The Board of Directors of Brooktrails Township Community Services District met in regular session on January 14, 2003 at 7:04 p.m. in Brooktrails Community Center.
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
President Skezas reported that no action had been taken in closed session regarding anticipated litigation, one potential case.
A. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B. ROLL CALL
Roll call showed the following Directors present: Pohlson, Horrick, Venturi, Orth and Skezas. Also present were General Manager Chapman and District Counsel Neary.
C. ADDITIONS/ ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA
None
D. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
December 10, 2002
Director Pohlson moved to approve the minutes of December 10, 2002 as written, seconded by Director Venturi. Motion passed unanimously.
E. SPECIAL PRESENTATION
None
F. PUBLIC HEARING
2. RATE INCREASES PROPOSED BY SOLID WASTES OF WILLITS, INC.
General Manager Chapman briefly reviewed the proposed increases. President Skezas opened the public hearing at 7:06 p.m. Hearing no comments, he closed the public hearing at 7:07 p.m.
Director Horrick moved to approve Resolution 2003-1, A Resolution Approving the Rate Schedule for Garbage Collection and Curbside Recycling Effective February 1, 2003. The motion was seconded by Director Venturi and the vote was taken as follows:
AYES: Directors: Pohlson, Horrick, Venturi, Orth, Skezas
NOES: Directors: None
ABSENT: Directors: None
Resolution No. 2003-1 Adopted.
G. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Third District Supervisor Hal Wagenet came forward to express sadness about the recent death of Willits City Manager, Gordon Logan. He reported that the Board of Supervisors intended to recognize, by Resolution, Mr. Logan's years as a public servant. He also voiced the Supervisor's position opposing the proposal to close the Ukiah air attack base, and reported that they had turned down the Eel River diversion proposal. He reported that the County still had $1.5 million remaining in Proposition 50 money, and encouraged the Board to contact Supervisor Delbar or the County Water Agency to make application for available funds.
Patricia Cornell, resident of Robin Place, voiced concern about loose dogs. Director Pohlson suggested that a message be put on the next water bill reminding people about the leash law. Director Orth suggested replacing the leash law signs on the par course.
H. CONSENT CALENDAR
3. REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE REPORT AND AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE CHECKS
4. RETROACTIVE APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE REPORTS DATED NOVEMBER 26, 2002 AND DECEMBER 30, 2002
5. SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING FOR JANUARY 28, 2003 TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE FIRST FIVE-YEAR UPDATE TO THE BROOKTRAILS SPECIFIC PLAN.
Director Pohlson moved to approve all items on the consent calendar. The motion was seconded by Director Venturi and passed unanimously.
I. ACTION AGENDA
6. FIRE CHIEF DARYL SCHOEPPNER'S FIRE DEPARTMENT THREE-MONTH INTERIM REPORT
Fire Chief Daryl Schoeppner reported on recent events in the Fire Department, including acquisition of protective clothing from grant funds, the review of the standard operating procedures, the progress of a survey of neighboring departments with regards to the calculation of remuneration payments, and the training program for volunteers. He introduced volunteer firefighters Angela Remolif, Steve Woodword, and Bob Nolan, who were present to demonstrate the newly acquired equipment which was on display. He updated the Board on the status of the District's vehicles and radio equipment.
Chief Schoeppner stressed the importance of continuing the effort to pass a fire tax measure, and updated the Board on the status of the hazard abatement program. He provided a summary of a recent training program he and his fire dog "Eddie" had attended.
He commended the efforts of the Brooktrails Firefighters Association, who contributed funds towards protective clothing, training materials and needed equipment.
Director Pohlson asked for an outline of the hazard abatement program for the upcoming Spring season, and suggested providing the information to property owners along with the mailing of the annual assessment notice in April.
Director Orth suggested that the hazard abatement program be structured taking into account rainfall amounts for the year and the status of the CDF air tanker situation.
Chief Schoeppner reported that Neighborhood Emergency Service Team (NEST) was unable to assist the Fire Department during a recent snow storm because they must be initialized by the Mendocino Emergency Services Authority (MESA.) He asked that the Board consider adopting a resolution which would accept the NEST personnel as a part of the Fire Department volunteers, which would give the Fire Chief the authority to activate NEST when needed.
In closing, he reported that CDF crews would begin clearing in the greenbelt in the near future.
7. CONSIDERATION OF A DRAFT LETTER TO GOVERNOR GRAY DAVIS, SENATOR WES CHESBRO, AND ASSEMBLY MEMBER PATTY BERG REQUESTING CONTINUED FUNDING AND OPERATION OF THE UKIAH CDF AIR ATTACK BASE
Director Pohlson suggested that the letter state the population of the entire area, as opposed to just Brooktrails. She also asked that the additional response time be stated specifically.
Director Orth asked that a paragraph be added concerning the lack of a second access road. General Manager Chapman suggested that the Fire Chief raise that concern in his letter to the Fire Chief's Association.
