The Board of Directors of Brooktrails Township Community Services District met in regular session on April 13, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. in Brooktrails Community Center.
A. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B. ROLL CALL
Roll call showed the following Directors present: Eads, Estabrook, Orth and Skezas. Also present were General Manager Williams and District Counsel Neary.
C. ADDITIONS/ ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA
None
D. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1. March 9, 1999
Director Orth moved to approve the minutes of March 9th, seconded by Director Eads. The motion carried unamiously by a vote of the members present.
March 23, 1999
Director Orth moved to approve the minutes of March 23rd, seconded by Director Estabrook. The motion carried unamiously by a vote of the members present.
E. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Tom Allman of the County Sheriff's office came forward and stated that he was looking forward to the up-coming Table-top 911 Emergency Drill being conducted with the Fire Department later during the week. He reported on a few recent police calls in the area, including a citizen who called him concerning the lack of street lighting in Brooktrails.
Director Orth suggested recommending motion sensors as a means of lighting an area without disturbing other residents. Director Eads commented that street lighting is discouraged and certain types of lighting are prohibited by the Specific Plan. Director Estabrook suggested further research be done, and a letter sent to Officer Allman with the Board's recommendations.
F. PUBLIC HEARING
2. FISCAL YEAR 98-99 THIRD QUARTER BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS; FIRST REVIEWED BY THE BOARD 03/23/99. REVISIONS ARE PROPOSED FOR YEAR-END CARRYOVER, INTER-FUND TRANSFERS, REVENUE ADJUSTMENTS IN THE ENTERPRISE FUNDS, EXPENDITURES ADJUSTMENTS, INCLUDING DEFERMENT OF SOME CAPITAL PROJECTS. PROPOSED ACTION TO BE BY RESOLUTION.
With the aid of an overhead projector, General Manager Williams outlined the major changes proposed to the Budget, including provisions for adjustments to employees salaries and benefits, payroll expenses, acquisition of office equipment, power backup systems, and changes necessary due to the receipt of the annual audit.
Note: Director Whitney arrived at 7:16 p.m.
With the anticipated adjustments, year-end reserves are expected to be $232,262, which should help with cash flow next year. President Skezas opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. No one came forward so President Skezas closed the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. Director Eads suggested an evaluation of the vehicles owned by the District. He felt that the inefficiency of the vehicles was a major contributing factor in cost outlay to employees. Director Whitney expressed his concern about interest which should be earned by restricted funds, and the possible loss of interest income due to inter-fund transfers. He asked the General Manager for a breakdown of reserves in the discretionary funds, which he felt would present a clearer picture of funds available for cash flow. He also asked for a detailed list of the computer equipment currently in use at the District office. Director Estabrook asked if the reserves required by the recently refinanced DWR loan had become available. General Manager Williams explained that those funds will continue to be held in reserve to satisfy the terms of the current lender. Director Orth thanked the General Manager for his work on the Budget. He felt that the District was beginning to recover from its cash flow problems of the past. President Skezas asked for a motion to approve Resolution 1999-9, a Resolution adopting Third Quarter Adjustments to the Appropriations Budget for Fiscal Year 1998-99, and amending Resolution 1998-42. Director Orth stated "so moved." The motion was seconded by
Director Eads and the vote was taken as follows:
AYES: Directors: Eads, Whitney, Estabrook, Orth, Skezas
NOES: Directors: None
ABSENT: Directors: None
Resolution No. 1999-9 adopted.
G. ACTION AGENDA
3. ADOPTION OF GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR 1999-2000 FISCAL YEAR.
In anticipation of the up-coming Budget preparation, General Manager Williams asked the Board to review the Goals and Objectives as discussed at the annual planning session in February. Director Whitney asked that "Water Conservation Planning" be added under "Water System" and a similar effort be listed under Sewer System. He suggested researching State Water Board guidelines for assistance in the establishment of a water conservation plan. He felt that sewer flow could be reduced with the installation of gray-water systems, and proposed giving reduced sewer connection fees to people willing to install them. He also asked that under "Recreation", "Summer Host Program at facilities" be changed to "Summer Host Program at Summer Lake." Director Estabrook asked that under the heading of "Emergency Services," the words "and Egress" be added to "Development of all Season Access." Director Orth stressed the importance of developing a map of water and sewer line problems to assist with future system upgrades and repairs. President Skezas then asked for a motion to formally approve, with changes, and to refer to the General Manager for use as the basis for the development of the annual Budget, the Goals and Objectives for the 1999-2000 Fiscal Year. Director Orth stated "so moved" and the motion was seconded by Director Whitney. Director Eads commented that although he may vote to enforce the concept of Goals and Objectives as a Director, he would not necessarily agree with those goals as an individual, especially as it relates to the use of the Lodge as a senior housing facility. A vote was taken on the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
4. REPORT BACK ON POSSIBLE APPROACHES FOR REDUCING TRASH BUILD UP IN BROOKTRAILS (PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED AT THE MARCH 9TH MEETING.)
