BOARD MEETING MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING

A.    CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

President Sandra Cross called to order the Regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Stinson Beach County Water District on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., held via Zoom teleconferencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with Assembly Bill 361, which modifies government code 54953.

Directors present:
Sandra Cross, President
Morey Nelsen, Vice President
Lawrence Baskin, Director
Barbara Boucke, Director
Jim Zell, Director

Treasurer present:
Judy Stemen

General Manager present:
Ed Schmidt

Staff present:
Rich Souza - District Engineer
Marc Matheson - Administrative Assistant

B.    PUBLIC EXPRESSION

None.

C.    SETTING OF AGENDA

There being no modifications, the agenda was adopted as set.

D.    PUBLIC HEARING

1. Discussion and possible direction to staff re: plans for a property located at 17 Avenida Olema, Stinson Beach. Annika and Craig S. Miller, Owners. Account #4540.
   Engineer Souza introduced the item, outlining the Wastewater committee's discussion regarding whether the project represents a renovation or new construction. He pointed out that the current wastewater system is from the 1950s and appears not to have been used recently.
   
   Both committee members, Sandra Cross and Morey Nelsen, were of the opinion that given the extent of work planned, the project is new construction. Other directors, Jim Zell and Barbara Boucke, also opined that the project is new construction.
   
   The project architect, Steve Geiszler, outlined that the project includes both practical improvements as well as upgrades to plumbing. He acknowledged the extensive interior modifications.
   
   Following further discussion, Director Larry Baskin moved that the board grant approval subject to a wastewater system upgrade compliant with current code requirements. Director Boucke seconded the motion and the Board voted unanimously in favor.
2. Discussion and possible direction to staff re: Discharge Permit issuance for an alternative wastewater system for a property located at 7000 Panoramic Highway, Stinson Beach. Dave Horning and Wendy Hunt, Owners. Account #3935.
   Engineer Souza initiated the discussion, outlining the new construction of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) requiring an increase in wastewater capacity from 300 to 600 gallons per day. Following discussion, Director Nelsen moved for approval, which Director Baskin seconded; the Board voted unanimously for approval.

E.    GENERAL BUSINESS

1. Discussion and possible direction to staff re: a presentation from Stanford University on their groundwater project in Stinson Beach.
   General Manager Schmidt outlined the history of Stanford's previous groundwater study and the discovery of organic methyl mercury in the sand dunes, noting that the study identified the source as the National Park Service beach restrooms. Engineer Souza provided technical detail. Further discussion was tabled given that Mr. Schmidt's correspondence with the university had not yet been reciprocated.
2. Discussion and possible direction to staff re: review of the 2021 Stinson Beach County Water District Onsite Wastewater Management Program Annual Report, and possible presentation to the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
   The members of the Wastewater committee informed the Board that the report had been reviewed and approved. Several edits were proposed by General Manager Schmidt and Board members, which Engineer Souza will incorporate.
   
   A report summary was provided by Mr. Souza, noting that with less than half of usual annual rainfall this year staff found it difficult to perform all of the usual water source sampling. He touched on improved regulations and the ongoing sea level rise study as two new report items.
   
   Engineer Souza referred to several tables, including Table 2, showing 721 current wastewater systems, over 90 of which now employ telemetry permitting the District, if necessary, to remotely shut off those systems, and Table 3, outlining that of 522 wastewater inspections performed over the year only 23, or 4%, did not pass inspection.
   
   The Board assented to submission of the report following incorporation of the proposed edits.
3. Discussion and possible direction to staff re: an application for a drought relief grant for two water wells.
   General Manager Schmidt informed the Board that the District's drought relief grant application was submitted on October 6th and that receipt had been confirmed. He outlined that the application includes two components, first the drilling of a new Ranch tank well and, second, development of a new well site. Mr. Schmidt will be consulting District counsel regarding requirements for bidding out the work.
   
   Mr. Schmidt also reviewed costs, noting that the estimated $440,000 price tag for development of a new well site is about twice the cost of the new Ranch tank well. Given the fact that the District will eventually be reimbursed for costs of the total cost of over $700,000, the cost to the District will ultimately be only $18,000.
4. Quarterly Financial Statements.
   General Manager Schmidt reviewed the financial reports, noting that only three months into the current fiscal year water revenue is $21,000 below budget, attributed to the District's water conservation efforts. On the other hand, Mr. Schmidt outlined that thanks to the efforts of Engineer Souza wastewater income is up $11,500. Altogether, with expenses at 90% of budgeted, total income is $44,000 above budget.
5. Discussion and possible approval of Resolution No. GB 2021-6, Making findings that the proclaimed State of Emergency continues to impact the ability to meet safely in person.
   General Manager Schmidt reminded the Board of the previously distributed District counsel email, noting three meeting options. Director Baskin inquired whether a monthly review is necessary; Mr. Schmidt will check with counsel. Mr. Baskin moved that the resolution be approved subject to declaring that the emergency continues through the end of the calendar year and to be revisited at the December Board meeting.
   
   Director Zell seconded the motion and the Board voted unanimously in favor.
6. Discussion and possible approval of the ACWA JPIA "Commitment to Excellence" program.
   General Manager Schmidt introduced the item, outlining that the District has an opportunity to receive up to $10,000 under this program. Following brief discussion, it was agreed that the Board would like to see the agreement before entering into the program. This item was continued to the November Board meeting.

F.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Approval of the Minutes for September 18, 2021. Director Nelsen moved for approval of the September 18, 2021 Board minutes as presented, which motion Director Baskin seconded. The motion was approved unanimously.

G.    APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENTS

August 11, 2021 through September 30, 2021 Director Baskin moved and Director Nelsen seconded a motion to approve the disbursements as presented. The motion was approved unanimously.

H.    MANAGER'S REPORT

General Manager Schmidt highlighted the following items:

• A Marin water managers meeting takes place on October 20;
• A County Planning public meeting on Stinson Beach sea level rise takes place on October 21;
• The updated water storage chart;
• The updated cash flow; and
• Water conservation information provided by Richard Reasoner.

I.    COMMITTEE REPORTS

None.

J.    CORRESPONDENCE

None.

K.    ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Director Baskin moved to adjourn, which motion Director Boucke seconded and which the Board approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m. The next regular meeting will take place on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 9:30 a.m.