SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER … · SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT MEETING...
Transcript of SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER … · SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT MEETING...
SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT
MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 2015
1. ROLL CALL
President Daniels called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at the Capitola City Council
Chambers.
Board Members Present:
Dr. Bruce Daniels, President
Dr. Thomas LaHue, Vice President
Dr. Bruce Jaffe
Rick Meyer
Carla Christensen
Staff Members Present:
Ron Duncan, Interim General Manager
Taj Dufour, Engineering Manager/Chief Engineer
Shelley Flock, Interim CCSF Manager
Christine Mead, Operations and Maintenance Manager
Michelle Boisen, Financial/Business Manager
Leslie Strohm, Supervising Accountant
Traci Hart, Human Resources Manager
Doug Martin, Construction Inspector/Cross Connection Specialist
Melanie Schumacher, Special Projects/Community Dialogue Manager
Carla James, Water Quality Program Coordinator
Bob Bosso, District Counsel
Karen Reese, Executive Assistant/Board Clerk
Others Present:
15 members of the public
2. PUBLIC HEARING
2.1 Public Hearing: Cross Connection Control Program Requirements for Auxiliary
Water Systems (including rain barrels, cisterns, and graywater)
Mr. Duncan clarified what an auxiliary water system is. It is an auxiliary system
that is not connected to the District system. For example, it could be a rain
catchment system with a pump in it that has an irrigation system, but that
irrigation system is not also fed by District water. A detailed memo with options is
included in the Board packet.
Lengthy discussion was held by the Board.
President Daniels opened the public hearing.
Public comments:
Doug Deaver thanked staff and the Board for considering changing the policy as it
related to cisterns and backflow. He feels the majority of customers are unaware of
what District policy is or the dangers of backflow. Mr. Deaver would like the Board
to consider hose bib vacuum breakers (HBVB) be given free to any customer.
Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2015
Page 2 of 10
Mr. Dufour noted that the current plumbing code requires all new construction have
hose bib vacuum breakers (HBVB).
Marilyn Garret commented that this seems like an elaborate proposal for something
that may never happen. She objected to the wireless automatic meter readers that
she claims can cause health problems. She stated Central Water District told her
that they also cause corrosion of pipes. Ms. Garrett provided the Board with
information about wireless devices. (attached as Exhibit A)
Doug Martin, SqCWD’s Construction Inspector/Certified Cross Connection
Specialist strongly recommends a minimum yearly inspection whether the District
or customer pays for it. The current inspection program has been shown to prevent
backflow incidents. The original 250 gallon cut off came from cisterns of that size
having potential to have a customer hook into the irrigation system and create a
possible backflow issue.
MOTION: Director LaHue; Second; Director Jaffe: To close the public hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Board consensus was that an annual inspection be done at the District’s expense.
Discussion on the capacity of cisterns, graywater systems, and fountains was held.
MOTION: Director LaHue; Second; Director Christensen: To approve the policy
with Option 4 (Page 6 of 219) for auxiliary water systems and remove graywater
from the policy (Page 10 of 219, Item 4) and to remove the Cross Connection
Control and Backflow Prevention Questionnaire from the policy. Motion passed
unanimously.
MOTION: Director Jaffe; Second; Director Meyer: To use existing funds or funds
from Operating Contingency Reserve (OCR) to provide hose bib vacuum breakers
(HBVD) to all customers. Motion passed unanimously.
2.2 Public Hearing on Initial Study and Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration for
Hexavalent Chromium Treatment Project
Mr. Dufour reviewed the memo included in the Board packet. One letter was
received from the Coastal Commission.
President Daniels opened the public hearing.
No comments were heard.
MOTION: Director LaHue; Second; Director Jaffe: To close the public hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2015
Page 3 of 10
MOTION: Director LaHue; Second; President Daniels: To adopt Resolution No. 15-
16 adopting the Hexavalent Chromium Treatment Project Initial Study/Mitigated
Negative Declaration and approve the Mitigation and Monitoring Reporting
Program for the Hexavalent Chromium Treatment Project, CWO 11-140. Motion
passed by unanimous roll call vote.
2.3 Public Hearing on Initial Study and Proposed Negative Declaration for Land
Acquisition for a Future Employee Parking Lot/Corporation Yard Extension Project
Mr. Dufour briefly outlined the memo in the Board packet. The comment period is
still open for this document. Director LaHue asked that solar panels be considered
for the parking area.