General Manager Williams reviewed the March 9th discussion of trash problems. Some solutions included requiring dumpsters in enclosures and recycling facilities for multi-family units, bungie cords for trash can lids and carts for single family units, the option of making trash pickup mandatory in Brooktrails, the use of MSWA for clean up of vacant lots, and the assistance of the BPOA sponsored Adopt-a-Road program. Problem areas could be addressed on a case-by-case basis and dealt with as complaints. Repeat offenders could be included in the abatement program. Aubrey Maynard, head of BPOA Adopt-a-Road program, came forward to address the Board. He felt that the problem was diminishing due to a growing awareness. He expressed his appreciation to the General Manager for the information that was provided in the packet. Director Eads asked about the reasoning behind the standard of five or more units in the model Space Allocation Ordinance which was included in the packet, as Brooktrails has mostly four unit complexes. He stated that he did not agree with the District providing bungie cords for free, he felt that the setting of standards for cans should be left up to the Franchisee, and suggested that the Franchisee provide carts at cost to customers who are in need of them, possibly on a lease basis. Director Whitney expressed his appreciation to Mr. Maynard for the work that he has done. He endorsed mandatory trash pick up for multi-family units, and recommended that Solid Waste of Willits help identify problem locations and suggest solutions for those areas. Director Estabrook pointed out that the five unit standard questioned by Director Eads is part of a "model" Space Allocation Ordinance, which could be amended by local Agencies if desired. District Counsel Neary confirmed this to be the case. He also commented that the Ordinance could apply to both new and existing structures. He felt that the proposed solutions need to be tailored around those people who are perhaps a little lax as well as those who just don't seem to care. In addition, he would like to see the existing Ordinances strengthened and asked District Counsel Neary to give the Board direction in establishing a procedure to identify repeat offenders and provide a means to take care of those problems quickly. He noted that Ordinance 76 states that all trash must be in a container, but there is no mention of where that container must be kept. He proposed drafting an amendment to state that the container must be kept near the house. He is not in favor of mandatory trash pick up at this time. Director Orth explained that the franchise fee is available to provide a garbage Budget which can be established by Board policy. He suggested using those funds to provide solutions, such as enlarging the level areas where meters are installed to accommodate trash cans. President Skezas commented that he is against any type of discrimination against multi-family units, and felt that efforts should be directed towards the abusers, perhaps with some type of "two-strikes" Ordinance that would mandate collection for repeat offenders. It was decided that sending the letter to Ray Hall was premature at this time, and other options would be investigated and discussed at a future meeting. Mr. Maynard suggested the establishment of a committee through the BPOA as a means of addressing the issue.
5. CONSIDERATION OF NOTICE OF INTENTION TO FIX WATER AVAILABILITY CHARGE FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999-2000 AND SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING.
Director Whitney inquired as to why the procedures for Water Availability and Sewer Standby charges are different. District Counsel Neary explained that two different authorizing statutes apply. Water Availability is authorized to be charged by Special Districts, and is adopted by Resolution, whereas Sewer Standby is authorized by the Health & Safety Code and set by Ordinance.
Director Whitney expressed his concern about charging standby fees to those lots that are being donated to the District, lots that are being merged, or whose owners were sent letters advising them that utility services would be difficult to obtain. General Manager Williams assured him that the list sent to the County, as well as a map showing the parcels subject to the charge, would be available at the next Board meeting.
Director Orth made a motion to approve the Notice of Intention to fix the Water Availability charge and schedule the Public Hearing for April 27th. The motion was seconded by Director Eads and carried unanimously.
6. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION PRESCRIBING SEWER STANDBY CHARGE FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999-2000.
General Manager Williams reminded Board members that with the passage of Ordinance 104 the Sewer Standby charge for Fiscal Year 1999-2000 has been set at $50. This Resolution confirms the rate and schedules a Public Hearing of protests for June 29th. Director Eads asked if it is possible to raise the Sewer Standby Charge without a public vote. District Counsel Neary explained that the rate of $50 was set in 1996 and phased in over a three year period. Any increase now would have to go through the Proposition 218 process.
