Water Commission (now under Utilities Commission)

CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES Frank Martinez, President Robert Shannon, Secretary Arthur Levine, Vice President Gloria Cordero, Commissioner Naomi Rainey, Commissioner Christopher J. Garner, General Manager Richard Anthony, Deputy City Attorney REGULAR MEETING 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 except as reported by President Martinez following the roll call.. CALL TO ORDER The Board of Water Commission regular meeting was called to order by President Martinez at 9:00 A.M. This regular meeting was held via teleconference pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20 issued by Governor Gavin Newsom. ROLL CALL Executive Assistant, 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; Sandra Fox, Executive Assistant to the Board. President Martinez announced the following changes to the December 17, 2020 Board meeting agenda and December 17, 2020 Closed Session agenda: Agenda item 12. will be considered immediately following the General Manager's report; and the General Manager Performance Evaluation Closed Session item will be postponed to the January 7, 2021 date. Page 1 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES 1. 20-205WA Recommendation to receive public comment for the December 17, 2020 board meeting. President Martinez opened the public comment period and asked if any written public comments had been received. Ms. Fox advised no written public comments had been received for the December 17, 2020 Board meeting. President Martinez then inquired if there was anyone from the public on the line who would like to speak. Hearing none he closed the public comment period. PRESIDENT'S REORT President Martinez announced that Commissioner Levine would be absent from today's meeting. He then wished everyone a happy holiday season. President Martinez briefly commented on the Water Replenishment District agenda item scheduled for their evening meeting regarding their proposed appointment of a new General Manager. Commissioner Shannon advised this meeting was scheduled for 11:00 A.M. today, December 17, 2020. GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT Mr., Garner advised he had just received a phone call notifying him that one of the AMI contractor employees had been involved in a road rage incident where he was shot at. The only injuries to the contract employee were minor related to the shattered glass from his vehicle. He advised the Long Beach Police Department staff was investigating this incident. Mr. Garner provided a COVID update noting that eight COVID cases have now been confirmed for employees of the Long Beach Water Department. He noted all of these cases had been mild and that some of the staff had already returned to work. He explained the trickle down effect of these positive cases as through contract tracing other staff who have had close contact with the infected employees are ordered by the Health Department to quarantine. He advised that the city has made reminder announcements to staff to please not come to work if you are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID to Page 2 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES slow down the community spread. Mr. Garner provided an update regarding the previously approved Solar services agreement approved in February 2019. But he advised that the company who LBWD had contracted with was sold and the new vendor decided to cancel that agreement. He advised Mr. Tseng and his staff had been working with the new company to try and make the logistics work out so that the agreement could continue but they had recently made a final decision to cancel the contract. President Martinez asked about the name of the original solar company. Mr. Garner responded PFMG. Mr. Anthony provided additional background information on the sale to Constellation. He noted that the same company had a power agreement with the City of Long Beach and advised that contract remained in effect. President Martinez asked if any funds had been expended by LBWD. Mr. Garner responded no. President Martinez inquired if this contract had been the result of an RFP. Mr. Tseng advised LBWD had issued an RFP and PFMG Solar had been the winning bid. President Martinez inquired if staff would be bringing this same type of contract back to the Board for future consideration. Mr. Tseng responded. He noted hat LBWD was taking a look at developing a Comprehensive Energy Master Plan before any future contracts would be considered. President Martinez inquired if staff would be developing the Energy Master Plan or use a consultant firm for this purpose. Mr. Tseng responded. Mr. Garner provided a report regarding a constituent of Councilmember Supernaw's district who had advised him that there was standing water in front of her home and that her street needed to be repaired. Mr. Garner advised that LBWD staff was able to use the AMI data for her residence where they were able to determine that she is currently watering seven Page 3 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES days a week at her residence at 4:30 A.M.. He noted when he called to discuss this matter with her she advised she had the right to a green lawn and ended the conversation. He advised that the AMI tool is not only beneficial to the department but to the constituent. President Martinez asked what can be done to notify residents that they are watering outside of the mandated water days and times. Mr. Garner advised that LBWD sends letters to the residents that are not complying with the water days or times. He advised in this instance staff sent letters to