HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-22-2025 Board of Directors Meeting MinutesORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
MINUTES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JAN UARY 22, 2025
OC6SAN
ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
Board Room
Headquarters
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes January 22, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District was
called to order by Board Chairman Ryan Gallagher on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 6:03
p.m. in the Orange County Sanitation District Headquarters. Director Joyce Ahn delivered the
invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM
The Clerk of the Board declared a quorum present as follows:
PRESENT: Joyce Ahn, Pat Burns, Doug Chaffee, Jon Dumitru, Ryan Gallagher,
Glenn Grandis, Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, Stephanie Klopfenstein,
Lisa Landau, Carlos Leon, Tom Lindsey, Melinda Liu, Christine
Marick, Jose Medrano, Scott Minikus, Jordan Nefulda, Andrew
Nguyen, Robert Ooten, David Shawver, Jamie Valencia, Chad
Wanke, Erik Weigand, John Withers, Vikesh Patel (Alternate) and
Jordan Wu (Alternate)
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Rob Thompson, General Manager; Lorenzo Tyner, Assistant General
Manager; Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications; Mike Dorman, Director of
Engineering; Laura Maravilla, Director of Human Resources; Riaz Moinuddin, Director of
Operations and Maintenance; Wally Ritchie, Director of Finance; Lan Wiborg, Director of
Environmental Services; Kelly Lore, Clerk of the Board; Mo Abiodun; Yiping Cao; Sam Choi;
Daisy Covarrubias; Raul Cuellar; Don Cutler; Martin Dix; Justin Fenton; Al Garcia; Mark
Kawamoto; Tina Knapp; Tom Meregillano; Rob Michaels; Nick Oswald; Aldwin Ramirez;
Valerie Ratto; Thomas Vu; Kevin Work; and Ruth Zintzun were present in the Board Room .
Don Stokes was present telephonically.
OTHERS PRESENT: Scott Smith, General Counsel; Rich Maher, KDM Meridian; Danielle
Dychter, Michael Sullivan & Associates; Phil Lem, Payne & Fears LLP; Alternate Director Ben
Wong, City of Seal Beach; Ken Seiff, Seal Beach resident; Mark Mendoza and Brett Brown,
Paragon Partners; and David Woolley, D. Woolley & Associates, were present in the Board
Room.
1. APPOINTMENTS TO THE ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT 2024-3907
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Originator: Kelly Lore
Clerk of the Board Kelly Lore provided a late communication regarding Item No. 1.
WITHOUT OBJECTION ACTION TAKEN TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE FOLLOWING:
Page 1 of 8
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes January 22, 2025
Receive and file minute excerpts of member agencies relating to appointments to the
Orange County Sanitation District Board of Directors:
Agency
City of Buena Park
City of Cypress
City of Fullerton
City of Garden Grove
City of Irvine
City of Newport Beach
City of Orange
City of Placentia
City of Seal Beach
City of Stanton
City of Tustin
City of Brea
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Director
Joyce Ahn
Scott Minikus
Jamie Valencia
Stephanie Klopfenstein
Melinda Liu
Erik Weigand
Jon Dumitru
Chad Wanke
Lisa Landau
David Shawver
Ryan Gallagher
Christine Marick
Alternate Director
Lamiya Hoque
Bonnie Peat
Shana Charles
Cindy Ngoc Tran
Kathleen Treseder
Michelle Barto
John Gyllenhammer
Ward Smith
Ben Wong
John D. Warren
Austin Lumbard
Cecilia Hupp
Ken Seiff, Seal Beach resident, commented on an upcoming Los Angeles County Sanitation
Districts' annexation of the Haynes Generation Station; and stated that this project may
include an area within OC San. Chair Gallagher stated that staff would look into this and
would respond if necessary.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
2. EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS
Originator: Kelly Lore
Chair Gallagher recognized the following for their service at OC San:
25-year Service Awards
Jay Kaura, Contracts Administrator - Division 230
Steve Thornburg, Maintenance Supervisor - Division 870
20-year Service Awards
Thys DeVries, Human Resources Manager - Division 520
Cheryl Scott, Administrative Assistant - Division 340
REPORTS:
2025-4045
Chair Gallagher announced that all Director and Alternate Directors would receive talking
points regarding OC San activities to use while reporting out to councils, boards, and
community groups.
