2025_09_10_joint_cac_boardWednesday, September 10, 2025
Joint Board of Directors and Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Costa Mesa Sanitary District - 290 Paularino Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
***
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 publiccomment@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
Subject :1. Call to Order
Meeting :Sep 10, 2025 - Joint Board of Directors and Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
Type :
A. OPENING ITEMS
Subject :2. Roll Call
Meeting :Sep 10, 2025 - Joint Board of Directors and Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
Type :Procedural
Public Content
Member Position Voting Division Term
Sue Lester Chair 5 2025-2027
Michael Tou Vice Chair 3 2024-2026
Jeff Arbour Member 1 2025-2027
Cindy Brenneman Member 3 2025-2027
Xerxez Calilung Member 5 2024-2026
Rosemarie Chora Member 4 2024-2026
Craig J. Holmes Member 1 2024-2026
Birger "Dickie" Fernández Member 2 2024-2026
Paul R. Lancaster Member 4 2024-2026
Brooke Natzke Member 4 2025-2027
Mike Scheafer, President
Robert Ooten, Vice President
Arthur Perry, Secretary
Nicole Wiltshire, Director
Shayanne Wright, Director
A. OPENING ITEMS
Subject :3. Public Comments - Speakers will be limited to three
minutes. The three minutes per speaker time allotted may
be extended for good cause by a majority vote of the
committee).
Meeting :Sep 10, 2025 - Joint Board of Directors and Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
Type :Procedural
Public Content
B. ITEM
Subject :1. Approve the Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of July 9, 2025
Meeting :Sep 10, 2025 - Joint Board of Directors and Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
Type :Action, Minutes
Recommended Action :That the Citizens Advisory Committee approves the
meeting minutes as presented.
Public Content
To: Citizens Advisory Committee
Via: Scott Carroll, General Manager
From: Gina Terraneo, Senior Management Analyst
Date: September 10, 2025
Subject: Approve the Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes ofJuly 9, 2025
Summary
The recorded minutes of theJuly 9, 2025Citizens Advisory Committee Meetingare hereby submitted to the Citizens Advisory
Committee for review and approval.
Analysis
Attached to the staff report are the minutes for the Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting onJuly 9, 2025.
Staff Recommendation
That the Citizens Advisory Committee approves the meeting minutes as presented.
Legal Review
Not applicable.
Environmental Review
Consideration of public meeting minutesis 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
Not applicable.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included in the complete agenda packet for the September 10, 2025Joint Board of
Directors and Citizens Advisory Committee Meetingat District Headquarters and posted on the Districts website.
Alternative Actions
1. Do not approve the meeting minutes as presented.
2. Direct staff to report back with more information.
File Attachments
minutes_2025_07_09_cac.pdf (125 KB)
B. ITEM
Subject :2. Consider Approving Citizens Advisory Committee FY
2025-26 Workplan
Meeting :Sep 10, 2025 - Joint Board of Directors and Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
Type :Action
Recommended Action :That the Board of Directors and Citizens Advisory
Committee:
1. Review and comment on the proposed FY 2025-26
Workplan
2. Approved the FY 2025-26 Workplan that include any
amendments to the plan from tonight's meeting.
Public Content
To: Board of Directors and Citizens Advisory Committee
From: Scott Carroll, General Manager
Date: September 10, 2025
Subject:Consider Approving Citizens Advisory Committee FY 2025-26 Workplan
Summary
On August 21, 2025, the general manager met with President Scheafer, CAC Chair Lester and CAC Vice Chair Tou to discuss
the proposed FY 2025-26 Workplan for the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).
Recommendation
That the Board of Directors and Citizens Advisory Committee:
1. Review and comment on the proposed FY 2025-26 Workplan
2. Approved the FY 2025-26 Workplan that include any amendments to the plan from tonight's meeting.
Analysis
In accordance with the CAC Handbook, the CAC Chair will meet and consult with the Board President and General Manager to
determine the District's goals and objectives for the following year and convey those needs to the CAC. On August 21, 2025, the
general manager met with President Scheafer, CAC Chair Lester and CAC Vice Chair Tou to discuss the proposed FY 2025-26
Workplan for the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). Together, the group developed a workplan for the CAC and Board of
Directors to consider approving, and the plan is now ready for review, comments and/or amendments, if any.
