Bolinas Community Public Utility
District
A Regular Meeting
Of The Board Of Directors
September 19, 2007 270 Elm Road, Bolinas
1. Call to Order
7:32 p.m.
2. Roll
Directors Kimball, McClellan and Smith present; directors Amoroso and Siedman
absent. Director Kimball presiding.
3. Manager’s Report
Staff reported that a notice will be mailed to customers on September 20th
informing them about the district’s on-going exceedences of the maximum contaminant
levels for total trihalomethanes (“TTHMs”) and haloacetic acids (“HAA5s”).
Restoration work in the Arroyo Hondo is complete; the district hired two
additional employees to work with existing staff and the work was completed
in approximately two weeks. First, the road was cleared of debris and
the material was then spread and compacted on the road itself; second,
the fish in the vicinity of the reservoir were relocated by National Park
biologists and the reservoir was then re-established. Staff praised
the work of BCPUD staff (Bill Pierce, Seth Kline and Lewie Likover), as well
as the crew of the Pacific Slope Tree Company, Ted McIssac Hauling, and temporary
employees Rich Peterson and Ryan Semorile – they all did an incredible job.
The district experienced another major leak on the water
distribution system along Mesa Road, just south of the water tanks.
A local resident saw water bubbling by the side of the road while out hiking
and reported it promptly; BCPUD staff immediately went to work on a Sunday
evening repair. Nearby neighbors Bill Niman and George Gonzales were
on the scene and extremely helpful, providing much-appreciated assistance
to the BCPUD staff throughout the repair.
Water consumption in the district was down by approximately
77,000 cubic feet (576,000 gallons) during June, July and August as the community
continued to respond to the district’s pleas for water conservation;
the amount billed increased only slightly, by just over $1,000, due to the
recent increase in metered water delivery charges. The remaining parts
necessary for the conversion and retrofit of the water treatment plant are
finally arriving and the technicians are scheduled to arrive in mid-October
to start the project. Finally, the staff is consulting with an earthen
dam engineer about inspection and maintenance of the Woodrat #1 and #2 reservoirs;
some mowing has been completed on the face of Woodrat #1 and work is planned
for both sites to remove invasive reeds and restore capacity and functionality
of the facilities.
With regard to staffing, the application deadline has
passed (September 14, 2007) for the currently available part-time shift operator
position. Several applications have been received; the staff will review
them and decide on next steps in the process in the next few weeks.
As far as upcoming events, “Toxic Away Day 2007” is scheduled for September
22, 2007 from 9:00 – 1:00 p.m. at the Mesa Park parking lot and a a site
visit to the BCPUD by ACWA/JPIA is scheduled for September 27th.
On the wastewater side of operations, spray season continues and the condition
of the spray field continues to look very good as a result of the annual
mowing and valve repair work that has been completed. The tree removal
project along Mesa Road went very smoothly with virtually no community complaints;
in fact, several residents have requested truck loads of the tree chips that
are on site.
The Board reviewed correspondence sent and received since the last regular
meeting. In particular, the Board evaluated a Draft Negative Declaration
from the County regarding the Pine Gulch Creek Enhancement Project.
The County’s Negative Declaration finds that the project has potential
environmental impacts, but those impacts can be mitigated as proposed by
the applicants. Public comments on the project are due by September
24, 2007 and a public hearing to consider adoption of the negative declaration
is scheduled for October 25, 2007. After some discussion, the
Board directed staff to write a letter in support of the project, conditioned
upon the BCPUD’s understanding that the proposed water storage ponds are
designed to provide only the amount of water necessary for irrigation purposes;
that the project proponents’ wet season appropriative diversions will be
licensed for agricultural irrigation purposes only (and not domestic use);
and, that no water so diverted will be permitted to be channeled or otherwise
appropriated out of the Pine Gulch Creek watershed.
Staff recommended that the BCPUD retain designer Steve Matson to advise the
district with regard to ADA accessibility of the BCPUD offices and the Board
approved the recommendation.
Staff attended a stormwater management conference at the
end of August; it was very informative and the details have been discussed
by the working group (BCPUD General Manager, Drainage Project Manager and
consulting hydro-geologist Rob Gailey). In light of the panoply
of financial, regulatory and technical issues relating to stormwater management,
the working group has requested a meeting with appropriate County personnel
to discuss a partnership of effort on drainage issues in Bolinas and to agree
upon the best steps to implement the projects identified by the working group.
-- Drainage Project Manager’s Report
The Board received a written report from the Drainage Project Manager.
4. Community Expression
Director Smith expressed concern about the condition of the seawall under
Wharf Road. Several persons present in the audience echoed his concerns.
After some discussion, staff was directed to write a letter to the County’s
Department of Public Works (with courtesy copies to the Bolinas Lagoon Technical
Advisory Committee and the Marin County Open Space District) alerting them
to the condition of the seawall and the imminent threat posed to the district’s
water and sewer lines in that location.
