AGENDA
REGULAR
MEETING
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
INDIAN
VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
WEDNESDAY
APRIL
11, 2007
6:30
PM
CIVIC
CENTERCONFERENCE ROOM
a. Possible amendment of SRF application
a. Lift of Hiring Freeze
Standing Committees:
Personnel & Planning
– John Schramel, chair; Brad Smith
1 p.m., first Wednesday of the month
Finance – Mike Yost, chair; Jane Braxton Little
1 p.m., second Tuesday of the month
Ordinance – Jane Braxton Little, chair; Brad Smith
1 p.m., second Wednesday of the month
Public Relations – Judi Yocum, chair; John Schramel
4:30 p.m., second Monday of the month
IVASA – Judi Yocum; Mike Yost
Quarterly
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
INDIAN
VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICE DISTRICT
Held April 11,
2007 at 6:30 p.m.
At the CSD
Conference Room
Greenville, CA
Chairperson Yost called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Clerk Lawson called the roll. Chairperson Yost, Vice-Chairperson Little, and Directors Schramel, Yocum, and Smith answered the roll call. Chairperson Yost then introduced the staff: Leanna Moore, Chief Jim Hamblin, and Jim Urchison. Also present were Brien Walters, David Keller, Tonu Plakk, and Dale Newkirk from UC Davis (via speaker phone).
Director Schramel moved to adopt the agenda, and Director Yocum seconded. All Board members voted Aye and the agenda was adopted as written.
Chairperson Yost opened the meeting to public comment, and pointed out that there is a podium and requested that anyone making a comment do so at the podium. There being no comments from the public, Chairperson Yost moved on to the next item on the agenda.
Director Little reported that she and Chairperson Yost have discussed the possibility of water transfers, and developed additional hydrological data. She also reported that John Shean with Plumas Corporation is working on a grant to fund an engineered feasibility study for a potential hydroelectric plant.
Director Little reported that the Civic Center priority list was discussed with the architects and tasks were given out.
a.
Personnel
Director Schramel reported that he and Director Smith met and discussed the hiring freeze. They also met with Nancy Lund who put in a proposal for a memorial at the park.
b.
Finance
Chairperson Yost reported discussing with the General Manager the alternatives that are being proposed for upgrades to the water treatment system.
c.
IVASA
No report at this time.
d.
Ordinance
No report at this time.
e.
Public Relations
No report at this time.
Chairperson Yost read the letter from Nancy Lund, requesting a picnic table memorial at Greenville Park for her late husband, Dick Lund. The picnic table will be made out of cedar from Indian Valley and built by members of the Greenville high school work –shop. She requested that the picnic table be place near the children’s playground and set in concrete.
Director Little asked if there would be any expense to the district. There would be none.
Chief Hamblin volunteered his help to oversee the project and make sure it is done well.
Director Schramel moved to accept the memorial, and Director Smith seconded. All Board Members voted Aye, and the motion passed.
a.
Possible amendment of SRF application
General Manager Leanna Moore showed a power point presentation on why a new filtration system is needed, what the options are, the pros and cons of each option, and what a membrane system is and how it works. Dale Newkirk from UC Davis was then contacted via speakerphone to join in the discussion and answer any questions. Mr. Newkirk introduced himself stating that he was hired to initiate the preliminary engineering report, and after his review came up with some cost estimates and a recommendation for a membrane filtration plant.
Suzanne Hamar asked if the current filtration system has ever been up and running. Mr. Newkirk stated that the older filter was replaced with a newer filtration unit, and that the existing filter has problems if the turbidity reaches 5.0 NTU or higher. Ms. Hamar commented that $200,000 was spent on a new system two years ago and asked why so much money was spent on a system that is not up to standards. Mr. Newkirk replied that the new system is working better than the older filter, and has showed improvements, however it has had ongoing problems, mainly during the winter months. Ms. Hamar then asked what the cost of replacing the filters every 5 to 10 years would be, and stated her concern for the system only having a 20 –year life. Mr. Newkirk stated that the manufacturer of the membrane system always uses 5 to 10 years replacement, however due to our excellent water quality, the service life of the filter will be prolonged. Mr. Newkirk also stated that 20 years is a standard for mechanical equipment, and that if it is well maintained, will also be prolonged. He pointed out that equipment has to have a service life, but that it is usually very conservative. Ms. Hamar asked what the cost would be. Mr. Newkirk estimated about $1,000/year.
