February 26, 2003

7:30 p.m.

 

            The Board of Directors of the San Benito County Water District convened in Regular Session.  Directors Bob Swanson, John Tobias, James DeLaCruz and Douglas Keck were present together with District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg, District Counsel David Pipal and Administrative Services Officer Janet L. Miller.

 

a.         Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

            Vice President Tobias called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

b.         Approval of Agenda

            Upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried the Agenda was approved as submitted.

 

c.         Public Input:  Members of the Public are Invited to Speak on any Matter not on the Agenda

            Vice President Tobias opened and closed the Public Input section of the Meeting hearing no comment from the Public.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

1.         Approval of Minutes for:           January 29, 2003 – Regular Meeting

                                                                        February 19, 2003 – Special Meeting

Allowance of Claims

Resolution Amending Resolution No. 2002-17, as amended, a Resolution Establishing Zone 103 and Undertaking a Project Therein (Harmony Hills)

            Upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, the Consent Agenda was approved as presented, adopting Resolution No. 2003-06.

 

REGULAR AGENDA:

 

4.         Presentation of Landowner Petition for Extension of San Felipe Distribution System (“Blue Valve Service”) to Buena Vista and Wright Road Areas of Hollister – Gonzales

            Gary Gonzales stated the landowners that signed the Petition are interested in obtaining San Felipe Water in that area and would like the Expansion Committee to reconsider their prior denial.  The request was sent back to Committee.

 

5.         Consider Resolution Regarding a Water Recycling Facilities Planning Grant from the State Water Resources Control Board ($350,000)

            Administrative Services Officer Miller stated the District received Resolutions and a Letter of support from the County of San Benito, District Manager/Engineer Gregg stated this Resolution declared the Board’s intent to pursue the grant from State Water Resources Control Board.  He stated the cost sharing issue would be resolved prior to the Grant acceptance.  He stated the District is one of six projects statewide in the running for the Prop 50 Grant.  He stated the final contract would be signed in May. 

            Upon a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried Resolution No. 2003-07 was adopted and authorization was given to the District Manager to pursue the Grant upon review and acceptance by the Board.

 

6.         Authorize District Manager to Execute Agreement with San Juan Oaks for District Preparation of Water Supply Assessment

            District Manager/Engineer Gregg reported San Juan Oaks requested the District to prepare a Water Supply Assessment for a proposed development.  District Manager/Engineer Gregg reported that the assessment would cost between $10,000 and $15,000 and take between 60 and 90 days involving Gus Yates and staff.  He stated the assessment would be presented to the Board prior to submittal to the land developers.

            Upon a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously passed authorization was given to the District Manager to execute the agreement.

 

7.         Report on 2003-2004 San Felipe Water Supply

            District Manager/Engineer Gregg reported that last year we saw 2 increases in the allocation and this year we anticipate meeting 100% of our customers’ requests.

 

8.         Report on Hollister Area Water Treatment Plants

            District Manager/Engineer Gregg reported Sunnyslope County Water District has suspended its pursuit of the Lessalt II Treatment Plant due to the possible impacts on the groundwater supply.

 

9.         Report on Hollister Wastewater Treatment Plants

            District Manager/Engineer Gregg reported the City of Hollister requested comments on their Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration on the Wastewater Treatment Plants.  District Manager/Engineer Gregg reported that the report was well done and factual.  He stated they are planning to have a working session on February 27th to work on the treatment and disposal options.  Director Swanson requested someone from Castroville to talk to the Board about using treated water for agriculture.

 

10.       Committee Reports:

Water Rates and Charges Committee (Swanson/Tobias) – the rates and charges for Harmony Hills are currently on hold until some issues are worked out.

Groundwater Committee (Perry/DeLaCruz) – discussed the Searle Road well which is in good shape physically.  Next step is to appraise the well and water rights.

 

11.       District Manager/Engineer’s Report:     

Water Resources Association Activities - currently giving out rebates for energy and water saving washing machines, distributing free low flow toilets, forming a citizens advisory group, pursuing a change to the Fiscal Year and financial handlings.

San Benito River System – Hernandez Reservoir is at approximately 1800 acre feet, won’t be releasing any water this year.  Paicines Reservoir is at approximately 1100 acre feet.  Will discuss next meeting the Thomas Road residents water needs.

San Juan Infrastructure – met with ad hoc committee to review status of infrastructure and applications for additional grant funds.  There will be a pre-meeting with committee and a meeting with the City of San Juan Bautista regarding the Master Agreement.

Rural Water/Wastewater Systems – continuing work with the ad hoc committee regarding Rancho Larios, which will be brought back to the full Board.

District Investment Policy – copies have been distributed to the Investment Committee regarding an annual review.  After the committee meeting if there are any statutory changes, they will be brought to the full Board in March.

Economic Disclosure Statements – a reminder that the Directors’ Form 700, Statement of Economic Interests are due.

SBCWD Basin-Wide Water Quality Monitoring Program (AB303 Grant) – quarterly report was sent in today.  There are 86 water systems in the county and only 12 active.  There will be a public workshop on March 6th at the WRA Meeting.

Agricultural Discharge Waivers – the District has begun discussion with the Regional Conservation District on Agricultural Discharge Waivers, which are a part of the Clean Water Act.

 

The vote of the Board was as follows, unless otherwise stated:

 

AYES:             DIRECTORS:  Keck, Tobias, DeLaCruz, Swanson

NOES:             DIRECTORS:  None

ABSENT:                    DIRECTORS:  Perry

 

            The Board adjourned to a Regular Meeting to be held on March 26, 2003 at 7:30 p.m., 30 Mansfield Road, Hollister, California.

 

 

Minutes were approved at the March 26, 2003 Regular Board Meeting by the presiding Board Member:

 

 

_____________________________

Kenneth Perry

President of the Board

ATTEST:         _____________________________

                        Janet L. Miller

                        Administrative Services Officer