2025_04_08_study_sessionTuesday, April 8, 2025
Board of Directors Study Session
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Costa Mesa Sanitary District - 290 Paularino Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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The livestream of the meeting can be viewed by clicking the "Video" icon on this page (which will
be made available at the start of the meeting) or by visiting
www.youtube.com/CostaMesaSanitary.
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Public Comments: Members of the public can submit any comments in real time during the
meeting or prior to the meeting in writing for the Board of Directors' consideration by sending
them to the District Clerk, Noelani Middenway, at nmiddenway@cmsdca.gov. Those comments will
be made part of the official public record of the meeting.
***
Obtaining Agenda Materials: The public is entitled to copies of all documents that are made part
of the agenda packet. If any document or other writing pertaining to an agenda item is
distributed to all or a majority of the Board after the packet is prepared, a copy of that writing
may be obtained from the District Clerk's Office.
***
In Compliance with ADA: Contact District Clerk, Noelani Middenway, at (949) 645-8400, 48 hours
prior to meeting if assistance is needed (28 CFR 35.102.35.104 ADA Title II).
A. OPENING ITEMS
Michael Scheafer, President
Robert Ooten, Vice President
Arthur Perry, Secretary
Arlene Schafer, Vice Secretary
Nicole Wiltshire, Director
Subject 1. 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.)
Meeting Apr 8, 2025 - Board of Directors Study Session
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B. PUBLIC COMMENTS - This time has been set aside for persons in the
audience to make comments on items within the subject matter jurisdiction of
the Costa Mesa Sanitary District that are not listed on this agenda. Members of
the public will have the opportunity to address the Board of Directors about all
other items on this agenda at the time those items are considered. Under the
provisions of the Brown Act, the Board of Directors is prohibited from taking
action on oral requests but may refer the matter to staff or to a subsequent
meeting. The Board of Directors will respond after public comment has been
received. Please state your name. Each speaker will be limited to four (4)
continuous minutes.
Subject 1. Public Comments
Meeting Apr 8, 2025 - Board of Directors Study Session
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C. ITEMS OF STUDY
To: Board of Directors
Via: Scott Carroll, General Manager
From: Marissa Pereyda, Senior Management Analyst
Date: April 8, 2025
Subject: Southern California Waste Management Forum Spring Conference Update
Summary
On March 19, 2025, Senior Management Analyst Marissa Pereyda and Management Analyst I Angela Colunga attended the Southern
California Waste Management Forum annual Spring Conference in Ontario, California. The Board of Directors requested that staff
provide the Board with a conference update.
Recommendation
That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
Analysis
Southern California Waste Management Forum (SCWMF) is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to advancing knowledge of
the interrelationship between waste management practices and the environment. Members include representatives from local and state
government, private industry, consultants, and academia. SCWMF offers its members an opportunity to obtain and exchange
information through meetings, working committees, and conferences.
On March 19, 2025, SWCMF held their annual Spring Conference. Senior Management Analyst Marissa Pereyda will provide an oral
report of the conference highlights.
Legal Review
Not applicable.
Environmental Review
Receiving an update on the SCWMF Spring Conference is an administrative matter and is exempt from the requirements of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et. seq.). Section 15300.4 of CEQA allows an
agency while establishing its own procedures "to list those specific activities which fall within each of the exempt classes," and the
District has adopted "CEQA Guidelines and Implementing Procedures" that state on page 6 "Projects" does not include... C. Continuing
administrative or maintenance activities.
Financial Review
Sufficient funds were available in the FY 2024-25 budget for staff to attend the SCWMF Spring Conference on March 19, 2025.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included in the complete agenda packet for the April 8, 2025, Board of Directors Study
Session at District Headquarters and posted on the District's website at www.cmsdca.gov.
Alternative Actions
Refer item back to staff with further instructions.
Subject 1. Southern California Waste Management Forum Spring Conference Update
Meeting Apr 8, 2025 - Board of Directors Study Session
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Type Action (Consent), Receive and File
Recommended
Action
That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
All matters listed on the consent calendar are considered to be routine and may be acted upon by one motion
after public comment has been received. Only Board of Directors may pull an item for discussion. Reading of
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resolutions is waived and they will be adopted and numbered. Now is the time for those in the audience who wish
to speak to items listed on the consent calendar. Each speaker will be limited to four (4) continuous minutes of
comment on the consent calendar as a whole.
