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Home My WebLink About2008-08 MINUTES OF STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING Orange County Sanitation District Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at 5:30 p.m. A meeting of the Steering Committee of the Orange County Sanitation District was held on Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at 5:30 p.m., in the District's Administrative Office. (1) A quorum was declared present, as follows: STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS: DIRECTORS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT: Doug Davert, Chair Larry Crandall, Vice Chair Jim Ruth, General Manager Mark Waldman, Administration Committee Bob Ghirelli, Assistant General Manager Chair Jim Herberg, Director of Engineering Ken Parker, Operations Committee Chair Ed Torres, Director of Technical Services Jim Ferryman Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Finance and Bill Dalton Administrative Services Phil Luebben Michael Gold, Legislative Affairs Liaison Penny Kyle, Clerk of the Board DIRECTORS ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT: Ryal Wheeler FIELED IN THE OFFICE OF ORAANN E CODUN OF ITATIION DISTRICT (2) PUBLIC COMMENTS SEP 17 2008 There were no public comments. ,,/ 8 - (3) REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE CHAIR Chair Davert reported on the conference and award ceremony that he attended in Stockholm, Sweden, along with Director Larry Crandall, Orange County Water District Director Denis Bilodeau, and staff members Mike Markus and Shivaji Deshmukh. Director Phil Luebben provided a verbal report on the CASA conference held in Monterey on August 21-23fe (4) REPORT OF GENERAL MANAGER Jim Ruth, General Manager, reported he had received a request from Mike Markus, General Manager of OCWD, to consider participating in the cost of an Orange County poll survey. The committee concurred the Sanitation District would not participate in this survey. Minutes of the Steering Committee August 27, 2008 Page 2 It was also reported that due to additional requests for directors and staff to attend various conferences and award ceremonies regarding the Groundwater Replenishment System it would be in the Sanitation District's best interest to set a policy to handle the requests. The committee agreed that staff should develop the policy and bring it to the committee for review and approval. Mr. Ruth also reported that he attended the city of La Habra's council meeting on August 16, and presented to Steve Anderson's family the Sanitation District's Resolution of Commendation. When the Ellis Avenue Pump Station is complete, a dedication ceremony naming the pump station in Steve's memory will take place and the Anderson family will be invited to attend. (5) REPORT OF GENERAL COUNSEL There was no report. (6) ACTION ITEMS A. MOVED, SECONDED AND DULY CARRIED: Approve minutes of the July 23, 2008 Steering Committee meeting. (7) INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. Legislative Affairs Report—Michael Gold reported that the budget continues to be stalled with no end in the foreseeable future because the Governor and the Democrats are strongly against any borrowing (such as bonds or from local government) and the Republicans are against any tax increases. B. Solids Handling and Billing for IRWD—Jim Herberg, Director of Engineering, provided a brief overview on the need to reevaluate the billing methodologies currently in place with regard to IRWD's solids which would be considered that evening to approve hiring a consultant to evaluate an appropriate methodology for both parties. (8) CLOSED SESSION The Steering Committee convened at 5:56 p.m. in Closed Session, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)to discuss two matters. Confidential Minutes of the Closed Session held by the Steering Committee have been prepared in accordance with Government Code Section 54957.2, and are maintained by the Clerk of the Board in the Official Book of Confidential Minutes of Board and Committee Closed Meetings. At 6:25 p.m., the Steering Committee reconvened in regular session. Minutes of the Steering Committee August 27, 2008 Page 3 (9) OTHER BUSINESS, COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF ANY There were none. (10) ADJOURNMENT The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, 2008. The Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Submitted by: A. Penny M. le Clerk of the Board STATE OF CALIFORNIA } )SS. COUNTY OF ORANGE } Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54954.2, 1 hereby certify that the Notice and the Agenda for the Steering Committee meeting held on L4� 2008,was duly posted for public inspection In the main lobby of the District's offices on ��_, 2008. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this h day of 2008. Penny Kyle, Clerk of the Board Orange County Sanitation District [ + Ir Z' ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT 9 �? V p0 ale THE N\ ll 8 Elm lerenue Fwmani Vauay la 927M 7018 August 21, 2008 Mamg Md.. PG.ea.8127 Foa,Nan Vnlmy IA 8272"121 wEwv.mad mm Phone J71419622411 NOTICE OF MEETING Fe. (714)962U356 STEERING COMMITTEE Semng a,eheun soda s.'e Pert' ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT L\/ .' Fourwem Velley wlrarm„ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 - 5:30 P.M. GiMen a'. JW ngun?sea:h DISTRICT'S ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES ah.,a 10844 ELLIS AVENUE to JJanre FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 92708 ie r+em,e W W W.00SD.COM !m Alemrtna Nawt,ort seem lAs,xJe A regular meeting of the Steering Committee of the Orange Same Me County Sanitation District will be held at the above location, date sael eaanh and time. s�nrpn a,ecn ulla P.d Ya hide Cnew Mese sanitary G,svul Medway 01y sl, I 'Viemirl hide Renrh Weler r+,aMY nl tkangc We pmwa public healed and the enhodnment bypml4ding efts waMmter collecpan, Ireebnent,and recyCling. STEERING COMMITTEE AND BOARD MEETING DATES August 27, 2008 *September 17, 2008 October 22,2008 *November 19, 2008 *December 17, 2008 January 28, 2009 February 25. 2009 March 25, 2009 April 22. 2009 May 27, 2009 June 24, 2009 July 22, 2009 -Meetings being held the third Wednesday of the month. STEERING COMMITTEE (1) Roll Call: Meeting Date: August 27, 2008 Meeting Time: 5:30 p.m, Committee Members Doug Davert, Board Chair................................................... ........... _ Larry Crandall, Vice Chair................................................... ........... Mark Waldman, Administration Committee Chair................ ........... Ken Parker, Operations Committee Chair........................... ........... BillDalton ...................................................................................... JimFerryman...................................................................... ..........._ PhilLuebben....................................................................... ..........._ Others Brad Hogin, General Counsel............................................. ........... Staff Jim Ruth, General Manager.................................................... Bob Ghirelli, Assistant General Manager.................................. Nick Arhontes, Director of Operations&Maintenance................. Jim Herberg, Director of Engineering....................................... . Ed Torres, Director of Technical Services................................. Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Finance&Administrative Services........ Michael Gold, Legislative Affairs Liaison.................................... Penny Kyle, Clerk of the Board........................................... ._ Other Staff Present AGENDA REGULAR MEETING OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 AT 5:30 P.M. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 10844 Ellis Avenue Fountain Valley, California www.ocsd.com 1. Declaration of Quorum and appointment of Chair Pro Tem, if necessary 2. Public Comments 3. Report of Committee Chair 4. Report of General Manager .,status of State Budget- OCWD letter re: hiring consultant services ..Protocol for Receiving Awards 5. Report of General Counsel 6. Action Items A. Approve minutes of the July 23, 2008 Steering Committee meeting. 7. Information Items A. Legislative Affairs Report-Gold (Book Page 10) B. Solids Handling and Billing for IRWD- Herberg (Book Page 14) Book Page I August 27,2008 8. Closed Session During the course of conducting the business set forth on this agenda as a regular meeting of the Steering Committee,the Chair may convene the Committee in closed session to consider matters of pending real estate negotiations, pending or potential litigation,or personnel matters,pursuant to Government Code Sections 54955.8, 54956.9,54957 or 54957.6,as noted. Reports relating to(a)purchase and sale of real property; (b) matters of pending or potential litigation; (c)employment actions or negotiations with employee representatives;or which are exempt from public disclosure under the California Public Records Act,may be reviewed by the Directors during a permitted closed session and are not available for public inspection. At such time as final actions are taken by the Board on any of these subjects,the minutes will reflect all required disclosures of information. A. Convene in closed session, if necessary. 1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)) Agency Designated Representatives: Doug Davert, Larry Crandall, Jim Ferryman Employee: James D. Ruth 2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)) Agency Designated Representative: James D. Ruth Employees: Unrepresented Group(Executive Management) B. Reconvene in regular session. C. Consideration of action, if any, on matters considered in closed session. 