Tuesday, April 19, 2011

NOTICE OF VACANCY IN AN ELECTIVE OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF POSTING

NOTICE OF VACANCY IN AN ELECTIVE OFFICE



I, SUSAN V. WALDE, under penalty of perjury, certifies and declares as follows:

That she is, and during all times herein mentioned was, the duly appointed Secretary of the Ironhouse Sanitary District, contra Costa County, California;

That on the 19th day of April, 2011, she caused to be posted full, true and correct copies of a document entitles “Notice of Vacancy in an Elective Office on the Governing Board of the Ironhouse Sanitary District’, in four conspicuous places in said District, to wit:

1. Ironhouse Sanitary District Office, 450 Walnut Meadows Drive, Oakley, CA

2. Oakley Post Office, 400 Del Antico Avenue, Oakley, CA

3. Bethel Island Post Office, 6444 Bethel Island Street, Bethel Island, CA

4. Ironhouse Sanitary District Website: ironhousesanitarydistrict.com



That a copy of said Notice so posted is hereto attached, marked Exhibit “A”, and by reference made a part hereof.


Executed in Oakley,
California on April 19, 2011



___________________________________
Susan V. Walde
District Secretary
Ironhouse Sanitary District


“EXHIBIT A”

NOTICE OF VACANCY
IN AN ELECTIVE OFFICE ON THE GOVERNING BOARD
OF THE
IRONHOUSE SANITARY DISTRICT



NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the office of a member of the Sanitary Board of the Ironhouse Sanitary District has become vacant as of April 8, 2011. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 1780 of the Government code of the State of California, the remaining members of the Sanitary Board may fill the vacancy by appointing a resident elector of the District to occupy the same. The appointment shall be made within 60 days from the date that the office became vacant.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the person considered to fill the vacancy shall fill the balance of the unexpired term of office.

The appointment to fill the vacancy will be considered during a meeting of the Sanitary Board of the Ironhouse Sanitary District to be held on April 22, 2011 at the hours of 430 p.m., at the regular meeting place of said Board.

Dated: April 19, 2011



______________________________
Susan V. Walde
District Secretary
Ironhouse Sanitary District

Thursday, April 7, 2011

ISD March 1, 2011 Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
IRONHOUSE SANITARY DISTRICT

March 1, 2011

The Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD) Board of Directors met in regular session on Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

The place of meeting was the Ironhouse Sanitary District Office at 450 Walnut Meadows Drive, Oakley, California. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Michael Painter at 7:01 p.m.

1. Call to Order

Members present: Doug Hardcastle, David Huerta, Chris Lauritzen, Don Lew and Michael Painter

Members absent: None

Staff/Consultants present: Tom Williams, General Manager
Dave Dal Porto, Reclamation, Levee and Ranch Superintendent
Marc Haefke, Operations Superintendent
Jenny Skrel, District Engineer
David Smith, Maintenance Superintendent
Neil Sterud, Maintenance Supervisor
Susan Walde, District Secretary
Fred Etzel, District Counsel

Interested Parties: Greg Sutter & Robert Capriola, Westervelt Ecological
Randy Pope, City of Oakley,

2. Approval of Agenda
M/S Lauritzen, Lew, and the Board voted to approve the agenda with the amendment of deleting Byer from Board member advisory reports.

3. Approval of the Minutes of the February 1, 2011 Regular Meeting
M/S Hardcastle, Huerta and the Board approved the minutes of the February 1, 2011 Regular Meeting of the Board.

4. Public Comments – Communications from the public on subjects not on the agenda.
Member Lauritzen thanked Mr. Pope and the City of Oakley for displaying the notice of the ISD Board meetings on the City’s Billboard. Chairman Painter thanked staff and Roni Gehlke for the latest newsletter “The Insider” complimented it as the best newsletter yet and an outstand tribute to Lenny Byer.


