connection.
Member McGill clarified that the District will still assess a connection charge for
secondary living units.
The public hearing was opened.
A resident of 1103 Danville Boulevard asked whether it was mandatory to connect to
the sewer.
District Counsel Kent Alm responded that the County currently has a regulation that, if
the property is within 300 feet of the sewer line, they will not issue a permit for
replacement of a failed septic tank.
The public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Member Menesini and seconded by Member Hockett to adopt
Ordinance 252 (Uncodified) establishing reimbursement fees for properties connecting
to Job 5177 (Danville Boulevard in Alamo), and Job 6421 (Amberwood Lane in Walnut
Creek). Motion passed by the following vote of the Board:
AYES: Members: Hockett, McGill, Menesini, Lucey
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: Nejedly
Book 58 - Page 53
Board Minutes of August 7, 2008
6. CALL FOR REQUESTS TO CONSIDER ITEMS OUT OF ORDER
Item 10.a. was taken out of order and public testimony on that item was heard before
Item 5, Hearings. Board consideration of the item occurred at its regular place on the
agenda.
7. BIDS AND AWARDS
a. AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,138,000
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOUTH ORINDA SEWER RENOVATIONS,
PHASE 3, DISTRICT PROJECT 5985 TO K. J. WOODS CONSTRUCTION,
INC., THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, AND AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS SUBJECT TO
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS AND FIND THAT THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
General Manager James Kelly stated that, on July 22, 2008, the District received six
bids for the construction of South Orinda Sewer Renovations, Phase 3. The project
consists of installing approximately 6,700 linear feet of 6-and 8-inch sewer lines within a
public right-of-way using both open-cut and pipe bursting methods. Staff reviewed the
bids and recommends awarding the project to K.J. Woods Construction, Inc. from San
Francisco for $1,138,000.
It was moved by Member Hockett and seconded by Member McGill to award a
construction contract in the amount of $1,138,000 for the construction of South Orinda
Sewer Renovations , Phase 3, District Project 5985, to K. J. Woods Construction, Inc.,
the lowest responsive bidder; to authorize the General Manager to execute the contract
documents subject to submittal requirements; and to determine that the project is
exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Motion passed by the
following vote of the Board:
AYES: Members: Hockett, McGill, Menesini, Lucey
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: Nejedly
b. AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $325,897 FOR
THE CONSTRUCTION OF AUXILIARY BOILER IMPROVEMENTS, DISTRICT
PROJECT 7231 TO R. F. MAC DONALD COMPANY, THE LOWEST
RESPONSIVE BIDDER, AND AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO
EXECUTE THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS SUBJECT TO SUBMITTAL
REQUIREMENTS AND FIND THAT THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
General Manager James Kelly stated that the Auxiliary Boiler Improvements project will
replace the trouble-prone, mechanical linkage controls on the two auxiliary boilers at the
Treatment Plant. The existing controls are unreliable and have caused issues with
meeting air permit requirements. The controls will be replaced with a direct-acting,
Book 58 - Page 54
Board Minutes of August 7, 2008
programmable system that will improve the reliability, emissions, efficiency, and
maintenance of the boilers. Two bids were received and opened on July 24, 2008. The
low bid was $325,897 submitted by R. F. MacDonald who is the original equipment
manufacturer supplier of the boilers. The second bid was $345,716 from One Source
Engineering. Staff has reviewed the bids and determined R. F. MacDonald is the lowest
responsive bidder. Staff recommends that the Board award the construction project to
R. F. MacDonald.
It was moved by Member McGill and seconded by Member Hockett to award a
construction contract in the amount of $325,897 for the construction of Auxiliary Boiler
Improvements, District Project 7231, to R. F. MacDonald Company, the lowest
responsive bidder; to authorize the General Manager to execute the contract
documents subject to submittal requirements; and to determine that the project is
exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Motion passed by the
following vote of the Board:
AYES: Members: Hockett, McGill, Menesini, Lucey
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: Nejedly
8. REPORTS
a. GENERAL MANAGER
1) California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) Award
Presentations
General Manager James Kelly stated that, as noted in the written
announcements, the District has won two CASA awards that will be presented at
the August 21, 2008 Conference.
