Good evening everyone. I'm I'm going to
call the board of directors meeting of
the Costa Mesa Sanitary District for
January
26 to order. Um before we begin the
regular items for the board, Director
Wiltshshire
uh is ill this evening and has asked to
participate via Zoom and due to new
Brown Act regulations because we have
not published her address on the agenda.
Uh we need to have a motion and a an
action from the board to allow her to
participate virtually. I'll move for
approval for for participation.
>> Second.
» Second.
>> We have a motion and a second. Um Madame
» We have a motion and a second. Um Madame
Clerk, since we have one director on
virtual, then we'll need a roll call
vote whenever we take a vote.
>> Director Wright,
» Director Wright,
>> yes.
» yes.
>> Director Walshshire,
» Director Walshshire,
>> yes.
» yes.
>> Secretary Uten, I mean Perry, sorry.
» Secretary Uten, I mean Perry, sorry.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Vice President Utton, yes.
» Vice President Utton, yes.
>> President Mike Schaefer,
» President Mike Schaefer,
>> yes. Thank you.
» yes. Thank you.
>> Okay, so with that, uh Nicole, you are
» Okay, so with that, uh Nicole, you are
eligible.
Okay. Um, at this point, I'd ask
everyone who's able to please rise and
join me in a salute to the flag.
» I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all.
>> Vice President Utton, words of wisdom
» Vice President Utton, words of wisdom
for us this evening? Yep. Please join
me. Uh, God grant me the serenity to
accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can, and
the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.
>> Thank you, sir.
» Uh, I think we've already done this, but
may we have an official roll call,
please?
>> Sure.
» Sure.
>> Director Cheyenne Wright
» Director Cheyenne Wright
>> here.
» here.
>> Director Nicole Wshshire,
» Director Nicole Wshshire,
>> here.
» here.
>> Secretary Arthur Perry
» Secretary Arthur Perry
>> here. Vice President Robert Uten
» here. Vice President Robert Uten
>> here.
» here.
>> President Michael Schaefer
» President Michael Schaefer
>> here.
» here.
>> Um
» Um
late communications. I have one late
communication and it's just an item um
for all of you. I'm going to ask that
the board adjourn the meeting this
evening in memory of a departed uh
special district member who I think most
of us up here know, Director Paul Mesmer
from the Rossmore Community Services
District. Uh gentleman who's been very
active in ISDOCK. He was the currently
the the second vice president of the
special districts association. Paul
passed away suddenly and unexpected
unexpectedly
and so we will be adjourning the meeting
this evening in memory of of Paul Mesmer
really great guy and will be missed in
the special district.
Okay. Uh any other
>> Mr. President could we uh let the record
» Mr. President could we uh let the record
reflect that director uh
Wilshshire is participating pursuant to
government code section 54953.8.3
8.3 subsections C for illness.
>> Thank you. Thank you, council. Uh, other
» Thank you. Thank you, council. Uh, other
late communications?
>> Uh, there was an executive memo for item
» Uh, there was an executive memo for item
H2 presented from director Wright that
was added to the dis and available for
the public.
>> Um, also one last late communication.
» Um, also one last late communication.
I've distributed to the members that are
here and we'll make sure director
Wilshshire gets a copy. We will be
conducting the general manager's
performance evaluation soon. So I've
given you a work all a worksheet uh to
help us with those and we'll be using
those when we when we meet officially
with the the general manager. Okay.
Uh any ceremonial matters or
presentations? Madam clerk?
>> No, Mr. President.
» Public comments. This is the uh time set
aside for folks in the audience to make
comments within our jurisdiction
which are not on the agenda this
evening. Um we have
Sue Lester I think Sue.
» Thank you President Schaffefer um and
the board. I this counts for any
comments I make tonight. I'm here
representing myself as a rateayer and a
resident even though I am the
chairperson of the CAC. My opinions do
not reflect that of any of the other
members or the um the body itself. Um,
my comment tonight for public comment
relates to past compensation for board
members. And what prompted that was a um
staff meeting that came out January 13th
that wasn't handled at a board meeting
um that stated that meetings with GM PDM
weren't covered. um that meetings with
staff members weren't covered and that
meetings with um other board members
weren't covered. Um so I looked up the
operations code to kind of read what it
said. I looked up your ordinance number
55 that is referenced on the expense
sheets and the one that you guys have
online is actually not up to date with
the one that you use now. I couldn't
find it. It has like half the amount of
meetings. So, I'm sure I just didn't
find it. So, if someone could direct me
to that after, that would be great. Um,
what I did is I I looked up every single
compensation sheet of every board member
of the five people who are currently on
the board and the last two members of
the board from December 15, 2025 board
meetings back through 7:26 21 because
that's as far back as I could go online.
And um I went through all the sheets and
found a lot of sheets where general
manager meetings were um compensated. I
found past Ecoex Expo meetings that were
compensated that have recently been said
that you couldn't be compensated for
them. Um there were there were a lot of
things in relation to the statement um
on the September the January 13th
report from the attorney that made me
curious like how did this start? I I
think that it started many years ago but
I wasn't able to keep going until I
could find where it didn't happen
anymore. I think it started because
board members were and this is
assumption were going to so many
meetings that they just listed all the
meetings by date and then they got
compensated for six and I think that
created some confusion. I think that and
I mentioned this before if you're going
to be compensated for six meetings then
it should just say that six meetings on
there so there's no confusion as to
what's an eligible meeting and what
isn't. I don't think at any time that
any member of this board or any member
of the previous board was trying to get
paid for something they weren't entitled
to. So I want to be really clear on
that. That is not what I am saying here
at all. But what I am saying is I went
through I highlighted any time something
showed up that according to the
statement that came out
>> you have one minute miss left
» you have one minute miss left
>> shouldn't have applied and I found 151
» shouldn't have applied and I found 151
instances where those things were listed
on sheets that if you multiplied $295
it's over $44,000. Now the good news is
is that I don't think some of those
matter because there were enough
meetings to compensate for the things
that were listed. But I did find 78
instances um that are valued at over
$2,300,000.
And I think somebody should look into it
and I don't know who should look into
it. Um the board submitted,
approved, and accepted the compensation.
I don't think you did it with any
malice. And if there are in fact
meetings that were compensated that
shouldn't have been, I I would like to
see the board take some kind of action
to recoup that money because it's
district money that shouldn't have been
paid if that is in fact what happened.
And I don't know what the process is. I
looked in government code like what if
there's an overpayment and it doesn't
say on any of the things that are
references referenced as it relates to
compensation. And I think it's because
this kind of stuff isn't supposed to
happen, but it I'm fairly certain that
it did based on what I have read so far.
>> The time is concluded.
» The time is concluded.
>> That's it. Okay. Well, I I have more if
» That's it. Okay. Well, I I have more if
anybody's interested and I have copies
to share if I can help you.
>> Thank you. Um any other public comments?
» Thank you. Um any other public comments?
Seeing none, we will move to the consent
calendar. Um, I'm going to We have
questions on the consent calendar for
item four. So, I'm going to pull item
four.
And that is all.
>> Move for approval of the other items.
» Move for approval of the other items.
>> Second.
» Second.
>> All right. We have a motion to accept
» All right. We have a motion to accept
the consent calendar except for item
four. And
there's no discussion. We'll have a roll
call vote, please.
>> Thank you. Director Wright.
» Thank you. Director Wright.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Director Wilshshire.
» Director Wilshshire.
>> Yes. Secretary Perry.
» Yes. Secretary Perry.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Vice President Utton.
» Vice President Utton.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> President Schaefer.
» President Schaefer.
>> Yes. Okay. Item four, um, which is
» Yes. Okay. Item four, um, which is
director compensation and reinbursement
of expenses. We have public comment from
Sue Lester. You're up again.
>> Um, I'd like to ask for a minute. I I
» Um, I'd like to ask for a minute. I I
can't get on my um I can't get on the
Costa Mesa Sanitary District website. I
would like to have staff help me get on.
I usually can, but for some reason
tonight I can't.
>> Yeah, when I tried to log in, it said it
» Yeah, when I tried to log in, it said it
wasn't an approved site.
>> Oh, no.
» Oh, no.
>> I was able to go through.
» I was able to go through.
>> Sorry, Sue.
I have paper copies of most of the
items, but
» Oh, that's the maybe that was the
reason. Oh, you know what it is? It's
not on the It's been deleted from the
list.
>> See,
» nice having our grandkids here to help
us with computers, isn't it, Bob?
Were you talking to me?
>> No.
» No.
>> Sorry.
» Sorry.
>> Okay. Thank you.
» Okay. Thank you.
>> Yep. That's it. And we are
» Okay. Thank you.
>> Great. Thank you, Nolan. All right. So,
» Great. Thank you, Nolan. All right. So,
I'm sorry for the interruption. Go right
ahead.
>> No, no. Um my um question suggestion I
» No, no. Um my um question suggestion I
guess is because there's
all this conversation coming up about
what is an appropriate expense and again
there are two expense sheets submitted
one by President Schaefer and one by
Nicole Wilshshire that just says meeting
with Scott meeting with GM and since
that hasn't been addressed yet and
because of the concern concerns I
brought up with past expenses. I would
ask the board to wait um on approving
these two
expense sheets until it's determined
what exactly is supposed to be happening
because looking at the um
the staff report from January 13th and
then looking at the staff report for J
tonight tonight that's later on in the
agenda. addressing these things and if
you vote whatever you vote on tonight um
I can't imagine it would change what
happens in the past but I don't know um
so I would I would just think that not
approving the expenses with meetings
with the GM when you have a staff report
that says they don't qualify um would be
a smart thing to do that's all thank you
» I would like to ask
to provide I if you have that material
on on the first item that you spoke to,
I I would like a copy of that. Um, and I
I I think it's
um
hopefully it's appropriate because she
said she had x number of meetings that
she thought uh did not meet the the
present criteria.
Uh, and I I just I've been on the board
for a long time. I can't imagine
more than a few instances where
directors ask for compensation
and
um
each time it was granted
a limited number. So, M Sue Sue has
um gone through her own personal idea of
what the meetings are and I I would like
to see a copy of that. Um
>> no.
» Well, I'd like it, you know, some you we
can meet after the meeting, but
>> Yeah. Um
» Yeah. Um
>> because I because I think because I
» because I because I think because I
think it's a serious accusation.
Um
>> can we debate or can we discuss
» can we debate or can we discuss
>> we can discuss but we're not going to
» we can discuss but we're not going to
we're not going to get involved with a
debate with a member
>> just as it comes to approving this
» just as it comes to approving this
compensation form since we're obviously
going to talk about it even further
later in the meeting. Um, I feel
comfortable approving this compensation
form in its state
uh based off of our existing ordinance
under um item 28 which provides that any
other meeting which directly involves
the district can be claimed for
compensation. And I believe that that's
the that's the way I was trained when I
was onboarded that those meetings fall
under that as it is with the d the
general manager of the district. So,
>> I'll second the motion.
» I'll second the motion.
>> We have a motion
» We have a motion
>> to accept number four.
» to accept number four.
>> To accept number four and a second. Um,
» To accept number four and a second. Um,
roll call, please.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Director Wright,
» Director Wright,
>> yes.
» yes.
>> Director Wchair,
» Director Wchair,
>> yes.
» yes.
>> Secretary Perry,
» Secretary Perry,
>> yes.
» yes.
>> Vice President Utton,
» Vice President Utton,
>> yes.
» yes.
>> President Schaefer,
» President Schaefer,
>> yes. Okay. So, consent calendar item
» yes. Okay. So, consent calendar item
number four is passed.
That will take us to
my computer now.
>> Public hearing. Public hearing.
» Public hearing. Public hearing.
>> Yeah, there are no public hearings this
» Yeah, there are no public hearings this
evening. And so we'll go to uh section
E, the general manager report. Item one.
Scott.
>> Thank you, Mr. President. Dana Wick will
» Thank you, Mr. President. Dana Wick will
be giving his report.
» Good evening, Mr. President and board.
Can you hear me? Okay.
The new mics. Okay.
>> [clears throat]
» [clears throat]
>> At the December 9th uh 2025 study
» At the December 9th uh 2025 study
session, the board reviewed background
and fiscal considerations related to the
possible reinstatement of Kalpers's
administered health benefits for board
members. That discussion included PEPA
authority, historical district
participation,
benchmarking of comparable special
districts, and long-term cost
projections. The board requested
additional clarification on policy
compliance and they had administrative
questions. This report responds to those
requests based on staff's current
preliminary understanding.
I do want to say this report
isformational only. The information has
not been reviewed by by [clears throat]
the district's labor and employment
council.
So the board requested information
information on the section 125 cafeteria
plan. The district section 125 plan is
structured for employees only. Board
members are are not included and
expanding the participation could
introduce administrative and compliance
issues. Under the current structure,
board member premium payments would
generally be post tax.
The board requested additional
clarification regarding Kalpers's rate
setting and the potential impact of
current of the current federal
environment. Kalpers premiums are
determined using historical claims and
cost trends. Premium increases have
occurred historically under different
federal policy environments and no
specific federal changes are anticipated
at this time that would alter Kalpers's
rate setting approach
at the study session. The timing of
board compensation and the advanced
payment of the health premiums was also
discussed. Health premiums are paid in
advance while board stipens are paid on
a monthly basis.
This timing mismatch may create
temporary shortfalls. Administrative
options could include a defined grace
period or repayment process supported by
whatever the direction the board would
give on this.
