HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-02-22 Water Board MinutesMINUTES
DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY
COUNTY OF HAWAII
WATER BOARD MEETING
February 22, 2005
DWS HILO OPERATIONS CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mr. Ivan Mochida, Chairman (10:22 a.m.)
Mr. Loren Heck, Vice - Chairman
Mr. Thomas Goya
Ms. Pamela Hons
Mr. Earl T. Nakashima
Ms. Sandra Scarr
Mr. Milton D. Pavao, Manager (ex- officio member)
ABSENT: Mr. Bernard Konanui, Water Board Member
Mr. George Wilkins, Water Board Member
Mr. Bruce McClure, Director, Department of Public Works
(ex- officio member)
OTHERS PRESENT: Ms. Amy Self, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Mr. Darrin Arai, representing Mr. Christopher Yuen, Director,
Planning Department (ex- officio member)
Department of Water Supply Staff:
Mr. Quirino Antonio, Jr., Deputy Manager
Mr. Glenn Ahuna, Engineering Division Head
Mr. Daryl Ikeda, Acting Chief of Operations
Mr. Richard Tsunoda, Waterworks Controller
Mr. Richard Sumada, Assistant Waterworks Controller
Mr. Lawrence Beck, Engineering Division
Ms. Crestita Hudman, Customer Service Supervisor
Mr. Owen Nishioka, Engineering Division
Mr. Michael Watanabe, Water Quality and Assurance Control Branch
CALL TO ORDER - Vice - Chairman Heck called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. He announced
that Chairman Mochida would be joining the meeting within the hour, and also thanked Ms. Hons and
Mr. Nakashima for being present.
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
ACTION: Mr. Goya moved for approval of the Minutes of the January 25, 2005, Water Board
Meeting (with correction as noted by Secretary to Page 17, Item #5 - Retiree of the Department -
change date from February 2006 to February 2005); seconded by Ms. Scarr and carried
unanimously by voice vote.
ACTION: Mr. Goya moved for approval of the Minutes of the January 26, 2005, Special Water
Board Meeting; seconded by Ms. Hons and carried unanimously by voice vote.
APPROVAL OF ADDENDUM AND /OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
Postponed until Chairman Mochida arrives for required six votes.
SOUTH HILO:
A. JOB NO. 2004-848, CONSTRUCTION OF THE KULAIMANO BOOSTER STATION
IMPROVEMENTS:
Bids for this project were received and opened on February 10, 2005, at 2:00 p.m.; and following
are the bid results:
Bidder
Amount
Edward H. Higa dba Ed Higa General Contracting
$126,948.00
Primatech Construction, Inc.
$228,100.00*
R. L Namba Construction, Inc.
$209,646.00
*Corrected bid total
Project Scope: This project consists of installing a booster pump station, controls and appurtenant
piping.
Project Cost:
1) Low Bidder (Edward H. Higa dba Ed Higa General Contracting) $126,948.00
2) Construction Contingency ( -10 %) 12,652.00
Total Construction Cost: $139,600.00
Funding for this project will be from the Department's C.I.P. budget. The contractor will have
180 calendar days from the date of Notice to Proceed to complete this project.
The Manager recommended that the Board award the contract for JOB NO. 2004 -848,
CONSTRUCTION OF THE KULAIMANO BOOSTER STATION IMPROVEMENTS, to the
lowest responsible bidder, Edward H. Higa dba Ed Higa General Contracting, for their bid amount
of $126,948.00 plus $12,652.00 in construction contingency for a total contract amount of
$139,600.00, subject to review as to form and legality of the contract by Corporation Counsel.
MOTION: Ms. Scarr moved for approval of the Manager's recommendation; seconded by
Mr. Goya.
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In response to Mr. Goya's question on the spread in bid amounts, the Manager explained that
Mr. Higa has done work for the Department before and has done well and been very responsive.
ACTION: A vote was taken on the Motion. Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.