Communication Services Manager Michael Scahill announced that the first CASA
award was received for the establishment of the Water/Wastewater Treatment
Plant Operator Training Program, which was developed in partnership with
several other local agencies. He presented an overview of the presentation that
will be shown at the Conference.
Senior Engineer Ba Than stated that the CASA Outstanding Capital
Improvements Project award for 2008 was received for the Plant Control System
Improvements Project. He played the video presentation that will be shown at
the Conference.
Book 58 - Page 55
Board Minutes of August 7, 2008
2) Construction Update
General Manager James Kelly stated that with the award of the Auxiliary Boiler
Improvements Project and the South Orinda Sewer Improvements Project
approved at this Board Meeting, the District has thirteen projects under
construction this summer with a construction value of $35.5 million.
Capital Projects Division Manager Tad Pilecki provided the Board with a brief
overview and status of the projects and significant events surrounding the
projects.
3) General Manager James Kelly announced that, at the July 17, 2008 Board
Meeting, it was announced that four leaks had been discovered in the
100-psi natural gas supply line to the Treatment Plant and the
Headquarters Office Building (HOB). On July 14, 2008, Pacific Gas and
Electric and District staff isolated the leaking natural gas pipeline by
closing the valves at both ends of the pipeline. The District contracted
with NCCI, Inc. (the contractor on the Aeration Air Renovations Project) to
restore natural gas service to HOB by extending a 1-inch gas line from
another adjacent gas main.
On Monday, July 28, 2008, the contractor began saw-cutting the isolated
natural gas line. After penetrating the pipe, gas began to leak. The gas
line had been isolated but it had not been purged, and it was later
discovered that the isolation valve also leaked. This leak caused an
evacuation of HOB, as a precautionary measure. There were no injuries
or damage to District property.
District Safety and Risk Management staff is conducting an investigation
to thoroughly evaluate the incident and make recommendations to reduce
the likelihood of future incidents.
4) General Manager James Kelly announced that, on Thursday July 24,
2008, a customer delivered a cigar box filled with test tubes to the
Household Hazardous Waste Facility (HHWF). The test tubes were filled
with various mixtures of highly reactive compounds. Staff notified Contra
Costa County HazMat and the Walnut Creek Bomb Squad. The test tubes
were detonated in Basin B shortly after their arrival. The HHWF was
closed for about an hour during the incident.
5) General Manager James Kelly announced that the District won two
awards which will be presented at the California Association of Sanitation
Agencies (CASA) Conference in Monterey on August 21, 2008. The first
is the Outstanding Capital Improvement Program Award for the District’s
Plant Control System Improvements. The second is the Innovation Award
for the Water/Wastewater Operator Training Program. The Innovation
Award will be shared with the nine partner agencies that are CASA
Book 58 - Page 56
Board Minutes of August 7, 2008
members. A press release will be sent out after the conference because
there is an embargo on any press release to the media until after the
conference.
6) General Manager James Kelly announced that the main Headquarters
Office Building parking lot will be closed beginning Wednesday, July 30,
2008 through approximately Wednesday, August 13, 2008, due to storm
drain construction, and improvements to the physically challenged parking
area.
7) General Manager James Kelly announced that the California Water
Environment Association Northern Regional Training Conference will be
held in Sparks, Nevada from September 7 - 9, 2008. Seven District
employees are scheduled to attend the conference, four from the
Collection System Operations Department and three from the Plant
Operations Department. The theme of the conference is “Passing the
Torch.” The conference presentations will cover such topics as collection
systems maintenance and management, operator training, plant
maintenance, and safety.
