05-07-92 MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SOUTH TAHOE PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT
MAY 7, 1992
The Board of Directors of the South Tahoe Public Utility District met
in a regular session May 7, 1992, 4:00 PM, City Council Chambers,
1900 Lake Tahoe Boulevard.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Chairman Pierini, Directors Mason,
Onysko, Mosbacher, Wallace
ROLL _CALL
STAFF:
Baer, Solbrig, Garton, Miller, Swain,
Schrempp, Sieben, Brown, R. Johnson,
Hussmann, Hydrick, Hoggatt, Rudokas,
Twomey, Hrbacek, Gilbert, Inglis
Attorney Sare
GUESTS:
Brian Taylor/Tahoe Daily Tribune,
Keith Klein/City Council, Dale Coulam,
Danny G. Lukins, Brian Thomas,
Bob Persson/Lakeside Park Assoc.,
Charlie McDermid, Lew Feldman,
Ty Baldwin, Teri Jamin, Mark Zacovic/
Lake Tahoe city College, Judy Von Klug/
Redevelopment Manager, city of SLT
Danny Lukins/Lukins Water Co.,
requested the Board establish a
written policy regarding fire protec-
tion which would involve interties
between the various water systems in the
community. He felt a policy was needed
for the general welfare of the public.
He specifically requested the District
leave the intertie open which existed
between the two water companies until
his company was able to replace two
wells he was required to close down.
REQUESTS TO APPEAR BEFORE BOARD
After discussion, it was the consensus
of the Board to refer this item to staff
and a Board committee for further
research.
Dale Coulam, representing Mr. Ledbetter,
gave the history of Mr. Ledbetter's
property regarding water service
charges/connections and water usage. He
asked the Board to resolve the issues
with a thorough investigation, in the
hopes of mutual agreement and offered
to meet with staff in a Workshop.
ST055082
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - MAY 7, 1992
PAGE - 2
Discussion followed with comments from
Bob Eppler verifying the water usage on
the Ledbetter property.
REQUESTS TO APPEAR BEFORE BOARD
It was the consensus of the Board to
refer this item to staff to respond to
Mr. Coulam's questions in writing for
further investigation into (1) why the
original meter was installed, (2) why it
is in now, and (3) why the District might
consider putting a meter on the 2"
(residential) water line. Further, Mr.
Coulam will be invited to a Board
committee meeting to review staff's
written response.
None
Director Onysko requested Consent
Item No. S/Customer Service Manager
Position, be moved to the end of the
Action Calendar.
COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
CORRECTIONS TO AGENDA OR
CONSENT CALENDAR
Moved Mosbacher/Second Mason/Passed
Unanimously to Approve Consent
Calendar as Amended:
CONSENT CALENDAR
1)
Approved Regular Board Meeting
Minutes of April 16, 1992;
2)
Accepted the EPA share of a grant
increase in the amount of $5,714 by
authorizing execution of the grant
amendment by Manager Baer;
3)
Adopted Resolution No. 2562/
Declaring the month of May, 1992 as
Water Awareness Month;
Authorized two-week water dis-
connection procedures on APN
27-151-301 (3661 Birch Avenue);
5)
Authorized sewer disconnection
procedures for accounts on the
accompanying list. The list becomes
a part of these minutes by reference
herein as Attachment 1;
6)
Adopted Resolution No. 2561/
Authorizing Application to the
Director of Industrial Relations,
State of California for a Certif-
icate of Consent to Self-Insure
Workers' Compensation Liabilities;
ST055083
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - MAY 7, 1992
PAGE - 3
7)
Authorized letter to Department CONSENT CALENDAR
of Health Services for an exemption (continued)
extension to operate the College
Well for 4 additional months;
9)
Approved going to bid for:
A) 365 Dry Tons-Chlorine
B)
C)
D)
237 Dry Tons-Caustic Soda
22,000 Gallons-Sodium
Hypochlorite
14,000 pounds-Zinc
Orthophosphate
10) Awarded 1992 Grazing Lease/Alpine
County to the highest, responsible
bidder: Melvin F. Springmeyer;
11) Authorized staff to negotiate
contract option with Allied Colloids
for the first one-year extension of
the present Dry Polymer Contract.
4:55 PM PUBLIC HEARING
Chairman Pierini opened the Public
Hearing at 4:55 PM.
