MAINTENANCE AND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. Minutes of the regular meeting held on April 26, 2016

Transcription

1 MAINTENANCE AND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Minutes of the regular meeting held on COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: John Drew, Division II Will Morebeck, Division IV Tim Crough, Assistant General Manager Peggy Davidson, Recreation Manager Brian Powell, Maintenance Manager Neysa King, Watershed Resource Planner Kristi Kelly, Management Assistant SPECIAL ORDER: MIKE LISERRA, GREENHORN CAMPGROUND CONCESSIONAIRE SEWAGE LIFT PUMP REPAIR Peggy Davidson, Recreation Manager, introduced the Concessionaires from Greenhorn Campground, Mike and Maryanne Liserra. Mr. and Mrs. Liserra appeared before the Committee requesting reimbursement for repairs around the campgrounds. Mr. Liserra stated that in the past, the District would pay for materials and the Concessionaire would provide the labor. He claimed that it has been several years since there have been any contributions on the District s behalf. He invited Staff to walk through the campgrounds on a yearly basis to review the deterioration and discuss the work that needs to be done. The lift station was discussed in 2011 and it is a major issue. The lift station was pumped out at the beginning of the season and there were three failures in He stated that a failure occurred during the Labor Day weekend. In past discussions, it was determined that the pumps were the wrong pumps as they only pump fluids and not materials. Ms. Davidson stated that on July 15, 2015, and August 3, 2015, Moore Plumbing was called out to Greenhorn and the District paid the bill. The sewer pumps were plugged at the store. Plastic trash bags, papers, and rags were removed from the pumps bases. The tank lid was also broken at the hinge. Mr. Liserra owns a backhoe and during each failure, the backhoe has to be brought in for the repairs. He operates the backhoe while Moore Plumbing cleans the pumps. Ms. Davidson stated that on August 3, 2015, two pump impellers were clogged with rags and papers. The District paid that invoice. The same problems occur at Scotts Flat Lake. Urke Plumbing installed a sleeve to reduce the clogging from items that get flushed down from the restrooms.

2 Page 2 of 9 Jim Caldwell, Park Maintenance Ranger, explained that an eight-inch PVC pipe with holes drilled was installed over the pipe to prevent material from clogging the screen. It has helped to prevent failures. Mr. Liserra stated that Moore Plumbing was paid, but Navo & Sons, Inc. is part of the expense. Ms. Davidson asked what the date of the expense was. Mr. Liserra responded that he has the bills. Navo & Sons, Inc. has taken him to collections. Ms. Davidson asked for the reason why he had not paid the bills. Mr. Liserra responded that he felt that if the plumber got paid by the District, Navo should be paid. He directed Navo & Sons, Inc. to contact the District. When Navo & Sons, Inc. contacted the District, payment was denied. He did not know who they talked to. Director Drew stated that the contractual relationship will be scrutinized regarding maintenance and repairs. There is clarity that some of the responsibility remains with the Concessionaire. The Contract agreement comes first. Any subsequent agreements that the District wants to participate in, is secondary. Not only can the pump suction be tubed and prescreened, but the material coming into the sump can be screened through an encaption screen so that material never gets into the sump. The screen would not have to be cleaned. Mr. Liserra had a report dated March 17, 2011, from Sauers Engineering recommending a filter system which was adding another tank that would catch the material before the fluid passed into the pumps. Director Drew replied that it is ten times more expensive than installing a pre-screen. He directed Ms. Davidson to weigh the options and see what the District s responsibilities are in relation to the contract. One thing that the District does want is Zero failures. Director Morebeck asked what the total amount of pumping was that did not get paid. Mr. Liserra responded, $1, It was pumped three times. Director Morebeck responded that if it has gone to collections, it is highly unlikely that Navo & Sons, Inc. will respond to another call. He asked if a letter was sent to the District requesting that the bill be paid. Mr. Liserra responded, No. That is the reason for the meeting; to discuss it.

