[16:50] Directors Estremera, Shuea, Karemen, Lizotte, Santos, Varela, Chair Keegan.

[16:58] Here.

[16:58] We have a quorum present.

[17:00] Thank you. The Board of Directors is now going to meet in closed session in accordance

[17:04] with the Ralph M. Brown Act. Following the conclusion of closed session agenda, the Board

[17:09] will return for the remaining items on the regular meeting agenda. We'll be discussing

[17:15] item 2.1, closed session with legal conference, pending litigation, 2.2, closed session public

[17:23] employee appointment, and 2.3, closed session conference with labor negotiators. I've had

[17:30] a request to move item 2.3 ahead of 2.2. So if there's no objections from the rest

[17:39] of the board, we'd like to do that. Okay. We'll now recess to closed session. Thank

[17:44] you.

[17:44] Okay,

[22:38] the board has returned from closed session, item 2.4, district council report.

[22:45] Thank you, Madam Chair.

[22:47] With respect to the three items in closed session, direction was given to staff.

[22:51] All board members were there, except Director Kremen.

[22:54] That's all.

[22:55] Thank you.

[23:01] So at this point, district council, can we solicit public comments on item 2.2?

[23:17] At this point, can we solicit public comment on item 2.2?

[23:23] Madam Chair, I would just go follow the agenda.

[23:25] And when you hit that particular item, then go ahead and do it.

[23:29] Okay. Thank you very much.

[23:31] All right. Item 2.5, Pledge of Allegiance.

[23:35] Please join me.

[23:39] Pledge of Allegiance to the fire of the United States of America

[23:43] and to the republic over which it stands, one nation under God, invisible with liberty and justice for all.

[24:02] Okay, it is now time for public comment on any item not on the agenda.

[24:09] I'm going to call out your name. I will call out two names at a time.

[24:13] When I call out your name, the first person, please speak.

[24:16] The second person, please be ready to make their comments.

[24:20] So our first speaker is Marles Lee, followed by Arlene Getze.

[24:29] Hello, Ms. Lee.

[24:30] Good evening, world.

[24:33] I'm a wellness advocate and live in Armageddon Valley.

[24:36] The nation is rightfully shocked by the lead crisis in Flint

[24:40] and the systematic failure of health authorities to prevent it.

[24:45] But the problem with lead poisoning is not a Flint problem.

[24:49] It's a national problem.

[24:50] Lead service pipes were banned only in 1986, but America's water infrastructure is still

[24:58] laden with lead containing pipes and fixtures.

[25:02] The fluoride circulating through those aging pipes intensified their corrosion according

[25:07] to laboratory experiments.

[25:10] Studies have found that children living in areas with fluoride-treated water have higher

[25:15] levels of lead in their blood.

[25:17] Data collected by the Centers for Disease Control show the children drinking water treated

[25:23] with fluoride are 20% more likely to have dangerous levels of lead in their blood.

[25:29] The CDC has yet to warn the public about the fluoridation and lead risk.

[25:37] Now a little history.

[25:38] Since the invention of commercial toothbrushes and toothpaste, oral hygiene has improved.

[25:43] That is a reason for less cavities and not fluoride in the water.

[25:48] A timeline in the late 1800s, the popularity of toothbrushes in England

[25:53] grew parallel to the rise in availability and use of refined sugar.

[25:59] In 1896 Colgate introduced toothpaste in a collapsible tube.

[26:05] In 1938, the invention of nylon bristles

[26:09] allowed for simpler, cheaper mass production of toothbrushes.

[26:14] Brushing teeth was not popularized in the United States

[26:18] until soldiers returned from World War II brought the habit home

[26:24] adopting the Daily Dental Hygiene Regiment

[26:26] that had been required in the Army.

[26:30] In 1948-45, the first U.S. city was validated.

[26:34] In 1949, tooth brush pioneer Robert Hudson, a dentist from San Jose, invented OLB.

[26:43] Fluoride toothpaste was invented in the 50s.

[26:47] In 2003, the tooth brush was selected as the number one invention in America.

[26:54] And Americans couldn't live without it, but they still don't brush the teeth twice a day.

[26:59] Most countries in Europe have experienced substantial declines in cavities without the use of water

[27:06] fluoridation.

[27:07] Tooth decay rates remain stable or continue to decline after water fluoridation stopped.

[27:14] This shows that brushing teeth is what lowers tooth decay.

[27:18] You can save our money, our health by not adding fluoride to our water.

[27:23] Please, thank you.

[27:24] Thank you, Ms. Lee.

[27:25] Arlene Getze, followed by Ms. Maureen Jones and Ms. Jones, if you could line up over there, thank you.

[27:32] Good evening.

[27:33] Arlene Getze, no toxins for children.

[27:37] You have a handout on which the water commissioner of Flint, Michigan, considers removing fluoride from Flint water,

[27:45] because it has a chemical reaction with chlorine,

[27:49] which requires that they use phosphates, as you tell me you will be using, to

[27:55] reduce corrosion, which they say creates corrosion. It's very unusual for a water

[28:02] commissioner to admit that.

[28:06] And NBC reports on 150 year-old water pipes in

[28:11] our Bay Area. It says that the San Jose Water Company had 182 breaks last

[28:17] year and that broken pipes were 55 years old on average which means there were as

[28:25] many older than 55 than younger. So when you give us fluoride, you will give us

[28:31] more phosphates like are in Coca-Cola to fix the anti-corrosion. So we'll send

[28:38] us a water then be called guilty of the lead that leaks into my grandson's

[28:44] instead of you. For four years, I've brought

[28:48] credible evidence to you on the risks and failures of fluoride.

[28:52] In that time, I have never heard one word of sympathy or of even concern

[28:56] for 50, 40 percent of the teens in this country who have stains and pits on their teeth,

[29:02] especially kids of color, or the ones who struggle in school because of lead in their blood.

[29:09] We often hear how our kids aren't learning well,

[29:11] Well, even now in Flint, I have not heard a single word of concern from any of your board

[29:18] members, from first five, your donor's ADA, or from the public health that concerns the

[29:25] health of these teenagers who are damaged.

[29:29] Why is it that you see no value in the fact that they're all walking around with fluorosis

[29:35] and lower IQs?

[29:37] The groups you rely on like Public Health to help you notify parents have not done it

[29:44] up to now with fluoridated areas, so why do you think they're going to give any publicity

[29:49] or list any of the risks for the people like my daughter and grandson on Meridian?

[29:57] You admit you know nothing about fluoride,

[30:00] You persist in playing doctor and giving us a horrendous waste product regardless of whatever

[30:04] health problems we have.

[30:07] When will you start thinking about the health effects on our children instead of the political

[30:13] aims of your donors?

[30:15] It was politics that got public health to put fluoride in water in 1950.

[30:21] Your letter does not answer my questions that you sent to me, Madam Chair.

[30:24] It just implicates you further as you go on the road, on the pathway to unclean water.

[30:32] You have handouts. One tells you about nine other towns who are giving up fluoride. Idaho stops it.

[30:39] And Flint is now thinking about stopping it even though that is not the primary lead in their water.

[30:45] And yes, the Bay Area has lots of old pipes, especially San Jose water, who had no vote in putting fluoride in its water.

[30:53] Seven of you vote. None of the water companies and none of the city councils in this town

[30:57] have had a vote in whether or not they get fluoride in the water and have to repair their pipes.

[31:02] That's not your concern. So you have recent research on silicon fluorides and lead.

[31:10] Thank you for listening to me.

[31:11] Thank you, Ms. Getze. Now Ms. Maureen Jones. Good evening, Maureen.

[31:15] Good

[31:19] evening.

[31:23] You have a handout from me? The top page of the handout is a study

[31:30] conducted at the School of Dentistry, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was

[31:37] published in the journal Toxicology February 2010. The researchers found that

[31:44] higher blood lead concentrations were found in the fluoride plus lead group

[31:51] compared to the lead group alone. They also found two to three fold higher lead

[32:00] concentrations in the calcified tissues in the fluoride plus lead group

[32:06] compared to the lead group alone.

[32:11] The study used, believe it or not, it's the

[32:14] first study that ever used fluosilicic acid in an animal study. That doesn't happen. They

[32:22] always used deionized water. So this was a real breakthrough. So this is the water that

[32:32] kids drink and it certainly does support the two lead studies that I gave you a few

[32:39] weeks ago, the Massachusetts and the state of New York, the Dartmouth, you might recall

[32:44] had big Dartmouth abstract on the front exactly supports that completely. Behind

[32:53] this wonderful lead is this awesome booklet only it's copied out. This is a

[33:02] 1964 booklet a chuck full of comments about water fluoridation in 1964 by

[33:13] scientists, doctors, dentists, researchers, they are absolutely appalled at the idea of

[33:21] water fluoridation.

[33:23] And the disregard for medical ethics and the breach of the precautionary principle, I mean,

[33:30] it's just incredible to read.

[33:32] And this put together with the other booklet that contained signatures of 750 physicians

[33:41] and Dennis from New York and New Jersey pretty much alone.

[33:46] I gave that to you a couple of months back.

[33:48] All 750 names and they were rebelling.

[33:55] They just didn't understand.

[33:58] It wasn't just politics.

[34:00] It was never about teeth.

[34:01] This was the Manhattan Projects idea.

[34:04] They were protecting Dupont and all the other uranium hexafluoride processors

[34:10] from lawsuits. DuPont had 12 lawsuits. They had to do something.

[34:16] General Leslie Gross, please read the fluoride teeth in the atomic bomb.

[34:22] Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Jones.

[34:24] The next comment I've been asked to read into the record, it's from Diane Strutz.

[34:30] I do not wish to address the board slash committee.

[34:33] However, I would like to have the following questions answered.

[34:36] By what medical authority does the Board have permission to administer fluoride to the general population?

