Board Meeting
Agenda and Minutes
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MEETING NOTICE
THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
STOCKTON EAST WATER DISTRICT WILL BE HELD
AT 12:30 P.M., TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024 AT THE
DISTRICT OFFICE, 6767 EAST MAIN STREET
STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA 95215
Assistance for the Disabled: If you are disabled in any way and need accommodation to participate in the meeting,
please contact Administrative Staff at (209) 948-0333 at least 48-hours
in advance for assistance so the necessary arrangements can be made.
FOR CONTINUED CONVENIENCE STOCKTON EAST WATER DISTRICT
BOARD MEETINGS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY TELECONFERENCE.
Please call (347) 566-2741/Passcode: 300 937 522#
to be connected to the Regular Board Meeting, to begin at 12:30 p.m.
Agendas and minutes are located on our website at www.sewd.net.
AGENDA
A. Pledge of Allegiance (President Atkins) & Roll Call
B. Consent Calendar (None)
C. Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)
D. Scheduled Presentations and Agenda Items
1. Minutes 10/22/24
2. Warrants – California Public Employees’ Retirement System
3. Stockton East Water District – Consider Adoption of MOU
Amendment for Confined Space Rescue Pay Memo
4. Stockton East Water District – Consider Adoption of MOU
Amendment for Revised Incentive Program Memo
5. Resolution No. 24-25-11 – Expressing Its Appreciation of
Louie Mendez
6. Stockton East Water District – Professional Service Agreement –
Peters Pipeline Rehabilitation Urgent Design and Budget
Amendment Memoi
7. Association of California Water Agencies – Notice of
Membership Meeting Memo
E. Committee Reports
F. Report of the General Manager
1. Water Supply Report 10/22/24
2. Informational Items
a. Stockton East Water District Policy Manual – Wireless
Phone Usage Policy
3. Report on General Manager Activities
a. 2024 Executive Management Conference – Association
of Metropolitan Water Agencies, 10/20/24-10/23/24
b. Stockton East Water District Activities Update
4. Stockton East Water District Maintenance Update
G. Director Reports
H. Communications
1. San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors – Letter of Support
I. Agenda Planning/Upcoming Events
1. Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce – 39th Annual San
Joaquin AG Hall of Fame, 5:30 p.m., 10/29/24
J. Closed Session
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Potential exposure to litigation – Government Code Section 54956.9 – two cases
K. Adjournment
Certification of Posting
I hereby certify that on October 24, 2024 I posted a copy of the foregoing agenda in the outside display case at the District Office, 6767 East Main Street, Stockton, California, said time being at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Stockton East Water District (Government Code Section 54954.2).
Executed at Stockton, California on October 24, 2024.
Signed by: Priya Ram
Priya Ram, Director of Finance & Administration
Stockton East Water District
Any materials related to items on this agenda distributed to the Board of Directors of Stockton East Water District less than 72 hours before the public meeting are available for public inspection at the District’s office located at the following address: 6767 East Main Street, Stockton, CA 95215. Upon request, these materials may be available in an alternative format to persons with disabilities.
THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF STOCKTON EAST WATER DISTRICT WAS HELD AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE
6767 EAST MAIN STREET, STOCKTON, CA
ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024, AT 12:30 P.M.
A. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL
Vice President McGurk called the regular meeting to order at 12:30 p.m., and Vice President McGurk led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present at roll call at the District were Directors McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, and Watkins. Also present were Manager Hopkins, Assistant Manager Vega, Director of Finance & Administration Ram, District Engineer Evensen, Administrative Clerk Barraza and Legal Counsel Selke. Directors Atkins, Cortopassi and Sanguinetti were absent.
