Loading...
Minutes - Board - 2021-01-25COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 25, 2021 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. Members present Arlene Schafer, Art Perry, Bob Ooten, Brett Eckles, Mike Scheafer Members absent None Staff present Scott Carroll (General Manager), Noelani Middenway (District Clerk & Public Information Officer), Alan Burns (District Counsel), Marc Davis (District Treasurer), Mark Esquer (District Engineer), Michael Benesh (Interim District Engineer), Kaitlin Tran (Finance Manager), Dyana Bojarski (Administrative Services Manager), Gina Terraneo (Management Analyst II) Others present Mark Abrams (District resident) Mike Carey (CR&R Environmental Services) Adam Ereth (Citizens Advisory Committee Member and District resident) Judith Gielow (Citizens Advisory Committee Member and District resident) Seth Greiner (Citizens Advisory Committee Member and District resident) Meeting called to order at 4:30 P.M. A. OPENING ITEMS Procedural: 1. Call to Order — President Ooten President Ooten called the meeting to order at 4:30 P.M. Procedural: 2. Pledge of Allegiance — President Ooten President Ooten led the Pledge of Allegiance. COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 2 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 25, 2021 Procedural: 3. Invocation — Vice President Scheafer Vice President Scheafer led the Invocation. Procedural: 4. Roll Call - (If absences occur, consider whether to deem those absences excused based on facts presented for the absence — such determination shall be the permission required by law.) District Clerk and Public Information Officer, Noelani Middenway, conducted roll call and noted that President Ooten, Vice President Scheafer, Secretary Schafer, Director Perry, and Director Eckles were present at this time. Procedural: 5. Announcement of Late Communications - Unless directed otherwise by the Board of Directors, all actions shall be based on/memorialized by the latest document submitted as a late communication. None at this time. Procedural: 6. Ceremonial Matters and Presentations. None at this time. B. PUBLIC COMMENTS Procedural: 1. Public Comments President Ooten opened public comments. Hearing none, he closed public comments. C. CONSENT CALENDAR Action (Consent): 1. Approve Consent Calendar Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves the Consent Calendar as presented. Action (Consent), Minutes: 2. Approve the Board of Directors Special Meeting Minutes of December 4, 2020 Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves the meeting minutes as presented. Action (Consent), Minutes: 3. Approve the Board of Directors Study Session Minutes Minutes of December 8, 2020 Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves the meeting minutes as presented. COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 3 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 25, 2021 Action (Consent), Minutes: 4. Approve the Board of Directors Regular Meeting Minutes of December 21, 2020 Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves the meeting minutes as presented. Action (Consent): 5. Adopt Warrant Resolution No. CMSD 2021-07 Approving District Warrant Registers Recommendation: That the Board of Directors adopts Warrant Resolution No. CMSD 2021-07 approving District warrants for the Month of December in the amount of $343,761.24. Action (Consent): 6. Approve the Directors' Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves the compensation and reimbursement of expenses as presented. Action (Consent): 7. Approve Payroll Transparency Disclosure for December 2020 Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves and files this report. Action (Consent): 8. Accept the occupancy count as presented as 22,996 and direct staff to prepare a warrant to CR&R Environmental Services for $238,319.05 for December 2020 collection Recommendation: That the Board of Directors accepts the occupancy count as presented using 22,996 as the correct number of active units and direct staff to prepare a warrant to CR&R Environmental Services for December 2020 collection based on this occupancy report so long as the contractor fulfills the obligations of the agreement in the amount of $238,319.05 to be ratified in the January 2021 warrant list. Action (Consent): 9. Approve the preparation of a warrant to CR Transfer in the amount of $217,110.14 for December 2020 recycling and disposal services in the January 2021 warrant register Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves the preparation of a warrant to CR Transfer in the amount of $217,110.14 for December 2020 recycling and disposal services to be ratified in the January 2021 warrant register. Action (Consent): 10. Receive and File the December 2020 Organics Tonnage Report Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files this report. Action (Consent): 11. Receive and File the December 2020 Solid Waste Diversion Report Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files this report. Action (Consent): 12. Receive and File Contracts Signed by the General Manager for December 2020 Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files this report. COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 4 