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April 20, 2011

MSWD Study Session - April 14

The audio recording of this study session of the Mission Springs Water District board of directors is available here.

Public Comments

Richard Cromwell said he was pleased to get so many handouts [see below], since it makes it easier for the public to follow along. He asked for an update on the status of putting a fountain in the Mary M. Gibson garden. General Manager Arden Wallum promised him an update.

Skyborne

Jim Kozak and Ray Allard from the Skyborne development were present. At build-out the development is supposed to have 2,140 homes. The district has been negotiating with the "new" (3 or 4 years now) owners, but has not yet rewritten the contracts. A "Water Agreement" had been worked out with D.R. Horton (the "old" owners). Mr. Wallum said he was not providing a copy of the Water Agreement because "this is very, very complicated" [and by all means, the public and board should be shielded from complexity]. The Water Agreement was amended once. The current negotiations will probably lead to a second amendment [probably not including any right to bear arms]. The agreement lays out the infrastructure needed for Skyborne.

Aerial view of Skyborne with blue lines indicating a proposed 12-inch water main. It's hard to see, but there is a parallel green line [what, they were out of red?] running north and south along Karen from Well 34 to Well 35 [neither well is highlighted, so get out your reading specs]. That green line represents a proposed 18-inch water main.

Skyborne bridges two pressure zones, the 1630 zone and 1530 zone. No work has been done yet in the 1630 area in Skyborne. The requirement is that the district be able to deliver 2,000 gallons per minute. They could do this with a single well producing 2,000 GPM, or two wells producing 1,000 GPM each (the arithmetic looks easy so far). The district recommended a location for the first well to be off site. D.R. Horton chose not to follow the recommendation and drilled on Skyborne property. That was Well 34, the very same well discussed at the workshop earlier this month, where the water level has risen so very fast as Colorado River Aqueduct water has flowed into the recharging ponds nearby. Originally, Well 34 originally seemed destined to be a good producer - maybe as much as 1,500 GPM. Equipment was installed to pump at 1,500 to 2,000 GPM. In a matter of months the pumps were sucking air. After repairs, it was determined that sustained production from Well 34 is only about 600 GPM. On top of that, there is enough uranium in the water coming from that well that it requires treatment.

Drilling of Well 35 was also started. Well 35 is along Karen Avenue (as is Well 34). 35 is just north of the fire station. It looks like a better producer. Test pumping showed it could produce about 1,000 GPM. Together with 34 that's a total of about 1,600 GPM, which is still short of the 2,000 GPM agreed upon. The compromise in Amendment One is that water from both wells be mixed, making uranium treatment unnecessary at Well 34. There is a bond to complete Well 35. There is also a $1.9 million bond to complete the "collection system." District staff and Skyborne owners are in agreement that the amount of that bond could be reduced. There is a question as to whether the transmission line is bonded.

Even with mixing 34 and 35 and getting rid of treatment, there's an increase in the operating expense. A catch is that if Well 35 has to be shut down, then Well 34 must also be shut down, or else uranium limits could be exceeded.

There are currently 184 "active services" (i.e., water meters) in Skyborne. 178 are homes and the balance of 6 are for the club house, irrigation, etc. Actual water delivery capacity to Skyborne right now is only 500 GPM. This is not sufficient for peak flows or fire flows. Skyborne is seeking to build out 200 more pads.

Now we come to this very colorful map:

This is a segment of a larger map, which is why you don't see a key on it. The different colored areas are different pressure zones.

Here's a variation on the map above in which I've tried to roughly, grotesquely show the approximate area of Skyborne (in red). HTH.

