July 29, 1998

7:30 p.m.

 

            The Board of Directors of the San Benito County Water District convened in regular session. All members of the Board were present together with District Manager, John S. Gregg, District Counsel, David E. Pipal, Operation and Maintenance Supervisor, Cliff Thatcher, Administrative Services Officer, Janet L. Torres and members of the general public.

a.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

            President Swanson asked all to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

b.       APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

            Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, the agenda was approved as presented.

c.       PUBLIC INPUT:

            The public comment period was opened and closed by President Swanson hearing no comment.

1-3.   APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR JUNE 24, 1998-REGULAR MEETING; APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 9, 1998-SPECIAL MEETING AND ALLOWANCE OF CLAIMS:

            President Swanson asked if there were any items on the consent calendar that need to be pulled for discussion. Hearing no request, President Swanson asked for a motion. Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, the consent agenda was approved as presented.

4.       RECEIVE AND DISCUSS HOWARD W. HARRIS RETIREMENT AS "OFFICIAL TECHNICIAL ADVISOR":

            President Swanson instructed the District Manager to present to the Board a Resolution acknowledging Howard W. Harris for his contribution to the District.

5.       CONSIDER RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION 88-04 AND ESTABLISHING POLICY REGARDING DISTRIBUTION EXTENSION AND/OR MODIFICATION FOR PARCELS IMPACTED BY THE SUBDIVISION OF LAND WITHIN THE SAN FELIPE PROJECT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM SERVICE AREA IN ZONE 6:

            District Manager Gregg explained the proposed Resolution clarified and modified the language in Resolution 88-04. He stated the modifications involved downsizing meters when property is subdivided. He stated there is a need to have a deferred installation agreement as a condition to all approved subdivisions. The condition would need to be met prior to recordation of the final map on all subdivisions, which is monitored by the Planning Department.

            District Counsel Pipal stated that prior to adoption of the Resolution, #4 should read ‘. . . with San Benito County to the maximum extent practical.’

            Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, Resolution No. 98-14 was adopted with the suggested change.

6.       CONSIDER RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING STANDARDS FOR DELIVERY METERS ON PARCELS OF TWENTY ACRES OR SMALLER:

            District Manager Gregg stated this Resolution was to revise the District’s meter standards for parcels of twenty acres or less. He stated the objective was to protect the District’s revenue stream by providing appropriate sized meters with accuracy over the flow range reasonably anticipated for five acre parcels.

            Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, Resolution No. 98-15 was adopted.

7.       REPORT/DISCUSSION - 1998 SAN BENITO RIVER SYSTEM OPERATION:

            District Manager Gregg presented and reviewed overhead transparencies on the operating objectives for the San Benito River System. District Manager Gregg stated with the District’s instrumentation, the District is able to get hourly measurements on Hernandez, Paicines and San Justo Reservoirs. He stated with the Board’s approval he would like to continue meeting with Granite Rock and discuss channeling percolation for groundwater study. He stated information would be brought back to the Board on the progress.

8.       REPORT/DISCUSSION/DIRECTION TO STAFF - HOLLISTER CONDUIT REPAIRS:

            District Manager Gregg reviewed the actions and costs necessary for the repairs to the Hollister Conduit. He stated the schedule has been reviewed by the individuals that will actually be doing the repairs and they are committed to or prepared to be committed to the completion date of November, 1998. District Manager Gregg stated CEQA documentation needs to be considered by the Board at a special meeting in August. August 11th at 7:30 p.m. was set by the Board for the Special Meeting. District Manager Gregg stated work would be authorized in phases. He stated the Board previously authorized $30,000 and another $94,000 was needed to complete the work. Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried the Board authorized a total of $124,000 for the Hollister Conduit Repairs.

9.       REPORT/DISCUSSION/DIRECTION TO STAFF - EAST OF FAIRVIEW WATER SUPPLY STUDY:

            District Manager Gregg stated issues were raised regarding Zone 6 as the only water source for East of Fairview development. He stated the developer is looking into working with Sunnyslope County Water and San Benito County Water District regarding locating another water source in addition to Zone 6 water. He requested and was granted authorization to draw up a scope of work that will be brought back to the Board for approval.

10.     COMMITTEE REPORTS:

          A)      Expansion Committee (Perry/Swanson) The Expansion Committee did not meet, so there is nothing to report.

            B)      Groundwater Committee (Perry/Gonzales) The Groundwater Committee is working towards scheduling a meeting. Tentatively on August 6th they will be meeting to form a Water Resources Association.

            C)      Investment Committee (Gonzales/Buzzetta) Director Gonzales reported the District’s investments have been reviewed and discussed. He stated there was nothing to report, the investments seem to be secure. Director Buzzetta stated the investments meet the test of liquidity and has asked for an update on the investment study that is due in August. District Manager Gregg stated a draft report, once received, will be reviewed by the Investment Committee and brought before the Board in a Special Meeting in September.

11.     DISTRICT MANAGER/ENGINEER’S REPORT:

          A)      Legislative Activities:

                   1)      District Act: District Counsel Pipal reported the bill was signed into law on July 28, 1998, and he was pleased with Assemblyman Frusetta’s efforts. He stated the District will be getting the final in the mail and the effective date will probably be January, 1999.

                        2)      Pajaro River Flood Prevention Authority: District Manager Gregg stated the bill is likely to pass the Senate. He stated this bill will bring a working group together between county agencies.

            B)      Zone 6 Operations: District Manager Gregg reported the district is able to keep the reservoir relatively full. He added the district will be sending out the next contract amendments and can look at marketing additional water.

            C)      Water Conservation and Public Education/Information Program: District Manager Gregg reported staff is moving toward the next issue of the newsletter. He stated the format has been changed and an article on the membrane filtration plant will be included in the newsletter along with an update on well drilling and the water conservation survey results. He reported staff will be participating in the street fair on August 15, 1998.

            President Swanson requested the Directors receive the letter District Manager Gregg wrote.

            Director Rupert asked if the membrane filtration plant was up and running. Operation and Maintenance Supervisor Thatcher stated they have had problems with one of the units but the U. S. Filter is still operating and working fine. Director Rupert asked if there were plans for public presentation. District Manager Gregg stated members of the press have had a presentation along with two of the Directors. He stated he is looking at arranging a presentation for local elected public officials.

            The vote of each member of the Board on preceding matters was as follows, unless otherwise stated:

            AYES:               DIRECTORS:   Rupert, Gonzales, Buzzetta, Perry, Swanson

            NOES:              DIRECTORS:   None

            ABSENT:          DIRECTORS:   None

            The Board adjourned at 8:50 p.m. to a Special Meeting to be held on August 11, 1998 at 7:30 p.m., 30 Mansfield Road, Hollister, California.

 

 

                                                                        ___________________________________

                                                                        Robert M. Swanson

                                                                        President

ATTEST: ___________________________

             Janet L. Torres

             Administrative Services Officer