Minutes - Board - 2021-04-26COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 26, 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), Kaitlin Tran (Finance Manager),
Dyana Bojarski (Administrative Services Manager), Gina Terraneo (Management
Analyst II)
Others present
Brooke Jones (Yorba Linda Water District)
Cindy Brenneman (Citizens Advisory Committee Member and District resident)
Mike Carey (CR&R Environmental Services and District resident)
Judith Gielow (Citizens Advisory Committee Member and District resident)
Sue Lester (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
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 2
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
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.
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.
District resident, Sue Lester, stated that she participated in the District's
Citizens Environmental Protection Academy (CEPA). She complimented
District staff and other participating agencies for the presentation. She
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 3
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
shared that she has attended the District's in -person CEPA events in the past
and stated that this year's virtual CEPA captured all relative information and
condensed it into a video. She inquired about Mesa Water District's lack of
participation and noted that the Orange County Water District (OCWD) and
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) were present. She inquired about the
current vacancy on the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).
District resident, Mike Carey, expressed recognition for CEPA and
congratulated District staff. He announced that the Orange Coast College
(OCC) Recycling Center will re -open next Tuesday, May 4, 2021.
Director Perry stated that the District will be accepting new applications for
the CAC due to the recent vacancy.
General Manager, Scott Carroll, confirmed that the District will have another
recruitment for the CAC vacancy. He stated that the District asked Mesa
Water District to participate in CEPA, but that they declined the invitation.
He shared that they donated some materials to the CEPA giveaways.
President Ooten inquired if the District reached out to Mesa Water District
to participate in their 2021 CEPA.
Mr. Carroll confirmed that they were invited to participate.
Hearing no additional comments, President Ooten 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 Study Session
Minutes of March 9, 2021
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves the meeting minutes as
presented.
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 4
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
Action (Consent), Minutes: 3. Approve the Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Minutes of March 22, 2021
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves the meeting minutes as
presented.
Action (Consent), Minutes: 4. Adopt Warrant Resolution No. CMSD 2021-10
Approving District Warrant Registers
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors adopts Warrant Resolution No.
CMSD 2021-10 approving District warrants for the Month of March in the amount
of $1,031,471.47.
Action (Consent): S. 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): 6. Approve Payroll Transparency Disclosure for March 2021
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves and files this report.
Action (Consent): 7. Approve the preparation of a warrant to CR Transfer in the
amount of $217,577.56 for March 2021 recycling and disposal services in the
April 2021 warrant register
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves the preparation of a
warrant to CR Transfer in the amount of $217,577.56 for March 2021 recycling and
disposal services to be ratified in the April 2021 warrant register.
Action (Consent): 8. Accept the occupancy count as presented as 23,008 and
direct staff to prepare a warrant to CR&R Environmental Services for
$238,443.41 for March 2021 collection
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors accepts the occupancy count as
presented using 23,008 as the correct number of active units and direct staff to
prepare a warrant to CR&R Environmental Services for March 2021 collection
based on this occupancy report so long as the contractor fulfills the obligations of
the agreement in the amount of $238,443.41 to be ratified in the April 2021 warrant
list.
Action (Consent): 9. Receive and File the March 2021 Organics Tonnage Report
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files this report.
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 5
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
Action (Consent): 10. Receive and File the March 2021 Solid Waste Diversion
Report
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files this report.
Action (Consent): 11. Receive and File the March 2021 Contracts Signed by the
General Manager
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files this report.
Motion: To approve the Consent Calendar as presented
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.
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None at this time.
E. GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORTS
Action: 1. Provide Direction Regarding Wastewater Maintenance Staffing and
Equipment Needs
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors takes the following action:
1. Direct staff to budget for a Wastewater Maintenance Supervisor position in
the FY 2021-22 Budget
2. Direct staff to report back after conducting a sewer rate study to consider
adjusting the FY 2022-23 Budget for the following expenditures:
a. Two additional wastewater maintenance workers
b. One combination sewer cleaning unit
c. One utility pickup truck
Mr. Carroll stated that on March 9, 2021, District staff presented their
recommendation to hire two additional Wastewater Maintenance Workers
and purchase additional wastewater equipment. He added that the Board
requested more information, which is addressed in the staff report. He
reported that the District averages about $10,000 in staff overtime costs per
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 6
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
year. He noted that for Fiscal Year 2020-2021, staff overtime will cost less
than $5,000. He added that it is difficult to predict overtime costs due to
unforeseen public and private sanitary sewer overflows (SSO) and sewer
repairs. He stated that hiring additional workers will help prevent staff
burnout from on -call services. He reported that contract work for
wastewater services is estimated to be reduced by approximately 10% due
to the hiring of two additional workers. He discussed the Asset Replacement
Fund. He addressed the District's wastewater recruitment issues. He shared
that the District is contracting with a temp agency, Operational Technical
Services (OTS), and discussed their conversion fees and hourly rates. He
reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of recruiting temporary
employees rather than hiring direct applicants.
