Water Commission (now under Utilities Commission)

CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES Harry Saltzgaver, President Robert Shannon, Commissioner Frank Martinez, Vice President Gloria Cordero, Commissioner Arthur Levine, Secretary Christopher J. Garner, General Manager Richard Anthony, Deputy City Attorney FINISHED AGENDA & FINAL MINUTES The Water Commission minutes are prepared and ordered to correspond to the Water Commission agenda. Agenda items can be taken out of order during the meeting. The agenda items were considered in the order presented. CALL TO ORDER The Board of Water Commission regular meeting was called to order by President Saltzgaver at 9:00 A.M. This special meeting was held via teleconference pursuant to Executive Order N-25-20 issued by Governor Gavin Newsom. ROLL CALL Executive Assistant to the Board, Sandra Fox took the roll call and confirmed a quorum. Also present: Christopher J. Garner, General Manager; B. Anatole Falagan, Assistant General Manager; Tai Tseng, Assistant General Manager - Operations; Sean Crumby, Deputy General Manager - Engineering; Sandra Fox, Executive Assistant to the Board. Commissioners Harry Saltzgaver, Frank Martinez, Art Levine, Robert Shannon Present: and Gloria Cordero PUBLIC COMMENT 1. 20-077WA MAY 14, 2020 BOARD OF WATER COMMISSION METING PUBLIC COMMENTS President Saltzgaver opened the public comment period and asked if any Page 1 of 14 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES written public comment had been received. Ms. Fox advised no written public comment had been received for the May 14, 2020 Board meeting. President Saltzgaver then inquired if there was any public on the line who would like to speak. Hearing none, he closed the public comment period. PRESIDENT'S REPORT President Saltzgaver noted that in response to an inquiry from Commissioner Shannon regarding when the Board might be able to once again hold in-person meetings, he had checked on this and advised that all Board and Commissions are currently under an Executive Order to only meet via teleconference. He advised the Mayor would need to make a decision to have this directive changed. He advised with the Budget workshops coming up it is important that the Board and the public have access to the planned presentations. He noted that staff is exploring the possibility of using visual teleconference platforms such as Zoom or GoToMeeting for these future meetings. Mr. Garner advised that staff plans to provide laptops to each of the Commissioners to use for these type of visual teleconference meetings. Mr. Wong advised a short tutorial would be offered to each Commissioner prior to this type of platform being used for future Board meetings. President Saltzgaver requested that the Board also receive printouts of any presentations for future Board meetings. GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Garner provided a COVID update, and how the City is reacting to this pandemic. He noted it was guesstimated that for the most part offices would probably not open until July or August. He advised that a revised City of Long Beach Health order was expected to be made with possible changes specific to Long Beach versus the County of Los Angeles. Mr. Garner recommended that the Board members listen to the upcoming May 19, 2020 City Council meeting since they will be receiving a forecast for the FY 20/21 budget which may be rather gloomy. Page 2 of 14 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES He reminded the Board that their first budget workshop would take place on May 21, 2020. Commissioner Shannon asked the Deputy City Attorney to provide direction on how the agenda should read for the 5/21 meeting in case the Board wanted to provide direction to the staff. There were general comments made by the Deputy City Attorney regarding options for the language in that notice. President Saltzgaver; Commissioner Shannon and Commissioner Levine made comments regarding this topic. President Saltzgaver called for any public comment. Hearing none he moved on in the agenda. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: ITEMS LAID OVER FROM THE APRIL 2, 2020 BOARD MEETING) 2. 20-044WA Recommendation to Authorize the Board to determine the status of the previously approved sponsorship for the WomenShelter of Long Beach (WSLB), 2020 “Lead with Love” Gala (April 2, 2020) event due to postponement of the event per direction of Governor Newsom’s March 11, 2020 executive order regarding the Corona virus Covid-19 crisis. BUREAU: Executive President Saltzgaver introduced unfinished business agenda item 2. He noted the WomenShelter staff had advised that they had postponed their previously scheduled event to March 24, 2021. He recommended that the previously approved sponsorship be rolled over to this date. President Saltzgaver commented on the recent action taken by the Harbor Commissioners to take monies back for sponsorships that had been postponed or canceled. He asked the Deputy City Attorney if the Board of Water Commissioners could in fact roll over the previously approved sponsorship for the