MINUTES - TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 1997

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
of the
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MONTECITO WATER DISTRICT
held at the
DISTRICT BOARD ROOM

583 SAN YSIDRO ROAD, MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA
at 3:00 p.m. on TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 1997

Present:	Directors Abel, Campbell, Muller, Puddicombe and Wilson
Absent:	None
Also Present:	C. Charles Evans, General Manager/Secretary Chip Wullbrandt, District Counsel Tom Mosby, Engineering Manager Evalyn Kerman, Business Manager Barbara Murchison John Murchison

Director Abel reported on the appeal of Don and Carol George to adjust their charges for water that was wasted on their property by vandals. She said that the Appeals Committee had visited the site and met with Mr. and Mrs. George and discussed this isolated incident.

A motion was made by Director Abel, seconded by Director Wilson and unanimously carried to deny the request of the Georges for relief of water charges. Director Wilson requested with Board approval to personally deliver the Georges’ letter with the Board’s decision.

Director Abel reported on the appeal of John Murchison for relief of excess water use charges during the month of December 1996 . She said that the Appeals Committee had visited the site and met with Mr. and Mrs. Murchison and discussed this unknown water loss at their property. This high usage for the month when the Murchisons were out of town has not been repeated in the following months. There is no evidence to indicated, however, that the District meter read was in error or that the District was in any way responsible for the water loss. A motion was made by Director Abel , seconded by Director Wilson and unanimously carried to deny the request of John Murchison for relief of water charges. Although the water use history at the Murchisons’ property since December has been reporting usage consistent with the property’s historical usage, Director Abel suggested that Mr. Murchison might be interested in having his meter flow tested. Mr. Murchison said he would be interested in reviewing the test when it was available.

Director Puddicombe asked that the minutes be removed from the consent agenda for discussion. The Board and Counsel made several suggested changes to the minutes. A motion was made by Director Puddicombe, seconded by Director Wilson and unanimously carried to approve the amended minutes of February 18, 1997. A motion was made by Director Puddicombe, seconded by Director Campbell and unanimously carried to approve the consent agenda.

Director Wilson reported that the Montecito Association is currently in its membership drive. He also spoke briefly about the effect of "magic" subdivisions on Montecito. Additionally, he mentioned that certain members of the Montecito Association would like to visit Jameson Lake. The Board indicated that it could be arranged.

The General Manager reviewed the investment options offered by Santa Barbara Bank & Trust for the reserve fund for the DWR loan. A motion was made by Director Puddicombe, seconded by Director Campbell and unanimously carried to approve the choice of the Provident Institutional Funds Dollar Shares- Federal Trust Money Market Fund.

The General Manager ask that Resolution No. 1830 be postponed until the March 18, 1997 meeting.

The General Manager reviewed the policy on delinquent or uncollectable payments. This policy details the current steps the District takes in the case of nonpayment for water service charge bills and damage to the distribution system by individuals. A motion was made by Director Puddicombe, seconded by Director Campbell and unanimously carried to approve the policy.

The Board discussed the sale schedule for the sale of the Santa Elena property. A motion was made by Director Puddicombe, seconded by Director Campbell and unanimously carried to approve the postponement of the acceptance of closed bid offers until March 17, 1997 at 5 p.m. The General Manager gave the Board a status report regarding the Toro Canyon property that the NOE and the 65402(c) report had been approved by the Planning Commission. The Board discussed the marketing of the Buell property. It was suggested that the three parcels as suggested by the appraiser should be reviewed by qualified surveyors who may in turn suggest the reconfiguration of the parcels to maximize the market value. A motion was made by Director Puddicombe, seconded by Director Campbell and unanimously carried to direct staff to request proposals from qualified surveying firms.

The Board reviewed the proposal to change directors elections to coincide with federal elections. The timing of the change as it will effect the terms of the current board was discussed as well as the cost savings for the overall district. The Board directed District Counsel to research the matter and report at the next Board meeting.

President Muller reviewed the seismic safety work currently under construction at Bradbury Dam. Excavation of the Dam down to bedrock, relocating the dewatering wells and fish rescue continues. Counsel Wullbrandt added that negotiations for the payment of the member units share of the repairs continues.

There was nothing to report on the Lompoc lawsuit against USBR regarding the Cachuma renewal EIR/EIS.

Director Abel reported that Jones & Stokes vegetative studies would be available in March and the water quality work plan was currently being signed by the member agencies.

Director Abel reported on the efforts of Steve Wheeler and ACWA in working with the state to develop watershed plans to protect certain fish.

Additionally, the lead counsel from the Department of Justice, Mr. Burke Wong, met with Gary Ricks to review the Jordan litigation and how it may impact the Lompoc lawsuit against USBR regarding water quality damages.

Director Abel reported that Mr. Wong attended the CCRB meeting regarding this lawsuit.

President Muller reported that at the COMB meeting the Board had directed its budget committee to review the current budget before it creates next year’s budget. USBR has shown interest in allowing COMB to be involved in its budgeting process for the upcoming year. Additionally, COMB hosted a meeting with a number of County departments and others to discuss the potential contamination problem at Lauro reservoir from nearby septic tanks.

Director Campbell reported on the Special Districts Association meeting of February 24, 1997. He announced that the Special Districts’ dinner meeting May 23, 1997 in Buellton will include a legislative update and review by the Special Districts’ lobbyist.

Director Puddicombe updated the board on the status of the section of the pipeline that had been damaged in a landslide at Reservoir Canyon. CCWA will be able to complete the repairs on this section of the pipeline, which was formerly constructed by the DWR.

There was nothing to report on the Operations Committee since the committee had not met.

There was nothing to report on the Finance Committee since the committee had not met.

Director Abel reported that the Public Information Committee will be reviewing the District’s draft newsletter and further research of the District’s web site at its next meeting. Also, the ACWA Region 5 meeting will be held in Concord, CA. Director Abel will attend and Counsel Wullbrandt will be a speaker.

There was nothing to report on the Water Marketing Committee since it had not met.

Note: The agenda was posted at the front counter and outside front wall at the Montecito Water District on February 28, 1997.