HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-2013 Steering Committee Agenda Packet.pdf Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Orange County Sanitation District 5:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting of the Administration Building
Steering Committee Conference Rooms A R B
10844 Ellis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
r,
(714) 593-7130
AGENDA
DECLARATION OF QUORUM:
PUBLIC COMMENTS: If you wish to speak, please complete a Speaker's Form and give it to the
Clerk of the Board. Speakers are requested to limit comments to three minutes.
REPORTS: The Committee Chair and the General Manager may present verbal reports on
miscellaneous matters of general interest to the Directors. These reports are for information only and
require no action by the Directors.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Approve Minutes of the February 27, 2013 Steering Committee Meeting.
ACTION ITEMS:
None.
INFORMATION ITEMS:
2. Legislative Update
CLOSED SESSION:
During the course of conducting the business set forth on this agenda as a regular meeting of the
Board, the Chair may convene the Board 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 Board during a permitted
closed session and are not available for public inspection. At such time as the Board takes final action
on any of these subjects, the minutes will reflect all required disclosures of information.
03/27/13 Steering Committee Agenda Page 1 of 2
Convene in closed session.
(1) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE. EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Case: Santa Ana Station District, LLC v. Matosantos, Sacramento County
Superior Court, Case No. 2013-800001416
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 Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at
5:00 p.m.
Accommodations for the Disabled: Meeting Rooms are 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.
Agenda Posting: In accordance with the requirements of California Government Code Section 54954.2,this agenda
has been posted outside the main gate of the Sanitation District's Administration Building located at 10844 Ellis
Avenue, Fountain Valley, California, 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 the Board of Directors,are available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of the Board.
NOTICE TO DIRECTORS: To place items on the agenda for the Committee Meeting, items must be submitted to the
Clerk of the Board 14 days before the meeting.
Maria E.Ayala
Clerk of the Board
(714)593-7130
mavala/glocsd.com
For any questions on the agenda,Committee members may contact staff at:
General Manager Jim Ruth (714)593-7110 iruthrgloced.com
Assistant General Manager Bob Ghirelli (714)593-7400 rahirelliOocsd.com
Assistant General Manager Jim Herberg (714)593-7300 iherbergrglocsd.com
Director of Engineering Nick Kanetis (714)593-7310 nkanetisCo7ocsd.com
Director of Facility Support Services Nick Amontes (714)593-7210 narhontesrdocsd.com
Director of Finance and Lorenzo Tyner (714)593-7550 Itvner/glocsd.com
Administrative Services
Director of Human Resources Jeff Reed (714)593-7144 ireed/glocsd.com
Director of Operations&Maintenance Ed Torres 714 593-7080 etorres ocsd.com
03/27/13 Steering Committee Agenda Page 2 of 2
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
AQMD Air Quality Management District
ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers
BOO Biochemical Oxygen Demand
CARB California Air Resources Board
CASA California Association of Sanitation Agencies
CCTV Closed Circuit Television
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CRWQCB California Regional Water Quality Control Board
CWA Clean Water Act
CWEA California Water Environment Association
EIR Environmental Impact Report
EMT Executive Management Team
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
FOG Fats, Oils, and Grease
FSSD Facilities Support Services Department
gpd Gallons per day
GWR System Groundwater Replenishment System (also called GWRS)
LOS Level of Service
MGD Million gallons per day
NACWA National Association of Clean Water Agencies
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NWRI National Water Research Institute
O&M Operations and Maintenance
OCCOG Orange County Council of Governments
OCHCA Orange County Health Care Agency
OCSD Orange County Sanitation District
OCWD Orange County Water District
OOBS Ocean Outfall Booster Station
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
POTW Publicly Owned Treatment Works
ppm Parts per million
RFP Request For Proposal
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SARFPA Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency
SARI Santa Ana River Inceptor
SARWQCB Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
SAWPA Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority
SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system
SCAP Southern California Alliance of Publicly Owned Treatment Works
SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality Management District
SOCWA South Orange County Wastewater Authority
SSMP Sanitary Sewer Management Plan
SSO Sanitary Sewer Overflow
SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board
TDS Total Dissolved Solids
TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load
TSS Total Suspended Solids
WDR Waste Discharge Requirements
WEF Water Environment Federation
WERF Water Environment Research Foundation
Activated-sludge process — A secondary biological wastewater treatment process where bacteria
reproduce at a high rate with the introduction of excess air or oxygen, and consume dissolved
nutrients in the wastewater.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)—The amount of oxygen used when organic matter undergoes
decomposition by microorganisms. Testing for BOD is done to assess the amount of organic matter in
water.