5. Consent Calendar
A. Approval of Payment Order, Income/Expense Statement & Bank Balances.

M/S Lauritzen, Lew and the Board approved the consent calendar.

Staff Report – Michael Welty – Mr. Welty reported to the Board he is working one day a week with approximately 15 – 20% of his time is spent on RD 830 work. He will be invoicing RD 830 for this time. As we get closer to budget and audit time he will be ramping up and working more time at ISD. Overall everything is good.


6. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

6A. CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT THE MITIGATION BANK FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS BY WESTERVELT ECOLOGICAL SERVICES.

Greg Sutter & Robert Capriola of Westervelt Ecological Services gave a presentation to the Board and staff on the Mitigation Bank Feasibility Analysis. They gave a review that ISD property is well situated in the Western Delta and could support a mitigation bank which could serve both vegetation and special status species. However, obstacles do exist which may be difficult to overcome and could make the project less desirable.
M/S D. Hardcastle, D. Huerta and the Board voted to accept and adopt the Mitigation Bank Feasibility Analysis Study by Westervelt Ecological Services. (B.O. 11-05)

6B. CONSIDERATION OF PARTNERING WITH RECLAMATION DISTRICT NO. 830 IN PURSUIT OF GRANT FUNDS FOR ENHANCEMENT ON ISD PROPERTY

Mr. Williams referring to his staff report gave a summary to the Board of the potential opportunity of RD 830 partnering with ISD and develop up to 100 acres of habitat enhancement on ISD property. RD 830 was recently advised by staff at DWR that the full grant amount of $5,000,000 has been tentatively awarded to RD 830 to ISD’s project. Staff is asking for the Board to authorize staff and legal council to further investigate the benefits and risks of ISD committing some of its property for habitat enhancement.
M/S D. Huerta, C. Lauritzen and the Board voted to authorize staff and legal council to move forward to further investigate the benefit and risks for habitat enhancement with staff to report back to the board in early April of 2011. (BO. 11-06)

6C. CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONAL COST CHANGE ORDER – WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT OUTFALL CONSTRUCTION in an amount not to exceed $315,000.

Ms. Skrel updated the board on the outfall construction for the wastewater treatment plant expansion. Ms. Skrel addressed the Board with a detailed staff report updating the change order requests related to the existing levee grade elevations and modification to the outfall pipe at Jersey Island levee in the amount of $113,679 and the delivery of rock and gravel to the outfall trench in the amount of $290,067. The outfall pipe upgrade remains in negotiation with the contractor. Staff requesting the Board authorize the General Manager to finalize the outfall change order for a not to exceed price of $315,000.
M/S C. Lauritzen, M. Painter and the Board voted to authorize the General Manager to finalize the outfall change orders for a not to exceed price of $315,000. D. Huerta abstained. (B.O. 11-07)


6D. WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT EXPANSION PROJECT CONSULTANT BUDGET AMENDMENTS - Contract Amendment No. 2 – TJC and Associates - $70,000 and Vinnedge Environmental Consulting - $7,500.

Ms. Skrel reported that during construction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion project several issues have arisen which required two consultants to spend amounts over their previously approved budgets. Due to the extension for the outfall permit, Vinnedge Environmental Consulting has had an additional cost of $7,500. TJC and Associates has requested a contract amendment in the amount of $70,000 for Seismic regulations and structural engineering issues.
M/S D. Lew, C. Lauritzen and the Board voted to approve the Amendment No. 2 to TJC and Associates in the amount of $70,000 and Amendment No. 2 to Vinnedge Environmental Consulting in the amount of $7,500. (B.O. 11-08)


7. Staff Reports
Dave Dal Porto –– Mr. Dal Porto reported under replacement reserve in the budget staff planned to replace an older ¾ ton pick-up in the amount of $25,000. Using the biding process through CMAST, staff was able to replace the truck for $23,309.79. They will eliminate a 93 Ford pick-up.
Mr. Dal Porto reported that Mark Maloney is preparing a preliminary study for Phase 1 of Lot 1 on Jersey Island and has interviewed staff and reviewed the island. Staff are working on equipment and getting ready for the hay season.

