Minutes - Board - 2021-07-26COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
JULY 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)
Others present
Jim Mosher (District resident)
Joe Jenkins (EEC Environmental)
Meeting called to order at 4:31 P.M.
A. OPENING ITEMS
Procedural: 1. Call to Order - President Ooten
President Ooten called the meeting to order at 4:31 P.M.
Procedural: 2. Pledge of Allegiance - President Ooten
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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.
Procedural: S. 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, Jim Mosher, inquired about the District's audio visual (AV)
upgrades for the District Boardroom.
General Manager, Scott Carroll, stated that the August Study Session is
anticipated to be the first hybrid meeting.
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President Ooten confirmed that attendees will still be able to join the
meeting via Zoom. Hearing no additional comments, he closed public
comments.
C. CONSENT CALENDAR
Action (Consent): 1. Approve Consent Calendar
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approve the Consent Calendar as
presented.
Action (Consent), Minutes: 2. Approve the Board of Directors Study Session
Minutes of June 8, 2021
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approve the meeting minutes as
presented.
Action (Consent), Minutes: 3. Approve the Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Minutes of June 28, 2021
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approve the meeting minutes as
presented.
Action (Consent), Minutes: 4. Approve Payroll Transparency Disclosure for June
2021
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approve and file the report.
Action (Consent), Minutes: S. Approve the Directors' Compensation and
Reimbursement of Expenses
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approve the compensation and
reimbursement of expenses as presented.
Action (Consent): 6. Adopt Warrant Resolution No. CMSD 2022-01 Approving
District Warrant Registers
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors adopt Warrant Resolution No. CMSD
2022-01 approving District warrants for the Month of June in the amount of
$821,755.08.
Action (Consent): 7. Accept the occupancy count as presented as 23,036 and
direct staff to prepare a warrant to CR&R Environmental Services for
$238,733.59 for June 2021 collection
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Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves the preparation of a
warrant to CR Transfer in the amount of $238,733.59 for June 2021 recycling and
disposal services to be ratified in the July 2021 warrant register.
Action (Consent): 8. Receive and File the June 2021 Organics Tonnage Report
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
Action (Consent): 9. Receive and File the June 2021 Solid Waste Diversion
Report
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
Action (Consent): 10. Approve the preparation of a warrant to CR Transfer in
the amount of $232,800.06 for June 2021 recycling and disposal services in the
July 2021 warrant register
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves the preparation of a
warrant to CR Transfer in the amount of $232,800.06 for June 2021 recycling and
disposal services to be ratified in the July 2021 warrant register.
Action (Consent): 11. Receive and File the June 2021 Contracts Signed by the
General Manager
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receive and file 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, Receive and File: 1. Receive and File CMSD's Fats Oil Grease (FOG)
Annual Assessment
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Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receives a presentation from Joe
Jenkins, of EEC Environmental, regarding the District's FOG Control Program and
provide input to staff.
Mr. Carroll presented the item and introduced Joe Jenkins of EEC
Environmental.
Mr. Jenkins discussed the FOG program activities performed by EEC. He
stated that EEC is mainly responsible for conducting risk -based food service
establishment (FSE) inspections and prioritizations with the intent of
focusing their resources on FSEs with the highest risk of discharging
excessive FOG into the sewer system. He added that EEC provides FOG
Control Program education and outreach materials. He stated that, for FSEs
that are noncompliant, EEC will perform escalated enforcement
coordination activities which consist of notification letters or public
hearings. He discussed EEC's FSE data management program, which tracks
inspections and FOG permits. He added that EEC will provide plan review
for new FSEs. He stated that EEC also helps the District with FOG source
characterization and enhanced maintenance locations (EML). He reviewed
EEC's FSE inventory management program. He noted that, due to the COVID-
19 pandemic, the number of FSEs decreased from Fiscal Years 2019-20 to
2020-21. He added that there was a small decrease in the amount of FSEs
with grease interceptors. He reviewed the initial inspection criteria for FSEs.
He stated that FSEs will be inspected on a quarterly, semi-annual, annual, or
bi-annual basis. He noted that FSEs inspected on a bi-annual basis do not
have high risk cooking equipment, are not located near a hotspot location,
and have a high compliance rate. He discussed EEC's process for modifying
inspection frequencies. He shared two cases regarding a major breakfast
chain and a small shopping center. He reviewed EMLs and noted that the
District currently has 18 EMLs. He discussed FOG program trends and
highlighted that the District has not had a FOG related public sanitary sewer
overflow (SSO) since 2013. He shared a few FOG program recommendations.
Secretary Schafer inquired about EEC's methods for ensuring compliance.
Mr. Jenkins stated that EEC will issue notices of noncompliance, which
typically gives FSEs about seven days to comply. He added that EEC will then
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perform a follow-up inspection to determine if compliance has been
achieved.
Director Perry inquired about EEC's Annual Inspection Assessment Report
and the location of Taqueria El Zamorano.
Vice President Scheafer stated that it is located on Habor Boulevard and
Baker Street.
Discussion followed regarding the location of Taqueria El Zamorano.