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 25, 2021 Motion: To approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion by Arlene Schafer, second by Art Perry. Final Resolution: Motion Carries 5-0 Aye: Arlene Schafer, Art Perry, Bob Ooten, Brett Eckles, Mike Scheafer There was no further discussion. D. PUBLIC HEARINGS None at this time. E. GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORTS Presentation: 1. Introduction of District Engineer, Mark Esquer General Manager, Scott Carroll, introduced Mark Esquer and described his experience in the wastewater profession. He stated that his first day with the District will be Monday, February 1, 2021. Mr. Esquer introduced himself and thanked Mr. Carroll for the opportunity. He expressed his excitement to work with the Board and serve the community. President Ooten welcomed Mr. Esquer and noted that he will be a great addition to the District. Vice President Scheafer congratulated Mr. Esquer. There was no further discussion. Action, Receive and File: 2. Receive and File the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Mid -Year Budget Review Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Mid -Year Budget Review. Finance Manager, Kaitlin Tran, provided report details. She stated that, based on the spending trend through December 31, 2020, District staff projects a minimal savings in the Solid Waste and Wastewater funds. She discussed the Solid Waste fund and noted that most of the projected savings are from personnel and special programs. She reported on a few individual accounts with projected savings and overages. She discussed the Wastewater fund and noted that most of the projected savings are from engineering services, plan checking and inspection, professional development and training, and capital outlay. She shared that, as of December 31, 2020, the District has received approximately $187,000 in property COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 5 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 25, 2021 taxes, $3 million in Solid Waste assessments, and $3.1 million in Wastewater assessments. Director Eckles inquired about the general liability increase of 21 %. Vice President Scheafer discussed the cost of liability insurance. He shared that the reinsurers that are involved with the Special Districts Risk Management Authority (SDRMA) underestimated the effect of wildfires. He reported that reinsurance and excess lines insurance had increased rates. He noted that there will be savings from workers' compensation insurance. He stated that workplace injuries have decreased since more people are working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Director Eckles asked if the District was notified about the general liability increase last year. Ms. Tran confirmed that the District was notified last fiscal year, but that the budget was prepared two years ago. She noted that the District operates on a two-year budget cycle. Secretary Schafer inquired about a second Code Enforcement vehicle for District purposes. Ms. Tran stated that the District decided to not purchase a second vehicle this fiscal year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that Mr. Carroll postponed the vehicle purchase to the next budget cycle and reallocated the funds to the Manhole Rehabilitation project. Secretary Schafer shared that the California Special Districts Association (CSDA) will be offering free webinars to its members this year. Vice President Scheafer requested clarification regarding a second vehicle for Code Enforcement. Ms. Tran clarified that the second vehicle would be used by the District's Construction Inspector, Bao Vong. Vice President Scheafer inquired if the District will consider purchasing an electric vehicle. Mr. Carroll stated that the District is researching energy efficient vehicles such as a hybrid vehicle. There was no further discussion, and the report was received. COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 6 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 25, 2021 Action, Receive and File: 3. Receive and File the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the Year Ended June 30, 2020 Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files the Popular Annual Financial Report for the year ended June 30, 2020. President Ooten stated that the Board discussed this item at their January Study Session. Mr. Carroll congratulated Ms. Tran and the Finance staff, Lieu Tran and Autumn Alvarez, for assembling the report. He noted that all jurisdictions must produce a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), but they are not required to submit a PAFR. He added that the District produces its PAFR for the purpose of transparency. He stated that the CAFR is an extensive and difficult to read document for those who are not well -versed in government finance. He noted that the PAFR is a condensed, easier to read version of the CAFR. He shared that the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recognized the District for the fifth consecutive year for its financial reports. He added that not many government agencies in Orange County produce a PAFR. There was no further discussion, and the report was received. Action: 4. Discuss Preliminary Budget Calendar for