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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD MINUTES 03-15-01 71 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF THE DISTRICT BOARD OF THE CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT HELD ON MARCH 15, 2001 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 March 15, 2001. President Hockett called the meeting to order and requested that the Secretary call roll. 1. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Members: Nejedly, Lucey, Boneysteele, Hockett ABSENT: Members: Menesini Member Menesini entered the meeting at the hour of 2:05 p.m. a. INTRODUCE NEW EMPLOYEES . DENNIS CHERMAK. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE TECHNICIAN I . MICHAEL TARANTINO. UTILITY WORKER . STEVE PLUNKETT. UTILITY WORKER Mr. Dennis Chermak, Household Hazardous Waste Technician I, Mr. Michael Tarantino, Utility Worker, and Mr. Steve Plunkett, Utility Worker, were introduced and welcomed to the District by President Hockett and the Board of Directors. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mrs. Gayle Pulley, 1190 Glen Road, Lafayette, addressed the Board relative to the work being done due to an overflow at 1190 Glen Road, Lafayette. Mrs. Pulley stated that the District will no longer pay for alternative housing and she must move back into her home tomorrow. Mrs. Pulley stated that she is not comfortable with moving back into her home and she cannot afford to hire someone to do tests to be sure it is safe. Mrs. Pulley stated further that as she goes through things that have been in storage, she is finding things that are damaged or that should not have been packed and put in storage. In closing, Mrs. Pulley stated that the District is putting a pipeline in her neighborhood and she asked why it does not go to the top of the road instead of just part way. Mrs. Pulley thanked the Board for their time. Member Menesini entered the meeting at this time. 3. AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS a. ACKNOWLEDGE MS. CATHRYN FREITAS. HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER. ON HER CERTIFICATION AS AN INTERNATIONAL PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (IPMA-CP) Mr. Charles W. Batts, General Manager, stated that Ms. Cathryn Freitas, Human Resources Manager, has received certification as a Personnel Management Professional by the International Personnel Management Association in Washington, D.C. This professional achievement recognizes both the skill level and experience Ms. Freitas has achieved in the field of Public Human Resources. President Hockett presented a plaque from the Internal Personnel Management Association to Ms. Freitas and congratulated her on this significant achievement. Ms. Freitas thanked the Board for their support. 03 15 01 72 4. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Member Nejedly 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. Authorization was given for Proposed Annexation (P.A.) 01-06 (Alamo), P.A. 01-07 (Alamo), P.A. 01-08 (Danville), P.A. 01-09 (Pleasant Hill), and P.A. 01-10 (Alamo) to be included in a future formal annexation to the District. a. Motion unanimously approved on the following vote: AYES: Members: NOES: Members: ABSENT: Members: b. Nejedly, Lucey, Menesini, Boneysteele, Hockett None None Resolution No. 2001-041 was adopted, initiating proceedings to formally annex ten separate areas under the title of District Annexation 155. Motion unanimously approved on the following vote: AYES: Members: NOES: Members: ABSENT: Members: Nejedly, Lucey, Menesini, Boneysteele, Hockett None None The contract work performed by Del Monte Electric Co., Inc. for the 2,400- Volt Feeder Replacement Project, DP 6154, was accepted and filing of the Notice of Completion was authorized. c. Motion unanimously approved on the following vote: AYES: Members: NOES: Members: ABSENT: Members: d. Nejedly, Lucey, Menesini, Boneysteele, Hockett None None Resolution No. 2001-042 was adopted, establishing April 19,2001 at 2:00 p.m., as the date and time for a public hearing regarding Vine Hill Way Contractual Assessment District (CAD) No. 99-3 pursuant to California Constitution, Article XIII D, Section 4, and Streets and Highways Code Sections 5898.20 and 5898.24. Motion unanimously approved on the following vote: 03 15 AYES: Members: NOES: Members: ABSENT: Members: Nejedly, Lucey, Menesini, Boneysteele, Hockett None None The attendance of Ms. Karen Huff, Maintenance Coordinator II, and Mr. David Robbins, Instrument Shop Supervisor, was authorized at the Mainsaver Users Conference 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada, from April 17-19, 2001. e. 01 None a. 73 Motion unanimously approved on the following vote: AYES: Members: NOES: Members: ABSENT: Members: Nejèdly, LuCéY, Menesini, Boneysteele, Hockett None None f. The request by Mr. Robert Colon, Maintenance Crew Leader, for an emergency withdrawal of $15,000 after taxes, from the Deferred Compensation Plan, was approved as recommended by the Deferred Compensation Plan Advisory Committee. Motion unanimously approved on the following vote: AYES: Members: NOES: Members: ABSENT: Members: Nejedly, Lucey, Menesini, Boneysteele, Hockett None None g. The Board received notification of Public Employees Union, Local One, election results. This item was presented for the Board's information. No action was taken. 