HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-24-2010 Steering Committee MinutesMINUTES OF STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
Orange County Sanitation District
Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at 5:30 p.m.
The Steering Committee meeting convened on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. in the
Administrative Offices of the Orange County Sanitation District.
A quorum was declared present, as follows:
STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
DIRECTORS PRESENT:
Doug Davert, Chair
Larry Crandall, Vice Chair
Phil Luebben, Administration Committee
Chair
Troy Edgar, Operations Committee Chair
Tom Beamish
Jim Ferryman
John Withers
DIRECTORS ABSENT
N/A
STAFF PRESENT:
Jim Ruth, General Manager
Bob Ghirelli, Assistant General Manager
Nick Arhontes, Director of Operations and
Maintenance
Jim Herberg, Director of Engineering
Ed Torres, Director of Technical Services
Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Finance
and Administrative Services
Michael Gold, Public Affairs Manager
Jeff Reed, Human Resources Manager
Penny Kyle, Clerk of the Board
OTHERS PRESENT:
Brad Hogin, General Counsel
Drew Kolosky
Juanita Skillman
Heather Stratman
* * * * *
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
COMMITTEE CHAIR REPORT
Chair Davert reported that he, along with Director Crandall and Michael Gold, went to
Washington, DC, March 16 – 18. They were able to meet with several members of the
legislative delegation. They also participated in a briefing on California’s water crisis and
solutions at the Capitol, which included a presentation from Joel Bourne, contributing writer to
National Geographic, whose April 2010 issue is solely focused on water issues. As a result,
Congresswoman Grace Napolitano sent a letter to the Sanitation District which was included in
the Directors’ folders that evening.
It was announced that the next CASA Conference would be held April 28 – 30, 2010, in Newport
Beach, and Steering Committee members were invited to attend. Due to the location of the
event, there would be no stipend for overnight accommodations.
Minutes of the Steering Committee
March 24, 2010
Page 2
GENERAL MANAGER REPORT
Jim Ruth, General Manager, provided an update on the pending agreements for GWRS, IRWD,
SAWPA and the SARI line, noting that the IRWD agreement should be ready for approval in April,
and the GWRS agreement would be considered at the Joint GWRS Steering Committee in April. If
approved by the committee, then the agreement would be considered at the board meeting in May.
Ed Torres, Director of Technical Services, was recognized who provided an update on EnerTech
Environmental facilities.
ACTION ITEM
1. MOVED, SECONDED AND DULY CARRIED: Approve minutes of the February 24,
2010 Steering Committee meeting.
INFORMATION ITEM
2. Public Affairs Report
A conference call was held with Townsend and Associates, Casey Elliott and
Christopher Townsend. Casey Elliott provided an update on state budget issues.
Heather Stratmore, who was in attendance, reported the 2010 water bond would be on
the November ballot. She provided updates on $30 million for water education centers
and suggested OCSD partner with the OCWD for a water education center focused on
OCSD and GWRS. Stratman also discussed the proposed, $1 billion for water recycling
programs and how this could be source of project funding for OCSD. Finally, she
discussed opportunities within the Inter Regional Water Management Plans (IRW MP)
and the timeline for funding through the Santa Ana River Water Project Authority
(SAWPA).
After discussion regarding the water education centers, Chair Davert appointed
Directors Crandall and Ferryman to an ad hoc committee to work with OCWD on a joint
request to ensure OCSD’s input is considered. .
Finally, Michael Gold provided a legislative and public affairs update on the honor walk
ceremony and OCSD’s project funding requests through Congress.
CLOSED SESSION
There was no closed session.
Minutes of the Steering Committee
March 24, 2010
Page 3
ADJOURNMENT
The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 28, 2010, at 5:30p.m . The
Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
Submitted by :
Clerk of the Board