Uh the board requested clarification on
providing defined dollar contributions
toward health coverage outside of
Kalpers's health plans. And under PMPA,
employer contributions for participants
in the Kalpers's health program must be
applied exclus exclusively to Kalpers's
administered plans. Cash payments or
defined dollar contributions outside of
Kalpers would typically be treated as
taxable compensation.
Alternative coverage arrangements may
raise PEMPA participation and
administrative concerns. The board also
requested information about HSAs and HAS
and HSAs are limited to individuals
enrolled in qualifying high deductible
plans and are not available to those
enrolled in Medicare.
HAS are employer funded and require
separate administration. Has may be a
potential limited supplemental option
subject to further evaluation.
Uh with these considerations in mind,
staff eval evaluated the potential
financial impacts using conservative
planning assumptions. Public agencies
must evaluate long-term fiscal impacts,
not just initial costs. The analysis
assumes full participation by all five
board members to remain conservative.
Monthly benefit levels analyzed were
from 680 to $850
per month as directed by the board
costs are not included in the adopted
fiscal year 2526 or the fiscal year 2627
budget. [clears throat]
So, with the $680 monthly benefit option
for fiscal year 2526, which would be
just February through Jer June, um it
would cost $3,400 for one board member
and $17,000 for all five. Staff
anticipate sufficient unspent funds to
cover these costs, barring any
unforeseen emergencies.
And for the f fiscal year 2627,
the annual cost would be $8,300 for one
board member and $41,300
for all five board members.
Looking at the $850 a month benefit
option for fiscal year 2526, again,
February through June, it would cost
$4,300
for one board member and 21,300 for all
five. For fiscal year 2627,
the annual cost would be $10,300 for one
board member and $51,600
for all five. Staff believes existing
funds are sufficient for one to four
board members. Again, barring any
unforeseen emergencies. If all five
members wanted to participate, staff
projects a budget shortfall of up to
$25,080
in the wastewater fund. staff
anticipates a fiscal year 2526 surplus
could be appropriated to offset this
shortfall. And again, I want to emphas
emphasize that this item is being
presented prior to completion of legal
review and all information is pre
preliminary subject to change. So staff
just is recommending that the board
would receive this follow-up information
and direct staff on whether and how to
continue evaluating health benefits for
board members. Um, I'm available for
questions. Caitlyn Tran, finance
manager, is also online if if you would
like to direct any questions to her.
Let me start, let me lead off. Um,
ever since I was elected to this board
the first time,
the definition of an employee has always
evaded me.
>> We're not considered employees.
» We're not considered employees.
uh in one sense, but yet we get a W2 at
the end of the year, which W2s are
usually used for salaried employees,
right? As an independent contractor,
when I was working, I received a 1099
for my compensation, which indicated,
you know, I was not officially an
employee. We also participate in the
empower
deferred compensation program. We all
do.
So
generally speaking, those are offered to
employees. So I'm really struggling with
this idea of whether we're employees or
not. And I want to know if we do know
who defines whether we're an employee or
not. Is that is that a legislated
idea or is it just we assume we're not
employees because we don't have to show
up for regular hours to a certain
extent? Um
why are we not employees if we're
getting a W2?
I and I can I mean I can I can turn I
could
>> I'll turn over to district council but
» I'll turn over to district council but
maybe before I I can tell we had a
discussion at a board meeting and I
could in a future board meeting or or a
week I can send that staff report to all
the board members where district council
determined it's been uh elected
officials are not employees. We've had
that discussion in the past.
>> Well I I know we've had the discussion
» Well I I know we've had the discussion
in the past but what overriding
legislation or what overriding authority
says I'm not an employee of the
district? the the law, the statutory
schemes for every subject is different
and there's different uh definitions of
employee depending on whether it's
you're dealing with taxes, whether
you're an employee for workers comp,
whether you're an employee for the
retirement system and all of them. The
most recent one is the whole thing with
Uber Eatats and the those people in that
industry and that's a very u defined
definition but that's dealing with
whether or not you have to pay all the
benefits and the workers comp and all of
that. So it changes depending on the
statutory scheme
>> and we are covered by our workers
» and we are covered by our workers
compensation while we're in the course
of our duties as a board member. We are
covered by workers compensation
>> and that's a separate category. I know
» and that's a separate category. I know
then employees. Um I I do know I don't
think that you can serve on a board and
be an employee of the organization, but
I I and I know I've read this, so I'll
have to look like Scott said, we'll have
to come back with that.
>> Okay. Okay, that's fine. Um
» Okay. Okay, that's fine. Um
>> I I went online and and um board
» I I went online and and um board
members, at least
the things that I read, said the board
members are not employees. But I I I
understand director Schaefer's director
President Schaeer
>> Mike is question.
» Mike is question.
>> Um you know and it deserves an answer.
» Um you know and it deserves an answer.
Um
there was a question at the last
discussion of this about what we had
done previously and in my tenure as a
director we have had one director who
was covered by medical. We put him on
the medical but he paid the entire
premium himself. Is that isn't that
correct?
>> Yes.
» Yes.
I think it just gave him the ability to
um have the insurance option.
>> Um
» Um
>> I remember now where where that
» I remember now where where that
definition was and basically it comes
from the the I think the fourth
amendment of the constitution of the
United States. Uh I was looking at due
process
um information.
Um and I think I think that's where the
definition
where I got that definition. Although, I
was looking at a lot of different
articles.
» Um, the other thing that struck me in
your report,
being on Medicare myself, it says HS
HSAs are not eligible for employer, I'm
sorry, Medicare is a non-qualifier for
an employer HSA contribution.
So, if we don't have an employer,
then do we fall into the being eligible
for an HSA? Because in one hand, we're
saying we're not an employee, but that
one says an employer can't give his
employee an HSA contribution. Well, if
we're non-employees, we could then get
an HSA contribution.
or am I just mixing up words?
>> Well, that's why I would like to wait
» Well, that's why I would like to wait
for uh LCW to review this this report.
This is justformational. It's not um
that's why I was hesitant to even
include that, but I did want to come
back with you
>> to you with the information that you
» to you with the information that you
requested, whatever I could find. C
>> certainly appreciate that and that's a
» certainly appreciate that and that's a
great answer. I mean, let the legal
people look at it
>> as far as I'm concerned. So, anyway,
» as far as I'm concerned. So, anyway,
I'll open it up. Anybody else?
>> I'm ready.
» I'm ready.
>> Go ahead.
» Go ahead.
>> Well, as you know, I love sharing my
» Well, as you know, I love sharing my
memos with you guys, but I didn't get
this one done in time to get it in front
of you, but I um yeah, I really
appreciate the report and I have kind of
like
a checklist of questions for each one.
Um for context though I do feel like
some components of the previous report
would have been helpful for members of
the public to see which is uh
contextually every other elected body in
the city of Costa Mesa provides their
elected officials with benefits. Um, in
addition, we looked at 13 of the other
special districts in Orange County, and
11 out of 13 of them provide benefits.
Then staff showed us um on the high
range $1,200 a month and showed us some
of our neighboring uh governing bodies
are receiving over 2,200 a month. And so
I did try to be really intentional
and um reserved about that 650 to 800
range. And um I really appreciate your
guys' support in understanding where I
was coming from with that. It also is
the minimum amount to cover one the
lowest plan for one person.
Um, so I think that would have been help
like helpful context to add into the
report just in the future when we have
like compounding
uh items like this to make sure that
anybody that's accessing it today can
also see all the history of like past
reports we've received. I think that
would be smart. Also, you guys put all
that work and research into it anyways.
So, okay. So, let's go item by item. So,
section 125, the cafeteria plan. So my I
actually went the o the opposite. My
understanding was that we were proposing
to not add board members to the existing
employee plan, but that we would rather
establish a separate policy and Kalper's
resolution specific to the board as if
we're our own cohort. Do you recall that
discussion in the past?
>> I don't recall that the board wanted to
» I don't recall that the board wanted to
do a whole separate one. No, that's I
think that's kind of
>> what we're looking for is is is what you
» what we're looking for is is is what you
do want.
>> Yeah. So that was my understand.
» Yeah. So that was my understand.
>> Yeah. So that was my understanding in
» Yeah. So that was my understanding in
our past meeting was we're our own like
employee pool in a way. However you want
to categorize us. Um and so if that is
the case, I don't see the section 125
plan as a limiting factor uh in
proceeding with the Kalpers's benefits
for board members. But what I'm a theme
I'm hearing with this item is we need to
clarify some administrative direction so
that they can form a policy. It seems
like as they were researching how to do
this for us, they ca they came across a
lot of forks in the road of like should
we do this or that.
>> Can I interrupt?
» Can I interrupt?
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Because I you bring up a really good
» Because I you bring up a really good
point about us having our own separate
plan. Do you know if the other other 11
we I'd want to know whether the other 11
how they administer it. Do they do their
own separate calc?
>> I would like to know that too. They are
» I would like to know that too. They are
not transparency is not um
>> so they're not [clears throat] giving up
» so they're not [clears throat] giving up
that information.
>> No,
» No,
I know at the city level and I think
Newport Mesa too, it's a separate plan
from employees.
Yeah. Um, so maybe our neighboring
entities would give you more
information. Um, but yeah, so I'm going
to go through these and I'm going to
make personal or I'm going to make
recommendations to lead up to a motion
of some sort because I think we do we
should be clear. So I'm suggesting a
separate plan, not not participating in
the employee plan. And that makes a lot
of sense to me, too, because we're going
to have a much lower amount than the
employees do. So, I don't want to make
your job more of a nightmare by
deviating from that. Okay, the next one.
Kalpers rates and federal factors. So,
um I acknowledge that the Kalpers's
premiums can fluctuate annually based
off of um a myriad of factors and I
think it's consistent with how employee
benefits are managed, but doesn't appear
to present any unique concerns
specific to the board participation. So,
I think it was smart to put like a
macroeconomic
flag on our radar, but it's not really
in our control what's going on on the
federal level anyways. Um, and I know
we're all cautiously watching our own
premiums and all that. Um, okay. Premium
timing and shortfalls. So, once again,
it seems that clear administrative
policy needs to be established in
regards of timing of payments, grace
periods, or repayment processes. if
premiums are paid in advance and stipens
are paid retroactively.
Um, this however feels like a
straightforward implementation detail
that can be addressed in the final
policy language. I really would um defer
to you on a suggestion, but I don't
think it's something we have a strong
opinion on. Um, and I wouldn't want it
to delay any approval of a benefit
framework. But I I do think we need to
make sure this is all in the language as
to not cause any headaches once again
for you guys. Um okay, contributions.
Next one. Contributions outside of
Kalpers and health accounts. So, uh my
understanding is that the intent of this
item is to provide contributions
directly through Kalpers's
administrative plans. That said, I do
view the health reimbursement
arrangements as a preferred option for
some providing flexible and equitable
support to board members. I would like
to ask staff to continue looking into
the steps that would be required toward
implement implementing an HRA if an HSA
seems to be too much of a conflict. Um,
however, what I'm curious about is can
it be phased alongside or can it follow
the re can it come later and follow the
reinstatement of the Kalpers plan? Like
maybe bundling them together is too
complicated because they would be
treated differently. So in the meantime,
I do believe reinstating the Kalpers's
benefit remains uh an appropriate and
practical first step.
So that is my thoughts on that one. And
then uh as far as the financial review,
so like I already said, I appreciate
that you guys have incorporated the
ranges um that I had originally
researched and recommended and I also
appreciate the updated financial
projections. Um
I also really appreciate that you guys
took the time to look into how we could
ensure we have sufficient funds to cover
um any partial year costs for 2526. and
knowing 2627
budget can accommodate participation.
Um, and then like I said, consistent
with our earlier discussion, I do
support this contribution range. Um, I'm
I want to hear what you guys think
about, you know, the 680 versus the 850,
but I've just kind of been uh engaging
with this report still accepting the
range. I can't say that I have a Yeah, I
can't say that I have a strong opinion
towards either or. Um, but in
conclusion, so in conclusion, I believe
the information before us strongly
supports moving forward with the
Kalpers's benefits for our board
members. I believe this action is
consistent with local and regional norms
as every major local government body in
Costa Mesa provides health benefits to
his elected to its elected officials and
11 out of 13 comparable special
districts in Orange County currently
offer healthcare benefits. I believe
it's clearly within the district's legal
authority. I believe we have been
fiscally responsible in the range we are
requesting particularly especially when
modeled using any realistic
participation assumptions
and I also believe that it is
appropriate and deserved recognizing the
time responsibility and service required
of board members in carrying out
district governance. Reinstating these
benefits does not represent an outlier
decision. It brings the district in line
with standard public sector practice and
demonstrates a reasonable investment
into effective governance. I'm
comfortable with staff continuing to
finalize administrative policies, legal
review, and I support directing staff to
proceed toward implementation consistent
with the range that we have previously
discussed.
So that is my report for you guys. Thank
you. Um Diana,
uh couple things
and then Nicole, I'll I'm going to turn
it over to you in just a second. Um
when you when you did the financial
review in the table and the projected
differences from year to year, are those
based on what we
think we know premiums are going to do?
or not we, but whoever's giving you the
premiums, are those projections based on
what they're saying or where where do
those increases come from?
