HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-26-2026 Board Meeting MinutesORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
MINUTES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AUGUST 26, 2026
Headquarters - Board Room
18480 Bandilier Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-7433
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes August 26, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District was
called to order by Board Chairman Jon Dumitru on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 6:01 p.m.
in the Orange County Sanitation District Headquarters. Vice-Chairwoman Christine Marick
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:Debbie Baker, Ted Bui, Pat Burns, Doug Chaffee, Jon Dumitru, Ryan
Gallagher, Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, Stephanie Klopfenstein, Lisa
Landau, Carlos Leon, Tom Lindsey, Melinda Liu, Christine Marick,
Jose Medrano, Robert Ooten, Bonnie Peat, David Shawver, Jamie
Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand, Jordan Wu, Tyler Diep
(Alternate), Tanya Doby (Alternate) and Dan Ferons (Alternate)
ABSENT:Joyce Ahn
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; Jackie Castro; Sam
Choi; Daisy Covarrubias; Raul Cuellar; Don Cutler; Andy DaSilva; Martin Dix; Justin Fenton;
Al Garcia; David Haug; Mark Kawamoto; Tom Meregillano; Rob Michaels; Andrew Nguyen;
Valerie Ratto; Bob Tran; Thomas Vu; Kevin Work; Sammady Yi; and Ruth Zintzun were
present in the Board Room.
OTHERS PRESENT: Scott Smith, General Counsel; and Danielle Dychter, Special Counsel,
Michael Sullivan & Associates LLP were present in the Board Room. Michael Miller was
present virtually.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
1.EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS 2026-5007
Originator: Kelly Lore
20-year Service Award
Andy DaSilva, Engineer - Division 760
Page 1 of 8
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes August 26, 2026
2.RECOGNITION OF FORMER BOARD CHAIRMAN JOHN WITHERS 2026-5049
Originator: Kelly Lore
Item pulled from consideration.
The Board of Directors and Staff will recognize former Board Chairman John Withers
for his 17 years of service on Orange County Sanitation District’s Board of Directors.
REPORTS:
Chair Dumitru reminded the Directors of the upcoming Rig Fishing cruise days on September
8 & 10 aboard OC San’s ocean monitoring vessel the Nerissa. He also reminded the
Directors of the State of OC San being held on Friday, September 18, 2026 at OC San
Headquarters from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.
Chair Dumitru reported that the Directors and Alternate Directors would receive talking points
highlighting OC San activities.
Chair Dumitru reported that he and Vice Chair Marick attended the Volunteer Incentive
Program luncheon which recognized over 50 employees who volunteer their time throughout
the year providing tours and participating in community events.
Chair Dumitru announced that he would adjourn the Board meeting in memory of Former
Board Chairwoman Jan Debay and that Director Erik Weigand would provide comment prior
to adjournment.
General Manager Rob Thompson announced that OC San’s Administrative offices would be
closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.
Mr. Thompson reported on a recent power outage at Plant No. 2 caused by a failed electrical
component at a Southern California Edison’s (SCE) substation. This outage caused the
CenGen engines to go offline, requiring Plant No. 2 to operate on diesel-powered backup
generators.
Mr. Thompson stated that during the outage, Operations and Maintenance teams
collaborated with SCE to restore power at Plant No. 2 and normal operations resumed within
one day. Critical treatment processes remained functional, ensuring compliance with all
discharge permit requirements. The disruption demonstrated the effectiveness of OC San ’s
investments in resilient power systems and emergency preparedness, and staff responded
swiftly to maintain safe and effective plant operations.
Mr. Thompson announced that since the last Board Meeting, he attended the CASA Annual
Conference; and hosted staff from City of Los Angeles Sanitation and Department of Water
and Power.
