COACHELLA VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT
Board of Trustees’ Meeting
Call To Order:
President Duran called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Vector Control Technician Michael Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call:
Those present at roll call: President Duran, Vice President Fuschetti, Secretary/Treasurer Underwood, Trustees Baker, Howell, Laflin, Lock, Nigosian, and Walker. Also present were General Manager Donald Gomsi, Assistant to the General Manager Diane Glanz, Administrative Services Manager Brian Passaro, Administrative Assistant Anita Jones, Scientific Operations Manager Branka Lothrop, PhD, Operations Manager James Saulnier, Finance Administrator David I’Anson, and Legal Counsel Lisa Copeland. Trustees Macknicki and Perkins were absent.
1. Confirmation of Agenda:
Trustee Nigosian made the motion to confirm the Agenda. The motion was seconded by Trustee Walker and carried with eight (8) approved (Duran, Fuschetti, Howell, Laflin, Lock, Nigosian, Underwood, and Walker), one (1) abstained (Baker), and two (2) absent (Macknicki and Perkins).
2. Minutes
A. Approval of Minutes for July 10, 2007 Board Meeting.
Trustee Underwood requested that it be noted in the July Board Meeting minutes under New Business Item A that Desert Commercial Bank was selected as the provider of the District’s banking services. Trustee Baker questioned the location of the sentence under new Business Item A stating that “Trustee Underwood recused himself.” A discussion ensued. Trustee Laflin made the motion to approve the minutes as amended for the July 10, 2007, Board Meeting. The motion was seconded by Trustee Walker and carried with eight (8) approved (Baker, Duran, Fuschetti, Howell, Laflin, Lock, Underwood, and Walker), one (1) abstained (Nigosian), and two (2) absent (Macknicki and Perkins).
3. Public Comment:
Public comment made by Albert Roensch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Desert Commercial Bank.
Trustee Baker questioned the origin of the new three minute rule for public comments. President Duran responded that it was at his request.
4. Announcements:
President Duran presented Trustee Fuschetti with a plaque thanking him for his service as President of the Board. General Manager Gomsi announced that a plaque was to be presented to Trustee Perkins for his service on the board, but he was unable to attend the meeting. This month’s Board Meeting would have been Trustee Perkins last meeting. General Manager Gomsi also announced that some Trustees had asked about field tours and that field tours are available. He also announced that a new book titled “Bio Rational Control of Mosquitoes,” which contains information on a variety of biological methods to use to control mosquitoes, was recently published; additionally, The Journal of American Mosquito Association contains two articles written by Dr. Lothrop, other District staff and scholars from the University of California, Davis.
5. Correspondence:
As in board packet. Additional correspondence included a letter from Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District stating their position on the sphere of influence issue, a resignation letter from Trustee Perkins, a letter from CSDA’s Arlene Schafer requesting the District’s vote, a letter from CSDA’s John Fox announcing committee appointments and calling for volunteers, and a letter from the Regents of California thanking the District for the funds donated towards Dr. Greenburg’s research.
6. Approval of Expenditures for July 11-31, 2007, and August 1-14, 2007:
Trustee Baker questioned how the District’s payment to Imperial Irrigation District compares to what the District was paying before installing solar panels. General Manager Gomsi responded that the bill is about the same as last year, but we have received a credit for solar power production of $2500. A discussion ensued. He also questioned if the amount paid to AvQuest insurance was for a full year. General Manager Gomsi responded yes. A discussion ensued. Trustee Baker questioned the amount paid to Luce, Forward, Hamilton, & Scripps as attorney fees, and stated that since he is unable to obtain the statements for these fees, he will have to accept the ruling, but he does think that the Board should be advised of the general nature of those charges. Trustee Underwood made the motion to approve the expenditures for July 11-31, 2007, and August 1-14, 2007. The motion was seconded by Trustee Howell and carried with eight (8) approved (Duran, Fuschetti, Howell, Laflin, Lock, Nigosian, Underwood, and Walker), one (1) against (Baker), and two (2) absent (Macknicki and Perkins).
7. Committee Reports
A. Finance Committee:
Trustee Underwood gave a brief report on finances. Additionally, he mentioned that the auditors would be on-site starting August 27th. The Finance Committee discussed the scope of work for the RFQ for a municipal finance firm and their recommended revisions were shown on the revised staff report provided to the Trustees. Trustee Underwood also mentioned that the Government Accounting Standards Board statement 45, or GASB 45, now require that government employers report other post employment benefits under the unfunded liability obligation on the balance sheet. The District has employed an actuarial firm to provide validation of this liability.