HAMAKUA:
A. JOB NO. 2000-766, CONSTRUCTION OF THE AHUALOA NOS. 1 AND 2,
0.10 -MG RESERVOIRS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY:
The Board considered a request from the contractor, Goodfellow Brothers, Inc., for an extension
of contract time for the reasons stated in their letter. The additional working days (34) are related
to the testing of the materials for demolition of the two steel tanks and the removal of two
additional trees not identified on the plans.
This is the second time extension request. Staff has reviewed this 2nd time extension request and
finds that the 34 working days are justifiable.
The Manager recommended that the Board grant Goodfellow Brothers, Inc., this extension of
contract time for JOB NO. 2000 -766, CONSTRUCTION OF THE AHUALOA NOS. 1 AND 2,
0.10 -MG RESERVOIRS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY, from February 25,
2005, to April 15, 2005.
MOTION: Ms. Scarr moved for approval of the Manager's recommendation; seconded by
Mr. Nakashima.
Mr. Nakashima asked if, when the project is completed, if it will expand the customer base or if it
would only serve present customers.
The Manager replied that it will not be an expansion. This is the replacement of steel tanks. He
added that the Board had previously authorized the Department to contract for some wells; and
that, along with this project, should improve the system in the area. The Department also received
word from the State that it will be awarding a bid to put pumps in the well at the hospital tank site,
which had been on hold for years. However, the gallons per minute (gpm) is only 350. It was
thought it would have been 700, so this 350 gpm will not even be able to back up the Haina Well.
That is why it is so important that the Department get the Holualoa well going.
ACTION: A vote was taken on the Motion. Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.
MISCELLANEOUS:
A. DEDICATION OF WATER SYSTEMS:
The Department received the following documents for action by the Water Board. The water
systems have been constructed in accordance with the Department's standards and are in
acceptable condition for dedication.
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GRANT OF EASEMENT AND BILL OF SALE
`IOLANI, INCREMENT IV, PHASE 2
Subdivision Application No. 82 -168 (Part IV)
Grantor: Maryl Group, Inc., formerly known as Maryl Development, Inc.
E.W.O.: 2005 -009
TMK: (3) 7 -6- 012:149 to 154, inclusive
Lots: 5
Facilities Charge: $7,500.00 (4 units through Mamalahoa North Water System Improvements
@ $500.00 per unit and 1 unit @ $5,500.00)
Capital Assessment Fee: $500.00
Final Inspection Date: February 8, 2005
Water System Cost: $30,480.00
2. GRANT OF EASEMENT AND BILL OF SALE
ALII HEIGHTS, UNIT 2, PHASE I AND PHASE II
Subdivision Application No. 2002 -118
Grantor: Towne Keauhou, LLC, a Hawaii limited liability company
E.W.O.: 2004 -060 (Unit 2, Phase I) and 2004 -092 (Unit 2, Phase II)
TMK: (3) 7 -7- 028:017
Lots: 16 Lots with 1 reservoir lot and 45 Lots + 1 remainder
Facilities Charge: $324,500.00
Final Inspection Date: February 10, 2005
Water System Cost: $405,081.84
3. GRANT OF EASEMENT AND BILL OF SALE
PUALANI ESTATES, PHASE I, Increment 2
Subdivision Application No. 90 -143
Grantor: D.R. Horton — Schuler Homes, LLC
E.W.O.: 2004 -027 & 2003 -004
TMK: 7 -5- 017:028 & 029
Lots: 68 (Units)
Facilities Charge: $122,400.00 (68 units through Kealakekua Source Agreement @ $1,800.00 per unit)
Final Inspection Date: December 9, 2004
Water System Cost: $464,039.00
4. GRANT OF EASEMENT
(For Access and Waterline Easements)
HILO HOSPITAL COMPLEX AND ALLIED FACILITIES
Grantor: Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
E.W.O.: 2005 -050
TMK: 2 -3- 027:002
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5. PROPOSED ACCESS AND WATERLINE EASEMENT
FOR WATER BOARD APPROVAL
OOKALA WATER SYSTEM
Grantor: William F. Hewetson
TMK: 3 -9- 001:037
The Department of Water Supply offered to pay Mr. Hewetson the amount of
thirty cents ($30) per square foot for the use of two (2) easements. Mr. Hewetson has
agreed to the amount of $3,312.60 for both easements that total 11,042 square feet,
subject to the approval of the Water Board.
