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Home My WebLink About2009-05 MINUTES OF STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING Orange County Sanitation District Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. A meeting of the Steering Committee of the Orange County Sanitation District was held on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 5:30 p.m., in the Districts Administrative Office. A quorum was declared present, as follows: STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Ed Torres, Director of Technical Services DIRECTORS PRESENT: Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Finance and Doug Davert, Chair Administrative Services Larry Crandall,Vice Chair Michael Gold, Legislative Affairs Liaison Bill Dalton, Operations Committee Chair Bret Colson, Public Information Office Manager Mark Waldman, Administration Committee Jeff Reed, Human Resources Manager Chair Penny Kyle, Clerk of the Board Jim Ferryman Jim Burror Phil Luebben Ryal Wheeler David Shawver Juanita Skillman STAFF PRESENT: DIRECTORS ABSENT: Jim Ruth, General Manager N/A Bob Ghirelli,Assistant General Manager Nick Arhontes, Director of Operations and OTHERS PRESENT: Maintenance Brad Hogin, General Counsel Jim Herberg, Director of Engineering Christopher Townsend PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments COMMITTEE CHAIR REPORT Vice Chair Larry Crandall presided over the meeting due to the expected late arrival of Chair Doug Davert. Vice Chair Crandall reminded the Steering Committee members to RSVP for the EnerTech Open House that was being held on June 1 P. THE��ERKHoE FEICgpq pF� Cr+IWOE COUNTY%WA DN Db'TPoCT JUN 241009 By ,-k/ C Minutes of the Steering Committee May 20, 2009 4 Page 2 GENERAL MANAGER REPORT Jim Ruth, General Manager, reported on a recent meeting held with the Orange County Water regarding security issues and reported that the Water District immediately implemented some safety measures that were requested. OCSD security staff is participating with the US Department of Homeland (DHS) Security Buffer Zone Protection Program to protect both plants from terrorist attacks, as well as in the DHS Protected Critical Infrastructure Initiative which includes a security survey of OCSD facilities and indicates how OCSD compares in several categories to facilities in the water sector throughout the nation. The DHS has earmarked $194,000 for OCSD. Mr. Ruth advised the Committee on steps taken to absorb the expected impacts to the budget as a result of the state budget crisis, and was confident that additional reductions in the budget would result in not touching reserves, as well as maintain levels of service. GENERAL COUNSEL REPORT There was no report. ACTION ITEMS 1. MOVED, SECONDED AND DULY CARRIED: Approve minutes of the April 22, 2009 Steering Committee meeting. 2. MOVED, SECONDED AND DULY CARRIED: Authorize one year renewals to the following agreements for state and federal advocacy: a) Approve Amendment No. 1 to P.O. 103000 issued to Townsend Public Affairs for State Lobbying Services, Specification No. CS-2007-351 BD, in an amount not to exceed $7,500 per month, from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010, and three one-year renewal options remaining; and, b) Approve Amendment No. 1 to P.O. 103001 issued to ENS Resources for Federal Lobbying Services, Specification No. CS-2007-352BD, in an amount not to exceed $7,000 per month and $6,000 per year in reimbursable travel expenses, from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010, and three one-year renewal options remaining. 3. MOVED, SECONDED AND DULY CARRIED: Recommend to the Board of Directors to: a) Authorize staff to annex 1716 acres to Orange County Sanitation District(OCSD) in the vicinity of Rancho Santiago Boulevard, within the City of Orange and unincorporated areas of Orange County; b) Adopt Resolution No. OCSD 09-05, authorizing initiation of proceedings to annex said territory to OCSD (Proposed Annexation No. OGSD-63—Rancho Santiago Annexation); and, i Minutes of the Steering Committee May 20, 2009 ' Page 3 c) Defer collection of associated fees for proposed Annexation No. OCSD-63— Rancho Santiago Annexation until a sewer connection is permitted. INFORMATION ITEMS 4. Legislative Affairs Report—Gold Christopher Townsend and Heather Dion updated the Committee on the May 191h election and its implications to the state budget. Michael Gold reported that Senator Boxer is carrying a $5 million request for secondary treatment upgrades. CLOSED SESSION There was no closed session. ADJOURNMENT The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. The Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 6:16 p.m. Submitted by: Penny M. I I 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 to be held on May 20, 2009, was duly pasted for public inspection in the main lobby of the District's offices on May 13, 2009. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 13th day of May, 2009. Penny M. yle, Clertf of the Board Board of Directors Orange County Sanitation District H:ADEPT\GMO\750YI5l�BSSPORMSWGENDA CERTIFICATION-STEERING COMMITTEE.DOC ek r r Z- ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT P ♦a INF EN 1 100"EU Ausnue Popmem vW[a,. CA May 13, 2009 927DB 7018 Mailing Addrpes P0.Bur B127 Fperaain VNllpy LA B27PMIP7 ...cad ccm Phone (714]9822411 NOTICE OF MEETING F. D1419924)396 STEERING COMMITTEE Ga vin9 Anph.n B'"a ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT siaiia pen. L)Press °°ram°'ropy FWlarmn WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2009 — 5:30 P.M. Beafpn&T",, HWblaTu"I B.1h ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES kr'. 10844 ELLIS AVENUE la ka,e,.p FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 92708 Le Pala. WW W.00SD.COM Lrn A�ermms NaTi Beech �"'a A regular meeting of the Steering Committee of the Orange Pl""n"Ge County Sanitation District will be held at the above location, date San.Ai. and time. $eel Bawl, B ntnn Tustin Vdle perk Y Linde Q.m Mess Bennery nsvi,z Mulwsy CAT, 9.anttiv,!,spier i,.Hpn h wpm,w,`cT Caumy n/pa„' M promo public heetrh and rip enrrunment by;, v;ng aftctix wasrevmrer collaco°n, "advent,and recycling. STEERING COMMITTEE AND BOARD MEETING DATES *May20, 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 March 24, 2010 April 26, 2010 *Meetings being held the third Wednesday of the month. STEERING COMMITTEE (1) Roll Call: Meeting Date: May 20, 2009 Meeting Time: 5,30 P.m. 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 JimRuth, 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, MAY 20, 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 April 22, 2009 Steering Committee meeting. 2. Authorize one year renewals to the following agreements for state and federal advocacy: a) Approve Amendment No. 1 to P.O. 103000 issued to Townsend Public Affairs for State Lobbying Services, Specification No. CS-2007-351 BD, in an amount not to exceed $7,500 per month, from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010, and three one-year renewal options remaining; and, b) Approve Amendment No. 1 to P.O. 103001 issued to ENS Resources for Federal Lobbying Services, Specification No. CS-2007-352BD, in an amount not to exceed $7,000 per month and $6,000 per year in reimbursable travel expenses, from July 1, 2009 throuqh June 30, 2010, and three one-year renewal options remaining. (Book Page 6) Book Page I May 20, 2009 3. Recommend to the Board of Directors to: a) Authorize staff to annex 1716 acres to Orange County Sanitation District(OCSD) in the vicinity of Rancho Santiago Boulevard, within the City of Orange and unincorporated areas of Orange County; b) Adopt Resolution No. OCSD 09-05, authorizing initiation of proceedings to annex said territory to OCSD (Proposed Annexation No. OCSD-03—Rancho Santiago Annexation); and, c) Defer collection of associated fees for proposed Annexation No. OCSD-63— Rancho Santiago Annexation until a sewer connection is permitted. (Book Page 8) INFORMATION ITEMS(4) 4. Legislative Affairs Report—Gold (Book Page 10) CLOSED SESSION Dunng the course of conducting the business set forth on this agenda as a regular meeting of the Steering I 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 June 24, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. Book Pace 2 May 20, 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 10644 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 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). Meefing Adioumment: This meeting may be 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. Nonce 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)316-9550 General Manager: James D. Ruth (714)593-7110 General Counsel: Brad Hogin (714)415-1006 Clerk of the Board: Penny Kyle V14)593-7130 E-mail: pMdel@o dWrn Book Page 3 MINUTES OF STEERING COMMITTEE 11AFETING Orange County Sanitation District Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. A meeting of the Steering Committee of the Orange County Sanitation District was held on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at 5:30 p.m., in the District's Administrative Office. A quorum was declared present, as follows: STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Ed Torres, Director of Technical Services DIRECTORS PRESENT: Lorenzo Tyner, Director of Finance and Doug Davert, Chair Administrative Services Larry Crandall, Vice Chair Michael Gold, Legislative Affairs Liaison Bill Dalton, Operations Committee Chair Bret Colson, Public Information Office Manager Mark Waldman,Administration Committee Jeff Reed, Human Resources Manager Chair Penny Kyle, Clerk of the Board Jim Ferryman Dean Fisher Phil Luebben Ryal Wheeler David Shawver Juanita Skillman STAFF PRESENT: DIRECTORS ABSENT: Jim Ruth, General Manager NIA Bob Ghirelli, Assistant General Manager Nick Arhontes, Director of Operations and OTHERS PRESENT: Maintenance - Brad Hogin, General Counsel Tod Haynes, Engineering Manager PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments COMMITTEE CHAIR REPORT Doug Davert, Board Chair, reported that the Steve Anderson Lift Station dedication was held on April 17th. He advised that nominations would be open for the Board Chair and Vice Chair positions at the May board meeting, He also reported that he would be traveling to Washington, D.C. later that evening and would be meeting with congressional delegation members as well as attending two GWRS award ceremonies. Minutes of the Steering Committee April 22, 2009 Page 2 GENERAL MANAGER