3 Page 3 of 9 Ms. Davidson stated that she did not receive any billing information. She received a phone call from Navo & Sons, Inc. last month stating that the bill had not been paid by Mr. Liserra. Director Drew instructed Mr. Liserra to provide copies of the bill and any documentation relevant to the issue to Ms. Davidson. On a management level, Ms. Davidson can handle issues without it coming to Committee. Mr. Liserra stated that there were other issues discussed in the past that have not been dealt with such as replacement of doors on the restrooms. In addition, one of the newer roads is deteriorating and needs to have a pipe and rock installed for proper drainage. All of the roads through the campgrounds are in bad shape. Ms. Davidson responded that she has the list from 2007 and that the items were discussed and approved at the Committee level. There has been no follow through on Mr. Liserra s part. An annual walkthrough of the campgrounds would benefit both parties. Mr. Liserra agreed to Ms. Davidson the unpaid bills and receipts and schedule a date for a walkthrough. MINUTES MARCH 22, 2016 The minutes of the regular meeting held on March 22, 2016, were approved as submitted. MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES REPORT Brian Powell, Maintenance Manager, presented the highlights from the Maintenance Activities Report: Crews worked hard to get the canals prepared for the transition into Ag season. Cascade Canal Screens: The screens were full of debris due to the high water levels following drought years. The buildup of twigs and limbs washed down at the same time. Bob MacDonald, Maintenance Superintendent, reported that he was at the Mercury Removal site on Combie Lake. The floating debris was in the footprint of the worksite. It looks like it may have topped over the access road. There was four feet of clearance between the bridge and the water and significant pieces of debris caught in the rocks. There are many dead trees on the site. Mr. Powell stated that the District has a standard five-year permit with Fish and Wildlife to clean the debris from the head of the Cascade Canal. The permit will

4 Page 4 of 9 need to be renewed after Additional diversion cleaning permits will be obtained for the Tarr, Tunnel, and China Union canals. Director Drew stated that with all the dead trees in the area, the debris will start to be more prevalent in the lakes and canals. Combie Ophir IV Unpermitted House: The house was built right along the canal. Mr. and Mrs. Abel remodeled and the issue was not brought up. The canal had been leaking off and on for years. Shotcrete has been applied in the past which did not work. The solution was to pipe this section of canal so the crews encased it in 36 inch pipe. Mr. McDonald reported that the section was constricting flow on the system. Engineering had installed the Mt. Vernon Siphon to increase the flow. To access the site, permission had to be obtained from the neighbors to cross their property. The District replaced a fence that was falling down and the residents, Mr. & Mrs. Queen, are very happy. Establishing and building this relationship is important for future work. Gaging Stations CABY Grant: Four gaging stations are being installed. The locations are on the Riffle Box, Grove, Allison Ranch, and the Sanford-Struckman Canals. Bear River Pines Project Completed: The final paving will be done in the summer. The neighbors are removing trees and District staff will coordinate the paving once the work is completed. The Service Crew connected all the services. Facilities Crew Maintenance Remodel: Additional maintenance personnel will be added with the takeover of the South Yuba Canal, and the locker room is being expanded. The laundry room will be relocated to an outbuilding at the Purchasing Department. Lake of The Pines Water Treatment Plant: Crews remodeled building and removed old chlorine scrubber. It now meets the needs of the Operations department. Fleet New Vehicles: Ten new vehicles were purchased and the mechanics are busy outfitting the vehicles with light bars and tool boxes. The surplus vehicles are being stripped of the equipment and prepared for auction. Main Break at Chaparral and Lake Forest in Lake Wildwood: Ten inch AC line burst and nearly drained the storage tank. Combie Ophir IV: The section that crosses and runs parallel with Mt. Vernon Road will be abandoned. There are several services that will be connected and served by the Rohr-Shanley pipeline. The pipe runs down the ditch providing pressure to the

5 Page 5 of 9 services. The pipe will continue to the end of the siphon and Operations will have an option to flow water from the Rohr-Shanley into the Combie Ophir IV, if needed. Due to an agreement involving the abandonment of this section of canal, there are half a dozen wells being tested. After the canal has been dry for over one year and if there are no problems with those wells, the pipe will be left in the ditch and the ditch will be backfilled. If the wells are adversely affected by the drying of the canal, then water will have to be put back into the canal for the four services. Mr. MacDonald reported that staff went to the PG&E outage and observed the work being done. They removed sections of box flume. The sections are fabricated at the Ziebright Mine and flown in. The tunnel was being shored up. No Spray Agreement: This is the second year of implementation. Brian Morris, Assistant Maintenance Superintendent for Vegetation Control, and Mr. MacDonald sent out forty letters to the residents. This year, Mr. Morris and Mr. MacDonald met with the property owners and narrowed down how many property owners would participate. Nineteen property owners opted out, thirteen signed the agreement (seven still waiting for the insurance), three asked if they could graze their animals in the canal to keep the weeds down, and five refused to sign. Mr. Morris explained that if the animals are allowed to graze and the weeds are totally eliminated, the canal banks widen. If there is weed growth, it stabilizes the bank and prevents the canal from spreading. Mr. MacDonald stated that the best example is at the end of the Comstock-Glading. The canal goes through a 50-acre parcel and the gentleman grazes his cattle along the canal. It is free labor. However, it does require berm repair. Mr. Powell reported that the plan for the property owners that do not want to sign is to inspect the canal in the summer when the weed growth is at its peak and begins to choke off the water flow. Staff will meet with the property owners and point out the issues. They will be asked to clean the canal. If that does not work, crews will do the work and the bill will be sent to the property owner. There is no policy in place to lien the property, but that is the direction this is heading. Mr. MacDonald explained that the first step is to educate the property owners of the importance of the water conveyance. Second, is to monitor the canals for any water flow issues, and finally address the issues with the property owners. RECREATION ACTIVITIES REPORT Peggy Davidson, Recreation Manager, reported on the following highlights from the Recreation Activities Report:

6 Page 6 of 9 Orchard Springs Cabins: The cabins have been removed. Yurts are being considered as replacements. Orchard Springs Store: The store has been cleaned out. Large items have been sold. A 20 x 30 Tough Shed has been ordered to replace the store. The store will be centered on the existing foundation and will have room for picnic tables. The store may not be ready in time for the Memorial Day Holiday, but Staff will sell ice and fire wood out of the Gate House. The Dawg House food truck will be onsite for the holiday weekend. Firewood Scotts Flat Lake: There were 80 to 90 trees removed. There is plenty of firewood to be sold to campers Docks: Orchards Springs docks will be installed first, followed by Peninsula and Long Ravine. Pole Barn Scotts Flat Lake: The project is nearing completion. No Motor Day Scotts Flat Lake: Good turnout. Kids Watershed Camp: First one is June 23, Burton Homestead: Kids Day sponsored by the Bear Yuba Land Trust. The District has a table with information on Kids Watershed Camp and Kids Triathlon. Camping and Day Use 2016: Due to the rainy weather, there has been a decrease in camping and day use. Deli at Long Ravine: The owners of the boat rentals REEF are operating the deli this year. Camp Hosts: The District is lucky to have hard working and customer service oriented camp hosts at all locations this year. Kids Triathlon: Scheduled in May Jackson Meadows and Bowman Lakes: There is a new temporary Senior Ranger for the two lakes. He is currently training at Scotts Flat Lake. The roads are still covered in snow and ice. He will be greeting campers, maintaining counts, and educating campers of the rules. Director Drew inquired as to what the District s interface is with the Fire Safe Council regarding the grant. Neysa King, Watershed Resources Planner, explained that there has not been much dialogue between Joanne Drummond, Fire Safe Council. Ms. Drummond did state that she wanted the District to include in their proposal that the Cascade Shores neighbors will be allowed to bring their green waste for chipping. Director Drew signed up to attend the Fire Safe Council s Gala Dinner and wanted to know how to steer the discussion regarding the District. Ms. King reported that Chip Close, Operations Manager, met with Ms. Drummond at the Fire Safe Council approximately one to two years ago. There is a document for a County-Wide Fire Safe Plan that includes District properties. Campgrounds have been included as project areas for fire fuel reductions. This includes all of the Sierra

7 Page 7 of 9 Conservancy proposal area between the dam and Cascade Shores. There needs to be follow up conversations. Ms. Davidson added that Ms. Drummond works well with the District and she was instrumental in having a section of Cascade Shores cleared several years ago. There was no cost to the District and the neighborhood was grateful. The Washington Ridge Crew works well with the Fire Safe Council. They recommend contacting the Fire Safe Council and have the District request to borrow their equipment for removal of Scotch Broom. Next Month: Update on Jackson Meadows and Bowman Campgrounds Quagga Mussel Grant: Included in the agenda is a prevention guide which is part of the grant requirement. SAFETY ACTIVITIES Staff observed the PG&E Work on the South Yuba Canal and the tunnel. Don Bird, Safety Analyst went out to observe the safety provisions used for Fall Protection. Oma Cahill, temporary employee working in the Safety Center, is entering data into a computer database of all the safety training records, safety meetings held, who attended the meetings, safety subject presented at the meetings, etc. This gives the District the ability to sort out subjects and employees in a comprehensive way. It was demonstrated for the Operations, Maintenance, and Hydroelectric Departments and there were favorable responses. If OSHA were to respond following an accident, the records can be retrieved in a timely manner. Another benefit of the database is that a crew cannot respond to a site that requires current training and certification. Certification is required every two years. The database will provide information as to who is and who is not current on training. Training can now be scheduled before certification expires. It took El Dorado Irrigation District nine months and five people to enter all their training records. The District will be there in two months utilizing one person. Director Drew inquired if the paper copies are destroyed. Mr. Crough responded that the District is still maintaining the hard copies. Target Solutions has the electronic copies backed up in two different locations. Once data entry is completed and the system is successfully operational, then consideration will be given to destroying the hard copies. Emergency Evacuation and Threat Response Plan: There is a Committee that has met for the past two months working on a plan that is coordinated with the school,

