agenda - thursday, august 17, 2017

AGENDA

JOINT REGULAR MEETING OF THE

PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE AND SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OF THE RANCHO CALIFORNIA WATER DISTRICT

Board Room

Rancho California Water District 42135 Winchester Road

Temecula, California

Thursday, August 17, 2017 8:30 AM

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA

Items may be added to the Agenda in accordance with Section 54954.2(b)(2) of the Government Code (Brown Act), upon a determination by a two-thirds vote of the members of the legislative body present at the meeting, or, if less than two-thirds of the members are present, a unanimous vote of those members present, that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the Rancho California Water District after the Agenda was posted.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

PUBLIC COMMENT

Any person may address the Committee at this time upon any subject not identified on this Agenda but within the jurisdiction of the Rancho California Water District. Please note that for items not listed on the agenda, the Brown Act imposes limitations on what the Committee may do at this time. The Committee may not take action on the item at this meeting. As to matters on the Agenda, persons will be given an opportunity to address the Committee when the matter is considered. If you wish to speak during public comment, please fill out a "Speaker Request Form" and give it to the Recording Secretary. When the Committee Chairman calls your name, please immediately step to the podium and begin by giving your name and address for the record. Each speaker will be given three (3) minutes to address the Committee.

1. Update on Conservation Efforts

2. Update on Outreach and Educational Efforts

3. Update on State Legislative and Federal Lobbying Activities

4. Presentation on Human Resources Activities

Planning and Administration Committee Meeting Agenda August 17, 2017

5. Adjournment

This Committee meeting is also noticed as a special meeting of the Board of Directors because a quorum of the Board may be present. Members of the Board who are not members of the Committee may attend and participate in the meeting, but only members of the Committee may make, second, or vote on any motion or other action of the Committee. Any actions taken pursuant to this agenda will be actions within the purview of the Committee and shall be approved by an affirmative vote of a majority of the quorum of the Committee. The Committee is not empowered to act for or on behalf of the Board or the District unless exercising delegated authority from the Board. Any actions taken by the Committee shall be deemed recommendations of the Committee for future consideration by the Board at a separately noticed regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors retains all powers, privileges, and duties to exercise and perform the business of the District.

Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with disabilities, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should direct such request to the District Secretary at (951) 296-6900 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible.

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the members of the Board of Directors regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at the District’s Administrative Headquarters Building located at 42135 Winchester Road, Temecula, California, during normal business hours.

Board Members of the Rancho California Water District Planning and Administration Committee

Danny Martin, Chairman Lisa Herman, Member

William Plummer, Member John Hoagland, Alternate

COMMITTEE INFORMATION PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE August 17, 2017 Page 1 of 9

ITEM 1: UPDATE ON CONSERVATION EFFORTS

RESPONSIBLE/LEAD STAFF MEMBER(S):

Sr. Water Resources Planner, Justin Haessly

RECOMMENDATION:

This item is presented for the Planning and Administration Committee’s

(Committee) information.

DISCUSSION:

As part of its efforts to achieve the vision of its Strategic Business Plan, Rancho

California Water District (RCWD/District) actively promotes water conservation and

water use efficiency. The following provides a brief summary of programs currently

being implemented, programs that are expected to begin in the near future, and

programs that have been completed.

Existing/Ongoing Programs:

Water Waste Program

Description – Conservation staff responds to reports of water waste that come

through the District website and from field staff. Staff responses include verbal

and written correspondence sent to customers.

Update – The District responded to 26 reports of water waste during the month of

July 2017. Since January 2017, the District has responded to 212 reports of

water waste.

Urinal Flush Valve Voucher Program

Description – RCWD partners with Western Municipal Water District (WMWD) to

implement a program through which commercial customers can obtain free high-

efficiency urinal flush valves. This program is paid for by WMWD and RCWD’s

commitment to its implementation is staff time.

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Planning and Administration Committee August 17, 2017 Item 1 Page 2 of 9

Update – 77 urinal flush valve retrofits have been completed since January 2016.

This program has been put on hold by WMWD due to low participation and

issues with the valve installation contractor.

Hot-Water Heater Recirculating Pump Rebate Program

Description – RCWD provides $50 rebates following the purchase of hot-water-

heater recirculating pumps. The cost of these rebates is paid for by RCWD.

Update – For fiscal year 2016-2017, RCWD provided 25 customers with a $50

financial incentive for installation of these devices. There was no activity for this

program during July 2017.

