SANTA YNEZ RIVER WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1
MINUTES
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District, Improvement District No. 1, was held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2008.
Trustees Present: Harlan Burchardi Lee Bettencourt
Matt Loudon Jeff Clay
Harry Poor
Trustees Absent: None
Others Present: Chris Dahlstrom Gary Kvistad
Karen King Mary Martone
Jim Munger
I. Call to Order
President Burchardi called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.; he stated that this is a Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees. The President noted that a quorum of the Board of Trustees was present; Trustee Loudon joined the meeting at 5:39 pm.
II. General Manager/Secretary Report
Mr. Dahlstrom presented an Affidavit of Posting of the agenda, along with a true copy of the agenda for this meeting. He stated the agenda was posted in accordance with the California Government Code commencing at Section 54950 and also pursuant to Resolution No. 340 of the District.
President Burchardi directed that the Affidavit be filed as evidence of the posting and of the agenda items contained therein.
III. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of February 19, 2008
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 19, 2008 were presented for Board consideration. President Burchardi requested minor corrections. It was MOVED by Trustee Poor, seconded by Trustee Bettencourt, and carried by a unanimous voice vote to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes as corrected.
IV. Additions or Corrections, if any, to the agenda
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that there were no additions or corrections to the agenda.
V. Public Comment
President Burchardi noted that there were attendees present from the public as described below. No public comment was provided during this agenda item.
Mrs. Mary Martone was present for the meeting. Mr. Jim Munger was present for Item VII.C.3. – Dunn School Water Main Line Extension
VI. Consent Agenda
Trustee Loudon MOVED the Consent Agenda items are approved as presented; the motion was seconded by Trustee Poor and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
VII. MANAGER’S REPORT - STATUS, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS
A. District Administration
1. Financial Report
Mr. Dahlstrom provided the Board a review of the current month’s revenue and expenses. He stated that the expenses exceeded the revenue by $84,772.82, which is mainly due to the reduction in water sales. He stated the LAIF account balance was $6,610,224.51 earning 5.17% interest as of February 29, 2008 and the year to date revenues exceed expenditures by $1,158,115.06.
2. Building & Security Improvements
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included a March 11, 2008 letter from Mr. Jack Sturm of Rancho Cuerno Largo regarding the installation/replacement of two gate operators at the entrance of Tejas Canyon Road. Mr. Dahlstrom explained that the property owners are requesting the District to participate in the cost to replace the gate because of the Zone 3 Reservoir property and our use of the Tejas Canyon Road. The invoice for $9,263 was included in the packet. He stated that District staff does use this gate on a daily basis to get to our facilities at Zone 3 including the Reservoir and well #24. He stated Mr. Sturm requests that the District contribute 25% of the project. He also mentioned that there are fourteen homeowners in the association and stated that the cost of the gate/operators should be shared by all the members of the association. He stated that the proper way this should have been addressed was by the Homeowners Association (HOA) not an individual property owner. The Board briefly discussed the gate location and the request, expressing their opinion that the District should participate based on its historical cost sharing arrangement and deal with the HOA. The Board asked the General Manager to review the road maintenance agreement and proceed based on that agreement. Trustee Loudon requested that a bill from the HOA be obtained prior to any action. Mr. Dahlstrom stated that he would review the agreement and respond accordingly.
It was MOVED by Trustee Poor, seconded by Trustee Clay and carried by a unanimous voice vote to authorize the General Manager to review the Road Maintenance Agreement and participate based on the agreement if applicable.
Mr. Dahlstrom then addressed the District’s security including that over the weekend someone vandalized the office grounds with a motorcycle that tore up the grass area behind the administrative office. He reported this has happened several times and that Mary phoned in a report to the Sheriffs’ office. He also indicated that a security camera will be set up to hopefully identify the person on the next visit.
He also reported that the woman arrested in connection with the recent theft of copper from the District’s Meadowlark Booster Pump Station storage yard will be going to trial soon. He explained that she could be sentenced to three years in jail.
