REGULAR MEETING OF THE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WATER REPLENISHMENT DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 12621 E. 166th Street (Corner, Bloomfield & 166th), Cerritos, California 9:30 A.M., THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2004 AGENDA EACH ITEM ON THE AGENDA, NO MATTER HOW DESCRIBED, SHALL BE DEEMED TO INCLUDE ANY APPROPRIATE MOTION, WHETHER TO ADOPT A MINUTE MOTION, RESOLUTION, PAYMENT OF ANY BILL, APPROVAL OF ANY MATTER OR ACTION, OR ANY OTHER ACTION. ITEMS LISTED AS FOR INFORMATION MAY ALSO BE THE SUBJECT OF AN ACTION TAKEN BY THE BOARD OR A COMMITTEE AT THE SAME MEETING. I. DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM II. III. IV. PUBLIC COMMENT APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COMMITTEE MEETING OF NOVEMBER 29, 2004 Staff Recommendation: Approve the minutes as submitted. LEGISLATIVE REPORT Staff Recommendation: For information. V. MEMBERSHIP TO CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Staff Recommendation: Recommend the Board approve WRD s membership to the Inglewood, South Gate and Montebello chambers of commerce in the amount of $974. VI. VII. VIII. IX. LONG BEACH STATE OF THE CITY EVENT Staff Recommendation: Recommend the Board sponsor a Mayor s Circle Table for Ten in the amount of $1,600. STATE OF THE COUNTY: DON KNABE Staff Recommendation: Recommend the Board sponsor a table for ten in the amount of $400 and direct staff to invite local officials to join directors and staff. CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT Staff Recommendation: For information. DEPARTMENT REPORT Staff Recommendation: For information. X. 2005 PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL CELEBRATION Staff Recommendation: For information and direction to staff. XI. ADJOURNMENT Posted by Abigail C. Andom, Deputy Secretary, December 23, 2004.
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 29, 2004 A REGULAR MEETING OF THE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WATER REPLENISHMENT DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA A regular meeting of the External Affairs Committee of the Board of Directors of the Water Replenishment District of Southern California was held on November 29, 2004, at 10:10 a. m. at the District Office, 12621 E. 166 th Street, Cerritos, California. Chairwoman Pat Acosta called the meeting to order and presided thereover. Deputy Secretary Abigail C. Andom recorded the minutes. I. DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM Attendees included: Committee: Directors Pat Acosta and Willard Murray, Jr. Staff: Evelyn Fierro, Adeline Yoong, Albert Frias, Tracey Burke, Staci Moraza II. III. IV. PUBLIC COMMENT None. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COMMITTEE MEETING OF OCTOBER 28, 2004 The minutes were approved as submitted. LEGISLATIVE REPORT The District s federal legislative advocate, Peter Carlson of Will and Carlson & Associates and Lucy Gikovich of Platinum Group, gave an update on activities in Washington, D.C. Mr. Carlson discussed the appropriations process and stated that, unfortunately, there would not be any funding for District projects. Ms. Gikovich stressed the importance of making a concerted effort to meet with Congressmembers Juanita Millender-McDonald and Lucille Roybal-Allard to assist with next year s appropriations. Director Acosta stated everyone should work closely in the funding process. She noted it would be a good idea to have the technical staff involved in identifying strategies for the coming year. Curtis Earnest of Millennium Advocates, the District s state legislative advocate, gave an update on activities in Sacramento. Mr. Earnest stated the Senate has been in recess since the elections took place. He also informed the Committee of the new Senate chair assignments. The Committee requested staff to provide draft schedules for the planned 2005 legislative trips to Washington, D.C. and Sacramento at the next Ad Hoc Legislative Committee meeting. As recommended by the advocates, the Sacramento trip would be scheduled in February and the Washington, External Affairs Committee Meeting Page 1 of 3 November 29, 2004
D.C. trip would be scheduled in late February or March but not to be held at the same time as the ACWA Spring Conference. V. NOMINATION OF CANDIDATE FOR LAFCO ALTERNATE Director Murray stated there was interest expressed by Director Norm Ryan for the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) special district alternate seat. Director Acosta noted the position requires a lot of time and involvement and she wanted to make sure Director Ryan was aware of that. The Committee recommended the Board nominate Director Norm Ryan for the LAFCO special district alternate seat and also directed staff to solicit support for Director Ryan s nomination from the West and Central Basin Municipal Water Districts. VI. SOUTH BAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Manager of External Affairs Evelyn Fierro stated the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) will be holding its 6 th Annual General Assembly Facing the