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C. ITEMS OF STUDY
To: Board of Directors
From: Scott Carroll, Genera Manager
Date: April 8, 2025
Subject: Receive Summary of Staff's Attendance to the Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show in
Indianapolis, Indiana from February 16-19, 2025
Summary
The Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show (WWETT) is the world's largest annual trade show for wastewater
and environmental services professional. More than 12,000 people, and over 500 leading suppliers from over twenty industries attend
the WWETT show. In addition, over 45 countries are represented at the show.
CMSD's Wastewater Maintenance Supervisors, Tony Gomez and Jesse Blakely attended WWETT25. They will be providing an oral
report to the Board about their learning experience at the show that include receiving innovative product demonstrations from exhibitors
as well as attending expert-led education breakout sessions.
Recommendation
That the Board of Directors receives and files this report.
Analysis
WWETT offers a comprehensive educational program, a full slate of live demos, an array of networking opportunities, and an extensive
expo floor where wastewater professionals and product sellers come together to see and experience the latest product innovations and
technology.
In addition over 90 education sessions, workshops and technical tours are available during the four-day show.
Legal Review
Not applicable
Environmental Review
Receiving a summary report about professional development is an administrative matter and is exempt from the requirements of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et. seq.). Section 15300.4 of CEQA allows an
agency while establishing its own procedures “to list those specific activities which fall within each of the exempt classes”, and the
District has adopted “CEQA Guidelines and Implementing Procedures” that state on page 6 ”Projects” does not include …. C.
Continuing administrative or maintenance activities.”
Financial Review
Attending WWETT25 is in the FY 2024-25 Budget. A total of $5,600 is budgeted for WWETT25 in which actual expenses are below
budget amount.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included in the complete agenda packet for the April 8, 2025 Board of Directors study
session meeting at District Headquarters and posted on the District’s website.
Alternative Actions
Subject 2. Receive Summary of Staff's Attendance to the Water & Wastewater
Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show in Indianapolis, Indiana from
February 16-19, 2025
Meeting Apr 8, 2025 - Board of Directors Study Session
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Type Discussion
Goals 1.0 Sewer Infrastructure
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1. Direct staff to report back with more information.
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C. ITEMS OF STUDY
To: Board of Directors
Via: Scott Carroll, General Manager
From: David Griffin, Code Enforcement Officer
Date: April 8, 2025
Subject: Receive and File March 2025 Code Enforcement Officer Report
Summary
This report summarizes major points for three ordinance enforcement topics covering scavenging, graffiti on trash carts, and trash
container enforcement. For the month of March 2025, the CMSD Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) focused his efforts on patrols in
various parts of the community. The goal is to identify and deter instances of scavenging and residential trash carts left within the public
view.
Recommendation
That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
Analysis
In the month of March, Officer Griffin observed 7 individuals searching in trash carts on Atlanta Way, Ogle Street, Bismark Way, Venier
Way, Pomona Avenue (2), and W. Wilson Street. All individuals were advised of the District's scavenging law and given verbal warnings
before they went on their way.
In the month of March, Officer Griffin issued 147 first warnings notices (yellow tag) to residential properties for having their trash carts in
public view.
Officer Griffin did not observe graffiti on trash carts in the months of March.
To address resident concerns, Officer Griffin is patrolling streets by 6:30 a.m.
Legal Review
Not applicable.
Environmental Review
Code enforcement activities and reporting are not a disturbance of the environment similar to grading or construction and do not
constitute a project under CEQA or the District’s CEQA Guidelines.
Financial Review
Officer Griffins' activities are funded in the adopted budget.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the complete agenda packet for the April 8, 2025, Board of Directors Study
Session meeting at District Headquarters and posted on the District’s website at www.cmsdca.gov.
Alternative Actions
Direct staff to report back with more information.