Director Perry asked if District benefits and standby duties apply to
temporary workers.
Mr. Carroll clarified that benefits are paid by OTS and that temporary
workers are eligible for on -call duties. He noted that on -call duties depend
on a worker's proximity to the District. He discussed the District's cleaning
frequency and reported that the wastewater staff has recommended to
continue their 18-month cleaning schedule. He reviewed the average
number of SSOs for neighboring agencies. He discussed the Wastewater
Department's cleaning productivity and the disadvantages of using a Ramjet
unit. He stated that the wastewater staff does not recommend purchasing a
water recycling combination sewer unit, which uses wastewater to clean
sewer pipes. He noted that this unit is expensive and requires frequent
maintenance and repairs. He discussed the use of a jetscan to increase the
District's cleaning productivity. He added that the District's current budget
does not have enough revenue to fund these expenses. He recommended
that the District perform a Wastewater Rate Study in Fiscal Year 2021-2022.
Director Perry inquired if the District's current budget has any funds
available for these purchases.
Mr. Carroll stated that the District could purchase the sewer combination
truck with the wastewater fund balance, but he recommended to purchase
the equipment after a Wastewater Rate Study is performed.
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 7
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
Director Perry inquired if there is any funding available for hiring additional
workers.
Mr. Carroll stated that there is no available funding for additional staffing.
Director Eckles inquired about OTS and how long the Wastewater
Maintenance Worker II position been vacant.
Administrative Services Manager, Dyana Bojarski, stated that the vacant
position has been open for several months. She noted that the District
previously recruited for a Wastewater Maintenance Worker I, but had no
success. She added that the District is having trouble finding candidates that
meet the qualifications for the Wastewater Maintenance Worker II position.
Mr. Carroll stated that the District does not usually use a recruitment firm
for wastewater staffing. He discussed the benefits of utilizing OTS. He noted
that the District will sometimes use a recruitment firm for executive or
management level positions.
Director Eckles inquired about the impact of hiring additional staff on the
District's rate of overtime and contract work.
Mr. Carroll stated that the District utilized wastewater contractors due to
unscheduled staff leave and vehicle repairs. He added that hiring additional
staff will reduce overtime costs and improve cleaning frequency.
Director Eckles asked if the District's proposed budget for Fiscal Years 2021-
2022 and 2022-2023 included the current vacant position in the Wastewater
Department.
Mr. Carroll confirmed that it includes the current vacancy but not the
request for two additional staff.
Vice President Scheafer expressed support for utilizing OTS to recruit new
staff members. He inquired about District staffs recommendations in the
staff report.
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 8
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
Mr. Carroll clarified that District staff is recommending the jetscan but not
the water recycling combination sewer unit.
President Ooten stated that, in reviewing the performance charts, the
District has successfully met their cleaning goal. He added that he does not
support hiring two additional wastewater workers. He recommended hiring
one additional staff member that is properly equipped. He discussed a few
details regarding the performance charts. He stated that the District should
be able to clean its entire sewer system with five staff members. He noted
that the District has historically cleaned its system with only four staff
members. He expressed support for utilizing OTS.
Mr. Carroll clarified that President Ooten is referring to the performance
charts in Item E5. He stated that the District achieved their cleaning goal with
the help of contractors. He reviewed the wastewater staffing levels. He noted
that additional staff could help with closed circuit televising (CCTV) and on -
call duties. He added that he is concerned about the current staff members
getting burnt out from their on -call duties.
President Ooten stated that the District purchased the CCTV trailer for
emergency uses. He added that it will be difficult to attract and retain six
staff members.
Director Eckles recommended filling the current vacancy with the help of
OTS and budgeting for a Wastewater Maintenance Supervisor position. He
stated that the District does not have the necessary funding to hire two
additional workers currently.
Discussion followed regarding the current vacancy in the Wastewater
Department.
Vice President Scheafer stated that the District will consider hiring two
additional workers after a Wastewater Rate Study is performed.
Mr. Carroll confirmed that the two additional positions are not included in
the proposed budget. He stated that if the Board approves this item with
District staffs recommendations, then the two additional positions will be
factored into the Wastewater Rate Study. He added that the rate study will
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 9
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
result in a proposed rate structure for the Board to consider. He clarified that
the budget can be adjusted to include the two additional positions.
