HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD MINUTES 12-20-07
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING
OF THE DISTRICT BOARD OF THE
CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT
HELD ON DECEMBER 20, 2007
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, December 20, 2007.
President Nejedly called the meeting to order and requested that the Secretary call roll.
1. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Members: Hockett, Lucey, McGill, Menesini, Nejedly
ABSENT: Members: None
a. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Board and staff joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
b. INTRODUCTIONS
Board Members recognized Alex Benavidez on his promotion to Construction
Equipment Operator.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
3. AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS
a. RECEIVE PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC’S (PG&E) INDUSTRIAL ENERGY
EFFICIENCY PROGRAM AWARD FOR 2007 FROM PG&E ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVE CHRIS COLE.
PG&E Account Executive Chris Cole and Service and Sales Supervisor James
Monninger from PG&E presented the Board with the Energy Efficiency Program Award
for 2007, and a rebate check in the amount of $88,300. This was in recognition of the
Headquarters Office and Plant Operations Building HVAC Improvement Project, which
replaced the old and deficient heating and air conditioning equipment within both
buildings with new, more energy efficient equipment.
Book 57 - Page 57
Board Minutes of December 20, 2007
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Member Menesini and seconded by Member Lucey to adopt the
Consent Calendar as recommended. Motion passed by unanimous vote of the Board.
a. Approve expenditures dated December 20, 2007. Reviewed by Budget and
Finance Committee.
b. Approve minutes of October 31, 2007 Board Meeting.
c. Adopt Resolution 2007-189 accepting an offer of dedication from Glacier
Classics LP for an easement shown on the recorded final map of Subdivision
8347 in the City of Martinez, accepting Job 5562 - Parcel 1, public sewer
improvements, and authorize staff to record documents with the Contra Costa
County Recorder.
d. Adopt Resolution 2007-190 accepting an offer of dedication from Western Pacific
Housing-Windemere LLC for easements shown on the recorded final map of
Subdivision 8646 in the Dougherty Valley area of San Ramon, accepting Job
5615 - Parcel 1, public sewer improvements, and authorize staff to record
documents with the Contra Costa County Recorder.
e. Adopt Resolution 2007-191 accepting an offer of dedication from Brookfield
Ambridge LLC for easements shown on the recorded final map of Subdivision
8669 in the Dougherty Valley area of San Ramon, accepting Job 5620 - Parcel 1,
public sewer improvements, and authorize staff to record documents with the
Contra Costa County Recorder.
f. Adopt Resolution 2007-192 accepting an offer of dedication and public sewer
improvements from Gorman “B” Family Limited Partnership, Industrial Way,
Concord, Job 5628 - Parcel 1, and authorize staff to record documents with the
Contra Costa County Recorder.
g. Adopt Resolution 2007-193 accepting an offer of dedication and public sewer
improvements from John A. McHugh, Trustee, Industrial Way, Concord, Job
5628 - Parcel 2, and authorize staff to record documents with the Contra Costa
County Recorder.
h. Adopt Resolution 2007-194 accepting an offer of dedication and public sewer
improvements from Romers RV Center, Industrial Way, Concord, Job 5628 -
Parcel 3, and authorize staff to record documents with the Contra Costa County
Recorder.
Book 57 - Page 58
Board Minutes of December 20, 2007
i. Approve the formation of an Alhambra Valley Assessment District (AVAD) for
properties on Monteira Lane and Reliez Valley Road in unincorporated Martinez
for installation of sewer improvements; adopt Resolution of Intention 2007-195 to
create Monteira AVAD No. 2007-4; adopt Resolution 2007-196 approving the
boundary map, and adopt Resolution 2007-197 requesting consent of Contra
Costa County for CCCSD to conduct proceedings for the AVAD.
j. Approve the formation of an Alhambra Valley Assessment District (AVAD) for
properties on Alhambra Valley Road, Fallen Oak Lane, and Quail Lane in
unincorporated Martinez for installation of sewer improvements; adopt Resolution
of Intention 2007-198 to create Quail AVAD No. 2007-6; adopt Resolution 2007-
199 approving the boundary map; and adopt Resolution 2007-200 requesting
consent of Contra Costa County for CCCSD to conduct proceedings for the
AVAD.
