HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD MINUTES 02-21-02
78
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING
OF THE DISTRICT BOARD OF THE
CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT
HELD ON FEBRUARY 21, 2002
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 February 21, 2002.
President Menesini called the meeting to order and requested that the Secretary call roll.
a.
1. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Members:
Nejedly, Hockett, Lucey, Boneysteele, Menesini
ABSENT:
Members:
None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Board and staff joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
b.
INTRODUCTIONS
.
INTRODUCE AMY HERNANDEZ. NEWLY HIRED ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
11
.
RECOGNIZE LERON PATTON ON HIS PROMOTION TO PLANT OPERATOR
ill
Ms. Amy Hernandez, Engineering Technician II, was introduced and welcomed to the
District by President Menesini and the Board of Directors. President Menesini and the
Board of Directors congratulated Mr. Leron Patton, Plant Operator III, on his recent
promotion.
None
a.
02
21
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
3. AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS
PRESENTATION OF CALIFORNIA WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION (CWEAL
SAN FRANCISCO BAY SECTION ANNUAL AWARDS FOR 2001
AWARD NOMINEES
.
ENGINEERING ACHIEVEMENT - PLEASANT HILL RELIEF INTERCEPTOR.
PHASE 4
.
LABORATORY ANALYST OF THE YEAR - TRI-HAI NGUYEN
AWARD RECIPIENTS
.
PUBLIC EDUCATION - SEWER SCIENCE WASTEWATER LABORATORY -
JOINT PROJECT WITH CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT.
SOUTH BAYSIDE SYSTEM AUTHORITY. AND PALO ALTO REGIONAL
WATER QUALITY CONTROL PLANT
.
MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR - RANDY COVEY
.
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENTATION PERSON OF THE YEAR - MARK
CAVALLERO
02
79
Mr. Charles W. Batts, General Manager, stated that the District was nominated for an
Engineering Achievement Award for the Pleasant Hill Relief Interceptor Phase 4 Project.
The project used a variety of trenchless technologies, including microtunneling,
conventional tunneling, directional drilling, and small diameter guided bores, to minimize
impact on the residents. Two major accomplishments of the project were the installation
of the interceptor under the lined portion of Grayson Creek and meeting the tight time
constraints across the Sequoia School campus. Mr. Alex Rozul, Associate Engineer, is
present representing the Engineering staff who worked on the project.
Mr. Batts stated that Mr. Tri-Hai Nguyen, Chemist II, was nominated for the Laboratory
Person of the Year Award. Mr. Nguyen did substantial research work related to organic
testing involving Bay fish tissue samples for the Regional Monitoring Program so that the
analysis would yield more reliable results. Mr. Nguyen also developed a gas
chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMS) analytical method for low-level detection of
pesticides that have caused toxicity problems in treated effluent. His work on this
analytical method was shared with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
which recommended this procedure to other laboratories. Mr. Nguyen's work was also
used by the EPA in developing a revised risk assessment for chlorpyrifos which led to the
EPA's decision to remove that particular pesticide from consumer products last year.
Mr. Batts stated that the District, along with other agencies active in public education,
South Bayside System Authority and the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant,
was awarded the CWEA San Francisco Bay Section 2001 Public Education Award for the
Sewer Science Wastewater Laboratory program for high school students. Ms. Harriette
Heibel, Community Affairs Manager, stated that this program is really a partnership
program and this award means a great deal.
Mr. Batts stated that employees are nominated by their peers and supervisors from
treatment plants throughout the Bay Area. The employees who receive these awards are
considered to be employees who have skill and ability, as well as contributing to the
betterment of their profession. Mr. Randy Covey, Maintenance Technician III Mechanical,
received the CWEA San Francisco Bay Section 2001 Mechanical Technician of the Year
Award. Mr. Covey serves as a lead worker in the mechanical maintenance crew and was
responsible for upgrading one of the sodium hypochlorite storage and delivery sites
installed with the elimination of liquid chlorine. Mr. Covey did all of the design work, drew
up the plans, ordered all of the parts, removed the existing piping, and acted as lead
person for the crew that did the final installation work. The site contains 15,000 gallons
of storage, with pump and valve facilities to serve six separate systems.