Director Orth made a motion to approve Resolution No. 1999-10, a Resolution Prescribing Sewer Standby Charges for Fiscal Year 1999-2000, motion seconded by Director Eads and the vote was taken as follows:
AYES: Directors: Eads, Estabrook, Orth, Skezas
NOES: Directors: None
ABSENT: Directors: None
ABSTAIN: Directors: Whitney
Resolution No. 1999-10 adopted.
Director Orth made a motion to set a Public Hearing for protest on June 29, 1999, motion seconded by Director Estabrook and the vote was taken as follows:
AYES: Directors: Eads, Estabrook, Orth, Skezas
NOES: Directors: None
ABSENT: Directors: None
ABSTAIN: Directors: Whitney
BREAK at 8:54 p.m.
RECONVENE at 8:56 p.m.
7. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR A SALARY, WAGE, AND FRINGE BENEFIT PLAN AND FEE SCHEDULE FOR THE 1998/1999 FISCAL YEAR. THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF THE EXISTING SCHEDULES, EXCEPT FOR A 1.4% COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT AND CHANGES TO SPECIFIC JOB CLASSES BASED UPON A SURVEY.
General Manager Williams reported that negotiations with the employees have been completed, and the actuarial studies from PERS concerning retirement options were received in March. This Resolution provides for a Cost of Living adjustment of 1.4% for all employees and adjustments to some of the ranges based upon a survey that was conducted last year. The attached charts indicate the pay ranges, both hourly and monthly. The contracts with Chris Neary as District Counsel and Bob Axt as Architect will continue, as well as the existing health plan and Staywell Benefits. Retirees will continue to be covered by health insurance with premiums paid by the retiree. The Special Notes attached outline provisions for overtime and achievement incentives, and an increase in fees to Directors to $99 per meeting, not to exceed $198 per month.
Director Whitney moved to adopt Resolution 1999-11, a Resolution providing for a Salary, Wage, and Fringe Benefit Plan and Fee Schedule for the 1998/1999 Fiscal Year. The motion was seconded by
Director Estabrook and the vote on the motion was as follows:
AYES: Directors: Eads, Whitney, Estabrook, Orth, Skezas
NOES: Directors: None
ABSENT: Directors: None
Resolution No. 1999-11 adopted.
H. SPECIAL REPORTS - THE GENERAL MANAGER.
i. Significant Correspondence received since last meeting:
1. General Manager Williams reported that a response had been received from Ray Hall of the County Planning and Building Department to our Annual Report on the Specific Plan. He was surprised to learn that the Building Department does not keep track of activity by area, and expressed his disappointment in the response. All Directors agreed that some type of reply is in order and General Manager Williams assured the Board that he and District Counsel Neary will further research the County's monitoring responsibilities under the terms of the Specific Plan.
2. Director Whitney submitted a letter asking that an item be placed on a future agenda concerning the status of the Brooktrails Lodge.
3. Director Whitney also submitted a letter concerning the "School Site" Transfer of Development Rights Project.
4. Gene Calvert of the County Transportation Department wrote inviting Board members to a seminar pertaining to the formation of an assessment district to fund a second access and improvements to Sherwood Road to be held in Ukiah on April 22 at 1:00 p.m.
5. Notification of a Timber Harvest Plan for the Smith Family was received from Mervin James Gamble. General Manager Williams explained that most of the sediments would affect Dutch Henry Creek, and he had responded voicing his concerns about the watershed into Lake Emily and Lake Ada Rose. Director Orth expressed his concerns about the log trucks using Sherwood Road during hours when school buses are running and asked that this, and dust control problems, be included in any response to them. Director Whitney suggested that the General Manager write to CDF requesting participation in the Inter-agency Review Team for the project.
ii. Personnel
iii. Finance
March warrants and current Accounts Payable were reviewed by the Board. General Manager Williams reported that the semi-annual tax payment from the County will be coming in soon. Since the rates went up on March 1, calls from customers concerning leaks has risen by 20%. Director Eads suggested that average household usages be included in the next newsletter to water customers.
iv. Planning
A breakdown of development in the District was provided for the Board's review. General Manager Williams reported that the third group of lot merger applications had been submitted to the County, which will reduce the number of lots in the District by 12. Total reduction to date is 70, and 4 more lot donations are being processed.
v. Possible upcoming agenda items
vi. Other
I . PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
J. ADJOURNMENT
Director Orth moved to adjourn and President Skezas declared the meeting of April 13, 1999 closed at 9:40 p.m.
PAUL A. WILLIAMS
Secretary to the Board of Directors
GEORGE C. SKEZAS
President
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