5. CALL FOR REQUESTS TO CONSIDER ITEMS OUT OF ORDER 6. REPORTS GENERAL MANAGER 1) Mr. Batts, General Manager, stated that when connections are first made to the public sewer system, fees are paid to the District. These fees include Permit and Inspection Fees, Annexation Charges, the first year's Sewer Service Charge, and a Facilities Capacity Fee. There may also be Reimbursement Fees due for pass-through to the original installer of the main sewer. As discussed with the Board at the financial planning workshop in January 2001, staff has proposed that the Capacity Fee portion of the Connection Fees be revised to provide for a buy-in to all assets by new customers at the time of connection. The draft public notice to those most impacted was provided to the Board. Mr. Batts introduced Mr. Jarred Miyamoto-Mills, Principal Engineer, who stated that Senate Bill 1760 redefined "capacity charge" as either charge to buy-in to existing assets or charge for future facilities to be constructed that will benefit customers or property. Most District assets needed to serve future customers exist, so the buy-in method is most appropriate. Capacity Fees are the largest portion of the Connection Fees. Next month the proposal for increase of the other fees will be presented to the Board for consideration on the same schedule as the Connection Fees. Mr. Miyamoto-Mills stated the current Capacity Fees are $2,572 per residential unit equivalent (RUE) for basic gravity service and $2,920/RUE for basic pumped service. These amounts fall in the lower middle when compared with other nearby agencies. It is proposed that Connection Fees be calculated based on buy-in to District assets. The value of assets would be divided by the current number of customers to determine the Connection Fee. Using this approach, the proposed Connection Fees would be $3,360/RUE for basic gravity service and $4,070/RUE for basic pumped service. These amounts fall in the middle when compared with other nearby agencies. Mr. Miyamoto-Mills displayed the comparison of Connection Fees for nearby agencies taken from the California Environmental Protection Agency/State Water Resources Control 03 15 01 74 03 15 Board Wastewater User Charge Survey Report for Fiscal Year 1999-2000. Mr. Miyamoto-Mills reviewed the proposed schedule which calls for mailing letter notice by April 6, conducting a meeting for interested customers on April 24, conducting a public hearing and Board consideration of the proposed ordinance on May 10, and implementation of the revised fees on July 9, 2001. President Hockett thanked Mr. Miyamoto-Mills for his report. 2) Mr. Batts, General Manager, stated that a draft of the District Pipeline newsletter was provided to the Board. Mr. Batts introduced Ms. Harriette Heibel, Community Affairs Manager, who reviewed the proposed schedule for printing and distribution of the Pipeline newsletter or other notice the Board may wish to provide concerning the proposed increase in the annual Sewer Service Charge. Final input will be incorporated into the newsletter and notice next week, it will go to press by March 30, 2001, and it will be mailed the first week of April 2001. The mailing list for the Pipeline newsletter will be a combination of the newsletter and Sewer Service Charge mailing lists. These will be combined so there will be no duplications. The notice must be in the ratepayers' hands by April 15, 2001. Ms. Heibel requested Board input and any revisions or changes to the articles and format of the newsletter and Sewer Service Charge public hearing announcement for the proposed rate increase. Member Lucey stated that in addition to the Pipeline newsletter, a separate notice should be sent to the homeowners. Member Lucey stated that it is imperative that the ratepayers know the District will be having a public hearing to consider a proposed rate increase. In addition, Member Lucey suggested that the Pipeline newsletter article on trimming costs and saving energy be revised so that it includes only actions taken during the current fiscal year. Member Nejedly requested that the word "free" not be used when referring to disposal of household hazardous waste since that is misleading. Member Nejedly agreed that a separate notice should be sent to both residential and commercial customers and that the article refer to commercial customers as well as residential. Member Nejedly stated that the newsletter contains excellent information and is very well done, but it may be too much information. Ms. Heibel stated that the article on trimming costs could be removed and replaced by something about businesses. Member Menesini stated that the article should include some of the reductions that have been made. It is important that the public knows what has been done in that regard. Discussion followed with regard to the Board's desire to provide excellent customer service, the fact that things cost more today than in previous years, and the use of a multi-media approach that might include an announcement on the County public service television channel. Mr. Batts thanked the Board for their input, stating that the Pipeline lead article will be revised to balance customer service and cost savings past and present, and a separate postcard notice will be used to advise both residential and commercial customers of the public hearing to consider an increase in the annual Sewer Service Charge. 