Mr. Batts stated that Mr. Mark Cavallero, Electrical Technician, received the CWEA San
Francisco Bay Section 2001 Electrical/Instrumentation Person of the Year Award. Mr.
Cavallero is a skilled electrician and an outstanding troubleshooter, able to cover a broad
spectrum of electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, and process computer control areas.
Mr. Cavallero takes minimal time locating and solving difficult problems. His skill at
troubleshooting the variable frequency drives at the treatment plant and pumping stations
has saved the District a great deal of time and money by not using outside services.
Mr. Batts stated that it is a pleasure to introduce and welcome Mr. Leo Gonzalez,
President of CWEA, San Francisco Bay Section. Mr. Gonzalez stated that he is pleased
to be here to recognize the nominees and award recipients for their hard work and the
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Board of Directors and staff for continuing support
of CWEA. Mr. Gonzalez stated that it is an honor to present these awards. This is the
opportunity for the San Francisco Bay Section to honor those who have achieved
excellence and to be recognized by their peers. It is significant to be nominated for an
award and even more significant to receive an award. Mr. Gonzalez stated that all of the
award wi~ners will go on to the state competition and he wishes them luck.
Mr. Gonzalez presented the CWEA San Francisco Bay Section 2001 Public Education
Award for the Sewer Science Wastewater Laboratory Program to Ms. Harriette Heibel;
the CWEA San Francisco Bay Section 2001 Mechanical Technician of the Year Award to
Mr. Randy Covey; and the CWEA San Francisco Bay Section 2001
Electrical/Instrumentation Person of the Year Award to Mr. Mark Cavallero. Mr. Gonzalez
02
21
02
80
was joined by the Board and staff in congratulating all those who received nominations
and awards on their outstanding efforts and this recognition from their peers.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Member Hockett and seconded by Member Boneysteele, that the
Consent Calendar, consisting of Items a. though c., be approved as recommended.
None
a.
The Board was advised of the close out of 11 capital improvement projects
with a net underrun of $123,214, approximately 5 percent of the total
authorized budgets. This item was presented for the Board's information.
No action was taken.
b.
The Board was advised of the close out of the Lafayette Sewer Renovations
Project, Phase 1, DP 5465. This item was presented for the Board's
information. No action was taken.
c.
The attendance of Field Operations Superintendent Don Rhoads and Vehicle
and Equipment Maintenance Supervisor Richard Boylan was authorized at
the Vehicle Maintenance Management Conference and pre-conference
workshops in Seattle, Washington, March 22 through 28, 2002.
Motion unanimously approved on the following vote:
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
Hockett, Boneysteele, Nejedly, Lucey, Menesini
None
None
5. CALL FOR REQUESTS TO CONSIDER ITEMS OUT OF ORDER
6. REPORTS
a.
GENERAL MANAGER
02
21
1 )
Mr. Batts, General Manager, introduced Mr. William E. Brennan, Capital
Projects Division Manager, who provided an update on the Dougherty Tunnel
and Trunk Sewer Project. Mr. Brennan stated that the contractor, Mountain
Cascade, continues to put pressure on the tunneling subcontractor William
C. Smith Company to perform. To date 1,164 feet of tunnel have been
completed, approximately 25 percent. Average production has improved to
about 65 feet per day. The best day so far was last Wednesday, when
about 100 feet of tunnel was completed. Based on the average production
of 65 feet per day, the tunnel should be completed by mid-May rather than
mid-June as previously reported to the Board, because of the increased
average daily production. The project will be finished on time if this
continues. The tunneling machine had another problem yesterday and is
now being repaired. Mr. Brennan stated that this is an ongoing problem, but
his sense is that things seem to be getting better.
Approval has not yet been received from the City of San Ramon for the
west portal landscaping. As reported to the Board at the last Board
Meeting, the City wishes to extend the landscaping about 400 feet forth
from the west portal. The City has proposed that trees and ground cover be
planted, that irrigation be installed, and that provision be made for
maintenance. The developer does not want to pay for that additional
landscaping, and efforts to work through the issue are basically at impasse.
It was proposed that the landscaping be installed in the public right of way
but it has been determined that there are various utilities in the public right
02
81
of way and it is not practical to install trees above these facilities. It may
be possible to get an easement and agreement from the Royal Ridge
Homeowners Associatióh to install the landscaping on their property, but
that is a complication. City of San Ramon approval of the plans must be
received by the end of March if the landscaping is to be installed as part of
the contract.