Chair Gallagher reported that the Board Orientation process began in early January and will
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes January 22, 2025
continue with the second session on Wednesday, February 19 at 5pm. He also stated that in
March, the Operations and Administration committees will start early at 4 p.m., to allow for
tours of Plant No. 1. He identified March as the beginning of the Strategic Planning process
and noted Special Board Meetings on the third Wednesday of both March and April for this
process.
Chair Gallagher reminded Directors of the informational items provided in their blue books
and described the monthly attendance sheet process. He also reminded everyone to turn on
microphones when speaking.
General Manager Rob Thompson reported on his recent presentation at the ACC-OC Newly
Elected Council Member Orientation. He further reported that he, Chair Gallagher, Board
Vice -Chair Jon Dumitru, and Director of Communications Jennifer Cabral, would be attending
the CASA Winter Conference and the NACWA awards dinner to receive two National
Environmental Achievement Awards.
Mr. Thompson reported that the Wastewater 101 Citizens Academy will begin another
session in March. He stated that the free Academy offers a behind -the -scenes look at how
OC San operates one of the largest resource recovery facilities in the country. The program
consists of four sessions, a facility tour, and concludes with a graduation at a board meeting.
Mr. Thompson introduced Director of Operations Riaz Moinuddin who introduced Nick
Oswald, who has been promoted to Maintenance Manager for the Collections Division.
Mr. Thompson requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of former OC San Board
Chairwoman Shirley McCracken
General Counsel Scott Smith report that a Settlement Agreement between OHLA USA, Inc.
formerly known as OHL USA, Inc. and OC San regarding Project 2-72B and 2-72C. had been
executed on December 27, 2024. A copy of the agreement is on file with the Clerk of the
Board.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2025-4024
Originator: Kelly Lore
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:
Approve minutes of the Regular meeting of the Board of Directors held December 18,
2024.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes January 22, 2025
AYES: Joyce Ahn, Pat Burns, Doug Chaffee, Jon Dumitru, Ryan Gallagher,
Glenn Grandis, Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, Stephanie Klopfenstein,
Lisa Landau, Carlos Leon, Tom Lindsey, Melinda Liu, Christine
Marick, Jose Medrano, Scott Minikus, Jordan Nefulda, Andrew
Nguyen, Robert Ooten, David Shawver, Jamie Valencia, Chad
Wanke, John Withers, Vikesh Patel (Alternate) and Jordan Wu
(Alternate)
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTENTIONS: Erik Weigand
RECEIVE AND FILE:
4. COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 2025-4030
Originator: Kelly Lore
WITHOUT OBJECTION ACTION TAKEN TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE FOLLOWING:
A. Minutes of the GWRS Steering Committee Meeting held October 14, 2024
B. Minutes of the Steering Committee Meeting held November 20, 2024
5. REPORT OF THE INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS FOR THE MONTH 2O24-3797
OF DECEMBER 2024
Originator: Wally Ritchie
WITHOUT OBJECTION ACTION TAKEN TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE FOLLOWING:
Report of the Investment Transactions for the month of December 2024.
OPERATIONS COMMITTEE:
None.
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
None.
STEERING COMMITTEE:
6. GENERAL MANAGER'S FY 2024-2025 WORK PLAN MID -YEAR 2025-4061
UPDATE
Originator: Rob Thompson
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes January 22, 2025
Receive and file the General Manager's FY 2024-2025 Work Plan Mid -Year Update.
AYES: Joyce Ahn, Pat Burns, Doug Chaffee, Jon Dumitru, Ryan Gallagher,
Glenn Grandis, Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, Stephanie Klopfenstein,
Lisa Landau, Carlos Leon, Tom Lindsey, Melinda Liu, Christine
Marick, Jose Medrano, Scott Minikus, Jordan Nefulda, Andrew
Nguyen, Robert Ooten, David Shawver, Jamie Valencia, Chad
Wanke, Erik Weigand, John Withers, Vikesh Patel (Alternate) and
Jordan Wu (Alternate)
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
NON -CONSENT:
7. EASEMENT EVALUATION SERVICES 2024-3984
Originator: Lorenzo Tyner
Assistant General Manager Lorenzo Tyner introduced Director of Finance Wally Ritchie
who provided an overview of the item and responded to questions regarding the work
allocation of the contracts.
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:
A. Approve aaggregate Professional Consultant Services Agreements to Paragon
Partners Consultants, Inc.; Michael Baker International, Inc.; and D. Woolley &
Associates, Inc. to provide assessments and documentation of all OC San
easements and full surveys for selected easements, Specification No.
