August 13, 1998
7:30 p.m.
The Board of Directors of the San Benito County Water District convened in
special session. President Robert M. Swanson, Director Ken Perry, Director
William Rupert were present together with District Manager
a. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag:
President Swanson requested all to stand the recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
b. Approval of Agenda:
Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, the agenda was approved as presented.
c. Public Input:
The public comment period was opened and closed by President Swanson hearing no comment.
1. Hollister CONDUIT REPAIR -
a) Status Report: District Manager Gregg reported that the District was within a couple of days of their repair schedule.
b) Pacheco Creek Stream Bank Repair at Hollister Conduit Crossing -
1) Consider Categorical Exemption and authorize Manager to file Notice of Exemption: District Manager Gregg reported there has been some minor changes to the applications for permits and so far nothing has come up to show a fatal flaw. He stated the District is taking the project in components. He stated the project is rolling forward. District Manager Gregg stated appropriate agencies are given 30 days to review the categorical exemption, which may be challenged. He added in 30 or more days the Board will be able to consider awarding a construction contract. He stated District Counsel Pipal is the author of the language to be included in the motion. Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, authorization was given to District Manager Gregg to file a Notice of Exemption and that the Board hereby finds that the project is exempt from the application of CEQA in that: (1) the projects consists of repair, maintenance and minor alteration of existing public facilities and topographic features (CEQA Guideline Section 15301); (2) the project is statutorily exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15269[c] in that the project is designed to prevent or mitigate an emergency.
2) Consider Authorization to let contracts without bids: District Manager Gregg stated the District is interested in selecting regional contractors and to shorten the competitive process. President Swanson asked how many contractors were going to be considered. Manager Gregg stated approximately one-half dozen. He added the District will send out information to a minimum of 6 regional contractors and a minimum of 4 contractors would probably respond. Director Perry asked if a proposal type process would be used. Manager Gregg stated it would. Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried the Board hereby finds that Pacheco Creek stream bank protection project is not subject to the public competitive bidding requirement set forth in public contract code section 21251 and that the work for said project may be done by force account in that the project consists of emergency work, maintenance work and channel protection caused by the February 1998 storm events. Therefore, authorizes the Manager to solicit proposals from contractors for Pacheco Creek stream bank protection work.
2. CONSIDER RESOLUTION OF INTENT REGARDING FLOOD RISK STUDY FOR PAJARO RIVER WATERSHED BASIN -
District Manager Gregg stated adoption of this Resolution was a step in the right direction in that interagency cooperation is critical to water shed issues. Director Perry stated before any monies are spent, the matter would need to come before this board. Manager Gregg stated that was absolutely correct. President Swanson asked what the Board’s representation would be. Manager Gregg stated it would be Counsel Pipal and himself.
Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, Resolution No. 98-16 was adopted.
Director Perry added as a community we have spent a lot of money pursuing flooding in other counties. He added there is a need for a better working relationship with other agencies and communities particularly with water quality issues.
The vote of each member of the Board on preceding matters was as follows, unless otherwise stated:
AYES: DIRECTORS: Swanson, Perry, Rupert
NOES: DIRECTORS: None
ABSENT: DIRECTORS: Gonzales, Buzzetta
The Board adjourned at 8:00 p.m. to a Regular Meeting to be held on August 26, 1998 at 7:30 p.m., 30 Mansfield Road, Hollister, California.
___________________________________
Robert M. Swanson
President
ATTEST: __________________________
Janet L. Torres
Administrative Services Officer
Adjourned.