CALL TO ORDER: The Board of Directors’ meeting of the Mid-Peninsula Water District was called to order by Vice President Vella at 6:30 p.m.
A. ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Directors Altscher, Linvill, Vella, and Zucca.
ALSO PRESENT: General Manager Regan, General Counsel Cassman, Secretary Remeleh, and Engineer Boscacci.
STAFF PRESENT: Superintendent Michael Anderson, Rick Bisio, Brent Chester, Sara Abou-Remeleh, and Jon Tscharner.
MEMBERS OF PUBLIC:
Residents and staff members of Sunrise Assisted Living and members the Maltese-American Ladies Knitting and Crocheting Group.
PRESIDENT: Vice Present Vella presiding.
Whereupon the following proceedings were duly had:
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Director Zucca led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the Regular Board meeting of December 18, 2008 were unanimously approved on a motion by Director Altscher and seconded by Director Linvill. Director Zucca abstained.
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
E. CEREMONIAL MATTERS:
Vice President Vella presented immediate Past President Zucca with a plaque for his outstanding leadership as President of the Mid-Peninsula Water District during his term.
Director Linvill stated last year was her first term on the Board of Directors and she was impressed with all of the Directors, but she thought that Director Zucca did an excellent job leading, guiding, directing and working towards the best interest of the District during his term as President.
Director Altscher echoed what Director Linvill said and also thanked Director Zucca for taking time from his schedule to take care of his responsibilities at the Mid-Peninsula Water District.
Director Vella also echoed the sentiments of his fellow Directors. He expressed his gratitude for a successful year.
Director Zucca stated that his first year as President was challenging, but he thoroughly enjoyed his term and working with the other Directors. He also expressed his gratitude to the other Directors.
Vice President Vella congratulated General Manager Regan for his 25 years of service to the Mid-Peninsula Water District. Vice President Vella presented Manager Regan with a plaque for 25 years of excellent service, dedication, and achievement to the District, its customers and staff. He congratulated Manager Regan.
Manager Regan stated that it has been a long interesting time and the District has come a long way in the last 25 years. He still has a few more ideas for the District that he would like to see pan out before he retires.
Director Altscher said 25 years says a lot for Manager Regan. It speaks very highly of him as an individual for his loyalty and dedication, as well as the District. The District has been very well run and is not a bad place to work. He congratulated Manager Regan for his 25 hard working, dedicated years at the District and for doing a wonderful job and congratulations to the customers that keep getting safe, reliable service at a very fair price thanks to Manager Regan. He also congratulated the staff on having great leadership.
Director Linvill was very impressed with the efficiency and the effectiveness of how the District has been managed by Manager Regan. He has a wonderful reputation in regards to working quickly and efficiently, and pleasing the customers that we serve. She thanked him for his service, and hopes that he will be around for many more years.
Director Zucca agreed with his fellow Directors and congratulated Paul on his 25 years.
Vice President Vella welcomed one of the District’s major and valued customers, the Sunrise Senior Living Center Residents and Staff. He thanked them for attending the meeting. Vice President Vella was approached by the Maltese-American Ladies Knitting and Crocheting Group who spent some of their volunteer time crocheting blankets for hospitals, senior citizens and anyone who is in need. The group asked him to find recipients for the blankets that they have made and he contacted the Sunrise Assisted Living Center. He hopes that Mid-Peninsula Water District will have more opportunities to bring the community together in the future.
The Maltese-American Ladies Knitting and Crocheting Group presented the residents of the Sunrise Assisted Living Center with their handmade blankets. A member of the group stated that it was a pleasure for them to be there and to be able to donate to Sunrise Assisted Living. They meet every Thursday and make blankets for the whole year and at the end of the year they donate the blankets to people in need. They had an array of blankets, shawls and hats that the residents were able to choose from.
The Board recessed at 6:45p.m. for refreshments. The meeting reconvened at 6:58 p.m.
F. REPORT FROM BAWSCA GENERAL MANAGER, CEO ART JENSEN:
General Manager of BAWSCA, Art Jensen, was ill and unable to attend the meeting. The report has been postponed until the proposed February 18, 2009 meeting.
G. WATER CONSERVATION:
Secretary Remeleh reported that a meeting with the Belmont Planning Commission to get involved in the development stages of the City’s water efficient appliances programs was going to take place in February. She also reported after reviewing the minutes from the City of Belmont’s Council/Planning Commission meeting. meeting she has found that the City has plans to construct two new parks. A meeting is being planned with the Parks and Recreation Department as well as the Planning Commission, so the District can be a part of this process to assist with water conservation in developing these projects. She also reported that BAWSCA has received information that Department of Water Resources is cancelling proposition 50 grants which directly relates to the Washing Machine Rebate Program. A telephone meeting has been set up to see how the BAWSCA agencies will proceed with this program on Monday.
Director Altscher suggested checking into programs that PG&E may offer.
Director Zucca requested that staff watch carefully the planning and commitments to conservation measures that BAWSCA is planning for future targets. What needs to be evaluated are the conservation measures we currently have in place and have planned for the future regarding their funding and effectiveness.
H. 2008-2009 GRAND JURY QUESTIONNAIRE:
The Board of Directors through the Board Secretary received a questionnaire from the San Mateo Grand Jury in regards to Board compensation. The District Secretary compiled all answers offered by the Board Members and formulated one response encompassing their opinions. This item has been placed on the agenda for final review, questions and comments before it is sent to the Grand Jury. Board Members gave a few suggestions and comments. The District Secretary stated she would update the questionnaire with the changes and send it off to the Grand Jury.
