Minutes - City/Districts Liaison - 2008-05-16•
M/{/lesa Consolidated
water District
CITY /DISTRICTS LIAISON COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Mesa Committee Members:
FRIDAY, May 16, 2008
8:00 a.m.
MESA CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT
1965 Placentia Avenue
Costa Mesa, California 92627
James Atkinson, President
Fred Bockmiller, Vice President
Lee Pearl, General Manager
City Committee Members: Eric R. Bever, Mayor
Allan R. Mansoor, Mayor Pro Tern
Allan Roeder, City Manager
Kurt Galitski, City Parks Commissioner
Peter Naghavi, City Director of Public Services
Bruce Hartley, City Maintenance Services Manager
Absent
Jim Ferryman, CMSD Director
CMSD Committee Members: Gary Monahan, Director
Rob Hamers, Manager /District Engineer
Tom Fauth, Assistant Manager
Joan Revak, Board Secretary/Program Manager /Clerk of the District
Mesa Consolidated Water District President Jim Atkinson welcomed the attendees.
Discussion on the agenda topics followed.
1. Water Supply Outlook (Mesa)
Mesa President Jim Atkinson reported on the potential severe water shortage facing
Southern California should the "Delta" experience additional problems. The recent court
decision reduced the water being sent to Southern California by 30% and there are no
plans for a peripheral canal. Also, the dirt levees supporting the water supply are not
stable and are eroding. The other source of water for Southern California is the Colorado
River, however, the tributary areas to the river are in a drought situation.
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CITY /DISTRICTS LIAISON COMMITTEE MEETING May 16, 2008
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Because of advance planning and a proactive approach, including the construction of the
colored water well, Mesa is only at risk to lose 7 % -18% of its water supply under the worst
case scenario.
2. Water Conservation (Mesa)
General Manager Lee Pearl stated Mesa has been promoting water conservation due to
the ongoing water shortage. Mesa has been replacing residential and commercial
irrigation sprinkler heads with more efficient models at no charge in order to save water.
The newer heads water the areas slower, thereby reducing ponding and runoff. Mesa has
been working with the City to promote conservation and Mayor Bever invited Mesa to
have their brochures available at the Building Department plan check area.
3. Status of Poseidon Proposal (Mesa/City)
Mr. Pearl apprised the committee of the status of the Poseidon proposal, which is to
desalinate water in Huntington Beach and construct a new pipeline in Mesa's service
area, or as an alternative, replace an existing Mesa water line, most likely in Adams
Avenue. To date, Mesa has not committed to supporting the project and there is no
outreach occurring. Mayor Pro Tern Mansoor re- stated his comments from the previous
• Liaison Committee that outreach is a very important element in garnering support from the
City's residents.
4. Cooperation on Median Landscaping
City of Costa Mesa Parks Commissioner Kurt Galitski and Maintenance Services
Manager Bruce Hartley of the City described the median improvements currently
underway and in the future and the desire to work closely with Mesa to provide
aesthetically pleasing medians throughout the City while reducing water usage. The City
is studying landscaping that is both drought tolerant and vivid. Alternating landscaping
and hardscaping was suggested by Mr. Pearl.
5. Damage to Private Sewer Laterals from City Trees (CMSD)
Mr. Roeder stated the City is continuing its discussions regarding whether trees will be
removed when they damage private sewer laterals. The Sanitary District is awaiting a
follow -up meeting with the City to continue discussions on how residents who participate
in the District's sewer lateral assistance program can request the City work with them on
tree issues. Mr. Roeder stated the City will probably not assume any financial liability
other than as stated in their current policy.
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6. Unsolicited Documents left at a Residence (CMSD)
May 16, 2008
Page 3
Director Monahan stated the Sanitary District is in support of any effort the City may
choose to take should it determine the distribution of handbills needs to be addressed.
The issue was brought to the attention of the City and CMSD by former CMSD Director
Dan Worthington.
7. Concept of "Zero Waste" (CMSD)
Mr. Hamers stated the Sanitary District has been considering adopting the concept of
"Zero Waste" which could lead to increasing the recycling rate in its trash collection
program and promoting additional recycling efforts by the residents. Mr. Naghavi stated
the City is familiar with the term and will discuss the item with the new City Management
Analyst who is active in the City's trash collection program.
The next Liaison Committee meeting will be held Friday, July 11, 2008, from 8:00 a.m. -
9:30 a.m. at the Costa Mesa Sanitary District.
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Robert Oot1en, Secretary
Costa "Mesa Sanitary District
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Arthur Perry, President
Costa Mesa Sanitary District