Discussion followed with regard to the additional landscaping requested by
the City of San Ramon, and the fact that the District is in a somewhat
peculiar position since the issue is between the developer and the City.
In response to questions from the Board, Ms. Christa Freihofner, resident of
San Ramon, stated that it was one of her recommendations that the
landscaping be installed because she was concerned that the west portal is
so large and the residents in the neighborhood are looking straight at it. Ms.
Freihofner stated that she felt that additional landscaping would make it
blend in better. Ms. Freihofner stated that she would like to see some
alternative proposed that would not interfere with the underground utilities
but would make the area look attractive.
Member Nejedly agreed that we are trying to put in landscaping so the portal
looks good, but it is very difficult when easements must be purchased and
the landscaping must be maintained forever. The District is trying to do it
right and then get out of the neighborhood.
Mr. Brennan stated that as previously reported to the Board, there has been
contact from the Dublin San Ramon Services District/East Bay Municipal
Utility District Recycled Water Authority (DERWA) with regard to
coordinating their recycled water project with the San Ramon Force Main
Project. As directed by the Board, a letter was sent to the Mayor and City
Council of the City of San Ramon laying out the District's desires based on
Board comments at the last Board Meeting. The City of San Ramon desires
that a joint project be done this construction season. DERWA has not yet
done a design and must secure right of way from the County. In addition,
time would be needed to notify people along the right of way and schools
that wished to have construction done during summer months. In order to
accomplish the District's original goal to do the project this summer, we
must stick to the original bid schedule and bid in April 2002. Delaying a
year would require modifying the settlement agreement between the City of
San Ramon, the developers, and the District. District staff is meeting with
the City of San Ramon, the County, DERWA and Parks to present
information similar to what is being discussed with the Board and to ask
them to request a delay if that is what they wish.
Discussion followed concerning the need to be ready to proceed in order to
comply with the settlement agreement unless the City of San Ramon wishes
to delay the project one year to allow a joint project to minimize impacts on
local residents and businesses.
Mr. Brennan stated that there was a meeting on February 20, 2002 to
discuss the San Ramon Pumping Station. District Board President Menesini
and District staff, San Ramon staff, and a couple interested citizens
attended. Discussion centered on the health and safety of the pumping
station.
Ms. Christa Freihofner, resident of San Ramon, stated that neighbors are
happy with the way the pumping station looks.
2)
Mr. Batts, General Manager, stated that at the last Board meeting, a
concern was raised regarding staff authorization limits for extending
contracts and expenditures under projects in the Capital Improvement
Budget (CIB). The particular issue was the question of staff authority limits
02
21
02
82
02
21
for procuring professional services. Mr. Batts stated he has asked Director
of Engineering Ann Farrell to review the current CIB staff authorization
limits. A full review of staff authority limits will be presented to the Board
in the near future and proposed revisions will be discussed.
Ms. Ann E. Farrell, Director of Engineering, stated that in researching
historical CIB authorization limits, staff reviewed minutes from past Board
Meetings. In the past there has been some confusion between CIB and
Operations and Maintenance (O&M) authorization limits. Director of
Administration Randy Musgraves will be looking at both sides of the issue
and coming back at a future Board Meeting with a report for the Board. The
presentation today will focus on CIB authorization limits. Ms. Farrell stated
that the Board adopted the first official CIB system and document in June
1987 and those limits are still in place. The system established the
following staff authorization limits:
.
Up to $25,000 new projects
.
Up to $25,000 project overruns
.
Up to $50,000 consultant contracts
.
Budget revision up to staff authorization limits
Before 1987, the limit for new projects and project overruns was $10,000.
Individual project increases are limited and the total amount is also limited.
The $50,000 authorization limit for CIB consultant contracts came up at the
last Board Meeting. This authorization limit has not changed since 1987.
The June 1987 project and consultant contract limits still apply. Since the
original document was adopted, more detail was added in other areas such
as:
.
Equipment budget contingency - staff authority was $3,500, that
was increased to $5,000 in 2001;
.
At the same time, equipment contingency total was increased from
$40,000 to $60,000;
.
