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MINUTES
BROOKTRAILS TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BROOKTRAILS COMMUNITY CENTER
24850 Birch Street, Willits, CA 95490
July 8, 2003 |
The Board of Directors of Brooktrails Township Community Services District met in regular session on July 8, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in Brooktrails Community Center.
A. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B. ROLL CALL
Roll call showed the following Directors present: Pohlson, Venturi, Orth and Skezas. Also present were General Manager Chapman and District Counsel Neary. Director Horrick was absent.
C. ADDITIONS/ ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA - None
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
District Counsel Neary reported that the Board had rejected a claim presented by Beryl Spalding and referred the matter to the District's insurance carrier to expedite the process.
The Board also gave instructions to counsel regarding initiation of litigation, one potential case, and gave instruction to real estate negotiator, Mike Chapman, regarding the area referred to as the Mayfield property.
D. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
June 23, 2003
Director Venturi moved to approve the minutes of June 23, 2003 as written, seconded by Director Pohlson.
The motion passes unanimously by the members present.
E. SPECIAL PRESENTATION - None
F. PUBLIC HEARING- None
G. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
H. CONSENT CALENDAR
2. REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE REPORT AND AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE CHECKS
3. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING GRANT DEED FOR ONE LOT ON BLUE LAKE ROAD DONATED BY BEVERLY ULBRICHT
Director Orth moved to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Director Pohlson.
A vote on the motion was taken as follows:
AYES: Directors: Pohlson, Venturi, Orth, Skezas
NOES: Directors: None
ABSENT: Directors: Horrick
Resolution No. 2003-24 Adopted.
I. ACTION AGENDA
4. INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 76, THE DISTRICT'S UTILITIES CODE, TO REVISE CHAPTER III, ARTICLE 4, SECTION 3-404 TO REQUIRE A SEWER BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE IN ALL NEW CONSTRUCTION, AND TO ADD THE DEFINITION OF "READY TO PROCEED" TO ARTICLE 2 OF CHAPTER IV
General Manager Chapman briefly reviewed the proposed amendments.
Director Venturi suggested that a requirement for a sewer backflow prevention device in existing houses be triggered by the sale of the property. Director Pohlson agreed, emphasizing the issue of public health.
District Counsel Neary voiced concern about the District's ability to enforce such a provision.
Director Venturi asked that a notice be posted on the website advising homeowners to install a device. District Counsel Neary suggested sending a letter to local realtors and plumbers advising them about their risk of liability with regards to homes without a device.
District Counsel Neary suggested that the District may be able to add a provision to the sewer ordinance that every home have a sewer backflow prevention device, and that unless the customer can show compliance by a certain time, the device may be installed by the District at the owner's expense.
Director Orth recommended addressing the matter as a future agenda item. He made a motion to introduce Ordinance No. 121 as written, and to set a public hearing for the July 22, 2003 meeting. The motion was seconded by Director Venturi.
Beryl Spalding, resident of Lilac Lane, came to the podium to confirm that installation of a device on the sewer line under her house would be in compliance.
A vote was taken on the motion which passed unanimously by the members present.
5. REVIEW OF REVISED WATER CONSERVATION AND LEAK REDUCTION PROGRAM
General Manager Chapman commented that the primary difference between the new program and the original was that it was based upon volume measurement as opposed to behavior.
Director Orth asked that in Section 5-301(b) the words "up to" be replaced with "at" to ensure that all customers are treated equally. He also asked that the phrase "unless an alternate water source is found" be added to the end of Section 5-205 regarding Golf Course Irrigation.
District Counsel Neary suggested that the public be educated as to how to read their water meter.
Richard Estabrook, resident of Primrose Drive, came forward. He provided hand-outs regarding water going into and out of the lake and the resulting change in reservoir volume.
President Skezas pointed out that water used for operations and maintenance should be included in water measured as "production" because treated water is used for back washing and flushing. Mr. Estabrook commented that the data used in the T.M. Herman report separated it. Director Pohlson pointed out that the water used at the District Office complex, equivalent to five or six SFRs, is not included as "water sold" because it is not included in the monthly billing.
Using the overhead projector, Mr. Estabrook explained how he could accurately project water supply using the Willits Creek flow rate data in an equation developed for oil fields. He provided graphs indicating years of sufficient water supply, questionable water supply, and insufficient water supply. He suggested that visual observations of the reservoir be made periodically and compared with the projections, and that the data be posted on the website for the public's information. He also provided a sample letter to rate payers which included proposed "conservation reduction targets" by month, during an insufficient water supply year, and presented another chart indicating the effect those targets would have on the water supply.
Comments were received from Bob Houtz, resident of Poppy Drive, regarding the splash boards used at Lake Emily.
Mr. Estabrook reviewed an outline of data required for accurate water supply projections, and made suggestions as to how to improve the accuracy of the data. As to the fish bypass requirements, he suggested installation of a control valve and flow meter to accurately control and monitor the amount of water released.
Board members emphatically thanked Mr. Estabrook for his presentation.
6. CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSAL FROM USGS TO PROVIDE STREAM FLOW MONITORING SERVICES TO THE DISTRICT
General Manager Chapman summarized the financial impact approval of the agreement would have on the rate payers.
Director Orth spoke in favor of entering into a three-year agreement, noting the value of accurate data.
Director Venturi suggested a two year agreement, with the provision that District staff be trained to monitor the equipment.
Director Orth made a motion to approve a three-year agreement, including installation and set up the first two years, and training of District staff during the third year. He suggested that after expiration of the first agreement, the USGS monitor the information, and the data be collected by staff.
Director Venturi commented that training should start at the beginning. He then seconded Director Orth's motion.
Beryl Spalding came forward to ask for clarification about the monitoring process.
After a brief discussion, a vote was taken on the motion which passed unanimously by the members present.
7. REVIEW OF A WRITTEN REPORT FROM ENGINEER / GEOLOGIST JOHN PHILLIPS REGARDING PROPOSED WELL SITE
General Manager Chapman briefly reviewed the proposed well sites, and asked for authorization to proceed with exploration of the site near the water treatment plant. Director Venturi stated "So moved." The motion was seconded by Director Orth, and passed unanimously by the members present.
J. SPECIAL REPORTS - GENERAL MANAGER
General Manager Chapman reported that the Fire Department would be taking possession of a used pick-up truck donated by P.G. & E.
Director Orth called attention to a map of the proposed alignment of the Highway 101 Willits Bypass which was on the wall behind the Board members. He summarized the topics of discussion at the meeting of the Project Development Team (PDT) which he and General Manager Chapman had attended on 06/30/03. He pointed out areas of environmental concern, and the proximity of the route to various locations in town. He also pointed out the anticipated location of the intersection with the latest proposed second access road to Brooktrails. He reported that the PDT members had met with the local emergency agencies and agreed to work with the City of Willits to mitigate the Sherwood Road intersection.
K. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bob Houtz, resident of Poppy Drive, came forward to voice concern about the steepness of the driveway slope at a house under construction on Poppy Drive near Mallard Street.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Director Orth moved to adjourn and President Skezas declared the meeting of July 8, 2003 closed at 9:10 p.m.
MICHAEL V. CHAPMAN
Secretary to the Board of Directors
GEORGE SKEZAS,
President |
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