Minutes
1.
Call to Order.
7:30 p.m.
2. Roll.
Directors Amoroso, Comstock, and Siedman; director
Smith attending by telephone and director Godino absent. Director Siedman presiding.
3. Manager’s Report.
-- Update
on the Terrace Avenue Bluff Stabilization Project.
Staff reported that a subset of the Working
Group met on July 5th with Kim Bender, former BCPUD Board member and
former Project Manager for the Firehouse & Clinic Building Project, to hear
her thoughts and advice on fundraising for the bluff stabilization project. Director Smith prepared a written summary of
the meeting and a copy of his report is in the Board binders (Fire Chief Anita
Tyrrell-Brown and Ralph Camiccia also attended the meeting). The full Working Group will be meeting next
week, likely to discuss the next steps for a community meeting to be hosted by
the BCPUD and the Bolinas Fire Protection District.
-- Update on the BCPUD Chlorine Disinfection
Byproduct Reduction Project.
Lewie Likover sent a set of documents to Zach
Rounds at the State Water Resources Control Board (“SWRCB”) for his review and
approval regarding the district’s plans to rehabilitate the old clarifier
outside the Woodrat Water Treatment Plant (“WWTP”), install automatic controls
for chlorine dosing and plant shut down when turbidity levels are high, and
begin a coagulation pilot protocol. The
initial feedback was positive, but SWRCB requested additional detailed
information, including a better plan of how the clarifier will look/operate
after the rehabilitation. In response to
request from Board members, Lewie explained that the district’s consultant,
Jonathan Van Bourg will be sending detailed drawings to the SWRCB later this
week. Lewie said that he also is taking
samples from the Woodrat #1 reservoir at the request of the reservoir
management consultant, Dr. Horne.
Finally, staff noted that the chlorine disinfection byproduct sample
results for the second quarter of 2014 have been received and the district
remains out of compliance; as such, notices will be sent to customers within
the next week.
--
Update on BCPUD’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan.
As reported last meeting, the district’s engineers
have asked for additional data and staff will be working on gathering the
information over the next month so that the engineers can complete their
valuations for the Capital Improvement Plan.
Staff reported that water consumption was lower
for the Downtown area this past quarter as compared to the same quarter during
in the last several years – in fact, consumption was down to post-rationing levels. Overall, the district is averaging
(year-to-date) about 75,000 gallons per day in water use (but that crept up in
June to an average closer to 85,000 with a high of 114,000 gallons per day,
which converts to approximately 128 gallons per day per household. This is below the 150 gallons per day ration
levels of 2009 and is more than a 25% reduction in overall consumption, which
is in sharp contrast to the rest of the state – the news today is reporting that
the state’s water consumption has actually increased
over the last year and that the Bay Area overall has reduced its consumption by
only by 1%. As a result of the low
consumption levels, the district is able to supply the town exclusively from
its preferred water source, the Arroyo Hondo creek, and the two emergency
reservoirs are full.
Staff reported that the SWRCB passed
emergency water conservation regulations yesterday that go into effect August 1st
and will apply state-wide. The
regulations prohibit certain outdoor water uses and require urban water
agencies to implement mandatory outdoor water use restrictions, report monthly
water production data, and provide estimates of the gallons/per/day/per/person
usage in their districts to the SWRCB. Enforcement
of the new regulations will be primarily at the local level. The final regulations prohibit the following
outdoor water uses:
The Chair of SWRCB has explained that her
agency is targeting “water waste” first rather than mandating percentage
reductions and implementing prohibitions on outdoor use because it is easiest
to enforce (and a large percentage of California’s water is used out-of-doors).