Attached is the proposed FY 2025-26 Workplan for the CAC.
Legal Review
Not applicable
Environmental Review
Consideration for the FY 2025-26 CAC Workplan 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
There are no financial impacts to the district for adopting the workplan; however, there are some items identified in the proposed
workplan that may have financial impacts to the district such as the proposed Waste Disposal Agreement with the County of
Orange.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included in the complete agenda packet for the September 10, 2025Joint Board of
Directors and Citizens Advisory Committee Meetingat District Headquarters and posted on the Districts website.
Alternative Actions
1. Do not adopt the FY 2025-26 Workplan and direct staff to report back with more information
File Attachments
2025-26 CAC Workplan.docx (17 KB)
B. ITEM
Subject :3. Formulating Questions for the 2025 Communitywide
Citizen Engagement Survey
Meeting :Sep 10, 2025 - Joint Board of Directors and Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
Type :Discussion
Goals :4.0 Community Outreach &
Communications
4.1 Conduct community outreach survey
Public Content
To: Board of Directors and Citizens Advisory Committee
From: Scott Carroll, General Manager
Date: September 10, 2025
Subject:Formulating Questions for the 2025 Communitywide Citizen Engagement Survey
Summary
Every two years, the District surveys 1,000 residents to gather feedback on the Costa Mesa Sanitary District (CMSD) and the
services it provides. Citizen engagement surveys are valuable tools for measuring satisfaction and identifying opportunities for
improvement. The most recent Communitywide Citizen Engagement Survey was conducted in 2023. Results from the survey
can be found on the district's .website
Recommendation
That the Board of Directors and Citizens Advisory Committee formulate questions for the 2025 Communitywide Citizen
Engagement Survey.
Analysis
On July 23, 2025, the District solicited proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a communitywide citizen engagement
survey. Six proposals were received by the August 18 deadline, with costs ranging from $30,000 to $44,900. Staff is currently
evaluating the proposals to determine the Best Value, after which the General Manager will execute an agreement. The
engagement is anticipated to begin at the end of September, with results presented to the Board on December 15, 2025, and to
the CAC on January 14, 2026.
Tonight, staff is seeking direction from the Board and CAC regarding the types of questions you would like the consultant to ask
the community.
Legal Review
Not applicable
Environmental Review
Formulating questions for the 2025 Communitywide Citizen Engagement Survey 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
There is approximately $45,000 in the FY 2025-26 Budget for the Communitywide Citizen Engagement Survey
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included in the complete agenda packet for the September 10, 2025Joint Board of
Directors and Citizens Advisory Committee Meetingat District Headquarters and posted on the Districts website.
Alternative Actions
1. Direct staff to report back with more information.
B. ITEM
Subject :4. 2025-26 Alkaline Battery Recycling Program
Meeting :Sep 10, 2025 - Joint Board of Directors and Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
Type :Discussion
Public Content
To: Board of Directors & Citizens Advisory Committee
Via: Scott Carroll, General Manager
From: Angela Fatino, Management Analyst I
Date: September 10, 2025
Subject: 2025-26 Alkaline Battery Recycling Program
Summary
The Alkaline Battery Recycling Program promotes recycling and environmental stewardship among local schools. It is the
District's hope that students will apply these principles at home, educate their families, and become good stewards of the
environment. Additionally, the program benefits the District through increased visibility within the community and the
development of partnerships with local schools.
This year, 20 schools have signed up for the District's Alkaline Battery Recycling Program.
Recommendation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
That the Board of Directors and Citizens Advisory Committee provide program feedback and suggestions.
Analysis
20 schools within the District's service area signed up to participate in this year's program and have received their battery
collection boxes.
The program works as follows:
33 private and public schools within the District's service area are contacted in August to participate in the program.