The point being made by Mr. Wallum with this map becomes a bit of Where's Waldo. First, ya gotta find Well 27. That's along the very bottom of the map on Dillon Road between Little Morongo and Indian. From there you will see a red line heading west along Dillon to the Valley View tank which is north of Dillon near Worsley. Then follow the green line from there to the Overhill tank which is west of Highway 62. From Overhill follow the blue line going north to Gateway tank, which is at Pierson, near the apropos fake water tank cellphone tower. All of THAT is the route that water will have to be pumped if Wells 34 & 35 are shut down. And that means money. It can't be pumped from the closer Wells 28 & 30 because (1) they too have uranium levels requiring treatment and so far in limited use (28) or shut down (30), and (2) there is no transmission line to carry the water from them to Skyborne.

Director Martin asked why Well 27 and not one of the closer wells. Mr. Wallum answered "This gets really complicated - someday I'm going to let you see it. It's just like an air traffic controller. We push water around all day long and the only way 27 and 31 sort of split and 31 goes one way and 27 goes the other. And this is the only...now if it looks strange, but it's the only way we can get water up to this particular area. We can't get water. Wells 28 and 30, there, we don't use those anymore."

Director Martin said that Well 22 and 24 seemed closer, too. "Those go into a different development," Mr. Wallum answered. Director Wright explained to Director Martin "It's an engineering thing."

Mr. Wallum said that Well 42 will go into the 1400 zone. We could boost, but we don't have any boosters there. Water would be boosted twice if brought from Well 27 to Skyborne. That, and the length of that route, make it risky. If the city gets a lot of growth this would be tough to maintain. But Mr. Wallum thinks it can be made to work in the timeframe that Skyborne is looking at, which is 2 or 3 years.

Director Martin asked how many meetings the district had had with Mr. Kozak. It started with a dozen, Mr. Wallum said. But they hadn't met for awhile and just picked it up again recently.

Director Furbee asked about the possibility of blending water from Wells 28 and 30, despite the fact that they both have uranium, or could they be blended with 34 (which has uranium) and 35. Brent Gray explained that the Health Department has granted an exception to the district at Well 28, which saves us some money. Because the uranium level at 28 is so low, the Health Department allows the district to split the flow and treat only half the water, and then blend it back with untreated water. Blending it with Wells 34 or 35 would require a direct line connecting them, and there is no line like that now.

Director Wright asked about the legality of transferring contracts with D.R. Horton to the "new" owners. General Manager Wallum said that the contracts have an assignment clause. The contract needs to transferred to the new owners. Right now the district's contract is still with D.R. Horton. Director Wright asked if D.R. Horton is out of the picture completely. Mr. Wallum said "Well, I don't know. Yes, they are. They are."

Director Bowman asked who transfers the contract from D.R. Horton to Strategic Land Partners, the new owners. Mr. Wallum said it would be negotiated and then brought back to the board for approval. Mr. Bowman asked "Who is supposed to instigate that?"

"I think they would be the ones that would come in...that's what started this whole conversation," Mr. Wallum answered.

Mr. Bowman directed a question to Mr. Kozak about when the project was bought from D.R. Horton. "September 19, 2008," was the delightfully precise response.

"2008 to 2011, we've been dealing with them without a contract?" Director Bowman asked.

"Basically, our contract is the [performance] bond," Mr. Wallum explained. "We need to transfer this."

"Who goofed?" Mr. Bowman asked, "Was it us or them in not getting the paperwork followed through? We've had three, four years. Who goofed?"

Mr. Wallum answered, "I don't know if it's a matter of goof. We need to negotiate a contract. They don't have a contract."

Brent Gray said "I just would like to share with the board that many of our earlier meetings had a lot of attorneys there. So this is not just a matter of who goofed, it's a very sticky legal issue."

"This isn't a matter of who goofed up. We've been talking and we've found an interim solution that we agreed to, and that is working. Now before we move forward with any more new services, my position is going to be, and I hope I get your support, is that we need to have them sign this contract."

