2016_10_05_studyWednesday, October 5, 2016
Board of Directors Study Session
628 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa
9:30 A.M.
A. OPENING ITEMS
Subject 1. Call to Order
Meeting Oct 5, 2016 Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Procedural
A. OPENING ITEMS
Subject 2. Roll Call
Meeting Oct 5, 2016 Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Procedural
A. OPENING ITEMS
This time has been set aside for persons in the audience to make the Board of comments on items within the subject
matter jurisdiction of the Costa Mesa Sanitary District that are not listed on this agenda. Members of the public will have
the opportunity to address Directors about all other items on this agenda at the time those items are considered.
Under the provisions of the Brown Act, the Board of Directors is prohibited from taking action on oral requests but may
refer the matter to staff or to a subsequent meeting. The Board of Directors will respond after public comment has been
received. Please state your name. Each speaker will be limited to four (4) continuous minutes.
Subject 3. Public Comments
Meeting Oct 5, 2016 Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Procedural
B. ITEMS OF STUDY
Summary
The District has solicited qualified public opinion research firms to conduct citizen survey research and analysis. The
purpose is to seek feedback regarding the level of satisfaction among District rate payers. The goal and objective of the
study is to:
Achieve a statistical valid participation ratio to make feedback relevant;
Assess rate payer opinion of the District’s current rate structure for both solid waste and sewer services;
Obtain a level of satisfaction for services provided by the District and areas for improvement;
Identify resident awareness of solid waste and sewer programs.
Staff Recommendation
That the Board of Directors review the questionnaire developed by Probolsky Research, LLC, select and provide any
recommended revisions to the survey instrument.
Analysis
On September 27, 2016, the consultant met with District representatives to develop a list of questions that address the
key objectives of the study. After the initial meeting, the consultant has provided a draft survey instrument for the Board
of Directors to review.
Legal Review
Not applicable.
Environmental Review
A survey is not a disturbance of the environment similar to grading or construction and does not constitute a project
under CEQA or the District’s CEQA Guidelines.
Financial Review
There is $30,000 budgeted in professional service for a Customer Satisfaction Survey in both the 201516 and 201617
fiscal years. Finance staff will submit a carryover request to the Board in October to bring forward the 201516 monies to
cover the additional funds need for the agreement. Therefore, there are sufficient funds available for this contract.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the complete agenda packet for the October 5, 2016 Study
Session at District Headquarters and posted on the District’s website
Alternative Actions
1. Provide alternative questions
2. Refer matter back to staff
File Attachments
CMSD Community Survey Draft v2.pdf (274 KB)
Subject 1. Citizen Survey Draft Questionnaire
Meeting Oct 5, 2016 Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Discussion
Goals 4.1 Conduct community outreach survey
B. ITEMS OF STUDY
Summary
The Sharps and Pharmaceuticals Program collects used sharps and pharmaceuticals and properly disposes of them for
residents free of charge. The program ensures proper disposal of discarded needles and other sharps to prevent health risks
to the public and waste workers. The program also prevents further contamination of pharmaceuticals in the water stream. The
collection of sharps includes syringes, pen needles, and lancets. The collection of pharmaceuticals includes any unneeded,
“noncontrolled,” prescription, and overthecounter medications.
Residents are able to dispose of their sharps and pharmaceuticals at three pharmacies located in Costa Mesa. The District
recently contracted with the Costa Mesa Senior Center to allow residents to dispose of their pharmaceuticals on site in the
facility. These sharps and pharmaceuticals are placed in a specifically designed drop box at the facilities. Proper disposal of
sharps and pharmaceuticals ensures the safety of the community and protects the environment.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends the Board of Directors receive and file the following report.
Analysis
In fiscal year 20132014, the program collected a total of 1245.40 lbs. in pharmaceuticals and a total of 1611.80 lbs. in sharps.
In fiscal year 20142015, the program collected a total of 1518.20 lbs. in pharmaceuticals and a total of 2136.80 lbs. in sharps.
In fiscal year 201516, the program collected a total of 1805.85 lbs. in pharmaceuticals and a total of 2351.45 lbs. in sharps.
Despite the decline in participating locations, the sharps and pharmaceuticals collection has steadily increased throughout the
years as indicated in the graph below.
Subject 2. Sharps & Pharmaceuticals Program
Meeting Oct 5, 2016 Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Receive and File
Goals 2.00 Solid Waste
The current fiscal year has experienced a steady increase in the amount of sharps and pharmaceuticals collected. The
program has collected a total of 355.70 lbs. in pharmaceuticals and a total of 378 lbs. in sharps.
The District also distributed grantfunded sharp containers to participating pharmacies. Many residents have called to comment
about their appreciation of the program. Staff has received positive feedback from participating pharmacies and Senior Center
staff and participants.
Legal Review
Not applicable at this time.
Financial Review
The District has budgeted $10,200 for the sharps program and $12,000 for the pharmaceuticals program. Staff believes that
adequate funds are available.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the complete agenda packet for the October 5, 2016 Study Session
meeting at District Headquarters and posted on the District’s website
B. ITEMS OF STUDY
Summary
The Legislative Analysis provides the Board of Directors with analyses of measures pending in Sacramento that are of
interest to the District. On July 22, 2010, the Board of Directors gave authority to the President to write support and/or
opposition letters on behalf of the Board if that position has been taken by an agency the District is a member of. For all
other bills, staff recommendations for formal District positions on legislation will be agendized and presented for Board
action at their regular Board of Directors meetings. When the Board takes formal action on a piece of legislation, the
President will advocate the support or opposition of individual bills as approved by the Board. This Legislative Analysis also
provides the Board of Directors with informative updates on State issues.
