Minutes of the Board of Trustees – Wednesday, July 8, 2009.
1. Roll Call:
Present: President, Evan Long; Secretary, Belen Gomez; Bette George; Harold Dozier and Bruce Myers.
Staff: Manager, Michael Alburn.
2. Approval of May Minutes:
It was moved by Harold Dozier, seconded by Bette George, and unanimously carried that the Minutes of the May meeting be approved as mailed.
3. Approval of May Bills:
Following discussion, it was moved by Bruce Myers, seconded by Harold Dozier, and unanimously carried that the May Bills be approved as submitted. See: Board Order to disburse funds No. 24, Exhibit I.
4. Approval of June Payroll:
Following discussion, it was moved by Bette George, seconded by Bruce Myers, and unanimously carried that the June Payroll be approved as submitted. See: Board Order to disburse funds No. 25, Exhibit II.
5. Approval of June Bills:
Following discussion, it was moved by Harold Dozier, seconded by Belen Gomez, and unanimously carried that the June Bills be approved as submitted. See: Board Order to disburse funds No. 26, Exhibit III.
6. Approval of July Payroll:
Following discussion, it was moved by Bette George, seconded by Bruce Myers, and unanimously carried that the July Payroll be approved as submitted. See: Board Order to disburse funds No. 1, Exhibit IV.
7. Public Forum:
None.
8. Operational Report:
The Manager reported on mosquito abundance throughout the District with emphasis on the Dinuba and Visalia communities. Adult mosquito treatments have been initiated in Dinuba and Visalia as well. The surveillance of swimming pools through a second flight by Dynamic Aviation was reported as was the use of Foreclosureradar.com.
The report on West Nile virus experienced in the region indicated Fresno County had experienced significant exposure.
No humans, No equine, 44 Dead Birds – 32 Fresno County, 0 Tulare County; 60 Mosquito Samples – 48 Fresno County, 4 Tulare County.
9. Classification Plan Update:
The Manager reported that a recent salary survey of the South San Joaquin Valley region performed by the Kings MAD evaluated the position of Administrative Assistant, Secretary/ Bookkeeper, and Office Manager. The regional positions appear to show that Delta should evaluate the salary schedule for the Administrative Assistant position.
The position holds the responsibility level of a supervisor. The supervisor salary schedule would place the Administrative Assistant. in close proximity of the regions similar job titles.
The Manager recommended the Administrative Assistant’s salary schedule be in line with the Foreman and the Systems Administrator. Following discussion, it was moved by Bruce Myers, seconded by Bette George and unanimously carried to accept the recommendation of the Manager and align the salary schedule accordingly.
10. Fiscal Budget 2009/10:
The Manager presented the Budget for consideration, going over the line items as described in the document (See: 2009/10 Fiscal Budget). The Manager recommended a change in policy regarding the payment for employees earning an ASE certification from $25/ certificate/ month to $75/ certificate/ month. After discussion, it was moved by Bruce Myers, seconded by Harold Dozier, and unanimously carried to approve the change.
The Manager will bring back the Budget in August to correct the Revenue allowing for the County to post final numbers later in the month. All other aspects were complete and as such it was moved by Bette George, seconded by Belen Gomez and unanimously carried to approve the 2009/10 Budget with the understanding an amendment would be made at the August meeting.
11. Three Year Audit Proposal:
The Manager reported that Michael L. Oxenreider, CPA has offered a three-year contract calls for a flat fee of $4,800/ yr. The alternative is to have a 5% increase year to year, which would average out to $4,867 per year. Last year the District paid $4,410 for the audit.
Following discussion, it was moved by Harold Dozier, seconded by Bruce Myers, and unanimously carried to approve the entering into a three year contract for Mr. Oxenreider’s services.
12. Sixth Circuit Cour of Appeal Update:
The Manager reported on the Sixth Circuit’s actions regarding National Cotton Council v. EPA.
The Sixth Circuit approved the request to stay the effective date of its decision until April 9, 2011. This means that the court ruling voiding the EPA regulation will not take effect until that date. As a reminder, the regulation (which therefore will remain in effect) adds the following to the list of discharges that do not require NPDES permits:
“(h) The application of pesticides consistent with all relevant requirements under FIFRA (i.e., those relevant to protecting water quality), in the following two circumstances:
(1) The application of pesticides directly to waters of the United States in order to control pests. Examples of such applications include applications to control mosquito larvae, aquatic weeds, or other pests that are present in waters of the United States.
(2) The application of pesticides to control pests that are present over waters of the United States, including near such waters, where a portion of the pesticides will unavoidably be deposited to waters of the United States in order to target the pests effectively; for example, when insecticides are aerially applied to a forest canopy where waters of the United States may be present below the canopy or when pesticides are applied over or near water for control of adult mosquitoes or other pests.”
The court has not yet decided the separate petition requesting a rehearing of the case by the full panel of judges.
Delta continues to maintain a larvacide permit on file with the Fresno office of the State Water Resources Control Board, reporting all applications made to waters of the United States on a monthly basis. No adulticide permit exists at this time. One such permit is in development and should be available by the April 9, 2011 deadline.
13. Hayashida Architects:
The Manager presented the elevation concept drawings that Hayashida has put together following consultation with District staff. The next step is for a presentation at Site Plan Review with the City of Visalia. The Board will hold a Special meeting on the same day so that Hayashida representatives can answer questions.
14. Closed Session §54957, Public Employee Performance Evaluation, General Manager:
No reported action.
15. Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 9:39 p.m.
Board Minutes approved on August 12, 2009.
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Michael W. Alburn, Recording Secretary