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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-02-23; Ad Hoc - Water Commission; MinutesMINUTES MEmNG OF: WATER COMMISSION DATE OF MEETING: TIME OF MEETING: 2:OO p.m. PLACE OF MEETING: February 23,1994 (Regular Meeting) 5950 El Camino Real CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Henley called the Meeting to order at 2:02 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Henley, Kubota, Louis, Maerkle and Melideo. Absent: None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Commissioner Maerkle. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: There were no requests to address the Commission on a non-agenda item. OLD BUSINESS: 1. AB #0223-01 - ELECTION OF OFFICERS. ACTION: By unanimous vote, Commissioner Louis was elected Chairman for 1994. ACTION: By unanimous vote, Commissioner Melideo was elected Vice-Chairperson for 1994. At this time, Chairman Louis assumed the Chair. 2. AB #0223-02 - DISCUSSION OF LINING AND COVERING OF MAERKLE RESERVOIR PROJECT. (Action Item) Bob Greaney referenced the Agenda Bill included in the packet, stating this project began in 1988, with the design and construction of a 10-million gallon water storage facility. The second phase began in 1991, with the design and construction of pumping facilities and chloramination facilities. The third phase began in 1992, with the design of the lining and covering of the reservoir. June 23, 1993, the consultant, John Powell and Associates, made a presentation to the Water Commission reviewing the 10 percent design report. At that time, staff recommended the project proceed; however, the Commission requested additional information on filtration alternatives and a concrete liner rather than asphalt. The Commission reviewed these alternatives at the July 28,1993, meeting, and after a discussion, the decision was made to write to the Department of Health Services requesting an exemption from lining and covering the reservoir. February 23, 1994 WATER COMMISSION Page 2 NEW BUSINESS: (Continued) Mr. Greaney and the consultant reported on the two items pertaining to the concrete liner and construction of a filtration plant at the November 10th meeting. Mr. Greaney also discussed the response from the Department of Health Services to the District's request for an exemption from lining and covering the reservoir. Following a discussion of this item, the Commission requested staff to invite Ms. Roy of the Department of Health Services to a Commission meeting to explain their response. Ms. Toby Roy from the Department of Health Services attended the December 8, 1993, Water Commission meeting. She summarized the letter the Department had sent by stating that the District could certainly apply for an exemption, but would be required to construct additional facilities and perform substantial additional testing. Approval of the exemption would take approximately six months from the State and EPA. Ms. Roy also pointed out that regardless of the additional facilities constructed and money spent on this exemption, if, at any time, the District failed any of the tests, they would be required to construct a treatment facility or cover the reservoir within 18 months. The Commission decided to put off action until a full Commission was present. Mr. Greaney stated that at the January 12, 1994, meeting, the Commission requested that staff write a letter to Ms. Roy asking her to reconsider her decision regarding the use of Maerkle Reservoir. Ms. Roy replied on February 1, 1994, stating that the Department had not shut down the Maerkle Reservoir, and the District could use water from it as long as the District notified the public in accordance with Title 22, Chapter 17, Section 64666 (c) of the Surface Water Filtration and Disinfection Treatment Regulations (SWR). This would require publication in a local newspaper of a Department-approved statement, including the required wording from Section 64666. Mr. Greaney stated that at the January 12th Commission meeting, the possibility of revising the present City/District policy of a minimum of ten days *emergency storage" to 10 days *self- sufficiency' was discussed. He said that staff strongly recommends that the Commission Et recommend any change in the present policy, as this policy is part of Carlsbad's Growth Management Plan, and would not be subject to revision by the City. Mr. Greaney stated that staff is requesting that the Commission agree to proceed with the design to line and cover the Maerkle Reservoir. He said that at the present time, the water from the Reservoir cannot be used by the District. Chairman Louis stated that he did not feel that Ms. Roy was stating that the District has to say the water from this Reservoir does not meet State EPA water requirements, but that this possibly was an unapproved source of water. Commissioner Kubota stated that the big issue is the 10 day emergency storage, and if the "big one* happened today, he asked whether staff would turn on that Reservoir in order to keep water flowing to the customers. Mr. Greaney stated that they could not use it without notification to the public. He said the public would have to be notified that the water does not meet present State and EPA Drinking Water Regulations. February 23, 1994 WATER COMMISSION Page 3 NEW BUSINESS: (Continued) Mr. Greaney stated this item is on the agenda because the Commission recommended asking for an exemption and also indicated they would like the Council to change the10 day emergency storage to 10 day self-sufficiency. He said the City Manager's Office directed him to put this item back on the agenda, as the City Council would not accept a recommendation to change the policy to "self-sufficiency". The Commission at this time needs to either re-affirm its previous recommendation or proceed with the design to line the cover the Reservoir. Commissioner Kubota commented that if there were a disaster, Carlsbad would need to 'beg, borrow or