The Manager recommended that the Water Board accept these documents subject to the approval
of the Corporation Counsel and that either the Chairman or the Vice - Chairman be authorized to
sign the documents. Further, it is recommended that the Water Board accept the purchase amount
of $3,312.60 for the 11,042 - square foot easement from William F. Hewetson described above in
Item 7)A.5.
(The Manager made note of the Council District Map that was placed on the bulletin board, in
response to Mr. Wilkins' request of last month.)
ACTION: Mr. Goya moved for approval of the Manager's recommendation; seconded by
Ms. Scarr and carried unanimously by voice vote.
B. MATERIAL BID NO. 2005-01, SALE OF USED VEHICLES, EQUIPMENT, OFFICE
EQUIPMENT, OFFICE FURNITURE, FIRST AID HITS, SCRAP COPPER, AND SCRAP
BRASS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY:
Bids were opened on February 9, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. All items for which the Department received
bids and the successful bidders are as follows:
Item #
Description
Bidder
Amount
1
Scrap Brass Goods
Atlas Recycling Center
$0.405/lb.
2
Scrap Copper
Hawaii Junk Ltd.
$0.7253/lb.
3
1981 Ford 1 -ton dump truck, DWS 18
Michael Omi'a
$1,652.00
4
Worthington Air Compressor, 81- 001 -C2
Jack Co hlan
$153.00
5
Worthington Air Compressor, 31 -004 -C
Jack Co hlan
$53.00
6
Ingersoll Rand Air Compressor, 31 -005 -C
Jack Co hlan
$13.00
8
Rockwell 9" mitersaw, #83E68919
Jack Co hlan
$11.00
9
Panasonic Air Conditioner, window unit, 11,500
BTU, #1427829692
Nick Reis
$51.00
10
Panasonic Air Conditioner, window unit, 11,500
BTU, #1427829685
Nick Reis
$51.00
12
Milwaukee 12 Volt 3/8" hi- torque driver /drill,
#784 - 8595503054, including charger and batteries
Jack Coghlan
$6.00
13
Micron, 19" Monitor, 9A10, #9339A1 1H00292
Daniel Escalona Jr.
$11.26
14
Micron, 19- Monitor, UM09A11, #B519A110133
Nick Reis
$11.00
15
Micron, 17- Monitor, 700FGX, #FK8150225
Aimee Takamoto
$11.00
16
Micron, 17-Monitor, 700FGX, #FG7461878
Daniel Escalona Jr.
$11.26
17
Micron, 17- Monitor, 700FGX, #FA7621486
Daniel Escalona Jr.
$11.26
Page 5 of 12 2- 22- 05Min.doc
Item #
Description
Bidder
Amount
18
Micron, 17- Monitor, 700FGX, #FG7525668
Earl Fukunaga
$25.00
24
Micron, 17-Monitor, LM1764, #62100CR20647956B
Nick Reis
$6.00
25
Micron, 17- Monitor, 700FGX, #7307L1100890
Nick Reis
$6.00
28
Viewsonic, 17" Monitor, GT770, #JB70101376
Nick Reis
$6.00
33
Micron Millennia XKU PII -333 Mhz Tower,
Nick Reis
$26.00
#1196073 -0001
37
Micron Millennia XRU, PII -266 Mhz Tower,
Daniel Escalona Jr.
$15.61
#1017489 -0049
38
Micron Millennia XKU, PII -333 Mhz Tower,
Earl Fukunaga
$50.00
#31196137 -0002
52
Aldek Aluminum Scaffolding System
Leonard Baybayan Jr.