the constituent and both of her neighbors indicating that they were not in compliance with the water regulations or ordinance. He advised if they continued to violate the ordinance LBWD had the ability to issue fines. Commissioner Shannon commented on the fact that water rate tiers may be used to punish water user violators. Mr. Garner explained how the tier rates are currently being administered. Mr. Falagan made comments regarding this topic. He noted that Mr. Wang could provide a report on water conservation and violations to the Board at a later date. At this point in the meeting Mr. Anthony, Deputy City Attorney, provided a follow-up report on his conversation (requested at a previous meeting by Commissioner Rainey) with the Water Replenishment District attorney regarding the guidelines that that agency follows in hiring at their agency. He advised the WRD attorney confirmed that the WRD Articles of Organization do not specifically stipulate hiring guidelines. He advised that WRD had originally reported they would conduct a national search for a General Manager, but that they had the right to change their minds; end that search and use a different process in hiring a future General Manager. He noted that in response to some previous comments made by some Board members inquiring if there was something legally the Board could do to keep this process from being carried out by the WRD Board. He advised no, there was nothing they could do other than send correspondence as they had previously done complaining about the non-transparent process that WRD was currently using in hiring a new General Manager Commissioner Rainey made comments regarding the LBWD hiring process for a General Manager may be too loose. She suggested that this process be looked at and possibly revised in the future. Mr. Garner advised staff would take a look at this suggestion. Page 4 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES President Martinez made additional comments and thanked Commissioner Rainey for bringing up this issue. Mr. Garner advised that staff would review the process and report back to the Board. Mr. Anthony reminded everyone that any changes to the LBWD hiring process would require a Charter amendment. Commissioner Shannon commented on the Water Replenishment District (WRD) hiring process and noted they have a great deal of discretion. He made further comments regarding the proposed action that WRD has scheduled on their December 17, 2020 agenda. Mr. Anthony also made comments regarding the WRD agenda item and hiring details. Commissioner Shannon requested Mr. Garner read what the WRD General Manager hiring letter says. Mr. Garner read part of the text of the WRD letter into the record. Commissioner Shannon made additional comments regarding this topic and noted that possible action might to be made. Commissioner Rainey concurred with Commissioner Shannon's comments and offered additional comments regarding addressing possible changes to the hiring process. Commissioner Cordero advised she echoed the previous comments. She made additional comments as to why the WRD Board is going along with this proposal. She asked if any LBWD Board members had spoken to any WRD Board members. Commissioner Shannon advised he had spoken with a WRD Director but did not want to reveal the content of that conversation. Commissioner Shannon requested that Mr. Garner provide the Board of Water Commissioners a summary of the action that takes place at the December 17, 2020 WRD Board meeting. Mr. Garner read a portion of the proposed WRD contract for the WRD interim General Manager into the record. Page 5 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES Mr. Anthony noted that it sounded like the LBWD Commission would like to discuss this issue further and advised that an agenda item regarding this topic could be scheduled for the January 7, 2021 agenda. Commissioner Shannon also noted might be need to schedule a special meeting before that date. Commissioner Cordero inquired who had weighed in in opposition to the proposed WRD action. Mr. Garner responded. Mr. Anthony made additional comments. Mr. Shannon made additional comments. President Martinez requested that Mr. Garner let the Board know if a special meeting needed to be called to discuss any potential LBWD Board action that might be needed regarding this matter. Mr. Garner made additional comments. Note: Agenda item 12. was taken out of order at this point in the meeting. 12. 20-215WA Recommendation to authorize sponsorship of the City of Long Beach State of the City Address on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, which will be a virtually streamed broadcast event. President Martinez introduced agenda item 12. Mr. Garner provided the staff report for agenda item 12. He noted this year due to COVID restrictions the State of the City would be handled by the production of a video that will be played on the local cable channels as a virtual event. He advised that the 15-second video segment offered to sponsors that was mentioned in the Board letter and the Mayor's application would not now be part of the production, and that only the logos of the sponsors would appear at the end of the video. Commissioner Rainey asked why the cost for a virtual event would be almost the same as for an in-person event. Page 6 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES Mr. Garner advised he had questioned the same cost and was advised this would be the cost for producing a professional video. Commissioner Rainey made additional comments regarding Zoom events. President Martinez responded, noted this was not a Zoom event, but a video only