The Board of Directors of Brooktrails Township Community Services District met in regular session on September 9, 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, Horrick, Venturi, Orth and Skezas. Also present were General Manager Chapman and District Counsel Neary.
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
District Counsel Neary reported that the Board had met in closed session and gave direction to Counsel regarding four potential cases. The Board voted to deny one claim filed by Mr. & Mrs. Johnson and refer it to the insurance carrier. The Board also gave instructions to their real estate negotiator regarding the parcels listed on the agenda. The Board began its review of the General Manager's contract. Action was deferred to the next meeting.
C. ADDITIONS/ ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA
General Manager Chapman requested that item number 5, Water Conservation Program, be pulled from the agenda. No objections were raised.
D. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
August 26, 2003
Director Venturi moved to approve the minutes of August 26, 2003 as written. The motion was seconded by Director Orth and passed unanimously.
E. SPECIAL PRESENTATION
2. GEOLOGIST/ENGINEER JOHN PHILLIPS
General Manager Chapman introduced John Phillips. Mr. Phillips began his presentation with a review of two topographical maps which were on display at the front of the room, one which showed his recommended well drilling locations, and one which showed the geological makeup of the District.
He pointed out that the eastern area and the southern area was made up of shale-like impermeable material known as tectonic melange, which generally does not produce water. Other areas were comprised mostly of shale, sandstone and shale, or sandstone.
He explained that groundwater is controlled by subsurface geological features, and that certain physical properties are required to allow the water to accumulate. He briefly discussed landslides and tectonic forces, noting certain conditions that allow water to move through, or collect behind the fault.
Using the overhead projector, he drew diagrams to illustrate the effects of thrust faults on different types of rock. He pointed out a fault feature at the southern edge of the District bordered by melange, which he believed would act as a barrier, allowing water to accumulate above the fault. He also stated that the Maacama fault to the east would act as a barrier.
He described how the Coastal Mountains were formed by the forces of the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate, resulting in the formation of Franciscan, or hillside terrain.
A brief question and answer session with audience members ensued, regarding the source of the groundwater and the relationship between wells and springs.
In response to Director Horrick's question, Mr. Phillips estimated the range of depth for the wells to be between 200 and 500 feet, depending on the type of material encountered. He explained that by observing the cuttings during the drilling process it can be determined if it is advisable to continue.
Mr. Phillips explained that the effect of a ten year drought on production could not be determined until data is collected. He also stated that each well site is discrete and individual, and pumping any one of them is unlikely to effect another.
Director Orth pointed out that wells would be used as a supplemental water source during the dry season, which would have a advantageous effect on the recharge rate.
Director Venturi reported that a long-time resident had informed him about a capped-off water well near the airport.
Further questions were answered from the audience related to the size of the drill casing, the seismic record of the Maacama Fault, and potential productivity.
District Counsel Neary asked for clarification of the treatment that would be required for well water. Mr. Phillips explained that water quality can not be predicted, but more often than not the water would meet drinking water standards.
District Counsel Neary also inquired about the distinction between groundwater and surface water, which is regulated by the Department of Water Resources. Mr. Phillips stated that, even at the water treatment plant location, the sanitary seal of the well would be below the surface elevation, which in his opinion would classify the water as groundwater.
President Skezas asked if all of the sites would have an equal probably of success. Mr. Phillips replied that the drilling locations were selected strictly on a geologic basis, and that there was no hierarchy from the best to the worst.
President Skezas thanked Mr. Phillips for attending.
F. PUBLIC HEARING None.
G. PUBLIC COMMENTS None.
H. CONSENT CALENDAR
3. REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE REPORT AND AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE CHECKS
Director Venturi moved to approve the report and authorize issuance of checks. The motion was seconded by Director Horrick and passed unanimously.