5. Public Hearing: Complaint of Obstruction to the
Public Right-of-way at 350 Fern Road, Bolinas (S. Simac)
The Board deferred the item until the end of the agenda, per the request
of Mr. Simac.
6. Expanded Water Use Permit Application: 215 Juniper
Road (Winstead).
Applicant Charles Winstead explained that he has replaced the galvanized
steel water line to the house at 215 Juniper, thereby fixing numerous leaks
on the line which he hopes will result in a significant reduction of water
use at the property. His specific project consists of an interior
kitchen remodel with energy efficient appliances and siding replacement;
he also is doing lots of tree work.
Director Kimball acknowledged that Director Amoroso arrived at 8:21 p.m.
and assumed the gavel.
J. McClellan/D. Smith three in favor (Amoroso abstaining
) to approve an unconditional expanded water use permit.
7. Resolution 553: Establishing Criteria for Requests
by District Customers for Relief from Quarterly Metered Water Delivery Charges
in the Event of a Leak.
Director Kimball noted that at the August meeting the Board reviewed a draft
resolution that she had prepared based on the approaches taken by other water
districts. Following a robust discussion of the issues at that meeting, staff
was directed to revise the draft resolution consistent with the comments
of the Board. The draft resolution currently before the Board reflects
those revisions and director Kimball recommended approval of the resolution.
Director Smith noted that the word “consumer” in two places should be replaced
with the word “customer” for consistency throughout the resolution.
Director McClellan indicated that he had not reviewed the revised resolution
and suggested the matter be deferred to the next month because director Siedman
was absent; he felt the full Board should be present to vote on this important
resolution. Director McClellan also wanted to be certain that the Board
has the latitude under this resolution to grant relief in the event of
“excusable neglect” by a customer. The Board agreed to continue adoption
of the resolution to the September meeting.
8. Amendments to BCPUD Ordinance 30 Establishing Criteria
for BCPUD Participation in the Financing of Road Improvements and Other Projects
in the Gridded Mesa’s Public Rights-of-Way.
Director Smith reminded the Board that he originally suggested
the development of criteria for BCPUD participation in road projects and
that director McClellan had agreed to draft the necessary amendment to Ordinance
30 to incorporate these criteria. Director Smith reiterated that he
feels the district should articulate the procedures to follow when prioritizing
projects and should also be clear that the district’s participation is necessarily
limited by the drainage budget for the year; projects therefore may need
to be deferred if funds are not available. Director McClellan said
he has not completed his drafting of the amendment language and the matter
therefore was continued to the September meeting.
9. Amendments to BCPUD Resolution 152 Establishing Criteria
for the Proposed Transfer of Water Meters Within the District.
Director McClellan said he also had agreed to draft potential amendments
to Resolution 152 with director Siedman, but director Siedman has been in
trial and unavailable in recent works. The agenda item therefore was
continued to the September meeting.
10. Adoption of Tomales Bay Watershed Council’s Integrated
Coastal Watershed Management Plan.
Staff reported that after many months of effort, the plan
has been completed and the BCPUD, as a participating water agency, must now
decide whether to formally adopt the Tomales Bay Watershed Council’s Integrated
Coastal Watershed Management Plan. In response to questions, staff
confirmed that revisions to the plan requested by the BCPUD relating to the
groundwater conditions on the Mesa have been made. Michael Mery from
the Inverness Association was present and commented that the planning process
generally went very smoothly and the plan is receiving good reviews thus
far.
B. Kimball/J. McClellan all in favor
to adopt the Tomales Bay Watershed Council’s Integrated Coastal Watershed
Management Plan.
Michael Mery addressed the Board on a related topic; he noted that
the state and federal government are insisting that watershed protection
projects be well integrated and as regional as is practicable – particularly
with regard to the expenditure of Prop 50 and Prop 84 funds. Although
Bolinas is outside of the Tomales Bay watershed, it is very close geographically
and the communities face similar issues (dependency on surface water, concern
for endangered species (coho and steelhead), etc.). The Executive
Committee of the Tomales Bay Watershed Council therefore would like to request
that the BCPUD remain on the Council and play an active role. The Committee
believes that a good working relationship has been established and
will benefit all concerned if it continues. Directors McClellan and
Smith, both of whom have attended Council meetings during the Prop 50 process,
and BCPUD staff concurred that the ICWMP planning process has been a very
positive effort and that a productive working relationship has been established;
all recommended that the district continue to participate on the Council,
as requested.
J. McClellan/B. Kimball all in favor
to approve the BCPUD’s continued membership in and active involvement with
the Tomales Bay Watershed Council.
11. Election of the 2008-2009 Association of California
Water Agencies (“ACWA”) Region 1 Officers and Board Members.
J. McClellan/B. Kimball all in favor
to vote for the slate of Officers and Board Members recommended by
ACWA.
12. Bolinas Lagoon Ecosystem Restoration Project:
Letter to the Marin County Open Space District/Gulf of the Farallones National
Marine Sanctuary.