$302.00
The Manager recommended that the Board approve all of the high bids for MATERIAL BID
NO. 2005 -01, SALE OF USED VEHICLES, EQUIPMENT, OFFICE EQUIPMENT, OFFICE
FURNITURE, FIRST AID KITS, SCRAP COPPER, AND SCRAP BRASS FROM THE
DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY, as listed above and also authorize the Manager to dispose
of all items for which no bids were received.
MOTION: Mr. Nakashima moved for approval of the Manager's recommendation; seconded by
Ms. Scarr.
After brief discussion as to how the Manager would be disposing of the items for which no bids
were received, the Board requested that the Manager first check on the donation of the computer
items, in particular, to schools or non - profit organizations before disposing of them.
ACTION: A vote was taken on the Motion. Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.
C. ADMINISTRATION DIVISION, PERSONNEL SECTION:
The Department requested approval for the creation of a new Personnel Assistant II position
within the Personnel Services Branch of the Administration Division. Annual salary for this new
position is $31,512.00. This position would be under the general supervision of Wanda K.
Kapahu, Personnel Management Specialist II.
The scope of responsibility for personnel has increased tremendously over the past several years
with the increase in departmental staff, the implementation of the Civil Service Reform Act and
other new laws, rules and regulations and recordkeeping requirements. The existing staff, which
includes the Personnel Management Specialist II and the Departmental Personnel Clerk, require
additional help in order to effectively perform all of the duties required of the Personnel Services
Branch.
This new position will be responsible to oversee the Department's industrial safety needs and
programs including education, compliance, in- service training, etc. This position will also
coordinate with the Worker's Compensation Unit of the County of Hawaii to process and monitor
all workers' compensation claims as well as provide support to the Personnel Management
Specialist 11.
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The Manager recommended that the Water Board approve the creation of the Personnel Assistant
II position in the Administration Division and the corresponding Table of Organization, Chart
II -A.
MOTION: Mr. Goya moved for approval of the Manager's recommendation; seconded by
Ms. Scarr.
Mr. Goya mentioned that this is related to his question at last month's meeting on where this fits in
with the long -range plans of the Department.
The Manager stated that this came up during the Strategic Plan. The problem of filling vacancies
was recognized because the Department's Personnel Management Specialist was busy with the
other duty of safety work. The Department is only now filling vacancies that were in the plans
months ago. By taking this duty away, she will be able to meet the demands of the Department in
its hiring and personnel functions. Also, the new position being created is not limited to safety
issues only. The reason for calling the position a Personnel Assistant II was to give the duties a
broader scope.
Mr. Goya added that the reason he wants to see the long -range plans is to assist in the Board's
decisions regarding water rate changes and if there would be a need to fund future staffing.
The Manager mentioned that the Personnel Needs Assessment that will be covered by R. W. Beck,
Inc., will give the Department a good handle on staffing needs.
Ms. Scarr asked about the status of the creation of a public relations person, which has been in the
works. The reason was that this person, if they had been on staff, could have handled a recent
development that occurred in the West Hawaii Today where a contractor had placed an ad about
work to begin the end of February to last one year, limiting traffic in the Holualoa area to one lane
along Mamalahoa Highway from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The article has
generated a lot of public complaints and questions because no contact name is on the ad, and it
indicates DWS well sites as the only landmarks in the ad's description of the area. It was
mistaken for being generated by this Department. (Mr. Heck later commented that the Department
might want to submit a Letter to the Editor to clarify the situation.)
The Manager stated that this Department is still working on the position description for a public
relationsibusiness manager position. Civil Service is gathering input from the other jurisdictions
because it is a creation of a new type of position.
Ms. Hons asked if there was a job description for the Department's independent consultant who
was with the Department when she joined the Water Board. She wondered if it could be kept that
way, and not have a person on staff.