WomenShelter. Mr. Anthony said he had no problem with this request. Commissioner Shannon spoke. Page 3 of 14 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES Commissioner Martinez made general comments regarding sponsorships during the Covid crisis. Commissioner Cordero requested clarification regarding carrying over previously approved sponsorships. President Saltzgaver responded. Commissioner Levine spoke. Commissioner Shannon made comments regarding Commissioner Martinez's previous comments regarding sponsorships during the Covid crisis. Commissioner Martinez clarified his previous comments. President Saltzgaver called for any additional Commission comments. Hearing none he called for any public comment. He then called for a roll call vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Shannon, seconded by Commissioner Martinez, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Harry Saltzgaver, Frank Martinez, Art Levine, Robert Shannon and Gloria Cordero 3. 20-045WA Recommendation to authorize attendance and sponsorship of Conservation Corps of Long Beach (CCLB) Dine on Pine (Corpsmember Education & Scholarship Benefit), Wednesday, June 24, 2020. BUREAU: Executive President Saltagaver reported that the Conservation Corps of Long Beach Dine on Pine event had been cancelled. He requested this item be withdrawn from the agenda. This WA-Agenda Item was withdrawn. Page 4 of 14 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES 4. 20-046WA Authorize attendance and sponsorship of the Rancho Los Alamitos Foundation 9th Annual Cottonwood Awards Luncheon, honoring Bonnie Lowenthal, President of the Port of Long Beach and honoring John Hancock with the Special Recognition Award at the Rancho Los Alamitos in Long Beach, California, May 28, 2020. BUREAU: Executive President Saltzgaver made comments regarding the Rancho Los Alamitos Cottonwood Awards luncheon. He advised this event had been rescheduled to September 17, 2020. He noted the options available to the Board for consideration of this item. Commissioner Shannon made a motion to hold this item over to a future meeting that would allow the Board to reconsider this sponsorship request. Commissioner Cordero seconded the motion. President Saltzgaver called for any Commissioner comments; he called for any public comment. Hearing none he called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Commissioner Shannon, seconded by Commissioner Cordero, to laid over. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Harry Saltzgaver, Frank Martinez, Art Levine, Robert Shannon and Gloria Cordero 5. 20-047WA Authorize attendance and sponsorship for the Aquarium of the Pacific Blue Whale Gala Awards at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, June 13, 2020, honoring the work of two Aquarium friends, Dr. Dawn J. Wright and Dr. David Titley. BUREAU: Executive President Saltzgaver advised the Board that the Aquarium Blue Whale Gala had been cancelled. He recommended that this item be withdrawn from the agenda. Commissioner Levine spoke. Page 5 of 14 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES Commissioner Shannon spoke. Mr. Garner spoke. Commissioner Shannon requested that staff provide the Board with a copy of the Harbor Commissioner recent directive on sponsorships. Mr. Garner advised he would provide this information to the Board. This WA-Agenda Item was withdrawn. REGULAR AGENDA 6. 20-078WA Recommendation to approve January 23, 2020 Regular Board Meeting Minutes & February 6, 2020 Special Board Meeting Minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Levine, seconded by Commissioner Martinez, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Harry Saltzgaver, Frank Martinez, Art Levine, Robert Shannon and Gloria Cordero 7. 20-079WA Recommendation to authorize the General Manager to execute the first-year renewal option and issue a Purchase Order with Circlepoint for an amount not to exceed $125000, for communications and graphic design services for one year with the option to renew two additional one (1) year periods at the same annual rate BUREAU: Business - Public Affairs Commissioner Saltzgaver noted that Ms. Weatherly would be providing the staff report for items 7. - 11. and that there would be one motion for these items. Ms. Weatherly provided a staff report regarding the proposed renewal of communications and graphic design contracts as outlined in agenda items 7. - 11. Page 6 of 14 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES President Saltzgaver inquired if any of these contractors had exceed their contract amounts in the last year. Ms. Weatherly responded no. Commissioner Levine inquired if there was a possibility to increase the number of in-house Communications staff thereby reducing the use of outside contractors. Ms. Weatherly advised that Public Affairs had recently completed a recruitment for an outside Community Outreach non-career staff person, but due to the recent hiring freeze that had been implemented this position had been put on hold until 2021. Commissioner Cordero commented on the importance for strategic and communication outreach at this time. President Saltzgaver made comments. Mr. Garner thanked Ms. Weatherly for her work on these contracts, and also thanked her for her work at the JIC (Joint Information Center) on behalf of the Water Department. President Saltzgaver called for a motion to approve agenda items 7. - 11. He then called for any other Board comments; he then called for any public comments. Hearing none he called for a roll call vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Levine, seconded by Commissioner Cordero, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Harry Saltzgaver, Frank Martinez, Art Levine, Robert Shannon and Gloria Cordero 8. 