Vice President Scheafer inquired about the recommended equipment
purchases.
Mr. Carroll stated that if the District is not hiring additional staff, then the
extra equipment is unnecessary. He added that the District can purchase the
additional equipment as a spare.
Director Perry asked if the District has the funds to hire a worker through
OTS.
Mr. Carroll stated that the District has enough funds to utilize OTS for five
months.
Director Perry and Vice President Scheafer expressed support for utilizing
OTS.
Director Eckles clarified that OTS will be helping the District fill its current
vacancy.
Director Perry stated that OTS will provide the District with a temporary
worker to fill the vacancy. He added that if that worker is a good fit for the
District, then he or she can be hired. He noted that the District can also hire
someone directly to replace the temporary worker.
President Ooten stated that the District will be performing a Wastewater
Rate Study next fiscal year, which will help determine if the District should
hire one or two additional workers.
Mr. Carroll reviewed the recommendations provided by the Board. He stated
that the District will be filling the current vacancy with a temporary worker
from OTS. He added that if that worker is a good fit, then the District will
make a formal offer. He stated that the Board has advised to include two
additional workers and the additional wastewater equipment in the
Wastewater Rate Study for next fiscal year.
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 10
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
There was no further discussion.
Action: 2. Select CMSD Banner for Placement on CR&R Refuse Trucks
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors picks banner option 1a or 1b and
direct CR&R to place the banner on all their side -loader refuse trucks servicing the
District.
Mr. Carroll shared the current banner that has been on CR&R's trucks for the
past several years. He stated that CR&R is concerned that the banner is
affecting their branding capabilities. He noted that the District's contract
with CR&R stipulates that CR&R must place a District banner on their trucks.
He presented two designs for a new banner that were drafted by the
District's communications support and strategy consultant, Tripepi Smith.
Director Perry stated that he prefers option 1a with the white background.
Ms. Middenway noted that there are four design options for consideration.
Vice President Schafer stated that he prefers option 2 with the global image.
Director Eckles recommended to combine the designs of option 1a and 2 to
create a new design with a white background.
The Board expressed support for Director Eckles' recommendation.
There was no further discussion.
Action: 3. CMSD Membership to the Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files this report.
Mr. Carroll stated that this item addresses the District's initial decision to join
the Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency (SARFPA). He shared that,
according to his research, former District Engineer, Rob Hamers,
recommended to join SARFPA because there are two pump stations and a
neighborhood within the District's service area that are susceptible to
flooding. He noted that he suspects that Mr. Hamers was referring to the
Mesa Verde neighborhood and the Adams Avenue and Gisler Avenue pump
stations. He stated that, due to the improvements made by SARFPA, the areas
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 11
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
surrounding the Adams Avenue and Gisler Avenue pump stations no longer
require flood insurance. He added that it costs $1,400 per year for a SARFPA
membership.
Director Perry stated that SARFPA will be ending in about one to two years
due to their flood zone improvements. He expressed support for remaining
in SARFPA until its work has concluded. He noted that SARFPA is still
working on raising the Prado Dam about 28 feet to ensure about 100 years
of protection against flooding.
President Ooten expressed support for Director Perry's suggestion. He added
that SARFPA is working on raising the spillway for the Prado Dam.
Director Eckles inquired about the cost of SARFPA and how it benefits the
District and its ratepayers. He recommended to discontinue the District's
membership to reduce the District's overall budget.
Vice President Scheafer shared that he works regularly with the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP). He stated that SARFPA has a greater ability to interact with
FEMA, NFIP, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He expressed
support for SARFPA and noted that the District's membership has helped to
advocate for its Mesa Verde constituents, who no longer have to buy flood
insurance. He stated that being a member of SARFPA is worth the $1,400 fee.
Secretary Schafer expressed support for continuing the District's SARFPA
membership for another year.
There was no further discussion, and the report was received.
Action, Receive and File: 4. Receive and File the Third Quarter Budget Review
of FY 2020-21
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files this report.
Finance Manager, Kaitlin Tran, presented the budget review for Quarter 3 as of
March 30, 2021. She stated that District staff is projecting savings in
expenditures in the Solid Waste and Wastewater funds. She discussed the
projected savings and overages of a few individual accounts.
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 12
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
President Ooten thanked Ms. Tran for her report.
There was no further discussion, and the report was received.
Action, Receive and File: 5. Receive and File Annual Performance Measurement
Report — First Quarter
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files this report.
