MINUTES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PLACER COUNTY WATER AGENCY
Thursday, February 4, 2016
2:00 p.m., Regular Meeting
Board Members Present: Chairman MIKE LEE, GRAY ALLEN, JOSHUA ALPINE, Vice-Chair ROBERT
DUGAN, and PRIMO SANTINI
Board Members Absent: None
Agency Personnel Present Who Spoke: EINAR MAISCH, General Manager; SCOTT MORRIS, General
Counsel; CHERI SPRUNCK, Agency Secretary/Clerk to the Board; ANDY FECKO, Director of Resource
Development; TONY FIRENZI, Deputy Director of Technical Services; JAY L’ESTRANGE, Director of
Power Generation Services; JOSEPH PARKER, Director of Financial Services; ANDREW HAMILTON,
Drinking Water Operations Manager
A.
CALL TO ORDER
1.
Roll call
Chairman Lee called the regular meeting of the Placer County Water Agency Board of Directors to
order at 2:01 p.m.in the American River Room, Placer County Water Agency Business Center, 144
Ferguson Road, Auburn, California.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
Director Allen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
Announcements, introductions, and recognitions
There were none.
B.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
No member of the public commented.
C.
REPORTS BY DEPARTMENT HEADS
Director of Power Generation Services gave a PowerPoint presentation. The January 29 – 31 storm
brought in 25,000 acre feet of water to Hell Hole and French Meadows Reservoirs. The current
combined storage is 137,350 acre feet (40% of gross storage). Peak flows on the Middle Fork
reached 11,091 cubic feet per second (cfs). Peak flow on the Rubicon reached 3,196 cfs.
February 4, 2016
Regular Meeting
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There were forced outages to three generating units due to clogged cooling water systems. He
showed photos of South Fork Long Canyon Diversion Dam and sediment buildup. He showed a
photo of the log boom at Interbay Dam and explained how the logs are released via controlled
releases.
Board inquiry and staff response followed.
The General Manager explained how Afterbay water flows are being kept low to keep sediment
moving through.
The Drinking Water Operations Manager gave an update about the December 28 truck diesel spill at
the Alta Reservoir. We are still on an alternative pumping source because we don’t have the “all
clear” signal from Placer County Environmental Health to remove it. PG&E has removed dirt and
debris from the shoreline and the sheen from the surface of the water. All samples at customer
homes have come back non-detect.
On January 29, staff received a call from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) that a vehicle was in
Canyon Creek overnight. Staff was able to isolate diversions into the reservoir and shut off the
plant. Staff worked with CHP, Caltrans, and the tow company to remove the vehicle. There was
fuel and a sheen leaving the vehicle. PG&E and PCWA staff were onsite at the diversions to Lake
Alta and Alta Forebay to keep fuel out of the water treatment plant. There was no contamination.
Deputy Director of Technical Services reported on January 28 South Sutter Water District (SSWD)
had a meeting with Zone 5 customers and PCWA staff about continuing to provide water. Their
Board is open to operating the canals in 2016 and are drafting an agreement with PCWA. SSWD is
not interested in continuing to operate the canals long term and would like to transfer the canals to
another end user. Nevada Irrigation District (NID) gets first right of refusal. We heard NID is willing
to decline the option.
D.
AGENDA CHANGES AND REVIEW
Item E.5. will be pulled for separate discussion.
E.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Action:
1.
Approve January 7, 2016, minutes.
2.
Approve General Manager’s expense reimbursement claim summary.
3.
Approve out-of-state travel for Hydro Maintenance Specialist and Storekeeper,
Power Generation Services, to attend the Northwest Public Power Association
Project Management training, February 10-11, 2016, in Vancouver, Washington.
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Regular Meeting
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4.
Approve the following out-of-state travel requests and related expenses for the
Department of Technical Services:
a. Four employees for the American Water Works Association 2016 Annual
Conference and Exposition, Chicago, Illinois, June 19-22, 2016: Engineering
Services Manager, Drinking Water Operations Manager, Distribution Supervisor,
and Water Quality Supervisor.
b. Four employees for the Maintenance Connection Checkpoint 2016 User Group
Seminar, Baltimore, Maryland, October 3-5, 2016: Electrical Maintenance
Supervisor, Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor, Water Quality Support
Technician, and Office Assistant.