The SWRCB also has proposed a new rule
concerning “discharges” from drinking water systems and appears to apply to planned
and unplanned discharges to waters of the United States (inland surface waters,
enclosed bays and estuaries), such as dewatering and flushing for maintenance,
disinfection, etc. The new rule is about
70 pages long and requires all drinking water systems to enroll under the new
rule, pay an annual permit fee, comply with certain monitoring and reporting requirements,
notify the Regional board of any planned discharges, promulgate an eroision
flood control plan, notify the Office of Emergency Services of any unplanned discharges,
prepare and submit annual self-monitoring reports, and so on. The new proposed rule already has generated a
lot of comment and resistance from water agencies throughout the state.
Staff directed the Board’s attention to the
2014 water license reports submitted to the SWRCB for the district water
sources.
Staff noted that the district’s risk
management representative from ACWA/Joint Powers Insurance Authority will conduct
a site visit of the district’s facilities tomorrow.
The Terrace Avenue Stair Rehabilitation
project is complete and the stairs were opened to the public this past
Monday. The district received a lot of positive
feedback and thanks from the community for this project. Next, the staff will begin the project to
fumigate and re-side the lab building at the sewer ponds.
Staff told the Board that numerous
obstructions remain in the Zebra right-of-way and that Sue Verhalen has called
to complain that she cannot access her property. Staff inspected the location today and there
has been very little progress made by either the property owner or his tenant(s)
to remove these obstructions. Staff has written
the property owner four letters and has met with him twice at the property, to
no avail. Staff consulted with the
County about the district’s possible remedies and is now prepared to file a
complaint about the obstructions (which constitute a land use violation) with the
County’s Code Enforcement office. Staff
recommends that the district reach out to the property owner one more time and
let him know that Code Enforcement will be contacted if the obstructions are
not removed immediately. Staff said
there is no desire to pursue this course of action, but the property owner is
leaving the district no choice as the adjacent property owners need access to
their property and the district needs access to its water lines. There was no objection from the Board.
On
the wastewater side of operations, the flows into the system remain quite low,
consistent with the low water use in the district. There has been an issue with odor at the
treatment ponds for the last two weeks or so due to an algae bloom in Pond 2
which has now been addressed. The odor
is much less noticeable now and the staff is grateful for the community’s
understanding as the district worked to solve the problem.
The SWRCB has issued a notice of an intent to
adopt a general rule for “small domestic wastewater treatment system”. The notice was recently published (in June), and
comments are due on July 25th, which is only a 30-day comment
period. This is the first staff has
heard of the proposed rule and inquired with the district’s wastewater consultant
about it; the engineer explained that the SWRCB knows that there are dozens of
outdated permits out there governing small wastewater operators, and this is
the agency’s way of trying to update those old permits (i.e., on a
comprehensive rule basis rather than amend each permit one-by-one). There will be a hearing on the proposed rule
on September 23rd at 9 a.m. Staff
noted that this rule – similar to the proposed water rule discussed earlier –
is very lengthy and staff needs more time to analyze the potential implications
for the district’s operations.
Finally, staff directed the Board’s attention
to a Grand Jury Report issued June 10, 2014 concerning all of the sewer
agencies in Marin County. A response is
requested from the BCPUD to certain of the Findings and Recommendations in the
report and are due to the Grand Jury within 90 days of the issuance of the
report, or September 14, 2014. Staff
plans to agendize a proposed response for Board review and action at the August
20th regular Board meeting.
--
Drainage Project Manager’s Report.
The Board received a written report from
Drainage Project Manager Lewie Likover.
4. Community
Expression.
Director Amoroso reported that
Bolinas-Stinson Union School Board member Jennie Pfeiffer is advocating for the
school to purchase the neighboring Weber land, which is currently for sale, as
a means by which to have a safe place to move the school in the event of sea
level rise and to ensure the land not get into “bad hands”.
Bobbi Likover told the Board that trees are
being planted in the Poplar right-of-way.
Director Siedman explained that the district has an ordinance (Ordinance
30) addressing how to file a complaint with the district about obstructions in
the right-of-way. Bobbi explained that
the trees are in the Poplar right-of-way between Cedar and Dogwood and growing
out into the road. She noted that the BCPUD
helped take down big trees in that same right-of-way about a block down at
great expense and she would hate to see this happen again.
