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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-07 - Planning-Engineering-Operations Committee Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE YORBA LINDA WATER DISTRICT PLANNING-ENGINEERING-OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING October 7, 2009 A meeting of the Planning-Engineering-Operations Committee was called to order by Director Mills at 4:00 p.m. The meeting was held at the District's Administrative Office at 1717 E Miraloma Ave, Placentia CA 92870. COMMITTEE STAFF Director William R. Mills, Chair Ken Vecchiarelli, General Manager Director Paul R. Armstrong Steve Conklin, Engineering Manager Lee Cory, Operations Manager Ken Mendum, Ops Superintendent John DeCriscio, Chief Plant Operator 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Mark Schock attended the meeting but did not have any comments. 2. ACTION CALENDAR 2.1. Proposed Installation of Solar Panels on Administration Building. Mr. Conklin reported on the bids received for the solar panel project and the evaluation process. He noted that if the project is approved by the Board, it will be eligible for a rebate from the State of approximately $71,000. Following discussion, the Committee supported the recommendation of staff that the Board approve award to Akeena Solar, Inc., for $218,106. The Committee requested that staff report back on the progress of construction and operation, and when future investment in additional solar power might be recommended. 2.2. 2,000 GPM Hale Portable Fire Pumpset. Mr. DeCriscio reported on the plan to purchase a portable pumping system to augment the District's pumping capabilities during emergencies. The new pump would be for higher lifts in the upper pressure zones. He noted that the District requested bids from several pump suppliers, but only Hi-Tech Emergency Service Vehicles, Inc. provided a bid for a trailer- mounted high-pressure pump that met specifications. He reported that staff reviewed the bid of $151,896 and determined that acceptable; however, staff requested that the bid be modified to provide heavy-duty surge brakes on the trailer in place of the braking system proposed. This increased the bid price to $153,201.56. Following discussion, the Committee supported the recommendation of staff that the Board authorize approval of a purchase order in the amount of $153,201.56 to Hi-Tech Emergency Service Vehicles for the portable fire pump system. 1 3. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3.1. Proposed Annexation Application to OCWD Mr. Vecchiarelli reported that to restart the annexation application process with OCWD he proposes to send a letter to the OCWD General Manager requesting those areas of the YLWD service area that are outside of the OCWD service area be annexed to OCWD. He will provide a copy of the letter to the Board and keep them apprised of the status and process. Following discussion, the Committee supported the recommendation proposed by Mr. Vecchiarelli. 3.2. Discussion Concerning Water Development at Carbon Canyon Dam Mr. Conklin reported that Carbon Canyon Dam was constructed in 1960 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control purposes and is currently operated as a recreation area by the County of Orange. He noted that he contacted Mr. Roy Herndon, District Geologist of OCWD for his understanding of the site for potential development of water for irrigation. Mr. Herndon indicated that there is a shallow layer of sands and gravel in the area but not sufficient to support sustained pumping. He also noted that the flow from the dam is infrequent, as storm runoff, which is generally pretty dirty. After discussion, the Committee determined that there is no reason to further pursue the idea of water development in the area, which is outside of the District. 3.3. Monthly Groundwater Production and Purchased Water Report Mr. DeCriscio reported on water production for September and noted that demand increased last month, such that it was 10.5% under last September. Our goal was 10% reduction, so we were slightly under that. For the first three months of the new FY, our average reduction was 16.6% compared to 19% for each of July and August. It was also noted that September was a hot month, 2 to 4 degrees hotter than the last two Septembers. 3.4. Monthly Preventative Maintenance Program Report Mr. Mendum reported that the crews are essentially on target in all areas. He noted that we have increased our efforts in sewer cleaning, aided by CCTV to identify areas requiring extra work, such as root removal. Mr. Cory reported that 7 months into 2009, there have been no sewer spills, compared to 4 in 2008 and 6 in 2007, so our efforts are paying off. 3.5. Monthly OC Groundwater Producers Meeting Report Mr. Conklin reported on the Groundwater Producers meeting in September. At the meeting, OCWD reported that flow in the Santa Ana River is averaging less. It was in the range of 140,000 acre-feet/year 5-6 years ago and now is in the range of 100,000. The SAR is the primary source of recharge water for the Orange County aquifer. Reasons suggested for the reduced flow included the extended drought and the falling water table, more well pumping, more recycling in the Inland 2 Empire, and lower wastewater flow due to the economic downturn for businesses and housing foreclosures. 3.6. Status Report on Capital Projects in Progress Mr. Conklin provided a summary of the status report on capital projects in progress, describing projects in construction, in design and in planning. 3.7. Future Agenda Items and Staff Tasks None. 4. ADJOURNMENT 4.1. The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Planning-Engineering-Operations Committee will be held November 5, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. 3