Jim Kozak came to the podium. Skyborne Ventures, LLC is the entity that bought Skyborne from D.R. Horton. "Strategic Land Partners, which is my company, is a member of that LLC, so the real owner is not Strategic Land Partners. It's Skyborne Ventures, LLC," he explained. He said there have been many discussions with district staff and, despite some talk of litigation at one point, they have been co-existing. The aim is to work together so they can build new houses and bring new customers to the district. D.R. Horton had predicted they would finish their project in five years. Now, it's expected to be 10 to 15 years. He wants to get their "house in order" now while business is slow, so that when the market turns around they don't have line up behind all the other eager developers. Originally, the homes in Skyborne were going for $380,000, while in the rest of the valley comparable homes cost $500,000. Now, their prices in Skyborne are below $200,000.

Last week, the Skyborne engineer met with the district engineer to work on bond issues and being able to complete an additional 216 lots. Progress was made. District staff had presented him with some good ideas, but he hadn't had sufficient time to review everything in sufficient detail, so he asked if he could come back to the board at their May study session.

One of the issues outstanding has to do with past billings. But they will soon be putting the final lift on their paving where there are houses on both sides of the street. This will involve fees for inspection of manhole cover and water valve adjustments. Mr. Kozak, as a sign of good faith, said Skyborne would pre-pay an estimated amount to cover those fees. He has done a similar deal with the city.

There will be no study session in May, so it was agreed that Mr. Kozak would return at the June study session.

Director Martin, with the city's economic development in mind, said he would like to see the district not have unresolved issues drag on for months and years.

Mr. Kozak said that his company was new in Desert Hot Springs, and he thought it was a good idea for city and water district to be cautious and let people prove themselves over time. He hopes Skyborne has gained some trust with the board and staff. He said the worst thing that could happen to them would be to have a weak water district. A strong water district is critical to the future growth of this area, he said. "It's a matter of public/private working together to find a way to make things work economically, for each other, to really grow and prosper...It's our future and our children's future for the City of Desert Hot Springs, for sure."

Arden Wallum said that MSWD's procedures are as flexible or more flexible than the other four water districts in the valley. "We're bad, but they're worse," Director Furbee clarified.

Sewer Connection Liens

If a sewer connection is available at a property, the property must connect to the sewer within 90 days of being notified by the district. The district files a lien on properties that do not connect. This is to assure that if the property sells, the district can insure compliance at that time. Also, the board could declare the property a public nuisance if the septic tank is pumped more than twice in a 365-day period. The property would then be subject to abatement.

Liens are to be placed against 19 properties, one of which is the dental office at 11213 Palm Drive - the same place the city has shut down for lack of a building permit and other problems.

When this issue last came before the board, there were 77 properties that should connect. That total is now down to 38. Brent Gray said that at one there were almost 500.

Employee Cost Sharing For Medical Benefits

The district's contract with ACWA requires that the district pay the full cost of the employee's health insurance and pay for at least 50% of the cost of health insurance for the employee's family & spouse.

Ria, Human Resources Director, said that new hires could be required to pay some share (up to 50%) of the cost of insuring their spouse & family. President Brown pointed out that this is a requirement of ACWA, a much more cost efficient program than other options for the district. The board's hands are tied as to how much the district pays for the employee's health benefit. Director Wright said this also puts us in line with the other districts, except CVWD which self-insures.

Ria said she had gone out to seek bids from other insurance providers. None were able to beat the price or benefits that are available via ACWA.

Director Martin asked how this affects board members or re-elected board members. Ria said about half the districts consider re-elected board members to be "new hires."

ACWA offers three insurance plans. If new hires (and re-electeds) were required to pay 50% of the cost to cover a spouse and family, here's how much they'd be paying per month:

	Spouse	Family
Classic Plan	$370.91	$473.02
California Care	$283.04	$500.99
Kaiser South	$215.42	$394.22

Those numbers exceed the amount of compensation paid to the Directors, meaning the Directors would actually be paying money to be on the board. The stipend is $100 per meeting for the Directors. They can raise that, but there's a limit on how much they can increase it.