3) Mr. Batts, General Manager, introduced Mr. Doug Craig, Plant Operations Division Manager, who provided an update on ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. Mr. Craig reviewed the history of the UV Disinfection Project and its cost effectiveness. Because of safety issues with chlorine, the need for a $10 01 75 million upgrade to the chlorine system, and escalating chlorine gas and sulfur dioxide costs, UV disinfection was studied, pilot tested, and implemented at the District. Bids wèrè öpE!ñ~d on November 23, 1994. The engineer's estimate was $10,691,000 and the low bid was $8,690,000. Prebid equipment quotes were $3.2 million to $4.3 million. The line item bid for equipment was $1.5 million. It was determined that the bid was competitive and the project was awarded and constructed. UV has been in operation since July 1997. During that time there have been manufacturer ownership changes and equipment problems. There have been no fecal coliform violations in three years, but there have been challenges with equipment reliability. Mr. Craig provided a cost comparison of chlorine and UV disinfection showing significant cost savings. Mr. James M. Kelly, Director of Plant Operations, stated that UV disinfection has been in operation since July 1997. As stated earlier, there have been manufacturer ownership changes and equipment and parts problems since that time. In October 1998 there was a power distribution center fire and there have been difficulties getting spare parts. Those issues are being resolved for the most part, but the District has not been able to get 250 VDC ballasts, instead we are given 300 VDC ballasts. Using 300 VDC ballasts instead of 250 VDC ballasts, makes the system unstable and allows operation of only 20 racks instead of all 26 racks. On October 2, 2000, the District entered into a tolling agreement with the manufacturer, ABB. ABB did not proceed as quickly as the District wished and two letters have been sent to ABB. ABB has responded that they are interested in working with the District. A diagnostic test performed on January 29, 2001, indicated that a new filter circuit is needed as the existing filter is overloaded. ABB is designing a new filter circuit and the District expects to receive the new filters in the near future. As tested, the PPC transformer is slightly overloaded. The District is running parallel efforts because it is necessary to ensure that the District is in compliance. Mr. Kelly stated that the District is working with Montgomery Watson, the original process designer, on this. To date, their cost has been about $7,000. The short- and long-term needs of the UV disinfection system are to make the existing system reliable and complete the rebuild of the PDC damaged in the fire. Eighteen new filters and perhaps 54 new transformers will be needed. To provide for additional wet weather capacity, UV facilities must be expanded to include the two spare channels and one additional bank of lamps must be added to the existing channels bringing the total from three to four banks per channel. The new bacteria standard is protective for the public but it would provide additional disinfectant capacity for the District. In summary, Mr. Kelly stated that UV performance has been good in spite of challenging equipment problems. UV is a cost effective disinfection alternative. Equipment enhancements are needed and it is hoped those enhancements will be in place by next winter. The new bacterial standard may reduce future capacity needs. Discussion followed with regard to the District's ability to get spare parts, having the appropriate ballasts specially made, recourse available to the District, and the long-term sustainability of the UV disinfection system. 