Finance Officer Garton, presented the
1992-93 Fiscal Year Budgets for the
Water Enterprise Fund and Sewer Enter-
prise Fund. She said no plans for rate
hikes were anticipated, as service
charges were adequate to cover the
presently planned operating expenses.
Garton, used graphs & visual charts to
explain the planned expenditures and
revenues.
Ty Baldwin commended Finance
officer, Rhonda Garton, on a job
well done. Chairman Pierini and
Director Wallace responded to Mr.
Baldwin's comments regarding
long-range planning.
Discussion followed regarding
revenue-generated expansion vs.
revenue-depletion expansion, grants,
tunnel project, in-house studies,
consultant costs/salaries and the
related alternatives, on-going replace-
ment of water lines, today's economy
--local & nation-wide, and AB 3214.
1992-93 FISCAL YEAR BUDGETS:
WATER ENTERPRISE FUND AND
SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND
OPEN HEARING
STAFF REPORT
PUBLIC COMMENTS
ST055084
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - MAY 7, 1992
None.
(Numerous questions and comments
were covered at the Budget Public
Hearing held on 5/4/92).
chairman Pierini closed the Public
Hearing at 5:30 PM.
5:30 PM
PAGE - 4
PUB?JTCMR. ARING CONTINUED
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
REGULAR MEETING RESUMED
ITEMS FOR BOARD ACTION
Presented by Richard Solbrig. He
reviewed the number of needed sewer
units and the District's will-serve
letter for water and sewer units.
LAKE TAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
CHILD CARE CENTER
Mark Zacovic representing the College
was present. He answered questions
regarding the use of low-flow toilets
for the project and the College's
construction schedule.
Moved Mason/Second Mosbacher/Passed
Unanimously to approve the District's
will-serve letter to Lake Tahoe Com-
munity College For water & sewer
connections.
(Chairman Pierini removed himself
from the dais due to conflict of
interest. Vice Chairman Onysko
presided over this portion of the
meeting.)
FANTASY INN AT SONORA AVENUE AND
HIGHWAY-50
Presented by Richard Solbrig, who
reported staff's recommendation was
to assess Fantasy Inn 2 sewer units
for each room. He pointed out key
items in the District's Ordinance
regarding schedule of units for motels,
and commercial establishments. He said
staff's recommendation was based on
expected wastewater flow rates due to
the type of spa/tub that will be filled,
used, and emptied after use. Solbrig
also reviewed the K.B. Foster Engineer's
calculations for the proposed construc-
tion, maximum day flows, irrigation
demands, and cost of meters.
Lew Feldman, representinq Fantasy Inn,
reviewed the history and background
regarding the plumbing fixtures to be
ST055085
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - MAY 7 1992
used in each room and voiced his dis-
agreement with the assessment of two
sewer units per room instead of one
sewer unit per room and the related
increase in costs.
PAGE - 5
FANTASY INN AT SONORA AVENUE AND
HIGHWAY-50
(continued)
Discussion followed regarding connec-
tion fees/payments, Embassy suites
water usage, Fantasy Inn tub size
(90 gal.), monitoring, and peak-day
flow concepts.
Director Onysko felt the District was
grossly underestimating Fantasy Inn's
necessary sewer units. According to
Onysko's calculations, (the same ones
used for Embassy suites), the District
should be charging Fantasy Inn for 250
sewer units (3.5 sewer units per room),
not 112 sewer units.
Charlie McDermidL Vice-President
of So. Lake Tahoe Lodging Assoc.,
reported their Board of Directors
unanimously passed the following
motion regarding the Will-Serve
Letter: "We are opposed to any
exorbitant or unreasonable fees,
including hook-up fees, which
would discourage lodging properties
in particular, and all businesses
in general from upgrading, de-
veloping or redeveloping their
properties in So. Lake Tahoe."
He hoped the Board would see a way
to reduce the fees indicated in the
draft of the will-serve letter and asked
the Board to analyze this matter from
a business perspective, as well as a
technical point of view.
Director Mason stated we had an
antiquated product, and the way to
keep up with the demand is charging
everyone their fair share for service
and connection fees.
Director Wallace stated all new
developers become a part of our
community--but how do we make it
fair?--and that's what we are trying
to do today.