Biosolids — Biosolids are nutrient rich organic and highly treated solid materials produced by the
wastewater treatment process. This high-quality product can be recycled as a soil amendment on
farm land or further processed as an earth-like product for commercial and home gardens to improve
and maintain fertile soil and stimulate plant growth.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) — Projects for repair, rehabilitation, and replacement of assets.
Also includes treatment improvements, additional capacity, and projects for the support facilities.
Coliform bacteria—A group of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and other animals, but also
occasionally found elsewhere used as indicators of sewage pollution. E. coli are the most common
bacteria in wastewater.
Collections system — In wastewater, it is the system of typically underground pipes that receive and
convey sanitary wastewater or storm water.
Certificate of Participation (COP) — A type of financing where an investor purchases a share of the
lease revenues of a program rather than the bond being secured by those revenues.
Contaminants of Potential Concern (CPC) — Pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic
wastewater contaminants.
Dilution to Threshold (DR) — the dilution at which the majority of the people detect the odor
becomes the D(f for that air sample.
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
Greenhouse gases — In the order of relative abundance water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane,
nitrous oxide, and ozone gases that are considered the cause of global warming ("greenhouse
effect').
Groundwater Replenishment (GWR) System — A joint water reclamation project that proactively
responds to Southern California's current and future water needs. This joint project between the
Orange County Water District and the Orange County Sanitation District provides 70 million gallons a
day of drinking quality water to replenish the local groundwater supply.
Levels of Service (LOS)—Goals to support environmental and public expectations for performance.
NOMA— N-Nitrosodimethylamine is an N-nitrosoamine suspected cancer-causing agent. It has been
found in the Groundwater Replenishment System process and is eliminated using hydrogen peroxide
with extra ultra-violet treatment.
National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) — An alliance of the National Association of Clean Water
Agencies (NACWA) and Water Environment Federation (WEF), with advisory support from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). NBP is committed to developing and advancing
environmentally sound and sustainable biosolids management practices that go beyond regulatory
compliance and promote public participation in order to enhance the credibility of local agency
biosolids programs and improved communications that lead to public acceptance.
Plume—A visible or measurable concentration of discharge from a stationary source or fixed facility.
Publicly-owned Treatment Works (POTW)— Municipal wastewater treatment plant.
Santa Ana River Interceptor (SARI) Line — A regional brine line designed to convey 30 million
gallons per day (MGD) of non-reclaimable wastewater from the upper Santa Ana River basin to the
ocean for disposal, after treatment.
Sanitary sewer — Separate sewer systems specifically for the carrying of domestic and industrial
wastewater. Combined sewers carry both wastewater and urban run-off.
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) — Regional regulatory agency that
develops plans and regulations designed to achieve public health standards by reducing emissions
from business and industry.
Secondary treatment — Biological wastewater treatment, particularly the activated-sludge process,
where bacteria and other microorganisms consume dissolved nutrients in wastewater.
Sludge—Untreated solid material created by the treatment of wastewater.
Total suspended solids (TSS)—The amount of solids floating and in suspension in wastewater.
Trickling filter — A biological secondary treatment process in which bacteria and other
microorganisms, growing as slime on the surface of rocks or plastic media, consume nutrients in
wastewater as it trickles over them.
Urban runoff — Water from city streets and domestic properties that carry pollutants into the storm
drains, rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Wastewater—Any water that enters the sanitary sewer.
Watershed —A land area from which water drains to a particular water body. OCSD's service area is
in the Santa Ana River Watershed.