5. Coastal Permit and Use Permit; Expanded Water
Use Permit Application – 9 Brighton Avenue, APN# 193-075-11 (A. Patton for K.
Geminder).
Alethea Patton appeared on behalf of the
property owner and explained that this is a project to add a loft level to an
existing legal second unit; because it is taller and closer to the property
line than the zoning setback rules allow, the County is requiring a coastal
permit and a use permit. She stated that
there will be no increase in the number of bathrooms or bedrooms. Staff noted that there is an existing
expanded water use permit for this property that permits 2450 cubic feet per
quarter of water use.
L. Comstock/V. Amoroso: four in favor; director Godino absent to reaffirm the terms of the existing
conditional permit for this property.
6. Coastal
Permit and Use Permit; Expanded Water Use Permit Application – 555 Dogwood
Road, APN# 192-042-37 (J. Lambert for A. Dar).
Arianne Dar explained that she plans to tear
down the existing structure at the property and replace it with a new house
plus a separate studio building. She
explained that the purpose of the project is to create a long-term rental
property for local residents and she said the structures will not be used as vacation
or weekend rentals.
Phil Buchanan inquired whether a date has
been set for the County Planning Commission to consider the coastal permit
allocation and whether story poles will be erected at the site. Arianne said that a hearing date has not yet
been set and that story poles will be erected as soon as the application is
deemed complete. Phil said that he has
received comments from various neighbors, all of which center on the idea of
whether the project as proposed is an appropriate scale for the neighborhood
given that the primary structure will be 25 feet tall. He said there is a concern that the new
structure will loom over the neighboring properties given the minimal 10-foot
set back. In addition, he noted that the
structure will diminish the only westward view from his property. He observed that the proposed studio
structure is 200 square feet bigger than his own house and he is concerned it
might be convereted into a second unit that will need its own parking,
etc. He requested that the owner accept
a deed restriction committing that the studio will not be converted into a
habitable unit. Bobbi Likover expressed
support for this suggestion.
Arianne Dar said that the County is requiring
that she install a re-conditioned septic system in the back corner of the
property, which is where she would have preferred to build the main house. She explained that she decided to also build
the studio building because she has heard from many in the community that there
is not a sufficient amount of studio space available for artists or carpenters,
so she is hoping to provide some.
Arianne said that she understands the concerns about the height of the
main house, but it is within the allowable limit and that the building itself
is quite narrow – only abour 12-feet wide – and the spaces inside are very
small. Director Siedman inquired whether
she would be willing to record a deed restriction committing not to convert the
studio into a habitable unit. Arianne
responded that as a board member of the Bolinas Community Land Trust, she could
not support such a property restriction -- she intends to eventually leave the
property as developed to the Land Trust so that it will always be used as
community housing for local residents. After
a brief discussion, director Siedman directed staff to convey the comments
expressed by the neighbors to the County Planning Department.
V. Amoroso/L. Comstock: four in favor; director Godino absent to approve a conditional
expanded water use permit with the usage capped at the community average plus
50%, consistent with BCPUD Resolution 627.
7. Request for Financial Relief from Quarterly
Water Bill pursuant to BCPUD Resolution 553 – 8 Horseshoe Hill Road (C. Borg).
Christine Borg explained that the leak was
caused by a malfunction in a water heater located in the barn on their
property. The water heater must have
been leaking for a while, but they did not know about it as no one has been
living in the barn for some time. Director
Comstock expressed surprise that the leak was not noticed as the amount of
water lost was significant – more than 40,000 gallons. Christine said that she was unaware of it
until a day when she walked past the barn and saw water. Discussion ensued between the Board members
about the appropriate amount of financial relief to award based on past similar
cases. Staff noted that at the most
recent meeting, the Board awarded 50% relief to a customer whose landlord left
a hose running in the back yard that was not noticed for some time.
