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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-05-15 Min - Board REGULAR MEETING May 15, 1989 The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District was called to order by President Maass at 7 : 00 P.M. in the TDPUD Board Room. ROLL CALL: Directors Aguera, Corbett, White and Maass were present. Director Sutton was expected upon her return from Sacramento where she and Manager Holzmeister were attending a meeting with Special Counsel Simmons of the McDonough firm. CONSULTANTS PRESENT: Counsel John Phelps. EMPLOYEES PRESENT: Debi Black, Andy Hyde and Susan Craig. Peter Holzmeister was expected. OTHERS PRESENT: Among those present in the audience were Tony Rivara, Charles White, Rick Ingebritson, Mike Hartwell, Dena Maitland, Arnold Schmidt, Adria Aslanian, Felicia Weigel . APPROVAL OF MINUTES Director Corbett moved, and Director White seconded, that the Board approve the minutes of March 27 and April 3 , 1989 as corrected. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Director White moved that the Board approve the minutes of April 17, 1989 as corrected; seconded by Director Corbett. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Director White moved that the Secretary be directed to prepare the minutes of May 1, 1989 in final form as written. The motion was seconded by Director Corbett. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. BILLS FOR APPROVAL There were no questions regarding the bills presented for consideration, and Director Corbett moved that they be approved for payment; seconded by Director White. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. MANAGER'S REPORT The Manager's Report was put over until Mr. Holzmeister° s arrival . PUBLIC INPUT There was no pubic input. CORRESPONDENCE - POSSIBLE DIRECTION Letter dated 4/22/89 from Senator Garamendi re groundwater management 1 • President Maass explained that the bill Senator Garamendi is proposing would give to Nevada County the authority to enact the groundwater ordinance that was just declared invalid in the lawsuit. He said it' s been introduced in the past and defeated by the California Municipal Utilities Association. The Board reviewed the draft letter to the Senator, and Director Corbett moved that the Board authorize its transmission; seconded by Director White. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. (Director Sutton will assist with the final draft. ) Letter dated 5/6/89 from Fourth of July Committee This matter was put over until the Manager' s arrival . FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT Director White reported that the Finance Committee met recently and discussed the standard reports from the auditors and overhead calculations. She said that Mr. Colburn will resubmit the reports with an explanation and make a presentation to the Board regarding overheads. GRACE ROBERTSON REQUEST RE WATER LINE ON EAST SOUTH RIVER STREET This matter was tabled to later in the meeting. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FROM TRUCKEE DONNER RECREATION AND PARR DISTRICT FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN ACQUIRING DONNER LAKE PROPERTY The Chairman advised that the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District has requested that the PUD Board hold off on making any decisions until after their meeting on May 17, at which time they may come up with some specific answers and details. Director Maass noted it is the PUD Board's position to assist the Park District with financing for the Donner Lake property; he did not think the Board would be willing to participate in condemnation proceedings. Director White agreed with providing financial assistance. She said she feels the property in question would be well used by the Park District but doesn't think the PUD' s primary charter is to acquire real estate for other District's. The matter was put over to the June 5, 1989 meeting. STATUS OF NEGOTIATIONS ON A NEW BI-STATE COMPACT; POSSIBLE DIRECTION • HIRSCHDALE WATER PROJECT; DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION These matters were put over until Mr. Holzmeister' s arrival . 2 CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING THE DISTRICT TREASURER TO EXECUTE A WAIVER CARD AND CONTRACT OF MONEYS WITH TRUCKEE RIVER BANK Director Aguera moved, and Director White seconded, that the Board authorize the Treasurer, Director Sutton, to sign a waiver card and Contract of Moneys with Truckee River Bank. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE FROM TRUCKEE CEMETERY DISTRICT REGARDING WATER CHARGES POSSIBLE RESPONSE Staff is recommending a letter be sent from the PUD Board to the Cemetery District outlining the District's position. The Board reviewed Engineering Technician Black's memo covering the subject. During discussion of this matter, at approximately 7 : 25 P.M. , Manager Holzmeister and Director Sutton arrived. Directors Maass and Sutton made several suggestions and, thereafter, by consensus, the Board authorized that a letter to the Cemetery District be prepared for the President's signature outlining the PUD's position on water bills, an adjustment for a leak on the service line and a verbal agreement which the Cemetery District claims was made (but for which there is