4) Mr. Batts, General Manager, introduced Mr. Joe Pomroy, Associate Engineer, who provided an update on the District' Recycled Water Program. Mr. Pomroy stated that the District has been delivering landscape irrigation water for several years in the Pleasant Hill area. By the end of year 2001, the District expects to deliver about 600 acre feet of recycled water for sales totaling $205,000. There are 19 recycled water customers, with Contra Costa Country Club, Buchanan Golf Course, and Diablo Valley College accounting for most of the usage. The Pleasant Hill Recycled Water Project, Phase IV, will add 64 acre-feet initially or $31,000 annually in sales and 112 acre-feet ultimately or $54,000 annually. Phase V will add 170 additional acre-feet, or $56,000 annually. Mr. Pomroy reviewed the 03 15 01 03 76 15 Recycled Water Program growth from 286 acre-feet ($101,493) in 1999 to 539 acre-feet ($186,534) in 2000. Addition of the Contra Costa Country Club is the major difference between 1999 and 2000. With regard to the Industrial Recycled Water Demonstration Project, Mr. Pomroy stated that Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (CCCSD) reclamation facilities were built in 1978. Most of the pipelines are owned by Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). There is a potential demand of 5 to 8 MGD for use by Ultramar Golden Eagle Refinery in their cooling towers. Pilot testing needed for nutrient removal analysis will be done this summer. Following discussion of whether CCCSD or CCWD would be the purveyor of this recycled water, it was stated that the general agreement process between CCCSO and CCWO would be followed. Mr. Kenton L. Aim, Counsel for the District, stated that the general agreement states that either party (CCCSD or CCWD) can propose a project. Once a project has been proposed, a business plan must be prepared. Either party can join in or go forward alone but cannot stop a project. Mr. Aim stated that there are some legislative and regulatory reasons why CCWD might wish to participate in recycled water projects or allow CCCSD to go forward alone. Mr. Pomroy reviewed the Industrial Recycled Water Demonstration Project schedule. CCWD was invited to participate in this project. CCWD declined to participate in the initial planning but asked to be kept informed. CCCSD is now issuing a Request for Proposals to consultants to complete the business plan. Award of the consultant contract is planned for April 19, 2001. The pilot test for nutrient removal is scheduled for May 2001. The business plan will be submitted to CCWD in December 2001. This is the second decision point in the agreement process as to whether it will be a joint project or CCCSD alone, and who will be the purveyor. A project specific agreement will be negotiated with CCWD in January 2002. In response to questions from Member Lucey, Mr. Batts stated that CCCSD needs an anchor customer for the District's Recycled Water Program. CCWD must consider recycled water projects in accordance with their water agreements, this could be such a project. This would allow them to maximize blending during drought years. Member Lucey stated that the District is losing money every year on its Recycled Water Program because capital costs are not being recovered. Ms. Ann Farrell, Director of Engineering, stated that the business plan is being done to look at the feasibility of the project. The District is not building any new facilities. Mr. Batts stated that the reason it would make sense is because the facilities have already been built. Member Lucey thanked staff for their explanation. 5) Mr. Batts, General Manager, introduced Mr. Jim Belcher, Senior Engineer, who provided an energy update. Mr. Belcher reported on the March 14, 2001 meeting between District staff and Mr. Nick Farros of Acme Landfill. Acme has conceded that the contract with NEO is over. The contract is in its 90-day termination period now and will finally terminate on May 29, 2001. Mr. James M. Kelly, Director of Plant Operations, requested that this matter be calendared on the April 4, 2001 Board meeting agenda to allow Mr. Farros an opportunity to present his best offer. Discussion followed with regard to the District terminating the contract. Member Nejedly stated that at the next Board meeting he would suggest that the Board consider discontinuing taking landfill gas. Member Lucey asked that the agenda be broad enough so the Board can vote to stop taking landfill gas at the end of May 2001. 01 77 Mr. Belcher stated that the District could buy summer strip natural gas which would allow the District more time to negotiate and try to reach an agreement with Acme. Following discussion, it was moved by President Hockett and seconded by Member Lucey, that authority be delegated to the General Manager to do what in his best judgment is in the best interests of the District with regard to purchase of natural gas to compensate for the loss of landfill gas during potentially three months in the summer. There being no objection, the motion was unanimously approved. With regard to natural gas, Mr. Belcher stated that the prices have softened and natural gas for April has been purchased at $7.65 per decatherm. District staff is considering additional purchasing strategies. If natural gas prices drop to $7.50 per decatherm, authority has been given to buy the rest of the natural gas needed for the year. With regard to other energy issues, Mr. Belcher reported that Innovations and Ogden International have both approached the District with regard to building a natural gas fired peaker plant at the District. The District has applied for a State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) grant to construct modifications to the cogeneration air inlet. The District's grant was timely but did not make the first cut and it is number two on the waiting list for more grant funding. The District's Energy Team is very active. Some things being considered are energy uses both inside and outside the building, process control optimization using one less clarifier and one less centrifuge, and contingency planning. BREAK At 4:12 p.m., President Hockett declared a recess, reconvening at the hour of 4:24 p.m., with all parties present as previously designated. 