Staff authorization limit for construction change orders is up to
$ 50,000. In August 1996, an audit recommended increasing that
limit from $50,000 to $100,000 but that was not initiated.
Ms. Farrell displayed and described Table A-5, Capital Improvement Program
Authorization Limit Table, Page A-19 of the CIB, describing the different
types of authorizations and where these limits reside. Ms. Farrell reviewed
an example of historical application of budget revisions up to authority limits
as follows. The Board approves a consultant contract for $100,000. Staff
may then authorize an amendment or series of amendments in an amount
not to exceed $50,000. When total amendments exceed $50,000, it is
taken back to the Board. Project managers must track individual
amendments and note when they exceed $50,000. Some errors have been
made. In February 2001 a contract that had been amended to $65,000
without Broad approval due to an error in tracking, was brought to the
Board. Director of Administration Randy Musgraves is looking into this issue
to see if there is some way to automatically track this limit to minimize the
possibility of errors in the future.
Ms. Farrell stated that possible authority limit alternatives for consultant
contracts are being reviewed and other agencies are being contacted. If
more control is the objective, the authority limit could be set not to exceed
15 percent or $50,000, whichever is lower. In this example, for a $50,000
contract, staff authority for an increase would be $7,500. If more flexibility
02
83
is the objective, the authority limit could be set not to exceed 1 5 percent or
$50,000, whichever is higher. In this example, for a $1,000,000 contract,
staff authority for an increase would be $150,000. Ms. Farrell stated that
there are many alternatives that could be considered; but going forward
staff would like to suggest that at this time we stay with the system that
is currently in place until Mr. Musgraves has a chance to come back to the
Board in approximately one month. In summary, Ms. Farrell stated that staff
authorization limits are a Board policy decision with a balance of
accountability to the Board and flexibility to get the work done. The future
discussion will address the full range of staff authorization limits.
Mr. Batts stated that the Board has a fiduciary responsibility but there is a
need for some flexibility. Mr. Batts stated that he would hope that the
procedure can be simplified so it is simple enough so everyone understands
it and so we do not have problems in the future. As soon as the audit is
completed and Mr. Musgraves puts together the information, this matter will
be brought back to the Board.
3)
Mr. Batts, General Manager, announced that on February 25 and 26, 2002,
the District will be conducting in-house training for key personnel in
responding to an emergency situation. All managers and required
supervisors will be attending the two-day training program on the Emergency
Incident Command System which puts the District in compliance with the
state-wide Standard Emergency Management System (SEMS). Training will
consist of understanding the Incident Command System and a table top
exercise.
4)
Mr. Batts, General Manager, announced that the District will have a booth
at the Walnut Creek Chamber Business Trade Faire on Thursday, February
28, 2002 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Blake's at Boundary Oaks. The
Trade Faire is being held in conjunction with a Teachers' Appreciation event.
The District's booth will provide teachers with information on the District's
student education programs.
5)
Mr. Batts, General Manager, distributed the Final Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) for Effluent Discharge Limit Increase. A public hearing has been
set for March 7, 2002 to receive comments on the Final EIR and the
proposed Effluent Discharge Limit Increase Project.
6)
Mr. Batts, General Manager, reported that the District has received notice
of a proposed fine in the amount of $750 from the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District for a violation that occurred on July 9, 2001. The
violation was for excessive emissions from the ash bag house as measured
by visual observation of the emission by an Air Board inspector. Since the
violation, the District has made improvements to the bag house and a dust
alarm has been installed to warm of potential problems.
7)
Mr. Batts, General Manager, stated that the Board is aware of the District's
concerns about continued incineration of' sewage sludge. Various
employees, most notably former Director of Engineering Robert Baker and
now Senior Engineer Randy Schmidt, have worked with the Association of
Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies (AM SA) on this issue. On February 12,
2002, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formally removed
Sewage Sludge Incinerators (SSI's) from the Title V list of industries
targeted for regulations limiting emissions of hazardous air pollutants. This
decision is not subject to judicial review. This single action will save publicly
owned treatment works (POTW's) with sewage sludge incinerators from
spending millions on additional testing and air pollution control equipment.
The delisting of SSI's by the EPA happened because the EPA became
convinced, as a result of sound information and analysis provided by groups
such as AMSA, that SSl's should be delisted.