Attorney Sar9 emphasized, again,
according to the law-- everyone had to
pay their fair share.
ST055086
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - MAY 7 1992
Chris Strohm~ Chamber of Commerce,
recognized the needs of the District,
but voiced his objections to the pro-
posed fees for Fantasy Inn and future
new construction. He felt Fantasy Inn
was being penalized by the District.
~eith Klein~ City Council, said the
procedure of assessing sewer units was
not fair as it is done now. Klein said
there is a perception by some people in
the community that the Board is not
being as fair as it could be--that there
is deserved mistrust--according to some.
He urged the Board to cooperate, not
delay, and take action at this meeting.
He stated that by cooperating, the Board
would get cooperation back, and their
image would improve.
~ said he appreciated the
Board's efforts and action regarding
fees imposed on Embassy Suites--to
pay their fair share. He urged the
Board to delay their decision on this
item and also look-out for the rate
payers in general. He said it seemed
uncertain, at this time, what equity
Ks for Fantasy Inn.
PAGE - 6
FANTASY INN AT SONORA AVENUE AND
flIGHWAY-50
(continued)
Lew Feldman said construction was
planned for the first part of June. He
urged the Board to take action tonight.
Discussion followed regarding regu-
lations imposed by the State of CA,
fair share, transfer of sewer units,
and plant capacity.
Judith Yon Klug, Redevelopment Mgr./
City of So. Lake Tahoe, said the City
had enough sewer units reserved to
accommodate the 2 sewer units per room.
Richard Solbrig reiterated staff's rec-
commendations were equitable and fair at
two sewer units per room. He detailed
the calculations used for determining
the sewer units represented in the
will-serve letter.
~anager Baer reminded the Board he and
Dale Sate had met with Kerry Miller and
Dennis Crabb six months ago. At that
time they (Miller & Crabb) were told the
figures/calculations looked like two (2)
or three (3) sewer units might be
assessed for each room. Crabb and
ST055087
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - MAY 7 1992
Miller were also given copies of the
water usage figures at the old Fantasy
Inn on which the District based the
proposed 2-3 sewer unit calculations.
Director Wallac~ expressed confidence
in staff, but felt there were overriding
concerns about discouraging growth. He
saw this as a re-establishment of a
business--rather than a new business.
He asked if the City and/or Mr. Feldman
would be willing to set aside units
and/or money and give them back to the
District in the future if the staff's
flow calculations proved right.
Judy Yon Klug replied there would be no
problem with setting aside 54 (sewer)
units and assuring they would be there
for some period of time in the future,
should they be needed. If the District
asked to have the additional sewer units
turned back to the District, she would
have to take that proposition back to
her Agency (Redevelopment).
Director Wallac~ suggested a motion
giving Fantasy Inn a will-serve letter
for one (1) sewer unit per room with
a condition creating a mechanism to
allow the District to get the additional
money or assignment of additional sewer
units if the one (1) sewer unit proved
to be wrong.
Director Mason reminded the Board any
deviation from the presently understood
"motel unit" had always been dealt with
as a special circumstance, but, in this
case, he would be willing to allow a re-
check of actual sewer usage at a later
date.
PAGE - 7
FANTASY INN AT SONORA AVENUE AND
~IGHWAY-50
(continued)
Director Mosbacher responded to Keith
Klein's comments and said she would
never, ever vote on District matters
to "be popular". She felt the right
thing was two (2) sewer units for this
project.
Director Onysko gave a breakdown of the
mathematics as they related to District
revenue for one (1) sewer unit compared
to two (2) sewer units, but felt the
assessment should be set at three (3)
sewer units per room because the flows
were going to be greater than present
calculations represented. He said a
ST055088
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - MAY 7, 1992
three sewer unit assessment would re-
sult in an increase of revenue of
$85,000. He calculated this increase
would represent a $6.00 savings per
household. He felt this matter should
be tabled to allow time for more public
input.
PAGE - u
FANTASY INN AT SONORA AVENUE AND
~IGHWAY-50
(continued)
Moved Onysko to table this item.
Motion died for lack of a Second.
Moved Mosbacher/Second Mason/
Pierini Abstained/Onysko and
Wallace Voted No/Motion Did
Not ~ to accept staff's
recommendation (to approve will-
serve letter showing two (2) sewer
units assigned to each room).