The Manager replied that at one point, it was the Board's directive to have someone on staff
instead of a consultant. Also, with this Strategic Plan, it was a perfect opportunity to have
someone on staff to take care of that, along with the public relations work.
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Mr. Nakashima added that another situation that could have been handled by a public relations
position was an article in the newspaper last month where a contractor questioned the
Department's delay for the pump replacements and indicated they could do it in less time.
ACTION: A vote was taken on the Motion. Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.
(Chairman Mochida joined the meeting at 10:22 a.m.)
ADDENDUM TO AGENDA:
ACTION: Ms. Scarr moved to add Agenda Item SOUTH KOHALA /HAMAKUA, JOB
NO. 97 -684, CONSTRUCTION OF THE PUUKAPU - NIENIE BOOSTER PUMP STATION
NO. 1 & NO. 2 REPLACEMENT, to the Agenda; seconded by Ms. Hons and carried unanimously
by roll call vote (Ayes: 6 - Mss. Hons and Scarr; Messrs. Goya, Heck, Nakashima, and Chairman
Mochida; Nays: 0; Absent: 2 — Messrs. Konanui and Wilkins).
SOUTH KOHALA /HAMAKUA
A. JOB NO. 97-684, CONSTRUCTION OF THE PUUKAPU- NIENIE
BOOSTER PUMP STATION NO. 1 & NO.2 REPLACEMENT
By Addendum, the Board considered a request from the contractor, Dick Pacific Construction
Company, Ltd., for a fifth extension of contract time on the above titled job. Additional contract
time needed to repair or to replace the "in- place" booster pumps at Station No. 2; re -test the pumps
to ensure they perform to specifications; and complete the remaining site work in the contract.
In October 2004, the pumps were field- tested to determine if they met the contract - specified
efficiency. The testing proved that the pumps were operating at lower than acceptable efficiency
rates. The contractor was asked to bring the pumps' efficiency up to specifications. In January
2005, the contractor countered by offering to compensate the Department of Water Supply (DWS)
for the estimated energy costs DWS would incur by accepting the inefficient pumps. DWS did not
accept the contractor's offer and instructed the contractor to repair or to replace the pumps. The
151 calendar -day extension will be necessary to complete the contracted work. Staff has evaluated
this request and finds that the 151 calendar -day extension from December 31, 2004 to May 31,
2005 is justified.
The Manager recommended that the Board grant Dick Pacific Construction Company, Ltd., a 151
calendar -day extension for JOB NO. 97 -684, CONSTRUCTION OF THE PUUKAPU - NIENIE
BOOSTER PUMP STATION NO. 1 & NO. 2 REPLACEMENT, from December 31, 2004 to
May 31, 2005.
(Mr. Ahuna pointed out that 120 calendar days, as shown on the Addendum, was incorrect and
noted it should be 151.)
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MOTION: Mr. Nakashima moved for approval of the Manager's recommendation, with correction
noted of 151 calendar days requested; seconded by Ms. Scarr.
In reply to Ms. Scarr's request for clarity on what the extension is for exactly and what the
Department's comfort level is in this being completed within the allotted time, staff explained that
the contractor has to get different pumps. Staff is banking on the contractor knowing what they
have to do and complying with the pump efficiency test. The contractor has been notified that the
Department is not going to accept inefficient pumps because of electrical costs.
In response to Ms. Scarr's question of what happens if the conditions are not met within the 151
days, the Manager indicated that the last resort would be seeking Corporation Counsel's advice on
legal avenues to take, such as calling on the bond.
ACTION: A vote was taken on the Motion. Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.
D. MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT:
In response to Mr. Goya's question on the status of the Piihonua- Kukuau design project,
Mr. Ahuna noted it is still in the condemnation process. Ms. Self was not certain of Ms. Garson's
progress on the condemnation.
The Board questioned some projects, such as Keei No. 3 reservoirs (a 2003 project) and the
Pohakea Water System Improvements, Phases 1 & 2 (under Fiscal Year 1996 -2000 projects) and a
lot more not complete (2003/2004 projects). Some questioned how things could be moved along
faster. Five or six years spent on a project seems like a long time.