Page 2 of 8
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes August 26, 2026
PUBLIC HEARING:
3.COLLECTION OF SEWER SERVICE CHARGES VIA THE TAX ROLL 2025-4482
Originator: Wally Ritchie
AYES:Debbie Baker, Ted Bui, Pat Burns, Doug Chaffee, Jon Dumitru, Ryan
Gallagher, Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, Stephanie Klopfenstein, Lisa
Landau, Carlos Leon, Tom Lindsey, Melinda Liu, Christine Marick,
Jose Medrano, Robert Ooten, Bonnie Peat, David Shawver, Jamie
Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand, Jordan Wu, Tyler Diep
(Alternate), Tanya Doby (Alternate) and Dan Ferons (Alternate)
Page 3 of 8
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes August 26, 2026
NOES:None
ABSENT:Joyce Ahn
ABSTENTIONS:None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2026-4711
Originator: Kelly Lore
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:
Approve minutes of the Regular meeting of the Board of Directors held July 22, 2026.
AYES:Debbie Baker, Ted Bui, Pat Burns, Doug Chaffee, Jon Dumitru, Ryan
Gallagher, Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, Stephanie Klopfenstein, Lisa
Landau, Carlos Leon, Tom Lindsey, Melinda Liu, Christine Marick,
Jose Medrano, Robert Ooten, Bonnie Peat, David Shawver, Jamie
Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand, Jordan Wu, Tyler Diep
(Alternate), Tanya Doby (Alternate) and Dan Ferons (Alternate)
NOES:None
ABSENT:Joyce Ahn
ABSTENTIONS:None
5.TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER ENDED
JUNE 30, 2026
2026-4827
Originator: Wally Ritchie
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:
Receive and file the Orange County Sanitation District Fourth Quarter Treasurer’s
Report for the period ended June 30, 2026.
AYES:Debbie Baker, Ted Bui, Pat Burns, Doug Chaffee, Jon Dumitru, Ryan
Gallagher, Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, Stephanie Klopfenstein, Lisa
Landau, Carlos Leon, Tom Lindsey, Melinda Liu, Christine Marick,
Jose Medrano, Robert Ooten, Bonnie Peat, David Shawver, Jamie
Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand, Jordan Wu, Tyler Diep
(Alternate), Tanya Doby (Alternate) and Dan Ferons (Alternate)
NOES:None
ABSENT:Joyce Ahn
ABSTENTIONS:None
6.GENERAL MANAGER APPROVED PURCHASES AND ADDITIONS
TO THE PRE-APPROVED OEM SOLE SOURCE LIST
2026-5033
Originator: Wally Ritchie
Page 4 of 8
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes August 26, 2026
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:
A. Receive and file Orange County Sanitation District purchases made under the
General Manager’s authority for the period of April 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026;
and
B. Approve the following additions to the pre-approved Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEM) Sole Source List:
·ALTRONIC - CenGen Engine Ignition Subsystem Components
·AWARDCO - Safety Incentive Program
·VERTEX, INC. - Payroll Software Services
AYES:Debbie Baker, Ted Bui, Pat Burns, Doug Chaffee, Jon Dumitru, Ryan
Gallagher, Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, Stephanie Klopfenstein, Lisa
Landau, Carlos Leon, Tom Lindsey, Melinda Liu, Christine Marick,
Jose Medrano, Robert Ooten, Bonnie Peat, David Shawver, Jamie
Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand, Jordan Wu, Tyler Diep
(Alternate), Tanya Doby (Alternate) and Dan Ferons (Alternate)
NOES:None
ABSENT:Joyce Ahn
ABSTENTIONS:None
7.RESOLUTION NO. OC SAN 26-13 COMMENDING FORMER BOARD
CHAIRMAN JOHN WITHERS
2026-5050
Originator: Kelly Lore
MOVED, SECONDED, AND DULY CARRIED TO:
Adopt Resolution No. OC SAN 26-13, titled: “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of
the Orange County Sanitation District commending John Withers for his outstanding
contributions and dedication to public service on the Orange County Sanitation
District’s Board of Directors”.
