The Ross Valley Sanitary District held a meeting on November 15, 2023, focusing on ongoing projects, financial updates, and operational metrics. The meeting began with a review of capital projects, highlighting the efficiency of the informal bidding process for projects under $200,000, which allows for quicker approvals by the general manager for amounts under $60,000. This streamlined approach has facilitated the completion of numerous small-scale projects.
A significant topic of discussion was the district's recent capital report, which included a detailed accounting of ongoing and completed projects. The board approved the year-end capital report for fiscal year 2022-2023, reflecting the district's commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations.
The meeting also addressed the district's performance metrics, particularly regarding sewer flow and maintenance. The district reported a notable decrease in flow levels, attributed to lower groundwater levels due to a lack of rainfall in October. This data is crucial for understanding the system's response to weather conditions and managing infrastructure effectively.
Additionally, the board discussed a recent emergency repair costing $460,000 related to a significant issue at Baywood, where a pipe was at risk of spilling sewage into a creek. The repair involved hiring a design engineer, which added to the costs but was deemed necessary for ensuring public safety.
The meeting concluded with discussions on recycled water usage, where staff exceeded the monthly target of 30,000 gallons, achieving over 73,000 gallons. This achievement was attributed to innovative practices by the staff, including optimizing the use of recycled water trucks.
Overall, the meeting underscored the district's proactive approach to managing its infrastructure and resources, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining a focus on sustainability and efficiency in operations. The board plans to continue monitoring these metrics and exploring further improvements in the coming months.