8) General Manager James Kelly announced that Collection System
Operations Department (CSO) Maintenance Crew Leader Don Turk and
Vehicle Mechanic Tom Kostik will attend training classes offered by Vactor
Manufacturing in Streator, Illinois, specific to the two new hydrovac trucks
recently purchased. The training, hotel, and meal arrangements are being
paid by Vactor as part of the purchase agreement. Airfare will be paid by
the District and was budgeted in the 2008-2009 Operations and
Maintenance Budget.
9) General Manager James Kelly announced that Board Members and
designated staff are required to complete Ethics Training in compliance
with AB 1234 every two years. The last session was completed in
December, 2006. The District is planning to conduct a training session
before the end of 2008 for Board Members and designated staff. In the
meantime, Ethics Training that meets the requirements of AB 1234 will be
offered at the August CASA Conference.
10) General Manager James Kelly announced that staff intends to advertise
for the minicam television inspection of sanitary sewers on August 8, 2008
and August 15, 2008, with the bid opening on August 22, 2008. The
position paper for award is planned for September 4, 2008. The work
consists of providing sewer television inspection for those pipe segments
in Walnut Creek, Orinda, and Lafayette that could not be inspected on the
first effort due to blockages. A smaller camera “minicam” will be used to
facilitate inspecting these constricted pipelines.
Book 58 - Page 57
Board Minutes of August 7, 2008
11) General Manager James Kelly announced that, on July 17, 2008, the
Board authorized staff to submit applications for Out of Agency Service
Agreements to Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) for five
properties in the Alhambra Valley that are located outside the County
Urban Limit Line and whose owners desire to receive public sewer
service. Three of the properties are developed and have existing homes.
Two of the properties are undeveloped. Staff has submitted the application
for the three developed properties. Depending on LAFCO action, staff
may submit an application for the two properties that are undeveloped.
12) General Manager James Kelly announced that the District's Source
Control Program is evaluated regularly by the State Regional Water
Quality Control Board (SRWQCB), US Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) staff, or their contractors (e.g. Tetra Tech). A Pretreatment
Compliance Audit (PCA) was completed by Tetra Tech on January 16-17,
2008. The PCA involves a review of the District's Source Control
Ordinance, review of the permitted Industrial User (IU) files, and site visits
for selected permitted IUs where the assigned Source Control Inspector
conducts the inspection. The PCA report was received on June 26, 2008.
The PCA auditors were complimentary of the District's Source Control
Program during the PCA exit interview and in several parts of the final
report. The PCA report identified eight requirements and nine
recommendations. The District responded to the PCA findings in a letter
dated July 28, 2008.
Many of the issues identified have been addressed or will be addressed
by modifying forms used in the IU permit program. Some of the PCA
findings require minor modifications to the District's Source Control
Ordinance. These updates will be processed through the comprehensive
District Code update project that has already been initiated and is
expected to be considered for approval by the Board in October.
13) General Manager James Kelly announced that the recent drop in natural
gas pricing to below $10.00 per decatherm provided an opportunity for the
District to prepurchase natural gas for November and December 2008 at
an average Pacific Gas and Electric City Gate price of $9.50 per
decatherm. This is below the $10.80 budgeted for fiscal year 2008-2009.
The District has now purchased natural gas for the first six months of the
fiscal year at an average price of $10.37 per decatherm.
14) General Manager James Kelly announced that, on Monday, August 25
and Tuesday, August 26, 2008, District crews will be begin smoke testing
the sewer lines along Port Chicago Highway north of Highway 4, and west
along Arnold Industrial Way. This will take place during daylight hours.
The purpose of the smoke test is to determine the source of the large
volume of water that enters the area’s sewer lines when it rains. All of the
properties in the area have been sent letters in regards to the testing and
Book 58 - Page 58
Board Minutes of August 7, 2008
the letters explained that the smoke is non-toxic, non-staining, and
odorless, and harmless to humans and animals. Door hangers are
scheduled to be delivered to every property on Friday, August 22, 2008.