AYES:Debbie Baker, Ted Bui, Pat Burns, Doug Chaffee, Jon Dumitru, Ryan
Gallagher, Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, Stephanie Klopfenstein, Lisa
Landau, Carlos Leon, Tom Lindsey, Melinda Liu, Christine Marick,
Jose Medrano, Robert Ooten, Bonnie Peat, David Shawver, Jamie
Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand, Jordan Wu, Tyler Diep
(Alternate), Tanya Doby (Alternate) and Dan Ferons (Alternate)
NOES:None
ABSENT:Joyce Ahn
ABSTENTIONS:None
Page 5 of 8
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes August 26, 2026
RECEIVE AND FILE:
8.COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 2026-4687
Originator: Kelly Lore
WITHOUT OBJECTION ACTION TAKEN TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE FOLLOWING:
Minutes of the Steering Committee Meeting held June 24, 2026.
9.REPORT OF THE INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS FOR THE MONTH
OF JULY 2026
2026-4822
Originator: Wally Ritchie
WITHOUT OBJECTION ACTION TAKEN TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE FOLLOWING:
Report of the Investment Transactions for the month of July 2026.
OPERATIONS COMMITTEE:
None.
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
None.
STEERING COMMITTEE:
None.
NON-CONSENT:
10.FY 2025-26 BUDGET AMENDMENT 2026-5064
Originator: Wally Ritchie
Page 6 of 8
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes August 26, 2026
Approve a budget increase of $27,900,000 for FY 2025-26, for a total budget as
follows:
$FY 2025-26
Net Operating $260,365,399
Self-Insurance $6,745,565
Net Capital Improvement Program $345,859,620
Debt/COP Service $60,431,104
Intra-District Joint Equity Purchase/Sale (1)$3,500,000
Total $676,901,688
(1) Cash to/from Revenue Area 14 (RA14) in exchange for capital assets to/from
Consolidated Revenue Area 15 (RA15)
AYES:Debbie Baker, Ted Bui, Pat Burns, Doug Chaffee, Jon Dumitru, Ryan
Gallagher, Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, Stephanie Klopfenstein, Lisa
Landau, Carlos Leon, Tom Lindsey, Melinda Liu, Christine Marick,
Jose Medrano, Robert Ooten, Bonnie Peat, David Shawver, Jamie
Valencia, Chad Wanke, Erik Weigand, Jordan Wu, Tyler Diep
(Alternate), Tanya Doby (Alternate) and Dan Ferons (Alternate)
NOES:None
ABSENT:Joyce Ahn
ABSTENTIONS:None
INFORMATION ITEMS:
None.
AB 1234 DISCLOSURE REPORTS:
Director Dave Shawver provided a report on his recent attendance at the OCCOG meeting.
CLOSED SESSION:
The Board convened in closed session at 6:26 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.
CS-1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL RE EXISTING LITIGATION -
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
2026-5065
CONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION:
Page 7 of 8
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Minutes August 26, 2026
Number of Cases: 1
Emmanuel Rios v. Orange County Sanitation District, Workers’ Compensation Claim,
Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, Case No. ADJ20936106.
RECONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION.
The Board reconvened in regular session at 6:31 p.m.
CONSIDERATION OF ACTION, IF ANY, ON MATTERS CONSIDERED IN CLOSED
SESSION:
General Counsel Scott Smith stated there was no reportable action.
OTHER BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS, IF
ANY:
Director Erik Weigand shared thoughtful memories and background in honor of former Board
Chairwoman Jan Debay, whose recently passed away. His remarks reflected the lasting
impact Jan Debay made during her leadership and the profound sense of loss felt by all who
knew her.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS INITIATED ITEMS FOR A FUTURE MEETING:
None.
ADJOURNMENT
At 6:34 p.m., Chair Dumitru adjourned the meeting until the next Special Meeting of the Board
of Directors to be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. in memory of
former Board Chairwoman Jan Debay.
Submitted by:
__________________
Kelly A. Lore, MMC
Clerk of the Board
Page 8 of 8