MWD Rebate Programs

Description – The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD)

offers rebates for conservation devices to RCWD’s customers. RCWD’s

commitment to its implementation is staff time.

Update – District customers take advantage of MWD’s variety of rebates. Staff

tracks customer participation in these rebate programs for the purpose of future

water savings analysis.

Water Use Efficiency Evaluations

Description – RCWD provides water-use efficiency evaluations to its urban

customers to help them become more water-efficient. The cost of these

evaluations is paid by RCWD. The cost for evaluations conducted in the Rancho

Division is partially reimbursed by Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD)

through MWD.

Update – Since January 1, 2017, 12 water-use evaluations have been conducted

for RCWD’s residential and dedicated landscape accounts.

Turf Replacement Program for Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs), Public

Entities, and Commercial Customers (Funding Source #2)

Description – RCWD collaborated with EMWD on a $265,000 grant project

funded through Proposition 84, which provides $1 per square foot rebates to

Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) customers for turf replacement.

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The matching requirement for this grant has been met with funding provided by

MWD for turf replacement efforts during prior years.

Update – The availability of this funding was announced, and the deadline for

customers to submit applications for the funding was June 30, 2017, whereby 18

applications were submitted by RCWD customers. Staff evaluated the

applications based on criteria such as water savings, public visibility, and ability

to complete the project on time, as per the terms of the grant agreement. Eight

applications were chosen for funding, totaling ~280,000 square feet of turf

replacement. Projects will be complete by July 2018.

Expanded Recycled Water & Plant Material Conversion Project

Description – RCWD received a $750,000 grant through the Department of

Water Resources (DWR) to convert the irrigation systems at six City of Temecula

sites and three HOA common-area sites from potable to recycled water. There is

no cash match required from RCWD for this grant.

Update – The grant agreement has been executed, and several Memoranda of

Understanding (MOU) have been executed between RCWD and the City of

Temecula, and between RCWD and each of the HOAs. Each MOU recipient is

now being instructed to begin the process of getting their plans approved through

RCWD’s Engineering Department. The conversions need to be completed by

2020, as per the terms of the grant agreement. Staff anticipates early completion

by the end of 2018.

CropSWAP

Description – RCWD was awarded a $2 million grant through the DWR and an

additional $1 million grant through the United States Bureau of Reclamation

(Reclamation) for a program that provides growers with financial incentives for

replacing higher-water-use crops with those that require less water. A $1 million

cash match was approved by RCWD’s Board of Directors for this project.

Update – RCWD has executed grant agreements with both Reclamation and

DWR for $3 million in grant funding for implementation of the project. To date, 21

applications have been received for 130 acres’ worth of conversion. All 21

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applicants have been instructed to complete the pre-conversion inspection

process, and at this time, all 21 have done so. For these 21 applicants, RCWD

develops participation agreements (contracts) for execution, and 18 contracts

have been sent, whereby 14 contracts have been signed by customers and

executed by RCWD.

Agricultural Irrigation Efficiency Program

Description – RCWD provides agricultural (Ag) customers with technical

assistance and financial incentives for improving their irrigation systems.

Because grant funding for this program has been transferred to turf replacement

efforts, the District now pays for the program.

Update – To date, 267 sites have received technical assistance through the

program and 83 sites have retrofitted their irrigation systems. The average

efficiency of these systems has increased from 61 to 88 percent, as a result of

the retrofits. Participation in this program has slowed significantly since its

inception, and staff believes that this is because the Ag customer base is near

saturation with regard to the program. However, there does exist a slow but

steady stream of phone inquiries related to program participation, and the plan is

to extend its availability to Ag customers at a lower-funding level than in years

past.

Sap-Flow Sensor Pilot Project

Description – RCWD is implementing a two-year sap-flow sensor pilot project

that tests and demonstrates the use of the devices for implementing regulated

deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies in winegrape vineyards. The first year of this

effort was funded using previously acquired state grant funding. The second

year is funded by RCWD at a cost of ~$16,000.

Update – Sap-flow sensors were installed for one growing season at South Coast

Vineyards and the District is working with a consultant to evaluate their ability to

assist with implementing RDI. The devices were installed for the second season,

and staff is now using them for determining irrigation frequency/times.

