Feb 9, 2022 Minutes
Published 2022-04-13 09:36:48
1902 – Serving Our Community for over 115 Years – 2022
WEST BAY SANITARY DISTRICT
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE DISTRICT BOARD
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2022 AT 7:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order
President Dehn called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM
Roll Call
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: President Dehn, Secretary Walker, Treasurer Thiele-
Sardiña, Director Moritz, Director Otte
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Ramirez, Condotti by Zoom
Others Present: Rick Simonson & Gabe Sasser – HF&H
2. Communications from the Public: None.
3. Public Hearing – Consider Amending the Code of General Regulations for Board
Member Compensation
Motion to Open by: Walker 2nd by: Otte Vote: AYE: 5 NAY: 0 Abstain: 0
Discussion/Comments: District Manager Ramirez reported the Board members are eligible
for up to a 5% increase. However, the Board chose a 4% increase in order to match what
staff received on July 1, 2021.
Motion to Close by: Walker 2nd by: Moritz Vote: AYE: 5 NAY: 0 Abstain: 0
4. Consider Amending the Code of General Regulations for Board Member Compensation
Motion to Approve by: Walker 2nd by: Moritz Vote: AYE: 5 NAY: 0 Abstain: 0
Discussion/Comments: None.
5. Consent Calendar
CONSIDERATION OF ITEM(S) REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
Discussion/Comments: Director Moritz asked to pull agenda item 5G for further discussion
regarding the apparent $8M withdrawal from the Treatment Plant Reserve fund. Motion to
approve Consent Calendar removing agenda item 5G to the next meeting with a clarification
on the item.
A. Approval of Minutes for Regular meeting January 26, 2022
B. Approval of the Financial Activity Report Authorizing Payment of Certain Bills and
Salaries and Consideration of Other Financial Matters thru January 31, 2022
C. WBSD Operations and Maintenance Report – January 2022
D. Town of Los Altos Hills Operations and Maintenance Report for Work Performed by
WBSD – January 2022
E. Town of Woodside Operations and Maintenance Report for Work Performed by
WBSD – January 2022
F. Consider Approval of Resolution Authorizing District to Implement Teleconferenced
Public Meetings Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361
G. Bank of the West Monthly Investment Portfolio Statements (item pulled)
H. Consider to Ratify Issuance of Class 3 Sewer Permit No. 1611 for the Construction
of Recycled Water Facilities for 100 Terminal Ave., Menlo Park (Menlo Park
Community Campus)
I. Consider Authorizing the District Manager to Consent to the Abandonment of Public
Utility Easement at 128 Blackburn Avenue, Menlo Park
Motion to Approve by: Moritz 2nd by: Otte Vote: AYE: 5 NAY: 0 Abstain: 0
6. Consideration to Establish a Public Hearing Date for a Proposed Increase in Sewer
Service Charges as Required by Proposition 218, Adopt the Updated Sewer Rate
Study, and Provide Staff Direction Regarding the Sewer Service Charge Rate
Adjustment and the Mailing of the Proposition 218 Notice for a Public Hearing
Motion to Approve by: Moritz 2nd by: Walker Vote: AYE: 5 NAY: 0 Abstain: 0
Discussion/Comments: Rick Simonson of HF&H presented the draft rate study that included a
proposed 2% increase for fiscal year (FY) 2022-23. President Dehn asked about noticing the
218 notice with a two year increase. The Board’s consensus was to move forward with
proposing a rate increase of 2% for FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24. Staff will work with HF&H on
the two year 218 notice.
7. District Manager’s Report
Discussion/Comments: District Manager Ramirez reported that the District has contacted
the developer of a parcel on Saratoga Ave. in East Palo Alto. The developer constructed an
ADU in an easement over the District’s sewer main. He is working with the developer to re-
route the main around the ADU. He also reported that he has executed a $12,640
agreement with West Yost to explore grant opportunities for the District. He continued to
report that the District has ordered an electric vehicle SUV for the District Manager. He
reported that Heath Cortez has been selected as the CWEA’s local section Supervisor of the
Year. He also reported that the District will begin the Sewer System Management Plan
(SSMP) 5 year audit. District Manager Ramirez continued to report the Strategic Goals
Committee will meet on February 15th. The complete District Manager’s written report is in
the February 9, 2022 agenda packet.
8. February 9th Update Report on District Response to Corona Virus
Discussion/Comments: District Manager Ramirez reported that several employees are back
after either quarantining or having been infected with COVID-19. He also reported that the
District is updating the COVID-19 response plan and will be conducting training on it later in
February.
9. Report and Discussion on Sharon Heights Recycled Water Plant
Discussion/Comments: District Manager Ramirez reported the District is conducting the
annual true up for the West Bay/Sharon Heights Recycled Water Plant and has presented
the 2022 O&M projections for the plant. The new O&M projections are up 17% from $444K
to $518K per year. Director Otte asked staff to correct the facility production data from
kilograms to thousands of gallons.
10. Discussion and Direction on Bayfront Recycled Water Project and Status Update
Discussion/Comments: District Manager Ramirez reported that permitting for the levee is
underway. He also reported the District has issued a permit to Meta to install a recycled
water pipeline for the new Menlo Park Community Campus. He reported the District is
coordinating with SVCW on performing Bayfront entrance improvements to the District’s
trunk lines while they perform upgrades to the Menlo Park Pump Station.
11. Report & Discussion on South Bayside Waste Management Authority (SBWMA)
Discussion/Comments: President Dehn reported that Recology has hired Evan Boyd as
General Manager. She also reported that the operations agreement for the Shoreway RFP
is out for RFP and responses are coming in. Interviews for the potential new operator will
begin the week of February 23rd. The SBWMA Board will consider awarding the bid in
September.
12. Report, Discussion & Direction on Silicon Valley Clean Water (SVCW) and Discussion on
SVCW CIP Program and Financing
Discussion/Comments: Director Otte reported that the SVCW CIP’s are on schedule. He
also reported that the organic waste pilot program has been successful and will continue at
its current level.
13. Closed Session
Entered closed session at 8:36 p.m. Left closed session at 8:47 p.m.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Cal. Govt. Code §54956.9(d)(2):
(1 potential case)
Reportable action: None.
14. Comments or Reports from Members of the District Board and Consider Items to be
Placed on Future Agenda
Discussion/Comments: Upcoming items to include: 1) Agenda item 5G – Bank of the West
Monthly Investment Portfolio Statements; 2) Public hearing regarding Blue Oaks
reimbursement agreement.
15. Adjournment Time: The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 PM
/s/ David A. Walker
Secretary