V. Amoroso/L. Comstock four in favor, director Godino absent to approve a 50% reduction in the bill of
the amount attributable to the leak based on the historical average water use
at the property during the same quarter for the past three years.
8. Request for Financial Relief from Quarterly
Water Bill pursuant to BCPUD Resolution 553 – 305 Jute Road (S. Russum).
Sue Ann Russum told the Board that she hired
plumbers to come check everything at her house.
A leak in a fixture under the house was located and repaired, but she
then received a second large bill and the plumber came back out and ultimately
located a leak in the washing machine under the house, which was then repaired
immediately. Director Comstock noted
that the four-year water use history at the property indicates many quarters of
high water consumption; he said that nearly 80,000 gallons of water were lost
due to the two leaks in the most recent quarters, noting that this is an extraordinary
amount of water. Director Smith said
that while the amount of water lost due to the leaks was high, it seems that
Sue Ann was diligent in trying to find them and get them repaired as soon as
possible. On the other hand, he said
that her typical usage is much higher than the Bolinas average, so it does not
appear that she is making much effort to conserve water, which argues against
much financial relief. Sue Ann said that
she did not realize her water usage was out of step with the community. Discussion ensued among the Board members
about the appropriate amount of financial relief to grant in this case and
director Amoroso cautioned Sue Ann that if such a large water loss occurs at
the property again, the Board will not be willing to grant financial relief
again.
L. Comstock/V. Amoroso all in favor, director Godino absent to
approve a 50% reduction in the bill of the amount attributable to the leak
based on the historical average water use at the property during the same two
quarters for the past three years.
9. Relocation and Improvement of Trash and
Recycle Bins on BCPUD Property at Entrance to Brighton Beach (R. Hart).
Janine Aroyan presented a preliminary drawing
of a proposed relocation and improvement of the existing trash and recycle bins
on BCPUD property at the entrance to Brighton Beach. She explained that a more detailed plan is
under development and that all work will be done on a volunteer basis. Director Siedman suggested that Janine
present the finalized design to the Board at the August meeting and the Board
can then circulate it to nearby property owners for their review, with a vote
on the project scheduled for the September meeting. Director Smith inquired whether Remick Hart
applied to Marin County Zero Waste for a grant to pay for the project and
director Siedman affirmed that he did.
10. Bolinas Community Center: Community Art at the Beach (StuArt).
StuArt told the Board that he would like to curate
the art on the ramp down to Brighton Beach, working with Schehera and with Mike
Shine, to make it beautiful for the community.
He said that the Board of Directors of the Bolinas Community Center has
approved this conceptually and established a Beach Art Committee. StuArt said he is trying to take a positive
approach to addressing the issues down at the beach with the gang graffetti and
tagging of rocks and other natural materials.
In response to questions from the Board, StuArt said he would like the
community to take responsibility for its beach and change the culture there; he
does not want the deputy sheriffs to have to get involved and also wants to
avoid any confrontations. Discussion
ensued, and director Amoroso said that rather than “approve” StuArt’s proposal,
he would prefer that the Board not object to it. Director Comstock said that he supports
StuArt’s work and agrees with director Amoroso that the Board should not object
to it, but he has no interest in policing the art. Director Smith said that he really likes
StuArts approach: it’s positive and
could change the culture. StuArt thanked
the Board and stated that there will be a community meeting on this topic at
the Bolinas Community Center on August 5th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
11. C-SMART -- Collaboration: Sea-level Marin –
Adaptation Response Team; Stakeholder Advisory Committee (to assist the County of Marin’s Community Development Agency in
assessing impacts that sea level rise may bring to people, natural and built environment
resources of Marin’s coastal area and identifying adaptation strategies).
Director Smith reported that he and director
Amoroso attended a recent meeting on the County’s new effort to assess the
impact of sea level rise. He said that
many Community Development Agency employees were present (Brian Crawford, Jack
Liebster, etc.) and also representatives from Point Blue and the USGS. There does not appear to be serious
disagreement about the fact that Marin County will experience sea level rise,
but there is uncertainty as to when it will happen. The County has received grant funding to
develop an action plan and incorporate any necessary amendments into the Local
Coastal Plan. He said it will be
important for Bolinas to participate in the Stakeholder Advisory Committee and
he suggested the BCPUD nominate someone.
