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.
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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.
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