Minutes - Board - 2023-05-22COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
MAY 22, 2023
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), Gina Terraneo (Management Analyst II), Mark Esquer
(District Engineer), Kaitlin Tran (Finance Manager), Dyana Bojarski
(Administrative Services Manager), Alan Burns (District Counsel), Marc Davis
(District Treasurer), Marissa Pereyda (Management Analyst II)
Others present
Michael Tou, Citizens Advisory Committee Vice Chair
Meeting Called to order at 4:30 P.M.
A. OPENING ITEMS
Procedural: 1. Call to Order - President Scheafer
President Scheafer called the meeting to order at 4:30 P.M.
Procedural: 2. Pledge of Allegiance - President Scheafer
President Scheafer led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Procedural: 3. Invocation - Vice President Schafer
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MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DEPECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD MAY 22, 2023
Vice President Schafer 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 & Public Information Officer, Noelani Middenway, conducted
roll call and noted that President Scheafer, Vice President Schafer,
Secretary Perry, Vice Secretary Ooten, and Director Eckles were present.
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.
President Scheafer stated that the Board has received a printed copy of the
District's contract with GCI Construction, Inc. for Project 335 Sewer Siphon
Phase 2 Emergency Pipeline Failure.
General Manager, Scott Carroll, stated that the contract was not included in
the staff report under Item F3. He noted that it has been printed and made
available for the Board and public.
There were no additional late communications.
Procedural: 6. Ceremonial Matters and Presentations.
None.
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Procedural: 1. Public Comments
President Scheafer opened public comments. Hearing none, he closed
public comments.
C. CONSENT CALENDAR
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MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD MAY 22, 2023
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 April 11, 2023
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 April 24, 2023
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approve the meeting minutes as
presented.
Action (Consent): 4. Adopt Warrant Resolution No. CMSD 2023-11 Approving
District Warrant Registers
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors adopt Warrant Resolution No.
CMSD 2023-11 approving District warrants for the month of April in the amount
of $883,951.41.
Action (Consent): 5. Approve Payroll Transparency Disclosure for April 2023
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approve and file the report.
Action (Consent): 6. Receive and File the April 2023 Organics Tonnage Report
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
Action (Consent): 7. 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): 8. Accept the occupancy count as presented as 23,095 and
direct staff to prepare a warrant to CR&R Environmental Services for
$246,047.20 for April 2023 collection
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors accept the occupancy count as
presented using 23,095 as the correct number of active units and direct staff to
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MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD MAY 22, 2023
prepare a warrant to CR&R Environmental Services for April 2023 collection
based on this occupancy report so long as the contractor fulfills the obligations of
the agreement in the amount of $246,047.20 to be ratified in the May 2023
warrant list.
Action (Consent): 9. Receive and File April 2023 Contracts Signed by the
General Manager
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
Action (Consent): 10. Receive and File the April 2023 Solid Waste Diversion
Report
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
Action (Consent): 11. Approve the preparation of a warrant to CR Transfer in
the amount of $184,678.94 for April 2023 in the May 2023 warrant register
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approves the preparation of a
warrant to CR Transfer in the amount of $184,678.94 for April 2023 recycling and
disposal services in the May 2023 warrant register.
Action (Consent): 12. Approve the Investment Report for the Month of April
2023
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approve the Investment Report for
the month of April 2023.
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
No: None
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None at this time.
E. GENERAL MANAGER REPORTS
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 5
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD MAY 22, 2023
Action: 1. Preliminary Biennial Budget 3`'d Review for Fiscal Years 2023-24 and
2024-25
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors provide feedback to staff regarding
the proposed preliminary Biennial Budget for the Fiscal Years 2023-24 and 2024-
25.
Finance Manager, Kaitlin Tran, presented report details. She discussed the
Classification and Compensation Study budgeted for Fiscal Year 2023-24,
Robin B. Hamers' (RBH) increased rates for engineering services, and the
condition of the District's crane truck.
Director Eckles inquired about the reduced funds that were allotted for the
Classification and Compensation Study.
Ms. Tran stated that the funds were placed in the contingency account.
Discussion followed regarding the approval process for specific expenses.
Mr. Carroll stated that the budget will be presented at the June Board
meeting for final approval and adoption.
There was no further discussion.
Action: 2. Consider Approving District Counsel's Request for Compensation
Increase
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approve District Counsel's request
for compensation increase.
Mr. Carroll introduced the item.
District Counsel, Alan Burns, recused himself from this item at 4:42 p.m.
Mr. Carroll stated that the proposed rate increases are substantially lower
than most lawyer services for the public sector.