[34:41] How will you defend yourselves from a fluoride class action lawsuit if staff could reply to Ms. Strudtson writing?

[34:49] Thank you.

[34:50] Okay, we are now moving on to the Consent Calendar, items 3.1 to 3.4.

[34:57] Does any member wish to pull any items from the Consent Calendar?

[35:03] All right, we have a motion to approve in a second.

[35:09] All those in favor?

[35:11] Aye.

[35:12] Any opposed?

[35:14] None opposed.

[35:15] That carries.

[35:16] Thank you.

[35:19] Item 3.2, semi-annual lobbyist activity report for the period July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015.

[35:32] Madam Clerk, do you have anything?

[35:35] Oh, I'm sorry. Sorry about that. Item 4.1, interim chief executive officer appointment.

[35:47] Are there any members of the public here that would like to address the board on this item?

[35:56] Okay, seeing none, the staff recommendation is consider adopting a resolution approving

[36:03] interim chief executive officer and approving employment agreement.

[36:12] any comments from the board?

[36:24] So, District Council, should I ask for a motion for a resolution

[36:30] to approve an interim CEO? Oh, Director Estremaire would like to say, why don't you, okay, Director

[36:38] Estremaire?

[36:41] I didn't know if you wanted the Council to describe the process that we use for review.

[36:52] I'd be happy to Mr. Osterman.

[36:57] The district board is at a very trying, I'd say now, 60-day process by which they wanted

[37:05] to fill the interim CEO position because of all the challenges that they had for the

[37:11] district.

[37:13] The district board wanted to do this as quickly as possible and they pursued that effort.

[37:21] We've gone through a recruitment process that I think has been challenging in many respects.

[37:29] But today we have placed an opportunity on the board's agenda to place a person's name

[37:38] in nomination for appointment as the interim CEO.

[37:42] And if it is, in fact, the Board's desire to do so, I suggest a resolution be presented

[37:50] for the Board's consideration to include an employment agreement.

[37:57] And we can lay out the terms and conditions of that particular employment agreement

[38:01] if the Board gets to that point.

[38:07] Director Estramara, did you wish to say something?

[38:10] Yes, thank you Madam Chair.

[38:11] I did want to, as the council expressed, we had a pretty extensive search.

[38:22] It was somewhat quick because we limited the candidacies to internal candidates.

[38:29] We interviewed five applicants. We had five applicants and the board decided to interview

[38:41] all five applicants when we did two weeks ago. And of the five applicants, I would like to

[38:59] the applicants. We learned an awful lot through our interviews from the different folks that

[39:06] we interviewed and I have to say I thought it was an excellent process. It was open.

[39:14] We allowed anybody that felt they were eligible to apply and then later we interviewed every

[39:23] single person that did apply. I was particularly moved by actually all of the

[39:35] applicant, so I learned a lot from all of them, particularly the members of our

[39:41] leadership team, the three chiefs that applied, and so I felt that at a minimum

[39:49] every one of our chiefs could do this job and overall I looked at the challenges

[39:59] that we have before us and I felt that our Chief Norma Camacho would probably be

[40:10] able to stand up to the challenge that we have this year including a pretty

[40:15] extensive search we believe for a regular CEO that should take over. I know we used to

[40:24] say permanent, but with our experiences I would just call it regular. That's why I say

[40:29] regular just for those of you out there. And so, as I said, I was pretty satisfied that

[40:38] any of our chiefs could do this job. But I felt based on the kinds of challenges

[40:44] challenges that we have before us that Chief Camacho, she actually was willing to step

[40:53] up to the challenge as we're the other chiefs. So I would move that we appoint her interim

[40:59] and that you execute an employment agreement with.

[41:12] Mr. Director Santos.

[41:14] Yes, thank you Madam Chair. Yeah, I'm always impressed by all five applicants, but I really

[41:18] like the way the board allowed the freedom and that people express what they

[41:21] wanted to say and that's really comforting. I thought everybody was I'm sure

[41:26] they were nervous but they all acted seem like they have confidence in what

[41:29] they said and we have a good pool of people and again I just respect them

[41:34] all for applying I'm glad we were able to select someone here I hope it

[41:38] continues but you never know what goes down the road but again to all the

[41:41] board members who conducted themselves and supported the process

[41:44] just appreciate that very much.

[41:53] Mr. Council?

[41:55] Madam Chair, with that name being presented to the board,

[41:59] my suggestion is that that resolution also

[42:03] present a start date of March the 9th, 2016,

[42:11] that the compensation for that position

[42:14] be at the rate of $10,104.90 by weekly,

[42:20] which would be equivalent to an annual 262.727.28, and that upon the execution of this agreement

[42:31] by the Chair, we would make this agreement available to the public.

[42:39] Thank you. I just would like to echo some of the comments that Director Estramara made.

[42:46] It was very gratifying for me personally to see the depth and breadth of talent in the organization.

[42:55] And I learned something from every single person that we interviewed.

[43:00] And so I think that that was a successful process.

[43:05] I very much appreciate everyone taking the time to submit an application and to come in and be interviewed.

[43:13] And I think it's something to be proud of, that we have people in this organization that

[43:22] were ready, willing, and able to step up to the plate in this regard.

[43:27] So that's a good thing in an organization.

[43:30] It's good to have depth and breadth of experience, and we do have that.

[43:38] I think Mr. Director Varela, would you like to speak?

[43:42] Yes, thank you.

[43:43] The process was actually quite fascinating for those of us that were involved in this

[43:48] process.

[43:49] The district should be very proud of the leadership that is part of this organization.

[43:53] The candidates that were interviewed were spot on with their knowledge, their history,

[43:58] their passion and their perseverance of what they represent as leadership in this organization.

[44:05] And making the decision was not an easy choice.

[44:08] It was a very interesting process and the result being as it was just announced.

[44:13] So as a director, as a board member, I was particularly proud and pleased to be part

[44:19] of the process in selecting Norma as the interim.

[44:23] Is that the correct title?

[44:25] Yes, that's the correct title.

[44:26] We're struggling with the title.

[44:27] So I just want to put that, just want to make that comment, thank you.

[44:33] So we have a motion and a second on the floor.

[44:37] This will be a roll call vote, so Madam Clerk.

[44:48] Directors Estremera, Shuea, Kremen, Lizzat, Santos, Borrella, Chair Keegan.

[44:57] Yes.

[45:00] If interim CEO Kamacho would like to say a few words.

[45:08] Thank you, Chair. And again, I'm really honored that the Board has selected me to take on this duty during the interim period.

[45:17] But I really do look at it as a team effort with myself and all the Chiefs with both Jim and Jesus here and Melanie as well too.

[45:27] I think it's going to take all of us to work together in collaboration to get

[45:32] through this gap period and to continue on the good work of the district.

[45:36] And so, that's how I view it as this solid team and that we're going to continue to work together

[45:42] to really push forward on the large projects that are going to be facing us in the future.

[45:49] And then we're going to be able to then, at the end of this process,

[45:53] Whoever the chief executive officer may be at the time,

[45:57] what we're going to be handing to that person is a solid organization that has accomplished much

[46:03] and is going to be working in harmony.

[46:05] Thanks.

[46:06] Thank you very much.

[46:13] Our next item is Item 5.1, Consultant Agreement with GEI Consultants Incorporated

[46:20] for design services for Guadalupe Dam, Seismic Retrofit Project, Project Number 918-94002.

[46:30] Good evening, Chair Keegan. My name is Bal Ganju. I'm a senior project manager with

[46:37] Water Utilities Capital Division, and I'm here to present the Item 5.1, which is the

[46:44] consultant agreement with GI Consultants Inc. for the design services for Guadalupe Dam seismic

[46:51] retrofit project. Star's recommendation is for the board to approve the consulting agreement

[47:02] with GI Consultants Inc. for the design services for the Guadalupe Dam seismic retrofit project

[47:08] for a not to exceed fee of five million nine hundred one thousand two hundred and

[47:14] eighteen dollars and that's all I have to say I'm here for any questions that you

[47:20] may have.

[47:25] Director Estramara. Thank you Madam Chair, motion for approval.

[47:34] Do we

[47:34] have any comments? Any questions from the public?

[47:39] Okay we have a motion and a

[47:41] second. All those in favor? All those opposed? The motion carries.

[47:50] My apologies to my fellow board members. I don't think my screen here is working.

[47:55] So if you want to talk, please let me know and I will recognize you.

[48:05] I guess it will.

[48:07] Watersheds, item 6.1, proposed change control processes for the Safe Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.

[48:17] Good evening, Chair Keegan and members of the board. Item 6.1 is to request board consideration

[48:30] and approval of processes for making changes to the safe clean water program. With that,

[48:37] I'm going to request Ms. Jessica Collins, Senior Management Analyst for the Office of

[48:49] background information and to go over the proposed processes for board's consideration.

[49:03] I apologize, the PowerPoint is not displayed currently so I'm going to have our staff assist

[49:09] with that.

[49:11] Oh, there we go,

[49:15] very good.

[49:16] Good evening Chair Keegan and members of the board, I'm pleased to be here this evening

[49:20] to present to you the change control processes for the Safe Clean Water and Natural Flood

[49:25] Protection Program.

[49:28] With this presentation, I'll give a brief overview

[49:30] of the Safe Clean Water Program,

[49:32] the public hearing requirements, and the program cycle.

[49:35] In reviewing the proposed change control processes,

[49:37] I will first differentiate between adjustments

[49:39] and modifications, and then present the proposed

[49:42] processes for adjustments, modifications,

[49:44] and non-implementation.

[49:46] These processes have received stakeholder review

[49:48] and CEO approval, and tonight we are asking

[49:50] for the board's approval.

[49:54] As you all know, on November 6th, 2012,

[49:57] 12, voters approved the Safe Clean Water Program

[49:59] as a county-wide special parcel tax

[50:01] for 15 years with a sunset date of June 30th, 2028.