Director Perry stated that he was pleased to hear that The Camp, The Lab,
and the major breakfast chain, Denny's Restaurant, were performing better.
Mr. Jenkins stated that those critical locations will continue to receive
inspections and enforcement measures from EEC.
Vice President Scheafer asked if The Camp and The Lab's wastewater system
flows south towards South Coast Plaza.
Mr. Jenkins stated that most of their wastewater flows toward Bristol Street,
which then flows south to Randolph Avenue and Baker Street. He added that
the wastewater from South Coast Plaza flows into an Orange County
Sanitation District (OCSD) main line.
Vice President Scheafer stated that the biggest grease situation is currently
occurring at the Orange County Fairgrounds. He inquired about the FOG
related measures for that area.
Mr. Jenkins stated that EEC does not perform inspections while the OC Fair
is occurring. He added that the OC Fairgrounds has small grease traps and
interceptors for permanent dishwashing areas. He noted that EEC can
prioritize that area for inspections after the OC Fair has concluded. He
recommended scheduling a cleaning for that location's main sewer line. He
stated that the OC Fairgrounds is not a hotspot location for FOG issues.
Vice President Scheafer stated that the OC Fairgrounds is state-controlled
land and that he is unsure of the District's jurisdiction regarding that area.
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President Ooten thanked Mr. Jenkins for his presentation.
There was no further discussion, and the report was received.
Action: 2. Consider Approving sending Steve Cano, Wastewater
Superintendent and Joel Ortiz, Wastewater Maintenance Worker III to the
36th Annual Tri-State Seminar in Las Vegas, Nevada
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approve sending Steve Cano,
Wastewater Superintendent and Joel Ortiz, Wastewater Maintenance Worker III
to the 36th Annual Tri-State Seminar in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 9-12, 2021.
President Ooten introduced the item.
Secretary Schafer asked if District staff will be presenting a report to the
Board after the conference.
President Ooten recommended for District staff to submit a written report
about the conference.
Director Perry stated that last year Mr. Cano presented an oral report to the
Board after attending the conference.
President Ooten suggested for Mr. Cano to present an oral report at a Study
Session.
Director Eckles inquired if the cost of the conference is a normal budgetary
expense.
Mr. Carroll stated that the item is on the agenda because it requires out-of-
state travel. He noted that out-of-state travel requires Board approval.
Vice President Scheafer instructed District staff to follow COVID-19 protocols
for health and safety.
Mr. Carroll shared that the conference is only accepting vaccinated
individuals.
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Motion: To approve sending Steve Cano, Wastewater Superintendent, and
Joel Ortiz, Wastewater Maintenance Worker III, to the 36th Annual Tri-State
Seminar in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 9-12, 2021, and to receive a written
or oral report on the seminar from staff.
Motion by Bob Ooten, 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.
Action, Receive and File: 3. Receive and File 2021 Annual Performance
Measurement Report — Second Quarter
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
President Ooten introduced the item.
Mr. Carroll provided a brief overview of the report. He shared that, within
the first six months of 2021, the District has not experienced any SSOs. He
added that the District has increased its public messaging and outreach
efforts via their social media platforms.
Vice President Scheafer inquired about the Code Enforcement performance
measurement of 68% for Calendar Year 2020.
Mr. Carroll explained that the measurement of 68% reflects the amount of
code enforcement cases that were closed within 15 working days.
Vice President Scheafer inquired about whether the COVID-19 pandemic
affected this measurement.
Mr. Carroll stated that it was due to staffing and procedural issues. He noted
that District staff members were not closing work orders as soon as they
were completed.
There was no further discussion, and the report was received.
Action, Receive and File: 4. Receive and File Fourth Quarter Budget Review for
FY2020-21
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Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
President Ooten introduced the item and thanked Finance Manager, Kaitlin
Tran, for a very thorough report. He expressed recognition for District staff s
performance within the Solid Waste Fund.
Ms. Tran provided a brief overview of the staff report. She stated that the
report is a summary of District revenue and expenditures through June 30,
2021. She noted that the Fiscal Year numbers will not be finalized until the
annual audit is completed. She added that there are many accounts that are
over and under budget. She stated that the accounts are analyzed in the staff
report. She discussed the expenditure budget and reported that, as of June
30, 2021, 95% of the Solid Waste budget and 86% of the Wastewater budget
has been expended. She discussed revenue and reported that the Solid Waste
and Wastewater budgets did not meet the anticipated adopted revenue
amounts. She stated that, as of June 30, 2021, the District has received 95%
of the Solid Waste and 99% of the Wastewater revenue. She referenced the
attached staff report for more budgetary details.
There was no further discussion, and the report was received.
Action, Receive and File: S. Receive and File 2020-25 Strategic Plan Quarterly
Update - FY 2020-214th Quarter
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
Mr. Carroll introduced the item and presented a brief overview of the 2020-
25 Strategic Plan quarterly report. He reported that the District is doing a
phenomenal job in achieving its goals.
Secretary Schafer and President Ooten expressed recognition for District
staff s performance.
