2020-11-10_ssTuesday, November 10, 2020
Board of Directors Study Session
Time: 9:30 A.M.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING NOVEMBER 10, 2020 STUDY SESSION MEETING
This meeting is being conducted utilizing teleconferencing and electronic means consistent
with State of California Executive Order N-29-20 dated March 17, 2020, regarding the
COVID-19 pandemic.
***
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. In accordance with Executive Order N-29-20, the
public may only view the meeting online and not in the District's Board Room.
***
To participate in the meeting by computer:
1. Copy and past the following into your browser - https://us02web.zoom.us/join
2. Enter the Meeting ID number - 899 0194 1368
3. Click "Join."
***
To join the meeting with a mobile device:
1. Download the Zoom app at the Google Play Store (for Android devices) or the App Store
(for Apple devices)
2. Open the Zoom app. Select "Join a Meeting."
3. Enter Zoom Meeting ID. Select "Join Meeting."
***
To join the meeting by phone:
1. Call 1-669-900-6833.
2. You will be asked to enter the Meeting ID number. Dial 899 0194 1368#
3. Lastly, you will be asked to enter your Participant ID. Press the # symbol again to
bypass this step.
***
Public Comments: Members of the public can submit any comments 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
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.)
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.
1. Public Comments
C. ITEMS OF STUDY
1. October 2020 CEO report
2. October 2020 Organics Tonnage Report
3. October 2020 Solid Waste Diversion Report
4. Review and Discussion on Force Main Air Release Valves
5. Smoke Test Results at OC Fairgrounds
D. CLOSING ITEMS
1. Oral Communications and Director Comments
2. Adjournment
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Board of Directors Study Session
Time: 9:30 A.M.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING NOVEMBER 10, 2020 STUDY SESSION MEETING
This meeting is being conducted utilizing teleconferencing and electronic means consistent
with State of California Executive Order N-29-20 dated March 17, 2020, regarding the
COVID-19 pandemic.
***
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. In accordance with Executive Order N-29-20, the
public may only view the meeting online and not in the District's Board Room.
***
To participate in the meeting by computer:
1. Copy and past the following into your browser - https://us02web.zoom.us/join
2. Enter the Meeting ID number - 899 0194 1368
3. Click "Join."
***
To join the meeting with a mobile device:
1. Download the Zoom app at the Google Play Store (for Android devices) or the App Store
(for Apple devices)
2. Open the Zoom app. Select "Join a Meeting."
3. Enter Zoom Meeting ID. Select "Join Meeting."
***
To join the meeting by phone:
1. Call 1-669-900-6833.
2. You will be asked to enter the Meeting ID number. Dial 899 0194 1368#
3. Lastly, you will be asked to enter your Participant ID. Press the # symbol again to
bypass this step.
***
Public Comments: Members of the public can submit any comments 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
James Ferryman, President
Robert Ooten, Vice President
Arlene Schafer, Secretary
Michael Scheafer, Director
Arthur Perry, 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 Nov 10, 2020 - Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Procedural
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 Nov 10, 2020 - Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Procedural
C. ITEMS OF STUDY
To: Board of Directors
From: Ed Roberts, Code Enforcement Officer
Date: November 10, 2020
Subject: October 2020 Code Enforcement Officer Report
Summary
Attached is the monthly report from Officer Roberts describing his enforcement activities for the month of
October regarding scavenging of recyclable materials, trash carts stored in public view and graffiti on trash carts.
Recommendation
That the Board of Directors receives and files this report.
Analysis
In the month of October, Officer Roberts approached seven (07) individuals observed scavenging from CMSD
trash carts. In the same month he issued 93 warning notices to residents storing their trash carts in public view.
Officer Roberts found no graffiti on trash carts in the month of October.
Officer Roberts' enforcement activities are described in more detail in the attached report.
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 Roberts' 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 November 10, 2020
Board of Directors Study Session meeting at District Headquarters and posted on the District’s website.