Trustee Baker questioned how GASB 45 and the inclusion of that requirement in all audits from this year forward differ from what was done in the past and if the District had any other unfunded liabilities. Trustee Underwood responded that he was not aware of any other unfunded liabilities. Finance Administrator I’Anson responded there were none. A discussion ensued.
B. Executive Committee:
President Duran announced the 2007-08 Committees and their members: Executive Committee: President Duran, Chair, Trustees Fuschetti and Underwood; Finance Committee: Trustee Underwood, Chair, Trustees Walker and Howell; Personnel Committee: Trustee Nigosian, Chair, Trustees Laflin and Macknicki; Strategic Planning Committee: Trustee Nigosian, Chair, Trustee Lock and President Duran. President Duran reported that Executive Committee meeting minutes were included in the Board packet.
Trustee Baker questioned if they would be notified by email or other communication in advance of the Executive Committee Meetings. Trustee Duran responded the agenda for the meetings will continue to be posted as required by the Brown Act. The next Executive Committee meeting will be held on September 4th. Trustee Baker also questioned when the draft minutes became official minutes. General Manager Gomsi responded that they will be approved at the next Executive Committee meeting.
8. Report of District Activities:
A. Updates on District programs; progress and events since the last Board Meeting; reports by:
1. Administration – Brian Passaro
2. Laboratory and Bio-Control – Branka Lothrop, PhD
3. Operations – Jim Saulnier
4. Community Outreach – Diane Glanz
Short program updates given by Administrative Services Manager Passaro, Scientific Operations Manager Lothrop, Operations Manager Saulnier, and Assistant to the General Manager Glanz. During Administrative Services Manager Passaro’s report Trustee Baker stated that he thought there was only one health care plan. Administrative Services Manager Passaro responded that the District has an open enrollment period and that there are different health plan choices within the CalPERS system. Trustee Baker also inquired about a past decision to include accidents, worker’s compensation claims, and/or union grievances in the District report. Administrative Services Manager responded that there is one worker’s compensation claim outstanding, but the details could not be discussed in open session. During Scientific Operations Manager Lothrop’s report, President Duran questioned, in regard to the West Nile virus report, if there was anything in the ponds at the Valley Sanitary District. Scientific Operations Manager Lothrop responded that, in general, the ponds are looking better this year. During Operations Manager Saulnier’s report, President Duran inquired if there was any residual from the pesticides used to treat Red Imported Fire Ants. Operations Manager Saulnier responded that there is a nine-month residual period. Trustee Walker inquired on the status of the RIFA population in the Valley. Operations Manager Saulnier responded that RIFA is mainly in the urban areas of the Valley.
9. Informational Items:
A. Advantages and Disadvantages of Bio-Control
B. Kiner Report
As in Board Packet.
Trustee Baker stated that the Kiner report noted visits to different city official and questioned why the District’s city representatives were not informed of and included in those visits. General Manager Gomsi responded that some of the city representatives attended. A discussion ensued.
10. Consent Calendar:
A. Approval for Assistant Vector Ecologist to attend Society of Vector Ecology (SOVE) Annual Meeting in Springfield, Illinois, September 16-20, 2007, in an amount not to exceed $2,000 from Fund 6110.01.225 – Conference Expense – Scientific Operations Manager Lothrop.
F. Approval of vacation for General Manager September 17 – September 21 2007. Assistant to the General Manager Glanz will be working to address any issues that may arise. –General Manager Gomsi
Trustee Nigosian made the motion to approve Consent Calendar Items A and F. The motion was seconded by Trustee Laflin and carried unanimously.
B. Approval for four supervisory/management staff members to attend the County of Riverside’s Management Excellence Academy. Amount not to exceed $8,780.00 from Fund #7600.01.225 – Staff Training – Administrative Services Manager Passaro.
Trustee Baker stated that it seemed to him this had been done just recently, about a year ago, why was it to be done again. General Manager Gomsi responded it had been attended before, but that different staff would be attending the Academy this time. Trustee Lock added that in the future it would be helpful to list individual names rather then the item just stating “four supervisory/management staff members.” Trustee Howell made the motion to approve Consent Calendar Item B. The motion was seconded by Trustee Fuschetti and carried unanimously.