President Daniels opened the public hearing.
No comments were heard.
MOTION: Director Jaffe; Second; Director Christensen: To close the public hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Board consensus was to continue the discussion on the Initial Study and Proposed
Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration until the September 15, 2015 Board Meeting.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
3.1 Approval of Minutes – July 21, 2015
Action: Approved
3.2 Aptos Jr. High Well Replacement Project-Phase II, Bid Award
Action: Approved
MOTION: Director LaHue; Second; Director Meyer: To approve the consent
agenda. Motion passed with Director LaHue abstaining as he was not present at the
7/21/15 meeting.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (items not on the Agenda)
Public comment:
A customer commented on an agricultural well on his neighbor’s property that is not
capped and his concerns about contamination. He has talked to the County of Santa Cruz
about his concerns. He also asked if customers with more than one unit on their property
are required to have separate meters. He has filed a complaint with the County for a
neighbor at 2620 Capitola Avenue that has several dwellings on the property without
permits or separate metering. The customer was asked to give the information to staff to
investigate. (Attached as Exhibit B)
Becky Steinbruner talked about the Aptos Village project. She feels it makes no sense to
ask customers to conserve water and then give out unconditional will serve letters. She
asked the Board to declare a moratorium until supplemental sources are found. Ms.
Steinbruner thanked Mr. Dufour and Ms. Flock for providing information that she
Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2015
Page 4 of 10
requested on 7/15/15. She asked when the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was done
for the new well site in Aptos? Is it current? There are 13 private wells within 1000
meters of the new well. Has the District studied how this may impact them? Has the
District contacted those well owners? Will there be a cap placed on the pumping of the
new well that is proportional to the WDO levels that were established by Barry Swenson
Builder and other unconditional will serve letters for the area? Regarding Barry Swenson
Builder the estimate for demand was 37.964 AFY – does that reflect the additional six
residential units?
President Daniels indicated that staff would get back to Ms. Steinbruner.
Tisha Miller has concerns about the additional units being built in Aptos Village and how
the District can approve water usage for this project while asking customers to conserve.
She stated the New Leaf Market that is part of the project will use water all day long for
watering their vegetables. Ms. Miller stated there are a lot of Aptos people who are very
concerned about this project.
Marilyn Garrett agrees with Ms. Steinbruner about the problems the Aptos Village project
will create. She stated that we are in a crisis, and there needs to be a moratorium on new
hookups. Ms. Garrett has issues with smart meters, noting that they can cause fires and
then water needs to be used to put out the fires.
Diana Bush supports the concerns of the poor planning of the Aptos Village project. She
feels that the concerns of the local residents regarding water, safety, resources, crowding
and traffic are not being taken into account. She feels there needs to be much more
discussion and further review of this project before it moves forward.
Lowell Webb referenced Agenda 21 which can be found in last month’s Connection
Magazine. He stated that municipalities world-wide are being affected by the slow
creeping of Agenda 21. Mr. Webb also noted the traffic issues associated with three new
traffic lights in the Aptos Village area.
Board Comment:
Director Meyer pointed out that later in the agenda Item 6.10 is a discussion of how the
District relates to the land use policies of the County and City of Capitola. Although the
Board issues will serve letters, it can’t pick and choose projects, but the County can when
it has zoning changes or changes to its land use regulations.
President Daniels talked about the number of days in his billing cycle not being the same
as last year so comparison is not easy. He went to the booth at the Farmer’s Market on
Saturday and felt the outreach was not aggressive enough. He attended the City’s
enrichment series on groundwater. Scotts Valley also has a leaky aquifer. Andy Fisher
talked about distributed storm water collection and recharge using dry wells as a conduit
to introduce storm water into the aquifer.
5. REPORTS
5.1 Board Agenda Planning Calendar
Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2015
Page 5 of 10
Director Jaffe commented that he likes the planning calendar; seeing what is
coming up is helpful.
5.2 Recognition of Ava Bobby, 2015 Summer Intern
Ms. Schumacher introduced Ava Bobby, 2015 summer intern, who has been
working with the Special Projects and Community Dialogue department learning
about recycled water. Ms. Schumacher noted that the intern program has value for
local residents to see what jobs in the water industry are like. Vaidehi Campbell
and Matt Orbach were both interns. Ms. Bobby was presented with a certificate
and thanked by the Board for her contributions during her internship.