Marc Haefke – Mr. Haefke reported that 35 applications were received for the position of mechanic. Staff interviewed 11 applicants and offered the job to Michael Fuller who will start on the 16th of March. Mr. Haefke reported he is working with Joe Mueller for the additional position of Operations Supervisor for the new wastewater treatment plant. They will be holding interviews next week and hope to have someone on board on the 1st of April. Staff are preparing the office at the shop for their update. The new fiber optics for the new phone system has been pulled and expect to have the new phone system in 2 weeks. Staff has been working on functional testing at the new treatment plant. Mary Ellen has inventoried every piece of equipment for the new maintenance plan.

Neil Sterud – Mr. Sterud reported on the final interview of applicants for the mechanic position. He reported that the new towels and wipes are causing us to upgrade pumps to pumps with grinders. Staff has been cleaning the trunk lines down Highway 4/Main Street.

Dave Smith – Mr. Smith reported to the Board that he will have a proposal for a metal building for the shop area to present to the Board. Staff are preparing to buy another truck for use as an on-call truck to include a utility bed for more equipment for staff. Mr. Smith also reported that he completed the IIPP plan and the Lock-Out Tag Out program. He is currently reworking the policies. He met with David Patzer to continue the work on revising a Safety program each month.

Fred Etzel – Mr. Etzel reported that he is following and working on the Delta Stewardship Delta Plan with the first draft out in February and the second expected on March 17.

Jenny Skrel – Ms. Skrel reported that she is working with Contra Costa Water District and they will be amenable to water discharge on fields A, C and D which are in the area of the CCWD water canal. She reported she is working on the Water Discharge Permit to submit to the Regional Board in two weeks.

Tom Williams - Mr. Williams reported that DWR awarded RD 830 grant monies and a $35,000 advance to do a five year plan. They have a fully signed 2.3 million dollar agreement (2008-09 Agreement) for the western edge of JI. Mr. Williams reported that he and staff have been working with Radback Energy moving forward with the recycled water. Staff have been approached by a contractor for alternative energy. Incentives are for wind, a 380 feet tall 1.6 mega watt Wind Turbine. The proposal of the turbine for use on the new Wastewater Treatment Plant could off-set the cost by 25%. There are community issues and concerns to consider. Should have a presentation for next month from Foundation Windpower.

8. Board Member Advisory Reports
David Huerta – Member Huerta reported that he attended the City Council meeting in February. Mr. Pope moved forward on our request to have ISD’s meetings on the City’s board. He reported on a lease transplant of 100 year old grapevines. Also, concerns of wireless telecom and not wanting a pine tree concept. He attended a state budget update meeting of Senator DeSaulnier assisted by State Treasurer, Bill Lockyer, with a report of a very bleak budget. Member Huerta reported on the Delta Stewardship Council and the first draft is out.

Chris Lauritzen – Member Lauritzen reported he attended a Water Task Force meeting in Pleasant Hill regarding a possible flooding plan for Contra Costa County. He reported that he is not convinced that Contra Costa County is ready and prepared for a rescue in the event of a flood.

Michael Painter – Mr. Painter gave an update on the Delta Science Center and also that Big Break would be having a soft opening.


9. Adjournment
Chairman Painter adjourned the regular meeting at 9:25 p.m. until Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. for the next regular meeting in the Ironhouse Sanitary District offices at 450 Walnut Meadows Drive, Oakley, California.

February 15 Board Spcial Workshop Minutes

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL WORKSHOP MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
IRONHOUSE SANITARY DISTRICT

February 15, 2011

The Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD) Board of Directors met for a special workshop session on Tuesday, February 15, 2011.

The place of meeting was the Ironhouse Sanitary District Office at 450 Walnut Meadows Drive, Oakley, California. The meeting was called to order by President Michael Painter at 7:02 p.m.