event. Mr. Garner made additional comments. Commissioner Cordero made comments regarding the virtual event. She noted that LBWD needed to insist that they have the ability to have a video inserted, or have the Mayor mention LBWD Water in the Mayor's comments. Mr. Garner made additional comments. Commissioner Rainey made additional comments regarding her concern with the cost for this event during a time when constituents are struggling due to the COVID pandemic. Commissioner Shannon made comments regarding the ratepayer interests. He advised he would be in favor of a greatly reduced sponsorship that would include a strong suggestion that the Water Department be mentioned during the Mayor's comments. President Martinez made comments regarding the sponsorship request, and recent history of cutting back on sponsorships, or totally eliminating them during the COVID situation. He called for the Board to suggest a sponsorship amount (if any). Commissioner Shannon made a motion to sponsor the State of the City in the amount of $7,500. President Martinez called for a second. The motion died for lack of a second. President Martinez made a motion to sponsor the State of the City in the amount of $10,000. Commissioner Cordero seconded the motion. President Martinez revised his motion to add the clause that the Mayor prominently mention the Water Department in his speech noting that the Water Department has continued to provide safe, clean drinking water without any impact of service during the COVID pandemic. Page 7 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES Commissioner Shannon made additional comments. Commissioner Rainey made additional comments regarding the proposed sponsorship amount. Commissioner Cordero made additional comments regarding the Water Dept. possibly receiving a short 30-second video to be included in the Mayor's video regarding conservation that the department could then use later as part of their conservation programs. Commissioner Shannon advised he would support the $10,000 sponsorship amount. Commissioner Rainey made additional comments that she would support a $15,000 sponsorship that included a short video for LBWD to use in future conservation programs. Mr. Garner commented on the possible difficulty that LBWD might have to produce their own 15 or 30 second video during the holiday season in time for it to be included in the State of the City video. He advised he could check with staff to see if there is an existing LBWD video that might be used. Commissioner Rainey made additional comments regarding past State of the City events. Mr. Garner made additional comments. Commissioner Cordero made additional comments regarding the Mayor's suggested comments regarding water. President Martinez called for any public comment. Hearing none he called for any additional comments or questions from the Commission. He then called for a roll call vote. A motion was made by President Martinez, seconded by Commissioner Cordero, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Page 8 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES Yes: 4 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon and Frank Martinez Excused: 1 - Art Levine 2. 20-204WA Recommendation to approve the November 5, 2020 Board Minutes President Martinez called for a motion to approve the November 5, 2020 Board meeting minutes. President Martinez called for a motion. President Martinez called for any public comment. Hearing none he called for a roll call vote. A motion was made by Secretary Shannon, seconded by Commissioner Cordero, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon and Frank Martinez Excused: 1 - Art Levine 3. 20-206WA Recommendation to Adopt Specifications WD-05-21, and authorize the General Manager to execute an agreement with Pencco, Inc., to furnish and deliver Ferric Chloride (43% by weight basis) in an amount not to exceed $250,000 for a period of one year, and to authorize the General Manager to exercise the option to renew for two additional one-year periods, subject to a maximum annual increase of 10 percent. Bureau: Operations President Martinez introduced agenda item 3. There was general discussion regarding one vote be held for agenda items 3,. 4., 5., and 6. Ms. Yan Zhang provided the staff report and reviewed a presentation that covered agenda item 3, 4, 5 and 6 (chemical purchases) with the Commissioners. She reviewed the staff recommendations for all four agenda items. Page 9 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES President Martinez called for any Commissioner questions or comments. Commissioner Rainey inquired about bid response ranges. Mr. Tseng responded. Ms. Yang also responded and spoke about the importance of the chemical quality meeting national standards. President Martinez reviewed the pricing for each chemical contract (agenda items 3., 4., 5.,and 6.). Commissioner Rainey made comments regarding the pool of vendors that are used for contracts, and inquired if this included women and vendors of color. She also commented on Proposition 16. not passing. Mr. Anthony responded, and noted that no one can give preference to any one group when sending out bids, and the Board and city must select the lowest bidder. Ms. Rainey made comments regarding the City's Reconciliation Plan. Mr. Garner advised that the department could review it's purchasing practices Commissioner Codero made comments regarding the importance of outreach to the vendors within the city. President Martinez noted the previous report on procurement practices for engineering and operations provided to the Board by Mr. Crumby. But he advised he did not recall that this