STEERING COMMITTEE NeedngDate To ad.of Di,
03,27, --
AGENDA REPORT ern Number Item Number
2
Orange County Sanitation District
FROM: James Herberg, Assistant General Manager
Originator: Michael Gold, Public Affairs Manager
SUBJECT: Legislative update
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
Information Only
SUMMARY
This report is the monthly legislative update that includes legislative and political
information from Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, lobbyists' activities, and other
information
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Federal Legislative Update
Legislative Advocate: Eric Sapirstein, ENS Resources
Congress continues to wrestle with spending bills for fiscal year 2013 with the current
resolution expiring on March 27. It appears likely that both Houses will extend the
continuing resolution through September to avoid a government shutdown and maintain
spending at current levels.
At the same time, however, the sequester is currently in place (as of March 1) and
domestic discretionary spending is being reduced by approximately $40 billion.
Congress will apply the sequester to a new continuing resolution through September,
meaning that agencies like USEPA will see program funding cut by about five percent.
This amount is consistent with previous reductions. Really, what this all means is
Congress and the Administration must redouble their efforts to adopt a meaningful
deficit reduction plan for fiscal year 2014 or face the prospect of another round of across
the board indiscriminate reductions.
The biggest outstanding question is whether the House and Senate can find
compromise between their differing positions to finalize a budget. House leadership is
calling on spending cuts for entitlement and discretionary spending programs while the
Senate leaders are focused on new taxes and reducing military spending.
Outside the budget debates, here are some other areas of interest:
Page 1 of 6
WRDA and Water Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act
Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Chair Barbara Boxer and newly
appointed Ranking Republican David Vitter (R-IA) are preparing to markup a Water
Resources Development Act (WRDA) bill around March 20. Unlike past WRDA renewal
efforts, this one may include more assistance to wastewater treatment agencies.
Senator Boxer is expected to include a financing demonstration program in the bill,
called the Water Infrastructure Financing and Investment Act (WIFIA). As contemplated,
both the Army Corps of Engineers and USEPA would have the authority to select about
ten projects nationwide to demonstrate WIFIA. We expect the program to be funded at
about $50 million per year for five years but because it is a joint program, we are not
sure how many projects will be water infrastructure versus flood protection.
For those familiar with transportation funding, the WIFIA approach is not new. There
has been a similar program (TIFIA) around for many years.
The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is developing its own
WRDA proposal that could be marked up in May. Unlike the Senate, it may not include
alternative funding approach; however they may introduce and independent bill
including a WIFIA component later this year.
House Appropriations Hearing on Water Infrastructure Financing
The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior and
Environment, convened on March 13 for a hearing into water infrastructure financing.
Two panels provided testimony on the need for increased water infrastructure funding,
the first representing regulatory agencies, and the second comprised of water
professionals. In 2002, the USEPA's GAP analysis identified a $533 billion shortfall
between assessed need and the level of investment over a 20-year period, and the
EPA's most recent clean water and drinking water needs assessments have identified a
combined $633 billion in infrastructure needs through 2028. Chairman Michael Simpson
(R-ID) identified this as "a nationwide issue with very real local challenges." The hearing
suggested that Congress supports the need for increased water infrastructure funding.
Conflict of Interest Legislation
One of our legislative priorities in Congress is addressing the unreasonable standards
for selection of nominees to sit on regional water boards. Once again, we made
progress this month when Representative Gary Miller reintroduced his Sunshine on
Conflicts Act (H.R. 836) and secured the co-sponsorship of Representative Dana
Rohrabacher. Miller has transmitted a letter of request to his colleagues to join him in
the effort. At the same time, staff has engaged a number of stakeholders to support the
effort including NACWA, ACWA and WEF. We also met with key committee staff as part
of the CASA Washington meeting to urge consideration of the legislation and its
passage. As we have noted before, the goal is either passage of Mr. Miller's bill or EPA
making an administrative change without the need for a specific bill.