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Outdoor Water Conservation Device Demonstration Project

Description – RCWD received an $85,000 grant through the Reclamation to

implement a project, whereby the integration of outdoor water conservation

technologies (Wi-Fi WBICs, high-efficiency nozzles, and pressure-regulating

sprinkler stems) can be demonstrated to residential customers through the

installation of those devices at five residential sites. The match requirement for

this grant will be met using RCWD staff time.

Update – Work on the project began on July 1, 2016. Various water

conservation technologies were installed at five sites. RCWD has entered into

the technical assistance and monitoring phases of the project. During this phase,

participants are taught how to use the technologies and the District monitors

changes in usage that should result from technology installations. The Project

also includes the creation of a video that highlights the benefits of the technology.

The video is complete.

SmartWorks Water Conservation Manager

Description – RCWD has worked with Harris Computer Systems to develop a

tool that integrates with the District’s billing system and conservation program

database to measure water savings that result from the different conservation

programs implemented by the District and to provide the District’s customers with

scorecards that allow them to compare their property’s water use with similar

properties. The cost for this software was ~$22,000, which $20,000 was paid for

by WMWD and the remainder by RCWD.

Update – RCWD’s IT and Water Use Efficiency Departments have collaborated

with Harris Computer Systems to develop a version of the SmartWorks

Conservation Manager that is tailored to meet the needs of the District and its

customers. District staff is currently using the software to measure the

effectiveness of its conservation programs, and staff plans to make scorecards

available to its customers soon.

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Revenue Protection Program

Description – As an addition to the SmartWorks Water Conservation Manager

Project, RCWD is working with Harris Computer Systems to use the existing data

and algorithms within the SmartWorks software to develop a tool that helps the

District to identify malfunctioning meters. The idea is that this effort will enable

the District to better identify apparent water loss, avoid lost revenue, and

perhaps, develop a new meter replacement program. The cost for this effort is

$10,000 for this fiscal year.

Update – RCWD’s IT and Water Use Efficiency Departments together with the

Operations Department have collaborated with Harris Computer Systems to

develop a beta version of the tool. District staff is currently testing the tool, and

during testing, has identified malfunctioning/stuck meters that have since been

replaced. Identification and replacement of these meters has allowed the District

to back-bill customers approximately $100,000 to date.

Drip Conversion Kit Voucher Program

Description – The Drip Conversion Kit Voucher Program provides financial

assistance to RCWD’s Residential customers for purchasing spray-to-drip

conversion kits. The kits were paid for through a partnership between RCWD,

MWD, and the participating customer. Kits cost a total of $125: MWD paid $50;

RCWD $50; and the customer $25 plus tax.

Update – As a method of marketing the Program, a kick-off event was conducted

on April 1, 2017 at RCWD’s Board Room. RCWD and MWD provided kits at this

event, free of charge to those in attendance. In total, 35 kits were distributed at

this event at a cost to the District of $2,625. As part of the event, Rain Bird

conducted a 1-hour presentation on how to properly install and utilize the

conversion kit. Going forward, $100 vouchers are available to customers for

purchase of the kits, and so far, five vouchers have been provided, with two

being redeemed. Another distribution event, similar to the kickoff event is

scheduled for Saturday, August 26, 2017 and will take place in RCWD’s Board

Room.

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Water Bottle Filling Stations

Description – To improve District visibility and enhance public relations, the

District is purchasing and installing water-bottle-filling stations along with

interpretive information at strategic locations within the service area. The budget

for this effort is $50,000.

Update – District staff has collaborated with the Cities of Temecula and Murrieta,

the Murrieta Valley Unified School District, and the Promenade Mall to identify

potential sites for installation of water-bottle-filling stations. RCWD staff and an

installation contractor have conducted site visits at each of the potential sites,

and cost information has been developed/reviewed for each of them. At this

point, a total of seven sites have been identified for installation, and two more are

being explored. For the sites that have been identified, memoranda of

understandings are being developed between RCWD and the site owners. Staff

anticipates that the first of these installations will occur at the end of September.

RCWD is also looking at installing two water-bottle-filling stations at District

headquarters.

Anticipated Future Programs:

Promenade Mall Demonstration Garden

Description – RCWD works to facilitate the implementation of a demonstration

garden at the Promenade Mall, which would function as a community showcase

for water-wise landscaping with plant materials that are climate-appropriate.

Update – RCWD staff is working with the Promenade Mall to get a demonstration

garden constructed at a highly visible landscaped area on the mall’s property.