no documentation) . Verbiage stating that "handshake agreements" made years ago with no written record are not binding, that the easement the Cemetery • District thinks they gave the PUD was actually given to a developer who in turn granted it to the District, and advice that Mr. Stice and Mr. Doyle were not on the Cemetery and PUD Boards during 1960 is to be included. MANAGER'S REPORT Construction Project Administration and Claims Avoidance seminar Mr. Holzmeister advised that, with the Proposition 55 project coming up soon, he would like to send Andy Hyde to a Construction Project Administration and Claims Avoidance seminar in order to have some project administration practices in place and thereby avoid problems. Director Corbett moved, and Director White seconded, that the Board authorize the Civil Engineer to attend the Construction Project Administration and Claims Avoidance seminar. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Premium increase for prescription and vision insurance coverage Travelers Insurance Company has notified the District that the premium for prescription drug coverage will increase from the current $12 ,479 to $44, 668 and vision premium will increase from $3 , 504 to $9, 374 . • The Manager advised that the prescription drug coverage can be placed with Guardian Insurance for $15, 471. He suggested that the 3 Office Supervisor be authorized to evaluate self-funding the vision plan in order that the Board may make an informed decision. Director Sutton said the Board may want to negotiate something different with the employees as far as insurance benefits are concerned when the current Memorandum of Understanding expires. By consensus, the Board authorized Mrs. Chapman to investigate self-funding the employees' vision plan. status of building improvements Mr. Holzmeister noted that the Board room coat rack will be constructed soon. He explained the proposed modifications to the Board dais and said he thought it could be completed prior to the first meeting in June. Dinter Engineering is working on plans for door openers and garage heaters; also options for air conditioning the building. Various solutions to the parking problem are being pursued; Mr. Holzmeister said he would have a complete plan with costs by the June 19 meeting. Water quality report The water quality report through the month of April was provided to the Board members in their packets. . CORRESPONDENCE Letter dated 5/6/89 from the Fourth of July Committee The Truckee Donner Fourth of July Committee is requesting the use of power poles on which to hang decorations prior to and during the July 4th celebration. The Manager has talked with the committee and informed them it is against the law to affix banners, posters, etc. to power poles with nails or staples for safety reasons. Director White said she thought a permanent fixture to which the banners are attached would be permissible. After some discussion, Director Sutton moved that the Board allow the Truckee Donner Fourth of July Committee to hang banners on power poles along the parade route subject to approval by the Manager of the method of affixing the banners, and a possible deposit to assure that the banners will be removed at the end of the agreed upon period; seconded by Director Corbett. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. GRACE ROBERTSON REQUEST RE WATER LINE ON EAST SOUTH RIVER STREET; POSSIBLE DIRECTION Mr. Holzmeister recommended District legal counsel respond to the letter written by Mrs. Robertson's attorney concerning the Riverview Trailer Park on East South River Street. Engineering Technician Black' s memorandum of May 12 , 1989 concerning the matter was reviewed and discussed. Director Sutton 4 moved that the Board authorize the Manager to work with Counsel to ® prepare a letter to Grace Robertson's attorney based on factors A through D in the May 12, 1989 memo written by Ms. Black. STATUS OF NEGOTIATIONS ON A NEW BI-STATE COMPACT; POSSIBLE DIRECTION Representatives of the McDonough firm were expected, so this matter was temporarily tabled. HIRSCHDALE WATER PROJECT; DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION - STATUS OF PROJECT COSTS AND ALLOCATION THEREOF - STATUS OF CURRENT HOOK-UPS - STATUS OF CONDITIONS FOR FINAL STATE APPROVAL - DISCUSSION OF SYSTEM START-UP AND OPERATION - CONSIDERATION OF COOK ASSOCIATES' BILL The Board briefly discussed Cook Associates' bill. Director Maass said he thinks the bill is excessive and directed that he be asked for an explanation and documentation for staff review. Director Sutton asked for similar back-up from Porter, Simon, Graham and Phelps for their charges. Mr. Holzmeister briefly reviewed the cost summary with the Board, but the Chairman noted it does not reflect accurate figures since the District may decide to shift some of the consultant costs; this can't be determined until detail from the engineer and attorney has • been checked over. Mr. Holzmeister confirmed that five customers are currently connected to the District's system in Hirschdale, none with PUD approval. No water is being pumped from the well; the customers are using water standing in the storage tank. The Waltrip and Blakely residences are connected through a shared service box. During construction of the new system, Joe