Page 2 of 6
Climate Change and Water Resiliency
Climate change continues to be a priority for the Administration, particularly after the
major storm events last year and has been demonstrated by the President's recent
nominations to USEPA, DOE and Interior. The selection of Assistant Administrator of Air
Programs Gina McCarthy to become the next Administrator of USEPA is an example of
the White House pursuing climate policy through Executive Orders and regulations. At
the same time, programs for alternative energy such as the District's hydrogen
demonstration project will likely see renewed support because of the DOE Secretarial
nomination of Ernest Moniz. Moniz is a strong proponent of alternative energy
development and is expected to continue to focus on programs and projects that can
lead to innovative energy supplies such as hydrogen.
While the Executive Branch will emphasize climate programs, Congress continues to
wrestle with the policy issue. For the most part, their efforts have centered on hearings
and resolutions calling for climate legislation. As noted previously, Representative Lois
Capps (D-CA) reintroduced her legislation, The Water Infrastructure Resiliency and
Sustainability Act (H.R. 765), to provide research and infrastructure assistance to water
utilities to address climate related impacts including drought and storm events. This
legislation might gamer support for its ability to provide limited assistance within the
current tight budget climate. Companion legislation will probably be introduced in the
Senate within the next few weeks and be referred to the Committee on Environment
and Public Works. This type of legislation may have a chance of passage this year.
Clean Energy Legislation
Both the House and Senate energy committees are expected to consider energy
legislation in tandem with the Administration's stated desire to maintain federal
assistance for the development and demonstration of alternative and sustainable
energy technologies. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is
developing legislative proposals for markup later this spring. According to staff, this
effort is aimed at developing meaningful program authorizations that can directly
address the energy water nexus, including driving down the costs associated with water
recycling and conveyance. In the House, legislative action remains unclear, but the
Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman, Fred Upton (R-MI), is considering how
to proceed on a package of energy policies.
Water Infrastructure Assistance
Representative Tim Bishop (D-NY) has delayed introduction of his water infrastructure
assistance bill. We supported similar legislation last year. The bill will cover the funding
landscape by authorizing the renewal of the SRF program, creating a WIFIA
demonstration program and directing the study of a water trust fund. Additionally, it is
expected to provide for a lifting of the state volume cap for the use of private activity
bonds issued for water projects. Bishop appears to have bipartisan support the bill could
become the basis for the House of Representatives to consider a broader infrastructure
measure.
There are, however, some possible stumbling blocks with this and other possible
infrastructure financing bills. First, is a mandate to purchase products made in America.
Page 3 of 6
While the goal is good, there are many products, such as pumps and other equipment,
that are simply not available and seeking exceptions could be a challenge. The second
hurdle is compliance with Davis Bacon (prevailing wage mandates). While generally not
an issue here in California it is an issue for Congressional Republicans who oppose
prevailing wage mandates.
Tax-Exempt Financing
Last month, the Administration floated the idea of eliminating tax exempt financing for
state and local municipal bonds as a way to close the deficit. This effort is aimed at
closing loopholes for wealthier individuals. Some in Congress find this approach
attractive because they believe the availability of tax exempt financing, beyond federal
bonding, is unconstitutional.
Congress and the Administration continue to talk about a wholesale rewrite of the tax
code to make things simpler. If this becomes a real legislative imperative, tax-exempt
bonds and their continued unrestricted use could be at risk. Consequently, a number of
local governmental stakeholders have begun advocacy efforts to build support in
Congress to retain the unrestricted availability of such financing tools. We are looking
into this issue and discussions with our delegation on the importance of tax exempt
financing on our capital improvement program and future construction projects.
State Legislative Update
Legislative Advocates: Christopher Townsend, Heather Dion and Casey Elliott,
Townsend Public Affairs
State Political Update
California's 120 legislators introduced about 2,200 bills by the February 22 constitutional
deadline. It was the smallest number of bills to be introduced in a decade in both the
Senate and the Assembly. The Legislature is currently beginning to work though the
committee hearing process on and all bills must remain in print for 30 days before they
can be taken up by a policy committee.
On Monday, March 11, the California State Controller's office reported that California's
revenue in February came in $1.8 million below the estimate in Governor Jerry Brown's
proposed state budget plan, mostly because of weaker personal income tax receipts
and greater tax refunds. Better than expected gains in revenue from sales tax and
corporate tax collections helped offset the lower than expected revenue from personal
income tax collections. Revenue from sales tax collections was $363.5 million above
estimate in the budget proposal while revenue from corporate tax collections was $26.3
million above forecast. However, the budget forecast relies on the legislature approving
Governor Brown's 2013-14 budget proposal. If legislators do not approve certain
measures in Brown's proposal, such as the continuation of some fees and taxes, the
state could dip back into the red at the end of this fiscal year.