Mr. Dahlstrom also mentioned that the field crew has removed the old fence at the Meadowlark Booster Pump Station storage yard. He stated that the soil needs to be compacted to provide ample support for the new fence. He reported that the bid from Caldera has been revised with the current date and that work would commence in April to construct the new security fence.
B. District Operations & Maintenance
1. 2005 Flood Emergency (FEMA-1577-DR-CA)
a) Upland Well #24 Construction Project (Tejas Canyon)
Mr. Dahlstrom reported that Tierra Construction completed the installation of the interconnection water main from the well to the Zone 3 reservoir transmission main. He stated that there was minor work left to be completed and that a notice of completion would be filed once the minor items were finished. He stated that in April the electrical contract work, including the installation of the power panels, will be sent out for bid prior to the next Board meeting. The pump and motor purchase and installation is the next step in the project.
b) Upland Well #25 Drilling & Construction (Figueroa Mtn. Road)
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board approved the award of contract to Hanly General Engineering for the additional site work including electrical for $43,900 at the February meeting. Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the contract conditions have been met and now requires signature by the Board. He recommends authorization to sign the contract.
It was MOVED by Trustee Loudon, seconded by Trustee Poor and carried by a unanimous voice vote to authorize the signature and execution of the contract with Hanly Engineering for the additional site work.
Mr. Dahlstrom also stated that the pump and motor will be installed next week and that staff will be contacting Mr. Burchardi to discuss the chlorine building details.
c) Upland Well #27 Drilling & Construction Project (Hwy 154/Royal Oaks)
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the pump and motor have been purchased and that the scheduled start up is April 3rd. He also reported that PG&E installed a meter at the site. Upon proceeding with the start-up procedures, it was determined there was no power at the location. Mr. Dahlstrom stated that Mr. Tambini would be contacting PG&E to express the District’s frustration.
d) Well #28 – Drilling & Construction Project
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included a February 25, 2008 letter to Mr. Larry Miller, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, to notify the State of the alternate site location for Well #28 and the reason for the request. He also included the CEQA Notice of Exemption (NOE) in the Board packet. He stated that the NOE requires Board action and recommended its approval.
It was MOVED by Trustee Loudon, seconded by Trustee Poor and carried by a unanimous voice vote to authorize the approval of the CEQA Notice of Exemption for Well Site #28 at APN 141-060-021.
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that all the existing utilities at the site will be used and the contract for the drilling portion of the project would be sent out for bid in April.
2. Distribution System and Water Quality
a) Water Delivery System Hydraulic Capabilities Evaluation
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included a March 12, 2008 staff report that summarizes the District’s Water Delivery System Hydraulic Capabilities Evaluation. He explained that two evaluations were conducted; a Baseline version representing current conditions, and an evaluation with the new wells that will be installed in the future. After a brief discussion of the reports, he recommended approval of the District’s Water Delivery System Hydraulic Capabilities Evaluations prepared for the District by Stetson Engineers.
It was MOVED by Trustee Loudon, seconded by Trustee Clay and carried by a unanimous voice vote to approve and accept the 2008 Water Delivery System Hydraulic Capabilities – Baseline Evaluation and 2008 Water Delivery System Hydraulic Capabilities with New Wells reports prepared for the District by Stetson Engineers.
b) Water Quality Report
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included a February 7, 2008 letter to the Department of Health Services regarding the District’s Water Quality Monitoring Results and Monthly reporting. This report was provided for informational purposes only.
