Brawley OKs OWB treatment funds, CalPERS bonds

BRAWLEY — One World Beef obtained funds that enables James Holt, as consulting interim city engineer with the Holt Group, Inc., to proceed with a plan review of One World Beef’s pre-treatment facilities Tuesday.

Funds include $20,000 to accelerate the construction of OWB’s biofiltro technology to pre-treat effluent resulting from its beef processing operation. The system comprises a series of concrete beds with a base layer of gravel, then covered with a bed of wood shavings containing California red worms.

The system breaks down nitrates, phosphorous, oils, fats and other compounds within four hours.

The pretreated effluent then irrigates 140 acres, on and next to the plant to grow forage crops.

An additional fund of $5,000 will also cover plan review and specifications for Main Street lighting improvement project.

This amendment No. 2 is not to exceed $125,000 for this agreement. The motion carried by 5-0.

City Manager Rosanna Bayon Moore also recommended the council adopt Resolution 2017-10 sanctioning the implementation and delivery of a preliminary official statement, a purchase contract, and a continuing disclosure agreement in connection with issuance, sale and delivery of pension obligation bonds.

On Feb. 27, the city adopted Resolution 2017-10 to issue the bonds to refinance pension obligations of the city.

On May 2, the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Imperial, validated the issuance and sale of the proposed bonds that are intended to refund obligations owed by the city to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

But to continue with the issue of the bonds the city needs to approve the steps cited above.

The preliminary official statement, describes terms of the pension obligation bonds for the city, the city’s general fund revenues and further information for prospective investors, as well as disclosing some risks for the purchasers.

The continuing disclosure agreement is a contract that the city is obligated to offer the marketplace specific annual financial and operating information. And the purchase contract is the agreement between the city and the underwriter in accordance to which the underwriter agrees to buy the bonds when issued for resale to investors.

This action has the possibility of saving over $300,000 a year for 15 years noted Ruby Walla, finance director. The city council voted 5-0 to carry the motion.

The city manager also recommended approval of expenditure to Holt Group, Inc. to provide engineering services for the Phase 2 dust alleviation at Volunteer Park’s east parking lot.

Construction is designed to reduce PM10 particles (less than 10 microns in diameter or about 1/7th of human hair). The proposal consists of class two base, concrete asphalt pavement, landscaping, irrigation, striping and drainage.

The total estimated project for design and construction is $286,818.

The Imperial County Air Pollution Control District Rule 310-Operational Development Fee program is supporting the project at $200,000.

The city is providing a local match from the Maintenance FundGrounds and Facilities in the amount of $86,818. The vote was 5-0 to carry the motion.

The city council also sought approval of a community facilities special tax to fund the following developments: La Paloma, Latigo Ranch, Luckey Ranch, Malan Park, Springhouse and Victoria Park.

These are primarily single family units but includes some attached dwelling units as well. The vote was 5-0.