President Brown said there needs to be more research into the ACWA information about re-electeds being considered new hires. Did they get a legal opinion, or is this just common practice?

Director Wright said that DWA Directors get compensated more than MSWD Directors.

It was agreed that whether the split is 50/50 or 90/10, the financial impact on the district will be small, since it applies only to new hires.

Director Wright wondered if the new healthcare rules and regulations might have any effect on this. President Brown said it will not increase our costs at all. It's for employers who are not providing health care benefits.

Staff had provided some salary comparisons with other districts:

	MSWD	CVWD	DWA
Director of Finance	$147,014	$202,533	$185,064
Executive Assistant	$81,827	$92,218	$93,168
Service Worker 2	$55,390	$58,474	$55,548
Construction & Maintenance Lead	$64,126	$80,387	$78,552
Administrative Services 2	$50,232	$61,086	$62,880
Administrative Services 1	$45,552	$55,874	$45,588

Engineering Services Contract Renewal With TKE Engineering

This would extend the contract with TKE for another year at a cost not to exceed $100,000. General Manager Wallum said this arrangement saves the district a lot of money - $100,000 to $150,000 in the last year. President Brown said he would like to see the actual numbers for that, because this is a clear example of where the district is saving money. Mr. Wallum said he would bring that back to the board.

Sludge Press Rental Contract

This would extend the rental contract with Aspen Rental for the sludge press for two years at a cost not to exceed $138,000/year. Gary Brockman said he had contacted 3 or 4 other firms and the prices quoted were about $17,000 - $18,000 per month, while the Aspen Rental price works out to $11,500 per month.

Director Furbee asked if they thought that the conditions that allowed the district to use the much less expensive sludge drying beds might return. Mr. Brockman said it depends on how wet and cold the weather is. President Brown said he would never want to take a chance on it. Mr. Wallum said that as the quantity of flow at the wastewater treatment plant has risen, it couldn't all be handled in the drying beds.

Sludge is hauled away three times a week; a total of 75 tons per week to Arizona.

Director Bowman asked about the option of purchasing a press. One would cost $500,000 to $600,000. Ultimately, when the wastewater treatment plant is expanded, a sludge press will be purchased and enclosed in a structure. Brent Gray said purchasing now, and then trying to fit a piece of used equipment into a new building will turn into a nightmare. Renting costs more in the short term, but will save money in the long term.

Member of the public, Richard Cromwell, was permitted to interject a comment. He said that while he was at SunLine he became aware that back east they would burn the sludge using very high powered furnaces that "take it to dust." It can be fired with methane gas produced by the sludge. Mr. Gray said it's a great idea, and if you have digesters to produce the methane, that does reduce the cost. We don't have digesters. It was considered for the 2001 expansion, but would have cost over $1 million. John Soulliere said that a few months ago the district had a consultant in to look at this very idea, including using it to generate electricity. The Horton plant, however, is not at the capacity yet to make it reasonable to accomplish.

The contract with Aspen Rental expires May 1. President Brown asked if it were renewed for 2 years, would it be possible to cancel during that time. Mr. Brockman said there probably was, but he didn't recall a termination clause. Mr. Brown asked staff to do some comparison costs for purchasing, since it may be a long time before the Horton plant is expanded.

Hernandez Property Acquisition

This is to purchase 1.19 acres in APN 638-350-007 for $48,000 to put a tank on in the future. Here's a Google satellite view of the location. Mr. Wallum said that area needs to be annexed, but they would probably wait until the city does some annexation. This seemed to imply that the district could piggyback onto the city's process and save some LAFCO costs. "We're not in a hurry," Mr. Wallum said.

Financial Report

The financial report wasn't included in the agenda packet that was posted prior to the meeting. It was handed out at the meeting. I scanned it and here it is as a 5-page PDF.