Chairperson Yost asked Jim Urchison if he wanted to comment on the question of how well the current system is working. Mr. Urchison stated that the system runs fine in the summer, but during the winter, due to the stream run-off, it cannot handle the turbidity.
Director Schramel suggested Mr. Newkirk explain why the filtration system has a problem during the winter months. Mr. Newkirk stated that rain falls in the watershed and it stirs up the ground and carries sediment/turbidity to the river. He noticed that a lot of the turbidity is coming down below ground reservoir, but only lasts about 24 hours. Mr. Newkirk commented that if there were ever to be a fire in the watershed, the bared areas would yield high sediment, and that a membrane plant has the capability of dealing with such an issue.
David Keller asked Mr. Newkirk to address the operation maintenance in terms of what needs to be done and what kinds of demands it takes on the systems operator. Mr. Newkirk stated that the demands are less than with other options, because the operator does not have to watch the system so closely since the system takes care of itself. The operator is not adding chemicals or trying to adjust chemicals as in a sand filter system. With the membrane system, every one to two months the operator has to soak the membrane elements in citric acid for a day on a planned basis. This is the key maintenance feature of a membrane system. Mr. Newkirk restated that a sand filter requires great operator skill and attentiveness.
Mr. Keller asked Mr. Newkirk to comment on his estimate of an initial cost. Mr. Newkirk stated that it is difficult to estimate due to the unknown possibility of or lack of competition between contractors.
Suzanne Hamar asked if there has been an update from Walters Engineering on installing wells. Mr. Walters stated that he is looking to summarize what the ground water pool can provide. He also stated that ground water does need treatment, but it is a great backup, especially in the case of a fire. Mr. Walters disagreed with Mr. Newkirk statement that an upgrade to the existing system would not handle a fire as well as a membrane system.
Director Little inquired about grant funding for a roughing plant vs. a membrane plant. Mr. Keller understands that the state of California will offer grant funding for the membrane filtration solution, but they are not convinced that the pressure sand filter will do the job, and they are requiring a study to convince them that the sand filter is acceptable technology to handle the turbidity. The State would require a series of tests to show them that the pressure sand filter works. They would offer a loan to pay for that, but grant funding would not be available to pay for the cost of the tests. The State also requested seeing the pressure sand filter working under real conditions, meaning during the winter.
Director Little pointed out that the opportunity to apply for a grant for this year has passed, therefore, it would be a full calendar year until application for another grant could take place, which would delay construction until 2009.
Jack McLaughlin suggested moving the pipe up to the reservoir/installing a filtration system at the headwater to take the heavier particulates out. Mr. Urchison responded that most of the turbidity comes off of the canyon, not right at the dam. Mr. Newkirk added that with this idea there are environmental issues and uncertainty, and the cost could be very high, and that upgrades to the current system still need to be made.
Mike Despain voiced concern that a slow sand filter will do the same thing as what’s in place now. He asked why the current system was never finished and pointed out the consequences, environmental issues, and cost differences between a membrane plant and fixing the existing system.
There seemed to be discrepancy about the estimated cost between Mr. Walters, Mr. Plakk, and Mr. Newkirk, which is one of the issues in deciding which option to choose.
Mr. Walters stated that the District Health Service approved a roughing filtration system, which would comply with the State, and could be done for well under $1 million, and that the operations maintenance would be about the same as with a membrane plant. He requested the chance to make a response to tonight’s discussion in writing. Mr. Walter’s pointed out that his estimate did not include a building. Director Little asked if Mr. Newkirk’s estimate of $1.5 million did include a building, and it did.
Mr. Plakk pointed out that if the Board goes with the upgrade that they will have to do a pilot program, and Chairperson Yost stated that the funds are not there. Mr. Walters requested addressing the pilot program to his consultants. He stands by his suggestion of the sand filtration system.
Director Little voiced concern that by State standards, a sand filtration system may be in obsolete in the near future. Mr. Walters pointed out that three years ago the district did not follow what was previously recommended. The question of a membrane system becoming obsolete arose. Mr. Newkirk responded that a membrane removes “nine log” of pathogens, whereas a sand filter removes “two log”. He stated that his recommendation is based on the district’s water quality; it’s good water, but it is hard to treat. Mr. Newkirk pointed out that even though the standard for water coming out of the system is .3 NTU, the American Waterworks desired level is .1 NTU. He stated that a sand filter is acceptable, however a membrane is far superior.