Staff Recommendation
That the Board of Directors receive and file the report.
Analysis
See attached report for details.
Legal Review
Not applicable.
Environmental Review
Not applicable.
Financial Review
Not applicable.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the complete agenda packet for the October 5, 2016 Board of
Directors Study Session meeting at District Headquarters and posted on the District’s website.
Alternative Actions
Direct staff to return with additional information.
File Attachments
Legislative Analysis Quarterly Report (JulySept 2016).pdf (114 KB)
Subject 3. Quarterly Legislative Update
Meeting Oct 5, 2016 Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Receive and File
Goals 5.3 Stay informed on applicable federal, state and regional regulations
B. ITEMS OF STUDY
Summary
The cancelation of Project #101 Abandonment of West Side Pumping Stations results in the District planning upgrades for
the pumping stations and force mains. This staff report is a brief review of improvements planned for the President Pump
Station and Force Main.
Staff Recommendation
The Board of Directors receive and file this report.
Analysis
Background
The first year sewer facilities were constructed inside the District was 1953 and this included the President pump station
and force main. The station is the 9th largest out of 20 total pump stations. In May 1989, the District Engineer prepared
a report on the feasibility and cost of abandoning seven west side pumping stations and the District's Board of Directors
adopted the report and planning for abandonment began.
The District worked with Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) who also supported the project and committed to their
portion of the abandonment network. However, when OCSD's anticipated cost nearly doubled from $15 million to $28
million, OCSD cancelled their portion, which caused the District to cancel its $7.1 million portion of the project.
Never Upgraded
Due to this history, no major upgrades to the President pump station or force main occurred. Meanwhile, other similarly
designed stations were structurally remodeled and the force mains either lined or replaced as part of the District's
comprehensive capital improvement program.
WetWell and Dry Well vs. Submersible Design
The President station is similar in design to the original wet well/dry sell stations inside the District, including Elden,
Irvine, 23rd, Santa Ana, Harbor, and Canyon. Unfortunately, there are no original engineering plans on file for the
President station.
This original design required workers on a regular basis to descend a 25 foot straight down steel ladder attached ot the
concrete wall. At the bottom of the station, the pumps operate in a confined space called the "dry well." On the other
side of the concrete wall is the "wet well" that holds the wastewater ready for pumping.
Today's confined space entry laws require a three man team with blowers, gas detectors, harnesses and hoists for
protection of workers. Additionally, the original design included having electrical components inside the station, which left
them vulnerable to shorting out upon rising water.
In the early 1980's, the District Engineer took advantage of the large size of these concrete wet well/dry well stations by
designing structural modifications to use portions of the dry well as additional wet well and using submersible pumps that
can be lowered into position using guide rails. At the same time, all electrical equipment was moved above ground into an
electrical enclosure.
The result of these modifications greatly improved worker safety as it alleviates the need for confined space entry for
routine maintenance. The holding capacity of the station is increased, which increases allowable response times.
Subject 4. Project #317 President Pump Station and Force Main
Meeting Oct 5, 2016 Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Receive and File
Goals 1.0 Sewer Infrastructure
In order to provide a visual reference, the conversion plans for the Elden station are being provided as an example. The
budgeted amount for the President pump station remodel is $1.9 million.
Force Main
Although the President Pump Station is the District's 9th largest station, the 8" force main (same as pressurized sewer
main) is the second longest at 2,562 feet in length. The force main is partially located in streets but partially located in
backyard and side yard easements.
Because of the long force main, bypassing the force main with temporary pumps and hoses is not feasible. Without the
ability to install a temporary line, the force main has to remain in service during construction. Leaving the force main in
service during construction negates the ability to install a force main liner inside the existing line. Lining a force main
requires a dry line and a timeframe long enough to have the liner "cure" inside the host pipe.
Therefore, it is likely a new parallel force main will be constructed from end to end without having to deal with existing
flows. Once the new line is installed, tiedin, and active, then the District can come back and investigate rehabilitating
the original line to have as a secondary, back up force main. The budgeted amount for the force main is $1.3 million.
Also attached are Google Earth images showing the location of the President pump station and existing force main.
Legal Review
Not applicable at this time.
Environmental Review
The anticipated actions of rehabilitating or replacing existing pump stations and force mains due to the facilities reaching
their life expectancy is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code
Section 21000 et. seq.) under Section 15301 as a “Class 1” “minor alteration of existing public or private structures”, as
further described in Section (b) as “Existing facilities of both investor and publiclyowned utilities used to provide ....
sewerage ...”.
Financial Review
Finance staff has already provided funding for the project.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the complete agenda packet for the October 5, 2016 Board of
Directors study session meeting at District Headquarters and posted on the District’s website.
Alternative Actions
1. Refer the matter back to staff for additional information
File Attachments
CMSD_EldenAve_MesaDr.pdf (18,409 KB)
#317 Map of Existing Force Main.jpg (535 KB)
C. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS AND DIRECTOR COMMENTS
Subject 1. Oral Communications and Director Comments
Meeting Oct 5, 2016 Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Discussion
D. CLOSING ITEMS
THE NEXT STUDY SESSION OF COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER
8, 2016 IN THE DISTRICT'S BOARD ROOM, 628 W. 19TH STREET.
Subject 1. Adjournment
Meeting Oct 5, 2016 Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Procedural