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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