Future-Energy Use and Supply in the South Bay on Thursday, February 24, 2005 at the Norris Pavilion for the Performing Arts Center in the City of Rolling Hills Estates. She noted the General Assembly is focused on bringing together the local elected officials in the South Bay as well as city commissioners, committee members and staff from the 16 member cities in order to provide information and share ideas. It is expected that 200 attendees will be participating. Discussion followed and the Committee recommended participation at the $500 level which will include the government fee, a table display, and recognition in all the attendant materials and publicity. VII. CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT Ms. Fierro presented a video produced by CH2M Hill for Singapore s NeWater recycled water facility showcasing its many attractions and amenities. The Committee asked staff to develop ideas for similar interactive displays at the District s new building and also for the Leo J. Vander Lans Water Treatment facility. The Committee also reviewed labels for the District s bottled groundwater Agua Dulce. The labels were produced by External Affairs staff member Tracey Burke. VIII. DEPARTMENT REPORT Ms. Fierro referred the Committee to staff s written report of the department s activities for the month of October/November. External Affairs Committee Meeting Page 2 of 3 November 29, 2004
IX. DISTRICT ADVOCACY PROGRAM Ms. Fierro stated, in the next 45 days, the District s legislative advocate s contracts will be expiring and she asked the Committee for direction on how to proceed. Discussion followed. The Committee recommended the following: (1) staff will evaluate individual lobbyists, (2) the current advocates will be asked to provide a written proposal on a work plan for the coming legislative year. Director Acosta noted there may be a need to re-evaluate the District s legislative needs locally, at the state level, and federally. Director Murray reiterated Request for Proposals (RFP) would not be sent out until after the evaluation process was completed. The Committee requested the submitted work plans for 2005 be evaluated at the next Committee meeting scheduled for December 30, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. X. ADJOURNMENT With no other business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m. Chair ATTEST: Director External Affairs Committee Meeting Page 3 of 3 November 29, 2004
ITEM NO. IV Prepared by: Adeline M.L. Yoong Reviewed by: ROBB WHITAKER LEGISLATIVE REPORT A verbal update on federal and state matters will be provided. None. For information. Legislative Report Page 1 External Affairs, 12/30/04
ITEM NO. V Prepared by: Albert Frias Reviewed by: E. Fierro ROBB WHITAKER, GENERAL MANAGER MEMBERSHIP TO CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Staff has examined the programs of three area chambers of commerce that would increase the visibility of the WRD in key communities. The Inglewood, South Gate and Montebello chambers all hold monthly meetings, business breakfasts for community leaders, government affairs meetings for elected officials and monthly mixers. The City of Inglewood, for example, is the WRD s largest municipal pumper in the West Basin. The Chamber has active committees on community development and government affairs. The Montebello Chamber has active committees on economic development and legislative issues. South Gate is one of the larger municipal pumpers in the Central Basin and the WRD has constructed wellhead projects in the city. The Chamber has a strong and active business committee. These meetings would give the WRD the opportunity to build stronger relationships in the city and business community as well as the chance to publicize projects and boost the agency s name recognition. Annual membership to the Inglewood Chamber is $400; for the Montebello Chamber the cost is $399, plus a one-time processing fee of $25; and the fee for the South Gate Chamber is $150. The cost to join the three chambers is $974. The amount was not allocated in the FY 2004/05 operating budget. Recommend the Board approve WRD s membership to the Inglewood, South Gate and Montebello chambers of commerce in the amount of $974. Chambers of Commerce Membership Page 1 of 1 External Affairs Committee, 12/30/2004
ITEM NO. VI Prepared by: Evelyn Fierro Reviewed by: ROBB WHITAKER, GENERAL MANAGER LONG BEACH STATE OF THE CITY EVENT Long Beach Mayor Beverly O Neill will update the community on the State of the City at a luncheon to be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 11 a.m. The Long Beach Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event which is considered one of the city s major annual events. A wide range of Long Beach and regional community leaders will attend the luncheon and participation will enhance WRD s outreach efforts and provide positive visibility. In January of 2004, WRD sponsored a Mayor s Circle Table at the $1600 level. Tables of ten and seating are as follows: Mayor s Circle Table prior to 12-31-04 costs $1600; After 12-31-04 - $1700 Chair s Circle Table prior to 12-31-04 costs $950; After 12-31-04 - $1050 Non Profit Table prior to 12-31-04 costs $550; After 12-31-04 - $650 Individual Seat prior to 12-31-04 costs $45; After 12-31-04 - $55 Budgetary issues will be discussed at the meeting. Recommend the Board sponsor a Mayor s Circle Table for Ten in the amount of $1,600. Long Beach State of the City Page 1 of 1 External Affairs, 12/30/04