>> I I'll let Caitlyn answer, but I believe
» I I'll let Caitlyn answer, but I believe
the report says um she assumed it's it's
been about a 2.54
increase. Is that Caitlyn what what you
based it on?
>> Yes. Um we uh look back a few years and
» Yes. Um we uh look back a few years and
um it was two it's 2.54
um increase each year.
Um so I just base on that increase
starting with um the amount that you set
680 and 850.
Uh, and we're not taking into account
what's going on on the federal level
with premiums and all of that stuff. So,
we're just using a historical
>> that Yes.
» that Yes.
>> so to speak.
» so to speak.
>> Yes. The previous factors that that
» Yes. The previous factors that that
Kalpers has used. Yes.
>> What Kaitlin? What was 2.54?
» Yes. 2.54%.
>> Okay. back
» Okay. back
>> that's I'm sorry that's the increase of
» that's I'm sorry that's the increase of
the pmpka amount each year the minimum
pmpka amount
>> great um back to this transparency thing
» great um back to this transparency thing
and why the other districts if if we're
going to have Kalpers administer it
can't Kalpers tell you what
>> I can't we get that opinion or that
» I can't we get that opinion or that
direction from Kalpers won't they say to
us yeah we can create a separate plan
for the board
>> a a separate health plan
» a a separate health plan
>> separate policy I'm sorry
» separate policy I'm sorry
>> so what we would have to do first step
» so what we would have to do first step
is a resolution stating that um we
elected officials will be receiving
health care that's the first step and
then calpers would administer the plan
>> they're not going to do anything until
» they're not going to do anything until
we make a decision on whether we're
going to do it or not
>> right
» right
>> helpers um
» helpers um
okay
>> wait I'm So, so what what did you want
» wait I'm So, so what what did you want
to know from Kalpers?
>> When I asked, you know, what the whether
» When I asked, you know, what the whether
the other districts in the county had
done a separate plan for the for the
boards, you said that the other
districts aren't giving up that
information.
>> Well, it's not been um I I would have to
» Well, it's not been um I I would have to
reach out and see what I can find out,
but I don't know. I don't know if they
give the board an extra stipend. I don't
know how I don't know that it's it's
necessarily Kalpers's plans that they're
paying into. I don't know how they're
going about it and
Oh, that's all I'm going to say.
>> Yeah. And they're not giving it up that
» Yeah. And they're not giving it up that
>> Well, let me
» Well, let me
>> and we don't and I and I want to do my
» and we don't and I and I want to do my
due diligence and do everything we do be
the up and up. I'm not going to rely on
what other agencies are doing.
>> No, that [clears throat] that's
» No, that [clears throat] that's
terrific.
If that if it's a reimbursement policy
by any of those districts, it probably
would be explained in their in their
policy
manuals.
>> Well, but for employees, yes, but um for
» Well, but for employees, yes, but um for
elected officials, um I guess it would
be something in operations code. Maybe
Allan can steer me in the right
direction with that.
>> Well, the only thing I was going to say
» Well, the only thing I was going to say
is restate the obvious. It's a public
record. Do a public records request.
They have to comply within 10 days.
That's
>> as we're as we're painfully aware.
» as we're as we're painfully aware.
>> Thanks for reading my mind. [laughter]
» Thanks for reading my mind. [laughter]
>> Uh Nicole, anything just any comments?
» Um yeah, I mean I I'm all for making all
of this totally transparent and fair and
in alignment with what all of the other
agencies are doing. I don't I don't
think that we necessarily need anything
above and beyond. Um, it's just I just
think that it's really important that we
keep this role attractive
to talent. I think it's important that
we're attracting, you know, people who
really want to serve. And if we don't
make this role attractive for
working people, if we only make it
attractive for people who don't need any
sort of um compensation, then it makes
me worry about who who ultimately is
going to be representing us. So to
reiterate, if we don't make this
attractive for working people, then
we're not going to have working people
represent us. So
>> thank you. Um there's no other comments
» thank you. Um there's no other comments
from the Go ahead. Um I I think to go
along with what Nicole, Director
Wilshshire said is um we have we have we
have a a benefit program u that we
talked to pro p prospective employees
concerning
and we are
and have discussed as a board um keeping
those the employee benefits
um in line with you know with with um
other agencies so that we're
competitive. So each time we we've hired
an employee,
um I think staff is made note of uh we
need to have benefits in line with other
agencies
uh so that we can attract good staff and
we have good staff. But um I I think
staff
has said on numerous occasions that we
need we need to be competitive
so that we get so that we can acquire
good employees and that is parallel to
what I think uh director Wright has said
um concerning directors
potential benefits.
Um, I'm all for staying competitive
uh w with with
employee benefits and especially when
we're trying to hire uh new employees. I
I think that is something that an
employee will look at. Um, and I think
director Wilshshire has sort of said or
maybe directly said exactly the same
thing for directors.
>> Um, before I open up for public
» Um, before I open up for public
comments, essentially what you're asking
or what you're recommending to us maybe
is that we get this legal advice from
our before we do anything. Is that
>> Yes. Yes. I just would like some
» Yes. Yes. I just would like some
direction. I think staff would and and
if and if you're saying no to don't
don't don't go any further in this area,
let us know and we'll spend our time on
the other areas or do you want us to
continue with all of it?
>> Um you mentioned earlier about due
» Um you mentioned earlier about due
diligence. You've done a lot of due
diligence and I know the five of us
appreciate that. So
>> Mr. Mr. President, I think it would also
» Mr. Mr. President, I think it would also
be helpful to us if the board can give
us directions. Do you prefer $680 a
month or 8850 per month? That that would
also help us as well. What direction you
want to go?
>> Marine I Okay. Yeah,
» Marine I Okay. Yeah,
>> I think we should go through each item
» I think we should go through each item
and just
>> uh but we can do that after comment. I
» uh but we can do that after comment. I
have one more comment.
>> Yeah. Um, so I was, like I said, I was
» Yeah. Um, so I was, like I said, I was
doing research to also prepare for the
PDM item and
um, it saddens me that this item has
become, I think, quite hostile and
assumed a malicious intent because
uh, I I'm really passionate about fiscal
responsibility and it's something that I
ran on when I ran for the Mesa Water
District Board. And as I was reading
their current policy,
um, under benefits other and benefits
flex credit for a fivep person board on
top of a almost $50,000
salary, they're getting $50,000
in benefits.
That includes a 401k plan. It includes
travel stipens, conferences.
I'm I was very attracted to the board
members that sit up here beside me
because they showed so much humility and
restraint and commitment to the values
of good governance. Um, and
I just want you guys to know that if
there is a passion for fiscal
responsibility, I'll gladly join you all
at a Mesa water board meeting down the
road.
Um,
so yeah, I have more I I also researched
a lot about their PDM and stuff and so
I'll share more about it later, but um,
you know, they're right down the street.
So
yeah, thanks for my final
>> thank you
» thank you
>> little quip there. So turning it over to
» little quip there. So turning it over to
public comments. Rosemary, I think you
indicated. Okay.
>> Thank you, President Schiffer. I just
» Thank you, President Schiffer. I just
wanted to say that I uh do not support
this proposal. Um because uh Director
Wright mentioned that Mesa is not
fiscally responsible doesn't mean that
this proposal is fiscally responsible
either. Um I do um it made me think the
discussion of what an employee is. An
employee is somebody who
oftentimes is trained in the um industry
that they plan to work in. They compete
for a position against other applicants
and they work normally a benefited
40hour job uh to receive benefits such
as medical, dental, retirement, things
of that nature. Um, so I don't uh I
definitely do see the distinction
between an elected board member um who
is from what I can tell very committed
to the community longstanding members of
the community. Also the distinction has
been to learn on the job uh about um
governing and assisting staff with some
of these decisions. Um I don't agree
that uh because every other agency
receives benefits
um requires that this uh board of
directors receive benefits. It is a very
small district. The scope of work is
extremely limited. This is not OCAN nor
is it LAN.
Um, I am a big fan of uh fiscal
responsibility
uh and of course attracting uh top
talent, but I also believe that uh
within the community we have a multitude
of community members who would
definitely love to sit in your chair um
also without benefits particularly if
they're only having to commit to a few
additional meetings a month. Thank you.
A minute, folks, while I get these set.
Um,
Celeste, you want to speak on this?
Great.
Thank you. Um, and thank you, President
Schaefer, for asking what the prior
benefits were that were available to the
board because I thought it was odd that
that hadn't been included. It says that
you're entertaining reinstating
benefits, but it never said what you did
prior. And so, thank you for clarifying
that. Um, I also agree with Director
Wright when she says it would have been
helpful to include stuff that was
presented at the meeting previously
um as it relates to what other districts
get and also the executive summary um
and analysis that director Wright wrote
because it's all part of the
conversation that you guys already had
and I don't know what the policy is on
that but it I think it would be helpful
for more people to understand. Um, I
agree 100% with what Rosemary said. Um,
I think that it's irresponsible for you
guys to compare yourselves to the other
districts because you are so different.
Um, the city of Costa Mesa is
serving
the commercial needs and most
multifamily homes um of solid waste. And
I, you know, how how if you decide to
move forward with this, which I hope you
won't, like how would this be buil or is
it going to be build by customer on the
wastewater side? Is it going to be build
by customer on the solid waste side?
Because if you bill the solid waste
customers for your benefits, because the
money has to come somewhere, they're
essentially paying for benefits for
solid waste service they're not even
getting because it's being provided by
the city. Um, I think that advanced
payments on medical is something that
never happens in the private sector.
People have to pay on the front end for
the policy to cover them for that month.
And you will run into trouble if um you
are paying for somebody's medical and
then deducting the expense. I think
that's kind of a sloppy way to go. Um, I
wouldn't advise that. I also think you
should take into consideration that
solid waste rates are continuing to go
up. Um, they hadn't been raised in a
very long time and in and they needed to
increase. In 2017, solid waste rates
were $216 per single family home. And
for 2526, it's $35,852
for a single family home, which is an
increase of $142.52.
the increase on the Orange County
landfill rates that is I think it's the
paper said it's going to hit January of
2026 which is going to increase by 80%
roughly has not been factored into what
the district is going to have to pay and
what the district in turn is going to
have to pass along to the rate payer. I
think the fact that you um I think you
guys get paid fairly $295 is fair for
preparing for a day of work. I know it
some items take a really long time. Um
but this is public service. This is not
selfservice. We have a problem in this
country with elected officials getting
rich because of all the benefits and all
the compensation that they get. Clearly
that's not what's happening here. And
I'm not applying that. But I I don't
think you should give yourself benefits
um because it's what everyone else is
getting when your agency does not really
sync up in terms of the amount of people
you serve and how it's split like it is
with all the other agencies that are
listed.
>> You have one minute, Miss Lester. Um,
» You have one minute, Miss Lester. Um,
I uh don't think that you guys should
vote to do anything other than continue
it if that's the direction you want to
go considering that there's been no
legal review. Um, I think that would be
irresponsible and I I I
would like to think that um
I don't know. For me personally, I
admire public servants who get paid a
fair wage and do it because they care
and not because they're being offered a
bunch of benefits, not because of what
they're going to gain. Um, and I think
there's too much of that. And I think
that we should look out for people
regardless of whether we should treat
everybody the same, whether we like them
or not. And that's not what's happening
in this country. And I I really hope
that you guys look at the bigger picture
here. Um, I I just think that this is a
bad time and an unnecessary expense for
a elected position that takes a very
small amount of time in comparison.
Thank you.
» Other public comments.
Did you fill out a card?
>> I did not.
» I did not.
>> Did you fill out a card?
» Did you fill out a card?
>> It says I did not have to.
» It says I did not have to.
>> Take the take the dice.
the public comment card, but um just as
some information points here. In short,
I I think this is a worthy topic to
discuss and debate, but not um
decide tonight or even anytime soon
because it does have some long-standing
issues, right? Um, I've been texting
with some fellow citizens and this
this topic the 680 850 no one knows what
the next year let alone the next decade
will have it. I could see that passing
that number for the health benefits
passing the compensation for the
directors in short order in less than 10
years and and no one can say otherwise
right for a number of reasons with our
health care system. So you should
consider that. But I am torn. I see both
sides. Uh I would first and director
writes very good comments into the
comparables, right? Other special
districts, other Costa Misa Costa Mesa
officials get health benefits. But I ask
to to her and to staff, what is the the
per capita ratio for those other
officials? meaning our fairly small
district is it similar to Irvine
Ranchwater district right something like
that um what is the uh
person being served ratio you know that
that's that's important right uh again a
big city like San or something like that
you could you could see a bigger draw of
resources revenues what have you let me
just give this um the president gave a
very asked a very good question what is
an employee
And I'm not an AI person, but AI I think
of AI gave a pretty good response here.
Uh blah blah blah. They hold have a
unique status occupying. Okay. While
they receive salaries and benefits, they
are often excluded from labor laws. This
this is elected officials
do not have unemployment contracts and
cannot be fired in the traditional
sense.
So you're unique. your public officers
and but at the same time what director
» Thank you. I was writing this up before
she said it. The bottom line is if you
compensate people better and enable the
lower income folk to consider that
position that's going to attract in my
view more possible talent and and lower
income. This is a small district. This
is not a big national congress or
something like that. But the bottom
line, who has was just ranked last week,
right? Some of the best places to work
In-N-Out Burger. What do they do? They
traditionally play pay 20% more to their
starting employees and they work their
asses off,
>> but they get a little bit more dough to
» but they get a little bit more dough to
attract a little bit better talent. So I
I'm torn, but but the bottom line is if
you compensate the board, this board and
future boards better, it's going to
enable I think director Wright said some
lower income folk to possibly consider
serving and they're not going to get
rich, at least on at this district,
right? We know that. So I think that's
my my speak for now. Thank you,
>> Cindy. This shows that you wanted to
» Cindy. This shows that you wanted to
speak on H1 and H2, but you're more than
welcome to speak on this item.
