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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03 MINUTES OF STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING Orange County Sanitation District Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. A meeting of the Steering Committee of the Orange County Sanitation District was held on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at 5:30 p.m., in the District's Administrative Office. A quorum was declared present, as follows: STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS: STAFF PRESENT: DIRECTORS PRESENT: Jim Ruth, General Manager Doug Davert, Chair Bob Ghirelli, Assistant General Manager Larry Crandall, Vice Chair Nick Arhontes, Director of Operations and Bill Dalton, Operations Committee Chair Maintenance Mark Waldman, Administration Committee Jim Herberg, Director of Engineering Chair Ed Torres, Director of Technical Services Jim Ferryman Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Finance and Phil Luebben Administrative Services David Shawver Michael Gold, Legislative Affairs Liaison Penny Kyle, Clerk of the Board DIRECTORS ABSENT: Ryal Wheeler N/A Juanita Skillman OTHERS PRESENT: THE EECCO IN THE OFFICE OF Brad Hogin, General Counsel 0 THE COUNTYRK?,F THE BOARD Drew Kolosky, Liberty Compost APR 2 2 2009 PUBLIC COMMENTS gy. There were no public comments REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE CHAIR Doug Davert, Board Chair, reported that he would be traveling to Washington, DC, to accept awards for the Groundwater Replenishment System from the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Council of Engineering Companies. It was also announced that another Groundwater Replenishment System award will be presented mid-July by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He reminded the Directors that the Steve Anderson Lift Station Dedication would take place on April 17, 2009. REPORT OF GENERAL MANAGER Jim Ruth, General Manager, provided a brief recap of his monthly written report. Minutes of the Steering Committee March 25, 2009 Page 2 REPORT OF GENERAL COUNSEL There was no report. ACTION ITEMS (1-2) 1. MOVED, SECONDED AND DULY CARRIED: Approve minutes of the February 25, 2009 Steering Committee meeting. 2. a) MOVED, SECONDED AND DULY CARRIED: Direct staff to initiate discussions with the City of Newport Beach to transfer the Balboa Trunk Sewer System to the City: and, b) Direct staff to continue to explore new opportunities to transfer additional local sewer assets to the City of Newport Beach. INFORMATION ITEMS (3) 3. Legislative Affairs Report—Government Affairs Manager, Michael Gold, informed the Steering Committee about OCSD's support for AB 1100 by Assembly Member Mike Duvall. This bill would allow the bottling of recycled water, such as GAR water, for educational and demonstration purposes only. Gold also discussed the status of the economic stimulus funds for wastewater infrastructure. He stated that the State Water Resources Control Board adopted a resolution specifying that 65% of the $280 million would be made available as grants to disadvantaged communities and projects that were supposed to receive bond funding but were frozen due to lack of bond sales. The remaining 35% of the funds would be distributed as loans to agencies through the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) program. Under these guidelines, OCSD would not be eligible to receive any grant funds. Gold also reported that a coalition or urban wastewater agencies, including San Francisco, Los Angeles City and County, Oakland and Orange County, have been working to change the criteria so that all economic stimulus funds would be distributed as grants and our efforts focused on a bill moving quickly through the legislature. He said the bill would be taken up on March 26. 01nutes of the Steering Committee March 25, 2009 Page 3 CLOSED SESSION There was no closed session. ADJOURNMENT The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday,April 22, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. The Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 5:17 p.m. Submitted by: A Penny M. &le Clerk of the Board FROM SHOWERS TO THE FLOWERS 11 Orange County's Groundbreaking Groundwater Replenishment System Steering COmmittee meeting. 'W' Al ER RE Atom Ilmled13y \msen7bINman Alike Duvall District OOim r', Capitol Office 0 West Birch St.Suite 202 State Capitol,Boom 4177 Brea,CA 92821 Sacramento,CA 95814 (7141672.4734 ' (916) 319-2073 Distributed at 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 to be held on March 25, 2009, was duly posted for public inspection in the main lobby of the District's offices on March 18, 2009. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 18th day of March, 2009. Penny M. KAA, C er f this Board Board of Directors Orange County Sanitation District H:1DEPTCAKX15011511aSWORMSWGENDA CERTIFICATION-STEERING COMMITTEE.DOC M1 5 11 ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT 9 2 O by lMf. EM1'�M1P 10644 L.Ma Avenue f4uman Valley L2. 