1. Call to Order

Members present: Doug Hardcastle, David Huerta, Chris Lauritzen, Don Lew and Michael Painter

Members absent: None

Staff/Consultants present: Tom Williams, General Manager
Susan Walde, District Secretary
Fred Etzel, District Counsel

Interested Parties: None


2. Public Comments – There were no communication from the public.

3. ISD BY-LAWS FOR REVIEW
President opened the workshop to review the ISD By-Laws. In review of Article 2., member Huerta suggested the exact legal authority be written in. Mr. Etzel responded that ISD operates under the Authority of The Sanitary District Act of 1923, Health and Safety Code Section 6400 et seq.
After lengthy discussion of the by-laws, suggested edits and the length of the items to be reviewed, President Painter asked the Board to consider tabling the meeting until member Huerta or other Board members can submit their written comments for review to the Board Secretary.
M/S Lauritzen, Lew and the Board voted to adjourn the meeting for further review of the by-laws and reschedule the meeting to March 16 at 6:30 p.m. President Painter adjourned the special workshop meeting at 7:45 p.m.

February 2, 2011 Minutes of the Board

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
IRONHOUSE SANITARY DISTRICT

February 1, 2011

The Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD) Board of Directors met in regular session on Tuesday, February 1, 2011.

The place of meeting was the Ironhouse Sanitary District Office at 450 Walnut Meadows Drive, Oakley, California. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Michael Painter at 7:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order

Members present: Doug Hardcastle, David Huerta, Chris Lauritzen, Don Lew and Michael Painter

Members absent: None

Staff/Consultants present: Tom Williams, General Manager
Dave Dal Porto, Reclamation, Levee and Ranch Superintendent
Marc Haefke, Operations Superintendent
Jenny Skrel, District Engineer
David Smith, Maintenance Superintendent
Neil Sterud, Maintenance Supervisor
Susan Walde, District Secretary
Bob Henn, District Counsel

Interested Parties: Randy Pope, City of Oakley

2. Approval of Agenda
M/S Hardcastle, Lew, and the Board voted to approve the agenda.

3. Approval of the Minutes of the January 4, 2011 Regular Meeting
M/S Lauritzen, Lew and the Board approved the minutes of the January 4, 2011 Regular Meeting of the Board.

4. Public Comments – Communications from the public on subjects not on the agenda.
Mr. Randy Pope, newly elected councilmember of City of Oakley, introduced himself to the Board and staff of ISD and stated he would like to build a cooperative relationship with the District. He gave his correct email address for the Board to feel free to communicate with him. Member Lauritzen asked Mr. Pope if he could work with ISD to use the City’s lighted board to publish the ISD Board meetings.


5. Consent Calendar
A. Approval of Payment Order, Income/Expense Statement & Bank Balances.

M/S Hardcastle, Huerta and the Board approved the consent calendar.


6. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

6A. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION SUPPORTING DOUG HARDCASTLE BEING NOMINATED AND SERVING AS MEMBER-AT-LARGE ON THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF CONTRA COSTA SPECIAL DISTRICTS ASSOCIATION (CCSDA) Res. 11-03
Mr. Williams reported to the Board at the Special District’s meeting, a new officer was elected as Special District’s representative to LAFCO and the President and Vice President as incumbents were reelected. The executive committee has opened nominations for a member at large to serve on the executive committee of the Contra Costa Special District’s Association. Staff recommends the Board to support member Hardcastle as a candidate for the position. M/S Lauritzen, Painter and the Board voted to nominate Doug Hardcastle as being nominated to serve as member-at-large on the executive committee of Contra Costa Special Districts Association. (CCSDA). Res. 11-03.