» Good evening, director. Um, I'll make it
brief. I am speaking tonight as a 54
year resident and rate payer in the city
of Costa Mesa. U my husband and I have
had property ever since we've been
together. So that's 1972 and his family
moved here in ' 63 and they had
property. So we've been rateayers and
property owners in this city for a long
time and I appreciate everything that
you and the staff do. You do a
phenomenal job and I would just I would
like I'm not in favor of this at all. I
don't think you guys need to get this
compensation going right now. This is
not the time to do it. Everything is
going up astronomically. I agree with
everything that Sue Lester said. I agree
with everything that Rosemary said. Um,
and I think that this is a very unique
district and
I don't know that we need to make it any
more attractive. We have three sitting
board members right now that have been
on this board for a long time and were
working when they first started on the
board and still serving on the board and
doing a phenomenal job as was um Arlene
Schaefer when before she retired. She
was working several jobs. So I I don't
understand why we need to all of a
sudden make it more attractive. I think
it's a very attractive position myself
and I think that you are very fairly
compensated already. Um I think that uh
this just isn't something that we need
right now. And uh it was mentioned that
the whole compensation and the the
um meeting money was be becoming
adversarial and it's because what's
being asked for is unreasonable and I'm
totally against it.
Okay. Um,
then I'll conclude public comments. I
think it's pretty clear we want you to
take that next step.
» So, continue to look into each of the
items.
>> Well, the items that that we've brought
» Well, the items that that we've brought
up. Yeah. And you said with with
our
>> Can we go specific by item?
» Can we go specific by item?
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> I want to make sure we're all on the
» I want to make sure we're all on the
same page.
So cafeteria plan, I would say it the
assignment would be is it easier,
better, more compliant for us to be a
separate
cohort of our own board plan or is there
a world where we do
where we are defined as an employee?
That seem to be the two
>> talked about through Cal.
» talked about through Cal.
>> Yeah. So that's the section 125
» Yeah. So that's the section 125
cafeteria plan. Then it doesn't seem
like there's anything applicable with
Kalper's rate and federal factors. It's
just she's informing us premium timing
and shortfalls. I think we would need to
receive a final draft policy on how you
guys would suggest the timing of
payments with our stipens and the
premiums would be maybe pending legal
review as well. And then uh a question
of shortfall or surplus. We had talked
about that in the past as well. Can it
get pulled from our pay?
Um, and we should probably put a
protection in there too that says a pay
up to x amount of months to make sure
that there's never a deficit on the
district side. Um,
thoughts on Kalpers and HSA's HAS. I was
leaning towards can you look into the HR
since that seemed to be more simple. So,
let's we'll send you in the HR direction
and then I'm open to receiving a policy
just related to Kalper's benefits and
then just a policy related to HR. And
maybe they're separate or they're in
tandem, but I don't know if I want to
bundle the two together and make it more
complicated.
>> I would rather see.
» I would rather see.
>> Cool. Okay. So, there's another answer.
» Cool. Okay. So, there's another answer.
And then 680 to 850. Do you guys want to
pick the middle or do you want to go?
What do you guys think?
>> Whatever number we give you can be
» Whatever number we give you can be
adjusted if we make a decision anyway.
So, use the 680.
» Okay. So, so finance will calculate just
at the 680.
Is that what
>> I mean? It's there's nothing says we
» I mean? It's there's nothing says we
can't adjust or look at
>> Well, it's it's better if you tell us
» Well, it's it's better if you tell us
now because you adjust and then we can
go back and do some more work. So, if
you could tell us what number it is, we
can come back to you and that's the
number we would stick to.
>> Cuz if we if we go with 680 and then you
» Cuz if we if we go with 680 and then you
raise it, then that information we're
giving you is incorrect.
>> Can I be honest? I kind of like going
» Can I be honest? I kind of like going
with the highest because then we know
that's the greatest financial impact
possible.
>> Good. Excellent point.
» Good. Excellent point.
>> Okay. Okay. Thank you.
» Okay. Okay. Thank you.
>> 850 and there will not be any higher.
» 850 and there will not be any higher.
There might be less. And then
we are good about then you've already
done budget considerations
and
I'm trying to think if there's anything
else in the policy
that we would want to make sure we have.
I think that I think that dots all our
eyes for the policy.
>> One more eye I want dotted. If you're
» One more eye I want dotted. If you're
going to be talking to Kalpers and
talking to the legal folks, regardless
of what has been said already, I want to
see a full definition of employee versus
note employee.
>> And are you wanting the Kalpers
» And are you wanting the Kalpers
definition or the because Kalpers?
>> We're we're streaming towards Kalpers
» We're we're streaming towards Kalpers
anyway.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> So, get the Kalpers. I I
» So, get the Kalpers. I I
>> it's one thing to to hear comment about
» it's one thing to to hear comment about
it. I want to see what the governing
body has to say about.
>> So, can I make this like a summary
» So, can I make this like a summary
motion? Do we need to do that?
>> We don't really need we've given her
» We don't really need we've given her
direction.
>> Great.
» Great.
>> That's really all we need to do.
» That's really all we need to do.
>> Mr. President, are we uh tableabling the
» Mr. President, are we uh tableabling the
item or continuing it to a day?
>> Well, continuing it to as soon as you
» Well, continuing it to as soon as you
can.
>> We're not tableabling.
» We're not tableabling.
>> Tabling it for tonight. We're
» Tabling it for tonight. We're
tableabling it for tonight, but not for
the future.
>> As soon as you'll come back when they
» As soon as you'll come back when they
have the information.
>> Yeah. And and that can be at a study
» Yeah. And and that can be at a study
session or at a regular board meeting.
>> I think it's clear we'd need all that
» I think it's clear we'd need all that
information to prove it. Anyways, so
thank you.
>> Okay. Um
» Okay. Um
we'll move now, Scott, to item two.
>> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh this is
» Thank you, Mr. President. Uh this is
your midyear report on the fiscal year
202530 strategic plan. Uh in your staff
report are the highlights that staff has
achieved in the first six months of this
plan. Uh I can go in more details on
that if you want me to. But I
[clears throat] also want to mention
that moving forward uh we are going to
be presenting this report to the board
twice a year for instead of four times a
year. We were presenting on a quarterly
basis uh but now staff is recommending
presenting it there midyear and an
annually uh to allow for more meaningful
and comprehensive updates on progress
and outcome and also it does free up
some of staff time uh rather than doing
it quarterly versus midyear and
annually. So happy to answer questions
you may have.
the one that brought this up and I
appreciate the u you know this the staff
in this in this type of report but my
request was in the strategic plan
there's 2025 recommendations there's
2026
and so on for five years and that's all
I really wanted to staff to report on
there's there's I think four maybe six
2020 25
uh strategic plan goals.
Um and so that that's all I really
wanted in this report uh was
how staff is progressing if or not with
the the timelines that are set in the
strategic plan. So, I I appreciate the
huge amount of effort in in the report,
but that that is not what I was looking
for
and and I'm I'm open to whether it's
done annually, quarterly, or whatnot.
But I think with with with if it's down
to four items or six items, he just
either said, you know, we met the 2025
goal or we didn't, you know, and and
just a few sentences about we met it or
we didn't meet it or that that's all I
really wanted.
Well, thank you for the work you put
into it. It was it was illuminating, but
I agree it was a lot of work. Other
comments?
Nicole, anything to comment on this? I'm
seeing a headshake. No. So, okay. All
right. Then we'll move to item three,
uh, performance goals.
>> Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. So, I
» Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. So, I
don't know of any other general managers
or city managers that present their
performance goals in an open setting
like this. Uh, but I've been doing this
since I've been here. Uh, just to
advocate my uh, beliefs and
transparency. Uh the one I do want to
mention though unfortunately in the
staff report um I did we did attach my
2025 goals but in the staff report it
didn't identify the progress made and I
apologize for that and that's why I
printed up copies for you and I also
made copies of this um for the public to
to read and I'm happy to go down each
one of these goals that I achieved for
you. Um, we will update this in in the
staff report. And then also in the staff
report is the um 2026 performance goals
uh for next year that I'm proposing. I
did meet with President Schaefer on
these goals and and he uh uh liked them.
He approved them or at least considered
moving forward and bringing it to the
boards for consideration. Um as per
board directions, all the goals are um
identified uh with a strategic plan and
it also has a deadline uh for me to to
to uh try to achieve. So, um, happy to
answer any questions you may have. Yes.
>> Questions for the general manager? Go
» Questions for the general manager? Go
ahead.
>> Yeah. No. Um, in this month's, uh,
» Yeah. No. Um, in this month's, uh,
Orange County Sand District
meeting, which will occur this
Wednesday,
um, there is there is an example of what
the general manager's
20 256 work plan and midyear report is,
just FYI. and their their strategic plan
is like six items
and those are the six items that become
the general manager's work plan.
We have a 56 item
elements and
major difference. But
so you can you can review what what Rob
Thompson's
work plan looks like and then and since
I'm a representative
appointed to the Orange County Sand
District.
>> We'll do. Thank you.
» We'll do. Thank you.
Nice pictures, by the way. Thank you for
I'm sure you're the only general manager
in the county that goes out and cleans
up the bay in Fairview Park. So, thank
you for doing that. Um, okay. The
>> Can I ask questions about the process?
» Can I ask questions about the process?
So, I've received this. Do I fill it out
now and submit it to you?
>> Just going to get
» Just going to get
>> Oh, okay. Thank you.
» Oh, okay. Thank you.
Um, at this point we need to uh have the
board authorize myself to meet with
Scott to go over this checklist. Before
I meet with Scott, I'd appreciate all of
you completing this and getting it back.
Okay. Uh, Scott, we can talk later after
Wednesday. Uh, talk about setting up a
time for you and I to sit down and go
over the goals.
>> When do you need these back? Uh if I
» When do you need these back? Uh if I
could have them no later than the middle
of next week.
>> You're talking about the gentleman
» You're talking about the gentleman
>> evaluation. This the valuation
» evaluation. This the valuation
>> this item that I Yeah, I gave it to you
» this item that I Yeah, I gave it to you
earlier this evening.
>> Mr. Mr. President,
» Mr. Mr. President,
>> sorry. Sorry, but um you know if they
» sorry. Sorry, but um you know if they
were to give you the all of their
information and you were to have it and
then meet with Scott,
>> that would be a problem with the Brown
» that would be a problem with the Brown
Act. I think we have to have a
>> close session for that. Yeah, we have to
» close session for that. Yeah, we have to
close session when we Okay.
>> on the application.
» on the application.
>> No, I'm just trying to get this filled
» No, I'm just trying to get this filled
out so that I can take it with me to
Scott.
>> Yeah, I I haven't seen what you have in
» Yeah, I I haven't seen what you have in
front of you, but I thought you were
asking for their recommendations on
thoughts. Okay.
>> No, no, no.
» No, no, no.
>> I misunderstood that, too. I was like,
» I misunderstood that, too. I was like,
"All right, I'll give it to you."
[laughter and gasps]
>> That okay.
» That okay.
>> Let me see what a copy looks like.
» Let me see what a copy looks like.
>> You want mine?
» You want mine?
>> You can do it right after the meeting.
» You can do it right after the meeting.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Okay. I'll show
» Okay. I'll show
>> I'm not sure.
» I'm not sure.
>> Yeah, that's
» Yeah, that's
>> okay. Um, we are ready to move then. Oh,
» okay. Um, we are ready to move then. Oh,
I'm sorry. So, I need a This is an
action item to authorize me to meet with
you.
>> I'll move the action.
» I'll move the action.
>> Second.
» Second.
>> Motion is second. Call. Any questions on
» Motion is second. Call. Any questions on
that?
>> No.
» No.
>> Are you planning Is it next week you're
» Are you planning Is it next week you're
planning a meeting?
>> No. I want these back from all of you by
» No. I want these back from all of you by
next Wednesday.
>> And then Scott and I will set up a time
» And then Scott and I will set up a time
to meet before the next board meeting.
>> Very good.
» Very good.
>> All right. Roll call, please.
» All right. Roll call, please.
>> Director Wright,
» Director Wright,
>> yes.
» yes.
>> Director Walshshire,
» Director Walshshire,
>> yes.
» yes.
>> Secretary Perry,
» Secretary Perry,
>> yes.
» yes.
>> Vice President Utton,
» Vice President Utton,
>> yes.
» yes.
>> President Schaefer,
» President Schaefer,
>> yes.
» yes.
>> Motion carries 5.
» Motion carries 5.
>> Okay. Um, before we move to the
» Okay. Um, before we move to the
engineers report, I'm going to call for
a eight minute break.
Please,
we'll meet back here at 10 minutes to 6.