[50:05] Each of these priorities has specific operational

[50:08] and capital projects which have descriptions,

[50:10] benefits, key performance indicators and schedules

[50:12] or program-identified completion dates.

[50:15] Each project also has a funding allocation

[50:17] for the 15-year program.

[50:19] To ensure transparency and accountability,

[50:22] the District Board appointed an independent monitoring

[50:24] committee of volunteers external to the district operations to provide an independent voice

[50:28] in reviewing progress and expenditures throughout the duration of the Safe Clean Water Program.

[50:33] Each year, district staff prepares an annual report on a fiscal year basis reporting

[50:39] on all projects in the Safe Clean Water Program, which the board uses along with the district's

[50:43] annual budget documents to perform a detailed review of the performance, financial analysis,

[50:49] and strategies of the Safe Clean Water Program.

[50:51] As set forth in the program document over the course of the program, there may be cases

[50:56] in which adjustments may be necessary in project or program funding, resource allocation, or

[51:02] key performance indicators.

[51:04] In these cases, the Board will provide direction to staff as to its preferred strategy based

[51:11] on staff analysis and recommendations and any additional information brought forward by

[51:15] the community, stakeholders, or the Independent Monitoring Committee.

[51:19] adjustments to the program will be made by the board during board meetings and the changes will be reflected in subsequent annual reports and five-year implementation plans.

[51:31] Resolution number 1262, Section J, established the public hearing requirement for modification or non-implementation of proposed projects.

[51:43] Here we have the Safe Clean Water Program cycle, where in each year in May we will kick off the developments of the Safe Clean Water Annual Report

[51:52] During the development of the report and the assessment of each project's status,

[51:56] project managers may determine that the project needs to be adjusted or modified.

[52:00] Identified adjustments to budget and schedule and proposed modifications should be highlighted in the report

[52:05] under the progress on KPIs and or opportunities and challenges sections.

[52:09] Adjustments to text that do not impact the project's deliverables

[52:12] can be submitted as an attachment to the Safe Clean Water Annual Report agenda item,

[52:16] and if approved will be incorporated into the report.

[52:19] While adjustments don't require a public hearing, they do require the Board's approval during

[52:23] a board meeting, which can be accomplished through the budget approval process, the adoption

[52:27] of the Capital Improvement Plan, as part of the Safe Clean Water Annual Report approval,

[52:32] or through a separate agenda item.

[52:34] By including proposed modifications in the Safe Clean Water Annual Report, this will,

[52:38] one, give the Board a heads up of both the proposed changes in pending public

[52:42] hearing, two, allow them to ask questions or weigh in, which in turn gives the

[52:46] project managers time to refine the modifications,

[52:49] and three will provide the IMC with the advance notice

[52:52] of proposed modifications and give them the opportunity

[52:54] to make their recommendations.

[52:56] This will all occur prior to the proposed annual public

[52:59] hearing, and by holding an annual public hearing

[53:02] for the proposed modifications, this will,

[53:04] one, save taxpayer dollars by reducing the cost

[53:07] of advertising, two, increase transparency by

[53:09] consistently holding the public hearings at the same time

[53:12] every year, providing the community and stakeholders

[53:14] with an opportunity to weigh in, and three, occur prior to the budget review, allowing

[53:19] for acceptance or rejection of proposed modifications to be incorporated in the next year's budget.

[53:26] Adjustments are non-substantive changes to the project that do not or will not impact

[53:30] the project's deliverables as established by the description, benefits, KPIs,

[53:36] or the program-identified completion dates. Modifications are substantive changes

[53:40] that impact the project's deliverables. For instance, adjustments to text

[53:45] texts include edits for correction of grammatical errors, information or data updates, and overall

[53:49] readability. While modifications to texts are those that change a project's deliverables,

[53:57] including description, benefits, or KPIs. Schedule adjustments are those that do not

[54:02] impact the program-identified completion date. While changes to completion dates

[54:05] specifically identified by the program are considered modifications. Adjustments to

[54:11] funding are those that increase the project's budget or budget transfer is

[54:14] greater than 100,000 but stay within the 15-year program allocation or

[54:19] increases to the 15-year funding allocation that do not impact deliverables

[54:23] of safe clean water projects. If increases to the 15-year funding allocations

[54:28] impact the deliverables of safe clean water projects, it will be considered

[54:32] a modification and require a public hearing.

[54:36] Processes for adjustments.

[54:39] For edits to text for correction of grammatical errors, information or data updates and overall

[54:45] readability, board approval will be sought at the time of the draft Safe Clean Water Annual

[54:49] Report is presented for approval. Board approved adjustments to text will be updated in the

[54:54] five-year implementation plan and included in future Safe Clean Water Annual reports,

[54:59] which will both be posted to the project's website. Adjustments to project schedule that

[55:04] program identified completion dates will be accomplished for capital project schedules

[55:11] through the capital improvement plan approval. Schedule comparison to the project's prior

[55:16] fiscal year CIP will be included in the Safe Clean Water Annual Report which will be posted

[55:21] to the program's webpage and updated in the five year implementation plan.

[55:24] Ms. Collins, I have a question on that. I thought that the board's previous direction

[55:29] had been that where the schedules changed to Safe Clean Water Annual Report that there

[55:36] should be a reference back to the original report or the original schedule rather.

[55:41] And the way I'm reading this is it seems to be how we've practiced it in the past

[55:46] that we'll move the schedule and then that revised schedule becomes the baseline rather

[55:52] than the original.

[55:53] So I'm a little unclear about this.

[55:55] So the original schedule for the Safe Clean Water programs were included in the program

[56:01] document and the five-year implementation plan as I believe they were considered suggested

[56:08] schedules at that time and within the annual report each year what we do is a comparison

[56:13] between the prior years capital improvement schedule that was approved by the board

[56:19] and then the current capital improvement schedule.

[56:22] I think we're going to have to need to talk further about this because I don't think it's

[56:26] being particularly transparent.

[56:29] The reality is that we could continue to adjust the schedule on an annual basis and the public

[56:36] and our stakeholders really wouldn't be getting a true sense of what happened to that baseline

[56:44] schedule.

[56:45] So I think as part of any motion we make for approval, I think we'll have to say

[56:51] is something about further discussion about this item.

[56:53] Please continue with your presentation.

[56:55] Thank you very much.

[56:56] And we can make that adjustment accordingly.

[56:59] Thank you.

[57:00] Let's see, moving on with 15 year funding allocations.

[57:06] So for adjustments to project budget

[57:10] or transfer within fund between operating

[57:12] and capital projects or transfer within fund

[57:14] between capital projects greater than 100,000,

[57:18] staff will complete a budget adjustment form.

[57:21] and approval will be sought during a board meeting.

[57:25] Annual and cumulative financial summary information

[57:27] will be included in the Safe Clean Water Annual Report,

[57:30] which will be posted to the program's webpage.

[57:33] For increases to the 15 year funding allocations,

[57:36] approval through the district's annual budget process

[57:38] will be sought with analysis provided as to the impact

[57:41] on overall Safe Clean Water Fund.

[57:43] If deliverables to Safe Clean Water projects

[57:45] are impacted, a public hearing will be required,

[57:48] and annual and cumulative financial summary information

[57:51] will be included in the Safe Clean Water Annual Report

[57:54] for 15 year allocations that are approved by the Board

[57:56] that do not impact other project deliverables.

[58:01] And those will also be posted to the project's webpage

[58:04] and included in the five year implementation plan

[58:07] and annual reports.

[58:11] Resolution 1262, Section J,

[58:13] requires that to modify or not implement

[58:15] a proposed project,

[58:16] the Board must hold a formal public hearing

[58:18] on the matter,

[58:18] which will be noticed by publication and notification to interested parties before adoption of any such decision.

[58:29] Above are samples from the modification of the San Francisco Creek flood protection project which occurred in June 2014

[58:35] that show the edited project excerpt with strike-through of removed text and red font for added text,

[58:40] as well as the public notice add and add placement schedule.

[58:42] Again, this is an example of the modification process that was completed for San Francisco

[58:51] Doe Creek.

[58:55] By setting an annual public hearing for the last board meeting in April each year, we

[58:59] will accomplish reduced cost for ad placement by consolidating, consistency for interested

[59:04] stakeholders who wish to participate on an annual basis, acceptance or rejection of

[59:08] proposed modifications prior to the budget hearings allowing for a board's direction

[59:11] to be incorporated into the next year's budget, and an annual opportunity for project managers

[59:16] to address needed modifications that incorporate both the Board's review of the annual report,

[59:21] the independent monitoring committee's recommendations, and management's or staff's response to those

[59:26] IMC recommendations.

[59:28] The annual public hearing will be set every April during an open session board meeting,

[59:34] and each item will include as attachments an original safe clean water program report

[59:39] project excerpt, or edited project excerpt with strike-through of removed text and red

[59:44] font for added text, and a clean copy of the proposed changes.

[59:48] For the public notice add, placements of ads will be consistent with California Government

[59:52] Code section 6066.

[59:54] They will be in color with a map of the project or projects if applicable and include a

[59:59] summary of the project.

[1:00:00] of the proposed modifications, and they will be placed in newspapers throughout the county

[1:00:04] and translated into Vietnamese and Spanish and published in ethnic media newspapers as well.

[1:00:10] There will also be an email sent out to the Safe Clean Water Program's Independent Monitoring

[1:00:14] Committee and Blue Ribbon Committees, and email notices will be sent to all project

[1:00:19] stakeholders.

[1:00:21] If you need more.

[1:00:21] One additional thing that I wanted to add, and this may be implied in here, but I

[1:00:27] I didn't hear it specifically spelled out.