Total operating loss YTD $1,993,526. Net non-operating income YTD $890,850. Net loss YTD $1,102,676. "We are somewhat in line with the budget," Finance Director Matt McCue said. Cash balance as of February 28 was $5,962,669. Capital expenditures YTD $542,938. Debt service payments YTD $1,435,071. Net cash decrease YTD $602,470.

Monthly Reports

There were 5 water connections in March, the highest number in any month since April 2010 (when there were 12). March water production was 13.7% lower than in March 2010. There were 16 sewer connections in March. That's more than in any month since March 2009 (when there were 18). Wastewater flow continues to be higher in every month.

Director Reports

Director Bowman reported on the Hoteliers. The number of spa visitors is "a tick down" he said. He suggests it may be due to the weather. The Hoteliers are planning on street sign toppers. The city will be putting up some monument signs to direct visitors to the spas.

General Manager's Report

To: Board of Directors
From: Arden Wallum, General Manager
Date: 4/14/2011
Subject: General Manager's Report - April 2011

Administration / Finance / HR:
Financial Master Plan (MSWD 2.0): The RFQ for the MSWD FMP was published in four Southern California publications (Desert Sun, Orange County Register, Press Enterprise & San Diego Union Tribune) twice in a two-week period. A page was set up on the MSWD website for interested consulting firms to download the full RFQ (https://www.mswd.org/fmp.aspx). The RFP is in development in collaboration with the finance department and General Manager's office. The RFP will be forwarded to the top 3 to 5 firms responding to the RFQ in early May. Staff will further utilize the website to enhance public access to the FMP process and related documents.

District management has begun the budget process for the 2011/2012 fiscal year. Planning meetings are occurring as well as data analysis and projection.

As directed by the Board, an RFP for audit services has gone out for the June 30, 2011, 2012 and 2013 audits. Some inquiries from candidates have also occurred.

The "E-Bill" program is now in the test phase and should be live and available to customers in the next couple of weeks.

All inquiries from staff at the SWRCB relating to the application for SRF funds have been answered and information provided. We will hopefully receive notice on these funds shortly.

HR resolved a problematic workers compensation claim, held discussion with ACWA regarding new hires paying a portion of medical premium, handled Travelocity billing problems, completed CalPERS paperwork, followed up with supervisors on "past-due" evaluations, attended Health Assessment Resource Center Data Presentation this week and began to compile a list of H.R. cost saving measures.

Several staff members attended a webinar on the Statewide Travel Program and discussed its potential for meeting the District's needs. Follow up is ongoing.

Recruitment for the Executive Assistant position has begun.

Public Affairs

Public outreach/education -- General

• Staff is working on a presentation to be used as a precursor to the financial master plan. We will be taking it "on the road" over the coming months in order to accomplish three main goals: 1. To identify potential participants for the coming Financial Master Plan (working name "MSWD 2.0"); 2. To ensure that accurate information is circulating in the community regarding the District; and, 3. To reestablish two-way communication with the customers of the District. The meetings will be scheduled with various community groups, HOAs and others and will be similar in format to the Public Forum meetings related to the rate action of 2010.
• Earth Day - April 23: MSWD will have a booth at the Desert EcoFest@Aqua Soleil Earth Day Celebration. The event supports Cabot's Museum and the DHS Community Gardens Project. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the cost is $2 per person. It is followed by a concert from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Awards Celebration: The awards celebration to recognize MSWD's Berkeley Springs medals—most recently, the silver medal for 2011—is scheduled for Sunday, May 15th from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Admin Building. The event will include booths and demonstrations of MSWD's operations from numerous departments, music, lemonade and popcorn, and participation from community partner organizations. There will also be opportunity for dignitaries to address the public. The event will be advertised in the calendar section of the Desert Sun, on MSWD's billing, on the website, in local publications and through fliers.
• Food Now Charity Golf: MSWD will sponsor a tee at the 4th annual Food Now Charity Golf Tournament held at the Hidden Springs Mobil CC, Saturday, April 16, 2011. A copy of the signage design is in the Board mailboxes.
• Career Exploration Day: MSWD will host a Career Exploration Day in partnership with CVEP's Career Pathways Initiative. A group of about 30 students will spend two hours cycling through various departments of the District and learning about skills required to perform jobs within those departments. The event will culminate with a tour of the Horton Wastewater Treatment Plant. The date is May 12, 2011 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
• The GM will be presenting at the Rotary lunch meeting of May 5, 2011.
• SPR staff will attend the May 12, 2011, 5th Supervisorial District MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) meeting at Bubbling Wells Elementary School. The meetings are attended by residents from the unincorporated area around DHS and general within the MSWD service area.