5.
Approve the purchase of a 2016 Tucker Sno-Cat from Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation
using the United States General Services Administration’s Contract #GS-07F-0132K
in an amount not to exceed $235,000.
6.
Approve 2015 Budget Amendment(s) totaling $56,750: $35,000 from Water
Division-Operations to the Antelope Canal Project and $21,750 from Eastern Water
System to Western Water System for Service Level Support.
Information, receive and file:
7.
Check Register 16-03 expenses disbursed.
Item E.5 was pulled for discussion.
Motion by Director Santini approving Consent Calendar items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6; motion seconded by
Director Dugan and adopted by unanimous vote of Directors present.
The Chair noted Item E.7. is for receive and file only.
Under Item E.5. Director Alpine asked if the old snowcat can be donated to a group that does
search and rescue in Middle Fork Project area. It was noted the Agency’s has donated old snowcats
in the past. If not, they are sent off to salvage.
Director of Financial Services reported we have donated to Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD)
in the past. They in turn donated it to the end user—a search and rescue group. Other districts
could also use it for parts.
Motion by Director Alpine approving Consent Calendar Item E.5.; motion seconded by Director
Santini and adopted by unanimous vote of Directors present.
February 4, 2016
Regular Meeting
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F.
AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS
Action:
1.
Approve Amendment No. One in the amount of $215,971 to the Consulting Services
Contract with J. Crowley Group for an expanded scope of work on the County-wide
Master Plan and development of a project database, which will increase the not-toexceed total from $135,000 to $350,971.
2.
Authorize the Clerk to the Board to file with the County Recorder’s Office the Notice
of Completion for the Lincoln Metering and Hydroelectric Station Project, which
installed two in-line hydropower generators within the metering station, Contract
No. 2014‐14, with Syblon Reid.
3.
Approve Western Water Systems treated water service applications as follows:
a. Facilities Agreement 2579, Parklands North Revision No. 1, Rocklin, 79.1
Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs);
b. Infill connection in the amount of 0.9 EDUs.
Information, Receive and File:
4.
Progress Pay Estimate and Non-Discretionary Change Order Summary for the period
December 15, 2015, through December 28, 2015.
Motion by Director Alpine approving Agreement and Contract items 1, 2, and 3; motion seconded
by Director Santini and adopted by unanimous vote of Directors present.
Item F.4. is for receive and file only.
G.
WATER:
1.
Reports on the status of 2016 drought water supplies as related to the continuing
drought emergency for water supply availability in Placer County and PCWA’s Water
System.
Deputy Director of Technical Services gave a PowerPoint presentation and reported on 2016
monthly and cumulative precipitation. Lake Spaulding is 113 percent of average. PCWA is at 100
percent of average for all snow courses. The Middle Fork Project combined storage is 136,663 acre
feet—40 percent of capacity and 80 percent of average. He reported PG&E’s combined reservoir
(Spaulding/Fordyce/Rollins) storage is 72 percent of capacity. Folsom Reservoir is at 57 percent
capacity and 130 percent of normal. The Agency will have full supplies for 2016. (Handout
provided)
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Regular Meeting
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The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) acted on February 2 to extend the drought
compliance period through October 2016. They are keeping the tiered system. The Agency will
have climate, population, and drought sustainable supplies credits/adjustments. The SWRCB will
reconsider supply conditions through May.
Because PCWA is anticipating full supplies, it should consider lifting the ban on new water
connections and cancelling the drought resolution that declared an emergency. Per the Agency Act,
as soon as possible when the emergency conditions subsides, the Board needs to rescind the
emergency. However, we have mandates from the State of California that we have to consider.
Director of Resource Development reported on Folsom Reservoir releases.
Inquiry and response followed.
H.