6B. APPROVE MOU TERMINATION AGREEMENT WITH CONTRA COSTA COUNTY.
Mr. Henn reported to the Board the actions of the closing chapter of the Franchise Agreement transfer with the County completing the MOU termination agreement. Staff recommends a motion to approve the MOU Termination Agreement. The Termination agreement would then go the Board of Supervisors for approval and would terminate upon their action. M/S Hardcastle, Huerta and the Board voted to adopt the MOU Termination Agreement between Contra Costa County and Ironhouse Sanitary District for the solid waste collection and disposal services in the unincorporated area of Contra Costa County. (BO. 11-04)

6C. UPDATE ON STAFF ORGANIZATION CHART, PROMOTIONS, NEW JOB CLASSIFICATIONS, PROPOSED SALARY RANGES.
Mr. Williams review the new organizational chart and staff changes with the Board. These changes include: Marc Haefke to Operations Superintendent; Dave Smith to Maintenance Superintendent; Neil Sterud to Maintenance Supervisor; Eric Robertson to Lead Vehicle/Heavy Equipment Mechanic. Internal positions will be open for Lead Maintenance Worker. Staff will be interviewing for a Vehicle/Heavy Equipment Mechanic and will be accepting applications for Operations Supervisor. Mr. Williams thanked Mr. Sterud and Mr. Smith for their experience, longevity and willingness to make these staff moves. With the retirement of Dennis Nunn, Mr. Smith will be covering the Safety Management of the District, Susan Walde will be covering Workers’ Compensation and consultant Michael Welty will continue to handle financial matters of the District.



6D. REVIEW AND REORGANIZATION OF BOARD MEMBER ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
Chairman Painter reviewed the Article 6 Advisory Committees of the ISD Board By-Laws and the recommended changes made by Mr. Williams. The standing committees would be changed to advisory committees and the distention of Ad hoc and Liaison as designation. After much discussion the Board set a Special Workshop meeting for the 15th of February for review of the By-Laws. The meeting was set for 7:00 p.m. and the Board Secretary was directed to post the agenda and meeting time.

6E. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING USE OF ISD BOARD ROOM FOR LIONS CLUB MEETINGS.
At the last meeting of the Lyons Club, Member Hardcastle and Painter were asked to check the availability of ISD’s Board room for a meeting place for the Lyons club. Member Painter reported that with all considered, the Lyons club decided to keep their meeting place at their current location. No action was taken.


7. Staff Reports
Michael Welty – Mr. Welty reported to the Board he is getting more and more acclimated to the District. He will be working this next month on the Budget process and have the budget in place. He will be at the District office this next Tuesday.

Dave Dal Porto –– Mr. Dal Porto reported that staff sold 60 head of bred heifers @ the Red Bluff sale with the highest price of $84,000 gross, $80,000 net. January has been a very mild month. Staff has been working on the crossing over Ferry Road. Staff used the vaccon and the jetter truck through the crossing. They were able to lower the north end of the canal with the long reach to give a deeper flow of water. Staff will be working on weed control for the next two weeks. The crops all look great. If the weather stays good and continues to be dry staff will be working on the levee job.
Staff has questions with PG&E with clarity of project before the electricity gets over to the caregivers new location.

Neil Sterud – Mr. Sterud reported on the Honey Lane project. Staff are working on getting an easement to re-align the force main. Staff re-plumbed the lift station on Bethel Island. It was a big project, had a blow-out, staff was able to work well, complete the project with everything going very smooth.

Dave Smith – Mr. Smith reported to the Board that the electrical panels on island are old, 1970’s. Staff worked to rebuild the panels on Taylor Road last month. Mr. Smith reported he continues to work on safety items in the office. He is working on setting up spill prevention and hazardous material awareness plans. He will have the final draft of the IIPP training for staff on next Tuesday. Is working on the lock-out tag-out procedures. We currently have a policy, and are working on procedures and developing for distribution with MSDS book with the lock-out tag out in front of it.

