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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-11-09; Water Commission Ad Hoc; MinutesMINUTES MEHlNG OF: WATER COMMISSION DATE OF MEmNG: November 9,1994 (Regular Meeting) TIME OF MEmNG: 1:OO p.m. PLACE OF MEmNG: 5950 El Camino Real CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Maerkle was unanimously elected Temporary Chairman for today’s meeting. Temporary Chairman Maerkle called the Meeting to order at 1 :03 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Maerkle, Henley and Kubota. Commissioner Melideo arrived at 1:05 p.m. Absent: Commissioner Louis. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Commissioner Henley. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: There were no requests to address the Commission on a non-agenda item. NEW BUSINESS: 1 109-01 Presentation on Citv’s Habitat Manaqement Plan Don Rideout, Senior Management Analyst from the Growth Management Department, gave a report on the Habitat Management Plan for the City of Carlsbad. Mr. Rideout stated that the California gnatcatcher lives in the coastal sage scrub, and there is quite a bit of that in Carlsbad. When the gnatcatcher was placed on the endangered list, the City of Carlsbad became concerned, since this could have an impact on the planned private and public development projects; particularly the public projects. The concern was how to get through the State and Federal permits for the infrastructure permits and how to mitigate the impacts of the habitats. The coastal sage scrub is found on the gentle slopes, and not on the steeper ones; and that is the land that is more usable, presenting an automatic conflict. November 9, 1994 WATER COMMISSION Page 2 NEW BUSINESS: (Continued) Mr. Rideout stated that Carlsbad decided to take a proactive role rather than a reactive role, to avoid having to battle through the permits one project at a time. This would be very expensive, time-consuming, and the results would be uncertain. The City of Carlsbad decided to work with the private developers to take control of the process. The Fieldstone Company, the largest private land owner in Carlsbad, came out definitely in favor of this plan and wanted to do a plan for their property. The City of San Diego also designed a similar program, starting with the Metro Sewer System, that involved not only San Diego, but the smaller jurisdictions. The public facility providers were giving their support to this approach, and at that time Carlsbad staff started work on a Habitat Management Plan. The City Council approved a four-phase work program, which is now in Phase 111. Phase IV of the program will be to obtain approval of the plan from the Federal and State Governments. The Plan so far has mapped all the remaining habitat from aerial photographs and put this information into the computer, making computerized maps of the vegetation. The habitat diversity is Developed/Agriculture/Disturbed, 61 percent; Coastal Sage Scrub, 14 percent; Chaparral, 9 percent; Grasslands (native and non-native), 10 percent; Wetlands, 5 percent; Riparian Woodlands, 1 percent. Staff also has a map showing the areas of high, medium and low quality of habitat. At the same time, the State proposed a program of National Communities Conservation Planning (NCCP), which is California’s response to the gnatcatcher. This program emphasized large-scale planning, which includes all of north county, and with SANDAG coordinating this, Carlsbad’s Habitat Management Plan now is a part of an over-all north county plan. The plan does not just cover the gnatcatcher, but now includes all sensitive species. Also, the areas of habitat need to be linked together by corridors, so the species can move from one area to another. Certain areas are designated as conservation areas, and the City will be receiving permits to allow impacts to the species in areas not designated as conservation areas. This does involve some City--owned property and this is being studied at this time. Mr. Rideout stated that Mr. Plummer has a copy of the draft document, which is being studied. Mr. Rideout stated there is a minimum of 5,500 acres in the City designated for conservation, and the City will be able to trade off some land under this Plan. However, in Master Plans, such as the one for Carrillo Ranch, it is not known whether the State and Federal agencies will approve the Plan as presented. In reply to query, Mr. Rideout stated there are 26,000 acres in the City, with 10,000 or 1 1,000 developed. The City-owned land needs to be looked at to determine what public facilities will need to be built there, and how the areas that are for conservation can be exchanged in order to allow the facilities to be built. He explained that the areas with the highest quality