Daily Review Questions and Answers

By Daniel M. "Danny" Akagi

The following Q&A is from a Daily Review Questionnaire

Answer. Maintain fees among the lowest in California. The treatment plant capacity restoration is under construction. We have already gathered a highly experienced project management team. The collection system master plan will identify projects needed to maintain the collection system and allow planning future funding needs.

Meet 75% diversion goals. Continue the District's leadership role in solid waste management, identify areas where diversion is possible, and continue with public outreach and education.

Develop SSMP (Sanitary Sewer Management Plan) for complying with upcoming collection system permit requirements. The SSMP will include operations, maintenance, management, funding, and capacity issues to comply with the permit.

2. Question. Alameda County has designated 138 parcels, totaling 141.5 acres, in Castro Valley as potential infill housing sites. Do you support the construction of potentially hundreds of additional housing units in Castro Valley? Do you believe the sanitary district has the capacity to handle the added volume of housing?

Answer. The District is not a land use planning agency, therefore supporting or opposing infill housing is not an appropriate District function. The District is in a good position for providing conveyance and treatment capacity for the projected development through the treatment plant capacity restoration project, and previous and current master planning projects.

3. Question. Directors can earn up to $1,000 a month, depending on the number of meetings attended, plus travel and other benefits. Do you support this level of salary and benefits? Would you seek this office without salaries and benefits? What other types of district programs could be subsidized with money now directed toward directors' salaries and benefits?

Answer. I support this level of compensation. After initially joining the Board, I quickly learned about the large time commitment needed for governing the District. A couple of years ago, the state allowed sanitary district directors to increase compensation to near $200 per meeting. We decided the increase was too high, settled on an increase to $150, and continue this philosophy by aligning increases to economic conditions. Any of the District's programs could benefit from adjusting Director's compensation. However, to attract the dedicated and informed leaders needed to meet future requirements (SSMP, 75% diversion), the District must offer a reasonable compensation.

4. Question. When you speak with district residents and commercial customers, what types of programs and services do they most support? What types of programs and services + not now offered or not offered to the extent desired + do they request?

Answer. Services most supported include bulky waste pick up, E-waste, Earth Day, calendars, recycled art contest, lateral replacement grant (LRGP), and district garage sale. The participation in the LRGP exceeds the level offered. Services to properly handle problem wastes (such as E-waste, auto tires) will continue to be popular. A possible example of a future issue is fluorescent light disposal. Virtually everyone has fluorescent lights (fluorescent lights contain mercury) and will need to dispose of them. However, how will the customer deal with the mercury in the light? Stay tuned.....

5. Question. What, in your opinion, is the most important capital improvement project on which the district needs to focus?

Answer. In the short run, the treatment plant capacity restoration project is the most important project. It is highly visible, represents a significant capital expenditure over a short time horizon, and addresses an important component of our infrastructure. The District has an experienced construction management team to bring the project in on time and within budget. However, the other components of the District's infrastructure are aging. The collection system master will provide needed information on the system's condition, future projects, and SSMP compliance.