Alternative Actions
1. Direct staff to report back with more information.
File Attachments
October 2020 CEO report.doc (1,230 KB)
Subject 1. October 2020 CEO report
Meeting Nov 10, 2020 - Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Receive and File
C. ITEMS OF STUDY
To: Board of Directors
Via: Scott Carroll, General Manager
From: Nabila Guzman, Management Analyst I
Date: November 10, 2020
Subject: October 2020 Organics Tonnage Report
Summary
Every month, staff provides a report to the Board of Directors about the tonnage of organics material
collected during the previous months.
Recommendation
That the Board of Directors receive and file this report
Analysis
At the time this report was being prepared, the October tonnage for the Organics Recycling Program was not
available. The October tonnage will be made available at the December study session meeting.
Legal Review
Not applicable
Environmental Review
Consideration of the Organics Tonnage Report is an administrative matter and not a disturbance of the
environment similar to grading or construction and not a project under CEQA or the District’s CEQA Guidelines.
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 November 10, 2020
Board of Directors Study Session meeting at District Headquarters and posted on the District's website.
Alternative Actions
None
Subject 2. October 2020 Organics Tonnage Report
Meeting Nov 10, 2020 - Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Receive and File
C. ITEMS OF STUDY
To: Board of Directors
Via: Scott Carroll, General Manager
From: Nabila Guzman, Management Analyst I
Date: November 10, 2020
Subject: October 2020 Solid Waste Diversion Report
Summary
Per direction from the Board of Directors, the monthly solid waste diversion report has been temporarily
suspended due to inaccurate data as a result from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Staff Recommendation
That the Board of Directors receive and file this report.
Analysis
Per direction from the Board of Directors at the April 14, 2020 Study Session meeting, the monthly solid waste
diversion report has been temporarily suspended. Additionally, October tonnage information was not received in
time to include total tonnage collected in this report.
Legal Review
Not applicable.
Environmental Review
Consideration of the Solid Waste Diversion Report is an administrative matter and not a disturbance of the
environment similar to grading or construction and not a project under CEQA or the District’s CEQA Guidelines.
Financial Review
Not applicable.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the complete agenda packet for the November 10, 2020
Board of Directors Study Session meeting at District Headquarters and posted on the District’s website.
Alternative Actions
1. Direct staff to report back with more information.
Subject 3. October 2020 Solid Waste Diversion Report
Meeting Nov 10, 2020 - Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Receive and File
C. ITEMS OF STUDY
To: Board of Directors
From: Scott Carroll, General Manager
Date: November 10, 2020
Subject: Review and Discussion on Force Main Air Release Valves
Summary
Wastewater air release valves are designed to release accumulated air from a piping system while the system is
in operation and under pressure. The valves are installed at the highest points in a pipeline where air naturally
collects. Air bubbles enter the valve and displace the liquid inside, lowering the liquid level and causing the float
mechanism to open the vent valve.
Currently, the District has nine air release valves installed on six pump station force mains. As per the Board of
Directors’ request, the following is a summation of the District’s wastewater air release valve (ARV) program
including maintenance procedures, the number of ARV related sanitary sewer overflows that have occurred within
the District, and what is being planned for ARV’s in the future.
Recommendation
That the Board of Directors provide direction to staff.
Analysis
The nine ARV’s are located on the following force mains (pictures are attached):
1. Irvine Pump Station: 1 ARV is located at the pump station, 1 ARV is located at the intersection of Mesa
Drive and Riverside Drive, and 1 ARV is located near the Elden pump station on a bypass line that is not in
use.
2. Elden Pump Station: 1 ARV is located inside the Mesa Drive bridge and 1 ARV is located on Fair Drive.
3. 21 Street: 1 ARV is located on the utility bridge crossing the SR55 freeway near southbound Newport
Blvd. side of the bridge.