Director Amoroso reported on recent developments with regard to the Bolinas
Lagoon Ecosystem Restoration Project: the Gulf of Farallones National Marine
Sanctuary has been brought in as new member taking the lead on the project
and an advisory council has been created. The advisory council has
appointed a 14-member working group to develop a “locally preferred plan”.
Several Bolinas residents, including Rudy Ferris, Bruce Bowser, Ralph Camiccia,
Bucky Mace, and Gary Page are serving on the working group. Director
Amoroso said he originally asked for this item to be included on the agenda
in the event the Bolinas representation on the working group was insufficient;
he said he also suggested to the advisory council at the last meeting that
they consider soliciting recommendations from the BCPUD and the Stinson Beach
County Water District for additional appointees to the working group.
After some discussion, the Board agreed that the Bolinas representation on
the working group is satisfactory and no additional action is necessary at
this time.
13. Volunteer Committee Reports
-- Alternative Energy: Update on Solar Installation Project:
Director Smith reported that the district is in the midst of the public bid
process at this time with nothing specific to report until a contractor is
selected.
-- Beach: Nothing to report.
-- Bolinas Community Plan Review Committee: Nothing to report.
-- Bolinas Lagoon Technical Advisory Committee: Nothing further to
report.
-- Community Paths Group: Director Smith reported that the district
is waiting to hear whether an additional $19,000 in funding will be available
for the installation of the path on BCPUD lands. Director Smith is
continuing to work with the County on the best design for the entry of the
path onto the intersection of Mesa and Olema-Bolinas Roads.
-- Downtown Parking and Traffic: Nothing to report.
-- Resource Recovery: Staff reported that the Resource Recovery Project Committee
will be hosting a visit from the Tamalpais Community Services District (“TCSD”)
to discuss a possible agreement to drop green waste from the TCSD at the
Resource Recovery site.
-- Terrace Avenue/Alternative Access Road Committee: Director Smith
reported that the County’s Department of Public Works is working on a proposal
to move Terrace over to the north at Surfer’s Overlook.
-- West Nile Virus Task Force/West Marin Mosquito Control Coordinating Council:
Director Kimball reported that the WNV Task Force meeting was cancelled this
month due to a lack of activity in the County; however, a press release was
issued today announcing the confirmation of two WNV-positive birds in Novato.
Statewide, the most WNV activity is occurring in the interior valley areas
where there are large numbers of dead birds and documented human cases.
The WMMCCC is scheduled to meet again on October 1, 2007; there is no new
agreement yet with the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District.
14. Other Business
a. Board Committee Reports
-- Finance: Staff reported that the district’s auditors have scheduled
their fieldwork for October 12, 2007.
-- Legal: Nothing to report
-- Mesa Septic, Flood Control and Roads: Nothing to report.
-- Operations: Nothing to report.
-- Park and Recreation: Appointments to Mesa Park Board. Staff
reported that three applications have been received for the two available
Mesa Park Board positions: Jack Siedman, Robert Mowry and Dirk McCall.
Director Smith commented that the appointment process, which is coordinated
with but run independently from the Bolinas-Stinson Union School District
(“BCUSD”)’s appointment process, was confusing and he recommended a streamlining
of the process; staff agreed to work with the school district’s staff to
develop a less confusing process.
J. McClellan/D. Smith all in favor
to appoint Jack Siedman to the joint BCPUD/BSUSD Mesa Park position and Robert
Mowry to the BCPUD position.
-- Personnel: Nothing to report.
-- Sewer: Staff confirmed that Don Guravitch will be conducting eucalyptus
containment work on the sewer pond property.
b. Minutes of the August 15, 2007 Regular Meeting
Director Smith provided edits to the minutes relating to the Terrace Avenue/Alternative
Access Road Committee report.
J. McClellan/B. Kimball all in favor
to approve the minutes of the August 15, 2007 meeting, as amended by Director
Smith.
c. Warrants
J. McClellan/D. Smith all in favor to
approve the warrant list.
5. Public Hearing: Complaint of Obstruction to the
Public Right-of-way at 350 Fern Road, Bolinas (S. Simac)
The Board returned to item 5, which had been deferred
earlier in the meeting by the Board to the end of the agenda per the request
of the complainant. Director McClellan moved that the complaint be
dismissed with prejudice; he noted all of the members of the audience had
been patiently waiting for the agenda item to be called and the complainant
still was not present. Director Smith inquired whether anyone
was present to support the complaint; all present indicated that they were
not there to support the complaint. Director Amoroso reported that
he made a site visit to the area and does not agree that the right-of-way
is obstructed; rather, vegetation has encroached in the right-of-way.
Al Hettich said there has never been a path on this section of Fern Road.
J. McClellan/D.Smith all in favor to
dismiss the complaint of obstruction with prejudice.
d. Scheduling of Next Meeting(s)
October 17, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
15. Adjournment
9:50 p.m.