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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-03-07 - Board of Directors Meeting MinutesPage-=W March 7, 1991 MINUTES OF THE YORBA LINDA WATER DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADJOURNED MEETING March 7, 1991 The adjourned meeting of the Board of Directors of the Yorba Linda Water District was called to order by Secretary William J. Robertson at 8:30 a.m., March 7, 1991, at the District Headquarters, 4622 Plumosa Drive, Yorba Linda. Directors present were Sterling Fox, Arthur C. Korn and Carl Scanlin. Directors absent were: Vice President Paul Armstrong and President M. Roy Knauft, Jr. On a motion by Director Fox and seconded by Director Scanlin, the Board of Directors voted 3-0 to appoint Director Korn as the Acting Presiding Officer. Also present were William Robertson, Secretary/General Manager; Cheryl Gunderson, Business Manager; Ray Harsma, Operations Superintendent; Mike Payne, Engineering Manager; Mike Robinson, Assistant Administrator; and Barbara Bower, Secretary to the General Manager. INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Visitors representing the Orange County Water District were William Mills, Katharine Barr, John Garthe, Larry Kraemer, Craig Miller, George Osborne, Don Owen and Nick Richardson. Also present was Brian Johnson representing AW Associates. DISCUSSION CALENDAR Item 1. Discussion of Orange County Groundwater Basin. Mr. William Mills, General Manager, Orange County Water District (OCWD) began his presentation with a report that OCWD reached agreement with the Corps of Engineers stopping the recent storm releases from Prado Dam, and that OCWD does not have a method to divert river flows directly into local replenishment basins. Mr. Mills then conducted an audio/visual presentation on the current status of the local groundwater basin. Here, in summary, is Mr. Mills' report: the basin is in good shape after five years of drought; the basin is down 400,000 acre feet from being full; the ideal basin condition is down 200,000 acre feet; the basin drawdown from last year to the current year is 10,000 acre feet; there is a pumping trough in the southwest corner of the basin; a pumping trough exists west of the District's well field; and, OCWD efforts to slow saltwater intrusion. Mr. Mills then reported on the OCWD's financial assistance program to increase local groundwater production. This item was for discussion only and no action was taken. Item 2. Discussion of Groundwater Supply for Yorba Linda Water District. Mr. Nick Richardson, Assistant General Manager, Orange County Water District conducted an audio/visual presentation on the opportunities to increase local groundwater production E in the upper Santa Ana River canyon area. Mr. Richardson reported that increasing the Paged' March 7, 1991 draw of local supply will improve overall groundwater quality. Mr. Robertson responded that Mr. Mike Payne, Engineering Manager, has been tasked with responsibility to study water well opportunities in this area. This item was for discussion only and no action was taken. Members of the Yorba Linda Water District Board of Directors and representatives from OCWD held a general discussion on OCWD's annexation policy, financial assistance to construct pipelines that transfer well water instead of constructing new water wells, and the basin's ability to supply water during the drought. Director Korn declared a recess beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Board of Directors reconvened at 9:45 a.m. Following the recess, Board members exchanged comments on the OCWD presentation. Item 3. Discussion of Emergency Water Conservation Program. Mr. William Robertson, General Manager, conducted a general discussion of the draft Emergency Water Management Ordinance. Mr. Brian Johnson, AW Associates, addressed the Board concerning the District's ability to declare a moratorium on new service connections and under what circumstances, or Level, would a moratorium be declared. Following a general discussion on the issue, the Board of Directors noted the difficulty of defining ahead of time specific conditions that would warrant calling for a moratorium; however, it was noted that a moratorium would not appear logical for Level's 1 and 2. Additionally, the Board responded that notice would be provided to each City served by the District, and to interested developers, when conditions may warrant the call for a moratorium. The Board discussed enforcement of the measures identified in Level 2. Given that total enforcement requires resources not currently available to the District, the Board of Directors requested staff to consider a change in Level 2 emphasis so the customer has the option to choose the conservation measures that meets their particular needs. Under this option, the surcharge on excess usage becomes the enforcement mechanism. Moreover, Level 3 would also be modified to emphasize mandatory measures requiring a commensurate enforcement program along with even higher surcharges on excess use. The Board of Directors then discussed the differential surcharge on residential, commercial, and landscape and agriculture customers. Following a lengthy discussion on the matter, the Board of Directors left the differential in place and will review it again at the March 14, 1991 meeting. This matter was for discussion only and no action was taken. Page's March 7, 1991 ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Director Fox and seconded by voted 3-0 at 11:45 a.m. to adjourn the meeting to at the District Boardroom. i William J. Robertson General Manager/Secretary Director Scanlin the Board of Directors Thursday, March 14, 1991 at 8:30 a.m.