The Manager indicated that project numbers are given when the project is first thought of. It takes
a long time to design a project, bid it out, and for construction time, etc. He mentioned the budget
process and how staff gets together to prioritize projects.
Mr. Heck asked that the Board be involved in what the Department's plans are when it gets around
to preparing this next fiscal year budget (Manager stated it should be April or May). Mr. Heck
found last year's information very enlightening.
Mr. Ahuna added that R. W. Beck, Inc., as part of the Water Master Plan, is going to come up with
a priority list of projects, which may be the appropriate time for input from the Board.
E. REVIEW OF MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Ms. Scarr noted that general administrative costs have increased by $450 thousand, primarily due
to liability insurance premiums and the Employees Retirement System. She commented that the
Department needs to budget for those increased figures.
Mr. Sumada explained that the Employees Retirement System amount is usually received in time
for inclusion in the budget, but the health insurance premium amounts are usually received after
the budget is completed.
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Mr. Goya asked about the negative net income (Page 4) and if it is due to timing.
Mr. Sumada replied it is not due to timing, but that is the way the numbers fall out. The change in
retained earnings is positive after adding back the CIAC depreciation.
F. MATSUMOTO WATER COMPANY:
The Manager reported that the Matsumoto Water Company has six accounts, currently delinquent
by about $596,000.00. No payments have been made since January 2004 when a lump sum of
$8,000.00 was paid. The Department cannot turn off the water because 200+ families would go
without water, and one Board Member had gone on record in the past stating that the Department
would not do that, after hearing the residents at a public hearing held in Kona (May 25, 1999).
The Board felt that this is an exasperating situation. Ms. Hons commented it has been going on
since she became a Board Member five years ago. She had a problem with so many people paying
this person, and she is not giving any of it to the Department and getting away with it. This person
should be made aware that the Board is not willing to sit back and let her go merrily along her
way.
To further discuss the legal issues surrounding this account, Ms. Self suggested it would be best if
discussed within Executive Session.
ACTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION: Ms. Scarr moved that the Board enter into
Executive Session to consult with the Board's attorney on 1) questions and issues pertaining to the
Board's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities in disciplinary action of employees;
and 2) to deliberate or make a decision upon a matter that requires the consideration of
information that must be kept confidential pursuant to a state or federal law, or a court order, as
authorized by Hawaii Revised Statutes, Sections 92 -4 and 92- 5(a)(4) and (8); and also to consult
with the Board's attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the Board's powers, duties, and
liabilities, as authorized by Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section 92 -4 and 92- 5(a)(5) on the
Matsumoto Water Company and on First Insurance of Hawaii and the Association of Apartment
Owners Kaulana at Kona; seconded by Ms. Hons and carried unanimously by voice vote.
G. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Executive Session began at 11:03 after a short recess. (Mr. Darin Arai left the meeting.)
1) Disciplinary Actions of Employees
The purpose of this meeting is: 1) to consult with the Board's attorney on questions and issues
pertaining to the Board's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities; and 2) to
deliberate or make a decision upon a matter that requires the consideration of information that
must be kept confidential pursuant to a state or federal law, or a court order, as authorized by
Hawaii Revised Statutes, Sections 92 -4 and 92- 5(a)(4) and (8).
2) First Insurance of Hawaii (Kaulana at Kona)
3) Association of Apartment Owners Kaulana at Kona
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4) Matsumoto Water Company
The purpose of the meeting on Items 2, 3, and 4 is to consult with the Board's attorney on
questions and issues pertaining to the Board's powers, duties, and liabilities, as authorized by
Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section 92 -4 and 92- 5(a)(5).
Executive Session ended at 11:54 a.m. (Ms. Hons left the meeting.)
ACTION ON ITEM #2: Mr. Heck moved to accept Corporation Counsel's recommendation on
Item 2 (First Insurance of Hawaii); seconded by Ms. Scarr and carried unanimously by voice vote.