8 Page 8 of 9 fire department, and police department. This addresses earthquake response, fire evacuation, and active shooter threat. This also includes lockdown of the school which affects the District. The Committee received comments from the school and the police department, and the Committee is ready to finalize the plan. GRANT APPLICATIONS AND WATERSHED PROGRAMS Neysa King, Watershed Resources Planner, stated that the Watershed Program is developing in three areas: Forestry There is more browning taking place with the trees due to beetles and disease. There will be a noticeable forest shift in the region. The Ponderosa Pines will be hit very hard. The band of Ponderosa Pines that occurs at the 2,000 to 3,000 foot level will be gone. Tree debris will show up in every creek, canal and reservoir. The watershed will have small groups of brown trees that will quickly spread. Ms. Davidson and Ms. King met with PG&E at Scotts Flat Lake regarding the removal of nine trees which is part of their line maintenance. In terms of replanting the forest, the national forests are hands-off management and not at a point where replanting is a consideration because there is no clear cutting proposed. The focus is understory thinning and removing the small to medium diameter trees to give the larger trees the resources to become stronger and grow. Reseeding takes place and then the cycle begins again. The sites will be revisited. Grant Funding Pending Grant Sierra Nevada Conservancy: The grant is a $250,000 request for treating Scotts Flat project site which is 85 acres selective understory removal is done. Ten plots will be setup where two inch spreading depth of chips and six inch depths will have regrowth monitored. The District should know by May if the project is granted funding. Funding requires that the District use the California Conservation Corps. Grazing Leases Grazing: Staff is visiting the existing leases to come up with a contract for working on the Magnolia property. This is considered a fire management strategy. A meeting has been set up with Scott Costa to discuss the Canyon Creek allotment. This is part of the U.S. Forest Service Allotment. Staff wants to talk with everyone that grazes cows on District Lands to establish a basic approach where the landscape is not being degraded. This may include some photo monitoring and basic techniques.

9 Page 9 of 9 The importance of meadows in the Sierra Nevada has been focused on for 20 years with increasing excitement in the past five years. There is an opportunity to look at English Meadows and evaluate the condition of the meadow and enhance how it is functioning. Dr. Kevin Cornwell and his associate from the Plumas Corporation are meeting with Ms. King at the District to discuss how to assess the meadow and how it is impacted by human activities in the past, and what the opportunities are to restore the hydrologic connections so it can function as the sponge in the environment to provide stream water for the water supply into the summer months. Mr. Crough reported that the impetus to this is the activities of the U.S. Forest Service, so they have asked the District to permit another grazing right on the District s property. Ms. King explained that there is 500 acres within the grazing allotment that includes English Meadows, up around Milton, back to where it abuts to the Canyon Creek Allotment, including the peaks and higher meadows, and smaller lakes. The Forest Service has selected a grazer out of Sierraville. The Meadow has been at rest for three years. It is a good time to assess the meadow during the summer. The District has sent a response to the Forest Service informing them that the District does not intend to graze the lands this year. Director Drew stated that due to the Centennial Project there is a renewed focus on meadows. Everything that the District does with positive results will spin back to support Centennial. Ms. King said that it all supports a watershed approach. The upper mountain meadows are biodiversity hot spots and productive areas where you will see weight gain that would not be seen in a degraded meadow. Hydrologically, they are a benefit. The District could seek a grant for this. There is a potential for a grant this September from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. They have invited the District back for a planning proposal to have the assessment done. Mr. Cornwall discussed bringing college students out during the summer to do the assessment and begin measuring the ground water in the meadow. CABY A Mountain Counties Water Resources Association meeting was held on April 18, 2016, in Placerville. The State said that it would only accept one applicant for this Disadvantaged Community Outreach and Integration effort. Collectively, there needs to be an agreement as to who the applicant will be. The District s projects need to be included in the proposal to receive Proposition 1 funding in the future.