Communications - Current

• The Public Affairs office is assisting with regular submittal of articles from the General Manager and PR office to the DHS Chamber newsletter and other local publications.
• The PR office recently submitted a water Q&A for the West Valley McDonald's restaurant newsletter. 10,000 newsletters are circulated throughout the west valley through a group of family-owned McDonald's franchises, including the DHS restaurant. A copy was made available in the Board mailboxes.

Communications - Future

• Revisiting Facebook -the PR Office, in coordination with the GM's Office, is developing a strategy for integrating the MSWD Facebook page into an effective communications program. Twitter and other social media outlets, including blogs, are also being considered for inexpensively expanding the impact of MSWD's education and outreach programs.
• Similarly, the PR & GM Office are reestablishing relationships with local "influencers" for greater dissemination of information to ensure a well-educated and informed public. Influencers are defined as parties or individuals who disseminate information and have a following of common stakeholders with the District. A local blog would be an example of a potential influencer.

UWMP

• The newly-required 60-day noticing of development and adoption of the UWMP was mailed to regional planning authorities and water management partners the week of April 11, 2011. The DRAFT UWMP will be posted on the website and available for comment at least 14 days prior to the public hearing (June 20, 2011). It is recommended that a Board workshop be held in early June.

Government Affairs

• Mr. Young of Van Scoyoc Associates informed me that the date to submit applications to the SWRCB for SRF loans and Principle Forgiveness (PF) projects for disadvantaged communities has been extended. He indicated that the SWRCB has not received enough project requests to distribute available funds.
• Requests for letters of support for the District's SRF PF application were forwarded to regional and state legislators. We indicated that the application is in process and that the deadline for submittal is May 1, 2011.

Operations:

Construction & Maintenance: Leaks have been reduced due to replacement of service lines and a usual seasonal reduction. This has allowed us to return to the ground valve maintenance program, system flushing program, and other general District maintenance.

Meter Service: Field customer service orders continue to remain constant and high. Our upgraded AMR system continues to save us man-hours both in the office and the field.

Whitewater: As previously reported, staff responded to a report of a water quality issue and air in the Palm Springs Crest system. District staff is still doing everything possible to assure that clean potable water is delivered to the customer's meter. The CDPH has visited the site and verbally indicated, as a result of sample testing, that there is no health threat to our customers in that system. We will continue to work with the customer to try to resolve the situation.

Wastewater: Department staff continues to operate and maintain both treatment plants at a very high level. Regular inspection of the Horton Plant revealed necessary maintenance to the aerators in tanks 4 & 5 and that was accomplished without incident. Several point repairs were recently made to the collection system.

Production: We continue to meet demand for the District's three water systems. All sampling and monitoring requirements are being met and no sample failures have occurred. All three treatment systems are operating normally without incident.

Testing for sand production at Well #22 is complete and the results indicate that sand production is nonexistent between 1000 and 1200 gpm. Layne/Christensen recommends a pump that will produce approximately 1100 gpm at this site and we expect to install the new pump within the next two to three weeks.

Annual reports to the DWR and the CDPH are being completed and the District's CCR is close to being done. Annual well production recordation with the State has been completed. Monthly CDPH reports are submitted on time each month.

