02-19-98SOUTH TAHOE PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT
"Basic Services for a Complex World"
Robert Baer General Maria er Richard Solbri , Assistant Mana er
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James Jones, President BOARD MEMBERS James Jones, Vice President
Duane Wallace, Director Mary Lou Mosbacher, Director Pembroke Gochnauer, Director
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REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SOUTH TAHOE PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT
FEBRUARY 19, 1998
MINUTES
The Board of Directors of the South Tahoe Public Utility District met in a regular session February
19, 1998, 2:00 P.M., City Council Chambers, 1900 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe,
California.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
President Jones, Directors Wallace, Strohm, Gochnauer,
Mosbacher.
ROLL CALL
STAFF:
Solbrig, Sharp, McFadane, Rieger, Adams, Schrempp,
Swain, Hussmann, Schroeder, Forsythe, Thiel, Hoggatt,
Hydrick, Attorney Neese.
GUESTS:
Judy Brown/City Council Liaison, Dave Herzog/HSI Geo-
trans, Dave Kurtzman, John Horst, John McDougall,
Roy Hampson.
Consent Items 5 and 6 (H20 Outreach Program) were
removed and will be placed on the next Regular Board
Meeting Agenda.
Consent Items 1 and 4 were brought forward for discus-
sion prior to Board action.
CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA
OR CONSENT CALENDAR
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REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 19, 1998 PAGE - 2
Moved Mosbacher/Second Wallace/Passed Unanimously
to approve the Consent Calendar, as amended:
2) Manhole Lining - A) Approved Tejon Constructors as
sole source supplier; and B) Authorized the lining of
16 manholes in the amount of $52,300;
3) Authorized implementation of the two-week disconnec-
tion procedures on the property located at 3923 Pioneer
Trail, APN 29-170-031, for failure to perform annual
backflow assembly test;
7) Approved payment to El Dorado County in the amount
of $13,672.06 for November 4, 1997 Consolidated
Districts Election;
8) Approved Regular Board Meeting Minutes: 12/18/97;
9) Export Pipeline Replacement - Authorized purchase of
computers and peripheral equipment through the State
JPA for Grant Contracts Administrator and Inspection
staff's use in the Tahoe Paradise field office in the esti-
mated amount of $21,000.
Due to a potential conflict of interest, Directors Strohm
and Gochnauer disqualified themselves from participation
in this item.
Tim Rieger reported Mr. Kurtzman's client, John Horst,
intends to develop property on Dick Lake Road that has
no water service available. Staff recommends Mr. Horst
pay the cost for a 2-inch water main extension to connect
his property to the District's water system. The District
will pay the difference to upgrade the pipe to a 6-inch
standard size, and will perform other upgrades that will
prevent a dead-end in the water system, if possible.
(The other option is a fire hydrant on the line extension.)
Easements will be needed to cross properties along
Dick Lake Road to complete the tie-in.
John McDougall, a property owner on Dick Lake Road, is
currently being served by a 2-inch main line extension to
the District's water system. The District would also up-
grade the 2-inch pipe that serves him to a 6-inch pipe.
CONSENT CALENDAR
REQUEST TO APPEAR BEFORE THE
BOARD: DAVE KURTZMAN, RE:
1328 DICK LAKE ROAD
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REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 19, 1998 PAGE - 3
Kurtzman requested the cost of the project be borne by
the District, less the cost of installing 85-feet of 2-inch
main (at an approximate cost of $1,800). Prior to the
Board agreeing to this request, an agreement between
all the affected property owners (the District would not
be a participant) would need to be in place. John Horst
stated he will provide an easement on his property to
allow for installation of the water line.
A bid was received for the pipeline portion of the project.
The District's share of the cost is estimated to be $7,157.
(Costs to obtain the necessary easements are not included.)
The cost to the property owners is estimated to be $1,817.
Moved Mosbacher/Second Wallace/Strohm and Gochnauer
Disqualified/Passed to provide a mainline extension for
water service to homes on Dick Lake Road and to upgrade
the line size to the 6-inch standard. The estimated costs to
be borne are: A) $1,817 by the customers; and B) $7,157
by the District. Additionally, the District will incur the costs
of connecting the line extension to Glenwood, in the esti-
mated amount of $4,600 and will also negotiate to obtain
necessary easements.
REQUEST TO APPEAR BEFORE
BEFORE THE BOARD: DAVE
KURTZMAN, RE: 1328 DICK LAKE
ROAD
(continued)
ITEMS FOR BOARD ACTION
John Thiel reported a Negative Declaration, as required
by CEQA, was prepared to evaluate potential environ-
mental impacts from the proposed project. It was deter-
mined no significant environmental impacts will occur,
which cannot be fully mitigated, as a result of the project.
The Negative Declaration, along with the Environmental
Assessment and Initial Study, were sent to the State Clear-
inghouse for a 30-day circulation period from February 3,
1998, to March 4, 1998. Construction of the tank is expect-
ed to begin July 6, with an estimated completion date of
September 28, 1998.
As requested by TRPA and the USFS, two neighborhood
meetings will be held to provide opportunities for land-
owners and residents to provide additional public comments.