File Attachments
Code Enforcement Officer Report March 2025.pdf (603 KB)
Subject 3. Receive and File March 2025 Code Enforcement Officer Report
Meeting Apr 8, 2025 - Board of Directors Study Session
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Type Action (Consent), Receive and File
Recommended
Action
That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
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All matters listed on the consent calendar are considered to be routine and may be acted upon by one motion
after public comment has been received. Only Board of Directors may pull an item for discussion. Reading of
resolutions is waived and they will be adopted and numbered. Now is the time for those in the audience who wish
to speak to items listed on the consent calendar. Each speaker will be limited to four (4) continuous minutes of
comment on the consent calendar as a whole.
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C. ITEMS OF STUDY
To: Board of Directors
From: Scott Carroll, General Manager
Date: April 8, 2025
Subject: Preparing the Fiscal Year 2025-30 Strategic Plan
Summary
On January 13, 2025, the Board of Directors held its first meeting to prepare the District's Fiscal Year 2025-30 Strategic Plan. This
Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for the District's future, outlining the methods, goals, and timelines for achieving key initiatives. As
one of the most crucial documents the Board of Directors will adopt, it provides staff with clear direction on priorities and objectives for
the next five years.
Recommendation
That the Board of Directors provide direction to staff.
Analysis
On January 13, 2025, the Board of Directors received a progress report detailing the objectives and tasks achieved over the past five
years, in alignment with the FY 2020-25 Strategic Plan. The Board then conducted a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,
and Threats) analysis, followed by a review of the district’s current vision, mission statements, and core values. Lastly, the Board
evaluated the existing strategic elements. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Board directed staff to proceed with the development of
the FY 2025-30 Strategic Plan.
On January 28, 2025, the general manager facilitated a SWOT analysis with all staff members during the district’s monthly "All Hands"
meeting. The results of this analysis, including Board members' comments, are attached to this staff report. Staff then reviewed and
discussed the district’s existing vision and mission statements and recommend that they remain unchanged.
The district’s core values were also reviewed. Staff is recommending minor modifications, including renaming the "Professional
Development" value to "Innovation" and adding "Efficiency" as a new core value. Additionally, staff reviewed the existing strategic
elements and is recommending revisions to shorten their definitions. Specifically, staff proposes renaming the "Administrative
Management" element to "Leadership."
Following the All Hands meeting, the general manager scheduled meetings with each department to establish objectives, tasks, and a
timeline for completing each strategic element. These objectives and tasks will define the district’s priorities for the next five years. Staff
is seeking comments and direction from the Board regarding these objectives and tasks. Attached is a copy of today’s presentation,
which includes recommended amendments, as well as proposed objectives and tasks.
After today’s meeting, the proposed FY 2025-30 Strategic Plan will be presented to the Citizens Advisory Committee on May 14, 2025,
to gather their comments and feedback.
Legal Review
Not applicable.
Environmental Review
Preparing a strategic plan document is an administrative matter and is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et. seq.). Section 15300.4 of CEQA allows an agency while establishing its
own procedures "to list those specific activities which fall within each of the exempt classes," and the District has adopted "CEQA
Guidelines and Implementing Procedures" that state on page 6 "Projects" does not include... C. Continuing administrative or
maintenance activities.
Subject 4. Preparing the Fiscal Year 2025-30 Strategic Plan
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Financial Review
The proposed FY 2025-30 Strategic Plan is aligned with the proposed biennial FY 2025/26-2026/27 Budget and the Plan will continue
to be align with future budgets.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included in the complete agenda packet for the April 8, 2025, Board of Directors Study
Session at District Headquarters and posted on the District's website at www.cmsdca.gov.
Alternative Actions
1. Direct staff to report back with more information.
File Attachments
Completed SWOT Analysis.pdf (83 KB)
Strategic Objectives & Tasks_final.pptx (494 KB)
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D. CLOSING ITEMS
Subject 1. Oral Communications and Director Comments
Meeting Apr 8, 2025 - Board of Directors Study Session
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D. CLOSING ITEMS
The next Study Session of the Costa Mesa Sanitary District Board of Directors will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in
the District's Boardroom, located at 290 Paularino Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Subject 2. Adjournment
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