included purchasing practices for products. He requested that staff provide this type of report at a later meeting. Mr. Garner spoke about this requested report, and suggested that Ms. Liza Gutierrez of the Water Department who oversees purchasing provide this report. President Martinez called for any other questions or comments from the Board. He then called for any public comment. Ms. Fox requested clarification regarding the motion. President Martinez called for a motion. Page 10 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES Commissioner Shannon made a motion to approve agenda items 3. (Penccco, Inc); 4. (Brennag Pacific Inc.; 5. (JCI Jones Chemical Inc.); and Sterling Water Technologies. Commissioner Cordero seconded the motion. A roll calll vote was taken. A motion was made by Secretary Shannon, seconded by Commissioner Cordero, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon and Frank Martinez Excused: 1 - Art Levine 4. 20-207WA Recommendation to Adopt Specifications WD-08-21, and authorize the General Manager to execute an agreement with Brenntag Pacific Inc., to furnish and deliver Liquid Caustic Soda (50% solution) in an amount not to exceed $200,000 for a period of one year, and to authorize the General Manager to exercise the option to renew for two additional one-year periods, subject to a maximum annual increase of 10 percent. Bureau: Operations Discussion and vote for agenda item 4. was considered under agenda item 3. A motion was made by Secretary Shannon, seconded by Commissioner Cordero, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon and Frank Martinez Excused: 1 - Art Levine 5. 20-208WA Recommendation to Adopt Specifications WD-06-21, and authorize the General Manager to execute an agreement with JCI Jones Chemicals Inc. to furnish and deliver Liquid Chlorine in an amount not to exceed $250,000 for a period of one year, and to authorize the General Manager to exercise the option to renew for two additional one-year Page 11 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES periods, subject to a maximum annual increase of 10 percent. Bureau: Operations Discussion and vote for agenda item 5. was considered under agenda item 3 A motion was made by Secretary Shannon, seconded by Commissioner Cordero, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon and Frank Martinez Excused: 1 - Art Levine 6. 20-209WA Recommendation to Adopt Specifications WD-07-21, and authorize the General Manager to execute an agreement with Sterling Water Technologies to furnish and deliver Polymer Blend in an amount not to exceed $550,000 for a period of one year, and to authorize the General Manager to exercise the option to renew for two additional one-year periods, subject to a maximum annual increase of 10 percent. Bureau: Operations Discussion and vote for agenda item 6. was considered under agenda item 3. A motion was made by Secretary Shannon, seconded by Commissioner Cordero, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon and Frank Martinez Excused: 1 - Art Levine 7. 20-210WA Recommendation to Adopt Request for Proposal for Custodial Services and authorize the General Manager to enter into contract with CCS Facility Services to provide custodial services in an amount not-to-exceed $410,000 for a period of one year, and to authorize the General Manager to exercise the option to renew for two additional Page 12 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES one-year periods, subject to a maximum of 6.75% each year. Bureau: Operations President Martinez introduced agenda item 7. Ms. Liza Gutierrez provided the staff report and reviewed a presentation with the Board. President Martinez reported that he had learned that the current custodial service vendor (Servicon) had missed the deadline for bidding on this contract. Ms. Guiterrez commented on this issue. Commissioner Rainey inquired about receiving a breakdown for the ethnicity of the stakeholders mentioned in the presentation. She also inquired if bid proposals were published in non-English publications. Ms. Gutierrez responded. President Martinez called for any other Commission questions or comments. Commissioner Cordero commented. President Martinez called for a motion. Commissioner Cordero made the motion for aproval. Commissioner Shannon commented on the issue of the previous vendor not meeting the bid deadline. He asked if staff was satisfied with the process. Mr. Tseng responded. President Martinez called for a second for the motion on the table. Commissioner Shannon seconded the motion. A roll call was taken. Page 13 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Cordero, seconded by Secretary Shannon, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon and Frank Martinez Excused: 1 - Art Levine At this point in the meeting (10:23 A.M.) Commissioner Shannon advised he was leaving the meeting and would not return. A second roll call was taken to reflect his absence. ROLL CALL Commissioners Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey and Frank Martinez Present: Commissioners Art Levine Excused: Commissioners Robert Shannon Absent: 8. 20-211WA Recommendation to Authorize the General Manager to increase the contract amounts of Agreement Nos. WD-3442, WD-3443, and WD-3444 under Specifications WD-13-19 for On-Call Services for Emergency Water and Sewer Repair with Charles King Company, Inc.; Ramona, Inc.; and W.A. Rasic Construction Company, Inc.; by an additional $500,000.00 each. Bureau: Engineering President Martinez introduced agenda item 8. Mr. Verceles provided the staff report for agenda item 8. He suggested that an individual vote be provided for this item; but then mentioned that one vote could be held for agenda items 9. - 11. President Martinez called for any questions or comments from the Page 14 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES Commission. He then called for any public comment. Hearing none he called for a motion. A roll call vote was taken. A motion was made by Commissioner Cordero, seconded by Commissioner Rainey, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey and Frank Martinez Excused: 1 - Art Levine Absent: 1 - Robert Shannon 9. 