Staff has secured a donation of the landscape plan from a landscape architecture

firm, and once the plan is complete and approved by the mall’s manager, staff

will work on securing donations from landscape contractors and irrigation supply

warehouses, for donations of equipment, labor, etc.

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Completed Programs:

Ag Website Upgrade

Description – RCWD received a $110,000 grant through DWR to upgrade its

webpage for Ag customers to include technical-assistance information and data

useful to Ag-growing operations. The full match for this grant was met using a

previously awarded federal grant.

Update – Version 1.0 of the upgraded webpage has been published. This grant

helped pay for a significant portion of the costs for the most recent

MyWaterTracker upgrade, which is complete and provides hourly usage data to

growers. At this point, staff is monitoring usage among customers who use the

MyWaterTracker tool to assess results in water-savings benefits.

Vineyard Research Project

Description – RCWD received an $85,000 grant through the California

Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) for collaborating with the University

of California Cooperative Extension and South Coast Vineyards for performing

research related to RDI for winegrape vineyards. There was no match

requirement for this project.

Update – Research is complete, and the final report for this project has been

accepted by the CDFA. A separate report will be developed for the local

winegrape growing community.

Recycled Water & Plant Material Conversion Project

Description – RCWD received a $390,000 grant through the DWR to convert the

irrigation systems at three HOA common-area sites from potable to recycled

water and to replace turf at these sites with lower-water-use plant species. The

match requirement for this project was met with RCWD staff time and cash

contributions from other entities.

Update – Rainbow Canyon, Meadowview, and Paloma Del Sol HOAs have been

converted to the recycled water system. This project has been completed.

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Public Entity & HOA Turf Replacement Program

Description – RCWD received a $520,000 grant through the Santa Ana

Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) to implement turf replacement projects at

properties owned by HOAs, public agencies, or institutions. There was no

matching requirement for this grant.

Update – Nine turf-replacement projects totaling more than 520,000 square feet

were completed through implementation of this project. Three were completed

by the City of Temecula, one by the Colony HOA, and six others by the City of

Murrieta.

Turf Replacement Program for HOAs, Public Entities, and Commercial Customers

(Funding Source #1)

Description – RCWD shifted $150,000 in remaining Proposition 84 grant money

from its Agricultural Irrigation Efficiency Program to this Turf Replacement effort.

The matching requirement for this grant will be met with RCWD staff time.

Update – The turf replacement projects are complete. Over 150,000 square feet

of turf was converted to low-water-use landscape plantings through this effort.

The work took place at Paloma Del Sol HOA, Paseo Del Sol HOA, The Villages

HOA, and Erle Stanley Gardner Middle School.

ALTERNATIVES:

Not applicable

FISCAL ANALYSIS:

Not applicable

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Not applicable

EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS:

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ITEM 2: UPDATE ON OUTREACH AND EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS


Senior Public Information Officer, Meggan Valencia

RECOMMENDATION:



DISCUSSION:

Rancho California Water District’s (RCWD/District) public information staff will

provide a monthly update on the District’s outreach and educational efforts.

An update to the Customer Web Portal, including MyWaterTracker, was recently

launched. Enhancements to the site include a more modern interface, improved

navigation, scalability for mobile devices, and significant speed improvements.

Customer Efficiency Score Cards have also been made available through the updated

portal. In order for customers to be aware of this update, an email blast was sent out, a

new bill envelope “snipe” (information written on the bill envelope) is being developed, a

bill insert will be mailed out, and information was pushed out on social media.

The aforementioned email blast also included information about an upcoming

RCWD Spray to Drip Conversion Workshop and the CropSWAP Program. Both of

these programs are designed to help our customers become more water efficient.

District staff is currently working on a new outreach campaign that will have a

tagline: “It’s Water Logic.” The campaign will also have a big social media presence

that will be featured in mall signs, movie theater advertisements, and through all of

RCWD’s outreach materials.

One of the most effective ways to get the District’s message out to customers is

through speaking engagements and one-on-one communication. RCWD staff is always

willing to speak at community meetings and consistently reaches out to different

community groups to become involved. In August, staff will speak to the Temecula

Rotary Club about current District issues and water supply. In September, staff will

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speak at the Equity Property Management annual meeting, which features many

Homeowners Associations (HOA) throughout RCWD’s community. This meeting will

allow the District to answer many questions that the HOAs consistently have. Also in

September, staff will speak at the Southwest California Legislative Council meeting.