7:05 PM
7:15 PM
Moved Mosbacher/Second Mason/Onysko
Voted No/Pierini Abstained/Passed
to accept staff's recommendation
(to approve the will-serve letter
showing two (2) sewer units assigned
to each room).
MEETING BREA~
MEETING RESUMED
Chairman Pierini returned to the dais
and presided over the remainder of the
meeting.
Presented by Mary Rudokas who
explained some additional costs
which were added to the Task Order.
Moved Mason/Second Onysko/Passed
Unanimously to authorize EIP Assoc.
Task Order No. 1 in the amount of
$11,690 to prepare the proposed
Environmental Documentation.
FALLEN LEAFLAKE FLOW ALLOTMENT
MODIFICATION
Presented by Chris Twomey, who
presented the rationale for aerial
photogrammetric services & answered
questions from Board members regar-
ding the planned surveying and the
related costs.
AERIAL PHOTOGRAMMETRIC SURVEY:
TREATMENT PLANT & COLD CREEK
FILTER PLANT
Moved Wallace/Second Onysko/Passed
Una~ to authorize staff to
proceed with the RFP Process.
Presented by Richard Solbrig. He said
his discussions with Consulting Engin-
eering Services, suggested a first-step
INUNDATIONMAPS FOR ICR, HARVEY
PLACE RESERVOIR, AND THE ERB
ST055089
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - MAY 7, 1992
PAGE - 9
approach should be a brief reconnais- INUNDATION MAPS FOR ICR, HARVEY
sance survey at the cost of $2,000--in PLACE RESERVOIR, AND THE ERB
the hopes of eliminating the full-blown (continued)
inundation maps. Solbrig said staff
was recommending this first-step
approach.
Moved Mason/Second Wallace/Passed
Unanimously to authorize expenditure
of up to $2,000 for the initial
services.
Presented by Director Mosbacher who
asked Diane Gilbert to read the
Mission Statement of the South Tahoe
Public Utility District. (The State-
ment becomes a part of these minutes
by reference herein as Attachment 2.)
Moved Mosbacher/Second Onysko/Passed
Unanimously to adopt the District's
Mission Statement.
MISSION STATEMENT
Diane Gilbert reported a District
Motto Contest will be conducted in
the near future. She urged all
employees and Board members to
participate.
Moved Wallace/Second Mason/Onysko
Abstained/Passed to approve payment in
the amount of $424,139.95.
PAYMENT OF CLAIM~
Director Onysko requested considera-
tion of the following:
A
A
A
A
A rating system be used;
Require engineering skills;
Require computer skills; and
Finance Committee review prior
to screening process.
CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER
POSITION
(Consent Item No. 8)
Moved Mosbacher/Second Wallace/Passed
Unanimously to:
A) Approve revised job description;
B) Revise position as Management
Class 5;
C) Set salary range at $3,600-$4,240
a month for Class 5;
D) Authorize advertisement for
position.
Director Mason reported on the
meeting he attended with Manager Baer,
Attorney Sare, & Chairman Pierini
with the Alpine County Contract
Commission in Markleeville.
BOARD MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS
ST055090
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - MAY 7, 1992
PAGE - 10
Manager Baer said encouraging comments
were made by the Alpine County Health
Dept. official regarding monitoring.
The official expressed a desire to work
more closely with STPUD.
BOARD MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS
(continued)
Director Mason reported a lot of work
and research is being done by Fish and
Game on the type of fish that will be
released in Indian Creek.
Director Wallace reported the Finance
Committee had met; most of the items
were covered in today's meeting.
Chairman Pierini reported he and
Director Mason had met regarding
Board Policies. He said Manager
Baer has done a lot of work on
the policies already.
Director Mosbacher reported on "A
Day in the Capital" with EDWPA.
She also requested someone look
into what SB 198 is. She thought
we could get funding--if we would
ask for it. Director Mosbacher's
questions were also answered regarding
blue marks in the street (water valve
covers) .
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
~anaqer Baer reported on the
following:
STAFF REPORTS
1) Efforts in setting up a meeting
with Douglas Wheeler/Secretary of
Resources, State of CA regarding
Sierra summit;
2) Meeting Rhonda Garton attended
with Calif. Society of CPA's/Legislative
Day and her conversation with David
Knowles regarding property tax.