20-212WA Recommendation to authorize the General Manager to execute five (5) separate three-year contracts for On-Call Construction Management and Inspection Services with (1) Lee + Ro, Inc., (2) Wallace & Associates Consulting, Inc., (3) Willdan Engineering, (4) JIG Consultants, and (5) SA Associates, each in the amount of $300,000 with provision to extend for an additional period of one year, subject to the approval of the Board. Bureau: Engineering President Martinez called on Mr. Verceles to continue his staff reports for agenda items 9. - 11. Mr. Verceles reviewed the background information for agenda item 9. (Lee & Ro, Inc.; Wallace & Associates Consulting Inc.; Willdan Engineering; JIG Consultants and SA Associates). Agenda item 10. (Smith-Emery Laboratories; Twining Geotechnical; RMA Group; Wood; Ninyo & Moore). Agenda item 11. (CL Survey; Stantec; D. Wooley & Associates; BKF Engineers; Uniplan Engineering, Inc.). President Martinez called for any Commission questions or comments. He then called for any public comment. President Martinez called for a motion. Page 15 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES A roll call vote was taken. A motion was made by Commissioner Cordero, seconded by Commissioner Rainey, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey and Frank Martinez Excused: 1 - Art Levine Absent: 1 - Robert Shannon 10. 20-213WA Recommendation to Authorize the General Manager to execute five (5) separate three-year contracts for On-Call Geotechnical Engineering Services with (1) Smith-Emery Laboratories, (2) Twining Geotechnical, (3) RMA Group, (4) Wood, and (5) Ninyo & Moore, each in the amount of $600,000 with provision to extend for one period of one year, subject to approval of the Board. Bureau: Engineering Discussion and vote for agenda item 10. was considered under agenda item 9. A motion was made by Commissioner Cordero, seconded by Commissioner Rainey, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey and Frank Martinez Excused: 1 - Art Levine Absent: 1 - Robert Shannon 11. 20-214WA Recommendation to Authorize the General Manager to execute five (5) separate three-year contracts for On-Call Survey Engineering Services with (1) CL Survey, (2) Stantec, (3) D. Woolley & Associates, (4) BKF Engineers, and (5) Uniplan Engineering, Inc., each in the amount of $450,000 with provision to extend for one period of one year, subject to approval of the Board. Bureau: Engineering Discussion and vote for agenda item 11. was considered under agenda Page 16 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES item 9. A motion was made by Commissioner Cordero, seconded by Commissioner Rainey, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey and Frank Martinez Excused: 1 - Art Levine Absent: 1 - Robert Shannon NOTE: AGENDA ITEM 12. WAS CONSIDERED EARLIER ON THE AGENDA 13. 20-216WA Recommendation to receive report of the Metropolitan Water District Board Meeting for December 8, 2020. MWD Director Cordero provided a summary report of the Metropolitan Water District December 8, 2020 Board meeting. She noted that the MWD Board had unanimously approved the funding of the Agreement for the planning and pre-construction costs for the Delta Conveyance Project. She reported that the MWD Board had approved a $324,000 grant for the Rancho Los Cerritos Stormwater Direct Use pilot project. She thanked Mr. Wang and Mr. Falagan for their assistance in helping the Rancho staff with this project. President Martinez requested Director Cordero update the LBWD Board about the MWD search for their new General Manager. Director Cordero advised that the process had been pushed back to the March/April time frame. President Martinez called for any public comment. Hearing none he moved on in the agenda. NEW BUSINESS President Martinez called for a motion to excuse Commissioner Levine from the December Page 17 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 9:00 AM MINUTES 17, 2020 Board meeting. Commissioner Cordero made the motion and President Martinez seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. The vote was 3 yes; 1 excused (Levine) 1 absent (Shannon). ADJOURNMENT President Martinez read the closed session item into the record: Pursuant to Section 54956.8 of the California Government Code regarding a conference with the Board's real property negotiator. Properties: 1. 3651-3655 Delta Avenue (APN 7311-012-029 & 030). Long Beach, CA Buco Trust (Abelarto O. Buco and Anna Marie B. Espejo). 2. 3654 Denver Avenue (APH 8311-012-004) Long Beach, CA Peter G. Sarmiento President Martinez called for any public comment. Hearing none he reminded the Board that the General Manager Evaluation closed session item had been postponed to the January 7, 2021 Board meeting. He adjourned the regular meeting at 10:47 A.M. to the closed session. President Martinez reconvened the Board meeting at 11:00 A.M. and advised he had nothing to report. The closed session was adjourned at 11:01 A.M. to the January 7, 2021 Board meeting. Page 18 of 19 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE/WEB, 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 19 of 19