Marina Coast Water District - January 28, 1998, Board of Directors minutes
MARINA COAST WATER DISTRICT
District Offices Regular Meeting
11 Reservation Road January 28, 1998
Marina, California 7:00 P. M.
MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER:
President Randle called the meeting to order at 7:14 P. M. on January 28,
1998.
2. ROLL CALL:
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Emmette Randle, Jr., President
Ken Nishi, Vice President
Tom Moore
Gary Wilmot - arrived at 7:28 P. M.
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
Ben Smith
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Leo Laska, General Manager
Barbara Mulholland, ASO for Finance
Connie Chavoya, ASO for Personnel & Administration
Dave Foote, District Engineer
Lloyd W. Lowrey, Jr., Legal Counsel
AUDIENCE:
Evelina Adlawan, MCWD Technical Services Manager
Rich Youngblood, MCWD Water Conservation/Special Projects Coordinator
Susan Kiefert, MCWD
Sherrie Payne, MCWD
Penny Ampolsuk, MCWD
Bill Bittner, MCWD
Wesley R. Nowell
Maria Nowell
Elisabeth M. Billingsley
Dave Butler
3. QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
4. APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA:
On motion by Director Moore, seconded by Vice President Nishi; the Board
approve the Consent Agenda (minutes of January 14, 1998) as presented.
Motion carried (3 ayes - 2 absent/Wilmot and Smith).
5. PUBLIC HEARING FOR RATE INCREASE:
President Randle opened the Public Hearing at 7:18 P. M. for public comment.
1. Mr. Wesley R. Nowell, 357 Reindollar Avenue, Marina:
Mr. Nowell stated he had absolutely no idea what the increase was for, what
projects the District had, what is on going and why the money is needed. He
also questioned if the District had actually expanded their operations and
if there had been any new hook-ups.
Mr. Lowrey briefed the audience on the background of the proposed rate
increase; i.e., studies, financial statements, etc. He also explained the
218 process and the notification of residents and property owners.
Mr. Laska stated that the 2% increase in rates is to cover the normal rate of
growth due to inflation. He also informed the audience that the rate of
inflation in the San Francisco Bay area was over 4%.
In addition to the above stated reasons, Director Nishi stated he supported
the rate increase as a way to promote water conservation.
Mrs. Elisabeth M. Billingsley, 401 Sunset Place, Marina:
Mrs. Billingsley stated that she was already paying three separate taxes to
Marina Coast Water District, as well as the sewer bill, and that she was
definitely against the rate increase and felt that it should stop.
President Randle closed the public hearing at 7:39 P. M.
Director Wilmot stressed the fact that the reason the District was raising
rates was due to our electrical costs going up, employees getting a pay
increase, health benefits increasing and that it basically costs more to
continue to operate.
Director Moore stated that he was in favor of incorporating financial
incentives to conserve water and felt the rate increase accomplishes that.
On motion by Director Wilmot, seconded by Director Moore; the Board adopt
Ordinance No. 32.
Director Smith - Absent Director Wilmot - Yes
V. P. Nishi - Yes Director Moore - Yes
President Randle- Yes
Motion carried unanimously.
Break taken from 7:53 P. M. To 8:03 P. M.
6. RECEIVE 2ND QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT:
Mr. Dave Butler presented the 2nd quarter financial report, including summary
graphs and spreadsheets, to the Board. Lengthy discussion followed. No
action taken.
7. DISCUSSION ON MARINA KNOLLS:
Mr. Foote briefed the Board on the Marina Knolls project and their request
for 250 acre feet of recycled water to irrigate their proposed golf course.
Directors were informed that discussions are underway with the City of Marina
and Marina Knolls concerning service costs, the project schedule and
permitting issues. Discussion followed. No action taken.
8. STAFF REPORT:
Mr. Laska distributed information to the Board pertaining to the February 7th
workshop.
9. BOARD COMMENTS:
Vice President Nishi: 1) requested a letter be sent to the City of Marina
thanking them for the use of the council chambers; 2) questioned if the
District donated low flow toilets (to the City of Marina) had ever been
installed; 3) felt lights should be installed at the entrance to the beach
when the Marina Dunes project is built; and 4) stated it was nice to be back
at the District offices for Board meetings and complimented staff on the
work.
Director Moore stressed the need to have lighting installed at the beach
entrance as soon as possible.
Director Wilmot: 1) complimented staff on the good job done with the
financials and 2) stated that he was against the move back to the beach
offices, he would not show up to make a quorum, that three other Directors
would have to show up first and that he would try to avoid every meeting at
the location that he possibly can.
President Randle requested that Directors call in ahead of time if they are
not going to be able to make a meeting.
10. ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting was adjourned at 10:14 P. M.