B. CONSENT CALENDAR (None)
C. PUBLIC COMMENT (None)
D. SCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS AND AGENDA ITEMS
1. Minutes 10/22/24
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the October 22, 2024 Minutes, as presented
Roll Call:
Ayes: McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Atkins, Cortopassi, Sanguinetti
2. Warrants – California Public Employees’ Retirement System
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the October 29, 2024, Warrants, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Atkins, Cortopassi, Sanguinetti
3. Stockton East Water District – Consider Adoption of MOU Amendment for Confined Space Rescue Pay Memo
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with a memo to Consider Adoption of MOU Amendment for Confined Space Rescue Pay Memo. Manager Hopkins reported the District has multiple OSHA defined confined spaces throughout the treatment plant campus, as well as a few at off-site locations. Manager Hopkins informed the Board some confined spaces require a permit, when these entries are conducted, the District is required to have a rescue plan in place and have a rescue team available. In the past, the District worked with the fire department; unfortunately, the fire department rescue team moved stations, and the response time has increased. Manager Hopkins reported the fire department is understaffed now and do not have the capability to provide confined space rescue. Manager Hopkins reported staff worked to get quotes from contractors and concluded the best option for the District is to maintain an in-house confined space rescue team. Manager Hopkins reported staff are already familiar with each facility and are available during working hours when confined space entries are done. Staff recommend a section be added to the MOU for confined space rescue pay at a rate of $35 per hour as additional pay on top of employee’s regular salary. Manager Hopkins reported 30 confined space entries are done each year. In compliance with OSHA, it is required for three employees be available during confined space entries. Manager Hopkins reported the program is estimated to cost the District $12,600 per year.
Director Panizza commented that this appears to be the most cost-effective methodology.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the proposed amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding Between Stockton East Water District and Stockton East Water District Employees, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Atkins, Cortopassi, Sanguinetti
4. Stockton East Water District – Consider Adoption of MOU Amendment for Revised Incentive Program Memo
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with a memo to Consider Adoption of MOU Amendment for Revised Incentive Program Memo. Manager Hopkins reported on the 2023 Strategic Plan identifying Human Resource Management as a strategic outcome and instituting incentive programs to support employee development as a strategy. Manager Hopkins informed the Board this incentive program was originally presented to the Administration committee on July 19, 2024. The committee directed staff to present the incentive program to the full board for consideration after discussion with the employees. Manager Hopkins reported management has been discussing the proposed program with employees and working out any final concerns. The feedback from the employees was favorable. Manager Hopkins proposes language replacement in the MOU which will provide an employee with a 3% annual bonus, up to two bonuses, for holding a license or certification, not required by current position. Based on current incentive use, the District anticipates about a 10-20% employee participation rate, having an annual cost of $30,000 to $60,000. Manager Hopkins informed the Board if every employee took advantage of the proposed incentive program the annual cost of the program would be$286,000. The General Manager and the Assistant General Manager will not be able to participate on this incentive program. Staff recommends the Board consider the approval of the proposed amendments to the incentive program in the MOU between the Stockton East Water District and its employees.
Director Nakaue inquired about the employees currently receiving incentive pay for holding a license that is required. Manager Hopkins replied the way this program is structured, only two employees will lose their current incentive pay but have made the employees aware if this incentive program is adopted, they will be losing their incentive.
Director Nakaue inquired about the hierarchy with department heads, and if there are any more certifications they can receive if they are already head of their department. Manager Hopkins replied the Assistant General Manager job classification requires a Master’s degree, so if any of the department heads were to get the master’s degree they will qualify for incentive pay.
