Water Commission (now under Utilities Commission)

CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 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 TELECONFERENCE MEETING - 9:00 A.M. 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 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. Commissioners Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon, Art Levine and Present: Frank Martinez PUBLIC COMMENT 1. 21-079WA Public Comments for May 13, 2021. Page 1 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES President Martinez called for any public comment. He asked if any written public comment had been received. Ms. Fox replied no. Hearing no public comment, President Martinez closed the public comment period. 2. 21-080WA Receive Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) Presentation President Martinez called on Jenifer Ly, Planner from Development Services. She reviewed a presentation with the Board regarding the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. President Martinez called for any Commissioner comments or questions. Commissioner Cordero asked if a call to action would be made to the residents regarding the plan. Ms. Ly responded. Commissioner Cordero suggest that staff involve the city's non-profits regarding the plan. President Martinez called for any other Commissioner questions or comments. President Martinez asked if there was flexibility in the plan to possibly take advantage of funding that might be available in the proposed Biden bills: Infrastructure; Climate Action and Green Jobs. Ms. Ly responded. President Martinez spoke about his role serving on the CSULB Advisory Board for Construction Engineering Management and new classes that are being developed for that department. He suggested that Development Services staff might want to contact them regarding a potential partnerships with the school and students. Ms. Ly responded. President Martinez made comments regarding sea level rise in the Long Beach area. Ms. Ly responded. Page 2 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES Commissioner Cordero asked that this report be provided to the electives. President Martinez made closing remarks. He called for any public comment. Hearing none he moved on in the agenda. PRESIDENT'S REPORT President Martinez provided a report of the Finance Committee meeting that was held earlier in the morning of May 13, 2021. President Martinez advised the Board that this would be Mr. Greg Sorensen's last day at the Water Department. He noted he had taken a position with the City's Financial Management Department. Commissioner Cordero, Levine and Shannon made congratulatory comments to Mr. Sorensen. Mr. Garner thanked Mr. Sorensen for his work with the finances for the department. GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Garner spoke about the Governor's recent declaration of announcing 41 counties in Northern California were experiencing drought conditions. He also announced that the Governor had released his proposed budget, which included $2 billion for water, electric and gas utility bills to assist with delinquent payments that were a result of COVID. He advised that half of this funding was reserved for water. He noted CMUA had been very involved in seeking this type of relief funding. He noted the Governor had also proposed some rent relief funding that may be made available to the city He also reported the Governor had included $5.1 billion in the proposed budget to be paid out in the next five years for drought relief funding. President Martinez made comments regarding the upcoming drought and what the department may implement to answer the drought situation. He called on MWD Director Cordero to make comments regarding what MWD mght be doing in response to the current Page 3 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES drought situation. Director Cordero responded. Mr. Garner advised the department staff had been in discussions to step up the use of social media to address water conservation efforts, and get the message out to the public. President Martinez advised he would like staff to share the messaging plan with the Board. Commissioner Cordero made comments regarding the LBWD water conservation messaging. REGULAR AGENDA 3. 21-081WA Recommendation to approve the April 1, 2021 Board meeting minutes. President Martinez called for a motion to approve the April 1, 2021 board meeting minutes. A motion was made. President Martinez called for any public comment. Hearing none he called for a roll call vote. The motion carried with a 5-0 vote. A motion was made by Secretary Shannon, seconded by Vice President Levine, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon, Art Levine and Frank Martinez 4. 21-082WA Recommendation to authorize the General Manager to execute the second, one-year, renewal option and issue a Purchase Order with We The Creative for an amount not to exceed $15,000, for graphic design services for one year. BUREAU: Public Affairs At this point in the meeting there was discussion regarding having one staff report and presentation for agenda items 4. - 8. Page 4 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES The Deputy City Attorney advised these items could be handled in that manner. With one vote for items 4. - 8. This was agreed to by the Board, and Ms. Weatherly provided the staff reports and presentations for agenda itms 4. - 8. President Martinez called for any Commission questions or comments. Commissioner Levine asked a question regarding Certified Blue restaurants. Mr. Falagan responded. President Martinez asked if LBWD was working with the new Restaurant Association. Mr. Falagan responded. Commissioner Levine asked if that association assisted local restaurants during COVID. Mr. Falagan responded. Ms. Weatherly made comments regarding the LBWD virtual pub crawl. Commissioner