[1:00:30] I think that to the extent where we're having projects,

[1:00:33] and particularly if they are capital projects,

[1:00:37] actual construction in the ground, so to speak,

[1:00:41] I think it's very important that we make sure

[1:00:44] that we have direct contact with the cities

[1:00:47] in which those projects are located,

[1:00:49] both on a political level, the elected officials,

[1:00:52] as well as the appropriate party,

[1:00:54] whether it be the Public Works Department

[1:00:56] or planning department or whatever, just to make sure we might not necessarily always

[1:01:01] be in agreement with them, but we want to make sure that we have that two-way communication.

[1:01:05] Absolutely.

[1:01:06] Thank you.

[1:01:07] We'll make sure to call that out specifically.

[1:01:09] I think it was implied in the project stakeholders, but it's a good point.

[1:01:13] Thank you very much.

[1:01:15] If the need for a modification occurs outside of the annual process, project managers

[1:01:19] may pursue the modification via public hearing.

[1:01:21] They must, however, justify the timing and cost impacts.

[1:01:28] With the exception of establishing an annual public hearing process for proposed modifications

[1:01:33] to the Safe Clean Water Program, the change control processes presented here tonight for

[1:01:39] adjustments and modifications are incorporating the district's existing processes, including

[1:01:43] those for budget adjustments and approvals, approval of capital project schedules through

[1:01:47] the capital improvement plan.

[1:01:49] Tonight we are recommending that the board approve the proposed change control processes

[1:01:52] for the Safe Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program, which again include

[1:01:56] processes for making adjustments to text schedule and funding and the proposed

[1:01:59] annual public hearing for modifications and non-implementation. Thank you very

[1:02:03] much. Director Shwaya.

[1:02:09] Thank you Chair. Jessica I have a couple questions. We go

[1:02:14] back to slides number six.

[1:02:21] Yes. Okay so so we're trying to provide a definition

[1:02:26] of adjustments and modification.

[1:02:30] So under this adjustment section

[1:02:33] and related to funding,

[1:02:37] this first block says within the program

[1:02:40] is 15 year funding allocations of blah, blah, blah.

[1:02:44] So first of my first comment is

[1:02:46] this is very insider language.

[1:02:52] I don't think all that people will understand

[1:02:55] and what we're trying to say here.

[1:02:57] So I think first of all, we need to make it a more user-friendly

[1:03:02] language to explain what we're trying to say here.

[1:03:05] OK.

[1:03:05] And then secondly, it's really a question

[1:03:10] that I understand what we're trying to say here.

[1:03:16] However, I cannot find it.

[1:03:19] I mean, just like these conditions that for example,

[1:03:27] there's an increase in project budget

[1:03:30] or transfer within funds between operating capital projects.

[1:03:35] To me, there seems to be like pretty significant changes

[1:03:40] to the Q&A program.

[1:03:42] And then we're defining this as adjustment

[1:03:44] and not modification.

[1:03:46] So just wondering, am I missing something or can you give me an example for changes that

[1:03:55] fit with the discipline here and then it's really adjustments and then not affecting the

[1:04:01] overall 15-year goals and objectives?

[1:04:06] Certainly.

[1:04:06] So I apologize for the confusing text.

[1:04:10] We are directly referencing our budget adjustment form.

[1:04:14] and so that was the purpose of using that language was to tie it into our existing process.

[1:04:21] However, again we can refine that to make it more reader friendly.

[1:04:25] In terms of the budget adjustment, so again each project is given a 15-year funding allocation

[1:04:37] And so here with the budget adjustment, the idea is if the project stays within that 15-year funding allocation,

[1:04:45] even if a budget is increased during a particular fiscal year, so long as it does not impact the overall 15-year funding allocation

[1:04:53] or, again, any sort of project deliverables or KPIs, it would then be considered a budget adjustment.

[1:05:00] And that is consistent with the Safe Clean Water Program document which called out budget adjustments.

[1:05:10] So for instance, and again, this would come to the Board's review in a public board meeting.

[1:05:20] I think Ms. Camacho would like to interject something.

[1:05:24] I think one of the examples, a good example would be like in our grant programs.

[1:05:30] And initially what we did with the 15-year program is we took the allocation

[1:05:35] and divided it by, let's say, every two year increments.

[1:05:41] But on specific years,

[1:05:42] depending on the types of applications that we do get,

[1:05:45] the board may want to allocate more in a particular year

[1:05:49] or less in a particular year,

[1:05:51] thereby staying within the 15 year budget,

[1:05:55] but still moving those funds as appropriate

[1:05:58] to serve the needs from that particular year.

[1:06:01] And so that's where we look at that as an adjustment

[1:06:04] and flexibility that allows the Board to move forward

[1:06:07] with programs to meet the ultimate KPI.

[1:06:13] Here, thank you so much.

[1:06:16] Yeah, thank you, and that's a good example.

[1:06:20] And then the reason I asked the question is that

[1:06:24] I don't see this as for Board's use.

[1:06:28] I mean, we have many ways to, for example,

[1:06:31] through budget adjustment to approve changes

[1:06:35] on schedule for funding funding.

[1:06:37] I see this is more for external purpose that people approve the Safe Clean Water Program.

[1:06:49] It's for us to be clear about what kind of changes that's happening in our implementation of what we promised in 2012.

[1:07:01] So that's a good example.

[1:07:07] But then I think our language really needs to be more user-friendly,

[1:07:12] so everybody reaches understand what we're talking about.

[1:07:15] So this can easily be interpreted as the project schedule is three years down the road,

[1:07:22] but then it's still within the original 15-year allocation,

[1:07:27] so it's adjustment, it's not a modification.

[1:07:29] And then for external people, I think if we delay the project schedule by three years,

[1:07:35] I think it's a significant thing.

[1:07:36] It needs to be defined as modification instead of adjustments.

[1:07:42] Does that make sense?

[1:07:47] Are there any other board member comments?

[1:07:52] Can I?

[1:07:53] Yes.

[1:07:54] Can I request?

[1:07:54] Yes, and then so related to my earlier comment,

[1:08:00] I think the next item on this slide,

[1:08:04] this funding increase to 15 year funding allocation

[1:08:10] that do not impact deliverables of safe clean water projects.

[1:08:14] And I'm sure there's probably a good example

[1:08:17] that fit under this description,

[1:08:19] but then for external people reading this,

[1:08:21] It can be interpreted as we increase funding for a particular project and then it's really

[1:08:28] just minor adjustments, it's not a modification to what we promised to people.

[1:08:33] So maybe it's just the language, but then I think the language is really important

[1:08:37] in this case.

[1:08:41] I think Director Shwaya brought up some excellent points.

[1:08:46] I am very glad to see this presentation tonight.

[1:08:50] The audit of the original Clean Safe Creeks did point out as a problem.

[1:09:00] They identified as a problem the fact that we did not have a formal way of making modifications.

[1:09:07] And one of the things that I remember as a good example of how a program can make changes

[1:09:15] was the original traffic authority when they were building 85,

[1:09:21] widening 101, doing a lot of other transportation projects within the county.

[1:09:26] That was a program that ran out of money at a certain point,

[1:09:30] and so they actually had to go through processes not just to adjust their schedule,

[1:09:37] but actually they had to rescope some of the projects and trim them, if you will.

[1:09:44] But what they did was they had an inclusive kind of process like we're describing here where we engage with the public, the ones that actually voted for this ballot measure.

[1:09:57] And so I think some of the comments that Director Shwaya brought up and that I brought up are really about, you know, what's the purpose behind what we're doing here.

[1:10:07] And the purpose is to keep faith with the public and to explain if we have to make any adjustments

[1:10:19] or if adjustments are being recommended.

[1:10:21] It's not change for its own sake.

[1:10:24] It is how do we deal with the natural change that happens over a 15-year time period.

[1:10:30] And I think this gets to Director Shway's comments.

[1:10:33] How do we relay that information in this document so it's very clear to the public what is it that we're actually recommending?

[1:10:42] And so I think that's kind of a global comment here and I think this could stand to be a little bit tweaked in terms of making it,

[1:10:52] you know, putting it not so much in bureaucraticries language and more in regular English.

[1:10:58] So I think Director Shwaya wants to chime in here.

[1:11:06] Thank you, Chair. And I want to echo Chair's comment that I'm actually very happy to see this agenda.

[1:11:15] This is a general memo that because it's something that I've worried about it for some time.

[1:11:22] How do we make changes and how do we document changes? I know there's going to be many changes.

[1:11:26] So just don't take my comment as negative.

[1:11:30] I'm actually very happy that staff took the initiative

[1:11:33] and then brought this to the board.

[1:11:35] And then I have another, I guess,

[1:11:40] question or comment that I forgot to mention earlier.

[1:11:44] There are items that in the 15 year program,

[1:11:50] it's not determined exactly what to do,

[1:11:54] but with the only funding allocated to it,

[1:11:57] or a part of money allocated to it, to it.

[1:12:00] For example, we have one line item talked about

[1:12:06] through one project,

[1:12:08] through one creek and lake separation project.

[1:12:15] And that's an example that we're studying,

[1:12:19] Elmonton Lake.

[1:12:20] I know the project is only in the planning phase.

[1:12:22] construction is not funded yet.

[1:12:26] So there needs to be a decision making process

[1:12:28] to decide that is the project under safe clean water program.

[1:12:33] It's a lake creek separation project.

[1:12:37] So what's the board's role in that decision making

[1:12:41] and then what's the process?

[1:12:43] And I think that's another piece that needs to,

[1:12:47] I don't know if it needs to be a separate piece

[1:12:49] So incorporating into what you presented here, but that's something that I think we need to think about it.

[1:12:57] And then particularly the board's role in making those decisions for that particular project.

[1:13:07] We did include in the safe clean water annual report for FY 15 addressing that particular KPI that it would require the board's

[1:13:15] approval to select which project would be constructed.

[1:13:20] And so in alignment with this particular process,

[1:13:24] it would likely be through the capital improvement plan

[1:13:29] and your adoption of that that you would then

[1:13:32] approve which project would be constructed.