» Thank you, Mr. President. Um, just a
couple of items. Number one, we opened
bids this past period uh for project 349
Mendoza pump station. Um, as you recall,
we extended the gravity sewer to the
Mendoza alleyway. Uh now this is the
main part of the project where we will
extend the sewer onto that uh into the
the pump station property I'll say and
then we're going to work on redundant
force manes and connect an overflow from
our wet well. That project will be
coming for your approval to award a
contract next month. Second item I want
to discuss is uh there's a couple of
items that I'll be bringing to you this
upcoming study session. One item will be
to discuss the top five or six CIP
projects, why they're important, what
why why I think they're the most
important five or six projects and I
would like uh to throughout the year
bring another five or six and then
throughout the year we'll we'll get
through the entire list of what we're
doing from a CIP perspective. Second
item is I I would like to discuss with
the board during the next study review
session our public portal, some of the
limitations we have with our current uh
public portal, staff's needs and and and
potentially options for proceeding. So
that's something that we'll be I'll be
bringing to you during the February
study session. With that being said, I
suspect you read my report, so I'm not
going to go over too much in there, but
if you have any questions or need
additional information, I'm h happy to
answer your questions.
>> Thank you. Any questions for the Nicole?
» Thank you. Any questions for the Nicole?
Any questions?
Seeing none. Okay.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Thank you. Um Mark's not Mark Davis is
» Thank you. Um Mark's not Mark Davis is
not with us this evening, so I assume
there's no treasures reporting.
So, we'll go to attorney's reports.
Council.
>> Thank you, Mr. President. Um first item
» Thank you, Mr. President. Um first item
is the uh ADU AR and uh AD ADUs are a
creation of the state legislature and
they have uh favored them and tried to
help fix our housing problem by giving
him them very preferred status under the
law most of the time uh to the detriment
of local agency's ability to regulate
and in many cases they preempted us just
for the benefit of to the public. Uh, an
ADU is an accessory dwelling unit. They
can be attached or detached. They
provide complete living facilities. Uh,
they must include permanent living,
sleeping, eating, cooking, sanitation on
the same parcel as the main residence. A
junior ADU is located entirely within a
single family resident.
A lot of the ADUs are approved
ministerally, meaning the city doesn't
have much discretion to deny and uh we
both have to figure out how to uh how to
deal with these new creatures that are
being built within our city.
>> Uh
» Uh
>> could you again what a junior AD is? Uh,
» could you again what a junior AD is? Uh,
a junior ADU is located entirely within
a single family residence and it may
include shared sanitation facilities or
separate and they're usually smaller
>> 600 square feet.
» 600 square feet.
>> I'm sorry.
» I'm sorry.
>> Is it under 600 square feet or
» Is it under 600 square feet or
>> Yes. Yeah.
» Yes. Yeah.
Uh another um
so the many limits on uh what we can do
with ADUs and one of them is you know we
have a capacity fee. Our biggest concern
is capacity and our u
earthwhile uh district engineer has
reviewed this and we've determined we
have the capacity for these although uh
you know we're everyone's everyone's
projecting how much how many ADUs will
be built but we think we have enough. Uh
the other issue is whether or not they
can pay for what others have paid for,
namely the uh the lions and uh what it
takes to maintain the sewer system. And
we generally cannot uh charge capacity
fees. We can if they're over 750 square
ft and it's being built with another new
single family dwelling. Uh but we have
to be proportionate like we have to do
with all our fees we charge. So we have
limited ability to charge sewer
capacity. We do have um we cannot also
require se separate laterals except in
uh very
limited circumstances namely new
construction of both the single family
and the ADU. Uh so we they do have the
ability to be on the same line which is
something we generally would prefer.
They are not uh we can require uh sewer
treatment transportation fees you know
namely
pay your cost for flushing your toilet
and what that service is. So we can
charge for that. We can also charge for
the trash too. So this uh is an outline
of our ability to regulate its meant
it's kind of a living document because
the laws are changing fast. gives staff
a reference to uh refer to uh when they
need to figure out what they're dealing
with and it's been through the CAC and u
it's submitted for your consideration.
» I have another question. Um are you
saying that the ADU if it's over 700 ft
has to be attached separately to the
sewer line?
>> It can be if uh
» It can be if uh
>> can it be attached to the existing sewer
» can it be attached to the existing sewer
line?
>> I'm sorry. Can it be attached to the
» I'm sorry. Can it be attached to the
existing shoreline or does it have
>> no over 750? We can if it's new if both
» no over 750? We can if it's new if both
both structures are new, we can require
that they have separate laterals.
>> What if it's a new one going in with an
» What if it's a new one going in with an
old old one old house?
>> Yes. Then you cannot require a new new
» Yes. Then you cannot require a new new
lateral. You have to allow them to
connect to the existing letter.
>> Okay. Good. Go ahead, Mark.
» Okay. Good. Go ahead, Mark.
>> Yeah. What um director Perry in your
» Yeah. What um director Perry in your
question are you asking the the size and
then can that size be connected to the
existing out or not? Is that what what
I'm understanding? So I guess like our
legal council mentioned you can tie in
that system to the existing it it also
depends I'm going to say on how big it
is what the use is and some other
things. Is there a size of the ADU that
qualifies that to where it can be go?
>> Uh, right now we're using the definition
» Uh, right now we're using the definition
the legal council is providing us. Uh,
and that's is it Alan? Is it 700 or 750?
>> 750.
» 750.
>> 7 750. So 750 and above we can do
» 7 750. So 750 and above we can do
something with under under that number.
Um, we're we're even looking at
streamlining because city of Costa Mesa
is looking to do some type of a rubber
stamping. uh within a two-eek period to
allow building plans to move forward. If
that occurs, they're moving on without
us. And so and so we're I'm working with
Robert and I'll be presenting something
to our general manager. Is there a way
we can streamline our processes for
those ADUs that are exempt as as legal
counsel um suggests they are from many
things. So that way we can maybe keep up
with the city and get these things
moving forward.
>> Is that happening in other cities also
» Is that happening in other cities also
or do you know? Uh I this is I guess I'm
going to be honest. I don't know. It's
too new. I haven't heard much from our
sister and brother agencies uh and other
other public agencies that are
associated with OCN as an example. I
just don't know
>> if if someone is doing an ADU and they
» if if someone is doing an ADU and they
choose to tie into the existing system
from the regular home from the existing
home. Are there any fees that they get
charged to tie into like any connection
fees or anything for tying in?
>> You know, again, it depends. If it's 750
» You know, again, it depends. If it's 750
or over, we can then start we can charge
capacity fees and other types of fees.
Um, when they're smaller than that, I'm
going to say we have some limitations on
what we can charge. For example, we
cannot charge capacity as as legal
counsel mentioned,
>> but if they decide,
» but if they decide,
no matter what size, they decide to put
their own lateral in and connect into
OC Sand system, they would have fees,
right?
>> Well, no. Uh, first of all, most most of
» Well, no. Uh, first of all, most most of
the single family residential and
commercial properties that we have in
our service area, they don't have direct
access to OC. They have access to our
system. So, we're the governance of
those of those um properties within our
boundaries. We govern what they connect
and what they can't connect to.
>> The connection out in the street.
» The connection out in the street.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> That's controlled by us.
» That's controlled by us.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Thank you. Go ahead.
» Thank you. Go ahead.
>> The the junior ADUs are basically just
» The the junior ADUs are basically just
an additional room on a res a residence.
Um when when when we have a new
residence in the district,
we charge them based on the number of
fix fixture fees uh or is it just
charged on the basis of them being a a
residence?
>> Well, again, if it's under 750 square
» Well, again, if it's under 750 square
feet, whether it
>> a new house is built
» a new house is built
>> Oh, yeah. When a when a whole new house
» Oh, yeah. When a when a whole new house
is built and an ADU, we can then
proportion and and and base the charges
for the ADU and the new residents based
on fixtures. We can do that.
>> So a 500 foot existing home or 2700
» So a 500 foot existing home or 2700
square foot existing home would be
charged differently
>> district.
» district.
>> Yes. Because of for several reasons. uh
» Yes. Because of for several reasons. uh
number of bedrooms, which is how Orange
County Sanitation charges us. We we pass
that cost and we we collect that for
them. And the number of fixture units, a
500 ft house probably has half the
fixture units of a,200 foot house as an
example. Maybe maybe not quite half, but
you know, it's less.
>> The bigger house would get because they
» The bigger house would get because they
have more fixture more fixtures, would
we would charge them more on the tax
roles? Yes, we would charge them uh
higher we would charge them more fixture
fees which is really a capacity thing
and then depending on uh the what we
have to inspect we could charge more for
inspection and plan check and those
things
» questions from Martin
>> uh yeah I just have one comment which is
» uh yeah I just have one comment which is
on the can ADUs be sold separately so um
there's a lot of mixed
mixed messages I think between city and
state law and uh just to let you guys
know when we did when we got our ADU
permit we actually forfeited our right
to sell it separately through the city.
So I think because sometimes there's a
lot of confusion between are we part of
the city or not, I think we should
expressly state that it's not our
jurisdiction to determine and you know
you kind of already have it at the end
pending various laws with city and
state. Um I think we should just kind of
evade that responsibility of that
question if possible.
Otherwise, it looks good to me and I I'm
a big fan of the expediting process and
um I'm glad we're trying to keep up with
the city on that.
>> Rolling questions.
» Rolling questions.
Uh we have public comment. Cindy, you
want to speak on this item?
Okay, then let's move to
um
nothing. you. No action you need from us
>> this regulation number 140.
» this regulation number 140.
>> I'll move for approval.
» I'll move for approval.
>> I'm sorry.
» I'm sorry.
>> I'll second.
» I'll second.
>> Uh we have a motion for I'm sorry for
» Uh we have a motion for I'm sorry for
not bringing that regulation number 140.
Um roll call, please.
>> Director Wright,
» Director Wright,
>> yes.
» yes.
>> Director Walshshire,
» Director Walshshire,
>> yes.
» yes.
>> Secretary Perry,
» Secretary Perry,
>> yes.
» yes.
>> Vice President Uton,
» Vice President Uton,
>> yes.
» yes.
>> President Schaefer,
» President Schaefer,
>> yes. Thank you. Thank
» yes. Thank you. Thank
>> Thanks, Alan. Um let's move to item two.
Thank you, Mr. President. Do we have a
PowerPoint?
As the board knows, um, directors are
entitled to a paid PDM sum for each
day's service they rendered rendered as
a director up to six days per month.
That's the authority for that is health
and safety code section 6490.
The statute provides that a director is
entitled to be paid for each meeting of
the board and for each day's service
rendered as a director at the request of
the board. It is the second part of the
statute that we've struggled with. It's
difficult if not impossible to have a
request of the board in sufficient time
to have the board act on it at a
properly noticed board meeting. Uh
that's because the you know the Brown
Act requires 72 hours and a staff report
has to be prepared. It just doesn't work
well.
So um the board uh re determined to
preapprove certain meetings that recur.
A list of 27 of such specific meetings
was developed
and these cover the vast majority of
meetings that directors attend. I think
those are up there right now and there's
14 and then the second slide will be uh
the rest of them. Yeah, thanks.
So the list worked pretty well. Um the
only category
uh it worked pretty well. The only
category we suggest adding to this cate
is the u meetings with the general
manager and because everybody assumed
that would be a meeting that would be uh
compensated but of course we're going to
have a discussion about this later
because there may be other thoughts
about that. So that's the one uh we are
as staff recommending that be added that
was left out. But there are still unique
meetings that arise and need director
attendance. To try to address these, the
board added two provisions dealing with
situations that could not be
anticipated.
They include any other meetings directly
involving the district. That was one.
That's the 27, I believe. And then 28 is
uh any other meeting indirectly
involving the district by subject matter
provided the director submit in the
request for compensation how the subject
matter related to the district.
Recently the form submitted for
compensation did not always provide the
substantiation.
We believe that part of the problem is
the fact our form was not clear on the
requirement and we're going to propose a
a fix for that.
So we are suggesting that the form uh be
revised to fix the problem and we
believe the problem will be taken care
of going forward. We also suggest that
each director submitting such a form
describe in a brief report at a
subsequent board meeting how the meeting
or event indirectly involved the
district by subject matter. The same as
we currently now do for reimbursement of
expenses. It's in the state statute that
you have to provide a brief report if
you get paid your gas mileage, but it
doesn't say you have to do that for
getting your your daily PDM. So, we're
suggesting it's not going to be much of
a stretch for you to give a brief report
on how attendance at that meeting
advanced the district's goals.
A last uh point of clarification is
remote meetings. The policy does not
mention remote meetings and since the
COVID uh pandemic, the Brown Act has
allowed certain remote meetings and
attending meetings remotely has become
to be generally accepted. We ask that
the board clarify that remote meetings
will also be entitled to compensation
the same as live meetings.
So in conclusion, staff suggests one,
add a general manager to the meetings to
the list of 27 specific categories. Two,
beef up the form used to justify direct
and indirect subject matter meetings so
the director provides the justification.
Three, have the director report on the
meetings attended the next board meeting
or a future board meeting. And four,
clarify the remote meetings qualify if
that is the intent.
That is a staff suggestion and uh we'd
love to answer any questions and listen
to what the board has to say about this.
again. I'll start this um
on the list the the list of 29 or
whatever it is the title like number 16,
number 14, number 15. All it says in
this list is City of Costa Mesa
meetings, City of Newport Beach
meetings, County of Orange meetings.
There are a lot of meetings that the
city does that have no involvement with
with the sanitary district and I think
we've had it's already happened where
directors have asked to be predium for
going to certain meetings that we've
determined aren't relevant to the
district by labeling these the way we've
done here.