k. Accept the contract work for the Vessing Sewer Renovation, District Project
5646, and authorize filing of the Notice of Completion.
l. Accept the contract work for the A-Line Interceptor Rehabilitation, Phase 2,
District Project 5806, and authorize filing of the Notice of Completion.
m. Accept the contract work for the North Orinda Sewer Renovations, Phase 2.1,
District Project 5968, and authorize filing of the Notice of Completion.
n. Accept the contract work for the Plant Control System Improvements, District
Project 7204.
o. Authorize extension of medical leave of absence without pay for Utility Worker
Felix Espinosa through January 18, 2008.
p. Authorize extension of medical leave of absence without pay for Utility Worker
Maralee Davi through January 4, 2008.
q. Authorize extension of medical leave of absence without pay for Buildings and
Grounds Supervisor Harry Wyles through February 22, 2008.
r. Reject claim for damages by Joe Fitzpatrick.
Book 57 - Page 59
Board Minutes of December 20, 2007
5. HEARINGS
a. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION
APPROVING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND APPROVING
THE PROPOSED COLLECTION SYSTEM OPERATIONS (CSO) FACILITIES
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, DP 8208
General Manager James Kelly stated that the District is the lead agency for the new
CSO Facilities. An Initial Study was conducted and staff has determined that a
Mitigated Negative Declaration is the appropriate document to address the
environmental effects of the project. The public hearing is being held to consider any
comments received during the Mitigated Negative Declaration's thirty-day public review
process.
Engineering Assistant III Russ Leavitt presented a report, describing the proposed
layout of the project and the CEQA and project approval process.
The project consists of replacing existing CSO administration and warehouse building
with new combined building, and adding more parking and landscaping. Staff has
determined that a mitigated negative declaration is the appropriate environmental
document for the project. One letter was received during the comment period, and as a
result staff had a consultant evaluate the project site and confirm that the 51-year-old
administration building does not appear to be potential historic resource.
Director of Engineering Ann Farrell stated that the public review period for the CEQA
document has ended, and after approval by the Board the District will submit a
conditional use permit application to the City of Walnut Creek in January 2008. It is
anticipated that the City will schedule a Design Review Board hearing in May or June of
2008, and a Planning Commission hearing in July. The conditional use permit may
receive approval in August 2008, or, if not, another 2-3 months will be added to the
schedule if the preferred design is rejected. She stated that staff is attempting to retain
the current design of the building within the Measure A requirements.
Ms. Farrell reported that Joe Bologna, architect and former Walnut Creek Design
Review Board member, is assisting staff with the application. Staff is also working with
the firm that conducted the green business review of the Walnut Creek library to make
sure green ideas are being incorporated in the building design, while attempting to keep
costs down.
She stated that it is anticipated that the contract will be awarded in July/August 2009,
and the new building occupied by December 2010, after which the existing
administration/crew building will be demolished.
In response to a question from Member Menesini, Ms. Farrell stated that if the
application is rejected the building design would have be revised to incorporate a split-
level design.
Book 57 - Page 60
Board Minutes of December 20, 2007
Ms. Farrell stated that District Counsel is exploring other options also.
The public hearing was opened and closed without comments.
It was moved by Member Lucey and seconded by Member Menesini to adopt
Resolution 2007-201, approving the mitigated negative declaration and approving the
CSO Facilities Improvements Project as recommended. Motion passed by the following
vote of the Board:
AYES: Members: Lucey, McGill, Menesini, Nejedly
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: Hockett
6. CALL FOR REQUESTS TO CONSIDER ITEMS OUT OF ORDER
None.