5.3 Income and Investment Report
Mr. Duncan noted the top tier users for the month of July relative to 2013, multi-
family has reduced 88% in the top tier and single family has reduced 73%.
5.4 Draft Project Scheduling Chart
Ms. Schumacher prepared this chart to be presented approximately twice a year to
update the Board on ongoing planning. Input from the Board on how to make it
better was sought. Director Daniels noted that there is a lot of good information,
but it’s very small and difficult to read. Having it on more pages would make it
more useful.
6. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
6.1 Conditional Will Serve Letters
6.1.1 Conditional Will Serve Letter for Single Family Residence at 208 Mirada
Drive Aptos, Peter Gaeckle, APN 043-052-14
No discussion.
MOTION: Director LaHue; Second; Director Meyer: To authorize the
District's conditional will serve letter for the single family residence at 208
Mirada Dr. in Aptos, APN 043-052-14. Motion passed with President Daniels
opposed.
6.2 Unconditional Will Serve Letters
6.2.1 Unconditional Will Serve Letter for Seacliff Village Park (Formerly McGregor
Park), Canterbury Dr. & McGregor Dr., Aptos, APN 038-081-40
Mr. Dufour noted the County had a credit for Water Demand Offsets (WDOs)
associated with the Polo Grounds project where they did some conservation
projects as well as along the Seascape medians on Seascape Blvd. They will
be putting in a 1” meter which has a larger water capacity fee than identified
in the memo.
Director Jaffe asked about the County’s awareness of water use. Mr. Duncan
responded that in a later item discussing the Housing Element for the
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September 1, 2015
Page 6 of 10
County, conservation was noticeably absent, yet in the Sustainable Corridor
Plan there was a nice section on conservation efforts associated with project.
MOTION: Director LaHue; Second: Director Jaffe: To authorize the District's
unconditional will serve letter for the Seacliff Village Park at Canterbury
Drive and McGregor Drive, Aptos, APN 038-081-40. Motion passed with
President Daniels opposed.
6.3 Presentation of Potential Software Purchase to Facilitate Preparation of Board
Packets and Minutes
Andrew Baker, Accela Legislative Management, gave a brief presentation of a
software package (attached as Exhibit C) that staff is considering purchasing to
streamline the packet and minutes preparation process and answered questions
from the Board. The Board directed staff to continue review of this product, if so
desired.
Mr. Baker was thanked for his presentation.
6.4 Goal Setting for Public Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement for the Groundwater
Replenishment Project
Ms. Schumacher introduced Linda Macpherson from New Water ReSources, a sub-
consultant to Carollo Engineers who is conducting the District’s groundwater
replenishment feasibility study. Ms. MacPherson gave a presentation (attached as
Exhibit D) on setting goals for public outreach on a recycled water project. Andy
Salveson, from Carollo Engineers, was also present to answer questions.
Lengthy discussion was held. Ms. Macpherson talked about the types of outreach
via the District’s website and social media. Mr. Salveson discussed constituents of
emerging concerns (CECs) and the sources of information on the safety of purified
water.
The need to start outreach right now was stressed by President Daniels. Having
data to back up the information that is provided to the public is essential. Director
Jaffe cautioned strongly that the outreach program on recycling not be construed as
advocacy; that the District will stop moving forward with a project if anything is
found to be unsafe. Director LaHue underscored the need for data early in the
process for both the District and the public. Director Christensen suggested that
single topic workshops for the public would be valuable early in the process.
Public comment:
Becky Steinbruner expressed concerns about microbes and asked if there is science
that shows recycled water would be free of chemicals.
President Daniels noted the Board does not have all the data either, but that the
reverse osmosis process separates out very small molecules. The result of that is
Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2015
Page 7 of 10
essentially distilled water. Director Meyer noted this water would not be sent to
the drinking water supply, but would be injected into the aquifer. The state, as well
as the District, will require that the water supply is not being degraded by the
injection of recycled water.
Mr. Salveson acknowledged that CECs are a common public concern. Data shows
that the level of trace pollutants is less than a nanogram per liter after going
through a series of multiple barriers and treatments.
The Board asked that the outreach plan include the pros and cons of potable reuse,
and that they use clear, consistent, non-stigmatizing language.
