March 12, 1998

7:30 p.m.

 

            The Board of Directors of the San Benito County Water District convened in special session. All members of the Board were present together with District Manager, John S. Gregg, Administrative Services Officer, Denise R. Thome, District Counsel, David E. Pipal and members of the general public.

 

1.       PUBLIC INPUT:

            There was no public input at this time.

1-A.   PAICINES CANAL DAMAGE:

Manager Gregg gave a presentation on the Paicines Canal Damage using

overhead projections. He stated that the bulk of the work was being done by District crews and that they should be able to divert water within two weeks.

2.       HOLLISTER CONDUIT DAMAGE:

            Manager Gregg gave an overhead projection presentation including the depiction of the damage to the 500 feet of pipe. He noted that there was no service north of Santa Ana Road. He estimated that they could restore service to North County, on a limited basis, by March 23, 1998. He further estimated full delivery, 21,300 acre feet, by June 1, 1998 with an approximate cost of repairs of $300,000 to $400,000. He indicated that the District was not denying any reasonable requests for water and that they were making sure the customer understood the draw off of the supply. Manager Gregg projected reduced delivery, 15,800 acre feet (75% supply) by May 1, 1998 with a repair cost of $180,000 to $220,000. He noted that San Justo Reservoir had only approximately 5,800 acre feet which was a 27% supply of initial orders. He outlined the options for permanent repair with a targeted service date of October 30, 1998, adding that there were technical, practical, financial, contractual and regulatory issues.

3.       1998 WATER SUPPLY:

            Discussion was had regarding the possibility of permitting the transport of "non-District" water through the San Felipe distribution system as the topic of purchase/pumping options in high groundwater areas.

            Director Perry did not see why the Board would not relax the policy of transfers as Mr. Herbert had suggested previously.

Director Perry moved to authorize the Manager to go ahead with a temporary fix at the reduced delivery scenario (75% capacity) and further authorized the Manager to place the order the next day in order to meet the May 1, 1998 target date including $25,000 for valves. Further moved that the District adamantly and actively check into wheeling water and groundwater purchase/pumping options including emergency relaxation of 25% transfer with no penalties and crediting for well water.

Director Gonzales seconded the motion.

Director Rupert suggested that they separate the motions, noting that the motion for the temporary fix was a lot of work to be done and that they could consider the well credit of water later.

Director Perry stated that he would leave the motion as it was.

The motion carried.

Counsel Pipal suggested that the motion be more specific as to the dollar amounts concerned.

Director Rupert moved to authorize the expenditure of $40,000 for pipe and $25,000 for one steel special.

Director Gonzales seconded the motion.

Under discussion:

Manager Gregg noted that they would need to make a categorical exemption when they actually started doing work in the field.

Counsel Pipal suggested certain findings be added to the motion in order to support avoiding the bidding procedure.

Director Rupert amended his motion to include the finding that they were authorizing the expenditure of these funds in addition, over and above the bid amount authorized by the District Act under emergency circumstances in order to maintain and keep public facilities working.

Director Gonzales concurred and amended his second.

The motion carried.

Chuck Filice noted that they would still be irrigating at the end of October and expressed that they would appreciate it if they could wait a couple weeks after October 30, 1998 to shut down the system to do the repairs.

President Swanson stated that they probably could wait and that it was a point well taken.

Manager Gregg noted that if it was a dry fall they would not be forced to shut down the system.

The vote of each member of the Board on the preceding matters was as follows, unless otherwise stated:

AYES:               DIRECTORS:   Rupert, Gonzales, Buzzetta, Perry, Swanson

NOES:              DIRECTORS:   None

ABSENT:          DIRECTORS:   None

The Board adjourned at 8:47 p.m. to a regular meeting to be held on Wednesday, March 25, 1998 at 7:30 p.m., 30 Mansfield Road, Hollister, California.

 

 

                                                __________________________________________

                                                Robert M. Swanson, President

 

 

ATTEST:________________________________________________

             Denise R. Thome, Administrative Services Officer