City/LBUSD Committee Meeting

Los Banos Unified School District/City of Los Banos 2x3 Meeting Minutes Tuesday, November 17, 2015 4:00 p.m. LBUSD The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. Call to Order Present: LBUSD: Superintendent Steve Tietjen, Board Member Dennis Areias, Roll Call Board Member John Mueller, Board Member Marlene Smith, City Manager Steve Carrigan, Mayor Mike Villalta, Council Member Tom Faria On Motion by Member Areias, seconded by Member Faria, the Committee Approval of approved the agenda as submitted. Ayes: Areias, Carrigan, Faria, Mueller, Agenda Smith, Tietjen, Villalta; Noes 0, Absent: 0. Motion carried. No one came forward and the public forum was closed at 4:07 p.m. Public Forum On Motion by Member Mueller, seconded by Member Areias, the Committee Approval of approved the minutes from the September 22, 2015 and October 20, 2015 Minutes meetings. Ayes: Areias, Carrigan, Faria, Mueller, Smith, Tietjen, Villalta; Noes: 0, Absent: 0. Motion carried. Dr. Tietjen reported on the PHS water meter findings. He stated that it was PHS Water Meter determined that in July; the field north of PHS campus had weeds plowed under as a safety precaution in preparation of the upcoming Fourth of July fireworks event. He said that the District was unaware that a water line was broken when this was done. He reported that the line has been fixed and there should be a significant change to the water usage. Mr. Fachin reported that the 20 meters in the PHS system, show a 16% reduction in usage. He stated that the recently repaired line attached to the high usage meter is still by far the meter with the highest reading. He suggested that we look at the line for another possible leak. He said that the landscape meters at SLHS, WUES, and PHS also should be looked at. He stated that the three schools are 135% above the 2013 water usage gage. There was discussion regarding the current well usage and city water usage at PHS. Mr. Fachin said that there should not be a cross connection between city and well water. Mr. Carrigan reported that the State will continue to enforce the statewide drought conservation program through the winter months. He stated that water conservation rules are still in place and the city may implement a no water or only one day a week water rule for the winter months. He said the State will continue restrictions for another year. Mr. Mueller asked if the City recommends we dig a well rather than use city water. Mr. Areias voiced concern about the turf field option for Pacheco High School sighting that recent reports show there may be health risks to athletes on the field. He said that turf fields still need water and that is a huge concern. There was a discussion on the City’s future water conservation plan and how to achieve the 25% goal. Dr. Tietjen gave an update on the PHS pool closure. He stated that Mr. Keys, PHS Pool Closure Pool Maintenance Specialist for the District recommended the pool closure for maintenance. He stated that is could possibly be closed for two months. He said the District is hopeful that the maintenance will not take more than that. He recently talked with the Skimmers Swim Team Coach, Josh Weinberger regarding the pool closure. He stated that in his conversation with Mr. Weinberger, he stressed that it was the decision of the District to close and maintain the pool. He stressed that he is supportive of the community groups using the pool, but there must be a balance between use and maintenance. He also reminded Mr. Weinberger that he is being charged a non-profit rate and technically the Skimmers are not a non-profit organization. He feels confident that the person in charge of maintaining the pool is highly qualified and respects his opinion. Dr. Tietjen stated that at a recent goal setting meeting the Board discussed and Community Pool prioritized facility projects needed throughout the District. He stated that a pool was not at the top of the list. Mr. Areias affirmed that District growth is the main focus. He said that housing the increasing student population was the top priority. He acknowledged that the in the future District would like to see a competition pool at LBHS. Mr. Villalta stated that he would like to see a community pool and asked if the District would be interested in making this a joint project. The group discussed building a joint facility pool at Pacheco Park for community use and competitive swimming. Mr. Mueller stated that there are concerns regarding a community pool at LBHS. He stated that it could be very costly for the District and that right now it is not a top priority. He also voiced concerns regarding a joint project. Mr. Villalta said that the city would like to implement a sales tax measure on the June, 2016 ballot. Before doing that he would like to do a survey to see if the community would vote for the sales tax. He asked if the District would be interested in sharing the cost of the survey. Dr. Tietjen stated that District would not be interested in a joint pool venture at this time. Mr. Mueller said that maybe next year if more State money becomes available, the District might be able to help fund a joint community pool. The group agreed that everyone wants a community pool. Ms. Melanie Creighton volunteered her time to help the City with a community survey. Mr. Areias suggested placing a holding tank at PHS using City water, rather PHS Water than drilling a well. He stated that the money the District saved could possibly Options be used to help fund a community pool. The group discussed future plans for water usage within the City and how it would affect the District. Mr. Fachin stated that the LB water system will be changing in the next 10 years. Cleaning up Chromium-6 will be costly. He does not recommend using city water stating that the price of water will be expensive in future years. He recommended not going under the clay layer when drilling. He suggested using ag water for school grounds and use treated water from city for the buildings. Mr. Fachin stated that cleaning up chromium-6 will be a huge cost to the Chromium-6 community. He stated that it has been determined that it is a naturally occurring Update element, not due to contamination from an outside source. He stated that the City is currently looking into treatment methods and alternative sources. Mr. Carrigan reported that the state recently revised the standard/maximum contaminant level from 50 to 10 ppb. He stated that the City will be looking into constructing water treatment facilities to treat the problem and that the city of Los Banos will be part of a state pilot program that will help with this project and he will have more information in January. Mr. Carrigan reported 117 new homes have been built to date, possibly 125 by Housing Permit the end of this year. Updates Other: The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 P.M. Adjournment Signed: ___________________________ _____________________ Thais Duni, Executive Secretary Date Los Banos Unified School District