02
21
02
84
8)
Mr. Batts, General Manager, announced that the District will be advertising
for the Lafayette Sewer Renovation Project, Phase 3A. This project will
replace six sewer pipe segments consisting of 900 feet that need renovation
prior to storm drain and street work by the City of Lafayette. The
engineer's estimate for this work is $125,000.
b.
COUNSEL FOR THE DISTRICT
None
c.
SECRETARY OF THE DISTRICT
None
d.
BOARD MEMBERS
1 )
The Board discussed difficulties in securing accommodations for the
California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) May meeting. Mr.
Batts, General Manager, stated that he would carry this matter forward to
the CAS A staff and Executive Board.
2)
Participation in the Kennedy King Memorial College Scholarship Fund was
raised and will be calendared for discussion at a future Board Meeting.
3)
President Menesini announced that the February 25, 2002 Environmental
Alliance Discussion Series will feature Mr. Tad Pilecki discussing Trenchless
Pipeline Rehabilitation and Replacement Methods. The meeting will be held
at noon at the John Muir Historic Site in Martinez.
BREAK
President Menesini declared a recess at the hour of 3:20 p.m., reconvening at the hour
of 3:30 p.m., with all parties present as previously designated.
7. REAL PROPERTY
a.
AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT
MODIFICATION WITH CONTRA COSTA COUNTY FOR THE ANIMAL SERVICES
FACILITY
Mr. Batts, General Manager, stated that Contra Costa County Animal Services leases the
District's property across Imhoff Place. The lease allows for significant increases in the
monthly lease amount after November 2002 if the County is still occupying the property.
The County has asked that the lease be extended at the current lease rate to November
2003 while their new facilities are being built. There are some very real advantages to
the District if we agree to the extension. The County has offered to do an estimated
$75,000 worth of demotion and removal work on the property to prepare it for the
District. There are other long-term benefits of improving relationships with the County.
Mr. Batts stated that as he has reported to the Board on several occasions, he has been
meeting with the County Administrative Officer John Sweeten to discuss areas of mutual
interest and concern. The District has an opportunity to improve cooperation between our
agencies that could work to the benefit of the District and our ratepayers. Approving the
lease extension would be an important step in fostering a closer, more cooperative
relationship with the County. It also gives the District the benefit of having the County's
contractor clear the property for future District use.
Discussion followed with regard to the original lease rate structure designed to encourage
the County to proceed with construction of new facilities and vacate the property in a
reasonable time period, the fair market lease value of the property, and the stipulation that
the County be made aware of some Board Members' concern that the County work
cooperatively with the District in the future to address the needs of the citizens served by
both agencies.
02
21
02
85
It was moved by Member Boneysteele and seconded by Member Hockett, that the General
Manager be authorized to execute the proposed agreement modification providing Contra
Costa County a one year extension at the current lease rate for the Animal Services
Facility and providing for disposal and removal costs to be paid for by the County. There
being no objection, the motion was unanimously approved on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Members:
NOES: Members:
ABSENT: Members:
Boneysteele, Hockett, Nejedly, Lucey, Menesini
None
None
It was noted that Member Nejedly voted yes with the stipulation that the County be made
aware of some Board Members' concern of the need for the County to work cooperatively
with the District in the future to address the needs of the citizens served by both
agencies.
8. CORRESPONDENCE
a.
NOTE RECEIPT OF LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 7. 2002 FROM THE 2001-2002
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY GRAND JURY REQUESTING INFORMATION FROM THE
DISTRICT
Receipt was noted of the letter dated February 7, 2002 from the 2001-2002 Contra
Costa County Grand Jury requesting information from the District. It was noted that staff
is gathering the information and will provide it to the Grand Jury.
9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
MINUTES OF JANUARY 24. 2002
b.
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 7. 2002
It was moved by Member Hockett and seconded by Member Boneysteele, that the
minutes of January 24, 2002 and the minutes of February 7, 2002, be approved as
presented. There being no objection, the motion was unanimously approved.
10. APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES
a.