Mr. Dahlstrom also explained that there was a draft notification letter included in the Board packet that will be sent to all customers within the District boundaries. He stated that four dedicated sample stations are tested each week and that on two separate sampling events during the month of February, one of the sample stations in pressure Zone 1 tested positive for the presence of coliform bacteria. He explained that the regulatory standard (maximum contaminant level or MCL) allows for one positive sample per month for a water distribution system of similar size as the District. He explained the presence of coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with the system’s water treatment, distribution piping, laboratory methods, sample container contamination, improper sample handling, or sample location contamination. He stated that the District is required to send the letter to all customers and provide notice per the Department of Health Services; which was reviewed by DHS and was acceptable. He stated that the notice was also posted on the Districts’ website and at the office.
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that there is no threat of contamination in the system or at the site which was re-sampled and no coliform was detected. He explained that the sample station piping and tap will be replaced and that the sampling protocol will be modified to include disinfection of the sample tap prior to sampling to prevent false results. He said this was a report only.
3. State Water Project – Water Supply
a) 2008 Delivery Schedule
Mr. Dahlstrom reported that the State Water Project Allocation for the year remains at 35%. He stated that it may change but the chances are slim. He also reminded the Board that the City of Solvang will be dependent upon the District to make up its shortfall of water supply this year.
Mr. Dahlstrom also stated that the Board packet included a March 6, 2008 memo from Central Coast Water Authority to the Operating Committee Members discussing the Dry Year Water Purchase Program. Mr. Dahlstrom discussed the content of the memo and the availability of water and costs associated with the water. President Burchardi also provided his input on the program indicating the cost implications. After discussing the details of the program the Board concluded not to participate in the program.
It was MOVED by Trustee Bettencourt, seconded by Trustee Poor and carried by a unanimous voice vote to authorize the General Manager to notify Central Coast Water Authority that the District is not interested in participating in the Dry Year Program.
4. Robin Place Main Line Replacement
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that R. Baker has completed the Robin and Eagle Place mainline replacement installation; he stated that there were a few minor items that need attention including the road seal. He reported the R. Baker did a great job and that all services have been tested and in-service.
5. 2760 Lucca Avenue – Main Line Relocation
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the mainline relocation work is expected to commence in mid April at 2760 Lucca. He stated that Santa Ynez Valley Tree Care will be out to the site and provide a cost estimate to remove the trees in the alignment corridor of the new main. He stated that Mr. Patarak will be providing the release of liability which must be signed prior to work commencing on the property.
C. Water Service for/Lot Splits/Projects
1. Santa Ynez Indian Reservation
a) Casino/Consolidation and Expansion
1. Santa Cota Road Large Diameter Water Main Line Replacement, Alignment and Loop
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Wononee water main replacement (Reach B) was modeled to include the proposed Community Center and the results of the hydraulic analysis concluded that the Band will need to revise the plans to upsize the main to a 12-inch pipeline rather than the 8-inch as previously submitted by Wallace Associates. He stated that he would be sending a letter to the Band with the revised requirements. He stated that the Board packet included a March 10, 2008 letter from Mr. Armenta requesting further information regarding modeling results and technical reasons why the upsize to the 12-inch line is required and requesting a copy of our water rate study. Mr. Dahlstrom stated that he would be meeting with Mr. Armenta to discuss the requirements and several other issues relating to the project.
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that there are some issues that still need to be resolved with Lateral 1-1 (Reach C) tie-in. The abandoned 6–inch main needs to be terminated and the connection capped at Lateral 1-1. Mr. Dahlstrom also mentioned that staff would work on the easement acquisition once all the projects are deemed complete.
b) Via Juana Road Widening Project
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that this project has been put on hold at this time in order to determine the affects of the road base material over the District’s water main as proposed by the Band. He indicated that Kim Brown is working with Wallace Associates.
c) Santa Cota Road Storm Drain Project
Mr. Dahlstrom reported that this project is moving forward based on the Band’s changes to the storm drain drop inlet locations as commented on by the District. He stated the Bob Hyland the District’s Maintenance Foreman is monitoring the field work.