the 2021-2023 Biennial Budget Recommendation: That the Board of Directors discuss the proposed target dates for adopting the Fiscal Year 2021-22 and 2022-23 Budgets. Ms. Tran presented the Fiscal Year 2021-22 and Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget schedule and timeline. Director Perry inquired if the District will be capable of achieving each action item by its target date. Ms. Tran indicated that each item will be completed by its target date. Motion: To approve the proposed target dates as presented for adopting the Fiscal Year 2021-22 and 2022-23 Budgets. Motion by Brett Eckles, second by Arlene Schafer. Final Resolution: Motion Carries 5-0 Aye: Arlene Schafer, Art Perry, Bob Ooten, Brett Eckles, Mike Scheafer There was no further discussion. Action: 5. Consider Adopting the Sewer System Management Plan and Approving Recertification of the Plan Recommendation: That the Board of Directors considers adopting the Sewer System Management Plan and approving recertification of the Plan. COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 7 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 25, 2021 President Ooten stated that the Board discussed this item at their January Study Session. He inquired if the Board's questions from that discussion have been addressed in the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). Mr. Carroll stated that District staff has incorporated the Board's and contractor's recommendations from the SSMP audit. He noted that District staff is requesting Board approval for the SSMP recertification. Vice President Scheafer stated that the SSMP was presented to the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) last week. He inquired if the CAC submitted any questions or comments on the item. Mr. Carroll shared that CAC Chair Katz noted that the awards listed in the SSMP were outdated. He stated that the SSMP has been updated to address that mistake. District Counsel, Alan Burns, asked if the SSMP includes any language about water and sewage sampling as required by the State's Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR). Mr. Carroll stated that he will reexamine the SSMP to verify if it includes such language. President Ooten confirmed that language on sampling would be appropriate to include in the SSMP. Motion: To adopt and recertify the Sewer System Management Plan. Motion by Art Perry, second by Arlene Schafer Final Resolution: Motion Carries 5-0 Aye: Arlene Schafer, Art Perry, Bob Ooten, Brett Eckles, Mike Scheafer There was no further discussion. Action, Receive and File: 6. Receive and File 2020 Annual Performance Measurement Report Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files this report. Mr. Carroll presented report details. He highlighted a few outcomes in the report. He noted that the District experienced a few sewer spills in 2020 but recovered 97% of those spills. He added that the District's social media activity and engagement has increased due to public service announcements and public outreach produced by District staff. COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 8 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 25, 2021 Director Eckles inquired about the District's experience modification (Emod) rate increase. Mr. Carroll stated that an insurance company will determine an agency's rates based on their Emod rate. He noted that the District's goal is to have an Emod rate below 100%. He clarified that a rate above 100% indicates that an agency experiences a higher rate of workplace injuries than the average agency. He added that the District had a few workplace accidents and injuries in 2020. He reported that, whenever the District has an injury, District staff will review the case to prevent a similar incident in the future. Director Eckles shared that, from his experience, a high Emod rate will preclude an agency from many different types of business. He noted that the market is trending downwards, but that workers compensation rates may increase significantly based on the District's Emod rate. Mr. Carroll stated that the District is in a pool insurance program, which will protect the District from significant increases in workers compensation rates. Vice President Scheafer commented that if the District had a higher base rate, then its Emod rate would have a greater impact. He inquired about page 10 of the report, which addresses Code Enforcement cases. He asked if customers are not responding to Code Enforcement warnings. Mr. Carroll stated that the decrease in Code Enforcement cases being closed on time is either a result of customers not responding or Code Enforcement not closing cases within the appropriate timeframe. He noted that a few of the open cases involve repeat offenders. He added that the purpose of the Performance Measurement Program is to assess and address performance. Vice President Scheafer stated that the District has been lenient in issuing Code Enforcement warnings. President Ooten suggested discussing any corrections needed for Code Enforcement at the next Study Session. Mr. Carroll added that it would be beneficial to have the District's Code Enforcement Officer review his process and explain how he ensures compliance without issuing citations. Director