9. Other business and communications or supplemental agenda items, if any. 10. Adjournment to September 17, 2008. at 5:30 p.m. Book Page 2 August 27, 2008 Agenda Posting: In accordance with the requirements of California Government Code Section 54954.2,this agenda has been posted in the main lobby of the District's Administrative offices not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting date and time above. Al public records relating to each agenda item, including any public records distributed less than 72 hours prior to the meeting to all, or a majority of all, of the members of District's Board,are available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of the Board,located at 10844 Ellis Avenue, Fountain Valley, California. Items Not Posted: In the event any matter not listed on this agenda is proposed to be submitted to the Committee for discussion and/or action, it will be done in compliance with Section 54954.2(b) as an emergency item or because there is a need to take immediate action,which need came to the attention of the Committee subsequent to the posting of agenda, or as set forth on a supplemental agenda posted in the manner as above, not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Public Comments: Any member of the public may address the Steering Committee on specific agenda items or matters of general interest. As determined by the Chair, speakers may be deferred until the specific Rem is taken for discussion and remarks may be limited to three minutes. Matters of interest addressed by a member of the public and not listed on this agenda cannot have action taken by the Committee except as authorized by Section 54954.2(b). Consent Calendar: All matters placed on the consent calendar are considered as not requiring discussion or further explanation, and unless a particular Rem is requested to be removed from the consent calendar by a Director of staff member, there will be no separate discussion of these items. All items on the consent calendar will be enacted by one action approving all motions, and casting a unanimous ballot for resolutions included on the consent calendar. All items removed from the consent calendar shall be considered in the regular order of business. The Committee Chair will determine R any items are to be deleted from the consent calendar. Items Continued: Items may be continued from this meeting without further notice to a Committee meeting held within five(5)days of this meeting per Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(3). Meeting Adioumment: This meeting maybe adjourned to a later time and items of business from this agenda maybe considered at the later meeting by Order of Adjournment and Notice in accordance with Government Code Section 54955(posted within 24 hours). Accommodations for the Disabled: The Board of Directors Meeting Room is wheelchair accessible. If you require any special disability related accommodations, please contact the Orange County Sanitation District Clerk of the Board's office at(714)593-7130 at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Requests must specify the nature of the disability and the type of accommodation requested. Notice to Committee Members: For any questions on the agenda or to place any items on the agenda, Committee members should contact the Committee Chair or Clerk of the Board ten days in advance of the Committee meeting. Committee Chair: Doug Davert (714)318-9550 General Manager: James D.Ruth (714)593-7110 General Counsel: Brad Hogin (714)415-1006 Clerk of the Board: Penny Kyle (714)593-7130 E-mail: phdejpocsd.com Book Page 3 MINUTES OF STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING Orange County Sanitation District Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at 5:30 p.m. A meeting of the Steering Committee of the Orange County Sanitation District was held on Wednesday, July 23. 2008, at 5:30 p.m., in the District's Administrative Office. (1) A quorum was declared present, as follows: STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS: DIRECTORS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT: Doug Davert, Board Chair Larry Crandall, Board Vice Chair Jim Ruth, General Manager Mark Waldman, Administration Committee Bob Ghirelli,Assistant General Manager Chair Nick Arhontes, Director of Operations and Ken Parker, Operations Committee Chair Maintenance Jim Ferryman, Chair Ed Torres, Director of Technical Services Don Bankhead Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Finance and Phil Luebben Administrative Services Michael Gold, Legislative Affairs Liaison DIRECTORS ABSENT Penny Kyle, Clerk of the Board Bill Dalton Bret Colson, PIO Manager OTHERS PRESENT: Bradley R. Hogin, General Counsel Juanita Skillman Heather Dion Christopher Townsend Kristine Thalman (2) PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. (3) REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE CHAIR Chair Davert briefly reported on a meeting with IRWD to discuss the state budget and possible impacts on the districts. He also reported that Directors Norby and Ferryman would be