President Skezas clarified that three letters would be sent, one to the Governor, one to Senator Chesbro, and one to Assembly Member Berg. Director Venturi moved to approve the letter, as amended, seconded by Director Orth. The motion passed unanimously.
8. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM LACE MAY JR. FOR RELIEF FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE DISTRICT'S UTILITIES CODE, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 116
General Manager Chapman provided a brief summary of previous Board action taken on Mr. May's request for a second connection to his property at the end of Buckeye Road. He explained that Ordinance No. 116 provides a means for an applicant to have a second connection if they were to donate or merge another parcel in the District capable of development, thus retiring the rights to a water and sewer connection.
Director Orth suggested that Mr. May obtain a lot through the Tax Collector's annual sale.
Mr. May took the podium and voiced his appreciation for any suggestions or help that he could receive.
Director Pohlson asked for clarification of Mr. May's building plans. She suggested that he be required to purchase a lot that would be beneficial to the District, such a lot which provides access to the Greenbelt. She noted that a parcel was currently for sale on Perch Drive for $14,000.00. She also asked that he provide a memo of understanding stating that he would not operate an automotive repair business on his property, as previously proposed.
Mr. May voiced his agreement to the memo of understanding, but objected to the requirement that he expend $14,000.00. District Counsel Neary pointed out that the Ordinance specifies only that the lot be capable of residential development.
President Skezas suggested that the Board reject Mr. May's request for a waiver of the provisions of Ordinance No. 116, and direct the General Manager to work with Mr. May and come back to the Board with a proposed solution. Director Venturi made a motion to follow President Skezas' suggestion. The motion was seconded by Director Orth. A vote was taken on the motion which passed unanimously.
9. APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE BROOKTRAILS GREEN COMMITTEE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Director Orth moved to appoint Jerry Remolif and Chuck Woodbury to the Green Committee for a two year term ending December 31, 2004. The motion was seconded by Director Horrick and passed unanimously.
Director Horrick moved to appoint Bill Jack, Chris Brown and Chuck Hardin to the Finance Committee for a one year term ending December 31, 2003. The motion was seconded by Director Venturi and passed unanimously.
10. REPORT OF WATER PROCESSED VERSUS WATER SOLD. BOARD ACTION IS TO RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT
Using the overhead projector, General Manager pointed out the improvement in the percentage of water lost over the last five years and the reduction in the average gallons per day of water consumed per Single Family Residence (SFR) He reviewed the conservation measures in place by the District, and the measures planned to increase the water supply and storage capacity.
Director Orth spoke in support of the proposal to dredge Lake Emily. He encouraged the General Manager to pursue the funds available through Proposition 50.
11. REVIEW OF MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2003 AND SCHEDULE ANNUAL PLANNING SESSION
Director Venturi suggested March 1, 2003 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. President Skezas asked that the June 24, 2003 meeting be rescheduled for June 23, 2003.
Director Orth moved to approve the calendar as amended. The motion was seconded by Director Venturi, and passed unanimously. As to planning session agenda items, no changes were suggested to the list which was provided.
J. SPECIAL REPORTS - GENERAL MANAGER
The Board reviewed December warrants.
General Manager Chapman summarized the preliminary report from Oscar Larsen and Associates regarding the clearwell and backwash projects, noting the two main clearwell issues being contact time for disinfection and operational storage.
Taking into account the available funds, he stated his priority order of necessary projects as being 1) backwash ponds, 2) dredging of Lake Emily, then 3) the clearwell tank. He clarified that, to meet the Health Department requirements, a second clearwell tank of approximately 50,000 to 60,000 gallons would be required.
He commented that the final report would probably be ready within thirty days with cost estimates for the clearwell and backwash projects. At that point the CEQA review can proceed and the financing can be secured.
Director Pohlson asked that the resolution in support of Active Living by Design grant application be added to the agenda of January 28, 2003. Mike Aplet, resident of Hawk Drive and member of the Recreation Committee, came forward to provided a brief description of the grant program.
General Manager Chapman reported that the tenth group of lot merger applications had been approved by the County Subdivision Committee on Friday January 10th. Included with the group were the applications from the parties that were purchasing surplus lots from the District, so he hoped that escrow would close soon and approximately $17,000 would be reimbursing the Water and Sewer funds for costs of the merger program. He also reported that another person had expressed interest in purchasing two lots on Ridge Road for access to their property.
He reported that a sewer pump had to be purchased for the Lilac lift station.
Director Orth asked that nomination of a LAFCO Commissioner for Special Districts be added to the agenda of January 28th. He commented that although he was the alternate, he would not be seeking the position, and would prefer that someone from a Ukiah water agency seek election.
K. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mike Aplet came forward to clarify the timing of the Active Living by Design grant application paperwork.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Director Pohlson moved to adjourn and President Skezas declared the meeting of January 14, 2003 closed at 8:40 p.m.
MICHAEL V. CHAPMAN
Secretary to the Board of Directors
GEORGE SKEZAS,
President |