Director McGurk inquired on page 14, paragraph 3, line 3 about employees receiving a one-time bonus. Manager Hopkins replied the employees will receive the bonus once per year for as long as they hold the license or certification.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the proposed amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding Between Stockton East Water District and Stockton East Water District Employees, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Atkins, Cortopassi, Sanguinetti
5. Resolution No. 24-25-11 – Expressing Its Appreciation of Louie Mendez
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with Resolution No. 24-25-11, expressing appreciation for Louie Mendez, a valued long-term employee. Manager Hopkins reported that, Louie Mendez, who has served the District since August 16,19, will be retiring on November 1, 2024. In recognition of his dedication, District staff recommended that the Board adopt this resolution. The resolution will be presented to Louie Mendez at a retirement luncheon on Friday, November 1st.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve Resolution No. 24-25-11 – Expressing Its Appreciation of Louie Mendez, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Atkins, Cortopassi, Sanguinetti
6. Stockton East Water District – Professional Service Agreement – Peters Pipeline Rehabilitation Urgent Design and Budget Amendment Memo
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with a Professional Service Agreement for Peter’s Pipeline Rehabilitation Urgent Design and Budget Amendment. Manager Hopkins reported Peter’s pipeline condition assessed by Stantec, during their assessment the pipeline was identified to be in urgent need of rehabilitation. Staff have been working with Stantec regarding the rehabilitation of this pipeline. Assistant Manager Vega reported this effort from staff and Stantec was presented to the Municipal Operations committee to get feedback and was also presented as part of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan package letter of intent. Assistant Manager Vega reported this was deemed to be one of the biggest areas of concern for our Water Supply system, which provides water to the Treatment Plant. Stantec’s narrative on Peter’s Pipeline was the pipe was stressed, bulging in certain areas, previous liner was sagging and debris going through the pipe. Staff have noticed more issues with the pipe and the pipe is a critical piece of infrastructure. Staff would like to get ahead of the situation and engaged with Stantec since they are familiar with the infrastructure due to their role in the development of the Water Treatment Plant Master Plan. Additionally, staff would also like to get this project started as soon as direction to align with the potential availability of Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) funding.
Director Watkins inquired about what Stantec will be studying on the pipe, will it be to recondition the pipe or will it be excavated and install a new pipe. District Engineer Evensen replied Stantec will install a new High Density Polyethene (HDP) liner, and a new pipe will go inside .
Director Nakaue inquired about which portion of the pipe is getting the new pipe. District Engineer Evensen replied repairs will be from the Birdcage to Mormon Slough.
Director Watkins inquired about what Stantec is going to do about the pipe, will Stantec reline the pipe, reinforce it, or replace it. District Engineer Evensen replied Stantec has looked at this pipe through the master plan and the most cost-effective solution to this problem is to line it with High Density Polyethene (HDPE) piping which is what is proposed in the design. District Engineer Evensen informed the Board that a new pipe will be inserted into the existing pipe.
Manager Hopkins reported Stantec will provide the drawings and specifications that the District needs to put out to the public to start receiving bids.
Director Nakaue inquired about the Calaveras Pipeline project. Manager Hopkins replied the Calaveras Pipeline project was a place holder because the District has three different gravity pipeline projects. Staff weren’t sure which project they should move forward with first, now they call them the Clements Road pipeline, DeMartini Lane pipeline and the Houston Road pipeline. Manager Hopkins informed the Board, when the budget was first developed a year ago, staff generically called it the Calaveras River Pipeline since all Three-pipeline come off the Calaveras River.
Director Watkins suggested for staff to investigate getting a parallel pipe next to the concrete pipe. Director Watkins thinks putting a pipe inside of a pipe will give less water capacity and the District wants to have more capacity.
Director Nakaue inquired about a cost analysis on the overall repairs of Peter’s Pipeline. District Engineer Evensen replied the cost analysis comes out to about 30 million dollars or more and it will cost 8 million dollars to line it.
No action was taken. Director Panizza noted this item will return at a future Regular Board Meeting.
Director McGurk informed staff to include a map of the pipeline when the item is brought back at future Regular Board Meeting.
7. Association of California Water Agencies – Notice of Membership Meeting Memo
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with a memorandum from ACWA stating that the District will need to designate a voting member to represent at the 2024 Fall Conference & Expo. Staff will need to submit the authorized voting representative form by Monday, November 25th. Manager Hopkins informed the Board that Director Atkins, Watkins and Sanguinetti are registered for the 2024 Fall Conference & Expo and either one will be able to be the District’s representative.
Director Watkins inquired about which board member had previously been the District's representative. Director McGurk replied Paul Sanguinetti. Director Watkins suggests the District vote Paul Sanguinetti since he has previously been the representative.
The Board of Directors designate Paul Sanguinetti as the District’s representative for the ACWA 2024 Fall Conference & Expo.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve Notice of Membership Meeting Notice, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Atkins, Cortopassi, Sanguinetti
E. COMMITTEE REPORTS
F. REPORT OF GENERAL MANAGER
1. Water Supply Report as of 10/22/24
Manager Hopkins provided a handout of the Water Supply Report for information only that included storage, release, and production data collected from various sources as of midnight last night.