attending the conference for CASA that will be held August 21 —23, 2008. Vice Chair Crandall reported on a plant tour he attended with Assemblyman Chuck DeVore. Book Page 4 Minutes of the Steering Committee July 23, 2008 Page 2 (4) REPORT OF GENERAL MANAGER Jim Ruth, General Manager, reported on the SARI Line; negotiation progress of operating contracts with IRWD and SAWPA; internal employee informational meetings; and an EMT Retreat focusing on the Strategic Plan. Director of Technical Services, Ed Tortes, presented a brief report on the SARI line reclamation study. (5) REPORT OF GENERAL COUNSEL There was no report. (6) ACTION ITEMS A. MOVED, SECONDED AND DULY CARRIED: Approve minutes of the June 25, 2008 Steering Committee meeting. B. MOVED, SECONDED AND DULY CARRIED: Recommend to the Board of Directors to adopt Resolution No. OCSD 08-12, authorizing a payment deferral option of Capital Facility Capacity Charges(connection fees)through July 31, 2009, to builders of large housing development projects. (7) INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. Legislative Affairs Report: Christopher Townsend and Heather Dion of Townsend Public Affairs provided an update on the State Budget and other legislative matters. Ms. Dion explained that the State budget stalemate continued with no end in sight, mostly because both sides were so far apart. As a result of the impasse, legislators continue to consider a property tax shift from local government to fill the$17 billion deficit hole. Mr. Townsend reported on the status of a possible water bond and opportunities OCSD may utilize for future funding on key projects, including waste-to-energy. TPA also discussed the upcoming tour of GWRS with representatives from Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Public Works. Finally, Michael Gold reported that OCSD would be sending a letter in opposition to HR 3121, a bill requiring flood insurance for all residents within a 500-year flood zone. Book Page 5 Minutes of the Steering Committee July 23, 2008 Page 3 (8) CLOSED SESSION The Steering Committee convened at 6:22 p.m. in Closed Session, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) and Section 54956.9(b)to discuss two matters. Confidential Minutes of the Closed Session held by the Steering Committee have been prepared in accordance with Government Code Section 54957.2, and are maintained by the Clerk of the Board in the Official Book of Confidential Minutes of Board and Committee Closed Meetings. At 6:29 p.m., the Steering Committee reconvened in regular session. (9) OTHER BUSINESS, COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF ANY There were none. (10) ADJOURNMENT The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, 2008. The Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Submitted by: d��Ajg Penny M Kyle Clerk of the Board Book Page 6 Agenda Item No 4 5 -4.r-„�-�i� PROBOISKY - i? �.. >RESEARCH �1h i MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Michael R. Markus, P.E. fl , General Manager, Orange County Water District . ` FROM: Adam D. Probolsky ' Probolsky Research LLC � era SUBJECT: Orange County Water District Voter Survey ? ^- DATE: August 4, 2008 - Thank you for the opportunity to once again offer our research services and strategic counsel to the Orange County Water District. Our firm is among a small group of research organizations that have extensive public- sector practice, conducting research on behalf of local and regional government agencies, including numerous special districts. More specifically, we have polled within the District's boundaries numerous times on behalf of government, corporate and political clients. This experience allows us to provide a unique perspective based on the concerns of the region's residents and government. Throughout our work on behalf of Orange County Water District, we will remain available for in-person meetings and conference calls as requested. Our main office is located within Orange County, and we do not charge for travel or travel-related expenses. Research results are kept in the strictest of confidence and released only to designated parties and, then, only in formats approved in advance by our clients. We are available to write customized reports such as briefing memoranda and public testimony, as well as to . give media interviews when so directed by the District. - Pwwsky Resew LLC 23276 Saulh Poiwa C6va Sulls 206 I {a9una Hft Ce9lomla 92653 -' Ph.e 949-866-6400 ,X949-e56-6e05 PROBOLSNY RESEARCH LLC 02008 Book Page 7 METHODOLOGY Probolsky Research proposes to conduct a countywide telephone survey of voters. Results would accurately reflect the demographic make-up of the region. These results would be provided based upon numerous demographic categories such as but not limited to age, gender, ethnic background, preferred language, party registration, type of home and geographic location within the area. Our research will delve specifically into the ad valorem tax