The Highway Patrol, the Sheriff’s Office, Concord Police Department,
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, Naval Weapons Station, and
Homeland Security will also be notified prior to the testing by the
Communication Services staff.
15) General Manager James Kelly announced that, while installing a new
drainage line last week to correct potential flooding issues for the Garden
Level of the Headquarters Office Building (HOB), the contractor, Lister
Construction, encountered several unknown obstructions in the HOB
parking lot that were either not shown or shown in the wrong location on
record drawings. These obstructions included an abandoned 24 inch RCP
culvert, AT&T conduits, and a four foot by two foot concrete encasement
which contains various water services. To avoid these obstructions, the
new drainage line will have to be realigned and deepened. An additional
200 feet of pipe, one manhole, and a catch basin will be installed. The
cost of this change order is estimated to be on the range of $75,000 to
$125,000. In order to avoid significant schedule impacts, staff is
proceeding with the rerouting of the storm drain at this time and will
request approval from the Board at the September 4, 2008 Board meeting.
16) General Manager James Kelly announced that the Collection System
Operations Department (CSO) has requested the Engineering Department
to replace a 350-foot reach of 6-inch pipe in Pleasant Hill, located south of
the intersection of Contra Costa Boulevard and Crescent Plaza in front of
the Border’s book store. The line was damaged by the installation of a
copper grounding rod for another utility. Since open cut excavation to
repair the damage is not feasible, CSO attempted to repair the damage
internally with limited success. The line is partially blocked at the repair
and is backing up behind the blockage. CSO is currently cleaning this line
on a two-week schedule and checking it with TV on a once-a-month
schedule, and has asked that Engineering Department prioritize the repair.
Staff proposes to repair the line as soon as possible as a change order to
the Lafayette Sewer Improvements Project. The Notice to Contractors for
the Lafayette Sewer Improvements Project states that the District may add
additional sites to the project after award. Due to the location of the line
under the sidewalk and a utility vault, the cost of replacement could
exceed $50,000. If the cost of replacement exceeds $50,000, staff will
request approval from the Board of this change order at the September 4,
2008 Board meeting.
17) General Manager James Kelly announced that the contractor has
completed work on two of three sewer lines within Camino Pablo that had
an intermediate completion date of August 15, 2008. Construction of the
third line is being slowed by utilities that were not marked in the field and
Book 58 - Page 59
Board Minutes of August 7, 2008
are not shown on other agency utility maps. In an effort to mitigate the
utility conflicts, staff has changed the alignment of a portion of the new
sewer and changed the method of construction of another portion from
open cut excavation to pipe bursting. The contractor is carefully working
around these utilities, but the utilities’ trench backfill is affecting the
stability of the new sewer trench and slowing the contractor’s progress.
Staff believes that the current sewer line work in Camino Pablo will not be
completed by the milestone date of August 15, 2008. The City of Orinda
Public Works Director has been informed of the situation and is
cooperating with staff by extending the work hours. Staff will keep the
Board updated on the situation.
18) General Manager James Kelly announced that, on August 4, 2008, the
price of natural gas dropped substantially, and the District purchased
natural gas from January through June 2009 for $9.63/decatherm at
Pacific Gas and Electric citygate. This purchase, when combined with
previous gas purchases, will result in a $10.00 average cost for natural
gas for the fiscal year.
Announcements 3-18 were provided as written announcements.
b. COUNSEL FOR THE DISTRICT
1) Code Schedule Update
District Counsel Kent Alm reported that the First Reading and setting the public
hearing for the District’s Code update is scheduled for September 4, 2008. The
final revisions will be circulated to the Board and staff in advance of that date.
