FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF DECEMBER 2019 AND JANUARY 2020
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the months of December 2019 and January 2020.
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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 (Sanitation District) 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 for the Groundwater Replenishment System.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
By providing tours, community outreach, education, and general communication via the Sanitation District’s website, social media outlets, and direct mailings, we have the ability to 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.
TIMING CONCERNS
N/A
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If we do not educate the community, local agencies, and area businesses about the Sanitation District, we may not have the support necessary to deliver our mission.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
December 2019 and January 2020
|
Activity |
# |
# of Guests |
|
OCSD/OCWD Tours |
6 |
169 |
|
OCSD Tours |
10 |
154 |
Current Activities - December 2019 and January 2020
Holiday Luncheons
During the month of December, the Sanitation District hosted lunches for all Sanitation District employees at Plant Nos. 1 and 2. The night crews also got in on the celebration with holiday dinners. A special holiday mug was also presented to each Sanitation District employee.
CASA Conference
Last month, the Sanitation District staff and Board Chairman attended the CASA Conference in Palm Desert. Administration Manager Jennifer Cabral attended the Communications Committee Meeting and Rebecca Long, Senior Public Affairs Specialist, attended the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee Meeting. General Manager Jim Herberg presented on “Climate Resiliency, What Does it Mean for Your Agency?”.
GWRS Final Expansion Public Outreach
OCWD has begun construction of the Groundwater Replenishment System Final Expansion project at Plant No. 2. Since work is within the Sanitation District property, Sanitation District staff is managing the outreach efforts and has sent out a notification to the neighbors informing them about the upcoming work and the benefits that will come from the project.
Southeast Huntington Beach Council Committee Meeting
In January, Sanitation District staff attended the committee meeting to provide updates on the Plant No. 2 activity including the various projects for the Final Expansion of the Groundwater Replenishment System and share upcoming tour dates for Plant No. 2.
Pretreatment Pollution Prevention Stormwater (P3S) Conference
At the end of January, Sanitation District employees and Director of Environmental Services Lan Wiborg presented on different topics throughout the conference. The event was held in Long Beach.
CEQA
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FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
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ATTACHMENTS
The following attachment(s) are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website (www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
• Outreach and Media Summary Report December 2019 and January 2020
• Presentation from 02/10/2020 LaPA Committee Meeting