7. BIDS AND AWARDS
a. REJECT ALL BIDS SUBMITTED FOR THE INSTALLATION OF NEW MAIN
GATE AT TREATMENT PLANT, RFB NO. 07-08-05, DISTRICT PROJECT 7251
General Manager James Kelly stated that, on December 5, 2007, the District opened
two bids for the replacement of the main gate at the Treatment Plant. There were
several inconsistencies in the apparent low bidder's bid, and the low bidder was also
listed as a sub contractor by the second low bidder, which caused an inconsistency in
the second low bidder’s bid. Staff recommends rejecting all bids and including this work
in the Treatment Plant Site Improvements Project to be bid later this month.
In response to questions, Associate Engineer Craig Mizutani described the proposed
new gate and stated that it will be fabricated in steel, and be much stronger and heavier
than the existing gate.
It was moved by Member Menesini and seconded by Member Hockett to reject all bids
submitted for the installation of new main gate at Treatment Plant, RFB No. 07-08-05,
District Project 7251. Motion passed by unanimous vote of the Board.
8. ITEMS HELD OVER FROM PREVIOUS BOARD MEETINGS
None.
Book 57 - Page 61
Board Minutes of December 20, 2007
9. REPORTS
a. GENERAL MANAGER
1) Report on GASB 45
General Manager James Kelly stated that the Board has received a copy of a
white paper addressing GASB 45 and the funding options for post employment
health benefits, as well as the AON Actuarial Report. The report discusses the
District's unfunded liability and required annual contributions associated with
retiree health care costs.
Controller Debbie Ratcliff presented the results of the actuarial study. She stated
that GASB 45 requires that an actuarial study and calculation of outstanding
benefits costs be conducted every two years. In 2005 the study was done by
AON. The District used them again for the 2007 study. Assumptions the actuary
used are similar to County Retirement Association assumptions.
The study used two interest rates - 5 percent and 8 percent. The 5 percent rate
represents the pay-as you-go approach, not setting money aside. The 8 percent
rate represents setting up a trust which earns interest. The Actuarial Accrued
Liability (AAL) is the obligation of benefits to be paid in the future, which will
change each year. Based on the 5 percent interest rate, the AAL is currently $68
million. Based on the 8 percent rate, it is $48 million. The difference illustrates
the benefit of setting assets aside rather than using the pay-as-you-go approach.
The Annual Required Contribution (ARC) at the 5 percent rate is $6.2 million, and
is $5.2 million at the 8 percent rate.
The study showed growth over two-year period. It did not include implicit rate
subsidy in 2005 study which is now included.
Ms. Ratcliff displayed graphs comparing pay-as-you-go vs. pre-funding, and
showing growth in liability versus assets. She stated that, of several other
agencies surveyed, three were moving forward to establish trusts and four were
still undecided. She recommended that the Board direct staff to obtain additional
information and alternatives for establishing a trust and to come back to the
Board at a later date.
In response to a question from Member Lucey, General Manager James Kelly
confirmed that the Board was not being asked to make a decision today but just
to direct staff to obtain more information regarding establishing a trust.
Member Lucey asked why the $7,200,000 implicit rate subsidy had not been
included in the 2005 study.
Book 57 - Page 62
Board Minutes of December 20, 2007
Mr. Kelly responded to questions regarding actual premiums and liability
increases as shown on the graphs. He stated that in 2023, the District would
have approximately a $45 million liability if a trust had been established. Without
a trust, the liability would be in the region of $200 million.
Member McGill stated that the Budget and Finance Committee reviewed the
information in detail. He stated that the Committee recommends that the Board
direct staff to obtain more specific information regarding how a trust would work,
different trust options, and policies regarding its administration.
Board Members concurred with the staff recommendation to obtain more
information and options regarding setting up a trust, and to come back to the
Board at a future meeting.
2) Strategic Planning Update
General Manager James Kelly gave a report on the Strategic Planning process,
stating that the Strategic Planning Board Workshop held on October 31, 2007
identified the issues facing the Board as recycled water services; community
outreach; cultural diversity; rates; and the District as an Industry Leader. The
existing Strategic Plan will need to be revised to reflect input received at the
workshop.
With regard to recycled water services, the District will look at pursuing large
recycled water projects, such as providing water to the refineries or industries
close to Delta Diablo Sanitation District. Delta Diablo Sanitation District is
proceeding with a joint study project, for which they have recently received a
grant, and the District will be partnering with them, along with several other
agencies. Staff has been looking at ways to provide recycled water to the
refineries, but more time needs to be spent on examining water rights and legal
issues.