The District's water quality remains high with all monitoring and quality standards being met.

Fleet & Building Maintenance: The District's fleet maintenance program has enabled us to defer the acquisition of new replacement vehicles for two years. Good maintenance equates to longevity. Building and site maintenance is always an on-going effort.

Engineering

There has been activity on the following projects within the last month:

• The Christian Center is in plan check.
• Brisas de Paz Apts. Staff is verifying that all paperwork is in place and the material submittal is being reviewed for approval. Construction was expected to commence this week.
• Community Wellness Center - The City of DHS awarded the contract to Doug Wall Construction. [This is not correct. The city has not awarded a contract yet.] Meter & connection fees are due before construction starts.
• DHS Family Care Center - The County awarded the contract to PWCI and Genesis is their underground sub. Staff is currently reviewing material submittals and paperwork (licenses, permits, insurance, etc.). Meter and connection fees are due before construction starts.
• Skyborne - Staff met with Ray Allard of Allard Engineering in Riverside to discuss the project and bonds. Electrical has been off for past few months at the Worsley tank site due to theft of the temporary power panel. SLP has followed up and we are discussing proposed alternative temporary solar facilities.
• The Villages at Mission Lakes - The third plan check being will be returned this week. Unresolved issues are being addressed.
• YK Spa - The first plan check is completed. We are waiting for the second plan check submittal.
• 2 Springs Resort - The fourth plan check was sent back with direction to make corrections and plot to mylar for the fifth check. The submittal is still pending.
• Fresh & Easy - The water and sewer plans are 95 percent complete, but the project is on hold. The developer is waiting until the economy improves before moving forward.
• Arco AM/PM at 20-000 Indian Canyon Drive - Waiting for plan check and inspection of proposed FH [fire hydrant] and relocation of water service.
• PSUSD Middle School- The middle school is complete and slated to open this August. The elementary school will be constructed next year. Infrastructure for both schools is already in. The District is waiting for as-built plans (expected this week) to finalize the punch list.

District Projects

• Well 42 - at 95% review and adding Rollapart design to final plans; expected completion by the end of May 2011
• Whispering Sands - The Funding Agreement Amendment has been executed and we are waiting for the remaining payment on Claim 1 which should be here by the end of April.
• AD-12 - It is expected the SWRCB will make a decision on our grant application in June. The draft State SRF Implementation Plan draft came out this week and our project is shown with $5M in PF. IRWMP Prop 84 project proposal for AD-12 for Area D-1 is in for consideration by DWR. Announcement of approved projects is likely in June 2011.

Miscellaneous Projects

• Water Management Plan: The next meeting is scheduled for April 19th including a Riverside County Flood Control presentation on possible storm water recharge areas in the county's plan.
• Uranium Study: GSI collected more data on the wells this week from staff and we received an invoice for work completed.
• CVMSHCP: At the NOI scoping meeting on 4-6-11 with CVAG, Katie Barrows requested a meeting with District staff to discuss possible mitigations in CEQA. The meeting has been scheduled for May 2, Mike Thornton of TKE.
• CASGEM: (Groundwater Monitor for DWR) We received email from CASGEM. Our monitoring plan is due in May. Since we cannot use any domestic production wells, we need Mike/TKE to help us coordinate the monitoring plan. We have a list that shows all private wells in our area, and we will need to contact the ones we think will best represent the basin. This will be a priority with Mike and our staff to have ready by mid-May.

Also, Mr. Wallum said the district is down to the last two pallets of bottled MSWD water. Usually the district re-orders the water in July or August. The district usually orders the same amount each year. Director Bowman asked if there should be a discussion of changing the amount. President Brown said the amount was increased last year. He said there had been some discussion of whether they could team up with the Hoteliers to increase the purchase and share the cost.

Filed under Desert Hot Springs | permalink | April 20, 2011 at 08:53 PM

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