7:30 p.m.
The Board of Directors of the San Benito County Water District convened in Special Session. Directors Ken Perry, James DeLaCruz, Douglas Keck and Robert Swanson were present. Together with District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg, District Counsel David Pipal and Administrative Services Officer Maria E. Alfaro. Director Tobias was absent.
a. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
President Perry called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
1. Proof of Publication submitted on Notice of Public Hearing
Acknowledgment of the Notice of Receipt of Engineering Report on Groundwater Conditions of Zone 6 and Public Hearing was published in the Free Lance on December 26th and 29th, 2003.
2. Public Hearing regarding 2002-2003 Groundwater Report
a. Presentation of Report
District Manager Gregg introduced Gus Yates who then presented the Groundwater Report. Gus Yates discussed the activities of the basin. Mr. Yates made a Power Point presentation and discussed the following topics: Outlook for 2004, Analysis Tools, Required Recommendations, Previous Recommendations and New Recommendations.
b. Questions by Directors
The Board asked about Gypsum levels and annual rainfall. District Manager Gregg noted that there are a series of years where the pattern is of an early rainfall, this is not one of them. Director Swanson asked Mr. Yates how much net salt load is being contributed by agriculture vs. municipal and industrial. Mr. Yates noted that agriculture is the heavy contributor. Director Keck asked about nitrates. Mr. Yates noted that there may be significant amount of nitrates in the ground and it takes a long time for a problem so show up in the groundwater.
c. Open Public Hearing
President Perry opened the Public Hearing portion of the meeting. No public comment was made.
d. Close Public Hearing
President Perry closed the Public Hearing being that no public comment was made.
3. Acceptance of 2002-2003 Groundwater Report
Upon a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried the 2002-2003 Groundwater Report was accepted. Upon a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried the Board adopted the Findings in Support of Motion to Accept 2002-2003 Groundwater Report, as follows:
1. The report contains information considered by the Board in determining annual overdraft and accumulated overdraft as of 09/30/03.
2. The report contains information as to the total production of water from the groundwater supplies of the District and the Zones thereof for Water Year ending 09/30/03.
3. The report contains an estimate of the annual overdraft for the 2002-2003 Water Year and for the ensuing water year.
4. The report contains information to determine the estimated amount of agricultural water and water other than agricultural water to be withdrawn from the groundwater supplies of the District and the Zones thereof for the 2003-2004 Water Year.
5. The report contains information as to the amount of water the District is obligated to purchase during the 2003-2004 Water Year.
6. The report recommends the quantity of water needed for surface delivery and for replenishment of groundwater supplies of the District and the Zones thereof for the 2003-2004 Water Year.
7. The report recommends that a groundwater charge should be levied in the Zones of the District for 2003-2004 Water Year and proposes a rate per acre foot for agricultural water and a rate per acre foot for water other than agricultural water.
The vote of the Board was as follows, unless otherwise stated:
AYES: DIRECTORS: Perry, Keck, DeLaCruz, Swanson
NOES: DIRECTORS: None
ABSENT: DIRECTORS: Tobias
The Board adjourned to a Regular Meeting to be held on January 28, 2004 at 7:30 p.m., 30 Mansfield Road, Hollister, California.
Kenneth Perry
President of the Board
ATTEST:
Maria E. Alfaro
Administrative Services Officer