REPORT Jim Ruth, General Manager, provided a brief overview on his April status report. Bret Colson, Public Information Office Manager, presented the new public service announcement clips and updated the Committee on media outreach. Jeff Reed, Human Resources Manager, reviewed the Leadership Academy program and its success. Ed Torres, Director of Technical Services, provided an overview on the Fuel Cell Project. GENERAL COUNSEL REPORT There was no report. ACTION ITEMS 1. MOVED, SECONDED AND DULY CARRIED: Approve minutes of the March 25, 2009 Steering Committee meeting. INFORMATION ITEMS 2. Legislative Affairs Report—Gold Michael Gold provided an update on the federal stimulus funds, and reported that members of the congressional delegation are carrying the Sanitation District's funding requests for secondary treatment upgrades. In addition, he reported that the Sanitation District was in support of AB 1100, Assemblyman Duvall's bottling bill. CLOSED SESSION There was no closed session. ADJOURNMENT The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. The Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 6:26 p.m. Submitted by: 'n VI. zw Penny M Cyle 47 Clerk of the Board Book Page 5 STEERING COMMITTEE Mee"DD To ad.oroa. osr20/09 AGENDA REPORT Rem Number Rem Number z Orange County Sanitation District FROM: James D. Ruth, General Manager Originator: Michael Gold, Government Affairs SUBJECT: Renewal of Legislative Advocates' Contracts for 2009-10 GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Authorize one year renewals to the following agreements for state and federal advocacy: a) Approve Amendment No. 1 to P.O. 103000 issued to Townsend Public Affairs for State Lobbying Services, Specification No. CS-2007-351 BD, in an amount not to exceed $7,500 per month, from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010, and three one-year renewal options remaining; and, b) Approve Amendment No. 1 to P.O. 103001 issued to ENS Resources for Federal Lobbying Services, Specification No. CS-2007-352BD, in an amount not to exceed $7,000 per month and $6,000 per year in reimbursable travel expenses, from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010, and three one-year renewal options remaining. SUMMARY Staff recommends that the Steering Committee approve the agreements for Townsend Public Affairs and ENS Resources for one year (from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010) because both firms have performed satisfactorily during the first contract period. PRIOR COMMITTEEIBOARD ACTIONS October 24, 2007 — Board Directors approved five-year agreements with state and federal legislative advocates and approved four one-year renewals at the discretion of the Steering Committee. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION In 2007, the Steering Committee directed staff to issue RFPs for legislative advocacy services at the both the state and federal levels and align the lobbyist contracts with the fiscal year. Book Pace 6 In October 2007, the Steering Committee and Board of Directors approved five-year agreements with Townsend Public Affairs and ENS Resources and stipulated that the agreements would be annual, granting discretion to the Steering Committee for renewal. The current agreements are due for renewal on June 30, 2009. Please note that the contract with ENS Resources is $3000 less per month than then last year, for a total annual savings of$36,000, Accomplishments over the past eighteen months Since these contracts were approved in 2007, there have been some significant accomplishments with the legislative program. In addition to the greater level of communication between District directors, staff and legislative advocates, there has been a more clearly defined set of goals, increased focus on key matters and stronger relationships with legislators and their staff. Other accomplishments include: • $300,000 appropriation for secondary treatment in the FY 2009 Federal Budget; • Defeat of key bills in Sacramento in 2008; • Inclusion of wastewater projects as eligible for funding under previous water bonds; • Successful advocacy trips to Washington, D.C. and Sacramento and • To date, OCSD has secured just over$2 million on federal grants through EPA and we continue to request funds for secondary treatment prior to the 2012 deadline. Book Page 7 STEERING COMMITTEE FM--"DaW TO8—d—O -, 05120/09 05n0/09 AGENDA REPORT I 10em Number IM Number s Orange County Sanitation Dimict FROM: James D. Ruth, General Manager Originator: Jim Herberg, Director of Engineering SUBJECT: PROPOSED ANNEXATION NO. OCSD-63 — RANCHO SANTIAGO ANNEXATION GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION 1. Authorize staff to annex 1716 acres to Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) in the vicinity of Rancho-Santiago Boulevard, within the City of Orange and unincorporated areas of Orange County; 2. Adopt Resolution No. OCSD 09-05, authorizing initiation of proceedings to annex said territory to OCSD (Proposed Annexation No. OCSD-63 — Rancho Santiago Annexation); and, 3. Defer collection of associated fees for proposed Annexation No. OCSD-63— Rancho Santiago Annexation until a sewer connection is permitted. SUMMARY • Staff is requesting to annex a total of 1716 acres