Member Lucey stated that there may be a need to have a legislative component
to move the recycled water issue along, and the District may need its own
lobbyist.
Mr. Kelly stated that there is an existing plan to address District outreach efforts,
and the Communications Services Manager is working on implementing the plan.
At the workshop, the Board indicated it would like staff to audit recruitment
processes to ensure there are no barriers, and to evaluate areas for
improvement. Once a consultant has been selected and completed their review,
a report will be provided to the Board.
There was general satisfaction with rates, and staff will continue to use the
capital plan and financial plans to guide the rate-setting process. Customer
Book 57 - Page 63
Board Minutes of December 20, 2007
surveys to evaluate the quality of District services will continue. The Board also
indicated an interest in looking at CalPers to determine whether the District could
get better value for its retirement dollar.
Finally, Mr. Kelly stated that staff needs to provide the Board with more
information about staff’s professional accomplishments to demonstrate that the
District continues to be an industry leader.
Mr. Kelly concluded his report, stating that he will come back at end of the fiscal
year for reaffirmation of the existing Mission, Vision and Values statement, and
subsequent adoption of the revised Strategic Plan.
3) General Manager James Kelly announced that Collection System
Operations Maintenance Supervisor Steve Sauter and Maintenance Crew
Leader Ed Silva attended the Damage Prevention Conference and Expo
Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 6, 2007. The
conference detailed legislation and regulations regarding locating
underground utilities, which have been strengthened since the November
2004 pipeline explosion in Walnut Creek. The disaster itself and the
subsequent investigation and legislative changes were the topic of one of
the workshops.
4) General Manager James Kelly announced that Assistant Engineer Nancy
th
Molina will be attending the 14 Annual Underground Construction
Technology (UCT) Conference and Exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia, from
January 29, 2008 through January 31, 2008. UCT attendees are exposed
to new and diverse underground utility construction and rehabilitation
methods. The conference helps attendees understand these varied
methods and how to effectively integrate the options into the best possible
project solution package. Previous District attendees have found the
conference to be highly informative and a beneficial way to discuss new
and innovative products with experts in the underground construction
industry.
5) General Manager James Kelly announced staff visits to treatment plants in
Minnesota and Michigan in relation to District Project 7237, Metal
Removal Technology. He stated that, on July 19, 2007, the Board of
Directors authorized a Professional Engineering Services Agreement with
Black and Veatch Corporation (B&V) for the design of the Metals Removal
Technology Project. B&V is currently under contract to perform an
alternatives analysis and preliminary design to remove mercury from the
furnace exhaust and plant effluent. Staff also plans to conduct two
mercury removal pilot plant studies in conjunction with the work being
performed by B&V. One of the pilot plant studies is very similar to the
Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant process in Saint Paul,
Minnesota (MWTP), which contains full-scale mercury removal involving
Book 57 - Page 64
Board Minutes of December 20, 2007
powdered activated carbon injection. MWTP recently encountered several
problems with their mercury removal process. Staff will meet with MWTP
staff to discuss the causes and solutions in order to take preventive
measures during the design and construction of the Metals Removal
Project and the pilot plant studies.
The Ypsilanti Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan utilizes a
packed carbon bed for mercury removal. This is one of the alternatives
B&V is investigating for use at the District. Currently, there are no
wastewater treatment plants in the western United States utilizing this
method for mercury control.
The Metals Removal Project may cost the District as much as $20 million
to design and construct. It is prudent to send staff to evaluate processes
and issues at these plants to insure a viable project for the District. Up to
four staff members will be sent to visit these two treatment plants at an
approximate cost of $6,000. Site visits are currently schedule for the week
of January 14, 2008.