ACTION ON ITEM #4: Mr. Heck moved to file a lawsuit and have the court appoint a receiver in
place of Matsumoto Water Company, or Lillian Matsumoto, and if Corporation Counsel does not
have enough time or manpower, the Board authorizes the Department to hire an attorney;
seconded by Ms. Scarr and carried unanimously by voice vote.
H. MANAGER'S REPORT:
1) Kona Coastview/Wonderview status – nothing further to report.
2) USGS Drilling Program – Mr. Heck noted the drill rig is down to about 400 feet.
3) Kona Water Quality – nothing further to report.
4) AWWA National Conference, June 12 -16, 2005, San Francisco – reminder to let staff know of
plans to attend.
5) Mr. Goya asked that the Manager add an item to his report each month —what the Department
is contemplating with regard to adding new positions.
6) Mr. Heck asked for public relations response to the piece in the newspaper regarding Holualoa
pump. (Manager will send a letter to the editor.)
I. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT:
Survey
Chairman Mochida indicated that Ms. Scarr had something to report. Ms. Scarr reported on her
work, since the last meeting, regarding surveys of the communities on their water needs. She met
with Council Member Virginia Isbell and with Ms. Nancy Pissichio who is heading up the
community planning in West Hawaii. Ms. Scarr handed out a draft letter and postcard that could
be mailed out, and asked for the Board's input. The idea is to get two sets of labels from Real
Property Tax with tax map key information, and mail letters with a postage -paid postcard inside
addressed back to DWS with the tax map key unique to that property. She proposed that the
Department acquire a postage permit, if it does not already have one, which would mean that the
Department only pays for the cards that are returned. The goal is to make this as simple as
possible. She is anticipating a 20% return of the survey cards, which would give the Department
and the Board a lot more knowledge about communities than is currently known.
Mr. Heck believed in the idea of keeping it simple but suggested a small amount of space be
added at the bottom of the postcard for comments. He also asked what happens with the postcards
that come back.
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Ms. Scarr replied that she had volunteers, at least in North and South Kona, to tabulate by tax map
keys. Ms. Scarr will work with the Department on the estimated postage costs, anticipating 100%
mail out and about 20% coming back.
The Board agreed to start with Districts 6, 7, and 8 and see what the return is. Ms. Scarr will work
with Mr. Heck and report at the next meeting. (Place on the Agenda.)
ater Board Member Vacancies
Chairman Mochida mentioned the three vacant positions on the Board. It was noted that the
Mayor's office is working to have them confirmed by the end of March.
Chance of Meeting Place — March 22, 2005, Water Board Meeting
Discussion followed on next month's meeting, scheduled for Kona. Mr. Heck noted that unless
there is something pressing relating to Kona, it is an extra expense hold meetings there (Manager
reported it costs about $900.00 extra). Also cited were problems with getting a quorum together
and that it may be easier if the meeting is held in Hilo. Mr. Heck moved that the March 22, 2005,
Water Board Meeting be held in Hilo rather than Kona. (Manager indicated that the Chairman has
the authority to set the meeting place.)
Chairman Mochida indicated that there was agreement by the Board to hold the March 22, 2005,
Water Board Meeting in Hilo, especially due to quorum issues. The meeting place will be Hilo
Operations Center Conference Room, 889 Leilani Street, Hilo, Hawaii, 10:00 a.m.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Next Meeting:
The next meeting of the Water Board will be held on March 22, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. The meeting
place was changed by the Board to now be held at the Department's Hilo Operations Center
Conference Room, 889 Leilani Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC — None.
ADJOURNMENT
ACTION: Mr. Heck moved for adjournment of the Meeting; seconded by Mr. Goya and carried
unanimously by voice vote. (Meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.)
Secretary
The Department of Water Supply is an Equal Opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of
discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326 -W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250 -9410. Or call (202) 720 -5964 (voice and TDD)
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