ITEM NO. VII Prepared by: Evelyn Fierro Reviewed by: ROBB WHITAKER, GENERAL MANAGER STATE OF THE COUNTY: DON KNABE The Cerritos Chamber of Commerce is hosting a State of the County Luncheon featuring L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe. The event will be held on January 13, 2005 at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sheraton Cerritos Hotel. Supervisor Knabe will present the 2005 forecast and update for the County. Seating is limited. Leaders from all over the WRD region are expected to attend. All sponsors will be recognized in the program, at the event, and in the Chamber s monthly Newsletters. A Reserved Sponsor Table of ten is $400. A Reserved Sponsor half-table is available for $250. Budgetary issues will be discussed at the meeting. Recommend the Board sponsor a table for ten in the amount of $400 and direct staff to invite local officials to join directors and staff. State of the County: Knabe Page 1 of 1 External Affairs, 12/30/04
ITEM NO. VIII Prepared by: Evelyn Fierro Reviewed by: ROBB WHITAKER, GENERAL MANAGER CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT Open discussion on potential activities and projects. None. For information. Creative Development Page 1 of 1 External Affairs, 12/30/04
ITEM NO. IX Prepared by: Adeline Yoong Reviewed by: ROBB WHITAKER, GENERAL MANAGER DEPARTMENT REPORT Staff will provide an update of department activities. None. For information. Department Report Page 1 of 1 External Affairs, 12/30/04
External Affairs Department Activities Report (November/December) Compiled December 21, 2004 Government Affairs o Groundwater briefing tour conducted for West and Central Basin Municipal Water District Directors Gonzalez, Fernandez, and Vasquez. Sites visited included the Rio Hondo spreading grounds and the Vander Lans Water Treatment Facility. o Staff attended Assemblymember Bermudez s holiday open house. o Met with Rep. Linda Sanchez s district director to discuss groundwater issues. o Prepared and provided support on planning meeting for 2005 state legislative strategy. Community Outreach o Staff is confirming a date with Director Murray for the next groundwater tour, which will be held in late January/February 2005. The last tour in November attracted 48 people. o A tour was conducted for six staff members of the environmental group, Environment Now. The Santa Monica-based group is an active leader in protecting and restoring California s environment. A private foundation, it was created in 1989 by Frank and Luanne Wells. o Staff attended the ACWA conference in Palm Springs. Educational Partnership Program o A trip was taken to San Diego to tour the Splash Mobile, an outdoor classroom on wheels program sponsored by the San Diego County Office of Education. This is similar to what the WRD plans to launch with its rolling classroom/education program. The Splash Mobile is operated by the Office of Education but funded by water agencies such as the San Diego Water Authority and the Helix Water District. o A meeting was held with Los Angeles County Educators to develop curriculum for the WRD Educational Partnership Program. Speakers Bureau o A presentation was made to the Signal Hill High 12 Club in Cerritos. Media Relations o Developed a news release for swearing-in ceremony of new WRD Director Robert Katherman. Miscellaneous o A briefing book is being developed by staff for the new Director-elect.
o Staff designed and printed invitations for incoming Director Katherman s swearing-in ceremony. The Honorable State Senator Debra Bowen will administer the Oath of Office. o Staff is working on Director Robles swearing-in ceremony. o Staff attended monthly meeting of the Whittier Narrows Nature Center project. o USBR/WRD physical barrier pilot project public information meeting. o WRD information books and brochures are being revised and printed. o WRD promotional items were donated for 12 families as requested by Central Basin Municipal Water District Director Olga Gonzalez. o WRD donated 10 cases of water to Norwalk City Councilmember Rick Ramirez for a Christmas book fair.
ITEM NO. X Prepared by: Tina Graham Reviewed by: ROBB WHITAKER, GENERAL MANAGER 2005 PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL CELEBRATION Director Ryan has received correspondence from Mr. Lucus Mcalpin regarding attending the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Celebration in Washington, DC. The celebration is scheduled for January 18, 19 and 20. Staff will present more information regarding this item at the meeting. This item was not budgeted. Staff will present relevant cost information at the meeting. For information and direction to staff. 2005 Presidential Inaugural Celebration Page 1 of 1 External Affairs Committee, 12/30/20