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BOARD MEETING MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING
SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2010

A.    CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

President Baskin called the Regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Stinson Beach County Water District to order on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 9:30 a.m., at the Stinson Beach County Water District office, located at 3785 Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach, CA 94970.

Directors present:
Lawrence Baskin, President
Scott Tye, Vice President
Barbara Boucke, Director
Jim Zell, Director

Directors absent:
Elizabeth Sapanai, Director

General Manager present:
Ed Schmidt

Staff present:
Denise Badstubner - Administrative Asst.

B.    PUBLIC EXPRESSION

None.

C.    SETTING OF AGENDA

Director Zell moved to adopt the agenda as set. Director Boucke seconded the motion. The agenda was adopted as set.

D.    GENERAL BUSINESS

  1. Discussion and possible direction to staff regarding; a Water Use Charge Reduction Request from Mr. Howard Spindler for property located at 103 Seadrift Road, Acct# 7750.
    The General Manager informed the Board that he was unable to grant any kind of request for a "Water Use Charge Reduction" to Mr. Spindler, because the water loss was caused by a hose which was left unattended. Mr. Spindler is here to appeal to the Board for a "Water Use Charge Reduction".
    Mr. Spindler explained to the Board that the leak happened last year. The leak originated from a faucet with a pipe that goes into a fountain and runs into a bowl under the ground. Mr. Spindler stated that unfortunately, because it was underground, no one was aware the water was running until he was notified of the usage by the District office.
    Mr. Spindler told the Board he felt by having two people monitoring the property consistently something like this would be prevented. He felt that the circumstances were unforeseen and asked the Board for a decrease in costs for the water overage.
    The Board explained to Mr. Spindler that his water loss did not meet the criteria and the Board was unable to grant a reduction.
    Director Boucke made the motion to deny the request for a water use reduction. Director Zell seconded the motion. The Board approved the motion by unanimous vote.
  2. Discussion and possible direction to staff, to clarify and revamp the District's Lifeline Water Rate Program.
    President Baskin reviewed the content of the report from District counsel and the Ad Hoc Committee. President Baskin stated this is a Water Conservation based program.
    Director Zell made the motion to approve the Lifeline Water Rate Program as proposed and presented. Director Tye seconded the motion. The motion was approved by unanimous vote.
    President Baskin amended the motion to state that the new Lifeline Water Rate Program will be in effect June 1, 2010 and that the existing 5 customers be notified and invited to submit a new application. Director Zell seconded the motion. President Baskin called for the question, resulting in the following vote; Boucke - no, Baskin - yes, Tye - yes, Zell - yes, Sapanai - absent. The motion passed 3-1.
  3. Discussion and possible direction to staff re: Steep Ravine Well site-Draft Initial Study.
    The General Manager explained to the Board that he had a very productive meeting with 2 people from the Marin County Planning Department. They agreed with the result and the initial conclusion of the Initial Study. The next step is the notification process to all the public agencies. The public review period begins March 17th and concludes Monday, April 19, 2010. After the end of the comment period, CEQA requires the Board to officially adopt the Initial Study. The Intent to Adopt is then filed with the State Clearing House and the CEQA process is concluded. The General Manager stated he has directed Stetson Engineers to start preparing bid documents for drilling the well. Construction cannot begin before September 1, 2010 due to the possibility of nesting birds. The District will begin advertising for bids in May or June, approve bids in June or July, with drilling to start September 1, 2010. The District has identified $140,000 in the CIP budget for this project. It was the consensus of the Board to direct the General Manager to continue with this process until the project is complete.
  4. Discussion and possible direction to staff re: World Water Day 2010, Clean Water for a Healthy World. Director Tye stated that he brought this item to the Board because water is a scarce resource. He felt this was a positive action to take. Director Tye made the motion to accept the Resolution as presented. Director Zell seconded the motion. The motion was approved by unanimous vote.
  5. Discussion and possible direction to staff to fill the vacant position of Administrative Assistant.
    The Board and the General Manager congratulated the Administrative Assistant on her new position in Oregon.
    The Board directed the General Manager to proceed with the application process and authorized the General Manager to hire a temporary employee in the interim.

E.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Director Boucke made the motion to approve the minutes for February 20, 2010. Director Tye seconded the motion. The minutes were approved by unanimous vote.

F.    APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENTS

President Baskin made the motion to approve the disbursements for February 24, and March 10, 2010. Director Tye seconded the motion. The disbursements were approved by unanimous vote.

G.    MANAGER'S REPORT

The General Manager reported to the Board. He stated he received a memo from Marcus Wu (Hanson/Bridgett) recommending that the District adopt a "Cafeteria Plan". This item needs more research from Marcus Wu and the plan could go before the Board for approval at the Saturday, April 17, 2010 Board meeting.
The General Manager met with Mr. Gary Serrano re; his property on Panoramic Hwy. He will need to resubmit his plans and pay another application fee.
Director Tye dropped off a list of Emergency Operations Websites, which will be very helpful in case of an emergency.
Shane Boyce, our temporary employee will be leaving in 2 more weeks. The General Manager stated that he has done a great job.

H.    COMMITTEE REPORTS

None.

I.    CORRESPONDENCE

None.

J.    ADJOURNMENT

President Baskin called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Director Tye made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Director Zell seconded the motion. The motion was approved by unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session at 11:05 a.m. The Board adjourned to Closed Session. Closed Session adjourned at 11:45 a.m. with no further business conducted by the Board.

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