2. Santa Ynez Community Services District
a) Main Line Extension – 1070 Faraday
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that staff has reviewed the plans and submitted comments back to the SYCSD. He indicated that materials have been ordered for the mainline extension and an encroachment permit was submitted to the County. He also mentioned that the CSD’s electrical contractor will install a power pole in the Madera Street right-of-way and that they will trench across Madera Street for the PG&E services. According to the contractor, no permit was necessary from the County since the County deemed Madera Street a non-maintained County road.
3. Dunn School – 2555 W. Highway 154, Los Olivos
a) Amendment to Water Main Line Extension Agreement
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included an Amendment to the Water Main Extension Agreement for Dunn School. He also welcomed Mr. Munger to the meeting.
Mr. Dahlstrom provided the Board a summary of the action taken by the Board and stated that he and Mr. Kvistad have provided an amendment to the water main extension agreement for discussion. The Board discussed the possible actions that could be taken if Dunn School did not complete Phase 2 as required. Mr. Kvistad stated that a letter of credit could be provided for each phase of the project. Mr. Munger assured the Board that his goal is to complete the project by the 2011 date required by the Board and that he is working to secure the funding as well. The Board discussed the requirements described in the amendment. After careful consideration of each of the requirements, the Board concluded that an engineers cost estimate including prevailing wages and CPI factor for Phase 2 should be provided before the end of Phase 1; the sentence in the agreement discussing future “Can and Will Serve” letters for water service should be removed, and that the easements should be submitted for both phases upon completion of Phase 1. Mr. Dahlstrom summarized these recommended changes and stated that a revised Amendment would be provided to Dunn for signature.
It was MOVED by Trustee Bettencourt, seconded by Trustee Loudon and carried by a 4-0-1 vote, Trustee Poor abstained, to authorize legal counsel to revise and approve the Amendment to the Water Main Extension Agreement for Dunn School main extension regarding the surety for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the project and the additional conclusions as stated.
The Board thanked Mr. Munger for his cooperation and participation with this project.
4. Coffin Water Main Line Extension – Parcel Map 14,598
a) Acceptance of CEQA Notice of Exemption
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included a Notice of Exemption (NOE) for the Coffin main line extension project at APN 135-250-062 and APN 135-250-063. He stated that the NOE has been sent to the Recorder’s Office for filing.
b) Amendment to Water Main Line Extension Agreement
Mr. Dahlstrom stated the Board packet included an Amendment to the Water Main Line Extension Agreement for the Coffin project and the cost estimates for an 8-inch water main line and upsizing to a 12-inch line as provided by Litle Construction..
Mr. Dahlstrom reminded the Board that the main would be upsized from an 8-inch pipeline as required to a 12-inch line with the District picking up the cost difference in the amount of $40,346.67. Mr. Dahlstrom stated Mr. Coffin must provide a surety in the amount of $130,517.14 prior to any further action by the District. Mr. Dahlstrom recommends approval of the agreement.
It was MOVED by Trustee Poor, seconded by Trustee Bettencourt and carried by a unanimous voice vote to authorize the General Manager to sign and execute the Amendment to Water Main Extension Agreement for the Coffin Project.
5. McComb Water Main Line Extension – APN 139-040-038 -2245 Coyote Creek
Mr. Dahlstrom reported that last month the Board approved a conceptual proposed alignment of the mainline extension for the mainline extension on Mr. McComb’s property. He stated that staff has performed the plan check and a comment letter would be sent to Mr. McComb next week. He stated that the final plans will be reviewed by the Board once they are submitted.
VIII. REPORT, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE BOARD ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS:
A. Santa Ynez River/State Water Exchange Agreement
1. Carpinteria/Guadalupe Water Transfer Update
Mr. Dahlstrom reported that the sale of up to 500 AF of Carpinteria Valley Water District’s SWP allocation is pending. The agreement details are being negotiated between the parties. He indicated that ID#1 remains concerned that the Exchange Agreement will be affected by this sale, particularly in water short years, and any material change in the Agreement is subject to ID#1 approval.