Eckles discussed page 30 of the report, which compares the District's Solid Waste rate to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). He asked when the goals were established and if they were altered after the 2019 rate structure was approved. COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 9 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 25, 2021 Mr. Carroll stated that the Solid Waste rates are established for the next three years. He expressed support for adjusting the District's goals for that item. There was no further discussion, and the report was received. Action, Receive and File: 7. Receive and File 2020-25 Strategic Plan Quarterly Update — FY 2020-21 2nd Quarter Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files this report. Mr. Carroll presented the report. He shared that the District has achieved 24 goals and has 61 goals in progress. He noted that eight goals have been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and that 11 goals have yet to begin. Secretary Schafer stated that the Board was asked to submit three goals for the General Manager. She inquired if there will be a report on those goals. Mr. Carroll stated that the General Manager's goals will be discussed under Item E9. Vice President Scheafer expressed support for the report's format. He noted that it clearly indicates which goals were delayed due to COVID-19. There was no further discussion, and the report was received. Action, Receive and File: 8. Review and File the 2020 Year End Report Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files this report. Mr. Carroll presented the report. He congratulated District staff members, Noelani Middenway, Gina Terraneo, and Angela Colunga, for assembling the report. He commented that 2020 was a challenging year due to COVID-19, but the District was still capable of achieving extraordinary outcomes and goals. Vice President Scheafer expressed support for the report's format and data. There was no further discussion, and the report was received. Action, Receive and File: 9. Receive and File General Manager's 2020 Performance Goals Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files the General Manager's 2020 Performance Goals and prepare a list of Performance Goals for 2021. President Ooten presented the report. Mr. Carroll noted that this item is presented during open session to promote open government and transparency. He stated that he was given 10 goals by the Board COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 10 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING HELD .JANUARY 25, 2021 to achieve in 2020, but that not all 10 goals were accomplished. He acknowledged that the first performance goal was not achieved. He reported that the District experienced four sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) that were caused by fats, oils, and grease (FOG), damaged air release valves, and by an accumulation of rags in the sewer system. He stated that the District performs public outreach and education on these topics, but that SSOs are difficult to prevent. He added that the District has yet to experience a sewage spill in 2021. He noted that the items in black have been achieved or partially achieved. President Ooten commented that some of the goals will carry over into 2021. Mr. Carroll confirmed that the goal of creating professional developments plans for his staff will be completed in 2021. Mr. Burns inquired about the SSO that was caused by rags. He asked if rags are the same material as disposable wipes. Mr. Carroll confirmed that rags are also known as disposable wipes. He stated that these items are advertised as flushable or disposable wipes, but they do not break down in the sewer system. Vice President Scheafer shared that the District is a member of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), a nationwide organization. He inquired if SWANA could work with manufacturers of flushable wipes to change how they are advertised. Mr. Carroll stated that the District has tracked legislative bills that support proper labeling of these products. He shared that many manufactures successfully lobby against such bills. The Board discussed flushable wipes. President Ooten commented that the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) works hard on addressing the issue of flushable wipes. He discussed his recommended list of goals for the General Manager in 2021. Director Perry discussed Senate Bill 1383 and when it goes into effect. Director Eckles inquired if the District and the City of Costa Mesa are collaborating on the best practices and suggestions for addressing SB 1383. Mr. Carroll shared that the District has been collaborating with the City for many years regarding waste diversion. He noted that he will inquire with the City regarding its SB 1383 implementation. COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 11 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 25, 2021 Vice President Scheafer clarified that SB 1383 establishes a target goal of a 75% reduction of organic waste statewide by 2025. He noted that State enforcement and penalties will begin in 2022. Director Perry expressed support for helping the City develop a program addressing SB 1383 requirements. He