I. ACTION AGENDA
4. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATION FOR FUNDS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS AND COASTAL PROTECTION ACT OF 2002
Director Venturi moved to approve Resolution No. 2003-33, a Resolution Approving Application for Funds under the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Act of 2002. The motion was seconded by Director Pohlson, and the vote was taken as follows:
AYES: Directors: Pohlson, Horrick, Venturi, Orth, Skezas
NOES: Directors: None
ABSENT: Directors: None
Resolution No. 2003-33 Adopted.
5. REVIEW OF REVISED WATER CONSERVATION AND LEAK REDUCTION PROGRAM Deferred.
6. CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSAL TO PURCHASE OF A NEW UTILITY TRUCK OUT OF THE WATER ENTERPRISE FUND RESERVES
General Manager Chapman explained that the low bid for the 2003 Ford Ranger utility truck had been received from North Lake Ford-Mercury in Lakeport, in the amount of $15,981.82.
Director Orth moved to approve the purchase of the truck. The motion was seconded by Director Venturi.
General Manager Chapman assured Don Dussault, resident of Daphne Way, that fuel economy was a consideration in choosing the model.
A vote was taken on the motion which passed unanimously.
7. REVIEW OF BOARD MEMBER'S RESPONSES TO THE MENDOCINO COUNTY WATER AGENCY SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS COMPONENT B - ALTERNATIVE SERVICES SURVEY
Director Pohlson made a motion to submit the Board's group response to Roland Sanford, with the Mendocino County Water Agency. The motion was seconded by Director Orth, and passed unanimously.
8. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH USGS FOR MONITORING OF WILLITS CREEK, AND AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER TO SIGN
General Manager Chapman reported that the USGS employees had begun installation of approximately $2,500 worth of electronic equipment purchased by the District to upgrade the metering station.
Director Orth made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2003-34, a Resolution approving an agreement with USGS for monitoring of Willits Creek, and authorizing the President and General Manager to sign. 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. 2003-34 Adopted.
9. REVIEW OF BUDGET FOR $30,000 PER CAPITA GRANT WHICH WAS APPROVED IN 2001, AND CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSAL TO PURCHASE OF WOOD CHIPS FOR THE PLAYGROUND OUT OF THE GENERAL FUND, RECREATION, OTHER EXPENSES, APPROXIMATE COST OF $2,000, TO BE REIMBURSED OUT OF THE GRANT FUNDS
General Manager Chapman reviewed the golf mat project and playground project which had been funded out of the Per Capita grant. He thanked Director Pohlson for helping to move the playground project along, and asked that the Board approve the expenditure of $2,000 out of the General Fund, Recreation, to purchase wood chips for the playground surface.
Director Orth moved to approve the purchase, seconded by Director Venturi. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
J. SPECIAL REPORTS - GENERAL MANAGER
General Manager Chapman reported that the State Department of Health had approved two more water service connections, bringing the permit from 1,508 to 1,510. Three applications had been denied.
He also reported that the representative from USDA Rural Development had contacted him for more technical information related to the clearwell / backwash pond project. USDA would be doing further evaluation of the water rates, but spoke positively about the current sewer rates.
General Manager Chapman also reported that certified letters had been sent to the ten applicants that were given an extension of time to obtain a building permit and pay connection fees.
K. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bob Houtz, resident of Poppy Drive, asked for an update on the number of approved building projects. General Manager Chapman responded that 57 projects had been approved since March 1st.
Mr. Houtz asked if a quota would be established for the following year. President Skezas explained that no further building permits would be issued until the water moratorium was lifted by the State Department of Health.
Janice Gendreau, resident of Goose Place, suggested in the future limiting the number of houses approved each year.
Don Dussault expressed his concerns regarding future growth. He also voiced appreciation for the improvements at the playground.
Director Pohlson asked that the notice of formation of the Specific Plan Advisory Committee be published in the newspaper.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Director Orth moved to adjourn and President Skezas declared the meeting of September 9, 2003 closed at 8:45 p.m.
MICHAEL V. CHAPMAN
Secretary to the Board of Directors
GEORGE SKEZAS,
President
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