There is 175,955 AF in storage at New Hogan Reservoir. Current releases are set at 88 cfs. There is 1,798,678 AF in storage at New Melones Reservoir. Current releases are set at 1,339 cfs. The current release at Goodwin Dam to Stanislaus River is set at 548 cfs and release to all water users is set at 814 cfs. The District Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is currently processing 40 mgd. North Stockton is currently utilizing 7 mgd. South Stockton is currently using 8 mgd. Cal Water is currently utilizing 23 mgd. The City of Stockton WTP is currently processing 16 mgd.
2. Information Items: F2a
·
3. Report on General Manager Activities
a. 2024 Executive Management Conference – Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, 10/20/24-10/23/24
Manager Hopkins reported he attended the 2024 Executive Management Conference. Manager Hopkins reported he found this conference remarkably interesting. Manager Hopkins discovered California isn’t as distinct as he had believed; while each district deals with its own regional and state challenges, water agencies across the country are facing common issues related to staffing, retirements, automation, and AI. Manager Hopkins also mentioned the conference featured some outstanding speakers.
b. Stockton East Water District Activities Update
Manager Hopkins reported all dam removals have been completed, and the District has successfully gone through another dam removal season safely with no injuries. There are a couple of areas that will need improvement over the next few months because the District’s new boom truck was not able to access all sites.
Manager Hopkins reported all Lower Farmington canal repair work is complete, which was caused by the 2023 flood damage. Staff will wrap up the package to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and get reimbursed for the costs.
Manager Hopkins reported the Clements Road Pipeline project is taking a huge stride forward this week. On Thursday, Manager Hopkins and staff will be meeting with five landowners, some are potential participants in taking surface water and some are landowners the District will need to get right of way from for this project.
Manager Hopkins reported the October employee spotlight was published on the District’s website and LinkedIn page. Administrative Clerk Barraza and Water Supply Manager Donis were the two employees’ chosen to be spotlighted this month.
Manager Hopkins reported tomorrow staff will begin pause flows at the Calaveras River through December 1st. Approximately 6,000 acre-feet will be released, with flows ranging from 60 to 600 cfs. By December 1st, the expected storage will be around 167,000 acre-feet.
Manager Hopkins reported an update on the District’s current service with Delta Protective Services. This is the current campus security the District has patrolling from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Manager Hopkins informed the Board the security personnel are very active about navigating throughout the entire campus, with checking gates, buildings and vehicles.
4. Stockton East Water District Maintenance Update
Assistant Manager Vega provided the Board with a maintenance update. He reported that staff is currently working on extraction well No. 2, and progress on Highway 4 is going well. They are also preparing for the rebar and concrete pour scheduled for this Thursday. Assistant Manager Vega noted that the P-1 pump motor and valve work, including grouting and demolition, has been completed. Additionally, staff has been conducting mechanical and electrical preventive maintenance, while electricians are reviewing the CMMS landscaping and seeking vendors. They are also assisting in securing a final security system for the campus.
G. DIRECTOR REPORTS
H. COMMUNICATIONS
1. San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors – Letter Of Support
Manager Hopkins reported the District received a letter of support from the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors for the efforts the District is making to modify their Central Valley Project (CVP) contract, the letter has been sent to Congressman Harder’s office.
I. AGENDA PLANNING/UPCOMING EVENTS
1. Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce – 39th Annual San Joaquin AG Hall of Fame, 5:30 p.m., 10/29/24
Manager Hopkins reported there are two upcoming events which did not make the agenda. Monday, November 4th at 10:00am is the Agricultural Operations Committee Meeting and Monday November 4th at 1:00pm is the meeting with Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors and staff.
J. REPORT OF THE COUNSEL
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Potential exposure to litigation – Government Code Section 54956.9 – two cases
Vice President McGurk adjourned the meeting to closed session at 1:33 p.m. The regular meeting reconvened at 2:36 p.m., with no reportable action.
K. ADJOURNMENT
Vice President McGurk adjourned the meeting at 2:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Justin M. Hopkins
Secretary of the Board
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