6) General Manager James Kelly announced that District staff recently met
with the Martinez City Manager and the City Engineer about resolving a
long-standing issue of missing sewer easements in the older areas of
Martinez. Under a 1967 agreement, the District became responsible for
the existing sewer system in the City of Martinez. At that time, the City
and District were aware that not all of the existing sewers had sufficient
easements or other property rights. The agreement provided for a process
to acquire the necessary sewer easement rights with the City being
responsible for the costs of acquisition.
A significant number of these easement issues were resolved during the
late 1980's and 1990's as part of District sewer replacement and
renovation projects. Due to staff turnover and other priorities with both the
City and District, work on resolving the missing easements stalled. Staff
estimates that there are approximately 125 missing easements remaining
to be acquired or resolved.
During the next several years, the District will undertake another round of
sewer renovation projects in the older areas of Martinez. District staff
proposes to resolve all of the remaining missing easements over the next
few years working with the City. District and City staff agreed to work
together in an attempt to acquire the missing easements at the least cost.
Staff will report periodically on the progress of this effort.
7) General Manager James Kelly announced that Assistant Engineer Raffi
Moughamian in the Environmental Services Division has applied for
participation in the 2008 Water Leaders Program sponsored by the Water
Book 57 - Page 65
Board Minutes of December 20, 2007
Education Foundation. This year-long program educates about water
quality and supply issues in the western United States. Participants are
assigned to a mentor who is a major water stakeholder or policy-maker.
Mr. Moughamian expects to hear whether or not he has been accepted
into the program by the end of December 2007. If accepted, he will begin
the program in early January 2008.
The cost of the Water Leaders Program is $2500. Participation in this
program was not specifically budgeted, however, there are sufficient funds
in the Engineering Department training budget to cover this cost.
8) General Manager James Kelly announced that, on June 7, 2007, staff
advised the Board that the District had undercharged developers of two
subdivisions in Danville for capacity, reimbursement, and other related
fees. The two developers are KB Home and Lennar Communities. The
subdivisions are located in the “intervening properties” area near
Lawrence Road and Camino Tassajara. Lennar Communities paid
$258,083.70 in additional fees in September.
KB Home owes an additional $133,287.87. During the summer, staff
provided supporting information to KB Home representatives for the
additional fees owed. On October 12, 2007, staff sent a formal invoice for
the amount due, which was payable by November 27, 2007. KB Home
requested an extension of the payment due date to allow further review
and consultation with their attorney. Staff granted an extension to
December 14, 2007. Staff has offered to allow KB Homes to pay over a
one-year period.
9) General Manager James Kelly announced that, by December 19, 2007,
staff anticipates that annexation of 243 properties in the Alhambra Valley
will be completed. All of these properties are within the District sphere of
influence and within the County Urban Limit Line (ULL). There are 16
properties in the Alhambra Valley that are outside of the ULL and have not
been part of the previous annexation applications. Last May, the Board
decided not to consider annexation of the properties outside the ULL until
the other properties in the Alhambra Valley had been annexed.
Staff will prepare a position paper about the issue of annexing the
properties outside the ULL for Board consideration at a Board Meeting in
early 2008. As this is a complex issue, staff will also prepare a
memorandum to the Board that describes background information and
possible alternatives. This memorandum will be distributed to the Board by
early January 2007.
Book 57 - Page 66
Board Minutes of December 20, 2007
10) General Manager James Kelly announced that Field Operations
Superintendent Don Rhoads and Vehicle and Equipment Mechanic Nick
Wright traveled to Indiana on December 17, 2007 to inspect the Collection
Systems Operations new rodding truck, which is being assembled at the
OK Champion manufacturing facility in Hammond, Indiana. The trip was
financed by the vendor as part of the procurement of the rodder. Staff
returned on December 18, 2007.
Items 1-10 were provided as written announcements.
11) General Manager James Kelly announced that LAFCO staff conducted the
protest hearing on December 18, 2007 for the District’s annexation of 242
properties in the Alhambra Valley. LAFCO staff received 17 written
protests out of a possible 381 registered voters in the annexation area.
On December 19, 2007 LAFCO unanimously overruled the protests and
ordered the annexation of the 242 properties, encompassing
approximately 302 acres, to CCCSD.