I. ANNUAL PLANNING DISCUSSION:
Vice President Vella gave an overview of this item. The District Secretary was requested to find a date for this meeting that would suit all who need to attend. The items to be addressed will be Directors’ Assignments, District Goals for 2009 and Communication. The Directors agreed to come up with some goals prior to the meeting and send them to the facilitator, Ms. Couden, to assist with time management and keep the meeting focused.
J. CHANGE OF DATE FOR MPWD FEBRUARY REGULAR BOARD MEETING:
Due to Vice President Vella’s attendance at the ACWA Conference in Washington DC, the Board discussed changing the regular Board meeting on February 26, 2009 to February 18, 2009. On motion by Director Altscher and seconded by Director Zucca the Board unanimously approved the change in the regular February meeting date to February 18, 2009.
K. RESOLUTION 2009-1 APPROVING THE OPENING OF A CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT ACCOUNT WITH BANK OF AMERICA:
Director Zucca asked if Treasurer Ira has given input on this item. Secretary Remeleh stated she advised Mr. Ira. This account was a safe and secure fund in which to place "Other Post Employment Benefit" funds until a trust account has been researched, reviewed and set up. On motion by Director Linvill and seconded by Director Altscher, the Board unanimously approved Resolution 2009-1 by a roll call vote.
L. CERTIFYING MPWD AS A GREEN BUSINESS:
Director Altscher gave an overview of this item. He stated we would like to have MPWD certified as a green business. Secretary Remeleh stated she found out from the County that a business in Belmont cannot be certified green until the City of Belmont joins the program as there are items the City is responsible for. The District can fill out the application and submit it to the County and when the City signs on to the program MPWD will be able to take the next step. Director Altscher stated he had a discussion with the City Manager of Belmont who stated he thought it would be wonderful for MPWD to be certified green and did not know of any reason why we would not be able to do so. Secretary Remeleh will contact the County again and find out how we can make this happen and why we can’t become certified because the City has not joined their program. This item will be carried over to the next regular Board meeting.
M. EXBOURNE TANK PROJECT:
The General Manager led the discussion on this item. He stated that when this project was carried over and budgeted for this fiscal year, the inspection fees, extra engineering fees, etc. were not included in the carry over budget amount. He requested the Board amend the current budget by $50,000 to cover these items. The Board had a few questions that the General Manager answered. On motion by Director Zucca and seconded by Director Linvill, the Board approved amendment of the 2008-2009 Capital Budget in the amount of $50,000 to cover the additional cost for the Exbourne Tank Project.
N. BAWSCA REPORT:
Vice President Vella led the discussion on this item. He stated that BAWSCA had their first meeting of the New Year on January 15, 2009. The BAWSCA Board elected a new Chair who is John Fannon from the City of Hillsborough and the Vice Chair is Barbara Pierce who is a Council member in Redwood City. The majority of the meeting concentrated around conservation and precipitation. There was also a discussion on water rates throughout the Bay Area. Vice President Vella stated there was also a discussion on the Hetch Hetchy Tour for this summer.
O. DIRECTORS’ REPORT
Director Linvill reported she attended the District Employee Recognition event.
Director Altscher also stated he attended this event. He also reported on his attendance at the LAFCo meeting on January 21, 2009. He stated that LAFCo has a new Chairperson, Rich Gordon, who is a San Mateo County Supervisor and the Vice Chair is Naomi Patridge from Half Moon Bay City Council. Director Altscher also stated he, the General Manager and Vice President Vella had attended a meeting with the BAWSCA General Manager Art Jensen which the Board will hear more about when General Manger Jensen attends the District Board meeting on February 18, 2009.
Director Zucca reported he will be giving a presentation on the SFPUC’s Capital Improvement Program and regional issues as it relates to water to a Church group at the request of Howard Jones from the HIA.
Vice President Vella reported on his attendance at the Harbor Industrial Association meeting on January 5, 2009 with Secretary Remeleh. He stated that Secretary Remeleh reported on conservation and water quality. Vice President Vella reported on the reorganization of the Board. He stated he and the Secretary answered many questions asked by the attendees. He also attended the Belmont City Council meeting and expressed his thanks for the Mayor attending the December MPWD meeting. He also invited the council to again do more cooperative things with the District and reminded them of the District resources that can be utilized in emergency situations. He expressed his desire for the City and the Water District to work together especially when planning for disaster preparedness. He also reported on his attendance at the meeting with the General Manager of BAWSCA and he also attended the Employee Recognition event.
P. MANAGER’S REPORT:
Manager Regan reported leaks we had on El Camino and on Broadway and Civic that seem to be caused by a spike to our system by the SFPUC. He stated he had met with a business that was affected by the break. He also reported on the Ralston mainline job. He has met with the City on the repairs on Ralston and what will be required of the District as far as paving. The Board had a few questions which the General Manager answered. On motion by Director Altscher and seconded by Director Linvill, the Manager’s Report was unanimously approved.
Q. FINANCIAL REPORT:
Director Linvill asked a few clarifying questions which staff answered. On a motion by Director Linvill and seconded by Director Zucca, the Board unanimously approved the Financial Report.
R. FUTURE NEW BUSINESS ITEMS-SUGGESTIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS:
On February agenda there will be discussion/review of the District Procurement Policy. Director Altscher reminded the Board it was time for the next Board/Employee meeting. Vice President Vella stated he and the General Manager had discussed this item.
S. COMMUNICATIONS:
None.
T. ADJOURNMENT:
Vice President Vella adjourned the meeting at 9:17 p.m. The next regular meeting of the MPWD Board is scheduled for Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the District’s administrative offices at 3 Dairy Lane, Belmont CA 94002.