CS-2024-639BD, for a total amount not to exceed $2,700,000; and
B. Approve a contingency of $540,000 (20%) to address unknown field conditions.
AYES: Joyce Ahn, Pat Burns, Doug Chaffee, Jon Dumitru, Ryan Gallagher,
Glenn Grandis, Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, Stephanie Klopfenstein,
Lisa Landau, Carlos Leon, Tom Lindsey, Melinda Liu, Christine
Marick, Jose Medrano, Scott Minikus, Jordan Nefulda, Andrew
Nguyen, Robert Ooten, David Shawver, Jamie Valencia, Chad
Wanke, Erik Weigand, John Withers, Vikesh Patel (Alternate) and
Jordan Wu (Alternate)
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes January 22, 2025
8. CONSIDERATION OF BUDGET ASSUMPTIONS AND BUDGET 2024-3817
CALENDAR FOR PREPARATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
BUDGET UPDATE
Originator: Wally Ritchie
Mr. Ritchie introduced Finance Manager Ruth Zintzun who provided a PowerPoint
presentation regarding the FY 2025-26 Budget Assumptions. The presentation
included an overview of budget development, revenue, operating expenses, staffing,
the Capital Improvement Program, debt financing, the budget summary, and key
meeting dates.
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:
Approve the FY 2025-26 budget assumptions and calendar. Direct staff to incorporate
these parameters in the preparation of the FY 2025-26 budget update.
AYES: Joyce Ahn, Pat Burns, Doug Chaffee, Jon Dumitru, Ryan Gallagher,
Glenn Grandis, Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, Stephanie Klopfenstein,
Lisa Landau, Carlos Leon, Tom Lindsey, Melinda Liu, Christine
Marick, Jose Medrano, Scott Minikus, Jordan Nefulda, Andrew
Nguyen, Robert Ooten, David Shawver, Jamie Valencia, Chad
Wanke, Erik Weigand, John Withers, Vikesh Patel (Alternate) and
Jordan Wu (Alternate)
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
INFORMATION ITEMS:
None.
AB 1234 DISCLOSURE REPORTS:
Chair Gallagher and Directors Chad Wanke, Pat Burns, Bob Ooten, and Dave Shawver
provided reports on their recent attendance at various Regional Board Meetings.
Directors Bob Ooten and John Withers departed the meeting prior to Closed Session.
CLOSED SESSION:
CONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS
54956.9(d)(2), 54956.8, & 54956.9(d)(1).
The Board convened in closed session at 6:38 p.m. Confidential minutes of the Closed
Sessions have been prepared in accordance with the above Government Code Sections and
are maintained by the Clerk of the Board in the Official Book of Confidential Minutes of Board
and Committee Closed Session meetings.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes January 22, 2025
CS-1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE ANTICIPATED 2025-4065
LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(2)
CONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION:
Number of Potential Cases: (1)
Significant exposure to litigation: Claim of Glenn Suchor.
A copy of this claim is on file with the Clerk of the Board and available for public
inspection.
CS-2 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS - 2025-4066
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8
CONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION:
Property: 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA - APN No.156-163-15
Agency negotiators: General Manager Rob Thompson, Assistant General Manager
Lorenzo Tyner, and Director of Finance Wally Ritchie.
Negotiating parties: Chandler Real Properties
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
CS-3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE EXISTING LITIGATION - 2025-4067
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
CONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION:
Number of Cases: 2
1. Jose Salcido, Workers' Compensation Claim, Workers Compensation Appeals
Board, Case No. ADJ 14774129.
2. David Rodriguez, Workers' Compensation Claim, Workers Compensation
Appeals Board, Case No. ADJ 11047084 & ADJ 12918127.
RECONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION.
The Board reconvened in regular session at 6:57 p.m.
CONSIDERATION OF ACTION, IF ANY, ON MATTERS CONSIDERED IN CLOSED
SESSION:
General Counsel Scott Smith stated that the Board voted unanimously in Closed Session
Item No. CS-1 to deny the claim of Glenn Suchor.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes January 22, 2025
OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF
ANY:
None.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS INITIATED ITEMS FOR A FUTURE MEETING:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 6:59 p.m., Chair Gallagher adjourned the meeting until the Special Meeting of the Board of
Directors on February 19, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. in memory of former OC San Board Chairwoman
Shirley McCracken.
Submitted by:
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