Schools that miss the sign-up deadline are recontacted by staff to encourage participation.
Mercury Disposal Systems, Inc. (MDS) mails five battery recycling boxes to each participating school in September.
Additional boxes are available upon request.
CMSD delivers program signage to participating schools in September.
MDS staff collects the battery boxes on the first Thursday of every month during the contest period starting in October.
MDS tags the boxes with each school's name, weighs them, and sends District staff the total tonnage collected per
school.
MDS bills the District for this service.
Final collection occurs in April and program results and awards are distributed in May.
Award Structure:
1st Place: $1,500
2nd Place: $1,200
3rd Place: $1,000
Over 1,000 lbs: $750
999 to 500 lbs: $500
499 to 100 lbs: $300
99 to 51 lbs: $200
50 lbs and under: $100
Past Program Data:
Fiscal Year Number of Participants Batteries Collected (lbs)Winner
2013-14 5 4,153.9 Christ Lutheran
2014-15 8 5,345 Davis Magnet
2015-16 9 4,525 Davis Magnet
2016-17 13 6,973 Davis Magnet
2017-18 18 8,720 Davis Magnet
2018-19 20 12,662 Davis Magnet
2019-20 18 10,162 Sonora Elementary
2020-21 ---
2021-22 15 9,460 Killybrooke Elementary
2022-23 17 12,527 Davis Magnet
2023-24 17 11,972 Paularino Elementary
2024-25 21 12,759 Sonora Elementary
Legal Review
Not applicable.
Environmental Review
Not applicable.
Financial Review
The Alkaline Battery Recycling Program has a budget of $30,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Below is the total cost breakdown for
the previous program year.
Fiscal Year 2024-25:
Fundraiser Rewards (21 Schools)$10,150.00
Disposal Costs $14,806.23
School Battery Signs $1,011.51
Total Program Cost $25,967.74
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the complete agenda packet for theSeptember 10, 2025, Board of
Directors & Citizens Advisory Committee Joint Meeting held at 290 Paularino Avenue and posted on the District's website at
www.cmsdca.gov.
Alternative Actions
Refer item back to staff with further instructions.
File Attachments
Battery Recycling Program Flyer.pdf (17,423 KB)
Battery Program - Yard Sign.pdf (727 KB)
B. ITEM
Subject :5. CMSD's 4th Annual Eco Expo
Meeting :Sep 10, 2025 - Joint Board of Directors and Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
Type :Receive and File
Goals :4.0 Community Outreach & Communications
3.2 Strengthen our ties with local governments, Special
districts and educational institutions
3.00 Partnerships
2.00 Solid Waste
Public Content
To: Board of Directors and Citizens Advisory Committee
Via: Scott Carroll, General Manager
From: Gina Terraneo, Senior Management Analyst
Date: September 10, 2025
Subject:CMSD's 4th Annual Eco Expo
Summary
The Costa Mesa Sanitary District (CMSD) will host its 4th Annual Eco Expo onWednesday, October 1, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:30
p.m.at CMSD headquarters. The purpose of this event is to highlight both CMSD's and our local partners' efforts to educate the
community about sustainable living, waste reduction, and protection of our shared environment. Attendees have a unique
opportunity to chat with environmental industry experts,enjoy interactive booths and demos for all ages, and take home tools to
help make every day life greener!
Recommendation
That the Board of Directors and Citizens Advisory Committee receive and file this report.
Analysis
: Eco Expo will highlight CMSD's customer-friendly programs and services, while also hosting community partners with Activities
missions related to sustainability and environmental protection. Below are the planned booths, activities, and demonstrations for
the event. Similar to past years, attendees will receive a "stamp card" upon entry to the event, and will be encouraged to visit
each booth to engage with all of our activities and collect stamps. Once complete, they can place their stamp card into a basket
to entertheir raffle of choice.