4. Mendoza: 1 ARV is inside the valve vault near the pump station.
5. South Coast Plaza: I ARV is inside the valve vault near the pump station
6. Victoria Street: 1 ARV is located at the pump station at the end of Miner Street.
District maintenance crews periodically inspect the valves to make sure they are not leaking as part of their routine
inspections of the pump stations. Per the manufacturer’s recommendation, maintenance of the Air release valves
should occur at least once a year. Before any maintenance work, air release valves are disconnected from the
pipe network by closing the shut off valve. Any excess pressure in the air release valve must be released by briefly
opening the ball valve. The valves are then flushed with water to clean the body and remove any debris.
Currently, the District has a contract with Schuler Constructors to inspect and maintain the air release valves
mentioned above for $15,000. The next inspection and maintenance due to be performed on the air release
Subject 4. Review and Discussion on Force Main Air Release Valves
Meeting Nov 10, 2020 - Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Discussion
Goals 1.0 Sewer Infrastructure
1.7 Sewer Infrastructure - Repair infrastructure after deficiencies have
been identified
st
valves is in December 2020. The life expectancy of an ARV is approximately 10 years. In early 2020, four of the
District’s ARVs were replaced: 21 Street Pump Station force main, South Coast Plaza Pump Station, Elden
Pump Station force main on Fair Drive, and the ARV on Mesa Drive at Riverside Drive for the Irvine Pump Station
force main.
In the last five years, the District has had four SSO’s that were related to air release valves (2 at Elden and 2 at
Irvine). Prior to 2015, the District has had one SSO caused by an air release valve, which occurred at the Irvine
Pump Station on January 19, 2011. Currently, staff is reevaluating all the air release valves to determine their
necessity and/or potential improvements that could reduce environmental impacts as a result of sanitary sewer
overflows. Staff believes the air release valve in the Mesa Drive bridge for the Elden Pump Station can be
removed due to the geometry and flow characteristics of the force main. Plans for removing the ARV on the Mesa
bridge are finished and the District is currently soliciting bid proposals.
For valves that cannot be removed, staff is exploring options to divert or capture wastewater should the valves fail,
thus preventing an SSO. An example of this is the ARV at the intersection of Mesa Drive and Riverside Drive. This
ARV has the vent directed into a sewer drainpipe that connects to a sewer manhole in the street. Staff believes
the valve located in the utility bridge crossing the SR55 Freeway for the 21 Street Pump Station can be
relocated off of the bridge for easier access, and a drain can be installed to prevent future SSOs at this location.
Plans are being prepared for this now.
Legal Review
Not applicable
Environmental Review
Reviewing and discussing force main air release valves is an administrative matter, and administrative matters are
exempt under CEQA and the District’s CEQA Guidelines. The SSMP assists the District in providing
comprehensive sewer system management, including protection of the environment by eliminating sanitary sewer
overflows.
Financial Review
On October 26, 2020, the Board of Directors approved transferring $429,000 from Project #327 Calcium Removal
Project Phase I to Project #333 Elden Force Main Air Release Valve Removal. The total cost for sampling and
cleaning Caltrans storm drain is approximately $90,000. Currently, there is $339,000 available from Project #333
for engineering expenses and future expenditures for improving the District's ARV Program. The Engineer's
estimate for removing the ARV located in the Mesa Drive bridge is $115,000. Costs for diverting or capturing
wastewater from air release valves that fail are still being determined.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included in the complete agenda packet for the November 10, 2020
Board of Directors Study Session Meeting 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
Air Release Valve Locations.pdf (1,291 KB)
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C. ITEMS OF STUDY
To: Board of Directors
From: Scott Carroll, General Manager
Date: November 10, 2020
Subject: Smoke Test Results at OC Fairgrounds
Summary
On June 9, 2020, staff reported to the Board of Directors that they believed the OC Fairgrounds is contributing
inflow into the Mendoza Pump Station Tributary Area. Inflow is stormwater that enters the sewer system through
roof drains or leaders, downspouts, drains from window wells, drains from driveways, groundwater/basement
sump pumps, and/or storm drains. These sources are typically improperly or illegally connected to sanitary sewer
systems by direct connection. An improper connection lets water from sources other than sanitary fixtures, to
enter the sanitary sewer system and potentially cause a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO).