6) Mr. Batts, General Manager, reported that Senior Engineer Randy Schmidt, Community Affairs Manager Harriette Heibel, and Director of Engineering Ann Farrell attended the Pacheco Town Council meeting on March 14, 2001, to outline the District project to contain contaminants in Basin A South. The Town Council was pleased that the District provided an update and was willing to address their concerns. The District will be conducting a public workshop on the project on March 29, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room. This will be an opportunity for the public to learn about the proposed closure project. Staff from the Department of Toxic Substances Control and GeoSyntec, the District's environmental consultants, will be available after the staff presentation to answer questions. There will also be an opportunity for input during a formal 3D-day comment period which is expected to start in early May 2001 . 7) Mr. Batts, General Manager, announced that the District is inviting sealed proposals for the operation of the centralized reprographics center. A field tour was conducted on March 14, 2001. Proposals will be received on March 28, 2001. 8) Mr. Batts, General Manager, announced that the Australian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has required that Sydney Water Corporation have a peer review of its operations as a condition for issuing a new permit. Sydney Water provides both water and wastewater service to 4 million customers in New South Wales. They have asked Mr. Mike Wallis, Director of Operations and Maintenance for East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), to select a team to conduct the audit. Mr. Wallis was asked to do this because of his position with EBMUD, his background with audits, and his work on the EPA Advisory Committee. Mr. Wallis has asked Mr. John Larson, Director of Collection System Operations, to be part of that 03 15 01 78 03 15 team. All costs will be reimbursed by the Sydney Water Corporation. The audit will take one week. As the Board is aware, Mr. Larson has been involved in Water Environment Federation (WEF) audits, collection system benchmarking and best practices, and is familiar with the peer review process. This will also allow the District to study how a private utility does business, prepare for our own Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) regulation, and get insights into the operation of other utilities. With the Board's permission, Mr. Larson will participate. President Hockett stated that it is a compliment to this District to be asked to have one of its employees participate in such a peer review. 9) Mr. Batts, General Manager, provided an update on the recent State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) decision on the Tosco appeal issued on March 7, 2001. The precedent-setting permits issued in early 2000 sought to impose new conditions on dischargers as a result of the U.S. EPA's determination that San Francisco Bay is impaired. Virtually identical provisions have been inserted by the Bay Area Regional Water Quality Control Board in permits issued subsequently. The key rulings of the SWRCB include: . The alternate final "no net loading" limit is not appropriate. . Interim performance-based mass limits, in general, are appropriately included in permits for dischargers into impaired waters; however, the method by which the Regional Board calculated those limits was improper. . The inclusion of interim performance-based mass limits in these particular industrial permits did not threaten to limit growth in the region. The decision does specifically note that it does not express an opinion as to whether a different determination would, or will, be reached on a publicly owned treatment works (POTW) permits. . The Regional Board was correct in not considering dilution by the receiving waters in its reasonable potential analysis. However, the listing of the Bay under the Clean Water Act 303(d) is suggestive but not determinative on the question of whether the Bay has assimilative capacity. . The Regional Board to determine if there will be a recycled water project between Tosco and CCCSD, and if so, will add recycled water language to the permit. . A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit may require the discharger to prepare a Waste Minimization Plan, but the permit cannot require the plan to be implemented. . The decision also resolves several issues specific to the Golden