to OCSD. By annexing this entire area to OCSD, administrative cost per property owner will be reduced by approximately $4,000 when they connect to a public sewer in the future. • The property owners in this annexation will pay their portion of the annexation and connection fees when they request a connection to the OCSD sewer facilities. • The area has started to experience failed septic tanks and most of the properties are within 200 feet of a public sewer. State and County laws prohibit reconstructing the failed septic tanks for properties within 200 feet of a public sewer. PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS N/A ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The proposed Annexation is in accordance with OCSD's policies and resolutions including payment of fees, CEQA requirements, and the preparation of the map and legal description. Fam,No.M-102 Apenae Report-R W R. 1NOBN8 Page 1 Book Pace 8 This annexation is similar to recent, large blanket annexations for the unincorporated areas of Orange Park Acres, Cowan Heights, Lemon Heights, and Santiago County Water District. These areas were developed starting in the mid-1950s, and are now experiencing septic tank failures requiring property owners to connect their property to a sewer. The blanket annexation process allows for a savings of about$4,000 per property, compared with stand-alone annexation. Blanket annexation also speeds up the permit processing by up to one year. JB:sa:gc H:1dep0agendaGSteedng commiaee@oo9%o5 Item 3.santiago AnnexationAmx Form No.U 102 Agenda Repon-BMW Rerised 1ZIO6b6 Page 2 Book Page 9 STEERING COMMITTEE Meeting Date To ad.ofDir. os/20/09 AGENDA REPORT Rem Number Item Number 4 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 Sapirslein, ENS Resources Federal political update During the month of April, Chair Doug Davert and Director of Engineering, Jim Herberg, travelled to Washington, D.C. to receive two awards recognizing the District's commitment to producing a safe and reliable water supply as a partner in the GWRS project. We took advantage of this opportunity to set up meetings with key members of Congress, including Representatives Ken Calvert and Loretta Sanchez, as well as staffers to others Members. The focus of these meetings was to thank them for their ongoing support and review the status of the fiscal year 2010 budget request. In a separate meeting, the District attended a brief meeting with the Chair of the Water and Power Subcommittee, Grace Napolitano, to thank her for her support of GWRS. We are pleased to report that Members of Congress continued to assure us that our funding request remains a priority. We continue to monitor the implementation of the federal stimulus(ARRA)funds, including seeking greater clarification of the buy American mandates. We met with USEPA Office of Water officials to review emerging policy and advised the District on compliance with the mandate should it receive ARRA assistance. We also monitored activities surrounding Form NO.owrOs-t f..R.W-sC R.I.'.O1/DWOT Page 1 Book Page 10 implementation of Department of Energy assistance under ARRA related to the District's alternative energy project. We provided information on funding allocation. As reauthorization of the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) program moves forward in Congress, we continue to work with the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (Chaired by Senator Boxer)to support increased funding for California wastewater needs, particularly, sending more dollars to California and advocating for highly subsidized assistance for green technologies. We are also working with the committee on revising the affordability criteria that POTWs must meet to secure highly subsidized assistance for traditional funding assistance. Finally, we presented the challenges that Buy American mandates create to effective use of the SRF. We were advised that such issues are under discussion and will be part of the Senate debate over the renewal of the Clean Water Act during the month of May. State Legislative Report Political highlights The past few weeks have been extremely busy in Sacramento as policy committees rushed to hear thousands of bills prior to their first deadline of May 1. Any bill tagged "fiscal" had until May 1 for its first hearing, otherwise it becomes a two-year bill. Non-fiscal measures have until May 15 to be heard in their first committee. The next major deadline before the Legislature is May 28, when the Appropriations Committees will have to hear fiscal bills, but given the uncertainty of the May 19 special election measures and the current budget deficit, it is likely that many of the fiscal bills will be held until next year. -May 19 special election By the time the Steering Committee meets, the outcome of the May 19 special election will be largely known, however, most of Sacramento is currently focused on these ballot measures because of their and direct impact on the State's budget situation. As many recall, the Legislative passed the 2009-10 budget contingent on a number of ballot measures. These measures account for about $6 billion and should they fail, the Governor and Legislature will have to immediately deal with the situation. Add to the anxiety