[1:13:34] I'm just using that as an example.

[1:13:37] Very good.

[1:13:37] Other items in the 15-year program pretty much

[1:13:41] I mean, it's like saying category that if it's general description, what needs to be done,

[1:13:46] you'll need to be determined.

[1:13:48] However, there's a amount of money that's allocated to that category.

[1:13:53] So just so the process of decision-making needs to be worked out.

[1:13:57] So I'm just more of a general comment.

[1:14:01] CEO Kamacho would like to say something.

[1:14:04] Yeah.

[1:14:05] I think what might address your concerns,

[1:14:10] Perhaps we could develop some type of document or decision-making document to try to collect all the future decisions that the board would have to make as part of this program.

[1:14:20] And just about when they would have to be made to help inform the board on those decisions that are going to be coming up.

[1:14:28] And sometimes in the capital process, you might be making a decision when you're not aware that you're actually making it on behalf of the Safe Clean Water Program.

[1:14:39] And so perhaps we could make it more transparent by lining out what those decisions are and bringing it to the board and reminding that we're going to be coming to a decision point.

[1:14:48] I believe staff probably need to sit down and think it through.

[1:14:54] I don't need the answer right now.

[1:14:57] I'm just bringing it up.

[1:15:03] So I don't see any other comments here. Director Shoaia, it seems like between your comments

[1:15:10] and my comments, we may not be able to go with the staff recommendation, which is asking us

[1:15:15] to approve these proposed change control processes for the Safe Clean Water and Natural Flood

[1:15:21] Protection Program, which include, A, where I think we have the biggest issue, perhaps

[1:15:26] the processes for making adjustments to tax schedules and funding and be process

[1:15:31] for annual public hearings for modifications and non-implementation. So

[1:15:36] do you have any suggestions as to I'm assuming you'd like to make a motion? I

[1:15:41] guess I'll make a motion that staff consider boards feedback and comment on

[1:15:51] the proposal and then come back for the discussion.

[1:15:57] Is there a second for this?

[1:16:00] Okay.

[1:16:01] Board Member Varela, Vice Chair Varela has seconded that.

[1:16:05] Do we have any further discussion?

[1:16:08] All right.

[1:16:09] All those in favor?

[1:16:11] Aye.

[1:16:12] Any opposed?

[1:16:14] Seeing none opposed, that motion carries.

[1:16:17] I have a request to speak that came in late, and I think it's item 2.7.

[1:16:25] So I would like to ask this individual, they wanted to make some general comments.

[1:16:30] So rather than making them wait until the end of the meeting, if Mr. James Stewart is here.

[1:16:38] Okay, thank you.

[1:16:40] All right, we will go on to item 7, Chief Executive Officer 7.1.

[1:16:46] Chief Executive Officer report, Ms. Camacho.

[1:16:50] Yes, we have some report outs from communications and if Marty Grimes could provide those reports.

[1:16:55] Good evening, Chair Keegan, members of the board. I have four things to report out on from communications.

[1:17:01] First, on the 3rd of March, we hosted our quarterly neighborhood update meeting for the Reliability Improvement Project at Rinconato Water Treatment Plant.

[1:17:11] staff provided a progress update on the project, addressed questions and updated

[1:17:15] the members of the community on what to expect in the next few months in

[1:17:19] relation to construction activity. About a dozen residents attended and what was

[1:17:23] interesting was that mostly these were new residents that hadn't attended other

[1:17:26] meetings and we thank Director Sway for attending that meeting. Secondly, on

[1:17:32] Saturday the Water District participated in the San Jose's 2016 State of the

[1:17:36] City resource fair which followed the Mayor's State of the City address. We

[1:17:40] We had an informational table on purified water, flooding, drought, and general water district

[1:17:45] functions and information and we thank Director Borrella for attending that and visiting

[1:17:50] our booth.

[1:17:52] Coming up on March 17th, the Wolf Road Recycled Water Pipeline project will be presented

[1:18:00] to a Rainer Park and Birdlands Neighborhood Associations at the Rainer Park Community

[1:18:06] community room. These neighborhood associations have combined meetings for a presentation

[1:18:11] on the Wolf Road Recycle Water Project. This is the fourth of a series of five public meetings

[1:18:16] to inform Sunnyvale residents of the project. And all of these presentations are being done

[1:18:20] in collaboration with the City of Sunnyvale and Director Sway and Santos have been attending

[1:18:25] those meetings. And finally, very related to that, the City of Sunnyvale is having

[1:18:31] a public meeting for their draft EIR for the master plan for their water pollution control

[1:18:40] plant which has a component of course that relates to our purified and recycled water

[1:18:46] program.

[1:18:47] And that's all I have.

[1:18:48] Director Santos has a comment.

[1:18:50] Hi Madam Chair.

[1:18:50] Yeah, Marty on the 11th, Friday night, 7 p.m., the San Miguel neighborhood.

[1:18:56] That's the Sunnyvale also.

[1:18:57] Same topic with Road.

[1:19:00] Yes.

[1:19:01] Thank you.

[1:19:01] That will be the fifth of those five meetings.

[1:19:03] Thank you.

[1:19:04] Marty, before you go, I just wanted to say that I have been using on my Facebook page

[1:19:11] copying and sharing the districts posting, particularly things like the wind advisory

[1:19:17] and flooding kinds of things.

[1:19:19] For those of you who are at all active on social media,

[1:19:22] I've gotten a very good response from the public in terms of being interested

[1:19:27] in finding that information informative.

[1:19:29] So thank you.

[1:19:30] Thank you. I really appreciate that you're making use of those links.

[1:19:37] Also, we have Chief Fiedler who has a report on water utility.

[1:19:44] Good evening, Ms. Chung.

[1:19:46] Good evening, Chair Keegan and members of the board.

[1:19:48] I'm Angela Chang, Deputy Operating Officer for the Water Utility Operations and Maintenance Division.

[1:19:54] I wanted to inform the board that there was an agenda item on the San Benito County Board of Supervisors meeting earlier today

[1:20:01] about the status of zebra mussel eradication

[1:20:04] and what the risks are if San Juso Reservoir

[1:20:07] is reopened to recreation.

[1:20:09] The mayor of Hollister and some of the citizens in Hollister

[1:20:13] are asking the county to reopen the reservoir

[1:20:15] to recreation.

[1:20:17] The Bureau of Reclamation, San Benito County Water District

[1:20:20] and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife

[1:20:23] are all opposed to reopening the reservoir,

[1:20:25] particularly because zebra mussels

[1:20:27] are still present in the reservoir.

[1:20:29] CEPA Muscles was found in the reservoir in 2008.

[1:20:32] It has remained closed to recreation up until this point.

[1:20:35] The district is monitoring the situation very closely

[1:20:38] because our reservoirs in San Luis Reservoir

[1:20:41] are in close proximity to San Juso Reservoir.

[1:20:45] We are drafting a letter from our interim CEO,

[1:20:49] Norma Camacho, to David Morello,

[1:20:52] the regional manager for Bureau Reclamation,

[1:20:55] stating our concerns and asking

[1:20:57] that they continue to oppose reopening the reservoir.

[1:21:02] With that, I'll stand for any questions.

[1:21:06] Thank you.

[1:21:08] And we also have a report out from Acting Chief Melanie Richardson.

[1:21:14] Yes, good evening Chair Keegan and members of the board.

[1:21:17] First, I believe that all of you have a copy of the storm report from March 3rd through 7th.

[1:21:23] Did everyone get a copy of this?

[1:21:25] I just wanted to call your attention to this.

[1:21:27] This was pretty much mostly good news with really no bad news.

[1:21:33] We had no flooding that occurred during this time.

[1:21:35] We got over 100% of our seasonal average to date rainfall at all four of our gauges.

[1:21:42] And as you can see, the rain also generated 40% of supply in district water supply in the major reservoirs

[1:21:53] and also added to our local storage.

[1:21:55] And if you have any other questions, staff is available to answer.

[1:22:01] No questions, but I would like to point out to the public that our website does provide

[1:22:06] information on the elevation of water at all of our reservoirs.

[1:22:11] And some of them, the smaller ones, are at capacity.

[1:22:14] Thank you.

[1:22:16] One other item that I wanted to report out is last week, members, various members of

[1:22:22] our staff met with the new acting regulatory chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,

[1:22:28] Mr. Aaron Allen. And Mr. Allen came in to replace Ms. Tori White, if all of you recall, she had

[1:22:35] been the acting chief for six months. The Army Corps is still in the process of filling

[1:22:40] the permanent position. They believe that they will have that position in place at

[1:22:44] the end of Mr. Allen's term, which runs for three months. Mr. Allen is from the

[1:22:49] LA district and he was very knowledgeable about permitting processes, about assisting

[1:22:56] us with the other federal agencies and he was very willing to work with us on all of

[1:23:01] our issues so we had a very positive meeting with him, we made some progress on our policy

[1:23:06] issues as well as project issues and we hope that these meetings and the final appointment

[1:23:12] with the Army Corps, you know, turns out well. So that's it for me.

[1:23:17] Thank you.

[1:23:19] Anything else?

[1:23:20] Let's conclude our report.

[1:23:22] Thank you very much.

[1:23:24] Item 8.2, fiscal year 2014-15, year-end closing budget adjustment,

[1:23:29] and fiscal year 2015-16, mid-year budget adjustment.

[1:23:34] Excuse me, Madam Chair.

[1:23:35] We skipped item 8.1.

[1:23:37] Oh, I'm sorry.

[1:23:38] I don't know why I'm messing up tonight, but okay.

[1:23:42] Maybe it was because we've had some technology issues tonight,

[1:23:46] so I'm kind of blanking out on it.

[1:23:48] Okay, item 8.1, Board of Directors,

[1:23:51] Meeting Room Technology Upgrade, HD Broadcast System.

