Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-13-2014 Legislative Committee MinutesMINUTES LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIAL COMMITTEE MEETING Orange County Sanitation District The Legislative and Public Affairs Special Committee meeting convened on Monday, January 13, 2014, at 8:00 a.m. in the Administration Building of the Orange County Sanitation District. Director Reese led the Flag Salute. A quorum was declared present, as follows: COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Troy Edgar, Board Chair Tom Beamish, Board Vice-Chair John Nielsen, Operations Committee Chair Brad Reese, Administration Committee Chair John Withers, Administration Committee Vice-Chair David Benavides, Director VACANT, Director At Large COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. STAFF PRESENT Jim Herberg, General Manager Nick Arhontes, Director of Facilities Support Services Nick Kanetis, Director of Engineering Jeff Reed, Director of Human Resources Ed Torres, Director of Operations and Maintenance Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Finance & Administrative Services Maria Ayala, Clerk of the Board Jim Colston Faviola Miranda OTHERS PRESENT: Heather Stratman, Townsend Public Affairs Eric Saperstein, ENS Resources (via teleconference) Minutes of the Legislative and Public Affairs Special Committee January 13, 2014 Page 2 of 3 REPORTS: Washington D.C. Trip Report General Manager, Jim Herberg, reported on the recent trip to Washington D.C. He and the Chair held several congressional meetings that focused on the following points: opportunities available to expand recycling beyond water replenishment system; SARI Line; and power regeneration at OCSD. Eric Sapirstein, ENS Resources, provided additional input on the meetings that were held. A written report by Mr. Sapirstein summarizing the Washington DC Trip was distributed to the Committee. Chair Edgar reported that the meetings allowed them to present new ideas for the Sanitation District; and, that they look forward to returning to Washington D.C. with comprehensive plans on these ideas. OCSD 60th Anniversary California Legislative Floor Recognition, Sacramento Heather Stratman, Townsend Public Affairs, gave a brief update on the reception that would be held upon the District's bill passing. It would be a very brief reception to be held in Sacramento some time during the month of March -with a date and time to be determined in the near future. It was determined by the Committee that Chair Edgar, Vice-Chair Beamish, and Director Nielsen would attend the event in Sacramento. Mr. Herberg also announced the OCSD VIP Breakfast that was being planned as part of the Sanitation District's 60th Anniversary events. Faviola Miranda, Sr. Public Affairs Specialist, gave pertinent information about the event. It was determined that some of the invitations would be extended to past board members and past general managers. Also discussed was the distribution of OCSD flash drives or DVD with information about the District's 60 years of service. Chair Edgar also reported on the following: communications between staff and the lobbyists; more outreach and public information on the District's efforts to move towards 100% water reclamation; discussing staff-lobbyists goals and objectives beyond June; and, that tomorrow a meeting on SAWPA's remedial plan would take place. CONSENT ITEMS: 1. MOVED, SECONDED, and DULY CARRIED: Approve the minutes for the Committee meeting held on December 9, 2013. .~ Minutes of the Legislative and Public Affairs Special Committee January 13, 2014 Page 3 of 3 INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 2. State Legislative Affairs Ms. Stratman reported on the following from State Legislative Affairs: the State Budget; the District's bill being finalized by legal counsel, and that it would be presented by February 24; and, she announced that the County's representative for legislation is Cymantha Atkinson. Ms. Stratman added that she will continue to provide periodic updates to the General Manager. 3. Federal Legislative Affairs Mr. Sapirstein reported on the following from Federal Legislative Affairs: a final budget for 2014 should be released by Friday; update on Build America bonds; and, recommended that the Committee consider returning to Washington DC in February as a follow up to the recent meetings. OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF ANY: Director Withers asked about the feasibility of an enhanced legislative report to be included in the General Manager's Monthly Update . Vice-Chair Beamish asked about water rationing, and the impacts it would have on waterflows. Mr . Herberg responded to both inquiries. Mr. Herberg also introduced new OCSD Public Affairs staff member, Kelly Newell. ADJOURNMENT: The Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 8:53 a.m. " {Submitted by: ~1 ·' ' ii