Mr. Carroll stated that this report reflects data collected in January 2021
through March 2021. He noted that he will re -format the report after Quarter 2
so that it is easier to understand and more accurately compares data that was
collected in 2019 and 2020.
Vice President Scheafer inquired about the District's experience modification
(EMOD) rate.
Mr. Carroll stated that the District can provide more staff training to reduce its
EMOD rate, but he noted that some workplace accidents are not preventable.
He shared that the District experienced a few unforeseen accidents last year.
He stated that, when injuries occur, the District re-trains its staff members on
related tasks.
Discussion followed regarding the EMOD rate and workers' compensation.
Director Eckles shared some information about his company and stated that
profit share and compensation bonuses can be good motivators for employee
safety. He added that employees can be incentivized to work safer with
additional equipment and other extrinsic motivators. He inquired about page
28 of the report, which discusses the annual solid waste rate increase.
Mr. Carroll stated that the percentage indicated in the report is based on the
Solid Waste Rate Study that was performed a few years ago. He noted that the
wastewater rate has been stable for the past several years.
There was no further discussion, and the report was received.
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 13
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
Action, Receive and File: 6. Receive and File 2020-25 Strategic Plan Quarterly
Update — FY 2020-21 V Quarter
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives and files this report.
Mr. Carroll presented the report for review. He stated that the District tracks its
Strategic Plan progress by accomplishing specific goals.
Vice President Scheafer inquired about the District's Compost Giveaway event.
Mr. Carroll stated that the Compost Giveaway event occurs in partnership with
CR&R. He shared that the District hosted one in 2019, but that the event was put
on hold for 2020 and 2021 due to precautions set by Orange County health
officials.
Vice President Scheafer inquired about the District's Medication Drop Box.
Mr. Carroll stated that the Medication Drop Box at District Headquarters has
been removed from the District's budget. He shared that local police
departments are now accepting medications.
President Ooten inquired if the District will help promote the new information
regarding medication disposal. He suggested for the City of Costa Mesa to
include this information on their social media platforms.
Mr. Carroll confirmed that District staff will promote that information.
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 receives and files the report.
There was no discussion, and the report was received.
Action: 2. Award Contract for Project #326 19th Street Pump Station Sewer
Force Main Replacement
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 14
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors:
1. Award a contract for installing two force mains to the lowest responsive and
responsible bidder, GCI Construction, Inc., in the amount of $297,000; and
2. Approve a contingency of 10% in the amount of $29,700.
Director Eckles asked to recuse himself from this discussion because one of
the bidding contractors might be a subsidiary of the contractors that he
works with privately.
President Ooten requested to excuse Director Eckles from the meeting for
this item.
Ms. Middenway placed Director Eckles in the Zoom waiting room at 5:48 p.m.
District Engineer, Mark Esquer, recited the staff report's recommendation.
He discussed the project details. He stated that District staff recommends
installing dual force mains instead of a single force main for redundancy
purposes. He shared the range of bids and the engineer's estimate. He
recommended to award the contract to GCI Construction, Inc.
Director Perry inquired about which direction the contractor will be
performing the work.
Mr. Esquer stated that he is unsure about the direction from which the
construction will begin, but that he can share the Board's preference with
the contractor. He added that he would typically start from the pump station
and move upstream to the discharge point. He noted that contractors will
usually perform the work in whichever manner is least expensive.
Discussion followed regarding the construction plans.
Motion: To award a contract for installing two force mains to the lowest
responsive and responsible bidder, GCI Construction, Inc., in the amount of
$297,000 and to approve a contingency of 10% in the amount of $29,700.
Motion by Art Perry, second by Arlene Schafer.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 4-0-1
Aye: Arlene Schafer, Art Perry, Bob Ooten, Mike Scheafer
Abstain: Brett Eckles
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 15
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
Director Eckles re-entered the meeting at 5:54 p.m.
President Ooten shared the Board's decision with Director Eckles.
There was no further discussion.
G. TREASURER'S REPORTS
Action: 1. Approve the Investment Report for the Month of March 2021
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves the Investment Report for
the month of March 2021.
District Treasurer, Marc Davis, presented report details and discussed the
market trends for the year.
Director Eckles stated that the overall market has performed well. He
inquired about the main impacts to the District's portfolio over the past year.
Mr. Davis stated that, other than the COVID-19 pandemic, the District's
portfolio is impacted by its limited range of investments. He shared that,
according to the California Government Code, the District can only invest in
fixed income securities. He added that the District's primary investments are
in U.S. government agency securities and negotiable certificates of deposit.
He noted that the Board has required that at least 20% of the District's
portfolio must mature within one year. He stated that the Board will be
discussing the District's Investment Policy at the June Board meeting.