2) Dias Dorados Slide Update
District Counsel Kent Alm stated that the deposition is proceeding. The trial is
scheduled for January 5, 2009.
c. SECRETARY OF THE DISTRICT
Secretary of the District Elaine Boehme announced that, with regard to the
November 4, 2008 District election, Members Hockett, Menesini and Nejedly
have all taken out and filed nomination papers. As of today, no-one else has
taken out papers. The nomination period closes at 5 p.m. on Friday, August 8,
2008.
d. BOARD MEMBERS
1) Member McGill summarized the Action Summary for the August 4, 2008
Budget and Finance Committee meeting. The Board received the report
without comments.
Book 58 - Page 60
Board Minutes of August 7, 2008
2) Member Menesini reported on the July 21, 2008 California Special
Districts Association Contra Costa Chapter meeting.
3) Member Hockett summarized the Action Summary for the July 29, 2008
Household Hazardous Waste Committee meeting. The Board received
the report without comments.
4) President Lucey stated that the July 30, 2008 Human Resources
Committee meeting was held in closed session.
5) Reports on miscellaneous business meetings attended by Board
Members.
Member McGill reported that he attended the Building Industry Association
Government Affairs Committee meeting.
6) Announcements
Member Menesini announced the upcoming Environmental Alliance
meeting on August 18, 2008. The topic will be “Biomimicry – Learning
from Nature’s Consummate Engineers II.”
9. ENGINEERING
a. AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $550,000
WITH NCCI, INC. ON THE AERATION AIR RENOVATIONS PROJECT,
DISTRICT PROJECT 7207
General Manager James Kelly stated that the Aeration Air Renovations Project consists
of grouting beneath the aeration basins to seal cracks in the concrete foundation and to
fill any voids in the sub-base. Grouting has been completed in passes 1A and 1B along
with replacement of the hydrostatic relief valves that are in poor condition. The
quantities of grout used exceeded the contract amount. The Board is being asked to
approve a change order to complete grouting in passes 1C and 1D as well as approve
funds for the replacement of the relief valves.
It was moved by Member Hockett and seconded by President Lucey to authorize the
General Manager to execute a construction contract change order in an amount not to
exceed $550,000 with NCCI, Inc. on the Aeration Air Renovations Project, District
Project 7207. Motion passed by the following vote of the Board:
AYES: Members: Hockett, McGill, Menesini, Lucey
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: Nejedly
Book 58 - Page 61
Board Minutes of August 7, 2008
b. AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $65,000
WITH LISTER CONSTRUCTION, INC. ON THE TREATMENT PLANT SITE
IMPROVEMENT, DISTRICT PROJECT 7251
General Manager James Kelly Board stated that authorization is necessary to execute a
construction change order in an amount not to exceed $65,000 on the Treatment Plant
Site Improvements Project. Additional work was necessary to perform excavation work
in contaminated soil encountered at one of the sites. The soil was removed and placed
at the disposal site on the Treatment Plant in accordance with approved Department of
Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) regulations.
It was moved by Member Hockett and seconded by President Lucey to authorize the
General Manager to execute a construction contract change order in an amount not to
exceed $65,000 with Lister Construction, Inc. on the Treatment Plant Site Improvement,
District Project 7251. Motion passed by the following vote of the Board:
AYES: Members: Hockett, McGill, Menesini, Lucey
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: Nejedly
10. HUMAN RESOURCES
a. ADOPTION OF DISTRICT SALARY SURVEY FOR EMPLOYEES’
ASSOCIATION, PUBLIC EMPLOYEES’ UNION LOCAL ONE, AND ADOPTION
OF THE GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATIONS, TO BE EFFECTIVE
AUGUST 18, 2008
President Lucey noted that there were several employees in the audience who filled out
speaker cards and announced that he would take testimony on this item out of order,
and would then proceed with the agenda. He stated that each speaker will be allowed
two minutes to make their presentation.