Director Eckles inquired about the 2019 rate increases for this item.
Mr. Carroll stated that he does not have that information.
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MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD MAY 22, 2023
Motion: To approve the District Counsel's request for a compensation
increase.
Motion by Art Perry, second by Bob Ooten.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 5-0
Aye: Arlene Schafer, Art Perry, Bob Ooten, Brett Eckles, Mike Scheafer
No: None
There was no further discussion.
Action: 3. Consider Approving sending Mark Esquer, District Engineer, Steve
Cano, Wastewater Maintenance Superintendent and Alex Arreola,
Wastewater Maintenance Worker II and Tony Gomez, SCADA
Technician/Industrial Electrician to the 38th Annual Tri-State Seminar in Las
Vegas, Nevada
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approve sending Mark Esquer,
District Engineer, Steve Cano, Wastewater Superintendent and Alex Arreola,
Wastewater Maintenance Worker II, and Tony Gomez, SCADA
Technician/Industrial Electrician to the 381h Annual Tri-State Seminar in Las
Vegas, Nevada on August 7-10, 2023.
Mr. Carroll presented the item.
Vice Secretary Ooten requested that District staff provide a report on this
item after attending the conference.
Motion: To approve sending Mark Esquer (District Engineer), Steve Cano
(Wastewater Superintendent), Alex Arreola (Wastewater Maintenance
Worker II), and Tony Gomez (SCADA Technician/Industrial Electrician) to
the 38th Annual Tri-State Seminar in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 7-10,
2023 and to receive a report from staff after the conference.
Motion by Art Perry, second by Bob Ooten.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 5-0
Aye: Arlene Schafer, Art Perry, Bob Ooten, Brett Eckles, Mike Scheafer
No: None
There was no further discussion.
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MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD MAY 22, 2023
Action: 4. Consider Approving Contribution Program Application for Save
Our Youth (SOY) 30th Anniversary Gala
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors:
1. Make a finding that this contribution will increase District visibility and
promote the District's purposes of recycling, source separation, and
wastewater collection through educational information and activities; and
2. Consider approving the SOY contribution request of a $2,S00 sponsorship.
Ms. Middenway presented the contribution request for SOY and discussed
requirements for the District to provide contributions.
Discussion followed regarding SOY's contribution application.
Mr. Carroll stated that the District typically offers sponsorships in exchange
for promotion of District services.
Discussion followed regarding the District's sponsorship for the Costa Mesa
Foundation's Concerts in the Park.
Ms. Middenway stated that this is the first time SOY has submitted a
contribution application.
Discussion followed regarding the contribution amount.
President Scheafer stated that SOY's efforts primarily benefit residents
within the west side neighborhoods of Costa Mesa.
Director Eckles commented that the organization did not provide enough
information and recommended denying the contribution application.
Mr. Burns stated that the District's contribution must satisfy a District
purpose.
Motion: To:
1. Make a finding that this contribution will increase District visibility and
promote the District's purposes of recycling, source separation, and
wastewater collection through educational information and activities; and
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MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD MAY 22, 2023
�. Approve the SOY contribution request of a $500 sponsorship
Motion by Bob Ooten.
Motion failed to receive a second.
Substitute Motion To:
1. Make a finding that this contribution will increase District visibility and
promote the District's purposes of recycling, source separation, and
wastewater collection through educational information and activities; and
2. Approve the SOY contribution request of a $500 sponsorship, only if the
District is provided recognition for the sponsorship and the ability to
promote a District program or service.
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
No: None
President Scheafer requested an update on this item at the next Study
Session.
There was no further discussion.
Action, Receive and File: S. Receive and File Government Investing 101 Report
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
District Treasurer, Marc Davis, provided a presentation on government
investing. He discussed allowable investments and deposits, risk and
liquidity, local agency bonds, repurchase agreements, and mortgage -
backed securities. He explained common investment terms, investment
objectives and philosophy, and how investments are placed. He provided
an overview of the current investment environment. He discussed the
District's portfolio and its relationship with interest rates and stocks.
Discussion followed regarding the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF),
the California Cooperative Liquid Assets Securities System (CLASS) fund,
and the District's portfolio.
There was no further discussion, and the report was received.
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MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD MAY 22, 2023
Action: 6. Approve Auditor Engagement Letter for Fiscal Year 2022-23 Audit
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors accepts the Auditor Engagement
Letter for Fiscal Year 2022-23 Audit and authorize President Scheafer to sign the
engagement letter on behalf of CMSD.
Ms. Tran provided report details.
