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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-2013 LaPA Agenda Tuesday, November 12, 2013 a 8:00 A.M. Orange County Sanitation District Administration Building Legislative and Public Conference Room A& B Affairs Special Committee 10844 Ellis Avenue Fountain Valley, CA 714 593-7130 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: John Anderson David Benavides Troy Edgar John Nielsen Brad Reese Joe Shaw John Withers AGENDA PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 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 Committee Members. These reports are for information only and require no action by the Committee. • Huntginton Beach Community Meeting • Outreach Update CONSENT ITEMS: 1. Approve minutes for the Committee meeting held on October 17, 2013. 1111213 Legislative and Public Affairs Special Committee Page 1 of 2 ACTION ITEMS: 2. Receive and file a list of the membership pricing options for the Orange County Business Council and Association of California Cities, Orange County. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 3. Monthly Legislative Update— State Legislative Affairs 4. Monthly Legislative Update— Federal Legislative Affairs OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF ANY: ADJOURNMENT: The next Legislative and Public Affairs Special Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 9, 2013, at 8:00 a.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. Aaenda 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. Mafia E.Ayala Clerk of the Board (714)593-7130 mavala(d)ocsd.com For any questions on the agenda,Committee members may contact staff at: General Manager James D. Herberg (714)593-7110 iherbem(rpocsd.com Assistant General Manager Bob Ghirelli (714)593-7400 rohirelli[dloced.com 11/1V13 Legislative and Public Affairs Special Committee Page 2of2 ITEM NO. 1 MINUTES LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIAL COMMITTEE MEETING Orange County Sanitation District The Legislative and Public Affairs Special Committee meeting convened on Tuesday, October 17, 2013, at 8:17 a.m. in the Administration Building of the Orange County Sanitation District. A quorum was declared present, as follows: COMMITTEE MEMBERS STAFF PRESENT PRESENT: Jim Herberg, General Manager Troy Edgar, Board Chair Bob Ghirelli, Assistant General John Anderson, Board Vice-Chair Manager Brad Reese, Administration Committee Nick Kanetis, Director of Engineering Chair Jeff Reed, Director of Human John Nielsen, Operations Committee Resources Vice-Chair Maria Ayala, Clerk of the Board Joe Shaw, Director Jim Colston Faviola Miranda COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: John Withers, Administration OTHERS PRESENT: Committee Vice-Chair Brad Hogin, General Counsel Heather Stratman, Townsend Public Affairs Eric Sapirstein, ENS Resources (via teleconference) PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Jim Herberg, General Manager, reported on the recently received letter from the City of Yorba Linda regarding legislation for the city's seat on the OCSD Board of Directors. Director Anderson offered a short background of the issue and the need for change in legislation. A copy of the letter was distributed. Minutes of the Legislative and Public Affairs Special Committee October 17,2013 Page 2 of 3 INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Due to a conflict in schedule, Mr. Sapirstein presented Agenda Item No. 5 at the beginning of the meeting. 5. Monthly Legislative Update - Eric Sapirstein, ENS Resources. Eric Sapirstein joined the meeting via teleconference. Mr. Sapirstein provided a federal legislative update on the following: federal government shutdown; water resources policy advances; infrastructure financing; Sunshine On Conflicts Act; and Municipal Bonds and Budget Sequester. CONSENT ITEMS 1. MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED: Approve minutes for the Committee meeting held on September 9, 2013. ACTION ITEMS: 2. MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED: Establish a calendar of Committee Meeting Dates for the remainder of fiscal year 2013-2014. 3. MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED: Receive and file the Government Affairs and Legislative Outreach Plan. 4. MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED: Receive and file the report on State and Federal Advocacy Best Practices. Director Edgar requested that a future agenda item be presented to address the OCSD membership in other organziations. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 6. OCSD "Wastewater 101" Video. Faviola Miranda, Senior Public Affairs Specialist, played the current OCSD informational video. The Committee took time to discuss options and suggestions for a new video. Minutes of the Legislative and Public Affairs Special Committee October 17,2013 Page 3 of 3 ADJOURNMENT: The Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 9:01 a.m. Submitted by: Maria E. Ayala Clerk of the Board LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIAL COMMITTEE Meeting mt3 AGENDA REPORT Item"2 z Orange County Sanitation District FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager Originator: Heather Dion Stratman, Townsend Public Affairs SUBJECT: ORANGE COUNTY MEMBERSHIP PRICING GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Receive and file a list of the membership pricing options for the Orange County Business Council and Association of California Cities, Orange County. SUMMARY Below is a list of membership pricing options for the Orange County Business Council and Association of California Cities, Orange County. This was a request of the Committee during the October meeting. ORANGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL (OCBQ MEMBERSHIP: Sustaining Partner- $100,000 • Seat on OCBC Executive Committee • Table of ten and recognition at all OCBC signature events • Podium opportunity