Discussion ensued and staff was directed to place an article in the Hearsay
News and inform the community about the committee and ask them to send in
statements of interest to the BCPUD if they would like to serve; if
applications are received, the Board will hold a special meeting on July 30th
to consider the applicants and nominate a representative.
12. Redwood Empire Disposal Company’s Recycling
Program.
Director Comstock reported that he met with
three representatives from Redwood Empire about the company’s practice of mixing
some of the garbage with the recycling; he is concerned because this practice reduces
the amount of recyclables, the quality of the recyclables, and increases labor
costs (for sorting the material at the company yard). He said it also means that persons separating
their garbage and recycling at their homes are wasting their time. Director Comstock said the company has
suggested that if the BCPUD can work with community members to place all of
their cans (green, blue and gray) in areas accessible to the larger disposal
trucks, the company can commit to not mixing the trash and recycling and will
provide a letter to that effect. (At
present, the company uses its smaller trucks to pick up trash and recycling in
areas of town where the larger trucks cannot maneuver.) Discussion ensued among Board members about
the pros and cons of this approach vs. visiting the company yard and confirming
that sorting is happening as the company describes. Director Comstock said he still intends to
visit the company yard and will report back after that visit, at which time he
hopes to have a list of the customers who the BCPUD would need to contact about
the placement of their cans.
13. Resolution 629: Approving the 2014-15
District Budget.
V. Amoroso/L. Comstock four in favor, director Godino absent to approve Resolution 629.
14.
Resolution 630: Replaces Resolution No. 621, Stating the Current Rates and
Charges for District Services and Authorizing Placement of Charges on the Marin
County Property Tax Bill Where Appropriate.
V. Amoroso/L. Comstock four in favor, director Godino absent to approve Resolution 630.
15. Water Supply Update.
Nothing to report.
16. Volunteer Committee Reports.
-- Bolinas Lagoon Advisory
Committee: Nothing to report.
-- Downtown Parking &
Traffic Committee: Nothing to report.
-- Resource Recovery: Nothing
to report.
-- Water Conservation
Assistance Committee: Nothing to report.
-- West Marin Mosquito Control
Coordinating Council: Director Amoroso reported that the current
non-toxic protocol agreement has been extended by nine months while
negotiations about a renewal of the agreement for a set term continue.
--
Land Stewardship Committee: Director Siedman reported that the next
meeting of the Committee will be August 1, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.
17. Other Business
a. Board Committee Reports
-- Finance: Minutes of the May 13, 2014 Finance
Committee meeting.
V. Amoroso/L. Comstock four in favor,
director Godino absent to approve
the mintues of the May 13, 2014 Finance Committee meeting.
-- Legal: Nothing
to report.
-- Mesa Septic, Flood Control
and Roads: Nothing to report.
-- Operations: Nothing
to report.
-- Park and Recreation: Staff
reported that the mandatory site walk took place earlier in the day for the Mesa
Park Ballfield Irrigation and Public Restroom project. Five contractors attended and numerous
questions were raised, which the district will answer via addendum.
-- Personnel: Nothing to report.
-- Sewer: Nothing
to report.
b. Minutes of the June 18, 2014 Regular
Meeting.
Directors Smith and Amoroso offered
clarifying revisions to the draft minutes of the June 18, 2014 regular Board
meeting.
V. Amoroso/L. Comstock four in favor,
director Godino absent to approve
the minutes of the June 19, 2014 regular Board meeting, as amended.
c. Warrants
L. Comstock/V. Amoroso four in
favor, director Godino absent to
approve the warrant list.
d. Scheduling of Next Meeting(s)
August 20, 2014 at 7:30
p.m.
18. Adjournment.
10:17 p.m.