This meeting consists of chamber members from Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee,

Wildomar, and Lake Elsinore. In October, staff will host a booth at the Temecula

Chamber’s Business Expo. Many businesses throughout the area attend this event.

In an effort to continue to work closely with the local cities, staff met with the City

of Murrieta’s (City) staff in early August to discuss current issues and partnership

opportunities. The City is going to work with District staff in the future to partner on

community events, as well as to provide basic information to residents. A standing

meeting with the City has been created and this will allow the District to have a stronger

partnership on outreach and programs.

In early August, District staff also met with staff from Harveston HOA. Staff

provided information on all of their accounts and discussed the water budget and how it

works. There was also a discussion about a possible recycled water conversion project

in the future. Harveston HOA staff also committed to printing information from the

District in their newsletter and asked the District to participate in their community events.

As August is beginning, schools will be starting their 2017-2018 school year.

RCWD staff is working on flyers and information that will be sent to teachers about the

upcoming programs. During the month of August, teachers will receive information

about the poster contest, write-off contest, and menu contest. Also, RCWD is working

with Eastern Municipal Water District to get information out to the high schools about

Solar Cup.

ALTERNATIVES:

Not applicable

FISCAL ANALYSIS:

Not applicable


Not applicable

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ITEM 3: UPDATE ON STATE LEGISLATIVE AND FEDERAL LOBBYING ACTIVITIES


Senior Public Information Officer, Meggan Valencia

RECOMMENDATION:



DISCUSSION:

This report will highlight legislative activities that affect Rancho California Water

District (RCWD/District).

The Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee took action on a number of

assembly bills (AB) related to water conservation and drought planning on July 11,

2017. The net result is that three bills passed out of committee as follows:

AB 1654 (Rubio) – Water Conservation: This bill passed out of committee

as a shell with the following language: “It is the intent of the Legislature to

enact legislation necessary to help make water conservation a California

way of life.”

AB 1668 (Friedman) – Water Conservation: This bill passed out of

committee as a shell with the same text as AB 1654.

AB 1667 (Friedman) – Water Management Planning: This bill was held in

committee.

AB 1323 (Weber) – Sustainable Water Use and Demand Reduction:

Stakeholder Workgroup: The committee passed this bill out to the Senate

Appropriations Committee on a unanimous vote as a Plan B to making

progress on AB 1654 and AB 1668.

The plan is for legislative staff and stakeholders to craft a bipartisan/two-house

package to resolve the various policy differences between the three bills. Negotiations

on a “compromise” bill or bills will likely take place over the summer recess.

Legislation aimed at funding safe drinking water solutions for disadvantaged

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communities (DACs) is expected to be amended soon to include a tax on residential

water bills as a source of funding. Senate Bill (SB) 623 (Monning) Water Quality: Safe

and Affordable Drinking Water Fund, which cleared the Assembly Environmental Safety

and Toxic Materials Committee on July 11, 2017, likely will be amended to include a

“ratepayer assessment” before the bill is voted on in the Assembly Appropriations

Committee. The bill would establish a special fund to assist those who do not have

access to safe drinking water. It is very likely that the bill’s author, Senator William

Monning (D-Carmel), will insert language into the bill imposing a tax on water as one of

two funding sources for the measure. The other funding source would be an

agriculture-related fee(s) such as a fertilizer fee and a dairy fee to assist with nitrate-

contamination of drinking water. RCWD signed onto the Association of California Water

Agencies (ACWA) coalition opposition letter, as well as sent an individual opposition

letter.

Senator Skinner and Senator Hertzberg drafted a proposal to advance water-use

efficiency target setting beyond 2020 and drought contingency planning. The proposal

takes into consideration the various comments received by the Senate Natural

Resources and Water Committee during the committee’s policy hearing on July 11,

2017, including the position letters, testimony, and comment letters received. Staff will

continue to stay engaged in this effort.

In recent weeks, federal and state agencies cleared three major milestones

toward modernizing the state’s primary water system with California WaterFix

(WaterFix). The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has issued a Notice

of Determination that certifies WaterFix complies with the California Environmental

Quality Act. DWR also filed a validation action with the Sacramento County Superior

Court to affirm its authority to issue revenue bonds to finance the planning, design, and

construction of the project. In June, two federal agencies – the National Marine

Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – released their biological opinions

for WaterFix. Both biological opinions found the construction and operations of

WaterFix, as proposed, would not jeopardize the continued existence of endangered

species or destroy or adversely modify their critical habitat. The California Department

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of Fish and Wildlife Service issued an incidental take permit. Under this permit,

WaterFix complies with the state Endangered Species Act by implementing measures

to minimize impacts of any incidental take of state endangered species. These actions

allow WaterFix to take important steps forward to ensure the continued reliable

deliveries of water to much of the state.