Director Yocum asked for Mr. Urchison’s opinion. He stated that he would choose a membrane system, pointing out the easy operations and non-issue of water temperature.
Suzanne Hamar asked about the effect of the macrophytes in the lake. Mr. Newkirk replied that the depth of the lake is a factor, as well as the amount of algae. He stated that the macrophytes in Round Valley are serving a function to remove nutrients, and preventing algae growth.
Mike Despain stated that there is no difference between a sand filtration system and a membrane system when there are surface algae. Mr. Newkirk responded that membranes are more efficient at removing algae, but that there is not an algae problem in Round Valley Lake.
Director Smith voiced concern about the State shutting down sand filtration systems in the next 5 to 20 years. Mr. Newkirk assured that this would not be the case. He discussed turbidity, light reflecting, and particle counting. He restated that the State requests that the treatment process will work.
Mr. Walters read the technical details in the record. He stated that the cheapest option is the roughing filter and that the best technology for the future is the membrane. He questioned if the membrane system has been piloted. Mr. Walters stated that water quality from either plant will be excellent.
Mr. Newkirk does not agree. He states that membrane technology is not subject to turbidity breakthrough, and that sand filtration needs to be proven.
Director Schramel referred to Ms. Hamar’s comment regarding the macrophytes, stating that there is a watersheild during the summer that covers 40% of the lake. Mr. Newkirk commented about cutting down and controlling the weeds. Mr. Schramel responded that with this particular plant, every piece that is cut will take root and re-grow.
Director Little motioned to give Mr. Walters a chance to respond to the comments made during this discussion at a special meeting on April 24th. Director Smith seconded. All Board members voted Aye, and the motion passed for a special meeting on April 24, 2007, at 6:30 pm to make a final decision. Note: Mr. Urchison pointed out that doing a pilot program may not be practical due to unknown winter conditions.
a.
Plumas County Mental Health Lease Agreement
General Manager Leanna Moore reported that not all of the information from the county was available. Therefore, this issue will be tabled until May.
a.
Resolution for Renewal of Credit Line
General Manager Moore reported meeting with officials from Plumas Bank, whom waived the 30-day period. The Board will sign the resolution to reopen the credit line. Chairperson Yost read the resolution. Director Schramel moved to adopt the resolution. Director blank seconded. All Board members voted Aye, and the resolution was passed.
a.
Lift of Hiring Freeze
Director Moore read her report, stating the reasons to lift the hiring freeze. Director Smith asked if the lift would be to hire one person or more. Mrs. Moore stated that it was to hire one person. Director Schramel moved to lift the hiring freeze. Director Little seconded. A roll call vote was taken. All Board members voted Aye, except Director Yocum. The motion passed to lift the hiring freeze with a four to one vote. Jim Urchison stated that he would like to train someone to take his place when he retires in the next two to three years.
a.
Greenville Water
Jim Urchison reported that everything is running good.
b.
Crescent Mills Water
Jim Urchison reported that everything is running good.
c.
Greenville Sanitation
Jim Hamblin reported that everything is running fine. The flows have been down, and at least 50% capacity is left.
d.
Taylorsville Sanitation
Jim Hamblin reported that everything is running fine. Cages for the valves are being built, and finished.
Chief Hamblin thanked all of the fire personnel for making things go so well while he was on vacation. Mr. Hamblin reported that the call volume is up this year, at 1 1/3 calls per day. Mr. Hamblin also reported buying medical equipment with the fundraiser money. There is another person whom may be interested in joining the department. Mr. Hamblin also reported that he understands that the WUE project has been approved.
It was reported that the General Manager’s Report was included in the Board packet. Director Little pointed out that from a financial standpoint, the rate increases are working, and complemented General Manager Moore on her bookkeeping. Director Little also complemented Brien Walters and his staff on putting together the preliminary engineering report in such a short amount of time. Director Smith seconded the complements, and Chairperson Yost agreed.
No report at this time.
There is no old or new business to discuss at this time.
There being no further business to discuss, Director Schramel moved to adjourn the meeting. Director Yocum seconded. Chairperson Yost adjourned the meeting at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anna Lawson
Board Clerk