927067016 March 18, 2009 P11 &n S127 Feumtr Velley lit 9272SZ127 wwx.oee&aonn Phone (714I 3622411 FeA NOTICE OF MEETING (714)962UY,6 STEERING COMMITTEE 6eNng a,aha... 6,vs a,.ana Pe,i ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT Lyp,. fp.nun1 vah, f Pa,mn WEDNES DAY, MARCH 25, 2009 — 5:30 P.M. Ge den Grove Pon ngtanaaauh ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES e„na 10844 ELLIS AVENUE La Hahra FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 92708 Le Pala WwW.00SD.COM Loa Alemma Waw l Rna.:h 0,txA4e PI„,:enha A regular meeting of the Steering Committee of the Orange Sen.k. County Sanitation District will be held at the above location, date seelae.,,l, and time. S anlnn L.scn ✓Na PaM M w Lnme !]>sre Mace sa'x 'D,sr n:r Mdway uty Sene.'U,se,'I IMne Ranh We.oaa,ti t Geunty at nge We pmtect pubic heaM and Me enWmnment by providing aft=a waeunvaar colleduan. deeMent,and re ahng. STEERING COMMITTEE AND BOARD MEETING DATES March 25, 2009 April 22, 2009 *May 20, 2009 June 24, 2009 July 22, 2009 August 26, 2009 September 23, 2009 October 28, 2009 'November 18, 2009 'December 16, 2009 January 27, 2010 February 24, 2010 -Meetings being held the third Wednesday of the month. STEERING COMMITTEE (1) Roll Call: Meeting Date: March 25, 2009 Meeting Time: 5,30 mat. Committee Members Doug Davert, Board Chair................................................... ........... Larry Crandall, Vice Chair................................................... .......... Mark Waldman, Administration Committee Chair................ ........... Bill Dalton, Operations Committee Chair............................. ........... JimFerryman...................................................................... ........... _ PhilLuebben....................................................................... ........... DavidShawver.................................................................... ........... 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, MARCH 25, 2009 AT 5:30 P.M. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 10844 Ellis Avenue Fountain Valley, California www.ocsd.com DECLARATION OF QUORUM PUBLIC COMMENTS REPORT OF COMMITTEE CHAIR REPORT OF GENERAL MANAGER REPORT OF GENERAL COUNSEL ACTION ITEMS (1-2) 1. Approve minutes of the February 25, 2009 Steering Committee meeting. 2. a) Direct staff to initiate discussions with the City of Newport Beach to transfer the Balboa Trunk Sewer System to the City; and, b) Direct staff to continue to explore new opportunities to transfer additional local sewer assets to the City of Newport Beach. (Book Page 7) INFORMATION ITEMS (3) 3. Legislative Affairs Report- Gold (Book Page 11) Book Page I March 25, 2009 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 54956.8.54956.9. 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. Convene in closed session, if necessary. Reconvene in regular session. Consideration of action, if any, on matters considered in closed session. OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF ANY ADJOURNMENT The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. Book Page '_' March 25, 2009 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. All 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 hem 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 speck agenda items or matters of general interest. As determined by the Chair, speakers may be deferred until the specific item 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 item is requested to be removed from the consent calendar by a Director of staff member,there will be no separate discussion of these items. Al 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 if 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 Ai ioumment: This meeting maybe adjourned to a later time and items of business from this agenda may be 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 Daven (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: pkvlefdpcsd.wm Book Page 3 MINUTES OF STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING Orange County Sanitation District Wednesday, February 25, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. A meeting of the Steering Committee of the Orange County Sanitation District was held on Wednesday, February 25, 2009, at 5:30 p.m., in the Districts Administrative Office. A quorum was declared present, as follows: STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS: STAFF PRESENT: DIRECTORS PRESENT: Jim Ruth, General Manager Doug Davert, Chair Bob Ghirelli,Assistant General Manager Larry Crandall, Vice Chair Nick Arhontes, Director of Oper. & Maintenance Bill Dalton, Operations Committee Chair Jim Herberg, Director of Engineering Mark Waldman, Administration Committee Ed Torres, Director of Technical Services Chair Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Finance and Jim Ferryman Administrative Services Phil Luebben Michael Gold, Legislative Affairs Liaison David Shawver John Linder, Engineering Manager Jim Burror, Engineering Supervisor DIRECTORS ABSENT: Lilia Kovac, Associate Clerk of the Board NIA Ryal Wheeler OTHERS PRESENT: Brad Hogin, General Counsel Drew Kolosky, Liberty Compost Alex Gima, DWP Charlie Dong, DWP Victor Ybarra, DWP PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Drew Kolosky from Liberty Compost, addressed the committee members with reference to an offer to purchase the Sanitation District's Kings County property with the option to receive biosolids at a reduced rate as part of the property sale. Staff answered questions raised by Directors, and outlined the long-term sustainable biosolids program the Sanitation District has in place. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE CHAIR Board Chair Davert and Vice Chair Crandall reported on the delegation trip to Washington, D.C. to address the FY 2010 appropriation bill. Chair Davert announced the Sanitation District will be receiving a $300,000 grant from the EPA for secondary treatment. The Steve Anderson Lift Station is scheduled to be dedicated Friday, April 17. 2009 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Book Page 4 Minutes of the Steering Committee February 25, 2009 Page 2 \ REPORT OF GENERAL MANAGER Jim Ruth, General Manager, reported the start of the budget preparation cycle and deferred an overview of proposed budget assumptions to Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Finance and Administrative Services. Mr. Ruth provided a brief monthly report. He also announced that the grand opening of the biosolids processing plant in Rialto is scheduled for early May. REPORT OF GENERAL COUNSEL Brad Hogin, General Counsel, reported there would be a hearing on Kern County's Measure 'E', which bans the application of biosolids in the county, scheduled in the Los Angeles Supreme Court on Monday, March 2, 2009, with a decision expected within two months from the date of hearing. ACTION ITEMS(1 -3) 1. MOVED, SECONDED AND DULY CARRIED: Approve minutes of the January 28, 2009 Steering Committee meeting. 2. MOVED, SECONDED AND DULY CARRIED: Recommend to the Board of Directors to adopt the 2009 Legislative Platform and Goals. 3. MOVED, SECONDED AND DULY CARRIED: Direct staff to proceed with recommendations of the Steering Committee in connection with a letter dated December 10, 2008, from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, requesting an Out-of-Area Sewer Service Agreement for the Haynes Power Generating Plant. Staff was directed to proceed with LADWP term negotiations for the Out-of-Area Sewer Service working agreements based on recommended business operating procedures, and to bring to the full board for final approval. INFORMATION ITEMS(4) 4. Legislative Affairs Report—Gold Michael Gold reviewed the basic contents of the proposed economic stimulus and recovery package with the water and wastewater related funds; however, details on how to access funds have not been identified. Mr. Gold also reported the contents of the State budget, and due to the alliance with other special districts, funds were not taken away at this time. Book Page 5 Minutes of the Steering Committee February 25, 2009 Page 3 CLOSED SESSION (5) CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(cl: The Steering Committee convened in closed session at 6:22 p.m.to discuss one matter. 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 Meefings. The Steering Committee reconvened at 6:26 p.m. in regular session. ADJOURNMENT The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. The Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m. Submitted by: Lilia Kovac Associate Clerk of the Board Book Page 6 STEERING COMMITTEE Me Ung Date To Ed.of Dir. 03/25/09 AGENDA REPORT Item Number Item Number 2 Orange County Sanitation District FROM: James D. Ruth, General Manager Originator: Nick Arhontes, Director of O&M SUBJECT: Transfer Sewer Systems to City of Newport Beach GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION (1) Direct staff to initiate discussions with the City of Newport Beach to transfer the Balboa Trunk Sewer System to the City; and (2) Direct staff to continue to explore new opportunities to transfer additional local sewer assets to the City. SUMMARY The Balboa Trunk Sewer System exclusively serves the local collection and conveyance of wastewater within the City of Newport Beach along the Balboa Peninsula. The Balboa Trunk Sewer System begins at "A" Street in Balboa Blvd. Loral facilities upstream of"A" Street and other parts of this System are owned and operated by the city which is the local sewering agency. From "A" Street, flows travel northwesterly along the Balboa Peninsula, continuing into Newport Blvd. and subsequently connect into OCSD's Regional Coast Highway Force Main. Only upon reaching the Coast Highway Force Main system does the local flow from the peninsula combine with the regional flow from Costa Mesa and other parts of Newport Beach. Flows are considered regional at that point and downstream to Plant No. 2 as they comingle with additional Costa Mesa flows. By OCSD definition, since the Balboa Trunk Sewer System conveys only local sewage within the City of Newport Beach, it would be considered a Local Sewer System rather than a Regional Sewer System. The city owns and operates numerous facilities as the local sewering agency on the peninsula and in all other parts of the city. OCSD's records show that the city owns and operates approximately 202 miles of sanitary sewer lines and also pumping facilities at 22 locations. Staff recommends that the Balboa Trunk Sewer System should be transferred to the City of Newport Beach which is the local sewering agency. This would free up OCSD labor and resources for expanding core business needs in the regional collection and treatment facilities. The Balboa Trunk system is the first and most logical component to transfer back. In addition, several miles of other OCSD facilities that provide only local sewer collection and transport should also be evaluated in the future. This can be done on a phased approach as staff time becomes available to explore the additional issues more fully. Fonn No.04 =-i npwW Pepin-SC flwiW:01N}G] Page 1 Book Page 7 Staff will utilize General Counsel to review any legal basis that might prohibit or complicate the recommended transfer. The General Counsel will also work with staff to develop the actual transfer agreement as they have on previous transfers to other cities and sewering agencies. PRIOR COMMITTEEIBOARD ACTIONS On this matter: none On matters related to complying with statewide Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewers: October 25, 2006— Compliance with new Statewide WDR Order for Sanitary Sewers. July 12, 2007— Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) Development Plan and Schedule document. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION In 1956, County Sanitation District No. 5, for reasons unknown by current staff, purchased the Balboa Trunk Sewer System from the City of Newport Beach for $35,850.75. At that time, the newly formed Sanitation Districts made a number of sewer purchases from various cities across the service areas. Since the purchase, OCSD has and continues to operate and maintain the Balboa Trunk Sewer System. Description of Assets. The Balboa Trunk Sewer System's assets include: • Three Pump Stations: "A" Street, 151h Street, and Lido • Force Mains (pressure sewers): A total of 1,089 linear feet which range from 8" to 30" in diameter Ductile Iron Pipe (DIP). 259 linear feet up to Lido Pump Station and 830 linear feet from Lido Pump Station to the connection of Coast Highway Force Main. • Gravity Sewers: 13,381 linear feet of Vitrified Clay Pipe (VCP). The pipe inside diameter ranges from 15 inches to 24 inches • Manholes: 46 manholes and 2 junction boxes In 2006, the construction of two replacement pump stations was completed by OCSD along the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach. The new"A" Street pump station was brought into service July 26, 2006 and replaced the old "A" Street pump station which was abandoned November 11, 2006. The new 15" Street pump station was brought into service August 26, 2006 and replaced the old 141h Street pump station which was abandoned December 11, 2006. The construction cost for the two new pump stations was approximately $6 million apiece. Additionally, the current Lido pump station was brought into service in 1998 as a part of a city roadway widening and realignment project and replaced the previous below grade Lido pump station. The cost to operate the three pump stations in FY 07/08 was $141,224 and the cost for the first half of FY 08/09 (through December 31, 2008)was $90,283. The annual cost to maintain the gravity sewers and manholes is currently estimated at approximately $8,000 per year. Form No.DwoID , aaeneo eee"n-sc R—ee.01NN07 Page 2 Book Page 8 Regional facilities typically transport combined flows from two or more cities. OCSD's regional ratepayers could argue that their regional sewer user fees are subsidizing the local sewer systems in the city of Newport Beach. Within the next 5 years several major projects are anticipated within the Balboa Trunk Sewer System. Serious Inflow and Infiltration (IA) has been indented within the OCSD's gravity sewers as well as in the city's sewers that flow into the Balboa trunk line and along the Balboa Peninsula. Additionally, the pumps and piping at Lido Pump Station will need to be replaced to prevent serious corrosion failures due primarily to the large volume of seawater infiltration. This also contributes to odor problems along the peninsula. Odor and corrosion mitigation programs will also need to be established and funded. The basis for OCSD establishing a new local sewer fee for a part of the city of Tustin and unincorporated areas and islands north of Tustin in 2008 was due to no local sewering agency existing in those particular areas other than OCSD. In the City of Newport Beach, a local sewer service agency exists, which is the city. A report developed by O&M staff titled Transfer of the Balboa Trunk Sewer System dated March 5, 2009 provides the content for this Agenda Report. Precedence for this recommended action exists with prior transfers of local sewers in the Irvine Business Complex to Irvine Ranch Water District and also in several transfers of local sewers to the Costa Mesa Sanitary District. The General Counsel also assisted in these matters. The transfer would include all related asset data, drawings, maintenance records, and spare parts. Attachments: Map titled Balboa Trunk Sewer System - Revision 1/30/09 Form No.m ,ov M rare+-Sc a —o mmas7 Page 3 Book Page 9 01 a2ud 31002 8 R R ? CD !It 0 ® \ ^ �\ ; d: it cf) liv CD . %$ C � � ^ � � \ �CD cn CD STEERING COMMITTEE neeu tiaw� To eO.of Dlr. 03/25/2009 AGENDA REPORT IIem Number Iem Numbe Orange County Sanitation District 3 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 On March 12, 2009, President Obama signed the fiscal year 2009 omnibus budget bill, which was a carryover from the previous Congress. The bill contained a$300,000 grant for OCSD to assist with secondary treatment upgrades. The funds will probably be available in late 2009 or early 2010. On to business With the 2009 budget put to rest, Congress has been working on regular business, including legislation and the 2010 budget. For FY 2010, OCSD has been working with legislators on additional money for secondary treatment($5 million). On the legislative front, Climate Change is a hot topic in Congress with Senators Boxer, Lieberman and Warner expected to reintroduce