Loading...
08-05-99SOUTH TAHOE PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT "Basic Services for a Complex World" Robert Baer General James Jones, President Richard Assistant BOARD MEMBERS Christopher H. Strohm, Vice President Pembroke Gochnauer, Director REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SOUTH TAHOE PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT AUGUST 5, 1999 MINUTES The Board of Directors of the South Tahoe Public Utility District met in a regular session August 5, 1999, 2:00 P.M., City Council Chambers, 1900 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, California. BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President Jones, Directors Wallace, Gochnauer, Mosbacher. Director Strohm was absent. ROLL CALL STAFF: Baer, Solbrig, Sharp, McFarlane, Noble, Garcia, Cocking, Hussmann, Schrempp, Ellis, Johnson, Attorney Kvistad. GUESTS: Judy Brown/City Council Liaison, Wayne Nader/Vice President, Government Banking, U. S. Bank; Danny Lukins/ Lukins Brothers Water Company, Mark and Linda Witters/ Meyers Chevron and Foodmart, N. Paul Vadnais, Joyce Blackstone, Roy Hampson. Judy Brown reported on the Senate debate that was tele- vised on C-Span re: an amendment to the Agriculture bill, calling for the phaseout of MTBE with an eventual ban. Brown provided the Board with a taped copy, plus a copy of the Email she sent to Senator Boxer. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE ST034545 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES -AUGUST 5, 1999 PAGE -2 Mark and Linda Witters: expressed their views related to the MTBE lawsuit. Due to ongoing litigation; Attorney Kvistad recommended that they pose their questions to their legal counsel. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE (continued) Renee Ellis, who recently filled the interim Administration Secretary position, was introduced to the Board. INTRODUCTION Staff requested that Consent Item b. (Delinquent Assess- ments: Fallen Leaf Lake Properties) be removed, as the situation has been satisfactorily resolved. CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA OR CONSENT CALENDAR Attorney Kvistad reported there are two addendums to the Agenda that came to staff's attention after posting of the Regular Agenda: 1) Steven Lane Waterline Emergency Repair; and 2) the need to hold a Closed Session to dis- cuss terms for' property negotiations. Richard Solbrig reported the first of a series of water leaks was discovered on Steven Lane on July 29. Over the course of the next seven days, three more leaks were found. The section in need of repair is part of an old system purchased by the District. The line consisted of 2" plastic piping that wa~s not pressure rated. The line split wide open, causing 100 feet of pavement to wash away, creating a safety haza~'d. The City of South Lake Tahoe has request- ed that repairs be made as soon as possible. Solbrig estimated the repair to the line, services, and paving to cost $65,000. Moved GochnauedSecond Mosbacher/Strohm Absent/ Passed that sufficient evidence has been presented to determine an emergency situation exists. Steven Lane Waterline Repair will be added to the Agenda as Action Item f. Richard Solbrig requested a Closed Session be added to the agenda to discuss the terms of a USFS Temporary Special Use Permit (which is a part of the property nego- tiations). Due to the timing for the project, this item requires immediate attention. Moved MosbachedSecond Wallace/Strohm Absent/Passed to accept USFS Property Negotiations: Special Use Permit Terms, as an Addendum to the Agenda as Closed Session Item d. ST034546 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES -AUGUST 5, 1999 PAGE - 3 Moved Mosbacher/Second GochnauedStrohm Absent/ Passed to approve the Consent Calendar, as amended: a. Authorized implementation of the two-week sewer and/or water disconnection procedures for delinquent accounts; b. (Item Removed); Christmas Valley and Gardner Mountain Tanks - Approved Changer Order No. 2 for R.D.C Inc., in the amount of $1,800; d. Authorized entering into Natural Gas Purchase Agreement with IGI Resources, Inc.; Employee Benefit Plan: Consultant Services Agreement - Approved renewal of contract with BB&H Benefit Designs Insurance Services for consulting services for the District's Employee Benefit Plan in the amount of $15,000 (annually); Tata Lane and F Street Waterline - Approved Change Order No. 1 for White Rock Construction in the amount of $46,270; A-Line Phase I1: Revegetation Maintenance -Approved contract with Kelley Erosion Control in the amount of $7,980 to provide maintenance and guarantee for 80% survival of 1,025 plants along Hwy. 50; ho Highway 50 / Midway Road Waterline - Approve Change Order No. 1 for G. B. Construction in the amount of $3,328; i. Approved Regular Board Meeting Minutes: June 17, 1999; j. Approved Regular Board Meeting Minutes: July 1, 1999; k. Approved Special Board Meeting Minutes: July 7, 1999. Diane Noble reported Mr. Vadnais would like to connect to the District's water system and abandon his well. District inspectors are responsible for siting a new water lateral at the location which is the most advantageous to CONSENT CALENDAR REQUEST TO APPEAR BEFORE THE BOARD: N. Paul Vadnais, 3677 Forest Ave., APN 27-075-15 ST034547 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - AUGUST 5, 1999 PAGE - 4 the District. In this case, the eastern boundary is the most appropriate place to install