20-080WA Recommendation to authorize the General Manager to execute the first-year renewal option and issue a Purchase Order with JPW Communications for an amount not to exceed $50,000, for strategic communications services for one year with the option to renew two additional one (1) year periods at the same annual rate. BUREAU: Business - Public Affairs Page 7 of 14 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES President Saltzgaver called for a motion to approve agenda items 7. - 11. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Commissioner Levine, seconded by Commissioner Cordero, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Harry Saltzgaver, Frank Martinez, Art Levine, Robert Shannon and Gloria Cordero 9. 20-081WA Recommendation to authorize the General Manager to execute the first-year renewal option and issue a Purchase Order with TLG Marketing for an amount not to exceed $50,000, for digital platforms maintenance and support services for one year with the option to renew two additional one (1) year periods at the same annual rate. BUREAU: Business - Public Affairs President Saltzgaver called for a motion to approve agenda items 7. - 11. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Commissioner Levine, seconded by Commissioner Cordero, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Harry Saltzgaver, Frank Martinez, Art Levine, Robert Shannon and Gloria Cordero 10. 20-082WA Authorize the General Manager to execute the first-year renewal option and issue a Purchase Order with We The Creative for an amount not to exceed $30,000, for graphic design services for one year with the option to renew two additional one (1) year periods at the same annual rate. BUREAU: BUSINESS - Public Affairs President Saltzgaver called for a motion to approve agenda items 7. - 11. The motion carried unanimously. Page 8 of 14 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Levine, seconded by Commissioner Cordero, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Harry Saltzgaver, Frank Martinez, Art Levine, Robert Shannon and Gloria Cordero 11. 20-083WA Recommendation to authorize the General Manager to execute the first-year renewal option and issue a Purchase Order with DeGrave Communications, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $30,000, for creative content development and bilingual marketing services for one year with the option to renew two additional one (1) year periods at the same annual rate. BUREAU: Business - Public Affairs President Saltzgaver called for a motion to approve agenda items 7. - 11. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Commissioner Levine, seconded by Commissioner Cordero, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Harry Saltzgaver, Frank Martinez, Art Levine, Robert Shannon and Gloria Cordero 12. 20-084WA Recommendation to review the second half of the 2020 Long Beach Water Department Legislative Platform and provide comments and direction to staff if necessary. BUREAU: Business - Legislation & Grants Ms. Croci reviewed the second half of the 2020 Long Beach Water Department Legislative Platform. Commissioner Martinez complimented Ms. Croci regarding the report. He specifically noted the inclusion of components related to the AWIA policy. Commissioner Levine inquired where the current COVID crisis would be included in the report. Page 9 of 14 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES Ms. Croci responded. President Saltzgaver inquired if the State or Federal government had included a pandemic as an emergency response. Ms. Croci and Mr. Falagan responded that staff would research this request and report back to the Board. Commissioner Cordero requested that a future workshop be scheduled to include the following topics: 1) Raising of Lake Shasta Dam; 2) Emerging Constituent Concerns; 3) Background information regarding the Incidental Take Permit. President Saltzgaver inquired if Federal EPA regulations needed to be included in the department's Legislative Platform due to recent rollbacks by the President. Mr. Falagan advised that staff could look into this request. Commissioner Cordero clarified that her earlier comments were made generally (and not specific items that needed to be included in the Legislative Platform) regarding information that the Board should be informed about. President Saltzgaver called for any public comments. Hearing none he noted no action was being taken regarding this agenda item. Mr. Falagan acknowledged Ms. Croci's work in preparing this report, and her efforts in working with the Federal and State legislative advocates. He also noted that this report was prepared in coordination with the CMUA; ACWA and MWD legislative platforms. 