On Friday, February 22, Senator Michael Rubio (D-Bakersfield) resigned his seat in the
State Senate. His resignation temporarily removes the Democratic supermajority in the
Senate (there are currently three vacancies in the Senate) and the Democrats are
Page 4 of 6
member short of the supermajority. This temporary drop in power puts on hold talk of
any immediate actions on issues ranging from the budget, taxes and urgency
measures; however, the Democrats will likely regain their supermajority after special
elections in the coming months to fill vacant Senate seats in San Diego and Pomona. A
special election to fill Senator Rubio's term was called by the Governor to occur on May
21. If none of the candidates win an outright majority the two top vote getters will face
off on July 23
Senator Rubio's departure also raises questions about the prospects for changes to
CEQA legislation. Senator Rubio was a key player in looking to reform CEQA, though
Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg has also pledged CEQA changes in 2013.
Senate pro Tem Steinberg tapped Senator Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) to fill Senator's
Rubio's chair position on the Committee on Environmental Quality. There are currently
about 26 bills that have been introduced in the Legislature to overhaul CEQA. None of
the bills are looking at eliminating the environmental law. Lawmakers are instead
looking at ways to cut specific areas of the law that have led to unnecessary litigation.
Specific Activities for the Month:
• TPA continues to monitor legislation that could potentially have an impact on the
District.
• TPA and District staff conducts bi-weekly conference calls to discuss legislative,
budgetary and policy updates that may impact the District. TPA and District staff
also meets in person regularly to discuss similar issues.
• TPA is scheduling briefings with the Orange County Delegation District Directors.
The following meetings have been scheduled:
o Tim Shaw (Senator Huffs Office)—April 161h at 11 a.m.
o Chad Morgan (Assembly Member Mansoor's office)— May 2a' at 10 a.m.
o Javiera Cartagena (Assembly Member Quirk-Silva's office)— May 8th at 11
a.m.
Additional meetings will be scheduled in late April through May.
TPA is monitoring CEQA reform through the CSDA Public Works Coalition on behalf of
the District, as well as relevant legislation that could impact the District.
Grant Activity
As a follow-up to the Tire-derived grant, staff submitted in December, we completed all
the necessary paperwork and were notified that we qualified for the grant as a finalist.
There were, however, more finalists than available funding so the agency held a
drawing to choose which projects would receive funding. We are waiting to hear the
results. A matrix of current grant activity is attached.
Page 5 of 6
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
N/A
CEQA
N/A
BUDGET / DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY COMPLIANCE
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
The following attachment(s) are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD
website(www.ocsd.coml with the complete agenda package and attachments:
2013 Session OCSD Bill Tracking
2012-2013 Grant Tracking
Page 6 of 6
2013 Session Return to Agenda Report
OCSD Bill
Tracking
AB 8 (Perea D) Alternative fuel and vehicle technologies: funding programs.
Location: 1/14/2013-A. TRANS.
Summary: Would provide that the State Air Resources Board (state board), until January 1, 2024, has
no authority to enforce any element of its existing clean fuels outlet regulation or other regulation that
requires or has the effect of requiring any person to construct, operate, or provide funding for the
construction or operation of any publicly available hydrogen fueling station. The bill would require the
state board to aggregate and make available to the public, no later than January 1, 2014, and every
two years thereafter, the number of vehicles that automobile manufacturers project to be sold or
leased, as reported to the state board. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing
laws.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Support
AB 39 (Skinner D) Proposition 39: Implementation.
Location: 2/28/2013-A. NAT. RES.