No Public Comment received.
RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENTS:
FLAGPOLE TANK PROJECT
ST057810
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 19, 1998 PAGE -4
Richard Solbrig reported the permitting process for this
project has been delayed by TRPA. He outlined project
alternatives and their impacts to the environment, and
local businesses. Alternative 2B was selected because
it requires the least amount of disturbance. Alternative
2B will replace a section of the A-line between the inter-
section of U.S. Hwy. 50 and Sante Fe Road and the
Luther Pass Pump Station located on Grass Lake Road.
The new 30-inch pipeline will be replaced below ground
level, within existing roadway right-of-ways. The existing
pipeline segment replaced by this project will be left in
place for emergency operations.
RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENTS:
A-LINE EXPORT PIPELINE RE-
PLACEMENT PROJECT - PHASE II
The Mitigated Negative Declaration was circulated to res-
ponsible agencies and to the interested public through
the California Office of Planning and Research from Decem-
bet 24, 1997, through January 26, 1998. Four comment
letters were received and responded to as part of that
process.
No Public Comment received.
Moved Strohm/Second Gochnauer/Passed Unanimously
to authorize selection of preferred project alternative 2B;
and to certify the Negative Declaration of Environmental
Impact.
Moved Strohm/Second Gochnauer/Passed Unanimously
to approve payment in the amount of $509,071.14.
PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
CONSENT ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD FOR ACTION / DISCUSSION
Nancy Hussmann reported this position was recently
vacated. The job description has been updated to reflect
actual duties performed. Additional time is needed by
Union Shop Stewards to address comments received
regarding the salary range for this proposed reclassification.
Moved Strohm/Second Mosbacher/Passed Unanimously
to approve reclassification of the Computer Systems Tech-
nician position to PC/Network Systems Administrator, with
a salary schedule mutually agreed to by the Union and the
District, not to exceed the proposed salary range of $3,148 -
$4,429.
RECLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER
SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN POSITION
(Consent Item No. 4)
ST057811
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 19, 1998 PAGE - 5
Director Mosbacher stated that until funding for the new
Hydrogeologist position were identified within the budget,
she objected to the purchase of these vehicles. Rhonda
McFarlane stated the vehicles were budgeted from capital
outlay reserves, not from the contingency fund. The
vehicles can only be purchased through the state's co-
operative purchasing program for a limited period of time,
and therefore, requires immediate action and approval.
The Finance Committee will identify areas of the budget
that can be used to fund the new position.
Moved Gochnauer/Second Strohm/Mosbacher Voted No/
Passed to approve purchase of three pickup trucks through
the State of California Department of General Services
Cooperative Purchasing Program, in the total estimated
amount of $59,238, plus tax and delivery.
Finance Committee: The committee will meet in March
to review the proposed 1998/99 budget. All capital pro-
jects will be prioritized within each department.
Water & Wastewater Operations Committee: Director Jones
was absent from the February 17 Operations Committee
meeting. Director Gochnauer reported on items discussed.
Minutes of the meeting are available upon request.
Plannin.q/Ordinance Committee: The committee will meet
in March to continue with the Ordinance Codification pro-
ject.
County Water Agency/EDWPA/LAFCO Committee: A
general EDWPA meeting will be held April 10.
Lahontan/SWRCB Communications Ad Hoc Committee:
Assemblyman Oller's request for a performance audit
of Lahontan was granted. A time-line of the audit will be
developed by the State Audit Committee. It is hoped that
the outcome of this audit will ensure effective governance
statewide.
Roy Hampson commented on his experiences with
hearings before the State Water Resources Control
Board.
VEHICLE PURCHASE
(Consent Item No. 1)
BOARD MEMBER STANDING
COMMITTEE REPORTS
BOARD MEMBER AD HOC
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ST057812
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 19, 1998 PAGE - 6
H20 Program (Helping Hands Outreach Program Ad
Hoc Committee: An ordinance and MOU with El Dorado
County are being developed.
Director Gochnauer reported representatives from
Lahontan attended the Lodging Association's meeting
to discuss aquifer contamination in the Stateline area.
Director Wallace reported when Paloma Well was installed,
Lahontan would not permit well water to be discharged into
the adjacent pasture. Because of this, sediment has
accumulated from sand and debris that could not be flushed
from the pipeline. The sediment is affecting a laundromat
and hotel. Staff is working to resolve these problems.
Director Jones attended a portion of the hearing requesting
a performance audit of Lahontan. He left the hearing early
in order to participate on the Governor's Advisory Panel.
Two subgroups were formed to evaluate fuel releases from
underground fuel tanks and refueling practices at marinas.
Each group formed three subcommittees. A description of
tasks is being developed for each group to address.
Jones will attend the ACWA Washington D. C. Legislative
Conference in March. Bob Baer will be in Washington
during that same time period to seek federal funding for
the 1999 phase of the export pipeline replacement project.
Baer and Jones plan to meet with representatives from
Doolittle's, Feinstein's, and and Boxer's Washington D. C.
offices while they are in the area.
