The Board of Directors of the San Benito County Water District convened in regular session. Directors Tobias, Swanson and Keck were present together with District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg, District Counsel David E. Pipal and Administrative Services Officer Maria E. Alfaro. Directors Perry and DeLaCruz were absent. Vice President Tobias presided.
a. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Vice President Tobias called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
b. Approval
of the Agenda.
Upon motion duly made and seconded the Agenda for the meeting was unanimously approved.
c. Public Input.
Members of the Public were invited to speak on any matter not on the
agenda. There being none the Public
Input session was closed.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of Minutes for:
January 14,
2004-Special Meeting (corrected)
January 28, 2004-Regular Meeting
2.
Allowance of Claims
3. Acceptance/Approval of Professional
Service Fee Increases and Agreements for the provision of legal services
a. Paxton-O’Brien
b. Kronick,
Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard
c. Liebert, Cassidy & Whitmore
Director Keck asked if Paxton-O’Brien was our main legal counsel. District Manager/Engineer Gregg noted that they were and that the services of Liebert, Cassidy and Whitmore were used for employee relations. Director Keck noted that the increase was fair in keeping up with inflation.
4. Approval of Resolution for Signature
Authority – San Benito Bank
Upon a motion duly made and seconded the Consent Agenda was unanimously approved. Resolution No. 2004-06 was adopted for item number 4.
REGULAR AGENDA:
5. Status Report on Regional Recycled Water Facilities Plan Study.
District Manager/Engineer John
S. Gregg introduced Tom Richardson of RMC.
District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg noted to the board that this was
a $700,000, 50% of local funds and 50%
of State funds. The purpose of the
presentation tonight was to familiarize the entire board. RMC had previously given a presentation to
the Expansion Committee. Director
Swanson noted that the presentation to the Expansion Committee was
excellent. Tom Richardson presented a
summary of the San Benito County Regional Recycled Water Study. Director Keck asked if new pipes would be
required. Mr. Richardson noted that the
developer would place pipe in if development was planned. Mr. Swanson noted that it was good to see
the presentation again. Vice-President Tobias thanked Mr. Richardson.
6. Consider Authorizing District Manager to
Execute Professional Services Agreement with Bookman-Edmonston for Zone 6 North
Area Hydrogeologic and Biological Study (Cost not to exceed $136,000.00)
District Manager/Engineer John
S. Gregg noted that this matter had been discussed by the Groundwater
Committee. Jeff Cattaneo, Deputy
District Engineer noted that the North Area Groundwater Management Plan noted
the area was high in boron. The CVP water was identified as an alternate
source. Mr. Cattaneo noted that CVP
water was a possibility approximately 4000 acre feet could be imported to that
basin. The District had identified a
scope of work for the tasks and an RFP was done. Upon review of the Scope of the Project the
District needs a clearer understanding of the Hydrogeologic issues. Mr. Cattaneo noted that Bookman-Edmonston has
a better understanding of the need and approach. The Scope of Work was discussed. Vice President Tobias asked if the
Groundwater Committee had discussed this matter. Mr. Cattaneo noted that they had. Director Swanson noted that he supported the
project but he was concerned about property rights of landowners. Mr. Cattaneo noted that the property owners
will be contacted and will not access any property without the landowner’s
permission.
After further discussion it was agreed
to that this matter be addressed at next the next meeting.
7. Consider Authorizing
President of the Board of Directors to Execute of Memorandum of Understanding
with San Benito County for Geographical Information System (GIS) (District’s
share $40,000.00)
District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg noted that he was prepared to answer any questions the board had regarding this matter. Mr. Gregg noted that the project was for mapping and for a data management structure of a computer based system to be used by the County Sheriff, Assessor, and Emergency Services Departments.
Upon a motion
duly made and seconded the Board authorized execution of the MOU.
8. Report on Hollister Area Water Treatment
Plants
District
Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg gave a report to the board of directors.
9. Report
on Hollister Wastewater Treatment Plants
District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg reported that the City of Hollister had requested an exemption to the ban previously placed on the City. The District and the County of San Benito had previously noted that was not acceptable to both agencies without assurances. The City responded that it will provide additional information for review. The Regional Board only allowed the High School connection and denied the Hospital and Fire Department connections.
10. Report on San Juan Water System/San Juan
Infrastructure Grant
District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg reported that
this matter was primarily on hold. The
City needs to address some issues. The
City of San Juan Bautista had hoped to use State funds for this project. However, due to the State’s fiscal situation,
this is on hold.
11. Acceptance of District comments on Draft Environmental
Impact Report, Broadview Water Contract Assignment Project, Pajaro Valley Water
Management Agency
District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg noted that the
District was working on the wording of a letter. The District has not seen the environmental
document which addresses the entire project.
Mr. Gregg noted that it was not clear on what was done for CEQA
documentation. Other concerns are
delivery and reliability to customers and energy consumption. Mr. Gregg noted that more explanation was
required. The impact of loss of water
and the District’s issues on how it relates to the District and reduction of
flow to San Joaquin River needs to be addressed. Mr. Gregg noted that they need to support
their conclusions.
12. Committee Reports:
a)
Expansion
Committee (Swanson/Tobias)
District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg noted that Mr. Pipal was reviewing entitlements and contract. The Expansion Committed would be meeting in March.
b)
Groundwater
Committee (Perry/DeLaCruz)
District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg noted that there was nothing to report.
c)
San
Benito River (Perry/Swanson)
District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg noted that there was nothing to report.
d)
Investment
Committee (Tobias/Keck)
District Manager/Engineer John S.
Gregg noted that there was nothing to report.
13. District Manager/Engineer’s Report:
a)
Water
Resources Association Activities
District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg reported on the Groundwater Management Plan. Mr. Gregg noted that the export to Monterey Bay of higher salts water element need further study and the need to move forward the Recycled Water Study.
b)
USBR
Contract Negotiations
District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg provided an update to the Board of Directors. Mr. Gregg noted that the signators were renegotiating the water supply contract and that it was their desire to have the contracts signed before the November election.
c)
2004-2005
Water Supply
District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg provided a hand out regarding the water supply. Mr. Gregg noted that at 65% the District was able to meet all requests and with a modest amount to spare.
d)
District
Investment Policy Review
District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg asked if other Directors had concerns they would be included in future discussions.
e) Comstock Estates Water System
District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg gave a report to update the Board.
The Board adjourned at 9:15 p.m. to a Regular Meeting to be held on March 31, 2004, at 7:30 p.m., 30 Mansfield Road, Hollister, California.
Vice President John Tobias
ATTEST:
Maria E. Alfaro
Administrative Services Officer