inquired if a Board member should be attending the meetings between District and City staff. President Ooten suggested creating an Ad Hoc Committee to discuss this issue. He added that the City is very dependent on its solid waste consultant, Mike Balliet, to help implement SB 1383 requirements. He noted that Mr. Balliet produces the City's waste diversion reports. Director Perry and Secretary Schafer expressed support for President Ooten's recommended list of goals for 2021. The Board discussed the appropriate number of goals for Mr. Carroll. Mr. Carroll thanked the Board for his goals and stated that he looks forward to achieving all of them. There was no further discussion, and the report was received. F. ENGINEER'S REPORTS Action, Receive and File: 1. Receive and File the Monthly Capital Improvements Project Status Report Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receive and file the report. President Ooten presented the report. He discussed the District's ongoing issues with air release valves and requested to review the Irvine Pump Station's air release valve. He noted that this pump station has had two spills since it became operable. He suggested discussing the Irvine Pump Station at a future Study Session. There was no further discussion, and the report was received. G. TREASURER'S REPORTS Action: 1. Approve the Investment Report for the Month of December 2020 Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves the Investment Report for the month of December 2020. District Treasurer, Marc Davis, presented the quarterly review of the District's investments. He reviewed the status of the financial markets. He stated that the COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 12 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 25, 2021 Federal Reserve will continue to keep interest rates close to zero for the foreseeable future. He noted that the District's portfolio continues to have a few securities with call features. He shared that, as of December 31, 2020, the District's portfolio was earning 0.699% on a duration of 805 days. He reported that three investments were called in December and were replaced with five different investments. Vice President Scheafer inquired about the District's largest investment in the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF). Mr. Davis commented that LAIF is currently a secure investment. He shared that the District received its first allocation for its annual charge, which will be applied to LAIF during a slow investment period. Vice President Scheafer inquired about the effects of a new presidential administration on interest rates. Mr. Davis shared his opinion that interest rates will continue to remain low. He noted that a new presidential administration brings uncertainty, but the possibility of additional stimulus packages may drive up the markets. Vice President Scheafer inquired if rates are being affected by businesses reopening. Mr. Davis stated that interest rates will likely remain low for another two years. Director Perry inquired about LAIF's interest rate. Mr. Davis reported that LAIF is earning 0.54% with access to daily liquidity. He discussed LAIF's performance in the last year. Motion: To approve the Investment Report for the month of December 2020. Motion by Mike Scheafer, second by Art Perry. Final Resolution: Motion Carries 5-0 Aye: Arlene Schafer, Art Perry, Bob Ooten, Brett Eckles, Mike Scheafer There was no further discussion. H. ATTORNEY'S REPORTS Mr. Burns mentioned that he sent the Board an updated selected laws memo. There was no further discussion. COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 13 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 25, 2021 1. LOCAL MEETINGS: In accordance with AB 1234 (Gov. Code 53232.3), a report is required to be given by a Director for any meeting for which expense reimbursement of any kind is provided. Note: For meetings for which the per diem compensation is sought, the Operations Code provides that such compensation is authorized for each day's service rendered as a Director at the request of the Board (not to exceed six days in one month), and certain meetings are specified as being eligible as set forth in District Operations Code § 3.01.030. For meetings not so listed, the Board must approve the service for it to be eligible for the per day compensation. 1. Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) - (President Ooten) President Ooten shared that he is the OCSD Director representing the District. He stated that OCSD's meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 3, 2021. He noted that it will be an organizational meeting to discuss OCSD's General Manager's work plan. He added that he and Director Perry attended OCSD's virtual tour. He shared that he is a member of OCSD's Operations Committee and Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) Committee. 2. Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency (SARFPA) - (Director Perry) Director Perry stated that SARFPA's meeting is this Thursday, January 28, 2021 and that he will report on the meeting at the next Board meeting. President Ooten discussed the District's involvement with SARFPA. 