CMSD Booths
Sort Smart - play our"What Goes Where" waste sorting game to test your recycling knowledge
Count the Cans - guess how many cans are in a bale of aluminum, which will be on display from CR&R
Propagation Station - learn how to easily propagate edible plants, like lettuce, green onions, and celery with just ajar of
water
Make & Take - learn to make your own all-purpose cleaning solution or room spray with a simple recipe
Sewer Slayers - get up close and personal with CMSD's largest wastewater cleaning vehicle, the Vactor truck, and learn
how our Sewer Slayers keep wastewater flowing and out of local waterways
Decoration Station - a chance for kids to decorate hard hats and/or battery collection jars with stickers and craft materials
Partner Booths
City of Costa Mesa (Public Works) - commercial waste system
Mesa Water District - water use efficiency
Eco Now - backyard vermicomposting demo
Newport Bay Conservancy - protection of local natural resources and wildlife
Discovery Cube - waste sorting
Local Beekeeper, Alberta Mirisciotti - the importance of bees to our ecosystem
Additionally, the event will feature the popular Longboard's ice cream truck as a free treat for attendees.
CMSD staff reached out to the following partners for participation and/or raffle item donations, but they were either unable to
participate or did not respond to the requests: Inside the Outdoors, IKEA, Open Water, OC Coastkeeper, and Fill Up Buttercup.
: Regarding staffing, the event will be fully staffed by CMSD staff, partners, and volunteers from the Citizens Advisory Staffing
Committee. At this time, we have sufficient coverage.
: The following methods are being used to advertise the event:Advertising
Social media - Facebook, X, Instagram, Nextdoor
Email marketing - Mailchimp
Peachjar - Newport Mesa Unified School District flyer distribution platform
City of Costa Mesa - website calendar & requests to share through all communications platforms
Chamber of Commerce - website & app
CMSD website
: Attendees will have a chance to take home a variety of eco-friendly giveaways at this year's event, including the Giveaways
following:
Reusable tote bag
Kitchen pail & compostable bags
Plate scraper (to easily scrapeorganic waste into the kitchen pail)
Sticker labels for indoor trash/recycling/organics containers
"What Goes Where" sorting guide magnet
Seed packets for winter vegetables
Mini compost bag (pending donation from OC Waste & Recycling)
Mini bottles of all-purpose cleaner and/or room spray with a recipe sticker
Battery collection jar
Kids' hard hat
Drain snake (to quickly clear out clogged drains)
: Each year, CMSD encourages residents to RSVP for the event, so that staff has a general idea of how many attendees RSVPs
to expect. Below is the attendance history, which shows a steady increase in attendees each year.
2022
RSVPs: 206
Actual Attendance: 130
2023
RSVPs: 184
Actual Attendance: 168
2024
RSVPs: 189
Actual Attendance: 175
2025
RSVPs (to date): 94
Legal Review
Not applicable.
Environmental Review
Receiving an update on the Eco Expo 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
Below is a breakdown of the event budget. CMSD is on track for expenses to be within budget.
Budget
Category Total Cost
Advertising $ 2,500.00
Solid Waste Giveaways $ 2,150.00
Wastewater Giveaways $ 2,150.00
Supplies $ 1,000.00
Refreshments $ 2,200.00
Total $ 10,000.00
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and included in the complete agenda packet for the September 10, 2025, Joint Board of Directors
and Citizens Advisory Committee meeting at District Headquarters. The packet will also be posted on the Districts website.
Alternative Actions
Refer the matter back to staff for further review.
File Attachments
Eco Expo Flyer 2025 - English Spanish - No Partner Logos.pdf (10,728 KB)
C. CLOSING ITEMS
Subject :1. Committee Member Comments
Meeting :Sep 10, 2025 - Joint Board of Directors and Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
Type :Presentation
Public Content
C. CLOSING ITEMS
Subject :2. Board/Staff Comments
Meeting :Sep 10, 2025 - Joint Board of Directors and Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
Type :Presentation
Public Content
C. CLOSING ITEMS
Subject :3. Adjournment
Meeting :Sep 10, 2025 - Joint Board of Directors and Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
Type :Procedural
Public Content
The next Citizens Advisory Committee meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 in the District's
Boardroom, located at 290 Paularino Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.