habitat are owned by Fieldstone and land in the northwest quadrant, with Fieldstone the number one. Mr. Rideout stated that at buildout there will probably be 35 percent undeveloped habitat land, and that is less than exists at this time. c 1. November 9, 1994 WATER COMMISSION Page 3 NEW BUSINESS: (Continued) Mr. Plummer inquired whether there was any information that staff wanted the Commission and the District to supply, and Mr. Rideout replied that the most important information is to determine what facilities will be needed by the District in the future, and what kinds of habitat impacts they might have. Staff can then determine how to mitigate those and work out a cohesive plan. 1 101 -02 ADproval of Plans and Specifications and Authorization to Advertise for Bids for Recoating the La Costa Lo and Skvline Steel Tank Reservoirs, CMWD 94-102, Contract 3425. Bill Plummer gave the report, stating staff would like the Commission to recommend to the Water Board the approval of the agenda bill for this recoating. The last time these tanks were recoated was in 1971 or 72. The existing coatings will be removed down to the bare metal and new coatings applied. Staff would like to do the coating work during the months of January to April, when the water demands are low. The estimated cost for both tanks is $200,000. Commissioner Kubota inquired whether the identical coating will be done for the eight million gallon tank being built where the twin tanks are. Mr. Plummer stated that the project will be opened for public bids, and will not be done until some time after these tanks are recoated. In reply to query regarding the material to be disposed of from the tanks, Mr. Plummer stated the contractor will have to test it for hazardous waste, and will be required to dispose of it properly. He also has to keep below the required noise level, and the hours for working on the tanks are restricted. Mr. Plummer stated that with all the new regulations being placed on recoating steel tanks, it is probably time to look at concrete tanks. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Henley, the Water Commission recommended to the Water Board adoption of the resolution approving plans and specifications and authorization to advertise for bids for recoating the La Costa Lo and Skyline steel tank reservoirs, CMWD 94- 102, Contract 3425. AYES: Maerkle, Henley, Kubota and Melideo APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On motion by Commissioner Melideo, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held October 26, 1994, were approved as amended. AYES: Maerkle, Kubota and Melideo ABSTAIN: Henley November 9, 1994 WATER COMMISSION Page 4 COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Commissioner Kubota stated that he was still concerned about the potable water fund receiving some value for the tank that is already being used for the reclaimed water service. He said that management had indicated there were ongoing discussions with the Finance Department over an adjustment to be made for the potable rate payer for the loss of the eight million gallon tank. Mr. Kubota stated the District needs all the money it can find, and he feels very strongly that they need to get their fair share of that income. If a tank is sold, the money should be available. Commissioner Kubota stated that at the last meeting, there was a presentation on power generation and desalination, and he would like to know whether there is a master plan or something stated in the mission statement, which indicates the District wants to develop local water supplies for the same reason they are going forward on reclaimed water. He said he would ultimately like to have this Commission address the goals and objectives. He wants information on the future of the well fields, and would like staff to look for programs to enhance the local water supply. Mr. Kubota said he wants to be proactive as far as the local water supplies. Staff indicated there are annual goals and objectives, as set by City Council, but not as far as the direction of the Agency. Commissioner Kubota added that he felt this Commission could make a recommendation to start with the level of feasibility of the San Luis Rey and Cannon well fields and also the feasibility of joining with Oceanside on the San Luis Rey wells. Jeanne Flack stated that staff could look at the alternatives and bring back a report to the Commission for their recommendations. NEXT MElEnNG DATE: ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Melideo, the Commission set the next regular meeting of the Water Commission on Wednesday, December 14, 1994, at 2:OO p.m. AYES: Maerkle, Henley, Kubota and Melideo ADJOURNMENT. By proper motion, the Regular Meeting of November 9, 1994, was adjourned at 2:05 p.m. Minutes Clerk