Summary: Would require the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission
(Energy Commission) to administer grants, loans, or other financial assistance to an eligible institution,
defined as a public school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, for the
purpose of projects that create jobs in California by reducing energy demand and consumption at
eligible institutions. This bill would require the Energy Commission to establish a prescribed system to
prioritize eligible institutions for these grants, loans, and other financial assistance, in consultation
with the Superintendent of Public Instruction. This bill contains other related provisions.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Support, if
amended
AB 194 (Cam D) Open meetings: protections for public criticism: penalties for violations.
Location: 2/7/2013-A. L. GOV.
Summary: Would make it a misdemeanor for a member of a legislative body, while acting as the
chairperson of a legislative body of a local agency, to prohibit public criticism protected under the
Ralph M. Brown Act. This bill would authorize a district attorney or any interested person to commence
an action for the purpose of obtaining a judicial determination that an action taken by a legislative
body of a local agency in violation of the protection for public criticism is null and void, as specified. This
bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Oppose
AB 416 (Gordon D) California Air Resources Board: Local Emission Reduction Program.
Location: 2/28/2013-A. NAT. RES.
Summary: Would create the Local Emission Reduction Program and would require money to be
available from the general fund, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for purposes of providing
grants to develop and implement greenhouse gas emission reduction projects in the state. The bill
would require the State Air Resources Board to award moneys under the program to eligible
recipients, as specified, and would permit the state board to give consideration to the ability of a
project to, among other things, create local job training and job creation benefits and provide
opportunities to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction in ways that increase localized energy
resources.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Support
A6 436 (Jones-Sawyer D) Inverse condemnation: comparative fault.
Location: 2/28/2013-A. IUD.
Summary: Would apply the doctrine of comparative fault to inverse condemnation actions and would
require a court or arbitrator to reduce the compensation paid to a plaintiff in an inverse condemnation
proceeding in direct proportion to his or her percentage of fault, if any, in the damaging of property
that constitutes a taking. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Support
AS 543 (Campos D) California Environmental Quality Act: translation. Return t0 Agenda Report
Location: 3/4/2013-A. NAT. RES.
Summary: Would require a lead agency to translate any notice, document, or executive summary
required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) when the impacted community has a
substantial number of non-English-speaking people, as specified. By requiring a lead agency to
translate these writings, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill contains
other related provisions and other existing laws.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Oppose, unless
amended
AB 792 (Mullin D) Local government: open meetings.
Location: 3/4/2013-A. L. GOV.
Summary: The Ralph M. Brown Act requires the legislative body of a local agency to post, at least 72
hours before the meeting, an agenda containing a brief general description of each item of business
to be transacted or discussed at a regular meeting, in a location that is freely accessible to members
of the public, and to provide a notice containing similar information with respect to a special meeting
at least 24 hours prior to the special meeting. This bill, if the local agency is unable to post the agenda
or notice on its Internet Web site because of software or hardware impairment beyond the local
agency's reasonable control, would require the local agency to post the agenda or notice immediately
upon resolution of the technological problems. The bill would provide that the delay in posting, or the
failure to post, the agenda or notice would not preclude a local agency from conducting the meeting or
taking action on items of business, provided that the agency has complied with all other relevant
requirements. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Support
AB 794 (Gorell R) Environmental quality: California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: use of landfill
and organic waste.
Location: 3/4/2013-A. NAT. RES.
Summary: Would exempt from the requirements of CEQA a project that takes landfill materials or
organic waste and converts them into renewable green energy if the lead agency finds that the
project will result in a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or support sustainable agriculture.
Because a lead agency would be required to determine whether a project is exempt under those
provisions, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related
provisions and other existing laws.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Support
AS 803 (fig D) Water Recycling Act of 2013.
Location: 3/4/2013-A. W.,P. & W.
Summary: This bill, to be called the Water Recycling Act of 2013, would codify certain regulations to,
among other things, (1) define various terms for the purpose of water recycling criteria, (2) require the
use of certain quality recycled water for specified uses with prescribed prohibitions, and (3) modify
prohibitions and requirements for dual-plumbed recycled water systems. This bill contains other
related provisions and other existing laws.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Support
AB = (Blumenfield D) Air pollution control: penalties.
Location: 3/7/2013-A. IUD.