steal" additional water supplies. There are well fields at San Luis Rey and Agua Hedionda that need to be developed, as that is Carlsbad's water. He stated that he feels strongly that if that is the only local supply and you have control over it, that it should be developed to make it usable. Commissioner Kubota said he strongly recommends developing the well fields. This would be a local water supply and all you need to pump water is diesel fuel. Chairman Louis stated that the first issue is the exemption from the State. Commissioner Melideo made a motion to abandon any request for an exemption from the State of California Department of Health Services. The motion died for lack of a second. Chairman Louis stated he felt the issue was one of needing more time. There are new technologies being developed all the time and some of them could have a bearing on this issue. He said he felt the District should apply for an exemption to give time to see what could be done with this water or whether it is of good quallty, or the District could make it good quality. Mr. Louis said he was not certain that the lining and covering would be practical--there is no guarantee that it would work. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Henley, the Water Commission re-affirmed the previous recommendation to direct staff to seek an exemption from the State Department of Health Services and EPA. AYES: Louis, Henley, Kubota and Maerkle NOES: Melideo Commissioner Henley stated he preferred the language "self-reliance', with regard to the 10 day water supply. 2. AB #0223-03 - DISCUSSION OF COMMISSION WORKSHOP. Commissioner Kubota stated he had requested this agenda item, as he thought the Commissioners would find a workshop beneficial. A facilitator could be hired to help direct the workshop and staff could present goals and objectives for the Commission. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Kubota, the Water Commission requested staff to see if the budget would allow a workshop for the Commissioners and appropriate staff. AYES: Louis, Henley, Kubota, Maerkle and Melideo February 23, 1994 WATER COMMISSION Page 4 NEW BUSINESS: (Continued) 4. AB #0223-04 - APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECS AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR PONTO SEWER MAIN REALIGNMENT AND EXISTING MANHOLE REPAIRS, CMWD 93-403, CONTRACT NO. 3432. Bob Greaney gave the report, stating the existing line was installed in 1974 and the manholes have deteriorated because of gases in the sewer. The manholes need to be re-lined and some are damaged and need to be repaired. Bob Coates explained that the one box will be abandoned and a new manhole built. This will give a better flow by eliminating a curve in the line. He said if the manholes are replaced, the linings will be coated. The sewage through this line comes from two pump stations--Batiquitos and Leucadia. ACTION: f On motion by Commissioner Henley, the Water Commission recommended to the Board of Directors approval of the plans and specs and authorization to advertise for bids and appropriate funds for Ponto sewer main realignment and existing manhole repairs, CMWD 93-403, Contract No. 3432. AYES: Louis, Henley, Kubota, Maerkle and Melideo RECESS: Chairman Louis declared a Recess at 2:55 p.m., and the Commission re-convened at 3:OO p.m., with all Members present. Chairman Louis recognized Margaret Bonas, former Member of the Board and the Water Commission. Mrs. Bonas indicated her continuing interest in the Water District and the Commission. NEW BUSINESS: (Continued) 5. AB #0223-05 - APPROVAL OF REIMBURSEMENT TO AVIARA LAND ASSOCIATES FOR RECLAIMED WATER FACILITIES. Bob Greaney reported that in 1991, during the height of the drought in California, the San Diego County Water Authority was considering a possible 50 percent conservation effort, which would have precluded all outdoor irrigation using potable water. Aviara Land Associates had just completed construction'of their new golf course, and as a result of the possibility of the curtailing of irrigation use, elected to install temporary facilities to allow the District to deliver reclaimed water to their facilities. The District did require a portion of these facilities to be installed in a permanent manner, with the stipulation that the District agreed to reimburse Aviara for these permanent installations upon receipt of proceeds from the State Low- Interest Loan. The District has submitted the necessary paperwork to the State to initiate payment from the Low- Interest Loan Program, and $521,000 of the $2.4 million loan has been received. Mr. Greaney asked for the Commission's recommendation to the Board of Directors to pay the amount of $221,158 to Aviara Land Associates for reclaimed water facilities. February 23, 1994 WATER COMMISSION Page 5 NEW BUSINESS (Continued) Commissioner Maerkle stated that one of the Twin 'D' tanks is out of service, and he inquired whether the District was getting any credit for taking that tank out of service. Mr. Greaney answered that he is working with the Finance Department to place a value on both of the tanks-as eventually both will be reclaimed water. The District originally planned to build a reservoir for Aviara, but in lieu of an underground storage facility, the one tank was converted. Mr. Greaney stated that a portion of the low-interest low proceeds will be used to repay Aviara, and the remaining portion will be through a loan from the Water Replacement Fund. The loan will be repaid through the sale of reclaimed water and rebates from the County Water Authority and Metropolitan Water District. Staff was requested to amend the Resolution on page 2, Section 3, by adding the amount of $221,158 to be paid to Aviara Land Associates. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Kubota, the Water Commission recommended to the Board of Directors approval of reimbursement to Aviara Land Associates for reelaimed water facilities CMWD Project No. 91 -301, Contract 3394; as amended in the Resolution, Section 3, to add the total of $221,158. AYES Louis, Henley, Kubota, Maerkle and Melideo 6. AB #0223-06 - ESTABLISH FEE FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND CONVERSION MITIGATION FEES, TWIN 'D' TANKS. Bob Greaney gave the report, requesting a recommendation by the Commission to the Board of Directors to adopt the resolution to establish a fee for agricultural land conversion mitigation for Twin 'D' Reservoir Site Improvements, Assessor Parcel No. 21 5-08-23, (2.74 acres) CMWD Project No. 84-1 11 , Contract No. 3376. Mr. Greaney stated that staff was recommending that the mitigation fee be set at the minimum of $5,000 per acre, for a total fee of $13,700. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Kubota, the Water Commission recommended to the Board of Directors approval of the resolution to establish a fee for agricultural land conversion mitigation for Twin 'D' Reservoir Site Improvements, Assessor Parcel No. 215-08-23, (2.74 acres), CMWD Project No. 84-1 11, Contract No. 3376. AYES: Louis, Henley, Kubota, Maerkle and Melideo 7. AB #0223-07 - APPROVAL OF CHANGING THE METHOD OF CHARGING AND SElTING THE WATER MAJOR FACILITIES FEES. Bob Greaney reported that the present method of charging and setting the water Major Facilities Fee is based on the square footage for warehouses, and does not make any allowance for the water usage. This allows some discrepancies, as some businesses use a great deal of water in their business, while others with the same square footage would only use the water necessary for a rest room. February 23, 1994 WATER COMMISSION Page 6 NEW BUSINESS: (Continued) Mr. Greaney explained that the proposed method for charging and setting water Major Facilities Fee would be based on meter size rather than on the number of EDU's, in order to resolve the existing inequity. Bob Coates stated that the proposed method is used by the Water Authority to determine charges, and is the only fair method for determining the correct charge. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Henley, the Water Commission recommended to the Board of Directors the approval of the resolution to change the method of charging and setting the water Major Facilities Fee. AYES: Louis, Henley, Kubota, Maerkle and Melideo ADDITIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS: Water AQencies Association Commissioner Maerkle gave an update on the quarterly dinner to be held April 21, 1994, at the Olympic Resort Hotel. He will report further at the next Commission meeting. Countv Water Authoritv - Del Mar Fair Booth Commissioner Maerkle reported that he is working with Jim Melton of the Water Authority on plans for staffing the booth at the Fair. He suggested that staff members should be included, as they will be able to answer any questions presented by the public. WATER COMMISSION: Presidents and Manaaers Meeting Commissioner Maerkle reported on the recent meeting, stating the speaker was John Brown, who gave a report on the Brown Act. The Brown Act became a law in 1953, introduced by Ralph Brown, with amendments in 1993 and 1994. Mr. Maerkle left a copy of the report for the Commissioners. Commissioner Maerkle referred to a Customer Service Seminar to be held by the Presidents and Managers Council of Utilities, San Diego County, April 7 and April 14, at the Rancho Bernard0 Inn. There will be a meeting on Monday, February 28, 1994, at 9:00 a.m., at the lrvine City Council Chambers to discuss EPAs standards on urban water. Mr. Greaney said he will be attending that meeting. GENERAL MANAGER REPORTS: Bob Greaney stated he attended a workshop held at the County Water Authority, where the revenue restructuring Metropolitan is going to undertake was discussed, and how the new rate structures will be passed through to member agencies. The two key charges are the ready-to-serve and new-demand charges. The ready-to-serve charge will be placed on each member agency on a rolling four-year average of water usage and will take the place of the charge on the property tax. The stand-by charge for Carlsbad presently is $341,000 on the tax bill. If this charge is changed to a usage basis, the cost will be approximately $520,000. February 23, 1994 WATER COMMISSION Page 7 GENERAL MANAGER REPORTS: (Continued) Mr. Greaney stated that the new demand charge is receiving the most opposition. This will start out at approximately $1,000 per acre foot and over years go up to $2,500 per acre foot on any member agency that increases their water usage (new demand) over the four-year average. This money is to be used for the capital improvement program that Metropolitan has to serve the new growth. The problem is that an agency making a new demand charge doesn’t necessarily mean that it is due to growth. This could be due to infilling, with dwellings and apartments that have more than one family in them. The water usage per dwelling would be going up and could be construed as new demand. This new demand charge is to be effective in the 1997-98 fiscal year, so hopefully there is time to work out the details. At the present time, the idea is for the County Water Authority to pass on these increases by Metropolitan, and it will be up to the local agencies to explain to their customers why these increases are occurring. In reply to query, Mr. Greaney stated there is going to be a rate study done by the District, but the rates will be going up. ANNOUNCEMENT: Commissioner Maerkle announced the death of Jim Magoffin, Vista, who was very active in the water agencies. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Henley, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held February 9, 1994, were approved as presented. AYES: Henley, Kubota, Maerkle and Melideo ABSTAIN: Louis NDCT MEmNG DATE: Mr. Greaney announced that the next Water Commission meeting would be Wednesday, March 9, 1994. ADJOURNMENT: By proper motion, the Meeting of February 23, 1994, was adjourned at 357 p.m, Minutes Clerk