at one event • Recognition in all signature programs Platinum Member- $50,000 • Suggested company revenue of$500M+ • Exclusive attention and strategic focus on company's issues and interests • Participation in CEO Leadership Caucus • One VIP table at annual dinner • Foursome in golf tournament Gold Member-$25,000 • Suggested company revenue of$100-500M • Consideration for seat on board of directors • Priority consideration for committee chairmanship • Logo recognition in Legislative Action Guide (2 yr publication) • Customized package of benefits for company's interest & priority attention from staff Page 1 of 3 Silver Member- $10,000 • Suggested company revenue of$25-100M • Staff assistance with presentations, strategic planning, testimonies & letters of support & opposition (case by case basis) • Access to research department and insider briefings • Economic development assistance with red team, relocation and intl. delegations • One complimentary ticket to Chairman's Leadership Breakfast series • Recognition in one OCBC signature program at Advisor Level • Presentation of a relevant topic at OCBC meeting (Case by case basis) • Co-sponsorship of events (Case by case basis) Bronze Member- $5,000 • Suggested company revenue of$25M or less • Participation in Action Committees • Access to research publications • Participation in advocacy and government affairs activities • Member discount rate and special invitations to events • Participation in affinity program • Company logo on website and listing in publications • Company feature, announcements and events in e-newsletter ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA CITIES, ORANGE COUNTY (ACCOC) MEMBERSHIP: Affiliate Member, Ambassador- $25,000 Non-voting seat on the ACCOC Board of Directors (1 yr term) • 2 tables at ACCOC events and dinner meetings with member rates for additional attendees • Full page color ad in City Directory Premium placement of logo on ACCOC website • Logo visibility in ACCOC newsletter Logo visibility at ACCOC events • Extended presentation at Mayor& Council Member's Orientation 10 complimentary copies of City Directory Affiliate Member, Liaison - $10,000 • Seat on Affiliate Advisory Committee (meets w/ CEO quarterly) 1 table at ACCOC events &dinner meetings with member rates for additional attendees • Half page color ad in City Directory Name listing on ACCOC website Presentation at Mayor& Council Member's Orientation • 5 complimentary copies of City Directory Page 2 of 3 Cabinet Member, Premier- $25,000410,000 • Co-sponsorship of 4 ACCOC meetings (includes 2 paid registrations & logo recognition) • 4 complimentary copies of City Directory • Recognition as ACCOC member in annual publications • Recognition as ACCOC member in monthly newsletter • Invitation to Cabinet Member Reception with ACCOC Board of Directors • Full page ad space in the annual City Directory • Table-top promotional display space at sponsored events • Private dinner and reception with ACCOC members, elected and state legislators during annual advocacy trip to Sacramento • Sponsor recognition at ACCOC holiday event )$2,500 value) • Diamond level sponsorship at Installation Dinner ($3,500 value) • Homepage recognition on ACCOC website with link to member site Cabinet Member, Platinum - $9,999-$5,000 • Co-sponsorship of 3 ACCOC meetings (includes 2 paid registrations & logo recognition) • 3 complimentary copies of City Directory • Recognition as ACCOC member in annual publications • Recognition as ACCOC member in monthly newsletter • Invitation to Cabinet Member Reception with ACCOC Board of Directors • Half page ad space in the annual City Directory • Table-top promotional display space at sponsored events Cabinet Member, Gold- $4,999-$3,000 Co-sponsorship of 2 ACCOC meetings (includes 2 paid registrations & logo recognition) 2 complimentary copies of City Directory • Recognition as ACCOC member in annual publications Recognition as ACCOC member in monthly newsletter Cabinet Member, Silver- $2,999-$2,000 Co-sponsorship of 1 ACCOC meeting (includes 2 paid registrations & logo recognition) 1 complimentary copies of City Directory • Recognition as ACCOC member in annual publications PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS None. Page 3 of 3 TOWNS E N D ITEM NO. 3 P U B L I C EST TPA MEMO To: Orange County Sanitation District From: Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. Date: November 4, 2013 Subject: Monthly Status Report— State Legislative Affairs STATE POLITICAL UPDATE: The Legislature has been on fall recess since mid-September and reconvenes on January 2, 2014. During recess many legislators are in their District offices. Assembly Member Sharon Quirk-Silva and Assembly Member Anthony Rendon (D-63) are hosting a Town Hall forum on December 3rd in the City of Buena Park. The focus on the forum will be "water infrastructure" OUTREACH ACTIVITIES: OCSD Board Members Edgar and Anderson, as well as General Manager Jim Herberg are scheduled to meet with Senator Bob Huff on November 12th in the Senator's District office. SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES FOR THE MONTH: • OCSD State and Federal Advocates have arranged to meet with the County's Government Affairs staff to coordinate on state and federal priorities. The meeting is anticipated for December 6th at the Hall of Administration. • OCSD staff is working to develop legislative language to amend the OCSD Act for the purpose of changing representation from the City of Yorba Linda to the Yorba Linda Water District. • TPA arranged for a meeting with Senator Bob Huf on November 12, 2013 as a part of the overall state advocacy outreach strategy. State Capitol Office•925 L Street•Suite 1404•Sacramento,CA 95814•Phone(916)447-4086•Fax(916)444-0383 Federal Office•600 Pennsylvania SE•Suite 207•Washington,DC 20003•Phone(202)546 696•Fax(202)5464555 Northern Califomia Office•300 Frank Ogam Plaza•Suite 204•Oakland,CA 