Joann Senger, Public Employees’ Union (PEU) Local One’s Salary Survey consultant,
stated that over the past five years the District has seen a $29 million cumulative
operating surplus, even though rates are below mean and median rates charged by
other districts. This is an indication that the workforce is performing effectively.
She stated that Local One does not agree with the methodological views of
Management with regard to using median versus mean for the salary survey, rounding
down and other criteria used to conduct the salary survey. She stated that a five
percent market lag is unacceptable, and the District will see increased turnover and
disruption of operations. She concluded by saying that Local One wishes to make three
points - the workforce already makes sacrifices to further the organization; their
proposal is within the District’s financial resources; and the proposal merely brings the
workforce into the market range.
Book 58 - Page 62
Board Minutes of August 7, 2008
Candace Bradley, PEU Local One Salary Survey Committee, spoke in support of the
Local One proposal. She stated that, during the salary survey discussions, she has felt
dispensable and not valued as an employee. She stated that the Local One proposal
only brings the salaries into the mid range of other comparable agencies, not the top.
David Rolley, President of PEU, Local One, stated that he does not support the General
Manager’s recommendations. In 2003, when the salary survey was negotiated, he
stated that he was using the 1999 survey as the frame of reference. He stated that he
was surprised how far behind the District’s salaries have fallen. He noted that Local
One had been willing to use the median rather than mean for the salary survey, which
would reduce the dollar amount by over $200,000. He urged the Board to continue to
negotiate in good faith. He stated that the District has fallen behind also with providing
lower Cost of Living raises than other agencies.
Jeff Skinner, member of the Salary Survey Committee, stated that he is proud of the
work the District does and proud to be a District employee. He pointed out that the
awards the District receives would not be possible without the hard work of the
employees. He objected to not having input on the scope and parameters of the salary
survey. He stated that he too supports the Local One proposal, and added that it only
puts employees into the middle of the salary range compared with other agencies.
Arlyn Erdman, PEU Local One Senior Business Agent, spoke in support of the Local
One proposal. He stated that the District negotiated the parameters of the MSCG
salary survey, but did not do that with Local One. He urged the Board to give favorable
consideration to the Local One proposal.
President Lucey expressed frustration with the fact that, in his many personal dealings
with Local One in several jurisdictions during the course of his professional life, this is
the only group of Local One that is unwilling to compromise. He stated that, in his
opinion, Local One at the District wants all or nothing.
The President then returned to the order of the agenda, and proceeded with Item 5.a. et
seq.
Following the conclusion of the preceding Item 9, President Lucey announced that the
Board would recess and resume in closed session regarding negotiations as listed
under Item 13 on the agenda. The Board took a recess and reconvened in closed
session at 3:38 p.m.
At the conclusion of the closed session, the Board reconvened in open session at 4:34
p.m.
President Lucey announced that that this item will be continued the next Board meeting
on September 4, 2008.
Book 58 - Page 63
Board Minutes of August 7, 2008
11. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION
None.
12. ANNOUNCEMENTS/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None.
13. CLOSED SESSION
As noted in Item 10 above, the Board recessed at 3:38 p.m. to reconvene in closed
session to confer with labor negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6:
District Negotiators: Human Resources Manager Cathryn Freitas and Director of
Administration Randy Musgraves; Employee Organization: Employees' Association,
Public Employees' Union, Local One. The Board reconvened in open session at 4:34
p.m.
The closed session pursuant to Section 54957.10 of the Government Code - Request
for early withdrawal of funds from Deferred Compensation Plan - was not held.
14. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
President Lucey reported that no new direction was given in closed session.
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, President Lucey adjourned
the meeting at 4:40 p.m.
,li~ ~
Gerald R. Lucey
President of the Board of Directors,
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District,
County of Contra Costa, State of California
COUNTERSIGNED:
E;R&>~ /
Elaine R. Boehme
Secretary of the Central Contra Costa
Sanitary District, County of Contra Costa,
State of California
Book 58 - Page 64