3) Letter from Congressman Doolittle's
office regarding radon standards;
4) Meeting with Lakeside Mutual Water
Co. and Carl Lischeske regarding water
quality/quantity problems;
5) Truckee River Operating Agreement;
6) Barton Hospital Doctors' Staff Mtg.
ST055091
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - MAY 7, 1992
PAGE - 1]
Past Meetinqs/Events
4/22/92 - Business/Environmental Fair
4/29/92 - EDWPA Day in the Capitol
5/04/92 - Alpine Co. Commission
5/04/92 - Special Mtg/Executive Session
5/04/92 - Public Hearing/1992-93 Budgets
5/05/92 - Barton Hospital Staff/Giardia
Concerns
STAFF REPORTS
(continued)
Assistant Manager Solbrig reported on
the advertisement for Staff Enqineer
Position. He said all applications are
to be postmarked by May 29, 1992.
Attorney Sare reported on the following:
1) CASA/Attorney Agenda;
2) Clay Borrow Pit Bond/Alpine Co.
Diane Gilbert announced an invitation
to Board Members: Demonstration and
Tour of the Gardner Mountain Air-
Stripping Tower on 5/21/92 at 3:00 PM.
5/15-16 - 4:30 PM - CASA/Berkeley Hills NOTICE OF FUTURE MEETINGS
5/21/92 - 4:00 PM - Regular Board Mtg.
8:30 PM
ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE
Pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6(a)/UNION
NEGOTIATIONS
ADJOURNMENT
U PIERINf, CHAfR~ OF BOARD
SOUTH TAHOE PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT
ATTEST:
PAT A. MAMATH, CLERK OF BOARD
SOUTH TAHOE PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT
ST055092
ATTACHMENT 1
May 7, 1992 Board Meeting
Minutes
ACCOUNTS SUBMITTED FOR AUTHORIZATION
OF DISCONNECTION PROCEEDINGS
MAY 7, 1992 BOARD MEETING
ITEM ACCT. #
1. 23-613-021
NAME SERV. ADDRESS /~4P.[IE
Leopoldo Garcia 1878 Agate $ 454.43
2. 23-741-031
Jeanette Shadoff
2269 Idaho 454.43
3. 23-771-171
Sonia Bajone
879 So Shore S/O
367.36
4. 26-131-141
Jerry Lilienthal 799 Sonoma
454.43
5. 26-231-141
George Valentine 2759 Lake Tahoe Bi 564.95
6. 27-221-291
Charles King
1109 Oak Ave.
454.43
7. 27-341-171
Richard Dewhurst 3533 Deer Ln.
476.47
8. 31-061-071
Thomas Carey
1048 River Dr.
454.43
9. 31-133-051 Laurie Ward
2652 Elwood
504.43
10. 31-186-131
Manuel Lastimosa 2525 Rose Ave.
423.57
11. 31-204-121
Billy Foster
1246 O Malley
454.43
12. 32-203-021
Terry Theus
1300 Kyburz
421.94
13. 33-273-101
Darlene Fidel
843 Lake Tahoe Bi. 588.95
14. 33-285-011
Gladys Bartel
1164 Eagle Lane
588.95
15. 33-402-041
Richard Sproul
1821 Grizzly Mtn. 636.25
ST055093
ATTACHMENT
lnuses
2
Board Meeting
Ill
IT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SOUTH TAHOE PUBLIC UTILITY
DISTRICT TO:
Ensure the community has an adequate supply of high quality water
for all its needs;
Provide reliable collection, treatment, and reuse of wastewater,
resulting in the protection of the unique environment of Lake Tahoe
and Alpine County;
Carry out District responsibilities with the safety and health of
customers and employees as our primary concern;
Perform all services efficiently and in a cost effective manner, in
keeping with a responsible financial plan;
Share information with our customers to foster and maintain a well
informed community;
Encourage our staff to develop and realize their full potential in
meeting District needs.
ST055094
May 7, 1992
PHONE NUHBER:
5Y/
BOARD MEETING
GUEST SIGN-IN SHEET: (please print)
NAME: ADDRESS:
NOTE:
COMPLETION OF THE ABOVE INFO~TION IS VOLUNTARY AND NOT A
PRECONDITION FOR ATTENDANCE. ST055095