3. Independent Special Districts of Orange County (ISDOC) - (Secretary Schafer) Secretary Schafer stated that ISDOC has a virtual meeting this Thursday, January 28, 2021 with OC Sheriff Don Barnes as the guest speaker. She reviewed ISDOC's December 2020 meeting. She shared that ISDOC has an open seat on their Executive Committee. 4. California Special Districts Association (CSDA) - (Secretary Schafer) Secretary Schafer shared that she is a member of CSDA's Executive Board. She reported that CSDA will be hosting a webinar on February 2, 2021 to discuss Form 700. She added that she attended a virtual tour of Mt. View Sanitary District and a CSDA Finance Committee meeting. She noted that she will be serving on CSDA's Legislative and Professional Development committees. 5. Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA) - (Director Scheafer) Vice President Scheafer shared that he was re-elected as SDRMA's Board President. He reviewed SDRMA's captive reinsurance company. He discussed the status of downtown Sacramento during the presidential inauguration. COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 14 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 25, 2021 6.Other Meetings Qualifying for Reimbursement under CMSD Ordinance No. 55, Operations Code Section 3.01.030 Secretary Schafer shared that she attended the January Water Advisory Committee of Orange County (WACO) meeting and announced WACO's new President and Vice President. President Ooten shared that he attended the January WACO meeting, which discussed the effects of carbon dioxide, fossil fuels, and greenhouse gases on climate change. He discussed the January Liaison Committee meeting. Secretary Schafer inquired about the date of the April Liaison Committee meeting. Ms. Middenway shared that the next Liaison Committee meeting is scheduled for April 23, 2021. Director Perry shared that he attended the January WACO meeting and the January CAC meeting. He inquired if the District has received any applications for the CAC. Ms. Middenway stated that, as of last week, the District has received four CAC applications. She noted that the Board will review these applications in March 2021. Director Perry confirmed that the CAC has five openings. He shared that he attended the Costa Mesa City Council meeting which included discussion of various facilities for vaccination locations. He reported that the City is enforcing its COVID-19 regulations and reviewed the makeup of the City's Planning Commission. There was no further discussion. J. OLD BUSINESS None at this time. K. NEW BUSINESS None at this time. L. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS AND DIRECTOR COMMENTS Discussion: 1. Oral Communications and Director Comments COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 15 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 25, 2021 President Ooten shared that he has requested for Vice President Scheafer to attend the District's Agenda Review meetings. He discussed upcoming discussion items for future Study Sessions. Vice President Scheafer acknowledged the District's increased Facebook presence and activity. Director Perry inquired if the District's communications support and strategy consultant, Tripepi Smith, is assisting with its social media content. Mr. Carroll noted that District staff is responsible for the majority of its social media activity. Director Perry expressed support for District staff's efforts. The Board discussed the City of Newport Beach's transition to a three -cart system. Director Perry requested for the District's CR&R representative, Mike Carey, to provide an update on Newport Beach's solid waste system. Director Eckles stated that he will be attending the Newport Beach City Council meeting as a member of the public. He requested a report from CR&R regarding Christmas Tree collection and to discuss the District's suggestions for streamlining the program. President Ooten suggested discussing CR&R's Christmas Tree collection at the next Study Session. There was no further discussion. M. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION Discussion: 1. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Gov. Code §54957) — Title: General Manager Discussion: 2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) Section 54956.9 California River Watch v. Costa Mesa Sanitary District, USDC No.: 8:20-cv-01702 Ms. Middenway announced the titles of the two items to be discussed in closed session: "Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Gov. Code §54957) — Title: General Manager" and "Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) Section 54956.9 California River Watch v. Costa Mesa Sanitary District, USDC No.: 8:20-cv-01702." COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 16 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 25, 2021 President Ooten adjourned the meeting to closed session at 6:20 P.M. N. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION AND REPORT OF ACTION TAKEN 1. Announce any reportable action taken in closed session. President Ooten reconvened the meeting to open session at 6:48 P.M. and noted that no reportable action was taken during the closed session. O. CLOSING ITEMS Procedural: 1. Adjourn President Ooten adjourned the meeting at 6:49 P.M. J � Arlene Schafer Secretary Bob Ooten President