Suter broke this service line. It was repaired but did not hold. Tony Rivara provided a surface hose through a drainage culvert, but it froze during the winter and Waltrip and Blakely connected to the District system. The Legg property, located at the extreme end of the system, was never connected to the Rivara system; it was served from a spring that dried up in the drought. The Bess and Parker residences, located at the far end of the system on the high road above the Legg property. Mr. Holzmeister said he doesn't believe any of the involved parties expects to avoid paying fees for water used and noted that any costs incurred as a result of their premature hook-up may be charged back to the customer. He said that meters are recording usage so back-billing will be a simple matter. Director Sutton suggested that staff begin working on an ordinance pertaining to illegal water connections similar to the electrical diversion ordinance. 5 ® Tony Rivara assured the Board there is no cross-connection problem with Waltrip, Blakely or Legg. He was not aware that Bess and Parker had hooked up. Regarding the current hook-ups in Hirschdale, the Manager was directed to make sure the old connections are disconnected and new ones are hooked up properly. The time involved to investigate this matter, usage from the time of hook-up plus charges for any additional work necessary are to be billed to the customer. Mr. Hyde explained that as soon as the foot valve on the well pump is repaired and an agreement is reached with Tony Rivara regarding his wells, the state will allow the residents of Hirschdale to connect to the District's system. An application for service has been developed and approved by the state. Director Corbett moved that, upon repair of the foot valve and consummation of the agreement with Mr. Rivara, the Board approve start-up of the system; seconded by Director Sutton. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. Mr. Holzmeister advised that the Water Department will be monitoring the iron and manganese content in the Hirschdale water. . CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS DECLARING AN ELECTION BE HELD; REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF NEVADA AND PLACER COUNTIES TO CONSOLIDATE WITH ANY OTHER ELECTION CONDUCTED ON SAID DATE; AND REQUESTING ELECTION SERVICES BY THE COUNTY CLERKS Two seats on the TDPUD Board will be up for election in November. Director Corbett moved, and Director Aguera seconded, that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8913 declaring an election be held in Nevada County. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO RESOLVED. Director Corbett moved, and Director White seconded, that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8914 declaring an election be held in Placer County. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO RESOLVED. CONSIDERATION OF WATER DEPARTMENT STAFFING, JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND WAGE RATES; CREATION OF AN APPRENTICE PROGRAM This matter was put over to the next meeting. CONSIDERATION OF ADJUSTING THE SALARY OF THE DISTRICT'S CIVIL ENGINEER Civil Engineer Hyde was hired at $47 , 000 per year with the condition that his salary be adjusted to $50, 000 after six months of satisfactory performance. Mr. Holzmeister advised that his six month anniversary was May 14, and his performance has been excellent. • Director Corbett moved, and Director Aguera seconded, that Andy Hyde's salary be increased to $50, 000 per year effective May 14 , 6 1989 . All Directors, aye, by voice vote. DESIGNATION OF A VOTING DELEGATE TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC POWER ASSOCIATION Mr. Holzmeister noted that APPA members are asked to vote on a group of policies and resolutions during their annual business meeting. Since Director White will be attending the conference, Mr. Holzmeister suggested the Board designate her the voting delegate. Director Corbett moved that the Board designate Director White the voting delegate at the annual convention of the APPA; seconded by Director Sutton. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. STATUS OF NEGOTIATIONS ON A NEW BI-STATE COMPACT; POSSIBLE DIRECTION Counsel Phelps said he talked with Special Counsel Paul Simmons and formed the opinion that the District may discuss negotiations on a new bi-state compact during closed session since there is an existing class action suit brought by the Paiute Tribe on the issue, and the States of California and Nevada are threatening litigation if the current negotiations are unsuccessful. CLOSED SESSION • The meeting was adjourned to closed session at 8:28 P.M. to discuss pending litigation in accordance with Government Code Section 54956.9 (b) (1) . RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION The Board returned to public session at 10: 07 P.M. The Chairman stated there was nothing to report relative to the closed session item. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board, Director Corbett moved that the meeting be adjourned; seconded by Director Sutton. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED at 10: 08 P.M. TRUCREE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT es A. Maass, P sident Prepared bye Susan M. Craig, Deputy District Clerk smc 7