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Minutes - City/Districts Liaison - 2021-01-15AlAf - Newpor -Mesa MesaWater-4k Unified School Dis, t ' MINUTES OF THE CITY/DISTRICTS LIAISON COMMITTEE MEETING JAN UARY 15, 2021 8:00 A.M. (TELECONFERENCE MEETING VIA ZOOM) Note: This meeting was conducted utilizing teleconferencing pursuant to Government code Section 54952.2 and the Governor's Executive Orders in effect waiving some of the requirements of that Section. A. City/Districts Liaison Committee Members Committee Members present City of Costa Mesa (City) Katrina Foley, Mayor Susan Price, Assistant City Manager Arlis Reynolds, Council Member Raja Sethuraman, Public Services Director Jason Minter, Parks and Community Director Costa Mesa Sanitary District (CMSD) Robert Ooten, Board President Michael Scheafer, Board Vice President Art Perry, Board Director Scott Carroll, General Manager Mesa Water District (MWD) Marice DePasquale, Board President Shawn Dewane, Board Vice President Paul E. Shoenberger, P.E. General Manager Newport -Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) Charlene Metoyer, Trustee Russell Lee -Sung, Superintendent Staff present Noelani Middenway (CMSD District Clerk & Public Information Officer) Others present Judith Gielow, CMSD Citizens Advisory Committee Member COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY/DISTRICTS LIAISON COMMITTEE MEETING HELD JANUARY 15, 2021 Meeting called to order at 8:00 A.M. B. Public Comments 1. Receive Public Comments No written public comments were received. CMSD Board President Ooten opened public comments. Hearing no one wishing to speak, he closed public comments. C. Discussion Items 1. COVID-19 Update (City) Mayor Foley provided the COVID-19 update. She discussed vaccine distribution throughout the County of Orange. She stated that people can schedule a reservation to receive the vaccine by visiting www.othena.com or by downloading the Othena phone application. She shared that Costa Mesa City Hall is still closed to the public and that the City's mask mandate is still effective. She stated that the City has awarded over two million dollars in business grants and is expected to give out more in the upcoming months. She discussed Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie -Norris' Senate Bill 74 for business grants and encouraged the other agencies to submit a letter of support. She stated that the OC Fairgrounds is in the process of becoming a vaccination site. She shared that the City has a rent relief program and that residents can contact Serving People in Need (SPIN) or Mercy House for assistance. She reported that the City's homeless shelter has had zero COVID-19 cases in last year. CMSD General Manager, Scott Carroll, commented that his family has registered with Othena to get vaccinated. He shared that the County's vaccine program is operating very efficiently. 2. COVID-19 Vaccine (City) Mayor Foley recognized the Orange County Fire Authority and all Orange County city fire departments for their work in setting up vaccine distribution centers. She stated that all cities are contributing to the COVID-19 response by utilizing their public safety resources and personnel. 3. District Engineer (CMSD) Mr. Carroll shared that the District hired its first in-house District Engineer, Mark Esquer. He stated that Mr. Esquer has a total of 35 years of water and wastewater experience with 20 years of experience at Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD). 4. Project #318 President Pump Station Rehabilitation (CMSD) COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 3 MINUTES OF THE CITY/DISTRICTS LIAISON COMMITTEE MEETING HELD .JANUARY 15, 2021 Mr. Carroll provided details on CMSD's Project #318 President Pump Station Rehabilitation. He stated that this pump station is located at the end of the cul-de- sac on President Place. He reported that the rehabilitation consists of converting the pump station's dry well into a wet well to reduce noise and facilitate maintenance. He noted that the location will include a permanent generator to ensure power supply during power outages and an emergency wet well that can hold up to 3,600 gallons of sewage. He added that the project will take about three months to complete. He shared that signs have been placed at the site to inform the public that President Place access to Canyon Park is closed. He stated that CMSD has sent letters to the neighborhood residents regarding the closure. He added that a notice was posted on CMSD's and the City's social media platforms. Mayor Foley inquired if CMSD can share its pictures of the project with City staff to include in the City's Weekly Update. Mr. Carroll confirmed that he will share the pictures with the City's Public Works Director, Raja Sethuraman, and with the other special districts. Council Member Reynolds thanked CMSD for acknowledging the access way to Canyon Park. 5. SB 1383 (City) Mr. Sethuraman discussed Senate Bill 1383, which involves recycling organic waste. He stated that, by January 20, 2022, all public agencies must provide a method for organic waste collection and establish an edible food waste recovery program. He added that SB 1383 requires a public agency to conduct outreach to its local businesses and residents, plan for 15 years of organic waste diversion, and establish enforcement protocols to ensure that all parties meet the necessary requirements. He noted that the bill includes procurement requirements for an agency to buy organic waste products. He reported that, to abide by SB 1383, the City must change its agreements with its various waste haulers. He stated that the City is revising its municipal ordinance to reflect SB 1383 requirements. He noted that CMSD has been encouraging its customers to recycle its organic waste. NMUSD Trustee, Charlene Metoyer, inquired if this mandate is an expansion of CMSD's Organics Recycling Program. Mr. Sethuraman stated that SB 1383 is requiring the City to achieve a higher level of compliance by involving local businesses and multifamily