It it says city of Costa Mesa meetings.
Well, that could mean any meeting. So, I
think we need to scope this down when it
comes to that general general topic.
>> Good point.
» Good point.
>> Um,
» Um,
county meetings, too. Orange. County of
Orange.
>> County of Orange meetings. Yeah,
» County of Orange meetings. Yeah,
>> same thing.
» What's my mind right now? So,
>> I'll I'll open it up to the rest of the
» I'll I'll open it up to the rest of the
board. Bob
on on item or meeting that list number
28. Um
I I think we need to clarify
um
when the board approved
what meetings that encompasses.
Um I I firmly believe that the eco
eco conference
uh should be listed on that list.
Um
and there's a number of other meetings.
You know, I think it would probably I
think I think that has that would it
would be helpful if if the board members
knew that the if you came to the the the
eco meeting
it's one of the more fabulous
district meetings.
um
maybe compensated for. Um I I would I
would like to see a list of what staff
believes
meetings that would fall under that
topic or not. By it not being on there,
I guess that would be the or not. Um and
you know, I I I I guess I also believe
that
formally meetings with the general
manager are important and that should
have been compensated for and for the um
since 06 when I've been on this board
they have been compensated for and and
so I'm not I'm not sure why it's so
black and white um in in the staff
report
um to make that distinction.
And that may be some of the items that
Sue has on her list.
Agree with you.
>> The other question I I agree I agree
» The other question I I agree I agree
with Bob too. Um
so with this new form about giving an
iteration on on what we learned at the
meeting or why we went to the meeting or
whatever does that mean at the end of
our agenda currently at the end of our
agenda there's certain committees that
get reported on like me with SDRMA ISDOC
CSTA
SAR we going to eliminate thing reports
during the meeting now
>> no I would think those would still be
» no I would think those would still be
there there could be some overlap, but
um what you might want to do is just
provide a brief report of how your
attendance uh related or directly
advanced the district or something like
that. For the ones that are not called
out, ones that are called out, you don't
have to give a report at all.
>> We wouldn't have to do the little
» We wouldn't have to do the little
written report that you're talking about
adding
>> or we do we have to do both.
» or we do we have to do both.
>> You just have to do one or the other.
» You just have to do one or the other.
>> Okay, that that answers my question. We
» Okay, that that answers my question. We
have to have a record that uh and it
needs to be done before the the payment
is approved.
>> Right. Um the other
» Right. Um the other
association that's not listed on here is
the Southern California Waste Management
Forum which has got a annual meeting
coming up in March. Um I've attended
most of those forums and they have a lot
of bearing on what we do from a solid
weight standpoint. So that one needs to
be added to the list. I believe
I looking through here I I suppose it
could be any other meeting directly
involving the district by subject
matter. I think so.
>> Right. Subject matter is solid waste and
» Right. Subject matter is solid waste and
that's yes kind of what we're in charge
of. So that if that if if number 29 in
would incorporate that then we don't
need to add it separately.
» I would think so.
Um,
>> and when you fill out your
» and when you fill out your
substantiation for request form for
compensation, you're going to add a few
lines about how it helped and that's the
justification you need.
>> Okay?
» Okay?
>> So, you don't there's no need to do
» So, you don't there's no need to do
anything different. We will have to make
it some way in which that's brought
before the board before you get paid for
the the day's
attendance if it's not specifically
listed. Also, it it says that we're
entitled for expenses for doing our
ethics and sexual harassment training,
which is mandated by state law. Does it
make a difference whether we do those
virtually or live?
>> Well, if you have expenses, it wouldn't
» Well, if you have expenses, it wouldn't
Yeah,
>> I've tended to do my last couple online
» I've tended to do my last couple online
and you're required to have a two and a
half hour. I mean, you you can finish
the subject matter in 30 minutes, but
you got to stay online for two and a
half hours. I mean, so that those still
qualify.
>> Were you talking about expenses or the
» Were you talking about expenses or the
pdeium?
>> PDM.
» PDM.
>> Oh, okay. Yeah. Sorry, I misunderstood.
» Oh, okay. Yeah. Sorry, I misunderstood.
Yeah, the pdeium. uh you could either
specifically call it out or you could
say it directly or indirectly involved
the district because you're required by
law to complete this to serve as a an
officer a director.
>> The public served by you having going
» The public served by you having going
having gone through both those courses.
>> So the pdium I can't charge the district
» So the pdium I can't charge the district
for the electricity you computer
that was a facitious remark for the
record. We used to pay for toner paper
lump few years ago.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> Mike, the list I have says the solid
» Mike, the list I have says the solid
waste association of North America.
>> That's Swana. This is the waste
» That's Swana. This is the waste
management form. It's a different
organization.
» Where's one about ethics?
>> Section 301
» Section 301
035 and 036.
It's at the end of the the list.
» You don't have that part.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> I went also that class is not that easy.
» I went also that class is not that easy.
You have to really understand what
they're doing because you have to take
the test afterwards on on both
>> on both of them.
» on both of them.
>> On both of them there is a test.
» Okay. I have Yes. I'll speak on this
item. Um so I think the context is
in having two newer board members. You
guys are right. These are in some ways
these are explicitly listed but they are
very broad and sort of the message I was
getting was like this is the way to be a
board member is go to these meetings.
It's your responsibility to be informed
and all these interconnected bodies. Um,
but at the same time, of course, you
know, even wanting to like go above and
beyond, which is kind of just the type
of person I am, I noticed that there are
different types of meetings where I feel
I'm bringing the most value to, and
those tend to be more one-on-one
meetings versus going and sitting and
attending in a meeting. Um, and so, of
course, a bunch of questions have been
coming up in the last few months. Um,
I listed out these are all examples of
types of meetings that have come up and
either been yes, no, or I don't know.
And I'll I'll even just start with our
existing list, which is approved
conferences or organized educational
activities. I would say eco expo could
have fallen under organized educational
activities.
Um, you guys are right. City of Costa
Mesa, City of Orange, Newport Beach
meetings. Um,
super educational, super I'm very
passionate about it, very informative,
but I I think we've taken it as any
commission meetings apply there as well.
I'm fine with leaving those on the list.
My intention with this memo that I
prepared for you guys is that I think
there's a best use of my time as a board
member that would bring the most value,
but if we're more comfortable with the
existing list, like that's okay with me,
too. Um, and so
13 is quite broad as well, educational
outreach and presentations. And then of
course the the item that's or the number
that's bringing us all like confusion 28
and 29 because there's so many things we
could argue directly or indirectly uh
involve the district. So before I get
into like the types of meetings I do
want to say I I don't really feel like
board direction in past conversations
indicated that we needed more reporting.
And so I do want to say I'm not really
in support of having to submit more
reporting for meetings we've already
pre-approved.
Um I think that's just we're doing our
job, you know. So that's something I
wouldn't agree with in the staff report.
And then going into and then my
understanding was that um Zoom
participation was actually protected by
state policy, but if we want to
explicitly list that, I'm all for that.
Um so yeah, let's go through my ideas
that things I think should be clarified
and included. Um district hosted or
district funded community events such as
the Eco Expo. So I think anywhere where
where district funds are being spent and
they have the intention of engaging with
our customers, educating our customers,
I think for many reasons we should go
and be compensated for our time there,
whether it's engaging with customers or
even just fiscal oversight. You know, if
we're spending a lot of money to sponsor
something, I think we should all go and
check it out and make sure it's a good
use of our time. Um, funny enough, the
same month that Eco Expo wasn't approved
for you guys, uh, the Newport Mesa state
of or the state of Newport Mesa
breakfast got approved for me. And so, I
would disagree with that. I would say I
got more value connecting with our staff
and coming here to the Ego Expo, a lot
of people didn't even know I was a board
member yet. So, everyone was being super
normal, which was great. I brought my
daughter. So
I I kind of want to create a it's in a
way it's getting more specific, right?
It's not general organized educational
activities or educational presentations,
but if it's directly funded or sponsored
by the district,
I want to I want to say, you know, if
we've decided it's worth our money, then
it should be worth board members going
to. Um here's another big one that I
want to push back on. only um making the
policy to just the general manager. I
have a problem with that. I would love I
have actually an example. So I I want to
specifically highlight meetings with
district staff because they are experts
in their respective areas and I think
encouraging like meaningful engagement
with the board would make us better
board members. Great example was I met
with Mark and our other engineer to go
over Tessa and then the the um
productivity of that conversation that
meeting rolled into the quarterly
liaison meeting where then we talked
about Tessa with the city of Costa Mesa
staff and having that type of
collaboration
I think should be encouraged. Um, and I
feel like there's always items that
could be discussed more more deeply. I
could be educated more on in that
one-on-one setting. Like for example,
walking through the entire CIP list and
learning directly from Mark about every
single project rather than that needing
to be an agenda item at a meeting. Um,
so I really don't want to explicitly
exclude
meetings with staff and say only with
the general manager. Um, and I see that
being a really productive use of like
city council's time at the city level. A
lot of council members will take the
time to do one-on-one meetings with
department staff and directors before a
meeting so that they get all their, you
know, preliminary questions out of the
way and then are really equipped to vote
on an item later on. Um, so I'd really
like to push for including meetings with
staff and even I wanted to share like I
think it would be really cool to and
this is just for me because I'm new. I
would love to have like a one-on-one
meeting with a new staff member on a
monthly basis just to get to know their
role, their specialty. What do they see
as things that can be improved? What is
their vision for their department or
their special projects? Like when I
think about what is the best possible
board member, it's someone who does
things like that, you know, and really
invests in our staff. So, that's kind of
a vision that I would have for an item
like that or in a, you know, an event
category like that. Um, and then we
one-on-one meetings with board members
was something I wanted to add on here.
It's not as important to me. Um, but I
could see that being also a really
valuable use of our time. And then the
fourth one is meetings with other
elected officials, senior
representatives, key partners, vendors.
This could even be CAC members,
one-on-one meetings with them. Uh, yeah.
So, funny enough, I got uh I asked uh
staff if a meeting with John Stevens
would get approved as long as it was
related to aka the mayor. Um, as long as
it was related to business here at the
district and that got approved. I
haven't um filed for that yet because I
haven't needed to. But I also see that
as a really
like good use of our time is once again
relationship building that cross
collaboration with all the other people.
And and that's what's so funny is I
could get paid to go sit in a council
meeting and listen to their meeting, but
is that really the best use of my time?
No. As a director, as being an informed
citizen, all those things, yes. And I
encourage all all my friends to do that.
But as a board member, um I would love
to have meetings with, you know, the
public works director, the solid waste
director at the city, start meeting with
people from CRNR, like just to learn and
once again have those like collaborative
meetings.
Um and I think basically
uh indirectly this policy
sways board members to go towards what's
safe and what's certain which is okay I
know for sure if I go to this meeting
then I will get paid and I'm not going
to be in a gray area. And so it's it's
almost unintentionally like dissuading
from doing what I believe is more
productive time, more relationship
building um with of course relevant
stakeholders. And so
what I believe was the intention in
going into this item was a lot of these
vague meeting types have been coming up
with two new board members and we were
supposed to just discuss it. I didn't
feel that we needed to add more
reporting on the table. And I do think
we either add some specific examples or
we take these broad examples and we try
to figure out how to make them more
specific. Um, but yeah, I wanted you
guys to know like that's my intention is
I think I could be doing a lot more more
impactful work and having u more of a a
return on investment on my time for
meetings on behalf of the district and
as a board member and wanted to pitch
you guys on them. Um, and then I have no
intention in increasing our
compensation,
but I would like it to be noted for the
record that we could legally increase
our compensation 50% to $442 and we're
not going to do that. Um,
and
yeah, I think
>> yeah,
» yeah,
>> um, just to tag a couple things. Um,
» um, just to tag a couple things. Um,
I think the key word under district
funded community events is if they're
hosted by us. There was an article in
the register years ago about a director
from a fellow special district and the
whole article was based on um
who go who goes to what meetings, right?
And
there was a director that was pointed
out for including going to dance recital
that had something to do. So there's a
lot of gray area in there that
that needs to be vetted out and the fact
that it's hosted by us I think is the
key the key part of that. Um, as far as
meeting with staff,
um,
what about times where my computer isn't
working and I come in and I meet with
the IT people to fix my computer?
>> Yeah, I think I wrote um, we could
» Yeah, I think I wrote um, we could
create a structured
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> policy.
» policy.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> For one-on-one meetings because I think
» For one-on-one meetings because I think
you're right. Uh, a phone call with
Nolani when she's helping us shouldn't
qualify. I I'm hesitant to put a time
restriction on it because an hour
doesn't mean you had a productive
meeting.
>> There should not be a time. I I
» There should not be a time. I I
>> But I I do think like basically I wanted
» But I I do think like basically I wanted
to get a a temp check with you guys, but
I'm I'm willing to think a little deeper
about like what could qualify. I I think
um meeting with new employees,
I have difficulty with with approving
that because we are not their employers,
their employer, right? Um our charge as
a board member is to set policy, not
worry about personnel. Now, if we change
that to a meeting with a department
head, meeting with Mark to go over a
project, I think is a valid reason to
receive a predeem.
>> Okay. Uh meeting with Diana to go over
» Okay. Uh meeting with Diana to go over
all the work she's doing on this health
benefits to get some clarification I
think is a valid reason.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> To receive PDM. But
» To receive PDM. But
>> we could do leadership. it would
» we could do leadership. it would
>> or
» or
>> I know at SDRMA we we structure it with
» I know at SDRMA we we structure it with
our department heads.