Marc Haefke – Mr. Haefke reported that the applications for mechanic closed on Friday. The interviews will be held this next week and the possibility of two interviews. He hopes to fill the position by the end of the month. He reported he will be posting a job announcement for Operations Supervisor for the new position at the treatment plant. Staff are performing functional testing at the plant then will be performing operational testing. He reported he will be working with Dave Smith to make the transition of position changes a smooth one.

Bob Henn – Mr. Henn reported to the Board that he has been working on the MOU termination agreement working with staff.

Jenny Skrel – Ms. Skrel reported that she met with the Regional Board last week regarding the land discharge requirements. Working on requirement issues for NPDES discharge instead of land discharge. She has had conversation with a consultant with Oakley power station regarding using recycled water.
Ms. Skrel reported she submitted the outfall to the State Lands Commission and staff are working out a few issues. She reported the plant is on schedule to open in October of 2011.
Member Hardcastle reminded staff we need to plan ahead for the invitations to politicians and legislature for the grand opening of the wastewater treatment plant.

Tom Williams - Mr. Williams reported on the CASA conference held January 11-14 which he attended with member Huerta. The topic of discussion was water is a resource. California’s water is going to become more and more valuable. Mr. Williams reported on his meetings with the Special Districts, Mayors Conference, and Levee Commission. The Delta Protection Commission meeting had a speaker, professor from UC Berkeley who spoke on a disaster analysis of the delta levees.
He reported he is a new Board member representing ISD on the Oakley Chamber of Commerce. He will be working on the entertainment committee for the Almond Festival. Mr. Williams reported he will be meeting with the Department of Water Resources on Friday regarding the 2.5 million vs. the 5 million anticipated for projects.
Mr. Williams met with Westervelt and hopes to have a presentation by Westervelt at the next Board meeting on the Mitigation Banking.
Mr. Williams met with Brian Montgomery of the City of Oakley over a week ago and is planning to meet with him and Jim Frasier along with Chairman Painter on Monday February 7.
Emerson Property and DWR are moving forward on their project. The permitting will be delayed to the spring of 2012.
Mr. Williams met with Delta Properties regarding the Jersey Island property Lot 1 purchase on January 24th. The notice to proceed to Phase 1 contractor on Lot 1 agreement has began.
Mr. Williams reported on a public records request act request from Thomas Peele of the media with a request for information on Board and staff. Mr. Williams is working with staff to complete this request.


8. Board Member Advisory Reports
David Huerta – Mr. Huerta reported on his attendance at the CASA Conference held on January 11-14, 2011. He reported the conference was fascinating and a very informative conference. He reported on the significance of the time period of moving water away from waste to water as a resource. He attended workshops and found them very interesting. He attending a workshop held by CalOSHA reporting on the clarity that the Board is also liable. Mr. Huerta reported on testing of water and false positive reports and how they effect determining compliance. Mr. Huerta reported he met a lot of people from organizations he worked with in the past. Overall, it was a great experience and a good conference.

Doug Hardcastle – Mr. Hardcastle reported on the Special Districts meeting, that it was the most attended meeting. He reported that Michael McGill was elected as the representative to the LAFCO Board. Mr. Hardcastle reported on the City Council meeting. The City is pulling funds from redevelopment to the City to be able to complete the redevelopment projects.

Michael Painter – Mr. Painter reported on the progress of the Delta Science Center; on the updates of the amphitheatre, fire pit and cement poured pad is complete. The project is moving forward. Member Painter reported the Mike McGill, Central San Chairman of the Board came to ISD and met with him and Mr. Williams and was here to complete a tour of the new wastewater treatment plant.
Member Painter reported there were 338 passes given out on Jersey Island and $3,800 received in revenue.
Chairman Painter announced to the Board the By-Laws special workshop meeting will be held on Tuesday February 15, 2011 at the District office at 7:00 p.m.


9. Adjournment
Chairman Painter adjourned the regular meeting at 8:53 p.m. until Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. for the next regular meeting in the Ironhouse Sanitary District offices at 450 Walnut Meadows Drive, Oakley, California.