properties. NMUSD Trustee Metoyer thanked Mr. Sethuraman for the report and noted that she will share the information with NMUSD's landscapers and food services. Mayor Foley inquired if CMSD will transition to separate bins for single-family residential properties. COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 4 MINUTES OF THE CITY/DISTRICTS LIAISON COMMITTEE MEETING HELD JANUARY 15, 2021 Mr. Carroll stated that CMSD is considering transitioning from a two -cart system to a three -cart system. He shared that CMSD will be discussing that issue with its Board in March or April 2021. He noted that CMSD is considering surveying its customers before transitioning to a three -cart system. Mayor Foley stated that a three -cart system will help the City achieve its mandated goals of SB 1383. She discussed partnering with NMUSD to address the City's Edible Food Program once students can fully resume in -person learning. CMSD Board President Ooten inquired if the City will be hosting more public meetings to discuss SB 1383. Mr. Sethuraman stated that the City will be increasing their outreach efforts regarding organic waste. He noted that the most recent meeting that discussed SB 1383 is available on the City's website for public viewing. He added that the City will coordinate with CMSD for further discussions. He reported that the City is facing a few logistical challenges in implementing the mandate's requirements. NMUSD Trustee Metoyer inquired if the City's SB 1383 meeting was a City Council meeting or a separate meeting. Mr. Sethuraman shared that it was a City Council Study Session on January 12, 2021. CMSD Board President Ooten stated that CMSD is looking forward to working with the City. 6. Bridge Shelter Project (City) Assistant City Manager, Susan Price, provided an update on the City's Bridge Shelter Project. She stated that the City has been operating a 50-bed shelter at the Lighthouse Church since April 2019. She shared that the City's Public Works Department is working on a new shelter project at 3175 Airway Avenue. She reported that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City has experienced delays in receiving necessary supplies to complete the project. She noted that the City is expecting to have the new shelter operating by mid -March. She stated that the shelter at Lighthouse Church currently has 18 clients. She added that the State has provided a COVID-19 testing trailer to test people before entering the shelter. She reported that the City has isolated nine clients due to their age and at -risk status for the coronavirus by placing them in local motels. She shared that the City has partnered with IKEA and local artists to provide furnishings and interior design work for the new shelter. She stated that the City has received grants from the County, a $50,000 contribution from CMSD for restrooms, and has collaborated with the City of Newport Beach to perform outreach. She reported that the County has opened its 425-bed Yale Transitional Center and has requested pick-up sites in all nine cities in the central service planning area, which is open to Newport COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 5 MINUTES OF THE CITY/DISTRICTS LIAISON COMMITTEE MEETING HELD .JANUARY 15, 2021 Beach and Costa Mesa. She discussed the County's rental assistance program and how it may benefit the City. NMUSD Trustee Metoyer inquired about the capacity level at the City's new shelter. Ms. Price stated that the new shelter will have 72 beds. Mayor Foley stated that the City is addressing the apparent increase in people experiencing homelessness over the last few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She discussed the increasing number of homeless encampments that have formed around Hospital Road and 17t" Street. She noted that the City is working with the City of Newport Beach to help people in an encampment find shelter. Ms. Price discussed the Neighborhood Improvement Task Force's efforts to address quality of life issues within the community and homeless encampments. She provided contact information for homeless services and encampments. 7. Food Waste Receptacles (City) Mr. Sethuraman stated that this item is related to SB 1383. He discussed CMSD's effort to provide its solid waste customers with kitchen pails for organic waste collection. He shared that similar programs will be implemented to cover all requirements of SB 1383. Mayor Foley stated that the County is no longer funding Waste Not OC's program for food waste containers. Mr. Sethuraman stated that there are multiple programs that provide food waste receptacles that assist with SB 1383 requirements. 8. SOS Edible Food Program Source Separation of Waste Products (City) Ms. Price expressed support for Waste Not OC and stated that she will be working with the County to make the program county -wide. She shared that SOS does not have the capacity to address all initiatives of SB 1383. Mayor Foley suggested forming a committee amongst the different agencies to collaborate and address edible food waste. 9. Community Choice Update (MWD) Mesa Water District (MWD) General Manager, Paul Schoenberger, discussed Community Choice Aggregation (CCA). He stated that the State allows local agencies to create CCA programs with the purpose of purchasing power on behalf of their community. He noted that a community would receive transmission and COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 6 MINUTES OF THE CITY/DISTRICTS LIAISON COMMITTEE MEETING HELD .JANUARY 15, 2021 distribution from their local utility provider. He shared that several cities in Orange County have formed the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA). He discussed the State's schedule for renewable energy, which consists of 50% renewable energy by 2025, 60% renewable energy by 2030, and 100% renewable energy by 2045. He shared that Southern California Edison (SCE) and other energy providers are increasing their renewable energy efforts. He discussed various reasons for joining a CCA joint powers authority (JPA). Mr. Sethuraman