HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-18 - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 2017-079
MINUTES OF THE
YORBA LINDA WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPECIAL MEETING
Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 4:00 p.m.
1717 E Miraloma Ave, Placentia CA 92870
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:01 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
DIRECTORS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT
J. Wayne Miller, President Marc Marcantonio, General Manager
Al Nederhood, Vice President Steve Conklin, Engineering Manager
Phil Hawkins, Director John DeCriscio, Operations Manager
Brooke Jones, Director (Arrived at 418 p.m.) Gina Knight, HR/Risk and Safety Manager
Art Vega, Information Technology Manager
DIRECTORS ABSENT Annie Alexander, Executive Secretary
Andrew J. Hall Director Cindy Botts, Management Analyst
Kelly McCann, Senior Accountant
ALSO PRESENT
Andrew Gagen, Partner, Kidman Law LLP
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
5. ACTION CALENDAR
5.1. Determination of Refunding Scenario for Revenue Bonds, Series 2017A
Ms. Cindy Botts explained that due to timing factors associated with
release of the official statement (OS) to investors, the Board would need
to consider pursuing either the "advanced" or "current" refunding scenario
for the District's revenue bonds. Should the Board wish to pursue the
"advanced" option, the OS would be released the week of April 17, 2017.
This would allow for an April/May timeline for marketing and closing the
bonds. Should the Board desire to pursue the "current" option, the OS
would be released closer to the July/August timeline for marketing and
Minutes of the YLWD Board of Directors Special Meeting Held April 18, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. 1
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closing of the bonds. Both of these options were previously presented
and discussed during the April 11, 2017 Board meeting. Once the OS
was released, marketing of the bonds would soon follow. Should the
Board decide to wait for the April 25, 2017 regular meeting to consider
which option to pursue, the "advanced" option would not be possible.
President Miller suggested that consideration of this item be suspended
until Director Jones arrived.
6. DISCUSSION ITEMS
6.1. Budget for Salaries & Benefits, Supplies & Services, and Variable Costs
for FY 2017/18
Ms. Botts stated that staff had begun using a new naming convention to
identify fiscal years (FY) which was reflected in the presentation. She also
defined various general terms related to the operating budget and
identified where to locate associated information.
Ms. Gina Knight provided an overview of salaries and benefits including
variances between the budget and forecast for FY 2017 and proposed
budget for FY 2018.
The Board and staff then discussed positions that were underfilled and/or
vacant during the current fiscal year, positions that were funded by
administrative penalties, merit increases, and staffing. Mr. Marcantonio
noted that following the budget process, staff would be reviewing the
current organizational structure.
Director Jones joined the meeting at this time.
The Board and staff continued their discussion regarding the results of a
previous organizational performance review, modifications to certain slides
in regards to the presentation of financial data and inclusion of supporting
reports, potentially using an outside vendor to process payroll, and
variances between the budget and forecast for FY 2017.
Ms. Knight explained the process for Board consideration and approval of
budgeted positions.
The Board and staff then discussed cost of living and merit increases,
performance evaluations, alternative methods for administering merit
increases, results of an internal salary survey, active contracts for services
with outside consultants/vendors, staff overtime, other post-employment
Minutes of the YLWD Board of Directors Special Meeting Held April 18,2017 at 4:00 p.m. 2
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benefit (OPEB) annual required contribution, and purpose of the employee
liabilities reserve, and mandatory benefits.
Discussion continued regarding the process for qualifying for and handling
of refunds received from ACWA/JPIA, fringe benefits, cost savings
achieved during the current fiscal year, contrasting budgeting
philosophies, personnel related insurance costs, floating holidays, retiree
benefits, unemployment insurance, and the difference between the
unfunded accrued liability and OPEB contribution.
Mr. Kelly McCann provided an overview of key factors in the differences
between the FY 2017 forecast and FY 2018 proposed budget for supplies
and services. He then reviewed variances in each major expense
category. The Board and staff discussed the type of computer hardware
to be purchased for field personnel, updating the Asset Management Plan
(AMP), and funds allocated for public relations and CMMS consulting
services.
In response to a question from Mr. Ben Parker (resident), Mr. Steve
Conklin explained the process for updating the AMP.
Mr. McCann continued reviewing variances in each major expense
category. The Board and staff then discussed breaking out some
individual costs included in the FY 2018 proposed budget within the
professional services category, utilizing reserves to cover the cost of
performing a water quality study, obtaining more detail on variances above
a certain percentage or dollar amount, and variances in the professional
development category.
In response to a question from Ms. Cristy Parker (resident), staff explained
the differences between services provided by legislative and public
relations consultants.
Mr. McCann then presented actuals for supplies and services from the
previous 10 years audited financial reports as compared to the FY 2017
forecast and FY 2018 proposed budget.
Ms. Botts reviewed the key budget assumptions for water purchases
during FY 2018 and staff summarized benefits to be provided by the
Fairmont Booster Pump Station Upgrade Project and timeline for
completion.
Ms. Botts then reviewed the water operating plan, water purchase cost
increases, historical and projected groundwater and import water costs,
change in total water purchases from the previous 9 years as compared to
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the FY 2017 forecast and FY 2018 proposed budget, conservation
recovery and monthly historical purchase trends, and projected import and
groundwater costs for FY 2018. She also provided a summary of
historical, projected and budgeted operating expenses broken down by
major category.
The Board commended and thanked staff for their efforts.
5. ACTION CALENDAR CONTINUED
5.1. Determination of Refunding Scenario for Revenue Bonds, Series 2017A (Continued)
President Miller explained that the staff report for this item had already
been presented and opened the floor to public comment.
There being none, the Board discussed the ability of changing this
determination prior to the bonds going to market.
Ms. Botts noted that an update on market conditions would be presented
at the April 25, 2017 meeting during which the Board would have the
opportunity to reconsider. She also clarified the differences between the
"advanced" and "current" refunding scenarios.
Director Hawkins made a motion, seconded by Director Jones, to pursue
the "advanced" scenario for refunding the District's Revenue Bonds,
Series 2017A. Motion carried 4-0-0-1 with Director Hall being absent.
7. ADJOURNMENT
7.1. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Annie Alexander
Assistant Board Secretary
Minutes of the YLWD Board of Directors Special Meeting Held April 18, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. 4