South Tahoe Public Utilities District

The meeting included discussions and actions on several agenda items. Key topics involved the purchase of spare motors (one 700 horsepower and one 1,000 horsepower) for the Luther Pass pump station to ensure operational readiness, with an associated discussion regarding tracking existing spare equipment inventory. Another item addressed the grant of an easement to CALR for drainage improvements near Highway 88 and River Ranch Road in Alpine County, a joint project with Alpine County. A rebid for 2026-2027 sewer line spot repair and lateral abandonment services was considered. Furthermore, authorization was requested for the purchase of a 2026 Ford F350 flatbed truck equipped with a TravelVac 300 vacuum unit to replace an aging service line truck. Finally, the board reviewed the South Upper Truckucky Well Pump Replacement Project, which necessitated replacing the submersible pump system with a vertical turbine pump due to ongoing equipment damage from corrosive groundwater, with an analysis showing significant projected life cycle cost savings.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the adoption of the consent calendar and subsequent agenda items. Item 6A involved the State Line Tank Recoding Project, a two-phase effort slated for 2026 and 2027, focusing on recoating the largest and most critical tanks due to significant coating failures and corrosion, with an estimated cost of $2.2 million. Item 6B addressed the need to adopt an updated reimbursement resolution for the Return Activated Sludge Pump Station Replacement Project, increasing the authorized maximum cost from $19 million to $20 million to incorporate necessary electrical transformer replacements. Committee reports covered the successor agency meeting and updates on employee recognition. The Staff Attorney reported on the 2024 Water Audit, confirming it passed Level One validation and detailing favorable infrastructure leak index performance, though annual real loss costs are increasing due to operating costs. A presentation was also given regarding the successful implementation of a 2022 grant from the California Department of Water Resources aimed at improving water loss data systems, including optimizing loss data technologies and enhancing water efficiency programs.

The meeting included several key actions and discussions. Initial agenda adjustments involved pulling consent item 4c for separate discussion as action item 6f. Staff recommended the award of the 2018 Marlette water line meter installation project to Thomas Paine Company for $793,627, with minor deviations waived. Approval was sought for a contract not to exceed $18,000 to hire two lab interns for the summer due to expected full-time staff departures, with discussion on staggering their start dates. The Board authorized joining the California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority Property Insurance Program, effective July 1, 2018, which includes earthquake and flood coverage, noted as an improvement over the previous program. The payment of claims totaling $1,813,611.93 was approved. Discussion was held on South Well Feasibility Study (formerly item 4c/now 6f), where an additional mobilization cost of $9,300 was requested and approved due to a contractor schedule change requiring equipment removal during a four-week hiatus, bringing the total value for that item to $39,860, covered by grant funds. Committee reports noted the City Ad-Hoc Committee meeting was canceled due to external events. The Operations Planning Meeting report focused on the emergency plant generator project, which is delayed pending FEMA grant awards totaling $1.2 million maximum; a critical August 1st deadline was discussed to authorize contractor work before the grant is secured.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and checks for audience comments. A significant portion of the discussion involved proposed changes to the agenda, including adding an emergency item regarding winter storms as action item 6h, which required a four-fifths vote for inclusion. Several consent items (4A, 4B, 4E) were pulled for separate discussion. The main action item discussed was the authorization to purchase a replacement mobile office trailer for approximately $189,000 due to the current unit being decades old and not meeting current snow load requirements for housing four inspectors and an interim grants coordinator. Board members expressed concern over the high cost per square foot for this temporary structure and discussed alternative long-term solutions such as building an annex or leasing commercial space. The immediate need was driven by safety concerns regarding the existing trailer before the coming winter. The board also discussed future space needs, anticipating up to 12 additional positions requiring two to three more trailers in the long term, with a long-term plan involving developing dedicated slabs for modular units behind the administrative building.

The meeting began with standard procedures and approval of the consent calendar. A significant portion of the discussion involved providing an update and seeking approval for two access agreements related to a groundwater investigation in the southwest corner of city property, requiring access through Liberty Utilities' parking area. The investigation aims to collect soil and groundwater samples, determine hydraulic properties, and assess contamination (PCE) levels for preliminary design work related to a feasibility study. There was extensive discussion regarding liability, indemnification clauses in the access agreements with the City of South Lake Tahoe and Liberty Utilities, and mitigation strategies, including the use of on-site carbon vessels for treatment of discharged water. Emergency action was continued for the repair of a specific sewer pump. The board also approved payment claims totaling $1,160,264. Board member reports included a discussion about a recent City Council decision regarding vendor preference for a local business contract and the legal considerations of implementing a local preference policy for vendors.