June 9, 2004

Special Meeting

7:30 p.m.

The Board of Directors of the San Benito County Water District convened in special session at 7:30 p.m. at the Hollister City Council Chambers, 375 Fifth Street, Hollister, California. Members of the Board of Directors present were Vice-President John Tobias, Directors Robert Swanson, Douglas Keck and James De La Cruz, together with District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg, District Counsel David E. Pipal and Administrative Services Officer Maria E. Alfaro. President Ken Perry was absent. Vice-President John Tobias presided.

a. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Vice-President Tobias called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

1. Purpose of Public Hearing and Role of San Benito County Water District.

District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg gave an introduction and defined the role of the San Benito County Water District.

2. Public Hearing – Groundwater Management Plan Update for the San Benito County Portion of the Gilroy-Hollister Groundwater Basin, Final Program Environmental Impact Report, SCH# 2002121003, May 2004.

a. Presentation of Project and Report

District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg noted that the Groundwater Management Plan Update is described as the Gilroy-Hollister basin report. This report includes the areas in the Paicines area and the valley areas of the Tres Pinos Creek. Mr. Gregg noted that water quality and quantity are addressed in this report. Mr. Gregg noted that the plan commits the San Benito County Water District, the City of Hollister, the City of San Juan Bautista and the Sunnyslope County Water District to water conservation from new development, agriculture, irrigation and interior fixtures. Mr. Gregg noted that the plan is a significant step towards achieving water conservation. Mr. Gregg noted that the water quality and quantity objectives are to maintain available water supply. The report also includes project elements in which the intent of the project is to improve urban water quality when reclaimed and water is recycled.

District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg introduced Nora Monette, Senior Project Manager with David Powers and Associates. Ms. Monette provided a project review and noted that the procedures are outlined in the California Environmental Quality Act. The environment review of the report includes the comments received from 17 agencies, organizations and individuals, the responses thereto are contained in section 4. Ms. Monette also noted that certain changes were also contained in the report. Some of the changes included are the removal of project elements, incorporation of the environmental superior alternatives, program mitigation measures and changes to hydrology and water quality sections. The Groundwater Management Plan has been modified to avoid significant unmitigated environmental impacts.

Ms. Monette noted that the Groundwater Management Plan will be used by the San Benito County Water District and the other responsible agencies as a tool to manage water resources.

b. Questions by Directors

Director Swanson asked if the County of San Benito was a responsible agency and if the County of San Benito plan to use this document in their land use development.

District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg responded that that question had not been posed to County Planning. Mr. Gregg noted that the County would have to use this report as an assessment of the water supply.

c. Open Public Hearing

Vice President Tobias opened the public hearing.

Charlotte O’Bannon, 431 McCloskey Road, noted that her property was impacted by high nitrates. Ms. O’Bannon asked how this plan will address reducing the nitratres in groundwater since that was a very significant problem.

District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg noted that the plan includes elements to educate and consult agriculture with fertilizer and soil amendments with respect to the area specific project.

Larry Cain, City Manager of San Juan Bautista noted the City of San Juan Bautista had worked with the San Benito County Water District and with the other agencies on this project. Mr. Cain urged the Board to consider and certify the Groundwater Management Plan Update.

d. Close Public Hearing or continue to later date

The public hearing was closed.

3. Review and Discuss Certifying Final Program Environmental Impact Report and Adopting the Groundwater Management Plan Update for the San Benito County Portion of the Gilroy-Hollister Groundwater Basin

District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg noted that the Board would need to continue the matter to the regular meeting of the board scheduled for June 30. Mr. Gregg noted that findings will have to be made and the process for overriding considerations. Mr. Gregg noted that the District was preparing the documents.

Director Swanson asked where the other agencies were on this report.

District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg noted that he was not prepared to report on that at this time. Mr. Gregg stated that the District’s role as lead agency will conclude when the San Benito County Water District certifies the Groundwater Management Plan Update. The District’s role is not one of continued leadership and implementation of the program.

Director Swanson asked if each of the agencies would be receiving a presentation.

Vice President Tobias asked if Ms. Monette would make a presentation to each agency.

District Manager/Engineer John S. Gregg noted that Ms. Monette would not be making presentation to the agencies. Mr. Gregg noted that the District would provide any information if the agencies asked.

4. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned to June 30, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m.

John Tobias

Vice President

Maria E. Alfaro

Administrative Services Officer