Stockton Municipal Utilities Department Struggling in the Mud

Conclusions 1

• CL1
  The Grand Jury’s investigation found validity in many issues cited in the complaint it received regarding MUD. Continued deterioration of infrastructure (e.g. concrete sewer pipes) due to H S corrosion is 2 indisputable and delay in treatment for more than two years did not improve the situation. Persistent staff turnover and vacancies cause challenges for MUD, delay progress, and create a stressful work environment. The loss of institutional knowledge from the exodus of former senior staff is incalculable. During its investigation the Grand Jury also became concerned about what appeared to be a lack of communication in MUD, both vertically – from top-to-bottom and from bottom-to-top within the department's three divisions – and horizontally, across divisions. Safety violations have occurred, however, new management appears to be making necessary changes to correct deficiencies by utilization of a professional services contract to expedite development of MUD’s safety and training programs. New management has also implemented production standards and productivity has improved. An emphasis has been placed on providing training opportunities for MUD employees. This investment will be lost if MUD continues to lose skilled technical staff to other municipalities and water agencies offering significantly higher compensation. Services provided by MUD are essential. It cannot function optimally without being fully staffed with skilled, experienced employees. Specialists such as engineers, electricians, mechanics, and plant operators are in high demand. In order for MUD to recruit and retain qualified, skilled technical personnel it must regain a competitive hiring position. Planning is now underway for a $150 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade that is necessary due to the facility’s age and to improve the treatment process in order to ensure compliance with deadlines under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit. In accordance with the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance Consent Decree, MUD needs to complete the CCTV requirement of the entire sanitary system by December 31, 2015. MUD will then need to analyze all the data collected, prioritize, and organize it into a Capital Improvement Program. California is entering into a fourth year of drought, making water more precious each day. Paying more than $1 million a year in overtime and more than $1 million a year in Stockton East Water District pumping tax, due to a lack of qualified MUD personnel, is not a long term solution and is ultimately counterproductive for the workforce, as well as the groundwater. Water, wastewater, and stormwater services are invaluable, yet typically taken for granted by users. Though much of its underground infrastructure is “out of sight, out of mind”, its function is crucial to the citizenry and inattention can result in perilous consequences. Stockton Municipal Utilities Dept. Page 14 of 18 2014-15 Case No. 1412 Disclaimers Grand Jury reports are based on documentary evidence and the testimony of sworn or admonished witnesses, not on conjecture or opinion. However, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing such evidence except upon the specific approval of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, or another judge appointed by the Presiding Judge (Penal Code Sections 911, 924.1 (a) and 929). Similarly, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing the identity of witnesses except upon an order of the court for narrowly defined purposes (Penal Code Sections 924.2 and 929). Response Requirements California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05 require that specific responses to all findings and recommendations contained in this report be submitted to the Presiding Judge of the San Joaquin County Superior Court within 90 days of receipt of the report. The Stockton City Council shall respond to each Finding and Recommendation contained in this Report. Mail or hand deliver a hard copy of the response to: Honorable Lesley D. Holland, Presiding Judge San Joaquin County Superior Court P.O. Box 201022 Stockton, CA 95201 Also, please email the response to Ms. Trisa Martinez, Staff Secretary to the Grand Jury at grandjury@sjcourts.org Appendices Appendix A: Map of Southern Industrial Collection Systems 7 & 8 Appendix B: Delta Water Supply Project Intake Pump Station; elevation changes on non-pile supported areas of the levee. Appendix C: Effects of H S corrosion on utility vault at Van Buskirk Park. 2 Stockton Municipal Utilities Dept. Page 15 of 18 2014-15 Case No. 1412 Appendix A: Map of Southern Industrial Collection Systems 7 & 8 Stockton Municipal Utilities Dept. Page 16 of 18 2014-15 Case No. 1412 Appendix B: Delta Water Supply Project Intake Pump Station; elevation changes on non-pile supported areas of the levee. T he Intake Pump Station (IPS) on the San Joaquin River west of Interstate 5. . A concrete slab has shifted due to soil settling at the IPS. Buckled asphalt at the IPS because of soil settling. Stockton Municipal Utilities Dept. Page 17 of 18 2014-15 Case No. 1412 Appendix C: Effects of H S corrosion on utility vault at Van Buskirk Park. 2 A utility vault at Van Buskirk Park with a cyclone fence in the background. Both show signs of corrosion. Photos above and at the right are close-ups of corrosion on the two-year-old utility vault doors in Van Buskirk Park. Stockton Municipal Utilities Dept. Page 18 of 18 2014-15 Case No. 1412