Eagle (formerly Avon) permit, including some relating to dioxin. The most significant aspect of this portion of the decision is the SWRCB's determination that the anti-backsliding provision of federal law does not apply to interim limits. On March 13, 2001, Baykeeper and Citizens for a Better Environment sued the SWRCB on its ruling, alleging that the SWRCB cannot allow increased dioxin discharges. Mr. Aim, Counsel for the District, stated that the items that are of most interest to the District were remanded back to the SWRCB and are not subject to the lawsuit at this time. 10) Mr. Batts, General Manager, announced that the District will be conducting two scoping meetings for the Effluent Discharge Limit Increase Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on March 21, 2001 at 3: 15 p.m. and 01 11 ) 12) 79 7:00 p.m. at the District's Collection System Operations (CSO) Department Conference Room at 1250 Springbrook Road, Walnut Creek. Mr. Batts, General Manager, announced that an overflow occurred in two units of an apartment building at 4032 Alhambra Way, Martinez. The two families have been relocated and the affected areas cleaned. The District is now working with the property owner on reimbursement for property damage. The Board will be asked to consider adding this to the closed session agenda. Mr. Batts, General Manager, stated that the District will be participating in the Martinez/Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Business Fair. The District will highlight the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility and Pollution Prevention Program. The event will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on March 22, 2001 at the Pleasant Hill Civil Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill. b. COUNSEL FOR THE DISTRICT None c. SECRETARY OF THE DISTRICT 1 ) Ms. Joyce E. Murphy, Secretary of the District, distributed the draft 2001- 2002 Staffing Plan, and indicated that the Board Personnel Committee meeting to review the Staffing Plan will be held at 2:00 p.m. on March 22, 2001. d. BOARD MEMBERS 1) Member Boneysteele reported that there was a Capital Projects Committee Meeting/Board Workshop on March 13, 2001 to review the draft 2001-2002 Equipment Budget. The workshop was attended by three Board Members. There were no exceptions to the items requested and the proposed Equipment Budget was found to be very modest. 2) Member Nejedly reported that the first meeting of the Household Hazardous Waste Committee was held on March 14, 2001. The Board Committee was informed of levels of participation, days of operations, staffing, and the Philips Services contract. Member Nejedly stated that he proposed having the facility stay open longer and asked staff to look into that and determine the costs. If it appears feasible, the proposal will be brought to the full Board. The level of participation has not dropped at all in the three years the facility has been open. The Committee agreed that the Philips Services contract be extended awaiting Board approval. The services will be bid when the contract expires. 3) Member Menesini announced that the Contra Costa Special Districts Association will meet on March 19, 2001. 4) Member Menesini announced that on March 19, 2001, the Environmental Alliance Discussion Series will feature Dr. Janet Cavallaro, University of California Research Scientist, discussing the topic fA Source of Energy: Pine and White Fir Forests." All those interested are invited to attend. 03 15 01 80 7. TREATMENT PLANT a. AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CHANGE ORDER WITH KAWEAH CONSTRUCTION COMPANY TO CONSTRUCT THE COGENERATION AIR INLET MODIFICATIONS PROJECT. DP 7199 Member Lucey questioned whether it is appropriate to proceed with this item since grant funding may not be available. Mr. Kenton L. Aim, Counsel for the District, stated that there is still a justification for proceeding because the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has indicated that there are numerous pieces of legislation to increase the funding available. Since the District's proposal is number two on the list, it is likely the District will receive grant funding if additional funds are approved. Secondly, there is an energy crisis. If the District goes forward with the proposed project, energy usage will be reduced in the summer months during peak usage time and it is estimated $20,000 per month in energy costs will be saved. This project was in the planning phase and would be done in any case. Mr. Aim stated that it is his opinion that the facts still justify going forward on an emergency basis. It was moved by Member Nejedly and seconded by Member Menesini, that the General Manager be authorized to execute a change order with Kaweah Construction Company to construct the cogeneration air inlet modifications. There being no objection, the motion was unanimously approved. 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 15. 