stated that the City has discussed CCA over the last few months and has been working with many other cities regarding the OCPA agreement. MWD Board President DePasquale expressed interest in the City's future CCA discussions. MWD Board Vice President Dewane inquired about the City's next steps regarding this issue. Mr. Sethuraman stated that the City Council will be deciding the course of action. He noted that residents have the option of opting out of a CCA JPA. He shared that, if the City were to join a CCA JPA, then there would be a lot of public outreach to inform residents of their options. MWD Board President DePasquale stated that OCPA automatically enrolled all residents and discussed its procedures for residents who want to opt out of the program. MWD Board Vice President Dewane suggested considering allowing participants to opt in rather than forcing them to opt out of the program. Mayor Foley stated that the City's goal is to ensure the smoothest and easiest transition for residents to eliminate disruptions in service and increases in cost. She noted that the City is not in a position to join the current JPA for Orange County cities. 10. Fairview Avenue Irrigation Line Leak (MWD) Mr. Shoenberger discussed the Fairview Avenue irrigation line leak, which occurred last week in the median of Fairview Avenue south of the 405-Freeway bridge. He noted that the leak originated from an under -pressured service line. He stated that it was a relatively small leak. He provided context on MWD's pipe system. He added that MWD's pipelines are in good condition and receive proper maintenance. He shared that their water leakage rate is five times less than the average rate throughout the State. He stated that MWD averages 12 mainline breaks per year, which he compared to the City of Fullerton's average rate of 200 mainline breaks per year. He thanked the City and Caltrans for their cooperation with the Fairview Avenue irrigation line leak. COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 7 MINUTES OF THE CITY/DISTRICTS LIAISON COMMITTEE MEETING HELD JANUARY 15, 2021 Ms. Price discussed the speculation that the line leak resulted in a sinkhole. She noted that the City has discussed this matter internally to provide better outreach to the public rather than foster speculation and inaccurate information. She added that the City's team along with OC 405 were able to redirect the leaked water and avoid any impacts to the road. CMSD Board President Ooten inquired if the water was clean or recycled water. Mr. Shoenberger stated that it was clean water that leaked. 11. Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Update (MWD) Mr. Shoenberger provided an MWD CIP update. He stated that 80% of MWD's budget addresses operations, maintenance, and infrastructure repairs and replacements. He shared that MWD has embarked upon a three-year 70 million dollar project to replace two well sites that are no longer operable, improve its groundwater treatment plant, and upgrade and replace its underground vaults and pipes. He reported that MWD is the only agency in Orange County that receives its water locally. He added that these improvements are being funded by a $70 million certificate of participation. He noted that MWD is funding these improvements at the lowest cost possible. He shared that MWD continues to be the most efficient water district in Orange County that spends over $800 per person per year. MWD Board President DePasquale expressed her support for MWD's upcoming improvements. 12. Request to Change the April, 2021 City/Districts Liaison Committee Meeting Date (NMUSD) NMUSD Trustee Metoyer stated that the April Liaison Committee Meeting is scheduled during NMUSD's spring break. CMSD Board President Ooten suggested reaching out to each agency to determine a new meeting date. NMUSD Trustee Metoyer confirmed that she will reach out to everyone for a new date. C. CLOSING ITEMS 1. Committee Member Comments Mr. Sethuraman shared the City's recent certification as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold City. He stated that input from CMSD and MWD helped the City achieve its certification. COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 8 MINUTES OF THE CITY/DISTRICTS LIAISON COMMITTEE MEETING HELD JANUARY 15, 2021 CMSD Board Vice President Scheafer shared that CMSD has a lot of experience in organic waste and recycling and has studied SB 1383. He noted that CMSD is involved with the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and remains updated on different efforts and programs performed by other cities and districts. He expressed support for working with the City to address SB 1383 requirements. He added that if the City could require its local grocery stores and restaurants to recycle their food waste, then they would most likely achieve its diversion goal for organic waste. Mr. Shoenberger recognized the City for their LEED Gold certification. He stated that the City is one of four cities in the United States to receive this award. CMSD Board President Ooten shared that Mike Carey received an award from the LEED program while working for Orange Coast College (OCC). He stated that Mr. Carey's recycling efforts and programs have tremendously helped the City. NMUSD Trustee Metoyer inquired about including OCC in the Liaison Committee Meetings. MWD Board President DePasquale stated that the Liaison Committee addresses City -based issues that affect or are affected by its local special districts. She expressed interest in discussing the inclusion of OCC. She suggested having an annual or bi-annual meet up for all agencies. She thanked CMSD Board President Ooten for running the meeting. Council Member Reynolds discussed increasing access to school district fields and park spaces for open recreation and safe sport usage. NMUSD Trustee Metoyer expressed support for having an informal discussion regarding Council Member Reynolds' suggestion. 2. Adjournment CMSD Board President Ooten adjourned the meeting at 9:16 A.M. Arline Schafer Secretary Bob Ooten President