March, 2024
Mark Dolson
Contract Awards, Engineering Change Orders, and Switch to Monthly Meetings
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) Board has met twice (March 7 th and March 21 st )
since my last report. With the February controversy over the new rate structure now behind
us, the meeting focus shifted back to relatively routine business items.
The Board unanimously approved a $100,000 contract with Panorama Environmental to guide
design choices and prepare environmental documentation for the pending replacement of the
Peavine raw-water pipeline (destroyed in the CZU Fire) and the associated removal of
hazardous trees. Panorama’s bid was by far the least expensive of the four received, and the
District has had recent positive experiences with Panorama.
The Board unanimously approved a contract extension for Interim Finance Director Heather
Ippoliti (currently working 16 hours per week) while the District continues to search for a
suitable addition to its permanent Staff. The Board also unanimously approved a two-year
$30,000 continuation of its contract with Jodi McGraw for required long-term environmental
monitoring of the Olympia Conservation Area. In both these cases, the Board had detailed
questions for Staff but was satisfied with the answers it received. In contrast, the Board
directed Staff to enter into another round of discussion with the rate study consulting firm
Raftelis, as the Directors raised multiple questions about Raftelis’ requested $15,000 contract
amendment.
At the first March meeting, the Board unanimously approved payment for engineering change
orders for work on the Fall Creek Fish Ladder and, separately, for work on the District’s Alta Via
project. At the second March meeting, the Board unanimously approved payment for a
number of separate engineering change orders relating to its 2021 CIP Pipeline Replacement
project and, separately, for its Lyon/Big Steel project. In each case, the Board concluded, based
on its detailed questioning, that the District was behaving responsibly.
Lastly, after considerable discussion, the Board voted 4-1 to approve a request from Interim
General Manager Brian Frus to reduce the frequency of Board meetings from twice per month
to once per month. Interim General Manager Frus felt that this would reduce the monthly
preparation time required of Staff and allow more time to focus on those items that are most
important. Board members were uncertain that this change would generate a significant net
benefit, but they mostly agreed to give it a try. Director Fultz was opposed, as he felt this
change was ill-advised and would compromise his ability to provide oversight.
The next public meeting of the Board of Directors will be on April 4 th at 6:30 p.m.