Director Eckles inquired about the performance measurement for plan
checks.
Mr. Carroll shared that he recently discussed this measurement with the
District Engineer and Acting Permit Technician to assess the plan check
process more accurately. He noted that the measurement will be updated for
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the next quarterly report. He added that the plan check process relies
heavily on the applicant and how quickly they submit items for review.
Vice President Scheafer discussed Human Resources Management Item 7.8
of the staff report. He reported that the Special Districts Risk Management
Authority (SDRMA) is starting to conduct onsite visits. He noted that the
District will be one of the first locations to be visited.
There was no further discussion, and the report was received.
Action: 6. Adopt Resolution No. 2021-944 Approving New Start Time for
Monthly Study Session Meetings
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors consider adopting Resolution No.
2021-944 approving new start time for monthly study session meetings.
President Ooten introduced the item.
Mr. Carroll stated that this item has been discussed at two previous Board
meetings and that the Board has directed District staff to present a resolution
to change the Study Session start time from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. He noted
that the August Study Session will begin at 8:00 a.m. if this resolution is
adopted.
Motion: To adopt Resolution No. 2021-944 approving the new start time of
8:00 a.m. for monthly Study Session meetings.
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.
F. ENGINEER'S REPORTS
Action, Receive and File: 1. Receive and File the Capital Improvement Projects
Status Report
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receive and file the report.
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......_.__.-_---
President Ooten exited the meeting at 5:12 p.m. and relinquished meeting
control to Vice President Scheafer.
District Engineer, Mark Esquer, presented report details and reported that
President Pump Station is scheduled to be completed in September. He
shared that the contractor of the project has opened the park entrance for
the local community. He noted that there will be occasions when the
entrance will need to be temporarily closed. He discussed the Iowa Force
Main installation and reported that the entire project will be completed next
week. He stated that the District is still waiting to issue the project bids for
the Aviemore and Westbluff Pump Stations.
Vice President Scheafer inquired if Mr. Esquer has noticed an increase in
material or construction costs.
Mr. Esquer stated that he cannot determine which costs are higher, since
project proposals are not broken down by labor and materials. He confirmed
that costs for project materials have been increasing due to low supply.
Director Eckles commented that the costs for project materials and
equipment are continuously increasing. He recommended for the District to
wait a few more months before issuing project bids.
Mr. Esquer stated that he will confer with the District's consultant and
General Manager to determine when to bid projects.
There was no discussion, and the report was received.
G. TREASURER'S REPORTS
Action: 1. Approve the Investment Report for the Month of June 2021
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approve the Investment Report for
the month of June 2021.
District Treasurer, Marc Davis, presented report details. He reported that the
financial market continues to perform well with volatile swings throughout
each day. He reviewed the current treasury rate and the District's
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investment portfolio. He stated that two investments were called in June
2021 and replaced with three other investments.
Motion: To approve the Investment Report for the month of June 2021.
Motion by Arlene Schafer, second by Art Perry.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 4-0
Aye: Arlene Schafer, Art Perry, Brett Eckles, Mike Scheafer
Not Present: Bob Ooten
There was no further discussion.
H. ATTORNEYS REPORTS
District Counsel, Alan Burns, shared that the City of Anaheim has not
received a follow-up response from the California River Watch.
There was no further discussion.
I. 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)
Director Perry stated that he will be attending an OCSD meeting this
Wednesday on behalf of President Ooten in his absence.
2. Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency (SARFPA) - (Director Perry)
Director Perry stated that SARFPA cancelled their meeting for July 2021.
3. Independent Special Districts of Orange County (ISDOC) - (Secretary Schafer)
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Secretary Schafer stated that ISDOC's general meeting is this upcoming
Thursday, July 29, 2021. She shared that the guest speakers are the Deputy
Director of the Great Park for Planning and Development and the Director
of the Placentia Library. She noted that former Senator Dick Ackerman will
be attending the meeting.
4. California Special Districts Association (CSDA) - (Secretary Schafer)
Secretary Schafer announced that Jo Mackenzie won her race for Seat A. She
shared that all CSDA incumbents were reelected to their positions. She
discussed the CSDA Annual Conference, which begins August 30, 2021. She
shared that CSDA will be receiving $100 million from the State legislature.
S. Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA) - (Director Scheafer)
Vice President Scheafer stated that SDRMA's Board meeting is in August
2021.
6. Other Meetings Qualifying for Reimbursement under CMSD Ordinance No. 55,
Operations Code Section 3.01.030
Secretary Schafer attended the recent Water Advisory Committee of Orange
County (WACO) meeting, which included discussion about California's
drought.
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
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Discussion: 1. Oral Communications and Director Comments
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 — The next meeting of the Costa Mesa Sanitary District
Board of Directors will be held on Monday, August 23, 2021.
Vice President Scheafer adjourned the meeting in honor of former
councilmember and Midway Sanitary District Director, Margie Rice, who
passed away this past weekend. He adjourned the meeting at S:33 P.M.
1 � k
Arlene Schafer
Secretary
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Bob Oo en
President