EXPENDITURE LIST DATED FEBRUARY 21 . 2002
Member Boneysteele, chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, announced that the
Budget and Finance Committee will meet to review expenditures at 4: 15 p.m. on Mondays
prior to Board Meetings in the Collection System Operations Division Conference Room at
1250 Springbrook Road in Walnut Creek.
Member Boneysteele reported that because of the nation-wide concern over accounting
ethics, the District auditors, Hood and Strong, had been requested to retain their work
papers of District audits for their work indefinitely. Member Boneysteele distributed the
reply from Hood and Strong, indicating their retention policy to retain audit working papers
for a total of seven years whether or not the entity remains a client, after which time the
records are destroyed. In the response Hood and Strong declined to change their records
retention policy. Member Boneysteele stated that Hood and Strong has been the District
auditors for five years and they were recently extended for an additional year. It is likely
they will be candidates again. District Controller Debbie Ratcliff has assured the Budget
and Finance Committee that Hood and Strong does not have any papers that have not
been given to the District except their own audit notes. The auditors feel those are their
notes and their property. When they give their opinion they do not want to share those
notes with anyone or keep them more than their established retention schedule, which is
seven years. The District has its own retention schedule adopted by resolution by the
Board of Directors in 1987. That retention schedule is very detailed and establishes
retention periods for District records. Member Boneysteele stated that he and Member
02
21
02
86
Hockett would recommend that no further action be taken on this matter at this time; and
at the time the next audit engagement is to be finalized, the Board can decide if it wishes
to make this a condition of the audit.
Member Lucey agreed with the Budget and Finance Committee's recommendation, stating
that Hood and Strong is a reputable firm and they have advised the District of their
established records retention period. Member Lucey agreed that at this point the District
should take no further action.
It was the consensus of the Board to take no further action.
Member Boneysteele stated that he and Member Hockett reviewed the expenditures and
found them to be satisfactory.
It was moved by Member Boneysteele and seconded by Member Hockett, that the
Expenditure List dated February 21, 2002, including Self Insurance Check Nos. 101848-
101853, Running Expense Check Nos. 136761-137089, Sewer Construction Check Nos.
24253-24300, Payroll Manual Check Nos. 48816-48823, and Payroll Regular Check Nos.
53978-54012, be approved as recommended. There being no objection, the motion was
unanimously approved.
11. BUDGET AND FINANCE
a.
APPROVE A BOARD RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE REVISED SECTION 547
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN DOCUMENT
Mr. Batts, General Manager, stated that the Economic Growth and Tax Relief
Reconciliation Act of 2001 affects, among other things, the District's 457 Deferred
Compensation Plan. The position paper details the significant changes and asked the
Board to approve a resolution adopting the revised 457 Plan document.
Following discussion, it was moved by Member Lucey and seconded by Member Nejedly,
that Resolution No. 2002-009 be adopted, approving the revised Section 457 Deferred
Compensation Plan document. There being no objection, the motion was unanimously
approved.
b.
RECEIVE THE 2001-2002 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (O&M) BUDGET
REVIEW FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31. 2001
Mr. Batts, General Manager, introduced Ms. Deborah Ratcliff, Controller, who reviewed
the financial position of the District for the first six months ending December 31, 2001,
and the projections for the full year which were presented at the January Financial
Planning and Policy Board Workshop and on which the Five Year Plan was based. Ms.
Ratcliff reviewed the results of operations and maintenance for the six months ended
December 31, 2001, reporting that revenues of $20,642,158 were basically on budget.
Fox the six months ended December 31,2001, actual expenses were $17,390,877 or
$1.6 million less than budget, representing an 8.6 percent favorable variance. At
December 31, 2001, revenue over expense is $1,872,194.
Ms. Ratcliff reported that for the full fiscal year, revenues are projected to be
$41,205,800 or $214,200 greater than budget. Expenses are projected to be
$39,148,433 or $1,060,872 less than budget, representing a 2.6 percent favorable
variance. At June 30, 2002, revenue over expense results in a projected increase in O&M
reserves of $2,057,367. Ms. Ratcliff noted, however, that on the Sewer Construction
Fund side, it is projected that the District will be cutting into reserves by approximately
$7 million. Ms. Ratcliff reviewed the significant expense variances projected at June 30,
2002, noting favorable variances in Salaries and Wages of approximately $100,000 due
to unfilled positions resulting from retirements and in Utilities of approximately $1.2 million
due to favorable long-term gas contracts secured by the District. Ms. Ratcliff stated that
there are unfavorable variances in Repairs and Maintenance of approximately $46,000 due
to greater than expected costs to repair the off-line furnace, in Outside Services of
approximately $39,000 due to use of temporary help to fill vacant positions, and in
02
21
0.. ..'.~ 9.'.