[1:23:58] Good evening, Chair Keegan.

[1:23:59] I guess today is probably a good day

[1:24:01] to talk about this technology upgrade.

[1:24:04] And members of the board, my name

[1:24:06] is Ashu Tikkikar, Deputy Administrative Officer, IT.

[1:24:10] Helping me with the presentation today

[1:24:13] and answer any questions of Frank Fung, our IT

[1:24:16] infrastructure services manager, and Phil Ferlino, our design and technical consultant

[1:24:22] from RGD Acoustics.

[1:24:25] Before I start our presentation this evening, I want to extend my appreciation and thank

[1:24:30] you to the AV team who run the board meetings.

[1:24:34] Also a special thank you to Ray Corral for his dedication and support of the audiovisual

[1:24:40] operations in the district.

[1:24:41] project. Today we are requesting the board to approve a $600,000 technology upgrade project

[1:24:49] for the board room. There is adequate reserve in the IT fund for this upgrade.

[1:24:57] As stated

[1:24:57] in the report, the current AV system was designed in 1997 and implemented in 2000.

[1:25:04] It has gone through many minor technology upgrades over the years, but the core is

[1:25:10] still the same that was deployed in year 2000. Technology has moved ahead since and it is

[1:25:16] time to consider this upgrade. Also one of the findings of the master plan of 2012 that

[1:25:22] was developed for IT, one of the findings was, unlike traditional infrastructure and

[1:25:29] real estate, the district does not treat information technology as a critical asset.

[1:25:41] With that

[1:25:42] I'll start the presentation.

[1:25:46] Today the system uses soon-to-be obsolete analog

[1:25:48] video broadcast technology and I will now ask Phil to elaborate a little bit on

[1:25:55] that. Thank you Ashu. Yeah the current the current audio visual system uses an

[1:26:03] analog video switching and distribution system. This technology is

[1:26:08] gradually being phased out in the audio visual industry on the whole in

[1:26:12] favor of digital systems. This is evident as designers. We see the quantity of equipment

[1:26:21] and systems that are manufactured and installed that utilize digitally based sources and signal

[1:26:27] distribution hardware.

[1:26:30] Since our involvement in the project, we have been engaged in an

[1:26:33] objective interview process of 13 stakeholder groups involving close to three dozen people.

[1:26:39] During these interview sessions, certain upgrades to the system's capabilities have been identified

[1:26:45] and have been summarized in the stakeholders matrix, which is a document that is attached.

[1:26:53] Many of these requested system upgrades coupled with the general AV industry trends toward

[1:26:59] digital systems warrant the migration at this time to a digital video distribution system.

[1:27:05] Our

[1:27:09] firm, RGD Acoustics, consists of independent acoustical and audio-visual design consultants.

[1:27:16] We have a lot of experience in spaces including high-level conference rooms, board rooms, and council chambers.

[1:27:23] As designers, only most of our work involves the engagement in a design bid-build structure

[1:27:30] with a formal RFP process where there's no conflict of interest with contractors.

[1:27:37] We developed design bid documents including drawings, specifications, equipment lists, and estimated installed system costs.

[1:27:47] Thank you.

[1:27:50] IT has spent over $185,000. My apologies there. The packet says $200,000. That's a typo.

[1:27:59] We have spent all this money on repairs and maintenance since 2006.

[1:28:04] And I will ask Frank here to shed some light on this matter.

[1:28:07] Good evening, Chair Keegan and members of the board. My name is Frank and I'm one of the unit managers with the Information Technology Division.

[1:28:20] Back in February 2006, the board approved $93,000 for repair and upgrades to the audio-visual systems in the boardroom.

[1:28:28] Over the course of 10 years, this district has spent another $92,000 in repairs and parts in maintaining the audio-visual systems.

[1:28:36] This does not include district labor, electrical or cabling work.

[1:28:42] The equipment, even though not failing because of the good work performed by the AV staff,

[1:28:47] has a shelf life or a support life.

[1:28:51] Therefore, it is our recommendation to proceed with replacing the audio-visual equipment for normal wear and tear

[1:28:56] and return of vendor support.

[1:29:01] Currently, internet streaming is the only option available to broadcast meetings real-time,

[1:29:05] thereby missing out on the broader community who may prefer TV as a mode of communications

[1:29:12] to get to, you know, world news and everything else.

[1:29:16] So we do not have a community channel for the district.

[1:29:20] And finally, there is lack of support for AV equipment from the manufacturers and vendors.

[1:29:26] So once again, I'll ask Frank to elaborate a little bit on that.

[1:29:29] In November 2011, IT submitted an RFQ for a third party to maintain repair and support the audio visual systems in the boardroom.

[1:29:39] No bids were received.

[1:29:42] The RFQ was re-sent out in December 2011 and again in January 2012.

[1:29:50] After the third RFP, the district received one bid.

[1:29:56] And the bit basically contains a timing material repair.

[1:30:00] But do not include any type of maintenance support or any guarantee of availability for services.

[1:30:06] IT contacted the vendors on why they were not interested in the business.

[1:30:10] And the common theme was the appointment was to vote, availability of a spares, and the lack of manufacturers support placed too much of a risk to the vendors.

[1:30:20] Therefore, they did not want the business.

[1:30:24] So with that context, let's move on to the benefits of the upgrade.

[1:30:29] The upgrade will provide an enhanced viewer experience with bright crisp and high resolution

[1:30:34] displays, split-screen views, and multiple preset cameras for delivery of HD broadcast

[1:30:40] to various distribution channels, such as Internet, cablecast, podcast, and SAMLcast.

[1:30:48] The new CSIM will be easy to operate, media-friendly, and reliable to conduct board meetings and

[1:30:54] other community meetings.

[1:30:55] It will also be more friendly for persons with disabilities with features such as ADA

[1:31:00] compliant lectern, featuring pneumatic lift for height adjustments, wheelchair access,

[1:31:06] optimum viewing angles, and easy access to USB ports to connect flash drives.

[1:31:15] With production quality broadcast system, this upgrade may allow us to acquire PEG

[1:31:21] TV, the public education and government access TV channel that can be used to broadcast

[1:31:26] broad community meetings for the benefit of seniors and elderly, thereby increasing

[1:31:32] our outreach. Our communications team can also benefit from this channel to

[1:31:37] promote conservation and other water-saving programs.

[1:31:43] The new design

[1:31:44] also takes into account all requirements presented to us in the

[1:31:48] stakeholder matrix that is in the attachment to. If need be, we will

[1:31:52] update this matrix with the additional feedback before finalizing the

[1:31:56] design.

[1:31:58] And finally we'll be able to run the system that is fully supported by a vendor

[1:32:02] maintenance contract with full support from manufacturers.

[1:32:09] With that I conclude our presentation

[1:32:11] and we are here to answer any questions you may have.

[1:32:14] Director Lizont.

[1:32:16] Thank you for the presentation. I wanted you to go back to the last slide.

[1:32:27] Thank

[1:32:27] you. So there's a lot of benefits that you have up there. I'm just wondering how

[1:32:33] How heavily you're relying on the third one, which is to acquire and broadcast PegTV channel.

[1:32:39] Have we been successful?

[1:32:40] I know we're successful with something that we have on regularly, which is meet your water

[1:32:45] people.

[1:32:47] So how much are you relying on this as a potential benefit?

[1:32:52] Because you said you may acquire.

[1:32:55] So I want to make sure that this isn't a hope.

[1:32:58] Yes.

[1:32:58] So the only reason I put it there as a maze

[1:33:02] is because we have to go through all the application process

[1:33:07] to the cable company and acquire that channel.

[1:33:10] But from our end, we are going to be ready

[1:33:12] because the system that we're going to replace it with

[1:33:16] is going to be ready for broadcast quality

[1:33:20] of the board meetings.

[1:33:22] So with the result, we would be ready.

[1:33:25] We will make every effort to get our application approved

[1:33:28] through Comcast, which is one of the cable providers, and get that channel so we can stream

[1:33:33] to them.

[1:33:34] But it's not a driver of this decision?

[1:33:37] No.

[1:33:37] It's not a driver.

[1:33:38] Because I know how, as a council member, I had to negotiate with the cable company to

[1:33:43] get Peg channels, and it's next to impossible.

[1:33:48] And so you've got a long road to hoe.

[1:33:51] Yes, so when I was in Redwood City, I was also part of the negotiating team, and

[1:33:55] And we did get the PEG channel for Redwood City.

[1:33:59] So I know the process a little bit, so I will kind of drive our district to get one as well.

[1:34:04] I think it's really beneficial.

[1:34:06] Okay.

[1:34:06] Thank you.

[1:34:10] I actually have a couple of questions.

[1:34:16] When is that, when we're, you know, talking about the current challenges and the benefits

[1:34:23] of the upgrade.

[1:34:24] I was expecting to kind of see some cost analysis relative to the fact that we're making an investment in new infrastructure.

[1:34:38] And is that going to be offsetting some of our staff costs because the new system will be more effective

[1:34:49] and it will require less than the way of resources to try and cobble things together.

[1:34:54] That wasn't something that I saw really directly discussed.

[1:35:00] Well, we have really no way of identifying exactly how much labor costs we have incurred over so many years with a system like this.

[1:35:10] So we really couldn't bring to the board as to what the impact on labor is going to be.

[1:35:17] But one of the things that is part of the design is it is going to be easy to operate.

[1:35:21] It's going to be more like you come into the boardroom and, you know, press one or two

[1:35:27] buttons and get the system operational.

[1:35:30] So it's going to be more streamlined and more effective.

[1:35:33] So I'm hoping that there are going to be some labor implications of that, but we're going

[1:35:39] to save on labor in terms of setting up the audiovisual piece of the boardroom every

[1:35:44] time a meeting happens.

[1:35:47] There's a couple of other people who wish to talk.