Summary: Would require any city attorney of a city having a population in excess of 750,000, any city
attorney of a city and county, or a city prosecutor in any city with a full-time city prosecutor, with the
consent of the district attorney, to recover specified civil penalties in a civil action for specified
violations. The bill would require, if the action for civil penalties resulting from specified violations is
brought by a district attorney, an attorney for a district, a city attorney of a city having a population in
excess of 750,000, a city attorney of a city and county, or a city prosecutor in any city with a full-time
city prosecutor, with the consent of the district attorney, the entire amount of the penalty collected be
paid to the treasurer of the city, county, or city and county in addition to the district on whose behalf
judgment was entered.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Oppose
AB 1140 (Daly D) Public works: prevailing wages. Return to Agenda Report
Location: 3/7/2013-A. L. &E.
Summary: Would state that if the Director of Industrial Relations determines, within a semiannual
period, that there is a change in any prevailing rate of per diem wages in a locality, that determination
applies to any public works contract, whether or not notice to bidders has been published or a
contract has been awarded. This bill would authorize any contractor, awarding body, or specified
representatives affected by a change in rates on a particular contract to, within 20 days, file with the
director a verified petition to review the determination of that rate, as specified. The bill would require,
the director to, upon notice to the interested parties, initiate an investigation or hold a hearing, and,
within 20 days after the filing of that petition, except as specified, make a final determination and
transmit the determination in writing to the awarding body and to the interested parties.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Oppose
AB 1212 (Levine D) Public contracts: bids:
Location: 3/7/2013-A. A. &A.R.
Summary: Current law prohibits, except in specified circumstances, a state agency, political
subdivision, municipal corporation, district, or public officer responsible for letting a public works
contract from drafting bid specifications for that contract in a manner that limits the bidding to any one
concern or product, unless the specification is followed by the words "or equal." This bill would prohibit
these bid specifications from requiring a bidder to provide submission of data substantiating a request
for a substitution of "an equal" item prior to the bid or proposal submission deadline.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Oppose
AB 1333 (HernSndez. Roger D) Local government: contracts.
Location: 2/22/2013-A. PRINT
Summary: Current law authorizes the legislative body of a city, county, or district to enter into
contracts for various services, and, among other things, to include within the contract a time within
which the whole or any specified portion of the work contemplated is to be completed. This bill would
require the legislative body of a city, county, or district to review any contract with a private party with
a total value of $250,000 or more, that contains an automatic renewal clause on or before the annual
date by which the contract may be rescinded. This bill contains other related provisions.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Oppose, unless
amended
AB 1336 (Frazier D) Prevailing wages: payroll records.
Location: 2/22/2013-A. PRINT
Summary: A joint labor-management committee, established pursuant to a specified provision of
federal law, is authorized to bring an action against any employer who fails to pay prevailing wages
as required by state law. The action is required to be commenced not later than 180 days after the
filing of a valid notice of completion in the office of the county recorder in each county in which the
public work, or some part thereof, was performed, or not later than 180 days after acceptance of the
public work, whichever occurs last. This bill would delete the requirement that the action be
commenced not later than 180 days after the filing of a valid notice of completion, as prescribed, or
not later than 180 days after acceptance of the public work, whichever occurs last, and would instead
require that the action be commenced not later than 3 years after the wages were due. This bill
contains other related provisions and other existing laws.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Oppose
AB 1349 (Gatto D) CalConserve Water Use Efficiency Revolving Fund.
Location: 2/22/2013-A. PRINT
Summary: Would establish the CalConserve Water Use Efficiency Revolving Fund administered by the
Department of Water Resources and would continuously appropriate moneys in the fund, without
regard to fiscal year, to the department, for the purpose of water use efficiency projects. This bill
would require moneys in the fund to be used for purposes that include, but are not limited to, at-or-
below market interest rate loans and would permit the department to enter into agreements with
local governments or investor-owned utilities that provide water or recycled water service to provide
loans.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Support Concept
Return to Agenda Report
SB 11 (Pavlev D) Alternative fuel and vehicle technologies: funding programs.
Location: 3/11/2013-5. T. &H.
