FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF MAY AND JUNE 2021
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the months of May and June 2021.
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BACKGROUND
Staff will provide an update on recent public affairs activities.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
• Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities
• Listen to and seriously consider community input on environmental concerns
PROBLEM
The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) is well-recognized within the water/wastewater industry; however, within our service area there is limited knowledge by our customers of the important work we do to protect public health and the environment. In general, the customers we serve do not realize that when they improperly dispose of waste into the sanitation system, it can negatively affect our sewer lines, our treatment plants, and the quality of water we supply to the Groundwater Replenishment System.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
By providing tours, community outreach, education, and general communication via OC San’s website, social media outlets, and direct mailings, we can educate the community, local agencies, and businesses on our messaging such as the What2Flush program, energy production, water recycling, biosolids, and our source control program. This, in turn, helps improve the quality of wastewater that is recycled or released to the ocean.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If we do not educate the community, local agencies, and area businesses about OC San, we may not have the support necessary to deliver our mission.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ACTIVITIES FOR THE MONTHS OF MAY AND JUNE 2021
Celebrated Public Works Week
During the month of May, OC San celebrated Public Works Week acknowledging the various departments throughout the agency and the hard work done to provide an essential service. This year’s theme was Stronger Together, although physically distanced, OC San staff remained together throughout the year and supportive of one another.
Plant No. 2 Newsletter
As part of the ongoing outreach efforts to keep Plant No. 2 neighbors informed and engaged, another issue of the Neighborhood Connection Newsletter was distributed in the Spring. Over 1,400 residents in Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, and Newport Beach receive this publication. The newsletter includes updates on the ongoing construction of the new primary clarifiers, the Orange County Water District’s GWRS project, the new odor control facility, and the new power distribution center. The current and previous issues are available on our website at www.ocsan.gov/plant2.
Construction Outreach
The Anaheim and Westminster communities continue to receive information regarding the infrastructure improvements of the Westminster Blvd. and the State College Sewer Construction projects. Notifications, website updates, email alerts, text alerts, and social media posts are all part of the outreach effort to inform and educate the public of the necessity and benefits of OC San's Capital Improvement Program.
Presentations
During the months of May and June, staff presented at Corona Del Mar High School and at the California Water Environmental Association Conference on Predictive Maintenance Program.
AWARDS
Budget Presentation Award
OC San has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the current fiscal period. This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. This is the 27th consecutive year OC San has received the award.
Platinum Peak Performance Award
This is OC San’s 4th year receiving this award issued by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). It recognizes member agencies for achieving 100% water discharge permit compliance over a consecutive five-year period.
ATTACHMENTS
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Outreach and Media Summary Report - May and June 2021
• Presentation