Motion: To approve the Investment Report for the month of March 2021.
Motion by Mike Scheafer, 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.
H. ATTORNEYS REPORTS
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 16
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
._--..-_....._._--
District Counsel, Alan Burns, shared that a Supreme Court case was decided
related to solid waste rates.
Director Eckles recommended for District staff to explore alternatives to
support legislation through the District's lobbying efforts.
President Ooten stated that he expects that the California Special Districts
Association (CSDA) will be addressing this issue.
There was no further discussion.
I. LOCAL MEETINGS: In accordance with AB 1234 (Gov. Code S3232.3), 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 attended an OCSD Operations Committee
meeting, which discussed aging infrastructure projects and OCSD's plan to
build a new headquarters. He added that he attended his first Groundwater
Replenishment System (GWRS) meeting and his third OCSD strategic
planning session.
2. Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency (SARFPA) - (Director Perry)
Director Perry stated that there was no SARFPA meeting this month.
3. Independent Special Districts of Orange County (ISDOC) - (Secretary Schafer)
Secretary Schafer shared that ISDOC had a meeting on March 2, 2021. She
stated that ISDOC's upcoming guest speaker is Rick Francis, who used to
work for the City of Costa Mesa. She noted that he will be speaking about the
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 17
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
Santa Ana airport. She stated that ISDOC has a meeting scheduled for April
29, 2021.
4. California Special Districts Association (CSDA) - (Secretary Schafer)
Secretary Schafer shared that CSDA Legislative Days will be taking place on
May 18-19. She added that Legislative Days will highlight two speakers:
Brooke Tones from Yorba Linda Water District and former Senator Dick
Ackerman. She discussed the nominations for CSDA awards.
S. Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA) - (Director Scheafer)
Vice President Scheafer stated that he will have a report of SDRMA next
month.
6. Other Meetings Qualifying for Reimbursement under CMSD Ordinance No. SS,
Operations Code Section 3.01.030
Secretary Schafer discussed all meetings that she attended in March 2021.
She shared that she attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Costa Mesa
Bridge Shelter.
President Ooten stated that he attended the Water Advisory Committee of
Orange County (WACO) meeting. He expressed support for Ms. Lester's
public comments regarding CEPA. He expressed recognition for Mike
Balliet's Senate Bill (SB) 1383 presentation at CEPA. He shared that he met
with Senator Dave Min on April 23, 2021 with Mr. Carroll and Vice President
Scheafer. He added that he will be attending the ISDOC meeting on April 29,
2021. He announced that the April Liaison Committee meeting has been
postponed.
Vice President Scheafer shared that he is the ISDOC representative on the
Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG), which had a meeting last
Thursday and discussed the issue of affordable housing. He shared that the
City of Costa Mesa does not attend the OCCOG meetings. He inquired about
the effects of affordable housing on the District's fixture fees. He shared
information about the nonprofit organization, Abound Food Care, which is
working with local cities to recognize the organic waste element of SB 1383.
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 18
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
President Ooten noted that the OCSD meetings that he attends are not
eligible for reimbursement by the District. He discussed the issue of organic
waste diversion.
Discussion followed regarding the rescheduling of the Liaison Committee
meeting.
Ms. Middenway stated that the City of Costa Mesa is unable to meet on April
30, 2021 for the Liaison Committee meeting. She stated that the committee is
looking to schedule the meeting for Friday, May 7, 2021 at 7:30 a.m.
Vice President Mike Scheafer expressed frustration regarding the Newport
Mesa Unified School District's (NMUSD) lack of participation in the Liaison
Committee meetings.
Director Perry discussed the City of Costa Mesa's sustainability reporting.
There was no further discussion.
T. 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
Secretary Schafer shared that the District is featured in the centerfold of
CSDA's most recent magazine issue. She expressed recognition for CEPA.
President Ooten shared that CEPA is available to the public for viewing.
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 19
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD APRIL 26, 2021
Director Eckles and President Ooten expressed appreciation to Ms. Tran for
her hard work on the budget.
Director Eckles shared that NMUSD schools have reopened for students to
return to class.
Discussion followed regarding the rescheduling of the Liaison Committee
meeting.
Director Perry noted that there is a WACO meeting on May 7, 2021.
There was no further discussion.
M. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
No closed session.
N. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION AND REPORT OF ACTION TAKEN
No closed session.
O. CLOSING ITEMS
Procedural: 1. Adjourn
President Ooten adjourned the meeting at 6:26 P.M.
Arlene Schafer
Secretary
Bob Ooten
President
a