[1:35:52] Chief Nava wants to say something followed by Director Varela, but I did just want to

[1:35:56] say one thing, which is when I was at Sunnyvale, and this was almost when I left there was

[1:36:03] close to 10 years ago, but the technology there did allow for having people's titles

[1:36:10] come up on the screen.

[1:36:12] And that is part of that.

[1:36:13] It didn't require having two people handling the audio visual.

[1:36:19] In fact, it was an assistant to the clerk that actually did that, as well as assisting the clerk during the meeting itself.

[1:36:28] So I just think that as we're putting money in place anytime that we can make things, you know, simpler to manage, less repairs, things like that,

[1:36:40] that that's something that's important to discuss because there's an actual benefit to the recommendation

[1:36:48] that we're making. And I know a former district employee, Mr. Golds, has commented on this,

[1:36:55] and he's posted quite a bit on social media about this. And the way I'm interpreting

[1:37:03] reporting his comments and this may be correct or incorrect, that yes, the district can get

[1:37:12] by or manage with the existing equipment that we have, but it requires a lot of extra effort

[1:37:18] and duplicative processes and that our goal should always, I believe, to find the simplest

[1:37:27] process that's going to give us the best outcome and that if you make a certain

[1:37:31] financial investment that that can pay off in terms of reduced operating costs or potentially

[1:37:40] reduced costs as we are hiring AV consultants and things like that.

[1:37:44] So I think Chief Nava wants to respond to that and then Director Varela would like to

[1:37:49] speak.

[1:37:49] Yes, let me defer to the Director first.

[1:37:52] Okay.

[1:37:53] Director Varela, Vice-Chair Varela.

[1:37:55] Yes, thank you.

[1:37:57] One of the first things I thought when I was interviewed for this position was we've got

[1:38:01] to upgrade this technology and this where we're at.

[1:38:05] So a couple of questions in reference to this is a capital investment.

[1:38:09] This is a direct purchase.

[1:38:10] Is this what is going to be suggested of this technology?

[1:38:14] Well, we're going to use the IT fund that was established a while back to use those

[1:38:21] funds and apply it towards this project.

[1:38:23] Okay, are you familiar with power purchase agreements and leases of technology?

[1:38:28] Are you familiar with that?

[1:38:30] A little bit, yes.

[1:38:31] In many cases, technology began to be upgraded at least under a period of time, anywhere from 5, 10, 15, 20 years.

[1:38:40] And there's minimal to zero cost up front on this.

[1:38:43] And the ownership is based on the contractor that is providing that with no cost at all to the purchaser.

[1:38:52] And it also includes an updated contract where the technology is constantly updated and kept

[1:38:57] current based on trends and being that where we are in Silicon Valley, as you're well aware,

[1:39:02] updating of technology is onerous at best because it's constantly changing.

[1:39:07] So from a director's perspective, I would like us to look into these opportunities to versus

[1:39:13] a direct purchase because this all allows us to have minimal or no investment upfront with

[1:39:19] a contract that makes sure that the purchases or the lease equipment under the

[1:39:24] power purchase agreement would be maintained and upgraded throughout the

[1:39:27] length and the term however it's negotiated. That would be something I would

[1:39:31] like us to look into versus a direct capital of purchase. So are you

[1:39:35] referring to power leasing agreements where you actually have somebody come

[1:39:39] in and you know provide a leased system? That's what I'm suggesting. In the

[1:39:44] The solar industry, it's quite popular today, whereas as a matter of fact we said in a presentation

[1:39:50] a week ago with Skraw and Gilroy, where they are looking at a major investment with this

[1:39:55] type of an agreement, where it's minimal dollars out of pocket, with a capitalization of the

[1:40:00] project being close to $10 million, but the buyback in the end of 20 years would

[1:40:05] be like $100,000 if or the provider would take back the equipment at that point

[1:40:10] if the particular public entity did not choose to continue in the purchase plan of that particular

[1:40:15] aged material. But in that, the provider of that technology will keep it current, will

[1:40:21] keep it fresh, and will keep it maintained and operable during that term. So it's something

[1:40:25] I think we really need to look at to see if that exists in the technology field that

[1:40:30] we're looking at improving.

[1:40:31] Yes, and we will definitely do that.

[1:40:33] Thank you.

[1:40:36] Chief Nava.

[1:40:37] Yes, just a little perspective. So every time we have a meeting and something doesn't work,

[1:40:42] then for the next couple of days we're all running around trying to see why it doesn't work.

[1:40:48] And we have work orders and we have people come in.

[1:40:51] A good example is the sound box in the Director Santos area where we've spent a number of hours

[1:40:56] looking at that and digging into why it's not working, why it's working and so forth.

[1:41:01] The bottom line is the equipment is just very, very old and it's not supported by anyone anymore.

[1:41:08] So we are dealing with antiquated equipment of which there is no vendor support of which we're patching together to keep it working.

[1:41:16] And it takes a lot of time, energy and effort even for minor things to get fixed.

[1:41:22] So what we're telling the board is this is the main method by which the board communicates with the public.

[1:41:28] Therefore it is extremely vital and important that it works properly.

[1:41:33] If we have a system that is modern and that works well for us, it also helps in not taking up our time every time something breaks

[1:41:41] or we have to run around to see why it's not functioning.

[1:41:45] So we believe that the path forward that we've provided for you is a good one and we believe it is prudent.

[1:41:52] We've cut down the cost.

[1:41:53] We've looked at all the equipment and are just proposing to replace the essentials that are necessary in order for the board to conduct its business.

[1:42:02] Chief Camacho, sorry, CEO Camacho.

[1:42:07] Yeah, just to add to what Chief Nava was saying.

[1:42:12] I think what we can do is to track the cost and try to track the savings and really do report out to the board.

[1:42:19] because I think we can go back and look with our overall IT costs are in terms of all of

[1:42:25] this equipment in this room here.

[1:42:27] And I think that we could do an analysis going forward to really show to the board what type

[1:42:32] of payback we're getting in terms of savings.

[1:42:34] And it might not be a direct cost, but at least we could also show the real allocation

[1:42:39] of staff, so staff is free to do other more vital things within the organization

[1:42:44] as well.

[1:42:45] but certainly we could come back with that cost as we implement this program

[1:42:49] and with those savings to show what our return has been.

[1:42:53] I think that that would be helpful, but I would caution that I don't think we need to spend incredible amounts of staff time to pull something together,

[1:43:01] but just something to give the board and the public a framework on what truly are the benefits of moving in this direction.

[1:43:09] a director Santos thank you madam chair not to net pick this I want to make

[1:43:14] sure you know Jesus and everybody else we've been to us about five years ago

[1:43:18] few board members here went to this whole thing about outdated all that kind of

[1:43:22] stuff so we've been to the whole thing and we spend in a whole bunch of money

[1:43:27] and it's hard for having the committees to come here and sit out there and they

[1:43:30] got to press that thing to their finger go through the floor before it works so

[1:43:34] when you spend it $600,000 I think a chief commando just made a good

[1:43:38] good suggestion. I'm with you guys. I'm not like everybody here. OK, Corral does a real

[1:43:42] good job, you know. But we've been through all this. This is nothing new. And it was

[1:43:47] Zeth Johnson was in charge, and we did the whole thing. It's been on how much money

[1:43:52] sent him down to LA, came back to us. We finally got a handle on it. The only thing

[1:43:56] that we ever did is extended these die-ass of about 10 feet. Communication has not

[1:44:01] been good. So we need to make it better. I'll support this as a motion.

[1:44:04] I will say that as I'm looking out at my microphone and my fellow board members' microphone,

[1:44:13] and they're bound by black electrical tape, it does not indicate that we have state-of-the-art communications here.

[1:44:21] So thank you.

[1:44:21] So we have a recommendation and a second.

[1:44:26] Okay.

[1:44:27] All those in favor?

[1:44:29] With the comments, essentially, that we have made.

[1:44:32] All those in favor?

[1:44:34] Aye.

[1:44:34] Any opposed? That motion carries.

[1:44:38] Thank you very much. Really appreciate it.

[1:44:40] The next item is fiscal year 2014-15, year-end closing budget adjustment and fiscal year 2015-16, mid-year budget adjustment.

[1:44:51] Good evening, Mr. Chiu.

[1:44:53] Good evening, Chair Keegan and members of the board.

[1:44:55] Major on shoes CFO agenda item 8.2 provides.

[1:45:00] Last year's fiscal year ending 2015, closing budget adjustments, and concurrently this year's

[1:45:07] FY16 midyear budget adjustments for board approval. The board agenda memo provides a description

[1:45:16] of each budget adjustment along with additional details in attachment 1, reporting FY15 year

[1:45:24] budget adjustments and attachment to reporting FY 16 mid-year budget

[1:45:30] adjustments. Staff recommends the board's approval of these adjustments.

[1:45:35] If there are any questions I can take them at this time.

[1:45:44] Okay, we have a motion

[1:45:46] and a second to approve staff's recommendation. Are there any comments

[1:45:50] from any board members or questions? Seeing none, we have a motion and a

[1:45:57] Second, all those in favor?

[1:45:59] Aye.

[1:46:00] Any opposed?

[1:46:01] That carries unanimously.

[1:46:03] Thank you.

[1:46:05] Okay, we are now finished with our regular business.

[1:46:09] The next item would be district council.

[1:46:12] Is Mr. Stewart still here?

[1:46:14] If he is, this would probably be the appropriate time

[1:46:16] for him to address the board.

[1:46:22] Does that mean that you're not interested

[1:46:23] in speaking tonight?

[1:46:25] Okay, thank you.

[1:46:30] Okay, nine district council, nothing to report. Item 10.1, board member, reports and announcements,

[1:46:39] Director Santos?

[1:46:42] First of all, I want to say I see Liz is back and she had the flu, so nice seeing you and

[1:46:46] that Chris, Elias, his mom has been deathly sick and we wish her nothing but the best,

[1:46:51] along directly with Lizat's mom.