.. ~
87
Materials and Supplies of approximately $60,000 due to increased expenditures for lamp
ballasts and UV lamps.
Ms. Ratcliff provided information on historical trends for the last four fiscal years,
comparing six-month actual and budget to the full year actual and budget. Ms. Ratcliff
stated that typically at the six-month point we are ahead of budget because of delayed
billings and putting things off until the second half of the fiscal year, but we typically
catch up to budget by the end of the fiscal year. Last fiscal year was an exception
because of the energy crisis.
President Menesini thanked Ms. Ratcliff for her report and declared that the 2001-2002
Operations and Maintenance Budget Review for the six months ended December 31,2001
and the projections for the full fiscal year were duly received.
c.
RECEIVE DECEMBER 2001 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Ms. Ratcliff, Controller, reported that the District's temporary investments were held in
Treasury bills and Treasury notes and the District's Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF)
account with interest rates ranging from 1.65 percent to 6.77 percent. The latest interest
rate as of December 2001 was 1.9 percent. The average yield of the District's LAIF
account through November 2001 was 3.5 percent.
President Menesini declared that the December 2001 Financial Statements and report of
temporary investments were duly received.
d.
2001-2002 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET (CIB) MID YEAR STATUS REPORT
Ms. Ann E. Farrell, Director of Engineering, presented the 2001-2002 Capital Improvement
Budget (CIB) Mid Year Status Report. Ms. Farrell stated that approximately $27 million
in capital expenditures (excluding Dougherty) was approved by the Board of Directors for
2001-2002. Staff has tried to defer projects because of the agreement to move forward
the San Ramon projects. In addition, some projects were completed early. At June 30,
2002, CIB expenditures (excluding Dougherty) are projected to be approximately $22
million. Ms. Farrell summarized the four CIB program components and the major
differences between what the Board approved and the year end projections, stating that
at June 30, 2002, Treatment Plant Program expenditures are projected to be $5,633,000
or $378,000 less than budget; Collection System Program expenditures (excluding
Dougherty) are projected to be $13,944,000 or $4,187,000 less than budget; General
Improvements Program expenditures are projected to be $2,069,000 or $632,000 greater
than budget; and Recycled Water Program expenditures are projected to be $424,000 or
$1,295,000 less than budget.
At 4:27 p.m., Mr. Kenton L. Aim, Counsel for the District, excused himself and left the
meeting.
Ms. Farrell reviewed the 2001-2002 Capital revenues. At June 30, 2002, interest
earnings are projected to be $1.2 million or half of the budgeted amount and Facility
Capacity Fees are projected to be $3.6 million also approximately half of the budgeted
amount for a deficit in Capital revenues at year end of approximately $4 million. Capital
revenues has been budgeted at $20.6 million but are projected to be approximately $16.2
million without the Dougherty Tunnel and Trunk reimbursement. Including the Dougherty
Tunnel and Trunk reimbursement Capital revenues are projected to be $25.1 million and
expenditures are projected to be approximately $32 million for a projected deficit of about
$8 million by year end. The Sewer Construction Fund will decrease by approximately $7.8
million from $37.6 million at July 1, 2001 to $29.8 million projected Capital funds
available at July 1, 2002.
President Menesini thanked Ms. Farrell and declared that the 2001-2002 Capital
Improvement Budget Mid Year Status Report was duly received.
02
21
02
88
12. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION
None
13. ANNOUNCEMENTS/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Member Lucey requested that at a future meeting, District Counsel report on the legal
issues associated with the City of Orinda's position regarding responsibility for various
pipes.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, President Menesini adjourned
the meeting at the hour of 4:32 p.m.
~4t-tO vft ~.
President of the Board of Directors,
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District,
County of Contra Costa, State of California
COUNTERSIGNED:
S cr ta of the Cent al Contr Costa
S . ary District, County of Contra
Costa, State of California
02
21
tf\.: (;j
Uk;)