C. Approval for Administrative Services Manager to attend 2007 Professionals in Human Resources Association Annual Conference in Long Beach, California, October 16-18, 2007, in an amount not to exceed $1,500 from Fund 7600.01.225 – Staff Training -Administrative Services Manager Passaro.
Trustee Baker stated that the board recently approved Administrative Services Manager Passaro to attend a human resources training in August in Coronado Beach and is curious to the need for that many human resources trainings. Administrative Services Manager responded that the earlier meeting was cancelled. Trustee Walker made the motion to approve Consent Calendar Item C. The motion was seconded by Trustee Howell and carried with eight (8) approved (Duran, Fuschetti, Howell, Laflin, Lock, Nigosian, Underwood, and Walker), one (1) opposed (Baker), and two (2) absent (Macknicki and Perkins).
D. Approval for General Manager to attend the Leadership Coachella Valley program once a month for ten months beginning September 20, 2007, and ending June 13, 2008, at an amount not to exceed $850.00 from Fund 7600.01.225- Staff Training -General Manager Gomsi.
Trustee Baker questioned if the General Manager had previously attended the Leadership Coachella Valley program. General Manager Gomsi responded that he had not. Trustee Baker made the motion to approve Consent Calendar Item D. The motion was seconded by Trustee Howell and carried with eight (8) approved (Baker, Duran, Fuschetti, Howell, Laflin, Nigosian, Underwood, and Walker), one (1) opposed (Lock), and two (2) absent (Macknicki and Perkins).
E. Approval for Assistant to the General Manager to attend the two and one-half day Special District and Local Government Institute Seminar (includes half-day Excel Tune-Up workshop on Saturday, September 8), titled Finance, September 6, 7, and 8, 2007 in Seaside, California, in an amount not to exceed $1,600 from Fund #7600.01.225—Staff Training and Trustees Mike Duran, Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Bruce Underwood, and Finance Committee member Gary Howell to attend the two-day training on September 6 and 7 in an amount not to exceed $4,000 from Fund #6120.01.250—Trustee Support –Assistant to the General Manager Glanz.
Trustee Underwood requested that an additional $500 for him to attend the full-day Excel Seminar be included in the amount to be approved for the seminar. A discussion ensued. Trustee Howell made the motion to approve Consent Calendar Item E in the amount of $4500 from Trustee Support. The motion was seconded by Trustee Nigosian and carried with eight (8) approved (Duran, Fuschetti, Howell, Laflin, Lock, Nigosian, Underwood, and Walker), one (1) opposed (Baker), and two (2) absent (Macknicki and Perkins).
11. Old Business:
A. None
12. New Business:
A. Approval of Resolution 2007-11 to provide for a continuation and accumulation of a fund for capital outlays. – Finance Administrator I’Anson
Finance Administrator I’Anson reported that the resolution allows the District to accumulate money for the upgrade and replacement of District facilities, equipment, and vehicles. Trustee Lock questioned if this had been done in the past or if this was something new. Finance Administrator responded that it has been done annually in the past but missed last year. A discussion ensued. Trustee Baker questioned why the resolution did not contain a financial barrier and a lifetime barrier. Finance Administrator I’Anson responded that the resolution is for a continuation and accumulation of a fund for capital outlays and that the capitalization policy did not apply to this resolution. A discussion ensued. Trustee Howell made the motion to approve resolution 2007-11. The motion was seconded by Trustee Walker and carried with eight (8) approved (Duran, Fuschetti, Howell, Laflin, Lock, Nigosian, Underwood, and Walker), one (1) opposed (Baker), and two (2) absent (Macknicki and Perkins).
B. Request for approval of funding to purchase products in an amount not to exceed $50,000 to control RIFA and mosquitoes from Fund 7800.01.500 from lowest responsible bidder. – Operations Manager Saulnier
Trustee Walker made the motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Trustee Fuschetti and carried unanimously.