Cordero inquired if LBWD had links on their website for non-profits who could assist with utility payments. Ms. Weatherly responded. Commissioner Levine inquired if the Certified Blue Restaurants were listed on the LBWD website. Ms. Weatherly responded yes. President Martinez inquired about the scoring process for grading contractors performance. Ms.Weatherly responded. President Martinez requested that staff prepare a scoring metric regarding the consultants and how they are performing regarding their budget before Page 5 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES these contracts were brought back to the Board for their next renewal. Commissioner Shannon made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Levine. President Martinez asked the Deputy City Attorney regarding the one motion for items 4. - 8. Mr. Anthony responded. President Martinez called for any public comment. Hearing none he called for a roll call vote on the motion for items 4. 8. The motion carried. 5-0. A motion was made by Secretary Shannon, seconded by Vice President Levine, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon, Art Levine and Frank Martinez 5. 21-083WA Recommendation to authorize the General Manager to execute the second, one-year, renewal option and issue a Purchase Order with JPW Communications for an amount not to exceed $40,000 for strategic communications services for one year. BUREAU: Public Affairs One motion and vote was held for items 4. - 8. A motion was made by Secretary Shannon, seconded by Vice President Levine, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon, Art Levine and Frank Martinez 6. 21-084WA Recommendation to authorize the General Manager to execute the second, one-year, renewal option and issue a Purchase Order with DeGrave Communications, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $20,000, Page 6 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES for creative content development and bilingual marketing services for one year. BUREAU: Public Afffairs One motion and vote was held for items 4. - 8. A motion was made by Secretary Shannon, seconded by Vice President Levine, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon, Art Levine and Frank Martinez 7. 21-085WA Recommendation to authorize the General Manager to execute the second, one-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. BUREAU: Public Affairs One motion and vote was held for items 4. - 8. A motion was made by Secretary Shannon, seconded by Vice President Levine, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon, Art Levine and Frank Martinez 8. 21-086WA Recommendation to authorize the General Manager to execute the second, one-year, renewal option and issue a Purchase Order with Circlepoint for an amount not to exceed $125,000, for communications and graphic design services for one year. BUREAU: Public Affairs One motion and vote was held for items 4. - 8. A motion was made by Secretary Shannon, seconded by Vice President Levine, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Page 7 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES Yes: 5 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon, Art Levine and Frank Martinez 9. 21-087WA Recommendation to authorize the General Manager to renew an agreement with Pacifica Services, Inc. to provide On-Call Project Labor Agreement Administration and Compliance Monitoring Services for current and future projects in the total amount not-to-exceed $725,000, for one (1) additional one-year period. BUREAU: Engineering President Martinez introduced agenda item 9. Mr. Pincherli provided a staff report and reviewed a presentation with the Board. President Martinez called for any Commission questions or comments. Commissioner Shannon requested an explanation of the services Pacifica Services provides, and what their per hour pay rate is.. Mr. Pincherli responded. Commissioner Shannon asked if the City was using this same vendor. Mr.Picnherli responded. Commissioner Shannon asked who at LBWD oversees the Pacifica Services contract. Mr. Pincherli responded. Commissioner Shannon requested an explanation regarding funds encumbered and spent. Mr. Pinchderli responded. President Martinez called for any additional Commission comments or questions. He called for any public comment. Hearing none he called for motion. He then callaed for a roll call vote. The mjotion caried with a 5-0 vote. Page 8 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Cordero, seconded by Vice President Levine, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon, Art Levine and Frank Martinez 10. 21-088WA Verbal update on Long Beach Water Department Project Labor Agreement BUREAU: Engineering President Martinez introduced agenda item 10. Mr. Pincherli provided a staff report and reviewed the presentation with the Board. President Martinez called for any Commissioner questions or comments. President Martinez inquired about pipelines needing to be disinfected. Mr. Pincherli responded. Mr. Tseng also responded to this inquiry. President Martinez called for any other Commission questions or comments. He then called for any public comment. He noted this was a non-action item. 11. 21-089WA Recommendation to adopt Specifications WD-17-21 and authorize the General Manager to execute an agreement with Bradley Tanks Inc. to provide excavation material hauling and disposal services in an amount not to exceed $815,000 for a period of one year, and the option to renew for two additional one-year periods in an amount not to exceed a 5% increase for each renewal period. BUREAU: Operations President Martinez introduced agenda item 11. Mr. Salas provided a staff report and reviewed a presentation with the Board. President Martinez called for any Commission comments or questions. Page 9 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES A motion and second were made. President Martnez called for any public comment. Hearing none he called for a roll call vote. The motion carried 5-0. A motion was made by Secretary Shannon, seconded by Commissioner Cordero, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon, Art Levine and Frank Martinez 12. 