REMARKS/REPORTS BY DIRECTORS:
Director Santini reported on today’s NID/PCWA Water Committee meeting. At the meeting they
received the same weather report as received at today’s Board meeting. NID reported that the
Rock Creek Siphon, Mt. Vernon, and Locksley Lane interties will be in service by the end of the year.
It ties the two entities together and allows us to better serve our customers in the event of
emergencies. NID reported their draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the NID/City of Lincoln
Water Treatment Plant is going out now.
The City of Lincoln says it needs 8 to 14 million gallons a day of product at buildout from within the
PCWA-owned portion of their system.
Director Alpine reported NID dropped the power portion of the Centennial Reservoir Project, so
now it is just a water storage project. They are starting out with their Notice of Project this month
and they will be done with the EIR about this time next year. They are acquiring property. They
have the project design narrowed down from eight to two. The road project is down to two
alignment. When they figure out which works best, they will start their studies.
Director Santini attended the Agency Finance Committee meeting today where they discussed the
reserve policy and current reserve balances. We talked about proceeds from water sales and how
to best present how that money is not only put into reserves, but once it is spent out of the
reserves, what items it is spent on.
The Committee also discussed a pilot P-card credit card program for the Agency. It is limited in
scope. Cards would be assigned to a limited number of key staff. There would be a good audit
program each month to make sure the cards aren’t abused.
Director Alpine said the P-card process would be good if we had a large scale emergency in the
area. It would give us the ability to purchase during times of disaster and have the expenditures
tracked.
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Regular Meeting
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He attended Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Board of Directors meeting and
workshop last week. The new president of ACWA is from an urban area in Southern California. Bill
George from Region 3 was elected on the Executive Board as a member at large. There are also
members at large from the San Diego and Fresno area.
He reported on the progress of Proposition 218 and Article 10. The legislation is to adjust the
proposition to accommodate lifeline rates and conservation rates. It will be on the November
ballot. The majority of ACWA Region 2 and Region 3 members are opposed. The Sacramento Valley
community has the same concerns.
Director Allen reported attending PG&E’s open house for a new electrical distribution control
center where Supervisor Weygandt gave a good presentation noting this is an example of Placer
County luring good paying jobs.
Director Dugan reported on attending PG&E’s open house where he received a check from PG&E on
behalf of the Sierra College Foundation.
The Chair noted two members of the public are present who always attend the Finance Committee
meeting; he invited them to comment.
Public member Carol Cramer said they always have input at the Committee meeting; it is an open
dialogue and interesting.
Director Dugan reported on the Sacramento State Institute for Water and Energy Sustainable
Technology.
I.
REMARKS/REPORTS BY LEGAL COUNSEL
No report received.
J.
REMARKS/REPORTS BY GENERAL MANAGER
The General Manager reported he toured the Sacramento State Institute.
He noted in the water business to be efficient is to make sure you are not wasting water; however,
conservation is changing your lifestyle to adjust how much water you use or need. He explained
how the state has come up with various requirements based on water use information from
Southern California. The state is applying cookie cutter regulations on PCWA because of Southern
California and wondering why we aren’t happy with the way it fits. It would be useful for us to
apply for a grant through the Regional Water Authority and get scientific research on what efficient
water use looks like in this climate with this population density so we have scientific evidence on
what kind of water supply we need in our area. We shouldn’t accept the mantle of conservation,
but should accept the mantle of efficiency.
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Regular Meeting
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K. CLOSED SESSION
With all members present, as heretofore designated, the meeting adjourned to closed session at
3:08 p.m. to consider the following:
1.
Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation:
There is significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section
54956.9:
Number of cases: One
L. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
The Board returned from closed session at 3:46 p.m. The Chair noted there is nothing to report.
M.
ADJOURNMENT
At 3:46 p.m. Director Santini made a motion to adjourn; motion seconded by Director Dugan and
adopted by unanimous vote of Directors present.
ATTEST:
/s/ C. Sprunck
___________________________
Cheri Sprunck, Clerk to the Board
Placer County Water Agency
February 4, 2016
Regular Meeting
Book 26
Page 26