The Board was informed that the Fairgrounds will be smoke tested to determine if improper and/or illegal
connections to the District's sanitary sewer system existed or not. The smoke test is complete and the report, with
its findings, is provided in the attachment.
Recommendations
That the Board of Directors accept the Smoke Test Report from ADS Environmental Services and direct staff to
implement recommendations number one and two cited in the report.
Analysis
The smoke test was performed on October 7, 2020. The test identified four (4) defective areas that are
contributing inflow into the sanitary sewer system. Of the four defective areas, 99% of the total inflow rate is
coming from Defect area #1, which includes a dirt parking lot and 28 sewer connections/cleanouts.
An aerial photo of the dirt parking lot is attached. Staff learned from OC Fairground officials that this location is
prone to flooding during rain events and the flood water from this location does reach Arlington Drive. Staff
believes the flooding in this area is causing significant inflow into the sanitary sewer system. OC Fairgrounds is
currently performing drainage improvements in this area that should alleviate future flooding and inflow.
Completion of the drainage improvement project is expected at the end of 2020.
Also, the smoke test found five known connection areas that are allowed to selectively drain into the sanitary
system. These areas are supposed to be plugged and sealed in advance of and during rain events to redirect
runoff away from the sanitary sewer system and remain as surface runoff, which leads to the City's storm drain
system. Staff recommends implementing two out of the three recommendations cited in the report, which are:
Subject 5. Smoke Test Results at OC Fairgrounds
Meeting Nov 10, 2020 - Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Action
Recommended
Action
That the Board of Directors accept the Smoke Test Report from ADS
Environmental Services and direct staff to implement recommendations
number one and two cited in the report.
Goals 1.0 Sewer Infrastructure
1.10 Sewer Infrastructure - Monitor inflow after significant weather events
1. Monitor progress of drainage improvements in Defect area #1. This may include observing improved drainage
and lack of flooding during rain events.
2. Plug and seal the five know connection areas and then monitor effectiveness of the physical plugging/
redirecting of flow in the areas.
The third recommendation is to install a flow monitoring device and a rain gauge in TeWinkle Park to monitor
sewer flow from the Fairgrounds into the Mendoza Pump Station Tributary. Staff does not recommend
implementing the third recommendation because it will cost approximately $13,000 to complete this task. On
December 10, 2019, the District entered into an agreement with ADS Environmental Services to install a flow
monitoring device and rain gauge for the Mendoza Pump Station Tributary Area. The cost of the agreement was
$13,000. Staff believes inflow data can be obtained from the District's supervisory control and data acquisition
(SCADA) system.
Legal Review
Not applicable
Environmental Review
Smoke testing is performed with non-hazardous smoke that will quickly dissipate into the atmosphere. Also, there
is no disturbance of the environment similar to grading or construction and is not a project under CEQA or the
District’s CEQA Guidelines
Financial Review
The cost to perform the smoke testing at the OC Fairgrounds is $15,400. There is adequate funding in the budget
for this expense.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included in the complete agenda packet for the November 10, 2020
Board of Directors Study Session Meeting at District Headquarters and posted on the District’s website at
www.cmsdca.gov.
Alternative Actions
1. Direct staff to:
A. Implement recommendation number three in the smoke test final report; and
B. Report back at the December 21, 2020 Board of Directors meeting to recommend the transfer and
appropriation of $13,000.
2. Direct staff to report back with more information.
File Attachments
OC Fairgrounds Smoke Test Final Report.pdf (5,293 KB)
OC Fairgrounds Defect Area #1 .pdf (237 KB)
D. CLOSING ITEMS
Subject 1. Oral Communications and Director Comments
Meeting Nov 10, 2020 - Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type
D. CLOSING ITEMS
THE NEXT STUDY SESSION OF THE COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL
BE HELD ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020 AT 9:30 A.M. VIA TELECONFERENCE.
Subject 2. Adjournment
Meeting Nov 10, 2020 - Board of Directors Study Session
Access Public
Type Procedural