2. Carpinteria/Irvine Ranch Water District Exchange Update
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included a March 10, 2008 letter to Mr. Hamilton, General Manager, Carpinteria Valley Water District, regarding the proposed State Water Project water transfers. He reported that there has been no response to the letter and that no meeting has been set up at this time. Mr. Dahlstrom stated that at the Central Coast Water Authority’s Operating Committee meeting the water banking program did not receive any opposition, although ID#1 still needs to stay involved and aware to assure that the Exchange Agreement is not adversely affected. He stated that when more information is available and the terms of CVWD agreement are circulated, he would update the Board.
B. Cachuma Conservation Release Board
1. Report on Board Meeting
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included the February 25, 2008 CCRB agenda. He summarized the topics discussed at the meeting. He stated that there was a meeting March 14, 2008 with the National Marine Fisheries Service representatives, USBR, CCRB, Caltrout, EDC and others which Mr. Kvistad attended on behalf of ID#1. He briefly summarized that the meeting primarily focused on fish passage alternatives around Bradbury Dam, provisions related to the SWB hearings and protection of water rights with the purpose of offsetting the downstream fish management plan and BiOp requirements while assuring no changes in the fish flow releases. Mr. Dahlstrom stated that this process is only considered exploratory with no commitments by ID#1 as a Cachuma Project Member Unit and more meetings are scheduled in the near future.
2. Joint Participation – Budget Adjustments 2007/08
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included a memo from Kate Rees, dated January 28, 2008, recommending a budget adjustment for the El Jaro Creek San Julian Fish Passage.
He discussed the details and cost calculations prepared by CCRB associated with the project and the memo indicating an $80,000 reallocated increase; however, the apparent total cost increase is $208,900, of which ID#1 is expected to share according to its 10.31% allocation. According to CCRB, the new estimated total cost of the project is $380,000 representing significant increase over the original budget with the DFG grant of $171,110. He explained that ID#1’s share is not $8,248 as CCRB indicated but is actually $21,537 representing 10.31% of the total increased amount. Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the District’s proportionate share of the joint cost participation budget did not include the District funding this project. This new cost item is “new” money. He clarified that the District did not identify other Trustee approved budget items where the funds could be adjusted and/or shifted, and therefore, should not fund any portion of this project. The Board concurred and determined that funding, if any for this project, should be addressed as part of the next fiscal year budget. The Board also questioned the management of these projects and financial accountability of the CCRB Manager.
Also included was a memo dated February 25, 2008 discussing a budget adjustment for $50,000 to cover increased costs for Best, Best & Krieger. Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the CCRB approved $40,000 of the requested adjustment; therefore our proportionate share would be $4,124. Mr. Dahlstrom recommends approval of the $4,124 for Best Best & Krieger from an approved budgeted line item that has funding available.
It was MOVED by Trustee Loudon, seconded by Trustee Poor and carried by a unanimous voice vote to authorize payment of the District’s proportionate share of $4,124 for special legal counsel.
C. Cachuma Operations and Maintenance Board
1. Report on Board Meeting
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that Board packet included the February 25, 2008 COMB Meeting agenda. He reported that most of the items related to the South Coast member units only, and provided a brief report on the Quagga Mussel. The Board packet also included a report prepared by Boyle Engineering concerning the O&M Reliability Program for 2008-2010. He stated that the COMB capital improvement program and bond issuance presentation is over $26 million of which the biggest item of concern to ID#1 is the proposed budget to repair and upgrade their office building at $3,625,000. He stated this brings up a long standing position by ID#1 that the building or the land is not owned by COMB, but owned by the Bureau of Reclamation and that the District should not participate in any funding relating to the building. The Board concurred no funding should be contributed for the building improvements or the capital improvement program because ID#1 does not benefit in the south coast project works.