MOTION: Director LaHue; Second; Director Christensen: That the Board finds the
goals and objectives for the Groundwater Replenishment Project’s community
outreach plan are generally acceptable and directed staff to bring back a detailed
scope and budget for stakeholder engagement to a future meeting. Motion passed
unanimously.
Ms. Macpherson and Mr. Salveson were both thanked for their presentation.
6.5 Approval of Cooperative Agreement with Santa Cruz County Sanitation District for
Evaluating the Recycling of Wastewater for Improved Resource Management
Mr. Duncan reviewed the agreement for cooperatively exploring the potential of
turning wastewater into purified water.
Brief discussion was held.
MOTION: Director Jaffe; Second; Director Meyer: To direct the Interim General
Manager and Legal Counsel to sign the Cooperative Agreement and proceed with
the actions as described in the agreement. Motion passed unanimously.
6.6 General Manager Recruitment Process & Hiring Options
President Daniels opened the discussion of how to move forward with the
recruitment process. Director LaHue would like to hear from staff on how they feel
about working with Mr. Duncan. Director Meyer stated he would hesitate to cut the
hiring process short by not looking for other qualified candidates. He feels that the
Board owes it to the customers to select the best candidate, rather than the first
candidate.
Motion: Director LaHue; Second; Director Christensen: To have Mr. Duncan
continue as Interim General Manager for five more months and to conduct
interviews with employees in January with a closed session evaluation and Board
discussion in February at which time they will decide whether to go out for
recruitment or to hire Mr. Duncan as General Manager. Motion passed with
Director Meyer abstaining.
Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2015
Page 8 of 10
6.7 Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Region 5 Election for the 2016-
2017 Term
Brief discussion was held.
MOTION: Director LaHue; Second; Director Christensen: To direct the Board
President to cast votes for David Hodgin, Bill Rosen and Rob Marani. Motion
passed unanimously.
President Daniels will submit the ballot.
6.8 Item pulled
6.9 Discussion on the Development of the Groundwater Sustainability Agency
Director Jaffe reported that there is good cooperation amongst the membership of
the Soquel Aptos Groundwater Management Committee (SAGMC). The new
private well owners were appointed. The subcommittee is focusing on a specific
checklist of items with deadlines and will be updating the SAGMC at the next
meeting. Discussion is going to be held on appointing a chair and an alternate for
the private well owners as well as the City and County. SqCWD and Central Water
District already have designated alternates.
This item will be on the agenda after each SAGMC meeting to update the Board.
Director Jaffe was thanked for all the hours he has put toward these efforts.
6.10 Board Discussion on Coordination Between the District and Agencies Involved with
Land Use Planning
Discussion was held on inviting representatives from the City of Capitola and the
County of Santa Cruz to discuss the planning phases and where water use and
conservation fits in. Having someone involved in the Draft Housing Element would
be ideal. There is a 60 day comment period which began August 4th.
It was suggested that representatives from the District (staff and a Board member)
go to both the City of Capitola and the County to talk about what our issues are.
Regulations are changing within the planning department and staff should be
prepared to talk to specific issues and the impact they would have on the District.
An item will be agendized to discuss the Draft Housing Element of the General Plan
and Mr. Duncan will invite County and Capitola staff.
Public comment:
Becky Steinbruner noted that she attended the Board of Supervisor’s public hearing
on 8/4 and not one planning staff member of supervisor mentioned water, but talked
about a dense housing development plan. She also noted that the County planning
Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2015
Page 9 of 10
department is staging various community meetings to discuss the changes to the
Housing Element.
6.11 Review and Consider Potential Modification to the Manner in which Specific Will
Serve Letters are Presented in the Board Meeting Packets
Discussion was held on how will serve letters are presented to the Board.
Suggestions were included in the Board memo. After discussion, it was agreed that
these need to remain under Administrative Business, but can be listed as a single-
table line item. Director Jaffe requested that the cumulative totals year-to-date of
WDOs be included in the same table.
Public comment:
Becky Steinbruner commented that if staff knows how much water is being given
out for new connections, what figures would the District give to the County for an
annual water allocation?
Director LaHue noted this has not been done before and would be a new discussion
with guidance from hydrogeologists and counsel.
MOTION: Director LaHue; Second; Director Meyer: Include will serve letters as a
line item under Administrative Business with running totals of the Water Demand
Offsets (WDOs) reported on the same page. Motion passed unanimously.