12) General Manager James Kelly announced that retired District employee
Paul Morsen has served as Interim Executive Director of the Central
Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority (CCCSWA) since the resignation of
the Executive Director in June 2007. Recruitment of a permanent
replacement was not successful. For the near term, the CCCSWA Board
of Directors has decided to negotiate an extension of the contract with Mr.
Morsen. Another recruitment for a permanent Executive Director will be
conducted later.
13) General Manager James Kelly announced that a letter to the Editor
appeared in yesterday’s Contra Costa Times complaining about the
mercury in the new energy-efficient CFL bulbs. The writer stated that “our
local recycling site in Martinez” does not accept these bulbs. Staff has
sent a letter to the Editor noting that the HHW Collection Facility gladly
accepts CFL bulbs, along with other household hazardous waste.
14) General Manager James Kelly announced that an Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) contractor, Tetra Tech, is scheduled to conduct
a Pretreatment Compliance Audit (PCA) on January 16-17, 2008. The
Tetra Tech audits are thorough and detail oriented. During the previous
Pretreatment Compliance Inspection (which is not as detailed as a PCA),
nine issues were identified which were responded to shortly after the
inspection. The net result of the process was a recommendation to Region
9 EPA staff that the District be considered for the USEPA National
Pretreatment Program Excellence Award. The District won this award.
Book 57 - Page 67
Board Minutes of December 20, 2007
15) General Manager James Kelly announced that there was a schedule
change for the RibLoc pipe liner installation. The current schedule is for
the installation to be performed by the contractor on Monday January 7,
2008. The date and time of installation will be re-confirmed during the first
week in January 2008.
b. COUNSEL FOR THE DISTRICT
District Counsel Kent Alm provided an update on the Gus Kramer quiet title action.
c. SECRETARY OF THE DISTRICT
No reports.
d. BOARD MEMBERS
1) Member McGill reported on the December 17, 2007 Budget and Finance
Committee meeting. The Board accepted the report without comments.
2) Member McGill reported on the December 12, 2007 Ad Hoc Code Review
Committee meeting. He stated that two more meetings are scheduled,
and a third may be needed to complete the review.
3) Member McGill reported his attendance at the December 6, 2007 Mayors’
Conference.
Member Lucey reported on his attendance at the Mountain View Sanitary
District Board Meeting at which the District presented its Household
Hazardous Waste Annual Report. He stated that he has requested a tour
of their facility and invited other Board Members to join him if they wished.
4) President-Elect Lucey distributed a memorandum announcing the
proposed 2008 Board Committee assignments and asked Board Members
to contact him if they had comments or questions.
5) Announcements
President Nejedly stated that he received a request from the State
Department of Fish and Game to store a boat and four-wheeler at the
District’s Martinez Pumping Station. Staff is working on the request and
the matter will be scheduled for review by the Real Estate Committee.
Book 57 - Page 68
Board Minutes of December 20, 2007
10. ADMINISTRATIVE
a. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE GENERAL MANAGER TO
EXECUTE THE CAL/WARN 2007 OMNIBUS MUTUAL ASSISTANCE
AGREEMENT AND TO DESIGNATE APPROPRIATE STAFF AS AUTHORIZED
OFFICIALS
General Manager James Kelly stated that being a member of California Water/
Wastewater Agency Response Network allows members to lend personnel, equipment
and other resources to each other in case of emergency. CalWARN also has a
database of members’ resources so members can quickly identify and request use of
those resources in order to improve its emergency response. The CalWARN program
is consistent with State and Federal emergency management requirements for mutual
assistance programs.
Safety and Risk Management Administrator Shari Deutsch presented an overview of the
program, stating that benefits include a process for sharing emergency resources
among members statewide, although membership does not create an obligation to
share resources. Designated District staff will evaluate any requests for mutual aid, and
the same designated staff must make requests for aid.
The requesting agency must reimburse the lending agency for use of any resource per
the terms and conditions of the agreement. Employees borrowed by other agencies are
covered under the home agency’s Workers’ Compensation program.