94612•Phone(510)835-9050•Fax(510)835-9030 Southern Califomia Office•2699 White Road•Suite 251 •Irvine,CA 92614•Phone(949)399-9050•Fax(949)476-8215 ITEM NO. 4 RESOO RCES MEMORANDUM TO: Jim Colston FROM: Eric Sapirstein DATE: November 4,2013 SUBJECT: Washington Update The past month was notable for the governmental-wide shutdown brought about when Congress and the White House could not reach agreement over the fiscal year 2014 budget and increasing the debt ceiling. After almost three weeks, Congress reached an agreement to fund governmental programs until January 1S. This date was selected to permit the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on Budget to fashion a final budget and spending bills that would avoid the need for a year-long Continuing Resolution. Since Congress was deemed to be essential, Members and a limited number of staff did remain on the job. To this end, work continued on a number of fronts. For the District, the most notable activity was setting the stage for House passage of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (H.R. 3080). Additionally, a number of Members began to float legislative proposals to address water infrastructure funding needs and affordability issues related to compliance with Clean Water Act mandates. The following summarizes the status of pending policy issues of interest to the District. Water Resources PoficyAdvances in House By an overwhelming vote of 417 - 3,the House of Representatives voted to approve H.R. 3080. The action means a House Senate conference committee to reconcile differences between H.R. 3080 and S. 601 is now the priority in the months ahead. The two bills are vastly different in many respects. However, there is broad agreement to implement new approaches to constructing water resources projects by allowing local agencies to carry out construction and studies on behalf of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Pagel of 3 Most important to the District, we continued to advance the issue of the economic burdens imposed on the District by permit conditions that mandate removal of riprap associated with the protection of the SARI line that is undergoing realignment. Most of the District's delegation is supportive of seeking legislative language as part of a renewed WRDA that would allow the District to secure federal cost-share assistance for the removal of the riprap. Representatives Alan Lowenthal and Ed Royce have taken the lead on the initiative and Representatives Rohrabacher and Miller have indicated that they will co-sign a letter of request to the House conferees seeking their support of the effort to authorize USACOE to provide ecosystem restoration assistance for projects such as the District's. We have also communicated the priority of this matter to the House committee staff. They have intimated a willingness to work with the delegation on the issue during conference. On the Senate side, Senator Boxer will sit as a member of the Senate conferees. It is our expectation that the Senator will protect language she included in her WRDA legislation that would permit the District to pursue federal assistance. Infrastructure Financing During discussions with House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure staff, we were informed that the committee intends to hold hearings into infrastructure financing policy. They expect that the hearings will be convened within the next month's time. The purpose of the hearings will be to set the stage for consideration of new federal programs such as an infrastructure bank, WIFIA, and public private partnerships. Additionally, we expect a review of a water trust fund. However, it is unlikely that the concept will gain much traction due to the elusive question on how to raise revenue for such a fund. Every option that has been offered has generated significant opposition. Once the hearings conclude, we expect the committee will work early next year on the development of legislation that could be voted on in the House. Whether the Senate would consider such legislation is an open question. However, both Chairman Boxer and Ranking Republican David Vittter (LA) of the Committee on Environment and Public Works have signaled their desire to address the water infrastructure needs that public agencies are confronting. Sunshine on Conflicts Act(H.R. 836) The effort to move the legislation forward in the House appears to be gaining momentum. In discussions with Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure staff,we learned that the bill enjoys support. To this end,we are working with Rep. Miller and his staff to advance the legislation in committee for a markup and subsequent passage on the House floor. H.R. 836 enjoys support from ACWA (as well as NACWA) due to the District's advocacy. A remote possibility exists that the bill could be incorporated into a water infrastructure SRF reauthorization bill also. Build America Bonds and Budget Sequester A second round of sequestration is pending. If triggered, the date would be late January and the actual impact of cuts would not be felt until March 2014, when implementation would commence. For the District this is an important issue. If a second sequestration is triggered, it would mean reductions in subsidies provided Page 2 of 3 as part of the Build America Bonds program. We have communicated the inequity of such a cut. The general consensus is that Congress will make every effort to avoid an across-the-board sequester of funding as part of the ongoing budget negotiations. These negotiations must be concluded by December 13, 2013. Waters of the U.S.Definitions USEPA transmitted a new proposed rule to redefine which waters are subject to regulation under the Clean Water Act. The proposal is notable for its protection of existing exemptions for POTWs from further regulations. This avoids any need for permit revisions. According USEPA,the rule should be published by year's end. Page 3 of 3