issue (concerning special districts and the Orange County Board of Supervisors), uncovering voter opinion and identifying effective messaging strategy and tactics. Further, our analysis will help determine how residents obtain their information about relevant issues and how players can best communicate with voters. Our methodology is query-based, and open-ended questions figure prominently in our polls — follow-up questions asking why, and asking the same question again in a more familiar tone. It has become a firm trademark of sorts. Therefore, we require that open- ended questions be part of any survey instrument and never charge extra for them. The Orange County Board of Supervisors will likely be under significant pressure to pay for programs that the state is expected to cut from the state budget. Given the drought conditions and chance of water emergencies throughout the county, we anticipate that the public has a very limited appetite for de-funding water agencies. Our research will quantify the level of voter concern over potential diminished water service and or rate increases. PI Ay Pesee LLC 23226 SWhP 1eO SwN n6 L.9m Hdlx Ce6/4921S3 Pl,cno YGe.6336a00 L FqX 9�Y-055-6a05 Pfl000LSRY RESEARCH LLC 02008 Book Page 8 COSTPROPOSAL Based on the information you provided, we have outlined the following cost proposal for research performed within the boundaries of the Orange County Water District: TELEPHONE SURVEY QUESTIONS RESPONDENTS MARGIN OF ERROR COST up to 30 300 +1-5.8% $19,700 Si Pm sky Resench LLL 22210 South Pdme Dove SO.2W Le0u0s Mis CsffP a 0200 MMe 945-555.5400 FAX 049.555.5405 PROBOLSRY RESEARCH LLC 02008 Book Page 9 STEERING COMMITTEE lN�9;re >baa.��. oe� oos AGENDA REPORT Ibm v/zNumber aem NuMr 7a Orange County Sanitation District FROM: James D. Ruth, General Manager Originator: Michael Gold, Government Affairs SUBJECT: Legislative, Policy and Political Update GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Information Only SUMMARY This report is the monthly update from Washington, D.C. and Sacramento highlighting lobbyists' activities, OCSD legislative priorities and other information of interest to the Steering Committee. PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS None ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Federal Legislative Report Eric Sapirstein, ENS Resources and John Freshman, Troutman Sanders DC's current political climate Congress adjourned on Friday, August 1 for its summer recess leaving many issues unresolved including all appropriations bills (except for the emergency supplemental bill) and they will return on September 8 with only three weeks before they break for the elections. As has been the situation all year, the spending bills continued to be delayed and we believe that only the defense spending bills will be completed, while the others will remain until after the first of the year. As in previous years, the government will be funded with continuing resolutions, rather than a complete budget with earmarks for speck projects and programs. While a definitive scenario has not yet emerged, other than continuing resolutions, there are two other possibilities: a series of stopgap spending measures to fund programs through November 15 or appropriations bills taken up after the election in December. The Bush Administration has indicated that they will not develop a formal budget before leaving office. Asa result, at this point, it is very difficult to determine how the Federal Budget scenario will play out. As the election nears, partisan positioning continues to make substantive action on significant matters very difficult, particularly on energy issues. The hot button issue of the moment is offshore oil drilling and the choruses are growing louder about a vote on the matter in Congress. The intensity may very well lead to an energy package that includes limited oil exploration. Those issues of main concern to OCSD such as authorization of a new Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), rapid testing of beaches, sewer overflow notification and the definition of the waters of the United States will probably not be completed anytime soon. F.Na. gprurR -w NnW OIN6W Page 1 Book Page 10 Funding issues Secondary Treatment The District's request for secondary treatment funding continues to be stalled in both the House and Senate because the same committee where this issue would be discussed also happens to be the center of debate on offshore oil drilling. As a result of the heated debates, no markup of bills has occurred in the House Subcommittee(Interior and Environment). On the Senate side, Chair Feinstein has indicated that bill markup also faces a difficult road in the near future and will most likely be wrapped up into an omnibus measure later in the year. Overall, support for the District's requests remains high among key legislators. Appropriations for secondary treatment funding have been requested in the Senate and House Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Subcommittees. In a related matter, there is growing pressure for a stimulus package that includes infrastructure. Senate Committee on Appropriations Chairman Robert Byrd released his package of priorities to be marked up in September and it includes $200 million to support the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) program. This may become an opportunity for assistance, although OCSD has not taken advantage of the program in the past because of the number of strings attached; however a general stimulus package that includes infrastructure money may provide a chance for speck programs, such as secondary treatment, to be funded. Speaker Pelosi is developing the House package and we expect it will also include funding to support environmental infrastructure. SARI Line Relocation The SARI line funding is in the Senate and House Energy and Water Subcommittees, but like other initiatives, it has been stalled because bills have not been completed. Congressman Calvert has been working diligently to provide adequate funding for both the entire Santa Ana Mainstem project(for the County of Orange) and relocation of the SARI. State Legislative Report Chris Townsend and Heather Dion, Townsend Public Affairs No end in sight for the budget As of this writing the Legislature remains deadlocked on the State budget as the big five (the Governor and the Republican and Democratic leaders of each house) continue to try and negotiate a deal. The Governor's attempt to force negotiations by laying off several part-time workers and lowering State employee's salaries to the federal minimum wage, along with his threat to veto all bills until a budget passes, has yielded no movement. The major stumbling block continues to be Republican opposition to the Democratic proposal of approximately $9.7 billion in tax increases. As reported last month, the Democratic plan includes: • The reinstatement of a 10 percent bracket for taxpayers with joint returns above $321.000 and 11 percent for joint returns above$642,000. It is anticipated that this will generate$5.6 billion; • Better enforcement of current tax laws, which will generate$1.5 billion; • Suspend (for three years) businesses' ability to carry a portion of their tax deductible losses to following fiscal years yielding $1.1 billion; F..N. UY103-I Aqr Nepnl-$C Pmr0.01N Page 2 Book Page I I • A repeal of a tax adjustment for middle and upper-income taxpayers that will generate $81.5 million; • Restoration of a higher tax bracket for businesses (which existed prior to 1997), generating $470 million and • Repealing the dependent child credit for high-income earners, netting $215 million. The Republicans have held firm to their belief that the budget gap should be solved with spending cuts and show no support for any tax increases. As a result of their posturing, Republican leaders continue to raise the idea of borrowing funds from local government (via Proposition 1A), transportation and the First 5(Proposition 10 Tobacco tax). If Propositions 1A and 42 were suspended, many believe that the State could borrow about$3.5 billion (no specific numbers have been given) and the funds would have to paid back, with interest, within the next three years. The most the State could borrow is 8 percent of a County's TOTAL property tax base (all agencies within a county, combined) but the hit does not have to be proportionate for cities, the county and special districts. Special districts fear they will be hit hardest. It is still too difficult to predict how the State budget will end up; yet, local officials continue to oppose a Proposition 1A borrow and insist that the State solve the crisis it created within its own means. It is likely that the Republicans will agree to some of the Democrats' revenue enhancements (such as the stepped up enforcement of tax laws and potentially the Net Operating Loss suspension) and in exchange will look for additional cuts or borrowing. Acfivifies for this month In late July, Commissioners and staff from Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the Los Angeles Department of Public Works attended a meeting and tour of GWRS hosted by the OCSD and OCWD. TPA had been working to include the Mayor of Los Angeles and the Speaker of the Assembly, but because of scheduling conflicts, both were unable to attend Overall, the meeting and tour were well received by those in attendance as they look to replicate GWR's success in Los Angeles. TPA continues to work on schedule the Speaker and the Mayor for a tour in the future. On the legislative front TPA advocated on behalf of the District for AB 2986 (Leno), including testifying against the bill and educating the Orange County delegation about the District's position. TPA is also working to educate the delegation about OCSD's opposition to AB 983 (Ma). As part of our on-going advocacy efforts on the District's behalf, TPA continues to press members of the Assembly