The California Public Utilities Commission and the State Water Resources

Control Board (State Water Board) on August 17, 2017 will host a public workshop to

provide information on the use of water system consolidations as a means of providing

safe drinking water. According to the State Water Board, a lack of safe drinking water is

a problem that disproportionately affects DACs, with roughly 300 DACs in California

receiving water from a public water system that does not meet drinking water standards.

Under SB 88 (2015), the State Water Board is authorized to order the consolidation of

certain water systems that consistently fail to provide safe drinking water but have

committed to working with water agencies to encourage voluntary consolidations when

appropriate.

A report prepared by Federal Lobbyist, Eric Sapirstein is attached to this report.

ALTERNATIVES:

Not applicable

FISCAL ANALYSIS:

Not applicable


Not applicable


A. ENS Resources, Inc. Federal Affairs Legislative Report dated August 8, 2017

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ENS Resources, Inc. 1101 Fourteenth Street, N.W.

Suite 350 Washington, D.C. 20005

Phone 202.466.3755/Telefax 202.466.3787

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: Meggan Valencia

FROM: Eric Sapirstein

DATE: August 8, 2017

SUBJECT: Washington Update

Congress recessed for the summer and will return to work after Labor Day. Over the past month, significant progress was made toward finalizing spending bills for the new fiscal year that begins October 1. In addition, efforts to address infrastructure needs continued apace. The White House sought input from agency heads on how to design a national policy. Meanwhile, congressional committees continued exploring the needs and potential approaches to address infrastructure investment needs. The following summarizes these and other matters of interest to RCWD.

Pechanga Water Rights Settlement

The effort to finalize the elements of the settlement agreement reportedly is coming together. According to Department of the Interior staff, the federal government is conducting final reviews of the settlement documents. According to these staff, the Administration continues to express a priority to finalize the agreements and conduct a formal signing ceremony in Washington. Any ceremony is likely in early autumn, unless the final review identifies issues of concern that are requiring reconciliation. When a signing ceremony is scheduled, it would be appropriate for RCWD to attend as we anticipate that Members of the congressional delegation would attend, along with key Administration officials.

Fiscal Year 2018 Budget

Both the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations have made significant progress in finalizing spending bills for the coming Fiscal Year 2018. Prior to recessing for the summer, the House committee approved all agency budgets. The Senate committee has approved a handful of agency budgets. The Senate committee is expected to complete consideration of the remaining budget bills in September. As has become customary in recent years, we expect

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an omnibus or continuing resolution spending bill to be passed by Congress to maintain government programs and this should result in current year spending levels at a minimum.

The prospect remains that a government shutdown might be triggered. However, because funding decisions reached to date have essentially maintained current year spending levels, rejecting the administration’s request for dramatic budget cuts, it seems increasingly likely that bipartisan congressional agreement will exist to avoid funding disputes that could lead to a shutdown. For RCWD, it is important to note that funding of the State Revolving Fund (SRF), Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), water conservation, and dam-related programs remain fully funded, and once enacted into law later this fall, this fact should present continued funding opportunities for RCWD projects.

Infrastructure Policy

Hopes for an infrastructure proposal from the White House continue to be a work-in-progress. Agency and department heads continue to meet with White House officials to review proposals to invest in the nation’s infrastructure needs. Central to the review remains the priority to rely upon privatization and public private partnerships. The issue of direct federal assistance such as the SRF and WIFIA programs continue to be in the mix, but even in this instance, a focus on WIFIA approaches seems to be a preference to minimize federal exposure to financing future needs. As of this writing, we do not anticipate a formal administration proposal until late September, at the earliest.

One of the continuing challenges involves the priority of water infrastructure. Given an apparent emphasis on transportation, the water sector has launched an effort to define priorities for congressional consideration, including increased SRF assistance, enhanced funding for public private partnerships, and mandates to encourage efficiencies in the delivery of services like consolidation. Whether a consensus can be achieved between public and private water sector interests is an open question, but as of this writing efforts are ongoing. Within the House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over water infrastructure, there appears to be strong support for traditional program support. This was highlighted last month when the House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved a renewal of the drinking water SRF program, authorizing $8 billion in new spending over the next five years.