the current year deficit of$8 billion and lower than expected revenues from sales and income taxes and suddenly California finds itself grappling with a $14 to $15 billion problem. Regardless of the outcome of the election, the Legislature will be forced to deal with a budget deficit, which will probably happen after the May Revise is released by the Governor(targeted for May 26). Undoubtedly, the discussions will drag into the summer months as Republicans and Democrats argue over spending cuts and tax increases. While a 213 vote will be particularly hard to achieve given the current political climate, the wrangling will bring much talk of constitutional changes and lowering the threshold needed to pass a budget. Property taxes and Proposition IIA (2004)suspension talk On May 5, to Slate Department of Finance raised the possibility of suspending Proposition 1A (2004)to borrow local government property taxes. Under Prop 1A, the State can borrow up to 6 percent of local government property tax revenues (about $2 billion total)with a 2l3 vote of the legislature and the Governor declaring a fiscal emergency. The State could only borrow twice in a ten-year period and full repayment (including interest) must happen within three years. Forth No.OM00I N.nd.R.F -SC Page 2 Book Page I I Local governments and their associations are already gearing up for a fight, particularly since most are already struggling with the economic downturn. Townsend Public Affairs' activities for the month • TPA is working with Senate Pro Tem Steinberg's office on the ARRA (Federal Stimulus) funding that is being directed through the State Water Resources Control Board for the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Program. Specifically, we are asking the Senator's office to require the State Board to provide all $280 million in stimulus funding in the form of grants, as opposed to only 50 percent recommended by the staff of the State Water Resources Control Board. • TPA is working with the Senate Natural Resources Committee and Senator Pavley's office on suggested amendments to SB 565 (Pavley). We also met with Assembly Member Huffman's office on the issue in anticipation of the bill moving to the Assembly later this month. o Specifically we are seeking amendments to provide for a sunset clause on any fees associated with the planning efforts for water recycling goals in the bill, and providing for an amendment that sets water recycling goals for water entering into a plant as opposed to what is being recycled and leaving the plant. • TPA arranged for a meeting with Supervisor Bates for the General Manager. • TPA is working to fight the threat of a Proposition 1A property tax shift from enterprise special districts, cities and counties. The State has the ability to shift up to 8 percent of local government property taxes statewide through a borrowing provision. This 8 percent would account for$2.02 billion statewide. (perge Pep t Fall No.OW tOL 01�7 Page 3 Book Page 12 Bill Number 5ummary 2009 Legislative Tracking Position* Status All 815 (Me) This bill requires a public agency to provide full, complete and accurate plans and specifications to Oppose On hold pending bidders and that the agency assumes responsibility for the accuracy of those plans. A redo of AS court case 983(Me)from 2008,which OCSD opposed. decision All 969 (Calderon) This bill motli8es the Recycled Water Act of 1991 to establish goals for recycling an unspecified Watch Held in percentage of water by 2020 committee All 1100 (Duvall) This bill allows the bottling of potable demonstration water for educational purposes and to Support Passed. In Promote water recycling. (Note: this bill is aimed at allowing the bottling of GWRS water for appropriations demonstration and educational purposes only). OCWD is sponsor awaiting hearing. AB 1366 (Feuer) This bill allows a local agency that maintains a community sewer system, to control salinity from Support Passed. In oresidential water softeners, if the regional water quality control board makes findings that reducing appropriations >r salinity would achieve water quality objectives, awaiting O hearing. 58 26(Simitian) This bill would require the California State Board of Pharmacy to coordinate with local agencies Support Passed w I and drug manufacturers to develop programs managing pharmaceutical wastes and disposal. committee to Authorizes pharmacies to accept home-generated prescription drugs. Senate appropriations SB 413 (DuchenvI This bill imposes fees on wastewater dischargers for the purpose of preparing regional water Oppose Passed. In quality control plans. appropriations awaiting hearing. SB 565 Waylay) Requires the State Water Resources Control Board to develop a plan ensuring that 50% of Watch/Requesting Passed. In wastewater discharged into the ocean would be recycled and put to beneficial use. Requires the Amendments appropriations State Board to impose a fee on ocean discharges to implement the program. awaiting hearing. SB 711(Leno) Requires the disclosure of written communications prior to entering into closed session regarding Oppose Held in labor negotiations. committee Form Nu.OW-roar M.nm pan-8C RMw olmNar Page 4 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, Califomia 92708-7018