May 13, 1999
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 Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg, Attorney Jan Goldsmith, Administrative Services Officer Janet L. Torres.
President Perry called the meeting to order and requested all to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
President Perry opened and closed the public comment period hearing no public comments.
John Gregg distributed a Memorandum and explained that State Street Bank required the District to give State Street Bank authorization to handle the timely investment of funds in the event the District has not provided specific investment direction. Mr. Gregg stated he has gone over the issue with David Pipal. He stated David Pipal does not feel the District should concern itself with this narrow purpose agreement.
Upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously passed, authorization was given to the District Manager to sign the agreement and Federated Treasury Obligations Fund was chosen as the holding fund.
Attorney Jan Goldsmith briefly discussed the criteria of Conflict of Interest. She stated if any of the Board members had an interest in Ridgemark Corporation then there would be a conflict of interest.
Robert Swanson stated he did not feel he had a conflict of interest but the Fair Political Practice Commission feels that he does have one. He stated he will disqualify himself but feels the FPPC is totally wrong.
Gary Gonzales stated he felt he may have a conflict of interest because he does business with one of the stockholders of Ridgemark. He disqualified himself.
Bill Rupert stated he did not have a conflict of interest.
John Tobias stated he did not have a conflict of interest.
Kenneth Perry stated he did not have a conflict of interest.
Robert Swanson and Gary Gonzales excused themselves from the Board and sat in the audience.
Jan Goldsmith stated there would be no action before the Board on this matter. She stated John Gregg would discuss his comments on the Paicines Ranch EIR. She stated questions and suggestions were allowed. She stated this would not be the last time to comment on the EIR.
John Gregg stated generally this project involves reclassification of the land from agricultural/range land to residential with a golf course community. He stated the project recognizes that the water does not meet drinking water standards. He added the project is proposing a water treatment plant. John Gregg stated the wastewater would also be treated and used for landscaping and the golf course greens. He stated the comments intend to reply to water quality and supply. He stated he will be suggesting the installation of a CIMIS station which will serve the District and the farmers in that area.
Bill Rupert stated that comments for this project have been sought since 1993. He stated back then, engineers reviewed the project and determined there was enough water supply and now there is not. Jan Goldsmith stated the EIR states ‘the use of solely groundwater resources to provide the long-term water demands of the project could potentially cause declines in the groundwater levels.’ John Gregg stated the project is proposing a groundwater management plan.
John Tobias stated the EIR did not mention Paicines Reservoir and how this project will effects it. John Gregg stated the Environmental Impacts did not address the Paicines Reservoir. John Tobias asked if the seepage from the reservoir would effect this project. John Gregg stated the proposed housing units are on high ground. John Tobias stated he felt comments addressing the possibility of high groundwater levels due to possible seepage from the reservoir should be included in the District’s comments. John Gregg stated he would be comfortable directing attention consistent to and including high water in the area. Jan Goldsmith stated the comment could include no guarantee to the water level in the reservoir. John Gregg stated he proposes to state in existing setting to precisely describe the reservoir and canal as open facilities with varying levels.
John Gregg stated he would compile the comments and produce a final report to be delivered to County Planning Department tomorrow.
Jan Goldsmith stated the Bureau has made no indication when they are going to issue or renew contracts. She stated they have not indicated how much the water will cost or the extent of the groundwater recharge cost. She stated the next meeting is set for June 22, 1999. She represents San Luis Delta Mendota Water Authority and Westlands.
The vote of each member of the Board on the preceding matters was as follows, unless otherwise stated:
AYES: DIRECTORS: Swanson, Tobias, Rupert, Gonzales, Perry
NOES: DIRECTORS: None
ABSENT: DIRECTORS: None
The Board adjourned to a Regular Meeting to be held on May 26, 1999 at 7:30 p.m., 30 Mansfield Road, Hollister, California.
________/s/Kenneth Perry______
Kenneth Perry
President
ATTEST: ___/s/Janet L. Torres___________
Janet L. Torres
Administrative Services Officer