6.12 Approve Joint Funding Agreement and Scope of Work from the US Geological
Survey (USGS) to Provide Support for the Groundwater Modeling Effort
Brief discussion was held. Director Jaffe recused himself from voting because he
works for the USGS.
MOTION: President Daniels; Second; Director Christensen: To approve the Joint
Funding Agreement (JFA) and scope-of-work from the USGS and authorize the
interim General Manager to sign it. Motion passed.
7. STATUS REPORTS – None
Mr. Bosso noted that he had given instructions to staff to distribute the draft of the City
Agreement to the Board assuming it had already been seen. This was not correct, and Mr.
Bosso asked the Board to ignore the document as it is a draft in process.
8. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE
Discussion was held on how to respond to letters from the public. Mr. Duncan noted this
is an item for a future agenda. Ms. Boisen noted that staff does respond to leak
adjustment letters indicating to the customer that they can come before the Board to
request a variance. President Daniels asked that if staff have responded, that they
indicate so in the memo so the Board knows it was handled.
Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2015
Page 10 of 10
8.1 Letter to Board Members from Bill and Esther Shewaga Regarding Consideration to
Average Billing Over the Past Year
Ms. Boisen noted the Shewaga’s will be on the agenda for the 10/6/15 meeting.
8.2 Email to Board Members Expressing Appreciation for Carla James, Water Quality
Program Coordinator, from Ben Vernazza
Mr. Duncan noted that an email reply was sent to Mr. Vernazaa thanking him for
recognizing Ms. James.
8.3 Note from Wayne Stanton Regarding General Manager (GM) Severance Payment
Mr. Duncan will reply to Mr. Stanton
8.4 Letter to Board Members from Shelley and Ronald Reinisch Regarding Leak Policy
Mr. Duncan will reply to the Reinisch’s
9. CLOSED SESSION
No closed session was held tonight.
10. ADJOURNMENT
President Daniels adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m. to the next scheduled Regular
Meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2015.
SUBMITTED BY: APPROVED BY:
____________________________ _____________________________
Karen Reese, Board Clerk Bruce Daniels, President
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Obtaining appropriate water decisions for sustainable
communities Linda Macpherson, New Water ReSources
Knowledge vacuum
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Risk perception
Risk
Affect heuristic model explaining risk/benefit confounding: Alhakami & Slovic,1994
Information: “Benefit high” Inference: Risk low
Information: “Risk low” Inference: Benefit high
Information: “Benefit low” Inference: Risk high
Information: “Risk high” Inference: Benefit low
Water is constantly recycled
Preferably illustration to show these aspects, masterslide background, or complete illustration not title and text
Indirect potable reuse Direct potable reuse Inadvertent indirect potable reuse Defacto indirect potable reuse Yuck factor or yuk factor Treated wastewater Sewage water Re-purified water
“Water should not be judged by its history, but by it’s quality.”
Dr Lucas van Vuuren (1927 – 2014)
Variety of materials Variety of channels Website
Interpretive centers
Traditional media
Social media Government presentations
Community presentations
TOOLBOX • Success stories • Safety explanations • Concept animations
Safety & benefits
Reliability and monitoring – the hallmark of quality
An independent expert panel can give unbiased verification.
The public considers that water quality & treatment more important for safety of our drinking water supply than its source To provide assurance of safety & quality of recycled
water, it is important to emphasize the amount of monitoring and tests that have been undertaken.
Engaging stakeholders
• SqCWD should agree upon and have a consistent approach (all spokespersons give save message)
• Identify and engage with interest groups • Obtaining written approval from interest
groups can be highly effective
Preferably illustration to show these aspects, masterslide background, or complete illustration not title and text
• Providing information has consistently been shown to improve knowledge – from Singapore to San Diego, Orange County to Northern Virginia
• The words we use make a difference • Stigma is powerful but can be overcome
– Make water reuse familiar – Risk studies and quantitative risk assessments breed
fear – Detection versus “harm”
• Understanding the urban water cycle enhances understanding – and acceptance – Create familiarity – all water is reused
• Information must be provided transparently but be simple, engaging and thought-provoking
• People form opinions regarding contentious issues and respond based on their own values, emotions and cultural context
• Words and images can either improve or hinder understanding
• Talk about water quality – not history
LINDA MACPHERSON Managing Member New Water ReSources, LLC tel: +1 503 720 0082 www.newwaterresources.com