It was moved by President Nejedly and seconded by Member Lucey to adopt
Resolution 2007-202, authorizing the General Manager to execute the Cal/WARN 2007
Omnibus Mutual Assistance Agreement and to designate appropriate staff as
authorized officials. Motion passed by unanimous vote of the Board.
11. ENGINEERING
a. APPROVE THE FORMATION OF AN ALHAMBRA VALLEY ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT (AVAD) FOR PROPERTIES ON ALHAMBRA VALLEY ROAD,
CASTLE CREEK COURT, AND FALLEN OAK LANE IN UNINCORPORATED
MARTINEZ FOR INSTALLATION OF SEWER IMPROVEMENTS; ADOPT
RESOLUTION OF INTENTION 2007-203 TO CREATE CREEKSIDE OAKS
AVAD NO. 2007-5; ADOPT RESOLUTION 2007-204 APPROVING THE
BOUNDARY MAP; AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2007-205 REQUESTING
CONSENT OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY FOR CCCSD TO CONDUCT
PROCEEDINGS FOR THE AVAD
General Manager James Kelly stated that the next item concerns initiation of one of the
proposed Alhambra Valley Assessment Districts (AVAD). Because the circumstances
about this assessment district are different from others, staff has placed it on the regular
agenda for Board consideration. The primary difference is that a developer is the
Book 57 - Page 69
Board Minutes of December 20, 2007
installer of the sewer extension to the neighborhood, rather than a group of residents as
is the case with the other assessment districts. Financing of the sewer for the existing
residents will involve a reimbursement of a portion of the sewer construction costs to the
developer.
Environmental Services Division Manager Curt Swanson described the details of the
proposed Alhambra Valley Assessment District No. 2007-5, stating that the sewer
extension has been constructed by the developer and serves nine existing properties
along Alhambra Valley Road. There are nine potential participants, and 66 percent of
them are interested in forming an AVAD. Staff proposes to reimburse the developer for
the sewer portion of the sewer extension. The policy question is whether the District
should finance the reimbursement owed to the developer. If it does not, residents must
pay the reimbursement amount at the time of connection. If the District agrees to
finance the reimbursement, there are two options: financing only the participant’s
reimbursement, or financing both participant and non-participant reimbursements. He
stated that staff recommends approving formation of the AVAD and financing both
participant and non-participant reimbursements.
Member Lucey objected to being asked to make a policy decision regarding how to
address the reimbursements when the issue had not been addressed in the Position
Paper. He stated that proceeding with the staff recommendation would set a precedent.
Member McGill stated that it is his understanding that it is the District’s goal is to get as
many people connected to sewers as possible. He concurred with Member Lucey that
the issue was not addressed in the Position Paper. He expressed a preference for
proceeding with the staff recommendation if it facilitates sewer hookups in the Alhambra
Valley.
President Nejedly concurred with Member McGill’s comments.
In response to a question from Member Menesini, Mr. Swanson confirmed that the
sewer has been installed in accordance with District standards.
It was moved by Member Menesini and seconded by Member Hockett to approve
the formation of an Alhambra Valley Assessment District (AVAD) for properties on
Alhambra Valley Road, Castle Creek Court, and Fallen Oak Lane in unincorporated
Martinez for installation of sewer improvements; adopted Resolutions 2007-203, 2007-
204 and 2007-205 as recommended; and to approve financing of both participant and
non-participant sewer reimbursements owed to the developer.
Member Lucey stated that he will abstain on the motion as he does not feel he has been
provided with sufficient information.
Motion passed by the following vote of the Board:
Book 57 - Page 70
Board Minutes of December 20, 2007
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Members:
Members:
Members:
Hockett, McGill, Menesini, Nejedly
None
Lucey
12. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION
None.
13. ANNOUNCEMENTS/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, President Nejedly adjourned
the meeting at 3:22 p.m.
iJaz/J~l~~
Barbara D. Hockett
President Pro Tem of the Board of Directors,
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District,
County of Contra Costa, State of California
COUNTERSIGNED:
Elaine R. Boehme
Secretary of the Central Contra Costa
Sanitary District, County of Contra Costa,
State of California
Book 57 - Page 71