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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-21 - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 2015-084 MINUTES OF THE YORBA LINDA WATER DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS WORKSHOP MEETING Thursday, May 21, 2015, 8:30 a.m. 1717 E Miraloma Ave, Placentia CA 92870 1. CALL TO ORDER The May 21 , 2015 Yorba Linda Water District Board of Directors Workshop Meeting was called to order by President Collett at 8:30 a.m. The meeting was held in the Board/Training Room at the District's Administration Building located at 1717 East Miraloma Avenue in Placentia, California 92870. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE President Collett led the pledge. 3. ROLL CALL DIRECTORS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT Ric Collett, President Marc Marcantonio, General Manager Michael J. Beverage, Vice President Steve Conklin, Engineering Manager Phil Hawkins John DeCriscio, Operations Manager Robert R. Kiley Gina Knight, Human Resources / Risk Manager Gary T. Melton Delia Lugo, Finance Manager Art Vega, Information Technology Manager Damon Micalizzi, Public Information Manager Annie Alexander, Executive Secretary Cindy Botts, Management Analyst OTHER ATTENDEES Eddy Beltran, Partner, Kidman Law LLP Brett Barbre, Director, MWDSC and MWDOC Randy Kuroda, Resident 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Randy Kuroda, resident, addressed the Board and expressed his concerns regarding the state's emergency drought regulations prohibiting the watering of landscape within 48 hours of measureable rainfall or when there is a 50% chance or greater of rainfall. He noted that the term "measurable rainfall" was undefined and that sources for identifying the % chance of rainfall were somewhat difficult to locate. He also stated that the provision in the District's water conservation ordinance prohibiting the initial filling and refilling of pools and spas more than 1 foot did not specify any time period (i.e. day, month, etc.). He suggested that the District consider posting real time weather forecasts on its website in addition to e-mailing or texting customers weather related information. 1 2015-085 President Collett noted that the water conservation ordinance was originally adopted in 2009 and that the Board would be reviewing it again in the near future. Mr. Kuroda also suggested that as MWDSC funding for turf removal rebates had been depleted, that the District consider promoting its own program. Director Barbre stated that MWDSC would be considering making additional funding available shortly and responded to related questions from the Board. President Collett commented on a matter discussed during the previous Yorba Linda City Council meeting regarding a possible temporary moratorium on the issuance of building permits for swimming pools and outdoor spas. Mr. Marcantonio thanked Mr. Kuroda for his comments and asked Director Barbre if MWDOC would be developing an updated framework for the water conservation ordinance. Director Barbre indicated that work related to this effort was being performed on a state level. Mr. Micalizzi noted that the District's website was in the process of being re-designed and would include a weather related module. Mr. Kuroda left the meeting at this time. 5. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5.1. Draft FY 2015/16 Operating Budget (Materials to be provided at the meeting.) Mrs. Lugo began the presentation and explained that staff had revised the draft budget assuming 45% of the District's operating expenses being covered on the base fee versus 55% as was presented at the last workshop meeting. She then summarized the key budget assumptions. Mrs. Botts provided an overview of the State Water Resources Control Board's (SWRCB) requirements and calculations, a revised operating plan, and estimated import water and groundwater costs for the next fiscal year. Mrs. Lugo then provided an overview of the revised draft FY 2015/16 budget summary and expense key factors. Mrs. Knight reviewed the proposed changes in staffing for the next fiscal year. Staff then responded to questions from the Board regarding the District's long and short term staffing needs. This included a discussion regarding the funding of short term positions specifically related to the state's conservation mandate through the use of penalties. These penalties would also be used to pay for fines from the state should the District not meet its conservation percentage. Mrs. Lugo explained that in order to address the SWRCB's mandate, the Board would need to establish water use restrictions and impose penalties upon customers who exceed those restrictions in the form of an Ordinance. 2 2015-086 President Collett called a recess at 10:10 a.m. The meeting was reconvened at 10:20 a.m. Mrs. Botts provided an overview of the District's debt service obligation and coverage ratio, proposed base fee increases, and a local agency rate comparison. She then explained staff's calculations and data used to develop residential, commercial, and irrigation water usage blocks and potential penalties. Mrs. Lugo also explained that any penalties imposed by the Board needed to be reasonable and serve as a deterrent against water waste. The Board then discussed the penalty amounts and provided feedback to staff. Mrs. Lugo reviewed the District's reserve types and established minimums. Mr. Conklin then provided an overview of the District's 5-year Capital Improvement Plan and responded to questions from the Board regarding identified projects and expanding the District's water supply portfolio. Following further discussion, the Board instructed staff to prepare an Ordinance to comply with the state's mandate that would impose water use restrictions and associated penalties for consideration at the next Board meeting. The Board also determined to change the time of the workshop meeting scheduled June 19, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the same day. 6. ADJOURNMENT 6.1. The meeting was adjourned at 11 :53 a.m. The next Regular Board of Directors Meeting will be held Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. Annie Alexander Assistant Board Secretary 3