Confirmations Process Continues

The Senate continues to advance the confirmation of political appointees. Within the Department of the Interior, David Bernhardt was confirmed to become the Deputy Secretary and will manage the Department on a day-to-day basis. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources advanced the nomination of Brenda Burman to become the next Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The Senate is expected to confirm Burman in September.

At the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the all-important Office of Water has been filled out with senior management. Joining the Deputy Assistant Administrator Lee Fosgren, who was appointed last month, the White House has nominated David Ross to become the next Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water. Ross currently serves as the Assistant Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin. Last, Susan Bodine received a positive vote by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to become the lead enforcement official for USEPA. Bodine should receive Senate approval in September, at the earliest.

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ITEM 4: PRESENTATION ON HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITIES


Human Resources Manager, Eileen Dienzo

Sr. Human Resources Analyst, Lisa Martinez

RECOMMENDATION:



DISCUSSION:

The following narrative report is a summary of the routine activity at Rancho

California Water District (RCWD/District) during the reporting period of July 14, 2017

through August 10, 2017.

Recruitments:

o An internal-only recruitment for a Water Treatment Operator opened

on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 and closed on Tuesday, July 18, 2017. An

offer of employment was extended and accepted by Ethan Lawrence,

Cross Control Connection Specialist who started his new position on

Monday, July 31, 2017.

o An open recruitment for a part-time Building & Grounds Worker

opened on Thursday, July 13, 2017 and closed on Thursday, July 27,

2017. Candidate selection is pending at this time. Further updates

will be given as the recruitment progresses.

o An internal-only recruitment for a Field Services Manager opened on

Thursday, August 3, 2017 and closes on Thursday, August 17, 2017.

Further updates will be given as the recruitment progresses.

o An open recruitment for a Mechanic I/II/Senior opened on Friday, July

21, 2017 and closed on Friday, July 28, 2017. Candidate selection is

pending at this time. Further updates will be given as the recruitment

progresses.

4


o An internal-only recruitment for a Lead Field Services Worker –

Construction opened on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 and closed on

Tuesday, July 25, 2017. Candidate selection is pending at this time.

Further updates will be given as the recruitment progresses.

o Interviews for the open recruitment for a Water Systems Analyst

position were held on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. An offer of

employment was extended and accepted by Tony Fowler, Field

Services Supervisor - Fleet/Facilities who started his new position on

Monday, July 17, 2017.

o A candidate was selected and an offer of employment was extended

for the open recruitment of a Field Services Worker Student Intern

position that opened on Monday, June 19, 2017 and closed on

Monday, June 26, 2017. Salden Stone accepted the position and

started on Wednesday, July 26, 2017.

Promotions/Transfers:

o Tony Fowler, Field Services Supervisor – Fleet/Facilities was

promoted to a Water Systems Analyst effective Monday, July 17,

2017.

o Ethan Lawrence, Cross Connection Control Technician was promoted

to Senior Water Treatment Operator effective Monday, July 31, 2017.

o Jordan Farrell, Cross Connection Control Technician II was promoted

to Field Services Supervisor – Fleet/Facilities effective Monday,

August 7, 2017.

o Lance Vess, Electrical Controls and Instrumentation Technician II was

promoted to Senior Electrical Controls and Instrumentation Technician

effective Wednesday, July 26, 2017.

Dominic Gonzales, Field Services Worker I - Construction was promoted to

Field Services Worker II - Construction effective Monday, July 31, 2017.

4


New Hires:

o Salden Stone, Field Services Worker Student Intern started on

Wednesday, July 26, 2017.

o Tom Marcoux, Safety/Risk Officer started Monday, July 31, 2017.

o Mark Smith, Procurement & Contracts Administrator started on

Monday, August 7, 2017.

Resignations/Terminations:

o Warren Back, Engineering Manager Operations voluntarily resigned

on Friday, July 21, 2017.

Retirements with Approved Benefits: None at this time.

Leaves of Absence: The attached listing shows District employees currently

on leave of absence.

Temporary Employees: The attached listing indicates the temporary

employees being utilized for the variety of projects requiring additional

assistance. This listing is sorted by project/work area to better understand

and visually see the resources devoted to each project/work area.