2001 It was moved by Member Menesini and seconded by Member Boneysteele, that the minutes of February 15, 2001 be approved as presented. There being no objection, the motion was unanimously approved. 9. APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES a. EXPENDITURE LIST DATED MARCH 15. 2001 Member Lucey, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, stated that he and Member Nejedly reviewed the expenditures and found them to be in order. Staff was asked to review the open contract with Office Depot. It was moved by Member Lucey and seconded by Member Nejedly, that the Expenditure List dated March 15, 2001, including Self Insurance Check Nos. 101700-101705, Running Expense Check Nos. 130560-130784, Sewer Construction Check Nos. 23068- 23104, Payroll Manual Check Nos. 48760-48763, and Payroll Regular Check Nos. 53541- 53579, be approved as recommended. There being no objection, the motion was unanimously approved. 10. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION a. AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO CONTINUE WITH THE EMERGENCY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO MOUNTAIN CASCADE. INC. FOR THE REPAIR OF THE RECYCLED WATER PIPELINE IN BUCHANAN GOLF COURSE Mr. Batts, General Manager, introduced Mr. Alex Rozul, Associate Engineer, who provided a status report on the emergency repair of the recycled water pipeline in Buchanan Golf Course by Mountain Cascade, Inc. Mr. Rozul reported that the District is currently able to provide recycled water to all its customers. As of 1 :30 p.m. today, the recycled water pipeline was fully charged. During the time it took to make the repair, no complaints were received. It is both good and bad that there was rain during this time. The rain was good for the recycled water customers but it hampered the District's ability to complete the repair. Mr. Rozul stated that the schedule was pushed back one week, mainly because 03 15 01 81 of problems with construction of the pits specifically on the western side due to problems with conflicting utilities in the area. Mr. Rozul showed photographs and described the construction. Mr. Rozul thanked the CöllêêtiÓn System Operations (CSO) Department for all their help in getting the recycled water pipeline repaired. CSO provided water for cleaning the line and for pressure testing. Although the line is in and operational, there is still a lot of work to be done in such areas as cathodic protection, installation of a manhole, backfilling, and property restoration. The schedule currently has those items being completed by March 23, 2001 and beginning total restoration of the golf course. The District will use the landscape contractor normally used by the gold course for the restoration. Mr. Rozul stated that a preliminary forensic investigation has been done. The information gathered is still being reviewed and the evaluation should be completed in six to eight weeks. At this time, the cause of the failure is still unknown. Member Nejedly requested that a letter be drafted for President Hockett's signature thanking Buchanan Golf Course for their cooperation and patience during this process. President Hockett also expressed her appreciation to Mr. Rozul and the crews that worked on the project under particularly difficult constraints. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None 12. CLOSED SESSION a. EXISTING LITIGATION The closed session was held to discuss existing litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a). The title of the litigation to be discussed is Central Contra Costa Sanitary District v. City of San Ramon, Contra Costa County Superior Court Case No. COO-02560. b. SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b), a point has been reached where in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, on the advice of its Counsel, based on existing facts and circumstances, there is a significant exposure to litigation against the District. One potential matter is to be discussed. At 5: 12 p.m., President Hockett declared the closed session to discuss litigation pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(a) and (b) as noted above. At 5:32 p.m., President Hockett concluded the closed session and reconvened the meeting into open session. 13. REPORT OF DISCUSSIONS IN CLOSED SESSION Mr. Kenton L. Aim, Counsel for the District, reported that in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(2), in closed session on a 5/0 vote the Board of Directors unanimously determined that an urgency item arose after the agenda was published, and that immediate action is required; said item was added to the closed session agenda for consideration pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b). Mr. Aim stated that no other decisions were made or votes taken in closed session which require reporting at this time. 03 15 01 03 82 14. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, President Hockett adjourned the meeting at the hour of 5:33 p.m. COUNTERSIGNED: 15 01 ~kNP.M President of the Board of Directors, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, County of Contra Costa, State of California