21-090WA Invitation for a Board sponsorship of the Newspapers in Education Program (NIE) for the Press-Telegram. President Martinez introduced agenda item 12. Mr. Garner provided the staff report. President Martinez made comments regarding supporting this sponsorship request. Commissioner Rainey made comments regarding the NIE program. She noted her reasons for not being able to support this program. Mr. Garner responded. Commissioner Rainey made addition comments, and asked the Commission to consider holding this approval for a year. Commissioner Shannon made a motion to hold this item over to the next meeting. He requested that Mr. Garner do additional research to address Commissioner Rainey's concerns. Commissioner Rainey seconded the motion. Commissioner Rainey made additional comments. President Martinez called for any public comment. Hearing none he called for a roll call vote. The motion carried with a 5-0 vote. Page 10 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES A motion was made by Secretary Shannon, seconded by Commissioner Rainey, to laid over. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Gloria Cordero, Naomi Rainey, Robert Shannon, Art Levine and Frank Martinez 13. 21-091WA Receive report of the May 8, 2021 Special Metropolitan Water District Board meeting & May 11, 2021 Metropolitan Water District Board meeting. Metropolitan Water District Director, Gloria Cordero provided a report regarding the MWD Board meetings for May 8 and May 11, 2021. She reported that the MWD General Manager search has been concluded, and that an announcement would be announced at their June 2021 board meeting. She advised that the the Shaw Law Group is continuingtheir review/investigations into the allegations made against MWD. She noted that to-date 175 interviews had been conducted. She reported that the recent Integrated Resource Plan for MWD had been completed. President Martinez called for any Commission questions or comments. Hearing none he called for any public comment. 14. 21-092WA Review Water Department Proposed Budget presentation for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 BUREAU: Business - Finance President Martinez introduced agenda item 14. Mr. Brandon Walker provided a staff report regarding review of Water Department Proposed Budget presentation for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. Mr. Robert Verceles provided a staff report and review of the CIP presentation. Mr. Walker reviewed three scenarios for a sewer rate increase: Page 11 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES 1. 6% 2. 8% 3. 10% Mr. Walker reviewed three scenarios for a water rate increase: 1. 4% 2. 6% 3. 8% Mr. Walker reviewed the next steps in the adoption of budget and rates: May 27, 2021 - Budget workshop #2 June 10, 2021 - Budget workshop #3 June 24, 2021 - Adoption of budget and rates. President Martinez thanked Mr. Walker and Mr. Verceles for their presentations. He called for any Commissioner comments or questions. Commissioner Shannon suggested that future upcoming budget workshops be held as individual meetings rather than including them on a Board agenda. President Martinez spoke regarding this request. Mr. Garner advised that this could be done if this was what the Board requested. Commissioner Cordero advised she agreed in holding future workshops as stand alone meetings. President Martinez made additional comments on holding stand alone budget workshops. President Martinez asked where the Board workshop meeting notices were being posted. Mr. Garner advised advertisement of the workshops is included on the utility bills; meeting dates are posted on the LBWD website along with a link to the presentations. Commissioner Shannon made comments regarding public participation in the workshops. He noticed the most public participation will be at the Prop 218 Public Hearing. Page 12 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES Commissioner Levine noted the benefit of publicizing the budget workshops. Commissioner Shannon made additional comments regarding educating the public to understand the benefit and reason for rhe rate increases. Mr. Garner commented on this matter. President Martinez inquired what social media platforms were being used the the department to advertise the budget workshops. Mr.Garner responded. Commissioner Shannon made a motion to schedule future budget workshops as individual meetings. Commissioner Cordero seconded the motion. A roll call vote was held. Motion carried 4-1 (Rainey left meeting). Commissioner Shannon made comments regarding setting a date for the next workshop. There was general discussion to set the next budget workshop for May 20, 2021 at 8:00 A.M. President Martinez made comments regarding the possibility of upcoming state funding and asked if these funds were received could the budget be adjusted. Mr. Walker responded. President Martinez called for any public comment. Hearing none he moved on in the agenda. CONSIDER STANDING COMMITTEE REFERRALS President Martinez called for any Committee referrals. Hearing none he moved on in the agenda. NEW BUSINESS President Martinez called for any new business. Hearing none he moved onto adjournment. Page 13 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 WATER COMMISSION VIA TELECONFERENCE, 9:00 AM MINUTES ADJOURNMENT President Martinez adjourned the meeting at 11:38 A.M. to the special teleconferenc meeting of May 20, 2021 at 8:00 A.M. Page 14 of 15 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 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 15 of 15