>> Okay. Going to speak to a an individual
» Okay. Going to speak to a an individual
employee uh might have to you would be
better served going through the general
manager I think. with that. Um,
the one that I really have difficulty
with honestly is one-on-one with board
members and and the biggest reason I
have uh trepidation about that is
optically it doesn't look good. I mean,
honestly, Art and I go to the same Lions
Club meeting, right? We're in the same
Lions Club here in town.
Um
there's no way
in the green earth that I would ever say
well hey are and we don't talk about
district I I can stand on a Bible and
tell you that we don't talk about
district business. It's a social and I
think the law recognizes the fact that
we could all five of us go to a social
function. We're not going to get paid
>> but not talk about
» but not talk about
>> and we don't talk about it. I mean
» and we don't talk about it. I mean
that's to me that's Yeah, it's it's the
meetings with Scott that got me thinking
about that because it's funny that if
there's two of us and Scott, we get
paid, but if you remove Scott, then
we're not paid.
>> And I think that's how we should
» And I think that's how we should
continue.
>> And that's totally fine with me. It's
» And that's totally fine with me. It's
the one I probably am the least
passionate about because I get enough
time with you guys.
>> I'm totally kidding. Um,
» I'm totally kidding. Um,
>> thanks a lot. We all feel that way to be
» thanks a lot. We all feel that way to be
honest. [laughter]
Um, yeah, and I think that's wiser as
far as protecting the Brown Act as well.
But yeah, the
Yeah, if I had to pick though, I think
the staff one I' I'd want to emphasize.
Um,
what do you guys think about the other
>> I I disagree. I don't think meeting with
» I I disagree. I don't think meeting with
the staff I don't think one-on-one
meetings are good and meetings with
other elected officials, I don't think
those are good for us. Let's keep it as
as is the 29 that we have.
» Um
when I was a director for the Orange
County Sand District, I rarely had um
a director call me and ask for
information and I don't believe they
did. I don't know whether they got paid
for it or not.
I appreciate director writthusi
and I appreciate her need and director
well need and my need when I came on the
district to understand policy
and I I believe that uh
um director right you will be a better
director
Um and I have no problem for her to get
compensated for meeting with certain
level staff. um
meeting meeting with the general manager
in the past,
you know,
I believe that um
direct directors got paid for that
compensation pretty much, you know,
whenever whenever it came up. Um, and I
believe that that that is a an, you
know, I talked to Scott on the phone
quite a lot. That's not what I would
like to be paid for. Um,
you know, I I mean, historically, I've
been a a large meeting attender.
Um, more recently, you know, I'm I'm
down to substantially less meetings.
Uh,
I I like some of director Wright's
comments.
Um
do like the district coast district
funded community events. I think that's
important. That's a big one because
you're meeting the public. It's like eco
>> esport.
» esport.
>> By the way, that article in the register
» By the way, that article in the register
where and it listed directors from the
whole county. And you know who the
number one guy in the county for going
to meetings was?
>> Me,
» Me,
you know, but I only got paid for six.
>> Yeah. Yeah.
» Yeah. Yeah.
>> I'm still I I if I only need to put six
» I'm still I I if I only need to put six
down, that's one thing. But I think the
public should also know that I go to
>> more than six. Yeah. I go to a lot more
» more than six. Yeah. I go to a lot more
than six.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> Yeah.
» Um Okay, Nicole, did you have any
comments?
>> Yeah. Um you know, I a lot of my
» Yeah. Um you know, I a lot of my
thoughts echo uh Director Wright. Um I
don't have the list in front of me of
the meetings that are approved. Um but
from what I remember, I feel like it's
kind of vague. I I mean, there are
obviously a lot of meetings on there
that very specific. I know exactly what
it is. But like for example, you know,
city of Costa Mesa meetings that I think
uh director Wright might have brought
up. I've gone to what I thought was a
city of Costa Mesa meeting and then was
informed later that it, you know, it
wasn't eligible. And that's fine. It's
not a big deal, like one meeting. But I
don't think that we need to improve our
forms um for, you know, additional
reporting information if we just have a
list where everyone is on the same page
about what meetings qualify and and what
meetings don't. Um so again, I don't
have that list in front of me right now,
but I'd like to see if we can further
clarify what's on the list right now. um
divide it into what's going to need a
report and what's not going to need a
report just again so we're all on the
same page, staff is on the same page,
the public is on the same page. Um yeah,
I would like to see a very specific
list. And then um I have always believed
this whole time that meeting with Scott
was eligible for predium. So I'm I'm not
sure I I I don't I didn't know if it
wasn't. Um but I also think that we
should be able to meet with department
heads and um like you know a lot of our
um a lot of our uh reports for uh study
sessions and board meetings have um like
big spreadsheets. I don't have a
corporate background so I'm not used to
reading those types of documents. And if
I could get a little bit of prep time
with the person who prepared it that
would that would make me a better board
member for sure. And you know, if it
can't go through that employee and it
has to go through the general manager,
then I'm fine with that, too. You know,
whoever can can walk me through it. But
yeah, I think that we just need uh a
like a a clear list of what's eligible,
what's not eligible, what needs a report
or a summary, and what doesn't? And is
it possible that we can get that list?
Yeah, we'll make we'll make
>> Yeah, like soon like by the end of the
» Yeah, like soon like by the end of the
week by next two weeks like you know
what do we need to do?
>> How about tomorrow?
» How about tomorrow?
>> Perfect.
» Perfect.
>> My speaking editor.
» Yeah, it's on the agenda report as well
>> online.
that.
» Oh, I thought we'd already have the
list.
Talking about the the list you gave us
tonight.
>> Hey, Mike, how about a suggestion?
» Hey, Mike, how about a suggestion?
Are you going to be meeting with Scott
soon? I assume. is why don't you take
our ideas tonight and come back with a
meeting maybe the next board meeting or
the study session to go over it
>> because we've talked you know has some
» because we've talked you know has some
ideas I'm against some of our ideas but
I like some of our ideas you can
summarize it with Scott and see if it's
reasonable how about with Scott okay
that's even better
>> again mr president we have to make sure
» again mr president we have to make sure
we don't violate the Brown Act so if
we're all giving our ideas to you and
your assembly ing it. That's that would
>> just from our discussion tonight. Just
» just from our discussion tonight. Just
from our discussion tonight,
>> he can take those ideas.
» he can take those ideas.
>> Yeah, that's okay.
» Yeah, that's okay.
>> Absolutely. That's what we're going to
» Absolutely. That's what we're going to
do.
>> That all right, Mr. General?
» That all right, Mr. General?
>> Absolutely. Yeah. So it sounds like we
» Absolutely. Yeah. So it sounds like we
have majority support for more clearly
defining district hosted events
leadership of sta staff leadership or
department heads and then I would want
to know under what
rule was a city council member meeting
approved previously. Um and then yeah, I
think even going through city of Costa
Mesa meetings and then deciding what
what commission meetings, yes or no. Um
surprisingly there is overlap sometimes
and it's fascinating and I think it does
make us better board members. We're
we're collaborating but other times I
agree it feels kind of like uh I could
have been doing something more
productive for us. I don't think we
agreed on meeting with the staff. I
think we meet with the general manager.
>> Well, from my memory, if if if we
» Well, from my memory, if if if we
elected official discuss um if if if
you're going to have a meeting with with
a department head,
>> I think it needs to go through Scott
» I think it needs to go through Scott
first. He needs to be aware.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Rather than us just going because the
» Rather than us just going because the
staff person might be intimidated. take
that.
>> So if it if it's part of that meeting
» So if it if it's part of that meeting
with the general with a
>> meeting with Scott or approved by Scott,
» meeting with Scott or approved by Scott,
>> you need to be aware of it before we
» you need to be aware of it before we
even do it.
>> And meeting with other elected officials
» And meeting with other elected officials
should be based on the business of the
sanitary district, you know, not not
personal business.
>> Yes,
» Yes,
it still would need to be directly
related to the directly involving the
district.
You want to let me know when we can sit
down then with that
>> then come back this week.
» then come back this week.
>> Are you gonna take public comments too?
» Are you gonna take public comments too?
>> Oh yeah. You going to be taking public
» Oh yeah. You going to be taking public
comments on this item?
>> I'm getting there.
» I'm getting there.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Is there a list of approved conferences
» Is there a list of approved conferences
as well?
>> Um rather than the conferences, we
» Um rather than the conferences, we
generally go by the governing body who's
doing the conference.
>> Okay. For example, the CSDA conference
» Okay. For example, the CSDA conference
we're comp well we're compensated for
but that's through CSDA the
>> the swana forum is through the solid
» the swana forum is through the solid
waste association.
>> Yeah. Yes. And those conference are
» Yeah. Yes. And those conference are
usually in the budget. So that's a good
idea what are eligible. Now is there
another conference like another CASSA uh
California sanitation CASA California
agency sanitation first wastewater.
Anyways we used to be a member of that.
uh no longer a member but if you do want
to go to that conference and it's not
budgeted you just let us know and we can
you know try to find the money but
that's another example it's it's
eligible for because it is related to
wastewater right so that's eligible um
uh I think even uh I think the board's
gotten compensation for Waco water
advisory committee so if you wanted to
go to aqua which is I'm sure that's
eligible too so some of those question
but those are typically aren't budgeted
so if that's one you want to request
then I I believe the board uh would uh
possibly
>> I could look at this list pretty much
» I could look at this list pretty much
and then see events that they do. Okay,
cool.
>> I'm looking I can give you a list of the
» I'm looking I can give you a list of the
budget items that the conferences that
are approved in the budget for the board
members are going to and there's any
there's the conference in there that you
don't see, let us know. You see what
looking for?
>> Yeah, that'd be cool.
» Yeah, that'd be cool.
>> All right, there's no other comments.
» All right, there's no other comments.
We'll go to public comments. Oh, I'm
sorry, Bob. Go ahead. I'd like to see a
list actually of each um when when when
um
Chairman Mike and the general manager
meet. I'd like to see a list of
everything that has been discussed
tonight
including director rights
>> things like ecoexo the things we've
» things like ecoexo the things we've
talked about. Yes. We can disseminate
that as
>> and maybe just a better definition of
» and maybe just a better definition of
well I think we're headed towards
needing a better definition of director
said um
of
better definition of each of these first
31 meetings
would be helpful
Mike I'm sure you can do that
>> sure I can
» sure I can
Um, okay. Public comments before I go
here. There was a request from Rosemary
and I don't see her in the room. Okay.
So, she's not online. We know. Is
Rosemary online? Okay. Then I will give
her Go ahead.
>> Hello, Martin. Uh, 59year resident of
» Hello, Martin. Uh, 59year resident of
Costa Mesa. This discussion boggles my
mind.
I have served for almost four decades as
a an educator from the elementary to the
secondary to the undergraduate and to
the graduate level. I attended
conferences on my own dime. I was a a
member of the union board, Garden Grove
Education Association. I attended
meetings and conferences on my own dime.
I took field trips with my students on
my own dime. I spent weekends at
language immersion camps on my own dime.
I never once received a penny for any
extra duty events. I just contacted a
city council member
and I learned that city council members
do not get reimbursed
[clears throat]
for being a liaison. For example, I have
served for 10 years on the active
transportation committee. I was
appointed by Katrina Foley
and uh usually we have one to two
council persons as liaison to that
committee. We meet once a month. Uh over
the 10 years that I've been on that
committee, we I have seen lots and lots
of different council members. They do
not receive reimbursement for their
meetings. They do not receive
reimbursement for meetings which they
attend other than council meetings or if
they're on a board of the transportation
authority, for example, the TCA. Only if
they're on the board do they receive
compensation. If they simply attend the
meeting, they do not receive a dime.
Thank you.
Uh, Sue Lester,
» thank you for the opportunity to speak.
Um, somebody texted me and said they're
watching on YouTube and it's really hard
to hear Director Uten and some of the
other directors when they're not
speaking into the microphone. So, if you
speak softly, lean forward. Um,
there's a lot to unpack here. Director
Uten, thank you for stating that a lot
of my question that I had as it related
to this statement where general manager
meetings don't qualify, that is exactly
where my statements came from because as
a member of the public reading that
it made me question all that stuff. So
that is exactly where it came from.
There was no malicious intent and I was
not accusing anybody of anything. I was
trying to understand and I still am. Um,
as far as
adversarial, I think if a board member
thinks that a member of the public
questioning the board's action is
adversarial, we have way bigger problems
than anything that could ever appear on
your agendas.
Um, as far as the reporting goes and
being specific with meetings, I think
you need to. It's called accountability.
You guys are elected or appointed to do
the public's business in public. And
when you attend meetings for ISDO or a
city council meeting or something like
that, that is a publicly noticed
meeting. Anybody else in the public
could go to that meeting as well and
hear what's going on and know exactly
what you're hearing if you're getting
paid to attend that meeting. I think if
the meeting is is available in person,
you should have to get off the couch and
drive there. You guys aren't able to
attend your meeting virtually unless
you're traveling or somebody's ill. And
there's rules on how many of your own
meetings um or how your own meetings
could be um attended virtually. So why
should anyone else's be different? I
will say in the last five years of
expense sheets I looked at, director
Perry only met with the general manager
seven times and it was easy to know
exactly why he met with him because he
included an attachment that explained
everything that he did and everything
that he saw and everything that he said.