2017-2018 Wellness Campaign:

o A special treat of Kona Ice was offered to all employees and given to

all who wanted to participate on August 15, 2017.

o A Lunch-and-Learn was held on August 16, 2017, and was offered to

all District employees. Harvard Risk Management Corporation gave

the presentation regarding an “Identity Theft Solution” service.

Approximately 20 employees attended.

ALTERNATIVES:

Not applicable

FISCAL ANALYSIS:

Not applicable


Not applicable

4



A. Human Resources Status Report - July 14, 2017 - August 10, 2017 B. Employee Population Report - August 17, 2017

4

HUMAN RESOURCES STATUS REPORT DETAILED ACTIVITY JULY 14, 2017 - AUGUST 10, 2017

TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES

DateEst. End

DateHours

Worked Name Status Division/Department Explanation AffiliationMay-17 Sep-17 320 Juan Estrada Customer Service Representative - Field Administration/Customer Service Backfill for employee on medical leave American Labor PoolNEW HIRES/REHIRES/TRANSFERS/REORG'SDate Name Job Title Division/Department Replacement For

Jul-17 Salden Stone Field Services Worker Student Intern Operations & Maintenance Clayton EyerJul-17 Tom Marcoux Safety/Risk Officer Human Resources Dave MorrisonAug-17 Mark Smith Procurement & Contracts Administrator Finance/Purchasing & Warehouse Billy Browder

PROMOTIONSDate Name Job Title Division/Department Replacement For

Jul-17 Tony Fowler Water Systems Analyst O & M/Water Operations New positionJul-17 Lance Vess Sr. Elect. Controls/Instrumentation Technician O & M/Electrical Services Flexible StaffingJul-17 Dominic Gonzales Field Services Worker II - Construction Field Services/Construction Flexible StaffingJul-17 Ethan Lawrence Senior Water Treatment Operator O & M/Water Quality PromotionAug-17 Jordan Farrell Field Services Supervisor - Fleet/Facilities Field Svcs./Meter, Fleet & Facilities Promotion

LEAVE OF ABSENCES

Date Name Reason Affected Department or Further ExplanationJan-17 Frank Nauretz Medical & FMLA O & M / Water Operations 09/07/17Mar-17 Michelle Burton Medical & FMLA Finance/Customer Service 09/15/17Jun-17 Justin Weeks Intermittent Paid Family Leave & FMLA Engineering/Inspections 06/02/18Jun-17 Daniel Birdsall Medical & FMLA Field Services/Construction 08/18/17Jun-17 Mike Asuega Paid Family Leave & FMLA Water Reclamation 09/07/17Jun-17 Laurie Walker Pregnancy Disability & FMLA Administration 10/09/17Jul-17 Carlos Frutos Intermittent Paid Family Leave & FMLA Field Services/Meter - AMR 7/13/2018

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONSDate Name Reason Affected Department or Further Explanation

Jul-17 Warren Back Voluntary Resignation O & M/ Asset Management

RETIREMENTS WITH APPROVED FRINGE BENEFITS

Date Name Reason Affected Department ExplanationNone at this time

EMPLOYEE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Date Name Accomplishment Type Affected Department Granting Entity Jul-17 Henry "Sonny" Miller Grade D2 Water Distribution Operator Electrical Services CDHSJul-17 Lance Vess Grade T1 Water Treatment Operator Electrical Services CDHSJul-17 Tyson Heine Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Cert. Admin./Water Conservation CDHS

HR STATUS REPORT SPREADSHEET - July 14, 2017 - August 10, 2017 Page 1

4.a

Rancho California Water DistrictEmployee Population Status Report

August 17, 2017

Department Budgeted Position EE # Last Name First Status Comment Budgeted Filled Vacant Total

Total Budgeted 6.0 6.0 0.0 6.0

Human Resources/Safety

Total Budgeted 4.0 5.0 0.0 5.0

Finance

Total Budgeted 13.0 13.0 0.0 13.0

Administration

Total Budgeted 24.0 24.0 0.0 24.0

Engineering

Total Budgeted 19.0 18.0 1.0 19.0

Operations & Maintenance

Total Budgeted 75.0 69 6.0 75.0

Budgeted Filled Vacant TotalTOTAL BUDGETED

POSITIONS 141.0 135.0 7.0 142.0

Full-Time EE's 139 Authorized FT positions per budget 141Part- EE's 2 Difference (under) over

4.b

agenda - thursday, august 17, 2017

Documents