Water district drama

There was a little drama at the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District meeting on Tuesday morning. Director Alfonso Contreras apologized to the district's staff if he ever created a hostile work environment. The issue was prompted after a series of emails that were exchanged between Contreras, directors Frank Forbes and Leon Garcia, as well as staff members Peter Rodriguez and the general manager Tim Jochem.

Contreras was upset over an ad that ran in the Tribune that featured directors that are up for re-election in November. Contreras felt that the board was pandering to these directors, but Jochem said that each director had the opportunity to get their photo taken.

At the end of the conversation, Contreras alleged that there was a Brown Act violation because three directors discussed the incident over email. The attorney will look into it, but Jochem said that nothing was decided, so it does not constitute a Brown Act violation.

Oh yeah, one more thing. The attorney will be investigating Contreras' statement to the Tribune about director's expenses. Contreras said that one director is abusing the District travel and expense policy.

"Because of the potential serious implications of such a claim the Board will likely desire to discuss the findings of your inquiry," wrote Jochem in an email.

Also at the meeting: The board approved a 3 percent raise for the staff.