Daily Review Questions and Answers

By Dave A. Sadoff

The following Q&A is from a Daily Review questionnaire.

• Providing the best service at the lowest rates. Accomplished by utilizing the forthcoming Master Plan; input from the citizens advisory committee; and aggressively negotiating the next collection contract.
• Promote comprehensive school, business, and youth league recycling programs. The key to recycling is to make it as easy as possible. This means instruction (letting people know it's available, and how to do it), and convenient placement of recycling containers. For instance, we can explore the possibility of putting small recycling cages on top of the refuse containers along the Boulevard and Redwood Road. We can contact the youth leagues and set up recycling containers at their games.
• I would like to see the implementation of a periodic e-waste collection series and the re-implementation of the district-wide garage sale.

These projects are permitted through the Alameda Planning Department; the CV Sanitary District is not a land use decision maker. Personally, I believe each project needs to be evaluated on its' own merits. I have been involved with the Castro Valley Preservation Society's fight to save the Malabar chicken ranch, as I believe it is an historic property worthy of preservation, and a fantastic candidate as a community resource. As an Alameda County Parks, Recreation and Historical Commissioner I have voted that a potentially historic E. Castro Valley property was not worthy of preservation. As I stated earlier, each project should be evaluated on their own merits.

The CV Sanitary District averages 3.9 million gallons per day; capacity subsequent to the Oro Loma upgrade will be 5.0 mgd. This would allow for some expansion in service if desired.

3. 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?

A recent industry survey by the California Association of Sanitation Agencies showed that the Castro Valley Sanitary District compensation is near the 50th percentile, and in line with industry standards. Although I would not have voted for the recent cost of living increase for this Board, I do support the level of compensation. I believe the compensation is not only for the actual meeting, but covers the preparation time as well.

I would seek this office without salaries and benefits. I have not missed a meeting of the Alameda Country PRHC since being appointed by Nate Miley. I receive a stipend of either $5 or $7.50 per meeting depending on location. Obviously, I am not serving for the money. My company provides excellent benefits; I would not need the Sanitary District's health care benefits.

Any of the existing programs could be subsidized with money now directed at Director's compensation and benefits.

4. 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?

The most commonly referenced programs supported by the rate payers include the lateral replacement grant program; the recycled art contest; the calendars; the bulky waste pickup option; and Earth Day activities. Many would like to see the re-implementation of the district wide garage sale.

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

As the Oro Loma/Castro Valley Treatment Plant upgrade is under contract and being closely monitored by Roland Williams, I believe we should direct our attention at upkeep of the existing infrastructure. I would like to see a staff review of well data (available at the Alameda County Public Works Department and the County's Health Care Services Agency) to identify areas of high groundwater within the district. Pipelines and structures in those areas could be targeted for inspection and repair as needed. This would reduce the potential for system failures and minimize infiltration into the system.