13. 20-085WA Recommendation to receive and File the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the period ended September 30, 2019. BUREAU: Business - Finance Mr. Falagan provided the staff report regarding the annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the period ended September 30, 2019. President Saltzgaver called for any Commission Comments; he then called Page 10 of 14 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES for any public comment. Hearing nne he called for a roll call vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Shannon, seconded by Commissioner Levine, to received and filed. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Harry Saltzgaver, Frank Martinez, Art Levine, Robert Shannon and Gloria Cordero 14. 20-086WA Report of the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Board meeting on May 12, 2020. BUREAU: Metropolitan Water District Director Director Cordero provided the report regarding the May 12, 2020 Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Board Meeting. She advised the Board that all MWD Board meetings are being conducted via teleconference. She reported that the succession process (replacement of retiring General Manager Kightlinger) was being handled by the MWD Operations, Personnel and Technology Committee (which she is a member of). She advised the Committee is in the process of selecting a search firm for this recruitment. She noted that Mr. Kightlinger has advised he can stay through the end of December or into early January if necessary. At the end of this report Commissioner Levine made a general inquiry regarding desalination. Mr. Garner responded. CONSIDER STANDING COMMITTEE REFERRALS President Saltzgaver called for any Standing Committee referrals. Hearing none he moved on in the agenda. Page 11 of 14 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Shannon suggested that a closed session be scheduled after the May 28, 2020 Board meeting to discuss the status of the Lejins case. President Saltzgaver advised this closed session could be scheduled for the May 21, 2020 special meeting instead. President Saltzgaver advised the Board that he had received an invitation to apply to the Water Replenishment District Education Foundation which is currently being formed. He noted he would probably not have the time to participant in this group, but suggested that any Board members who might be interested to go ahead and apply. Commissioner Martinez advised he would be interested and requested that the application be sent to him. Commissioner Levine asked if the Board would like to schedule a discussion regarding the proposed merger of the Gas and Water Departments. President Saltzaver advised Mr. Levine he would call him regarding this topic. Mr. Garner advised the Board that the Port had reported to him that a final decision had not been reached regarding the pending possible revisions to the Port Sponsorship Program. He noted Port staff reported that they were specifically researching how the Port could possibly support COVID-related causes. Commissioner Shannon inquired if this would also affect the Port donations. Mr. Garner advised it seemed they were looking at all aspects of their program. Commissioner Levine asked if due to the negative impact of COVID on the department Budget should the Board take into consideration eliminating or reducing some of the historical sponsorships the Board usually approves. President Saltzgaver responded that this topic could be discussed during the upcoming budget workshops. He also noted a review of travel expenses could be included in this discussion. Page 12 of 14 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES Mr. Garner advised these topics would be included in the budget workshops for discussion. ADJOURNMENT President Saltzgaver adjourned the Board meeting at 9:59 A.M. in memory of former Long Beach City Council member Tom Clark, to the Special Meeting of May 21, 2020 at 9:00 A.M. via teleconference. Page 13 of 14 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES NOTE: If written language translation of the Commission agenda and minutes for non-English speaking persons is desired, please make your request by phone to the Office of the City Clerk at (562) 570-6101, 72 business hours prior to the Commission meeting. Kung nais ang pagsasalin ng nakasulat na wika ng agenda ng Komisyon at ang minutes para sa mga taong hindi nagsasalita ng Ingles, mangyaring isagawa ang iyong hiling sa pamamagitan ng telepono sa Opisina ng Clerk ng Lungsod sa (562) 570-6101, 72 oras ng negosyo bago ang pagpupulong ng Commission. Si desea obtener la traducción escrita en otro idioma de la agenda y actas de la comisión para personas que no hablan inglés, haga su solicitud por teléfono a la Oficina de la Secretaría Municipal al (562) 570-6101, 72 horas hábiles antes de la reunión de la comisión. Page 14 of 14