MINUTES

2. REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE REPORT AND AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE CHECKS

Director Orth moved to approve the report and authorize issuance of checks. The motion was seconded by Director Pohlson and passed unanimously.

3. REVIEW OF FIRE DEPARTMENT REVISED STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES AND REMUNERATION CALCULATIONS

Fire Chief, Daryl Schoeppner, came forward to review the revised procedures.

Director Orth asked that the dress code for the duty officer, as described on page 2, include boots and uniform pants, as well as the duty shirt. He also asked that on page 25 the requirements for Captain include experience as an Engineer. Chief Schoeppner pointed out that a Class B license is a requirement for both Engineer and Captain.

Director Pohlson asked that the word "should" be changed to "must" on page 6, item 4, on page 7 in the last sentence of the first paragraph, on page 22 in items 11 and 13, and on page 25 in the second paragraph. Also, with reference to the second paragraph on page 25, she pointed out that the old regulations required at least 40 hours of instruction before a firefighter was allowed to go on a call and asked that a policy be included requiring at least 20 hours of basic instruction. Chief Schoeppner voiced concern that such a requirement would limit personnel available for minor situations and other duties such as traffic control, and pointed out that all probationary firefighters are under constant supervision. Director Venturi felt that the minimum requirements should be left up to the discretion of the Fire Chief. Chief Schoeppner outlined the training requirements for Firefighter 1 certification. President Skezas read aloud the section regarding qualifications, noting that they were very specific. Director Orth confirmed the consensus of the Board that no specific number of hours needed to be stated.

Chief Schoeppner reviewed the proposed changes to the remuneration calculations, and briefly reviewed the duties and responsibilities of the volunteer personnel.

General Manager Chapman spoke in favor of the simplicity of the proposed remuneration schedule. Director Orth and President Skezas thanked Chief Schoeppner for his work.

Director Pohlson made a motion to approve the proposed Standard Operating Procedures, and the Remuneration Schedule. The motion was seconded by Director Orth and passed unanimously.

Chief Schoeppner reported that he was in the process of applying for a grant for a new fire engine, which would require the Board's commitment for a 10% match of approximately $28,000. General Manager Chapman explained how he would budget the funds. Board members encouraged Chief Schoeppner to pursue the grant.

4. FURTHER DISCUSSION OF AMENDMENT TO THE UTILITIES CODE TO ALLOW PROPERTY OWNERS TO TRANSFER CONNECTION FEES

General Manager Chapman briefly reviewed the issues addressed in the staff report. Board members emphatically concurred that they did not want to surrender ownership of the service connection to the private property owner.
Director Pohlson pointed out section 2-504 of the Utilities Code "Change in Location of Meters and Connections" and section 2-509, "Non-registering Meters", which she felt could apply to the proposal to transfer the connection.

Director Orth proposed a policy whereby the interested builder would purchase one of the metered vacant parcels, and either build on that lot, or transfer the connection to another lot, pay the cost of the new meter installation, and donate the original lot to the District.

Robert Terry, resident of Poppy Lane, suggesting offering to fix connection fees at the current rate for those property owners that want to build in the future and are willing to give up their prepaid connections now.
Carolyn Howard, resident of Perch Way, suggested that owners of the vacant parcels with meters be required to build within a certain time frame or forfeit the connection. Board members explained to her why they were unable to do so.

Director Venturi asked that the owners of the vacant metered parcels be sent a letter outlining the Board's proposal to see if they would be interested in such a program. Director Orth suggested that the letter be informational, describe the changing conditions, and inform them that they will be subject to the monthly base rate.


5. REVIEW OF ANNUAL RECONCILIATION OF CHARGES FOR SEWER BY THE CITY OF WILLITS

General Manager Chapman suggested that the confidential letter provided by District Counsel Neary not be released until he was present to discuss it. President Skezas asked that a closed session item be scheduled before the next meeting to discuss the letter.

Director Venturi made a motion to receive the report, seconded by Director Orth. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.

Utilizing the overhead projector, General Manager Chapman reviewed a chart comparing the City of Willits' expenditures with Brooktrails' share. He explained the need to differentiate between an actual number and an estimate, noting that it is difficult to audit an estimate. He reported that the most recent estimate for the ponding system had increased to $12 million.

Moving on, he reviewed the change in budgeted expenses between Fiscal Year 2001/2002 and 2002/2003. He also reviewed the five year outlook for capital projects which indicated Brooktrails' portion of 37.69%.