July 31, 2002

7:30 p.m.

 

The Board of Directors of the San Benito County Water District convened in Regular Session.  Directors Douglas Keck, Bob Swanson, Ken Perry, John Tobias, and James DeLaCruz were present together with District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg, District Counsel Peter Spurzem, Deputy District Engineer Jeff Cattaneo, Operations and Maintenance Supervisor Clifford Thatcher and Administrative Services Officer Janet L. Miller.

 

a.       Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

          President Keck called the meeting to order and let the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

The Board adjourned into Executive Session on the following matters.

 

b.       Executive Session:                   Conference with Labor Negotiator

          Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.8

          Agency Negotiator:                  District Manager/Engineer

          Field and Office Employee Unit:        SEIU/Local 817

 

c.       Executive Session:                   Conference with Legal Counsel

          Pending Litigation (Government Code Section 54956.9)

 

The Board resumed Regular Session and President Keck reported no action was taken during Executive Session.

 

d.       Approval of Agenda

          Upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried the Agenda was approved as submitted.

 

e.       Public Input:  Members of the Public are Invited to Speak on any Matter not on the Agenda.

          President Keck opened the Public Input portion of the meeting.  Greig Bryan, SBCWD employee, stated he wanted fair negotiations, equality to all employees; Mike Matulich, SBCWD employee, stated he wanted 2% at 55 retirement to start immediately; Bob Smith, SBCWD employee, stated he has worked for the Water District for 14 years and thinks wages should be equal to surrounding county agencies and he was interested in a 2% at 55 retirement; Ray Reynoso, SBCWD employee, stated he wants a fair contract, there are two sides to every story and he wants a fair share; Bill Caporgno, SBCWD employee, stated he was interested in the District contributing more to the health insurance by covering the increases each year.  John Vellardita, SEIU/Local 817 Representative, stated he has personally negotiated 4 contracts and has kept good relationships in bargaining.  He stated he was instrumental in finding affordable health insurance and developing day care in Hollister.  He stated the employee group has rejected the District contract and is requesting a mediator assist in the negotiations.  He stated he will not be threatened by law firms.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:       

 

1.       Approval of Minutes for:          June 26, 2002 – Regular Meeting

                                                July 10, 2002 – Special Meeting

2.                 Allowance of Claims

3.       Acceptance of Quarterly Investment Report – Quarter ending June 30, 2002

4.       Consider Resolution Amending the Standard Model Conflict of Interest Code for the San Benito County Water District

 

          Upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried the Consent Agenda was approved adopting Resolution No. 2002-13, a Resolution Amending the Standard Model Conflict of Interest Code for the San Benito County Water District.

 

REGULAR AGENDA:

 

5.       Authorization to issue P. O. to Todd Engineers for exploration well at San Benito Well Field in an amount not to exceed $65,000.

 

          District Manager/Engineer Gregg reported the proposed well would be a long-term groundwater monitoring site with a submersible pump.

 

Upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously passed authorization was given to issue a Purchase Order not to exceed $65,000.

 

6.       Resolution of Intention to Undertake Zone 6 Project(s); San Juan Valley Vegetable Processing Water Supply, Wash Water Recovery and Sanitary Wastewater Disposal.

 

          District Manager/Engineer Gregg stated this would impact the lower portion of San Juan Valley.  He stated rates and charges would support the project.  He stated the cost to the District would be minimal and the District would own the facilities.

 

Upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously passed a committee will be formed (Perry and Swanson) and the matter was tabled until the next Regular Board Meeting.

 

7.       Acceptance of Water Resources Association of San Benito County Resolution 2002-02, Designation of Lead Agency and Responsible Agencies for the Preparation of the Groundwater Management Plan Update PEIR

 

          District Manager/Engineer Gregg stated he is requesting the Board move to be the lead agency and the remaining agencies have the responsibility to advise.  He stated there would be no additional costs.

 

          Upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously passed, it was moved that San Benito County Water District be the lead agency.

 

8.       Report on Hernandez Intake Modifications

 

          Deputy District Engineer Cattaneo reported on the progress of the modifications to Hernandez Intake.  He stated a mitigated Negative Declaration needs to be filed and he is checking with the Army Corp of Engineers whether or not we need a 404 Permit.

 

9.       Report on San Juan Bautista Well #1

 

          Deputy District Engineer Cattaneo reported that Well #1 became operational producing 450-475 gpm 24 hours per day.  He stated Well #1 is the primary well and the backup well is Well #2.

 

10.     Report on Hollister Area Water Treatment Plants

 

          District Manager/Engineer Gregg stated there was not a lot to report.  He stated it would possibly be on line in October but at this time there is no definite start up date. 

 

11.     Committee Reports:

a)       Audit and Budget Committee (Swanson/DeLaCruz) – Information on the new Claims Report.

 

b)       Investment Committee (Keck/Tobias) – Nothing to report.

 

c)       Personnel Committee (DeLaCruz/Perry) – Negotiations are moving forward.

 

12.     District Manager/Engineer’s Report:         

a)       San Benito River Operations – Staff has calculated how much water is needed in the Thomas Road area and has adjusted the flow.

b)       Harmony Hills Water System – Met with Department of Health Services, General Counsel and Staff.  Have an interim plan, need to secure state monies and will be meeting with ad hoc Committee.

c)       San Luis Low Point Project – Letter was distributed from Santa Clara Valley Water District.  Project Manager to speak to Board at next meeting.

          d)       Groundwater Monitoring Grant (AB303) – Subject to conditions, intention of state to provide a grant for up to $200,000.

 

The vote of the Board was as follows, unless otherwise stated:

 

AYES:                                       DIRECTORS:                                                          Perry, Tobias, DeLaCruz, Swanson, Keck

NOES:                   DIRECTORS:                   None

ABSENT:      DIRECTORS:                   None

 

          The Board adjourned to a Regular Meeting to be held on August 28, 2002 at 7:30 p.m., 30 Mansfield Road, Hollister, California.

 

 

Minutes were approved at the August 28, 2002 Regular Board Meeting by the presiding Board Member:

 

 

_____________________________________

Douglas Keck

President of the Board

ATTEST:       ______________________________

                   Janet L. Miller

                                              Administrative Services Officer