the new water service. Using a map of the property as illustration, Noble stated the District will absorb the cost to install a new lateral, and that the siting of the lateral should be at staff's discretion. If the lateral is placed per staff's recommendation, it will provide future potential for the neighboring lot to hook up to the water system. She recommended that the Mr. Vadnais pay the difference in costs for time and materials if a special location is selected. Mr. Vadnais requested that the water service be installed where it is best for him. Using a map of the property to illustrate, he outlined the route he envisioned for the service. The Operations Committee reviewed this item and recom- mended that the District place the lateral as Mr. Vadnais outlined, and Mr. Vadnais would be responsible for time and materials costs incurred to place it. Noble stated the existing well is leaking. The water is being pumped from Mr. Vadnais' basement to the District's sewer section creating unwanted I&l. It is important a solution is reached quickly. Moved Gochnauer/Second Wallace/Jones Voted No/ Strohm Absent/Passed to approve that Mr. Vadnais compen- sate the District in the amount of $500 for time and materials, and the District will place the waterline connection lateral in the location as described by Mr. Vadnais. President Jones presented Rhonda McFarlane with a plaque from the Government Finance Officers Association for an Award of Excellence in Financial Reporting for Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1998. District staff members were acknowledged for their contributions to the report. REQUEST TO APPEAR BEFORE THE BOARD: N. Paul Vadnais, 3677 Forest Ave., APN 27-075-15 (continued) PRESENTATION: Government Finance Officers Association Award ITEMS FOR BOARD ACTION Rhonda McFarlane reported in an effort to improve the District's internal controls, the auditors recommended opening a Safekeeping Account to ensure an additional layer of security for District investments. Wayne Nader, U.S. Bankcorp, was introduced to the Board. U. S. BANCORP: INVESTMENT SAFEKEEPING ST034548 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES -AUGUST 5~ 1999 PAGE - 5 The Finance Committee has reviewed this item and recommends approval. Moved Wallace/Second Gochnauer/Strohm Absent/ Passed to authorize execution of agreement to open a Safekeeping Account. Rhonda McFarlane reported the auditors recommended that safekeeping customers of U. S. Bankcorp open an institutional cash account to settle the investment transactions. (Note: investments will not be purchased through this account). The Finance Committee has reviewed this item and recommends approval Moved Wallace/Second Strohm/Strohm Absent/Passed to authorize execution of Institutional Cash Account Agreement with U. S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. Rhonda McFarlane reported this account will be used to make conservative investments. The Finance Committee has reviewed this item and recommends approval. Moved Gochnauer/Second Mosbacher/Strohm Absent/ Passed to: A) Authorize opening account with Gilford Securities; and B) Authorize execution of Delivery vs. Payment Agreement. Richard Solbrig reported that part of the project will consist of installing 1,500 feet of 30 inch diameter steel pipe by means of directional drilling under Trout Creek from the WVVTP to the intersection of Barbara and Martin Avenue. Staff is requiring the directional drilling contractors who are interested in bidding the project to submit their qualifi- cations and experience for review and approval prior to bidding the project. Representatives from two engineering firms, plus staff, will review qualifications. Staff feels that by requiring the directional drilling contractors to be pre- qualified, project success will be more insured. The Operations Committee has reviewed this item and recommends approval. U. S. BANCORP: INVESTMENT SAFEKEEPING (continued) U.S. BANCORP INVESTMENTS, INC. SETTLEMENT ACCOUNT BROKER DEALER ACCOUNT WITH GILFORD SECURITIES A-LINE: PHASE Ill ST034549 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES -AUGUST 5, 1999 PAGE -6 Moved Wallace/Second GochnauedStrohm Absent/ Passed to approve payment in the amount of $885,724.48. (This item was added to the Agenda by a unanimous vote of Board members present.) In addition to the comments made at the beginning of the meeting, Richard Solbrig also stated that White Rock Construction has indi- cated they can be on site by next week and will install valve clusters, and will run 6 inch PCV waterline off the shoulder of the road to minimize paving. The bid received from White Rock totals $55,000. Peterson Construction will perform the paving portion of the project, in an estimated amount of $8,000. A budgeted waterline project will be deferred and the money designated for that project will be transferred to avoid using the contingency fund. Attorney Kvistad orally presented Resolution No. 2699-99. Solbrig confirmed the findings and determinations. Moved Wallace/Second Gochnauer/Strohm Absent/Passed to: A) Determine an emergency exists pursuant to Section 1102 of the Public Contracts Code; B) Determine substan- tial evidence has been presented to authorize an exception be made to Section 22050 of the Public Contracts Code that this emergency will not permit a delay resulting from a competitive solicitation of bids and that this action is neces- sary to respond to the emergency; and C) Adopt Resolution No. 2699-99 delegating authority to General Manager to order any action necessary to respond to this emergency, and determining this project is exempt from CEQA. 3:45 P.M. 4:00 P.M. Finance Committee: The committee met July 15. Minutes of the meeting are available upon request. Water and Wastewater Operations Committee: The committee met August 2. Director Gochnauer reviewed the construction progress for several engineering projects. Planning/Ordinance Committee: The committee met July 30 to continue work on the Ordinance Codification Project. The administration section of the code will be distributed for review and comments soon. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS STEVEN LANE WATERLINE REPAIR EMERGENCY MEETING BREAK MEETING RESUMED BOARD MEMBER STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS ST034550 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES -AUGUST 5, 1999 PAGE -7 County Water Agency/EDWPA/LAFCO Committee: The purveyors met with Supervisors Solaro and Humphries on July 20 to discuss restructuring of the County Water Agency Board. Legislative Funding Ad Hoc Committee: Representatives in Washington D. C. reported the District's funding request for the export pipeline replacement project is included in the House version of line items ($2 million is listed). They are confident the full amount of $3.2 million will be included by the Senate. District representatives will travel to Washington D. C. in September to assist with the request for funding. Lahontan/SWRCB Communications Ad Hoc Committee: District representatives are traveling to Sacramento to meet with various legislators. AB 3030 (Groundwater Management Plan) funding will be one topic of discussion. Director Mosbacher reported on her meeting with Ken Bush, who is running for a seat on the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors. A tour of the treatment plant and water system were included as part of the meeting. Director Jones reported the EPA has published the MTBE Blue Ribbon Panel report, which recommends phasing out the use of MTBE. Director Wallace reported recreation providers have identified two acres of District property they would like to consider using as a soccer field. Director Gochnauer commented on the need for a Board workshop covering the future of the District's water system. Richard Solbrig reported that a Purchase Order was issued for Jim Haen to provide safety measures at the plant's cinder ash operation location. Richard Solbrig reported on the status of the remaining emergency project: Gardner Mountain Replacement Well Emergency of 9/17/98 - The drilling contract was awarded to contractor C. B. Ebright, in the amount of $301,000. The drilling subcontractor will be Zimm Industries. Staff has reviewed BOARD MEMBER STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued) BOARD MEMBER AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS BOARD MEMBER REPORTS STAFF REPORTS STATUS OF EMERGENCY PROJECT ST034551 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - AUGUST 5, 1999 PAGE - 8 all insurance documents and found them to be in order. A Notice to Proceed can be issued pending final negotia- tions with the USFS. Western Botanical with perform the revegetation design work, in the amount of $3,000. Chief Financial Officer: Rhonda McFarlane reported that auditors from Perry-Smith will be on site the week of August 16. Manager of Wastewater Operations: Ross Johnson reported on the amounts owed to the District for MTBE remediation at the Tahoe Tom's site. District General Counsel: Attorney Kvistad reported on two items: 1 ) He is working with Alpine County's legal counsel to review and consolidate existing agreements. 2) He reported on the dinner Hatch & Parent hosted for Governor Davis. 5:10 P.M. 6:00 P.M. STATUS OF EMERGENCY PROJECT (continued) STAFF REPORTS ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED SESSION RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION ACTION / REPORT ON ITEMS DISCUSSED DURING EXECUTIVE SESSION This item was not discussed. No Board action. This item was not discussed. No Board action. Legal counsel and staff updated the Board and received direction regarding this item. No Board action. Pursuant to Section 54956.9(a) of California Government Code/Con- ferencewith Legal Counsel Existing Litigation: Schwake v. STPUD, Federal Case No. CV-N-93-851-DWH Pursuant to Section 54956.9(c) of California Government Code/ Conference with Legal Counsel Anticipated Litigation (one case) Pursuant to Section 54956.9(a) of California Government Code/Con- ference with Legal Counsel Existing Litigation - STPUD v. ARCO, et al, San Francisco County Superior Court, Case No. 999128 ST034552 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES -AUGUST 5, 1999 PAGE -9 (This item was added as an Addendum to the Agenda by a unanimous vote of the Board members present.) Staff received direction regarding this item. No Board action. 6:00 P.M. Pursuant to Section 54956.8 of California Government Code/Con- ference Regarding Real Property Negotiations - Negotiating Parties: District Staff, United States Forest Service; Under Negotiation: Property Terms; Property Identification: APN 19-081-09 ADJOURNMENT ~ R. Jones, B~ President ~thSTahoe Public Utility District ATTEST: %~/~/-~/_~v/-' ,,-~-_ ,~_J ~ Katl~y Sharp~_'ier~ oi tl~- BC'ard South Tahoe Public Utility District ST034553 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. ST034554