C. Discussion and/or approval to adopt a Code of Conduct. – Executive Committee
Trustee Baker questioned if there should be a higher numerical equivalent for Board of Trustees votes, such as two-thirds, on imposing Trustee sanctions and whether violations should be clearly stated. Legal Counsel Copeland responded that there is no two-thirds approval requirement. A discussion ensued. Trustee Lock made the motion to send the item back to the Executive Committee for review regarding obtaining a two-thirds vote. The motion was seconded by Trustee Howell and carried unanimously.
D. Discussion and/or approval for District to increase health care contribution for represented staff. – Administrative Services Manager Passaro
Trustee Howell made the motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Trustee Underwood and carried unanimously.
E. Discussion and recommendation on draft RFP and Scope of Work for Municipal Finance firm. – Finance Administrator I’Anson
Trustee Underwood questioned whether the draft RFP and scope of work for a municipal finance firm presented had been amended as the Finance Committee suggested at their last meeting. A discussion ensued. Trustee Underwood made the motion to approve the draft RFP and scope of work as amended by the Finance Committee and to include that the municipal firm analyze the District’s benefit assessment recording. The motion was seconded by Trustee Howell and carried with eight (8) approved (Duran, Fuschetti, Howell, Laflin, Lock, Nigosian, Underwood, and Walker), one (1) opposed (Baker), and two (2) absent (Macknicki and Perkins).
F. Discussion and/or Approval to purchase membership in Coachella Valley Chambers of Commerce in an amount not to exceed $1,735.00 from Fund 6050.01.225 – Executive Committee
President Duran reported the Executive Committee believes Chamber membership is something that would allow the District to improve its working relationship with the cities and establish closer contact with the cities and their agencies. Trustee Howell commented that the District would be able to be involved in Chamber of Commerce events without having to be a member and having to pay for events that the District would like to be involved with or sponsor. A discussion ensued. Trustee Walker made the motioned to approve joining the chambers as proposed but to limit the Palm Spring total membership fee to $160. The motion was seconded by Trustee Howell and carried with six (6) approved (Duran, Fuschetti, Howell, Laflin, Nigosian, and Walker), two (2) against (Lock and Underwood), one (1) abstaining (Baker), and two (2) absent (Macknicki and Perkins).
G. Approval of scope of work for inclusion in an RFP for the engagement of a Communications and Public Relations Firm to assist the Community Outreach Program with its program goals and objectives.– Executive Committee
Trustee Baker questioned the need to have someone on the outside versus the two in-house employees working on the programs goals and objectives. Trustee Lock stated that she believed that the two employees already working on this are doing a great job and that the rest of it sounds like spin. Trustee Nigosian asked the Executive Committee why they believed the District needs this. Trustee Underwood responded that it would be helpful to have someone with greater expertise in this area and it is important to help with get the District’s message out properly to the public. A discussion ensued. Trustee Fuschetti made the motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Trustee Underwood and carried with six (6) approved (Duran, Fuschetti, Laflin, Nigosian, Underwood, and Walker), three (3) opposed (Baker, Howell, and Lock), and two (2) absent (Macknicki and Perkins).
H. Approval of Resolution 2007-13 establishing signature approval for checks written by the District. – Finance Administrator I’Anson
Trustee Baker asked if it wouldn’t be more appropriate that Trustee Howell serve as a signatory rather then Trustee Nigosian and Trustee Laflin. Trustee Nigosian responded that he has been signing checks for twelve years, and he wouldn’t mind continuing to sign. Trustee Underwood made the motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Trustee Nigosian and carried with seven (7) approved (Duran, Fuschetti, Howell, Laflin, Nigosian, Underwood, and Walker), two (2) opposed (Baker and Lock), and two (2) absent (Macknicki and Perkins).
13. Closed Session:
A. CLOSED SESSION – Potential Litigation – Conference with Legal Counsel pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9 (b) (1).
B. CLOSED SESSION – Conference with Legal Counsel pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9 (a) – Coachella Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District v. City of Desert Hot Springs – Pending in Riverside County Superior Court as Case No. INC 068335.
14. Trustee Comments:
Trustee Nigosian thanked the staff for completing and doing a fine job on the Trustee Manual and thanked the Rules and Regulations Committee, as well as former Trustee Christine Hammond, for starting the manual. Trustee Nigosian also thanked La Quinta Mayor Don Adolph and their City Council for allowing Trustee Perkins to try and continue as a Board Member.
15. Adjournment:
Trustee Lock made the motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Trustee Howell President Duran adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m.