and Senate against a property tax shift, specifically focusing on Republicans who are quietly discussing the idea because they oppose any tax increases. JR:mg Fom,No ,W-, PgmEe Xepvl-SC N.wm�o�rtw� Page 3 Book Page 12 OCSO BIII Tracking—Updated August 2008 (priority bills in bold) BIII No. Summary Position(1)I Status AS 983 This bill provides that there is an implied warranty in the accuracy and completeness of the plans and Oppose (Me) specifications. The bill shifts the burden to the agency If something wrong occurs after completion of the To Governor project and the contractor could claim error in the plan,rather than construction error. AS 642 Design-build authority for water and wastewater agencies and cities/counties that provide these services. Watch (Wolk) Sets a threshold of$2.5 million for projects but limits total projects statewide to 20. To Governor AB 1854 Implements the Safe Drinking Water,Water Quality and Supply, Flood Support (Huffman) Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006 to include wastewater treatment as eligible for Recently amended funding under the Integrated Regional Water Management Plans. and In Rules committee AB 1978 Sponsored by the County of Orange. Bill clarifies that GIS and mapping data will be subject to same Support (Selene) public records act laws as computer software is not subject to public records rules; however it may be Died sold for noncommercial use. AB 2716(Me) Mandates sick leave for all employees working seven or more days in a year(written to include part-lime Oppose m employees)and applies to public and private agencies In California. Died in Senate g Appropriations 9 AS 2270(Laird) Promotes greater water recycling and allows wastewater treatment agencies to regular water softeners Support for the purpose of reducing salts in the wastewater supply. To Governor AB 2986(Lane) Requires the State Water Resources Control Board to review, grade and monitor sewage treatment Oppose plants, Including collection systems. Allows the water boards to Impose fees to finance the program. In Senate Appropriatlons SB 1176 A redo of Pasta's SB 1001 (vetoed by the Governor)from last year. The bill makes changes to the Watch (Perata) Regional Water Quality Control Boards, Including lowering number of members from nine to seven. In Senate Appropriations (1) Position is derived from the 2008 Legislative Platform and Goals unless stated otherwise. Bills where there is no stated board policy are marked watch. Fan Na C iN i Agm Rep -Sc RaWW 01MM7 Page 4 STEERING COMMITTEE tieeu"9oare T"Bd.d Dtr. 9/27/08 1 e/27/0 AGENDA REPORT Item Number Item Number 7b 71c) Orange County Sanitation District FROM: James D. Ruth, General Manager Originator: James D. Herberg, Director of Engineering SUBJECT: SOLIDS HANDLING AND BILLING FOR OF IRWD GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Information Only SUMMARY • At tonight's Board of Directors meeting, an item will be going directly to the Board of Directors regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Agreement with the Irvine Ranch Water District(IRWD). • Currently, all sewerage sludge received by and generated at the IRWD's Michelson Water Reclamation Plant (MWRP)are discharged to OCSD for treatment and management. • The existing billing methodology was originally developed in the late 1980's by the engineering consultant Montgomery Watson. This study was co-funded by the two agencies and filed with each agency's Board of Directors. • This MOU Agreement will allow the two agencies to update the billing methodology OCSD uses to bill IRWD for solids discharged to OCSD. Also, this MOU will allow the two agencies to equally share the costs for these consultant services. • Changes to the billing methodology are anticipated to include staff and legal costs associated with Biosolids Management, odor control costs associated with transmitting sludge from MWRP to OCSD's Reclamation Plant No. 1, adjustments to distinguish solids, and liquid capital costs attributable to IRWD. • The timing of this effort coincides with IRWD's projects to reduce flow and increase solids discharged to OCSD. Thus, adjustments need to be made to the existing billing methodology to ensure that IRWD fairly pays for its usage of OCSD existing and planned facilities. PRIOR COMMITTEEIBOARD ACTIONS July 1986 Receive and File the Engineering Evaluation of the Proposed Disposal of Solids Residuals from the Irvine Ranch Water District by James M. Montgomery Form No,o 1.z-2 wimd awtror Page 1 Book Page 14 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The resulting study from this MOU will be used to determine solids billing for Fiscal Year 2008-2009. Foam No w 10-2 �py iw Page 2 Book Page 15 ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT (714) 962-2411 www.ocsd.com Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8127 Fountain Valley, California 92728-8127 Street Address: 10844 Ellis Avenue Fountain Valley, California 92708-7018