their cap and trade legislation. OCSD has been working with CASA on a special exemption for public utilities because the costs associated with a rap and trade system could be quite high for our agency. Generally, there is support for special carve-outs for public utilities but the details are yet to be determined. Other key legislative matters for the year include a possible reauthorization of the Clean Water Act and another attempt at addressing the definition of the Waters of the United States. The Waters of the US issue is critical to wastewater treatment agencies because inclusion means greater regulation. Briefly, the issue is that there have been two Supreme Court cases defining Waters of the United States and which waterways fall under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act, Those Fp No.DWn02n �Report-$c Page 1 Book Page I I bodies that are part of the Clean Water Act need to get federal NPDES permits(for example) if they discharge into the waterway. The Supreme Court Cases narrowed the definition of Waters of the United States and now Congress wants clearly define these waters. While this is a complex issue,for the wastewater community, the main goal is to exempt things like groundwater and holding ponds (for treatment)from regulation. Staff will be monitoring these issues closely. CASA Washington, D.C. conference summary On March 8-11, Michael Gold attended the CASA Washington, D.C. conference to learn about federal issues and priorities and attend meetings on Capitol Hill. Overall, the conference sessions were very informative with subjects ranging from climate change and pharmaceutical disposal to infrastructure funding. Over the course of the trip, staff met with representatives from the offices of Congressman Miller, Congresswoman Sanchez and Congressman Royce, and directly with Congressman Rohrabacher and Congressman Calvert. State Legislative Report Chris Townsend and Heather Dion, Townsend Public Affairs With a mid-year budget in place, the Legislature has turned its attention and focus towards it regular business of legislation. The deadline for bill introduction was February 27 and following that date, hundreds of bills crossed the clerk's desk. TPA is currently sorting through these bills to determine what might be relevant to OCSD. Part of the deal to pass the mid-year budget included a number of ballot measures that will be part of a special election called for May 19, 2009. Recent polling has indicated that these measures face an uphill battle, but it is still too early to tell. Most important, however is that should the ballot measures fail, California will face an immediate $5.8 billion shortfall, setting up another partisan fight over taxes and spending. The special election, for May 19, 2009, will ask voters to consider six measures: • Proposition 1A: Implements a spending cap based on the rate of growth from the last 10 years. If approved, it would extend the length of the taxes approved by the Legislature. • Proposition 1 B: Changes the state's education funding law for supplemental education payments to local districts due to recent budget cuts. • Proposition 1C: Allows borrowing from future lottery earnings. • Proposition 1 D: Takes money from the First 5 Commissions to help balance the budget. • Proposition 1 E: Takes money from the Mental Health Services Act to help balance the budget. • Proposition 1 F: Prevents state-level elected officials from receiving pay raises in years when the state is running a deficit. Prop 1A In addition to the measures on the May special election ballot, the Legislative Analyst Office released a report this week detailing the impacts that the federal stimulus package will have F009 No 102{ Agw,a,R -56 Nwee101N 7 Page 2 Book Page 12 on California. Part of mid-year budget made the assumption that California will receive about$10 billion in stimulus funding; however since California received only $8 billion additional tax Increases and spending cuts will be put into effect. i Activities for the Month • TPA has been working to modify the draft guidelines proposed by the State Water Resources Control Board to allocate the federal stimulus dollars that will be distributed through the Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund Program. We are working not only at the state level to address this issue, but also with Senator Feinstein. The Senator Chairs the subcommittee that oversees EPA, which is the federal administering agency of the Clean Water Revolving Loan fund and the agency which must ultimately sign off on the State Water Resources Control Board's plan to expend the funds. • TPA is also working with OCSD to advocate for the District's projects that were submitted through the Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund. The cutoff date for these projects is March 24 and OCSD staff has already submitted the pre-applications. • TPA has arranged for and will attend a joint OCSD and OCWD meeting with newly elected Senator Huff staff to brief them on current issues. • TPA is monitoring proposed legislation that would impact the District. Ang Fam No.MIN-t /pmNeN -Sc PwYaO:St/060 Page 3 Book Page 13 ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT (714) 962-2411 www.ocsd.corn Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8127 Fountain Valley, California 92728-8127 Street Address: 10844 Ellis Avenue Fountain Valley, California 92708-7018