Summary: Would provide that the State Air Resources Board (state board), until January 1, 2024, has no
authority to enforce any element of its existing clean fuels outlet regulation or other regulation that requires
or has the effect of requiring any person to construct, operate, or provide funding for the construction or
operation of any publicly available hydrogen fueling station. The bill would require the state board to
aggregate and make available to the public, no later than January 1, 2014, and every two years thereafter,
the number of vehicles that automobile manufacturers project to be sold or leased, as reported to the state
board. The bill, no later than July 1, 2013, would require the state board and air districts to jointly convene
working groups to evaluate the specified policies and goals of specified programs. This bill contains other
related provisions and other existing laws.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Support
SB 40 (Pavlev D) Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2012.
Location: 1/31/2013-5. N.R. &W.
Summary: Would change the name of the Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2012 to the
Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2014 and declare the intent of the Legislature to
amend the act for the purpose of reducing and potentially refocusing the
$11,140,000,000 bond.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Watch
SB 42 (Walk D) The California Clean, Secure Water Supply and Delta Recovery Act of 2014.
Location: 1/10/2013-5. N.R. &W.
Summary: Current law creates the Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2012, which,
if approved by the voters, would authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of
$11,140,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law to finance a safe drinking water and
water supply reliability program. Current law provides for the submission of the bond act to the voters at the
November 4, 2014, statewide general election. This bill would repeal these provisions. This bill contains
other related provisions and other current laws.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Watch
SB 4_3 (WWIk D) Shared renewable energy self-generation program.
Location: 1/10/2013-5. RLS.
Summary: Under existing law, the local government renewable energy self-generation program authorizes a
local government, as defined, to receive a bill credit, as defined, to be applied to a designated benefiting
account for electricity exported to the electrical grid by an eligible renewable generating facility, as defined,
and requires the commission to adopt a rate tariff for the benefitting account. This bill would state various
findings and declarations, and state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation, relating to a shared
renewable energy self-generation program.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Watch
SB 117 (Rubio D) Drinking water: State Water Resources Control Board.
Location: 1/31/2013-5. HEALTH
Summary: Would transfer the various duties and responsibilities imposed on the State Department of
Public Health by the California Safe Drinking Water Act to the State Water Resources Control Board and
make conforming changes.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Watch
Return to Agenda Report
5B 785 (Wolk D) Design-build.
Location: 3/11/2013-5. G.O.
Summary: Current law authorizes the Department of General Services, the Department of Corrections
and Rehabilitation, and various local agencies to use the design-build procurement process for
specified public works under different laws. This bill would repeal those authorizations, and enact
provisions that would authorize the Department of General Services, the Department of Corrections
and Rehabilitation, and those local agencies, as defined, to use the design-build procurement process
for specified public works. The bill would require moneys that are collected under these provisions to
be deposited into the State Public Works Enforcement Fund. This bill contains other related provisions
and other existing laws.
Organization CASA's Position
CASA Support
Concept/Work
w/Author
Return to Agenda Report
2012-2013 Grant Tracking
Gant opportunny Agenry summary Did we apply? If wh,? Application date Amount outcome
California DWR CA Department of Study the misibilit,of Yes 9/27/2012 $ 3DQDDD.DO placed in ber 3.We an misfit for
PropositionU Water Resources recycling treated possible future funding
IRWMP wastewater at Plant
CalRerycle Tire-derived CalRerycle Provides funding for Yes 1/9/2013 $ 21,87500 Grant finalist.Drawing held to see
rerycied landscape revcied tire mulch which of the finalists will receive
material funding.Awaing results.
State Water Resources State Water Resources Provides funding to No Beach areas within
Control Board 2013 Clean Control Board rertore and protect the 01 service boundaries
Beaches initiative water quality ofcoastal are not isted as"priormi
waters
California Energy California Energy Provides loand and grants No May apply in the future as Rolling)loans are always upto$3,000,000
Commission-Energy Commission to public agencies to we improve buildings avallable,grants are
efficiency programs increase energy limited).
of Henry.
OCTA M2 Loral Fair OCTA Provides funds for urban No OCSD is not eligible to Rolling Varies
Share runoff projects associated apply as a lead ai
with transportation Cities must
partner with OCSD for
funds