Richard Solbrig reported the grant application for the 1998
phase of the export pipeline project is being finalized.
Holland and Knight are preparing two deviation requests to
the grant application to include money already expended
on the project with the grant monies. The planning and
design contracts for A-line Phase III, B-line Phase II and
Phase III, for the years 1999 and 2000 are proceeding
ahead of schedule.
Solbrig reported on the status of the emergency projects:
Millich Ditch/Snowshoe Thompson Ditch No. 1 Emer.qency
Project of March 20, 1997 - Attorney Neese is continuing to
finalize the cost sharing, easement, operations, and main-
BOARD MEMBER AD HOC
COMMITTEE REPORTS
(continued)
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
ASSISTANT MANGER/STAFF
REPORTS
STATUS OF EMERGENCY PROJECTS
ST057813
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 19, 1998 PAGE - 7
tenance agreements. When the agreements are finalized,
the project can go out to bid.
Tertiary Building Fire Emergency of February 5, 1998 -
Staff is developing fire emergency response guidelines.
Smoke and heat detectors are needed in outlying buildings
to alert staff in an effort to respond more quickly. Staff is
also investigating how to best generate ongoing duplication
of important records and files.
Bids have been received to perform various repair items.
The broken windows have been replaced. Due to the de-
sign of the fire insurance policy and the necessity to
facilitate the reimbursement process, contractors will be
hired to perform the repair work.
Attorney Neese reported on three items:
1) He has drafted proposed legislation associated with the
A-line Phase II project, designed to allow for the use of
recycled water in the Lake Tahoe basins for fire protection
purposes. Assemblyman Oller's office will introduce the
legislation on the District's behalf.
2) A lawsuit has been filed against Ossian Butterfield, and
the Truckee Sanitary District (TSD) by property owners who
allege an emergency situation was concocted to force them
into hooking up to the TSD sewer system. The suit also
claims Mr. Butterfield has a conflict of interest due to his
position on the Lahontan RWQCB and his position at TSD.
3) He reviewed the Rule of Necessity with the Board.
Board members should call the Clerk of the Board in ad-
vance of a Board meeting, if a member anticipates having
a conflict of interest with any item before the Board requiring
action.
Chief Financial Officer: Rhonda McFarlane reported on
three items:
1 ) The money from FEMA for the Ponderosa Pump Station
has not been received, due to the numerous emergency
situations occurring in the state of California.
STATUS OF EMERGENCY
PROJECTS
(continued)
STAFF REPORTS
ST057814
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 19, 1998 PAGE - 8
2) A small appeal from 1995 storm damage was granted
by FEMA, in the amount of $34,000.
3) An audit of the self-funded medical insurance was
completed last week. The Finance Committee will review
the results of the report.
Clerk of the Board: Comments on the first chapter (Series
1000) of the Board Policy Manual are due by March 6.
Adoption of the first chapter is scheduled for March 19.
3:45 P.M.
3:50 P.M.
6:06 P.M.
STAFF REPORTS
(continued)
MEETING BREAK
MEETING RESUMED AND
ADJOURNED TO EXECUTIVE
SESSION
RECONVENE TO REGULAR
SESSION
ACTION / REPORT ON ITEMS DISCUSSED DURING EXECUTIVE SESSION
No new information was reported on this item.
No Board action.
Legal counsel and staff updated the Board regarding the
status of this item.
No Board action.
The Board directed legal counsel and staff regarding
this item.
No Board action.
The Board unanimously approved the Human Resources
Director's contract, in concept, subject to final legal
review. The proposal includes the following provisions:
exemptform overtime, ineligible for Managers Incentive
Program, salary to be $4,808/mo. effective 12/25/97,
Pursuant to Section 54956.95 of
California Government Code/Confer-
nce with Legal Counsel Regarding
Liability Claim against STPUD,
received from Tahoe Chalet Inn
Pursuant to Section 54956.9(a) of
California Government Code/Con-
ference with Legal Counsel Existing
Litigation: Schwake v. STPUD,
Federal Case No. CV-N-93-851-DWH
Pursuant to Section 54956.9(b) of
California Government Code/
Conference with Legal Counsel -
Anticipated Litigation (one case)
Pursuant to Section 54957.6 of
California Government Code/
Conference with Labor Negotiator:
Unrepresented Employee Position -
Human Resources Director
ST057815
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 19, 1998 PAGE - 9
salary to be $5,000/mo. effective 12/24/98, an additional
one week, per year, administrative leave added to vacation
accrual at beginning of each contract year (12/25/97 to
12/24/98).
CLOSED SESSION
(continued)
6:10 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
J~/es R. Jones, Board P,P~ident
~a'uth Tahoe Public Utilil~c,'District
ATTEST:
Kathy Sharp, ~2I'¢rk of ~:he-Boa¢
South Tahoe PQblic Utility District
ST057816
DATE:
REGULAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
GUEST SIGN-IN SHEET
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BROWN ACT:
COMPLETION OF THIS INFORMATION IS VOLUNTARY, NOT MANDATORY,
AND IS NOT A PRECONDITION FOR ATTENDANCE
ST057817