And you three gentlemen also used to
attach things that explained this is not
a paid meeting and why this is a paid
meeting. this is why I went that the imp
the public isn't entitled to that as far
as meeting with staff, meeting with new
employees.
It's micromanaging.
His job is to manage the employees. You
guys should go directly to him and a
determination should be made whether um
a a meeting about something is
beneficial. They have other duties that
they have to perform on a daily basis
and can't be stopping what they're doing
every five seconds to arbitrarily have a
meeting with somebody who wants to
educate themselves. Now, I'm not saying
that meetings with the general manager
aren't valid, but I don't think it
should just be every time you you meet
with a general manager, you get paid
without saying something like you have
been doing. That's a private meeting.
You are doing the public's business. It
should be public. It shouldn't be
private. It shouldn't be one-on-one. If
board members want to attend, meet with
city council, meet with sand district
individuals one on- one. That's called
initiative to educate yourself and
become a better board member. The city
should the the residents and the
rateayers should not have to fund that.
And I don't agree with it. Quote,
one-on-one setting is a private meeting.
the public does not have the ability to
know what those discussions are. Of
course, there's going to be um
exceptions meeting with council. There's
a bomb threat. There's certain things
that you guys have to meet on where the
public is not privy.
Totally understand that. I think that
you should include a list of those
things as well. Um more detail with city
meetings, county meetings, like you
said, I think is a great idea. I think
events not so much. You're getting paid
reimbursed for public meetings. Not for
showing up 15 minutes at a sanitary
district sponsored event, shaking a few
hands, kissing a baby and leaving.
Many of the people of the board attend
all the meeting or attend all the
events. They get there at the beginning
and they stay till the end.
I don't think events should be included,
but if you do include them, there should
be some stipulation on the duration of
time that you're there. And if you're
there at the event, you need to be there
with 100% of your focus on the event,
the people working it, and the people
attending it. You shouldn't bring your
family members and being eating
sandwiches in the parking lot and think
that you get paid for that. That is not
fair to the public, and I think it's
inappropriate. Um, events in general,
again, I don't think they qualify as
meetings and they shouldn't be uh
included.
>> You have one minute.
» You have one minute.
>> And
» And
um, as far as, you know, meeting
reports, like [clears throat] I said,
it's called accountability.
If
you say that you need to go to a meeting
and you guys all prove that yes, that's
a reasonable meeting to attend,
the majority of the people on your board
every week say what meeting you
attended, what you learned there, how it
affects the district. The ones that
don't or the ones that are outside of
the district and his director Perry's
are better than anybody's I've ever
seen. He's extremely detailed and he's
always done it that way and just the
last few years they aren't attached for
people to see. It's all kind of dropped
off. So your new format I think is
beneficial to not only all of you but
also to the public. So they are
absolutely clear on the business that
you are doing on their behalf and they
have the opportunity to hear what that
is, see what that is and know what that
is and not pay for a private meeting
with somebody meeting with a council
person talking about god knows what.
That
is private. Hi Miss Lester.
>> Thank you you uh Cindy.
Good evening. I'm still Cindy Brenamman.
I'm still awake, which is amazing. Um, I
agree with everything that Miss Lester
said and I want to thank Flo for being
here and for saying what she said and
for all of her service for um to our
community because she's been around
forever. and she reminded me that I have
also donated probably over 10,000 hours
that I can document to the city of Costa
Mesa and um never asked for anything in
return. I also remembered something else
that I thought was interesting. It's the
reason that I got interested in water
and sanitation in 2002. I went through a
program called Leadership Tomorrow and
Chief Le Point was actually in my class
and we went on um and I paid for that
myself. I was working full-time at the
time for a nonprofit. They couldn't
afford to put me through the program.
They said they would work with me on PTO
and taking the time off that I needed.
So, I was able to go through the program
and worked out a nice deal. It was
fascinating. I have never turned on a
faucet without thinking about that
class. I have never thrown anything away
without thinking about that class and
what I learned about sanitation and what
I learned about water. And um I think
it's really really important and there's
ways that we can educate ourselves that
the rateayers and the district doesn't
have to pay for. Um I also want to uh
encourage you to continue doing the
documentation and the reporting out
because I was sad to see that kind of go
away and drop off. I enjoyed listening
to you guys report about the places that
you had been, the meetings you had gone
to, what you learned, and how it
impacted the the district as a CAC
member. I'm not talking to you as a CAC
member right now, but I thought that was
very interesting. I'm sorry that went
away. And no matter what you do with
this tonight, again, I'm against it
completely and agree with everything
that Sue said, but um no matter what you
do, I think that you should continue
reporting and um I like the new system.
I like the new reporting system. So,
thank you.
» Okay.
Um
the action is to add the things that
Allan has already proposed.
Um the other act, we don't need a board
action to have that discussion about the
other items that have come up. Simply
tonight, we're going to take action on
what council has recommended.
Right,
» Mr. President? I think we'll bring
something back to you and that won't you
may want to fine-tune it further. We're
going to bring another draft back to you
of an ordinance.
>> You want us to just give us direction to
» You want us to just give us direction to
bring that back to us with with these
suggestions and other things that we
talked about?
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Sorry everybody.
» Sorry everybody.
>> Oh, you okay with that?
» Oh, you okay with that?
>> Is that a Yankee cap you're wearing?
» Is that a Yankee cap you're wearing?
>> Okay, I won't go anywhere with that. All
» Okay, I won't go anywhere with that. All
right. So, you have direction.
All right. Thank you. Um, where's my
agenda? We are now at
local meetings. Speaking of which, uh,
Orange County Sanitation District, Bob,
>> um, you know, I mentioned that the
» um, you know, I mentioned that the
I mentioned earlier about the the
general manager's work.
Um, the other non-consent item
>> closer to the
» closer to the
>> Okay. The other non-consent item um is u
» Okay. The other non-consent item um is u
the same thing that the the senary
district needs to go through. That is
consideration of budget assumptions and
budget calendar. And I'm I'm sure that's
on the general manager's uh periscope.
Uh the other non-conent items um I don't
think we need to be aware of.
>> Sorry.
» Sorry.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
meeting was last Wednesday.
I'll give you the highlights. James
Tyler from the Orange County Public
Works presented the updates to the Sana
River, the mainstream and the
Westminister project status with
discussion from he had a video
presentation.
A there are three new upgrades which are
almost finishing the lower Sana River at
El Prao. It's almost finished. They just
completed three of the last ones. The
spillway upgrade contract signed was
signed last year with ECI and the cost
of the new spillway is going to be 1.35
billion.
Uh there are some delays with the
spillway to start. Um but the financing
is there already and all the 112
projects that have been acquired behind
the dam to make this spillway higher
have been uh acquired which is good.
spillway will not be as big. If you go
down the 55 freeway, you'll see the
spillway. It's not going to be as large
as the current one. And they're going to
de demo the whole old spillway and
they're going to make the new spillway
instead of coming flat down, it's going
to be in tears, slow down the water.
the Westminster project uh which when it
reaches one thing if a lot of people pay
for insurance for the the FEMA or for
the insurance companies for the uh that
live in Huntington Beach, Fountain
Valley, West Minister
when the Westminster project comes down
from the north and stops at the 405
freeway, all of those people will not
have to pay insurance coverage uh any
anymore. That's going to be a way. It's
a year away, but that's their goal. The
current costs of the insurance that
people play in the pay in those cities
are 4.75
756425
million right now. That's what they pay
for insurance. The city,
>> not individually.
» not individually.
>> No, no. Total all of the citizens that
» No, no. Total all of the citizens that
have to pay for the flood insurance,
that's the amount. So, it's pretty a
lot. We post Mesa used to have to pay it
but we got out of that.
Uh and then the executive director Penny
Lee who's new she this is her first
meeting she gave an update of all of her
meetings with the Orange County Public
Works and is working with the core of
engineers on the east garden project
uh working with the county auditor for
our our audit from the SARA from the
2024 25 year is they're working
upgrading and upgrading our website. So
she's working on four projects. We meet
every other month except for one month
in the summer. So I was lucky that the
meeting was last week so I could give
this report to you. That that idea about
not having to pay for flood insurance
anymore has to be initiated by a
congressional representative
and in conjunction with the Army Corps
of Engineers. That's what happened in
Costa Mesa is our uh congressman
after they did all the improvements with
the concrete in the sand that we in fact
I was part of that we petitioned to uh
him to do it and they saved us a lot of
money.
>> We've been out of that paint for like 20
» We've been out of that paint for like 20
years.
>> Um okay, number three is dock. Um, I was
» Um okay, number three is dock. Um, I was
not able to attend the ISDOC meeting
because I was in Sacramento with SDRMA.
So, I have no report to give you at
ISDOC. I'm sure the topics that were
brought up were obviously the the death
of Director Mesmer and the lunchon this
Thursday, the quarterly lunchon for ISD
is this Thursday. And I believe Nolani
told me that you've signed up and I've
signed up. So, um,
CSDA,
I've noticed lately that, uh, Neil
McCormack, the director, has been
sending out a lot of email, more emails
on changes, number one to the Brown Act
and number two to legislative issues
that are coming through. So, I'm sure
we're going to see more with with the
legislative stuff. and he's been
reminding folks to sign up for uh
legislative days if you want to attend
legislative days in Sacramento which is
in March I believe it's early March
um
>> May
» May
I'm not sure
>> it may be starts with an end so it could
» it may be starts with an end so it could
be March
>> um SDRMA we had a board meeting And out
» um SDRMA we had a board meeting And out
of that board meeting, we officially
selected Debbie Yakakota as the new CEO
of SDRMA. Uh we've been working on a
contract and compensation and all those
things that are entailed with that, but
Debbie has officially been elected as
the uh CEO. We had board elections and
Robert Swan is the new president. Bob is
a director of a community services
district in
I can't remember Groveland. Groveland,
California. And I think in Groveland you
could spit and hit one side of town from
the other, but he's involved with the
the community services district up
there. Um our next boarding board
meeting is next week. So I will be in
Sacramento Tuesday through Thursday of
next week for that board meeting. Um
incidentally for that meeting for the
new directors SDRMA pays me a per DM. So
there is no cost. They also pay my cost
for conferences that I attend on behalf
of SDMA. So there's no no crossover for
that.
Uh, other meetings. Um, anybody want to
talk about Waco?
I attended Waco. Do you have a report?
>> I put that in my report. That's pretty.
» I put that in my report. That's pretty.
>> Rob Thompson's report was
» Rob Thompson's report was
thorough to say the least.
Other meeting. Any other meetings? Okay,
seeing none, we'll go to uh no old
business or new business. Closing items
are oral communications and director
comments. Any directors have some
comments?
You want me to start? Um,
I think it's time as a district that we
look at some issues involving the
district. Um, as we move into increased
solid waste costs and some of those
other things, I think it's probably
conducive for us to look at some things
that we might want to start looking at
terms of cuts in the budget and programs
that we now do that um are costing the
district some money that we might not
need to do.
There's a lot of examples of things that
that uh we probably should look at. Um
I think the survey how how often do we
do the survey every two years? We might
want to look at for example bump bumping
that out to every four years to save a
little bit of money. Um,
>> oh there there might be exceptions to
» oh there there might be exceptions to
that when something you know like the
WDR or the wastage
>> the 1383 was a good example of when we
» the 1383 was a good example of when we
needed to do
>> I mean maybe it's some I think it I
» I mean maybe it's some I think it I
think it's appropriate to set it at four
years except for you know except with
board approval for a particular item
>> and and I think what I would encourage
» and and I think what I would encourage
each of us the five of us to do is to
get some information to Scott on what we
think are items we would want to discuss
>> or or
» or or
maybe the staff could give us some ideas
how we can cut our expenses
different you know you we you know more
about the internal costs maybe how we
can cut because we have a lot of things
popping up in the Elden station too you
know it's going to be a big hit
>> you know we're looking to be funded for
» you know we're looking to be funded for
that that's going to be a lot of
>> part of that thought process too. I
» part of that thought process too. I
think Scott was the denial by FEMA of of
your grant. You know, we're looking at
having to finance that stuff and we
we've been pretty active about not
financing projects. So, um we're going
to have to go into debt basically to
have the project completed. That's we
have to look at our expenses that we're
paying for and having some cutbacks. I
think
>> I could include anything that that that
» I could include anything that that that
that we think, but I agree with Art that
some discussion or some feedback from
all of you would be a a good way to get
some conversations started. And I I'm
not going to sit here and tell you we're
going to start chopping heads to save
money. That's not the idea. But I think
we've always been really good about
being fiscally responsible. And I think
it gives us an opportunity to to help
with future future programs and future
years with the district.
Plus, with the increased cost of the
trash falling to the dumps, it's going
to be significant, too. Over a 5year
period, it's going to be a lot.
So, it's our it's our duty as board
members to try to cut back if we can.
Okay. Anything else?
Nicole, anything other com closing
comments or anything? Okay, I'll forgive
you for the hat because it's pink.
>> Uh, when did you want Scott to get that
» Uh, when did you want Scott to get that
list for us to take a look at?
>> Let's just look at it over the next 60
» Let's just look at it over the next 60
days.
May tail a little bit of work.
>> Okay, if there's nothing else, we are
» Okay, if there's nothing else, we are
adjourned.