Board Meeting - 7/15/2014
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SERRANO WATER DISTRICT
The Board of Directors of the Serrano Water District met in a regularly scheduled board meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 2014. The meeting was held at the District Office located at 18021 Lincoln Street, Villa Park, California.
CALL TO ORDER: President Rickerl called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
ROLL CALL:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERS PRESENT:
Robert F. (Woody) Rickerl President
C.L. Pharris, Jr. Vice President
Jerry Haight Board Member
Richard A. Freschi Board Member
Frank Bryant Board Member
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
Ann Michel Director, Finance & Administration
Joel Kuperberg General Counsel, Rutan & Tucker
Laura Heflin Administrative Assistant
GUESTS PRESENT:
Alyson Loyd Curt Pringle & Associates
Dave Noyes Contract CEO, SWD Recreation, Inc.
Larry Dick President, Municipal Water District of Orange County
Diana Fascenelli City Council Woman, City of Villa Park
PUBLIC COMMENT
Larry Dick reported that an agricultural trip will be held on October 26th and 27th to review the central valley. He went on to announce that the State Department of Water Resources has announced that there will be mandatory water rationing which will include $500 fines per day. There will be a hearing today and Rob Hunter will be present to represent MWDOC’s position. President Rickerl stated that the Serrano Water District staff will coordinate efforts with the City of Villa Park with regard to our conservation plan and a presentation made by Joe Berg of MWDOC relating to the rebate programs. The District will send a letter of support of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan to Sacramento. A sample letter will be sent to the District. President Rickerl suggested that a representative from MWDOC be asked to attend the Board meeting to present conservation programs. Larry Dick mentioned that he was running for re-election for MWDOC Board President.
City Council Woman Diana Fascenelli reported that the firework sales in the City of Villa Park were very successful grossing approximately over $200,000 (3 booths), and there were no incidents reported within the city. Firework sales and use within the City of Villa Park will be on the November ballot as well as the bond measure. Three seats will be available on the Villa Park City Council in November. CPR training is scheduled for August 16th.
CORPORATE MINUTES
Consideration of Serrano Water District Board Meeting minutes of June 10, 2014. Director Freschi moved that the minutes of the June 10, 2014 meeting be approved as submitted, Director Haight seconded the motion, and the motion was carried with Directors Bryant, Pharris, Rickerl, Freschi and Haight voting yes.
GENERAL MANAGER REPORT
President Rickerl presented the general manager’s report in his absence and summarized the status of Board Committee and management matters as agendized for the month of June. Highlighted items included review of the Construction Committee activities including discussion of potential well sites. Director Haight enquired about the status of discussions with staff from Irvine Ranch Water District Santiago Creek Dam outlet tower.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Following presentation of the financial report by Ann Michel, Director of Finance and Administration, it was moved (Director Haight), seconded (Director Freschi), and unanimously carried with Directors Bryant, Freschi, Rickerl, Pharris and Haight voting yes to approve the disbursements in the amount of $456,459.96. Director Haight asked Ann Michel to review why water sales are down and to report back. City Council Woman Fascenelli remarked that approximately 15 residents have stopped watering their gardens.
WATER REPORT
Ann Michel, Director of Finance and Administration, presented the water report. The water report was received and filed.
ENDORSEMENT OF RICHARD A. FRESCHI TO POSITION OF ISDOC BOARD PRESIDENT
This item was tabled as Director Freschi announced that he is no longer running for the position of ISDOC Board President. Directors Haight and Rickerl complimented Director Freschi on the outstanding job he has done in the capacity of ISDOC Board President.
CSDA REGION 6 ENDORSEMENT OF ARLENE SCHAFER
Following discussion, it was moved (Director Haight), seconded (Director Freschi), and unanimously carried with Directors Rickerl, Haight, Freschi, Pharris and Bryant voting yes to officially endorse Arlene Schafer for CSDA Region 6 Representative.
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS JULY 2014
Committee assignments were distributed reflecting the addition of the Transparency Committee. The possibility of adding a Conservation Committee was discussed, and President Rickerl announced that he will bring the committee assignments back to the August board meeting. SWD Recreation, Inc. committee assignments will also be included.
PROPOSED STATE MANDATORY WATER USE REDUCTIONS
Attorney Kuperberg announced that the State Board has on the agenda today to take action on emergency regulations that would require retail agencies to regulate water use. Urban water suppliers will be affected, and the District falls into this category. The District will be required to implement a mandatory phase into our water plan. In 2009, Serrano Water District adopted a water conservation plan that essentially already addressed the State Board’s requirements. In addition to permanent water stipulations, watering will be limited to three set days per week (exceptions to include drip system or manual watering) and leaks will be required to be repaired within 72 hours. The effective date will most likely be August 15th or September 1st. This item will be addressed at the July 31st meeting. President Rickerl will coordinate implementation with the City of Villa Park. Director Freschi announced that he will address this at the next Villa Park City Council meeting as it will be agendized. President Rickerl reported that he will be reviewing the 20% by 2020 legislation with General Manager Vilander upon his return.
DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND REPORTS
Director Bryant commented on water quality comparison referenced in General Manager Vilander’s report and noted that this information will be complete by the next Board meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
None.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Attorney Kuperberg announced that LAFCO is soliciting applicants for the Alternate Public Member position. Serrano Water District board members are not eligible due to the fact that they are already elected officials within the County of Orange. Ethics AB1234 training is scheduled for July 31st @ 4:00 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned to the SWD Recreation, Inc. meeting at 10:00 a.m, and then reconvened into closed session at 10:40 a.m.
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - PROPERTY NEGOTIATION
Government code section 54956.8: One potential case
Property - Santiago Reservoir (Irvine Lake, Recreation Rights and Access)
District Negotiations - Jerry Vilander, Dave Noyes, Joel Kuperberg
Negotiating Parties - Irvine Company, County of Orange
Under Negotiation - Price and Terms
The meeting was recessed back into open session at 11:45 a.m., and it was announced that no formal action will be taken at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was formally adjourned at 11:46 a.m. in memory of June Vilander to the Ethics Committee Training scheduled for July 31, 2014. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 @ 8:30 a.m. at the District office.
Laura Heflin, Administrative Assistant