Motion: To accept the auditor engagement letter for the Fiscal Year 2022-23
audit and authorize President Scheafer to sign the engagement letter on
behalf of CMSD.
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
No: None
There was no further discussion.
F. ENGINEER'S REPORTS
Action, Receive and File: 1. Receive and File the District Engineer's and Capital
Improvement Status Report
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receive and file the Engineer's
Report.
District Engineer, Mark Esquer, presented report details.
There was no further discussion, and the report was received.
Action: 2. Consider Approving New Rates with Robin B. Hamers & Associates
for Engineering, Inspection, and Contract Administration Services
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approve RBH proposed rate
increases.
Mr. Esquer discussed the rate increases for RBH's services.
Discussion followed regarding prevailing wage rates for inspection services
and RBH's contract.
COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT PAGE 10
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD MAY 22, 2023
Motion: To approve updated rates with Robin B. Hamers & Associates, Inc.
for engineering, inspection, and contract administration services.
Motion by Arlene Schafer, second by Art Perry.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 4-1
Aye: Arlene Schafer, Art Perry, Bob Ooten, Mike Scheafer
No: Brett Eckles
There was no further discussion.
Action: 3. Ratify the GCI Agreement for the P335 Sewer Siphon Phase 2
Emergency Pipeline Failure
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approve the following:
1. Ratify the staff negotiated and approved time -and -materials contract with
GCI Construction, Inc. to provide emergency construction services,
including dewatering well installations and related services;
2. Direct staff to bring the Insituform Change Order back before the Board for
ratification;
3. Direct staff to provide a final project update and review of expenditures.
Mr. Esquer discussed the status of Project 335 Sewer Siphon Phase 2
Emergency Pipeline Failure.
Mr. Burns stated that, in order to approve the recommended actions, the
Board must issue a finding that there is a need to continue the emergency
work.
President Scheafer suggested filing a claim with the Special Districts Risk
Management Authority (SDRMA) regarding this project.
Discussion followed regarding the contract's labor costs.
Vice Secretary Ooten inquired about the pipeline's patch work.
Mr. Esquer stated that the contractor used reinforcement material to
internally patch the pipeline.
Motion: To approve the following:
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MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DHIECTORs REGULAR MEETING
HELD MAY 22, 2023
1. Ratify the staff negotiated and approved time -and -materials contract
with GCI Construction Inc. to provide emergency construction services,
including dewatering well installations and related services;
2. Direct staff to bring the Insituform Change Order back before the Board
for ratification;
3. Direct staff to provide a final project update and review of expenditures;
4. Make a finding that there is cause to continue the emergency work for
Project 335 Sewer Siphon Phase 2.
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
No: None
There was no further discussion.
G. TREASURER'S REPORTS
None at this time.
H. ATTORNEY'S REPORTS
None at this time.
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)
Vice Secretary Ooten shared updates regarding OCSD's strategic plan.
2. Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency (SARFPA) - (Director Perry)
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MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD MAY 22, 2023
Secretary Perry stated that SARFPA meets next week.
3. Independent Special Districts of Orange County (ISDOC) - (Secretary Schafer)
Vice President Schafer stated that she did not attend ISDOC's meeting due
to another meeting conflict.
4. California Special Districts Association (CSDA) - (Secretary Schafer)
Vice President Schafer shared updates on CSDA's Legislative Days event.
5. Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA) - (Director Scheafer)
President Scheafer shared updates regarding SDRMA and workers'
compensation rates.
6. Other Meetings Qualifying for Reimbursement under CMSD Ordinance No. 55,
Operations Code Section 3.01.030
President Scheafer shared that he attended a Water Advisory Committee of
Orange County (WACO) meeting.
There was no further discussion.
i. 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
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MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
HELD MAY 22, 2023
Director Eckles thanked District staff for working the Compost Giveaway
Event.
Mr. Carroll recognized District staff for their efforts at the event and stated
that 477 vehicles attended the event and over 50,000 pounds of compost
were distributed.
President Scheafer thanked CR&R for assisting with the event.
Director Eckles suggested including shredding services at the next Compost
Giveaway Event. He shared information regarding the Newport Mesa
Soccer Classic.
President Scheafer thanked District staff for hosting a booth at the I Love
Costa Mesa Day event.
There were no additional comments.
M. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
None at this time.
N. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
None at this time.
O. CLOSING ITEMS
Procedural: 1. Adjourn — The next meeting of the Costa Mesa Sanitary District
Board of Directors will be held on Monday, June 26, 2023.
President Scheafer adjourned the meeting at 6:13 p.m.
Art erry Mike Scheafer
Secretary President