HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-07-22; Ad Hoc - Water Commission; MinutesMINUTES
MEETING OF: WATER COMMISSION
DATE OF MEETING:
TIME OF MEETING: 2:OO p.m.
PLACE OF MEETING:
July 22, 1992 (Regular Meeting)
5950 El Camlno Real
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Henley called the Meeting to order at 2:OO p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present:
Absent: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Chairman Henley.
Commissioners Henley, Louis, Maerkle and Melideo.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Renata Mulry, Bexen Press, 7040 Avenida Encinas, addressed the Commission regarding an article in
the L. A. Times on Wednesday, July 19, stating Governor Wilson had signed a bill allowing the use of
grey water on lawns. She was concerned about the possibility of someone using washing machine
water to water a lawn, creating a health hazard.
Bob Greaney stated that treatment is required through the Department of Health, and under certain
conditions of drought must exist, before any grey water can be used.
Mrs. Mulry stated that her second concern was the possible monetary participation with Oceanside in
the use of Carlsbad wells for the desalination of sea water at Oceanside.
Mr. Greaney stated that Carlsbad wants to work out an arrangement with the Ci of Oceanside, since
Carlsbad has some wells in that area. The only way to get water from those wells to Carlsbad, is
through an arrangement with the City of Oceanside to use their system. Any money spent would be
to pay to have Oceanside pump the water out of the ground. In turn, water could be wheeled through
Oceanside's system to the connection points with CMWD's system. A new pipeline would have to be
installed by Carlsbad to use the water from those wells, and that would be very expensive.
NEW BUSINESS:
Presentation to Former Commissioners
Former Commissioners Bonas and Woodward were presented Certificates of Appreciation from the
Olivenhain Water District.
July 22, 1992 WATER COMMISSION Page 2
NEW BUSINESS: (Continued)
Update on Emeraencv Request to the Board reQardina Reclaimed Water Line
Bob Greaney reported that the Board had approved the action taken by staff with regard to the
reclaimed water line. The Price Club plans had included upgrading the median on Palomar Airprot
Road, and those plans were approved with regard to water lines. However, upon analysis of the plans
for reclaimed water for two growers and Cal Trans in that area, it was discovered that this would
involve digging up Palomar Airport Road unless the lines were put in the median. Since Price Club
was doing the improvement to the median and the reclaimed water lines would go past those
improvements, the District Engineer and the contractor for the Price Club met and decided to have
Hubbard put the reclaimed water in the median at the same time. There was not time to go out to bid
for this work, and the Board did approve this action. By doing this work at this time, there was a
considerable savings in the cost.
Action bv Metropolitan Water District rwardinq Service Availabilitv Charne
Bob Greaney stated that Metropolitan Water District wanted 50 million dollars of consistent for their
capital projects, and had split that into 25 million dollars from the parcel property tax of $5, and 25
million dollars from a service availability charge. The State Attorney General handed down an opinion
that this was charging two times for the same service, and that one or the other must be given up.
Metropolitan disagreed, but will give up the service charge at this time.
Mr. Greaney reported that the recommendation to take the $5 charge out of the Rate Stabililzation
Fund was to go before the Board next Tuesday, but is now a moot point, and won't go to the Board.
Commemorative for the Late Commissioner Greer
Chairman Henley read a Commemorative Plaque for the late Commissioner Greer for his years of
service to the City.
RECESS:
Chairman Henley declared a Recess at 2:39 pm., and the Commission re-convened at 255 p.m., with
all four Members present.
ADDED ITEMS AND REPORTS:
Water Commission
Commissioner Maerkle reported on a recent P & M Meeting, commenting that the people in northern
California do not consider the farms in southern California as agriculture-but consider them "hobby
farms'. He said the farmers in northern California only pay pennies for their water, and are
complaining about any proposed rate increase.
July 22,1992 WATER COMMISSION Page 3
GENERAL MANAGER REPORTS:
Report on General Manaaer Meetincr at CWA
Bob Greaney referred to his report included in the packet. He commented on the Manager’s Meeting
at the County Water Authority. Earthquake status was reviewed, and Metropolitan Water District said
there are inadequacies in the response plan, especially concerning during off-duty hour reporting.
During the recent earthquake, which was at 500 a.m., there were not enough people on duty to check
the aquaducts and get the reports in quickly. Mr. Greaney stated there was no damage to any of
Carlsbad’s systems or the County Water Authorii’s system.
Mr. Greaney. stated that a mutual aid agreement is being prepared, and is in draft form at this time. It
will be before the Board in two months and then go to the Member Agencies for review and sign-off.
There was a discussion on facility securi as a result of the bomb found in the air vent structures of
the acquaduct about a month and a half ago. The Water Authorii will give educational training
classes to field supervisors in another month to instruct staff what to do to ensure that the proper
authorities are informed in an emergency.
Mr. Greaney said there was an update on the status of the drought, to remind everyone that we are
still in the sixth year of a drought. We are on a 10 percent voluntary conservation program. The State
reservoirs are at a level equal to that of two years ago--very low-and if the winter continues at the
present rate, they will be at the lowest level since the beginning of the drought. He said there is the
possibility of having to go back to a Stage 5 or even a 50 percent cutback. This is being explained to
all the Managers. The unfortunate thing is that we are in a wait and see attitude. No one will know
until after the winter is over just what the situation will be. The Governor’s water bank could offset
that, but that would not be instituted until the end of the winter. If legislation is passed to allow water
transfers, it would be possible to know within a month what the situation would be next year and the
public could be informed.
Chairman Henley suggested that a task force of prominent people could possibly force some action
and become the aggressors rather than the reactors.
Chairman Henley suggested a movie to be run continuously at the Mall to explain reclaimed water.
Mr. Greaney will check on this.
Commissioner Maerkle suggested that two sleeves be installed on the overpass at Palomar Airport
Road, to have one for potable water and one for reclaimed water.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
On motion by Commissioner Melideo, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held June 24, 1992, were
approved as presented.
AYES: Henley, Maerkle and Melideo
ABSTAIN: Louis
July 22, 1992 WATER COMMISSION Page 4
ADJOURNMENT:
By proper motion, the Meeting of July 22 1992, was adjourned at 3:44 p.m.
ReFpectfully submitted,
Minutes Clerk