[1:46:53] So with that, I'll go into, I went to all kinds of meetings but do a couple of landscaping

[1:46:58] and Scrawl with Vice Chair Varela, and he also went to the Santa Clara County Operations

[1:47:05] Council, Emergency Council, with the Chair King and being there, and I think Dale was

[1:47:09] here, is he still here?

[1:47:10] Yeah, Dale Jobs.

[1:47:11] He did a great job for the water district in terms of making a presentation about our

[1:47:15] emergencies and what we do during all the, really excellent job during, talking about

[1:47:19] super bowls and floods and everything else, and we did a, he did a great job to make

[1:47:22] us all look good, so we appreciate that.

[1:47:27] Oh, and then I had a chance to go with the staff out there and purification plan to welcome

[1:47:33] the Marin Municipal Water Agency and their staff and CEO to take a tour.

[1:47:40] They're very impressed and appreciate the staff's work.

[1:47:42] Thank you.

[1:47:47] Director Lazat.

[1:47:54] There we go.

[1:47:55] I think we need some new equipment up here.

[1:47:58] So I had a meeting with Ms. Camacho.

[1:48:00] I had a speaking engagement yesterday, meeting with our HR director, attended the recycling

[1:48:07] waste reduction committee meeting, had a meeting with staff regarding an update on Lake Almedin,

[1:48:12] attended the elected officials briefing given by the San Jose Water Company, and attended

[1:48:17] the state of the town address in Los Gatos by my friend Barbara Specter, who is now

[1:48:22] the mayor.

[1:48:24] Director Verralla.

[1:48:25] Yes, a couple

[1:48:30] of meetings that attended last week.

[1:48:32] The South County Regional Recycled Water Project, which was presented at the South County Regional

[1:48:42] Waste Water Authority, and also to the City Council, Morgan Hill City Council, and it

[1:48:47] will be also a public meeting posted for Monday the 14th to learn from the residents

[1:48:54] from South County to participate and learn more about this particular endeavor that the

[1:49:00] Water District and the cities are moving forward on.

[1:49:05] Friday attended an amazing event, the well event, water education for Latino leaders,

[1:49:15] and these were people from up and down the state of California that came together from

[1:49:19] mayor, city council member, water district folks that all were talking about the issues

[1:49:25] and I'll say this to you that the Santa Clara Valley Water District is one of the best organized

[1:49:32] districts in the state of California listening to some of the issues and problems that are

[1:49:37] prevalent throughout our state that we're doing a fine job here.

[1:49:42] And then lastly I did attend Mayor Ricardo's state of the city address and it was absolutely

[1:49:48] phenomenal very positive messages that were coming forward and hopefully he'll

[1:49:52] be able to sustain and move forward on that and I did also walk through the

[1:49:57] resource fair that was presented there after the meeting and I was able I was

[1:50:02] given one of these and but I know what this is yeah that's a recycled water

[1:50:09] bottle that was presented and also I received several little five minute

[1:50:14] at timers, shower timers, which mine got stuck, I don't know why, but it just did.

[1:50:19] And so it went on a few minutes longer for my shower, but just to let you know that these

[1:50:25] things, you know, I think it might have been defective, I'm not sure.

[1:50:28] But just to let you know that the district is putting out some really powerful positive

[1:50:31] messages and good job, good work.

[1:50:36] Madam Chair, my apologies, and I'd like to just add something.

[1:50:39] and I forgot because I had so many meetings and I had a chance to go to the two-day, it's

[1:50:44] called water education, Latino leadership, and of course Director Restamira, brought all

[1:50:50] the economy, brought everybody down from elected officials throughout the state of California.

[1:50:54] Our people did a fantastic job.

[1:50:56] It was a four-star event at the San Jose Hilton, but Tony's leadership really had

[1:51:01] all kinds of people in the number one of just water and all the stuff and we got

[1:51:06] so many ideas from all over the state, so I want to tell Tony what a great job, but thank

[1:51:10] you Madam Chair.

[1:51:12] Thank you.

[1:51:14] I had, as we all have, a variety of meetings.

[1:51:20] The county-wide emergency operations meeting was my first time attending, and that was

[1:51:26] very informative.

[1:51:27] And I echo Director Santos's comments about the very good presentation made by our staff.

[1:51:35] so thank you Dale. One thing that was a little out of the ordinary was I was invited by Professor

[1:51:42] Terry Trumbull to talk to his environmental class at San Jose State and it was a seminar

[1:51:53] class and so half the time was the staff engaging but I was there for about 45 minutes talking

[1:52:03] about all kinds of water related things and they were all required to ask me a

[1:52:07] question as part of their assignment so that meant I had to tap dance around

[1:52:11] quite a bit but it's very it is very interesting and I always enjoy those

[1:52:17] opportunities where we're able to get out there and really be ambassadors for

[1:52:21] the water district. Director LaZot you wanted to add something? Yeah I wanted to

[1:52:25] just add this weekend I'm going to be attending the water reuse California

[1:52:31] annual conference in Santa Rosa and at that conference, the Recycle Water

[1:52:39] Community Outreach and Public Education Program of the Year is going to none

[1:52:43] other than the Santa Clara Valley Water District's Pure Water Silicon Valley

[1:52:46] Outreach Program. So I wanted to congratulate Teresa and her team for the

[1:52:52] outreach and the public education that's happened so far. I see Marty

[1:52:56] back there with a thumbs up. So congratulations to us.

[1:53:00] And I will be along with Director Lazat accepting that award on behalf of the district. Thank

[1:53:06] you.

[1:53:07] Director Estramarra.

[1:53:11] Thank you Madam Chair. I had a successor agency, a San Jose successor agency meeting

[1:53:20] last Thursday, and of course we did the CEO interviews on Friday, and I was at La Jaza.

[1:53:30] Board roundtable, who had a number of statewide speakers, Secretary of State came, and a few

[1:53:48] presentations. Then on Tuesday we had our recycle committee meeting which was

[1:53:55] wonderful to get back to. It was a very extensive, substantive meeting. We all

[1:54:03] enjoyed getting back to the coordinating aspects of recycle for us. Let's see and

[1:54:11] Then I attended the World Conference.

[1:54:16] We were the host district this year.

[1:54:19] They've had statewide conferences in Sacramento,

[1:54:25] Sacramento, Palm Springs, Los Angeles,

[1:54:30] now San Jose, and next year in San Diego.

[1:54:32] And we have about 200 folks stay most of two days.

[1:54:39] about 80% of them were mayors and council folks from all around the state.

[1:54:45] A couple of water districts and some from the valley, small water districts.

[1:54:50] So it was a real good event.

[1:54:52] We always enjoy sharing our experiences with everybody.

[1:54:56] We do so as you all know on all the panels in all the different conferences in the state.

[1:55:02] So this was a particularly good one.

[1:55:04] And one of the things that we continually point out at the wealth conferences is that any public official who has more than 10 or 15 percent Latinos living in their district, they represent that many folks.

[1:55:20] They are Latino leaders.

[1:55:22] And one of the things that the organization has wanted to do is talk to public officials

[1:55:29] on a local level who end up at the legislature and as all of us know, only until recently

[1:55:36] have we had anyone in the legislature that was elected from a water district board or

[1:55:42] had any experience in water districts, most come from everywhere else but there.

[1:55:47] and so it's really important for us to start getting some of the smaller city

[1:55:54] council and mayors used to the issues that we deal with every day so that when

[1:56:00] they go to Sacramento they kind of get an idea of what it is that's going on and

[1:56:05] secondly as we know especially here in Silicon Valley and with our district

[1:56:09] because we work with all 15 cities and they're public officials they're a lot

[1:56:13] little water districts all over the state and they don't generally have the same

[1:56:18] connection and communication with their local public officials we do. So this is

[1:56:24] a way of also orienting these council folks from small cities who don't have

[1:56:32] a lot of experience in dealing with water district issues although it affects

[1:56:37] them they don't really have a good orientation about these issues to be

[1:56:40] able to share that. So that's why that conference is very important. And I know we also have

[1:56:46] had regional meetings, again, where we have council folks and other public officials from

[1:56:56] small districts to meet and talk about these war issues. So it's a very important conference

[1:57:02] and I was very proud that we were able to host it and also to staff it. And they

[1:57:07] They were all very grateful for the work that we did in supporting them.

[1:57:13] Thank you.

[1:57:14] Director Shwaya.

[1:57:22] Thank you, Chair.

[1:57:23] Since our last regular board meeting, I attended the Lowth Road public meeting with community

[1:57:33] and also public meeting for the Rinconada Water Treatment Plan construction.

[1:57:41] This is the quarterly update.

[1:57:43] I want to thank construction staff or all the design team staff that's managing the project

[1:57:52] and the consultant, really doing a good job with almost $200 million construction going

[1:57:59] on.

[1:58:00] We have very, very little concerns or complaints from the neighborhood.

[1:58:06] put people who attended meetings, it's not a large crowd,

[1:58:12] but at the end of the meeting, the attendees actually

[1:58:18] ordered the presentation team, and then everybody thanked

[1:58:22] while they were doing a good job,

[1:58:24] so I'm just very happy with that.

[1:58:27] And I also attended City of Saratoga State of the City

[1:58:32] thing and the landscape advisory committee and the special district association meeting.

[1:58:44] I think that's it.

[1:58:48] Okay.

[1:58:50] Thank you very much.

[1:58:51] Item 10.2, clerk review and clarification of board requests.

[1:58:55] Thank you Madam Chair.

[1:58:56] The only request I have is the one that you asked for during public comment for staff

[1:59:01] to respond to Ms. Diane Strutt's question that she asked during public comment.

[1:59:06] Thank you very much. Item 10.3, the board will now adjourn.

Regular Meeting & Closed Session - Mar 8th, 2016

Agenda

Transcript