It was MOVED by Trustee Bettencourt, seconded by Trustee Poor and carried by a unanimous voice vote to authorize Trustee Loudon to vote in favor of the Capital Improvement Program but must exclude any ID#1 cost participation associated with the building and that ID#1 not be party to the repayment bond.
D. Santa Barbara County
1. Madera Street Abandonment
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included a Santa Barbara County letter dated February 26, 2008 relating to an application which was submitted for building improvements on the parcels at the District office. Staff is exploring the extent of land improvements and build-out potential for the District’s property.
2. Santa Ynez Valley Community Plan
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included a February 19, 2008 Santa Barbara County Agenda report regarding the Santa Ynez Valley Community Plan. He stated that District staff is monitoring this item.
E. Santa Ynez River – State Water Resources Control Board
1. WR Order 94-5/Cachuma Project Permit DEIR
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included a recent letter from the Bureau of Reclamation to the State Water Resources Control Board regarding CCRB’s refusal to pay URS Corp. for any additional work associated with the Cachuma Project Final EIR. There has been no response from the SWB or progress relating to the State Board proceedings or a decision on the status of the RDEIR.
2. Permit 17734 License Inspection Report (6.0 CFS Well Field)
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that he had no new information regarding the permit.
F. Cachuma Project
1. Water Supply – Fish Surcharge/Spill Status
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included a recent email from Stetson Engineers regarding the Cachuma Operations. He mentioned that the lake level was at 752.47 and would not reach the target level at 753 given the watershed, hydrologic conditions, and the late timing to surcharge. He indicated that the opportunity was lost to go to a full 753’ because of the County protest and USBR decision making. He stated that the storage level is projected to be about 1,500 AF short of 9,200 AF with a full 3’ surcharge. He mentioned that fish releases at the higher volumes to the Alisal Bridge target must occur the year of and year following a spill. The basis of the surcharge was supposed to avoid using Project yield to fulfill the BiOp requirements.
2. Bureau of Reclamation Resource Management Plan/Contract Renewal Lake Cachuma Park
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that there was no new information to report on this item.
3. National Marine Fisheries Steelhead Recovery Plan
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that Mr. Kvistad attended a meeting February 13, 2008 in Sacramento with, Mr. Greg Wilkinson, Ms. Kate Rees, NMFS, and Russ Strach to explore the possibility of fish passage above Bradbury Dam. Mr. Kvistad reported that main topics were offsetting the BiOp requirements for enhancement projects in the Santa Ynez River, stabilizing fish releases and flow requirements downstream, and eliminating protests at the SWRCB related to the Cachuma Permits. He stated that the group would be putting together a steering committee and/or technical committee to develop information related to fish passage and procedures to protect the fish and water rights. Mr. Dahlstrom reminded the Board that this process is exploratory only and would be limited to voluntary participation.
4. Lake Cachuma County Park – Fish Surcharge Memo of Understanding
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the County still has not signed the MOU because the County has brought up old issues including inundation of the water filter plant that have no merit or bearing on the MOU. He also mentioned the Board packet included the March 4, 2008 letter from CCRB to the Bureau of Reclamation requesting the Bureau surcharge the Lake to 753’ level. He stated there has been no response to the written request.
5. Cachuma Lake Oak Tree Restoration Program
a) Task Order 2007/2008 – Planting Year 3
Mr. Dahlstrom reported that the Board packet included the Task order for the Planting Year 3 for the Oak Tree Restoration Program. He stated that Melinda Fournier is doing a great job and that she does not have a signed task order at this time by the District or CCRB. He recommended approval of the Year 3 Task Order in good faith and continued support of the consultant and project.
It was MOVED by Trustee Poor, seconded by Trustee Bettencourt and carried by a unanimous voice vote to authorize Task Order for Planting Year Three in the Amount of $144,067, ID#1’s proportionate share of $14,853.
6. Lake Cachuma Recreation – Quagga Mussel
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included the current correspondence and Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Agenda and Staff report regarding the potential threat of Quagga Mussel and County actions. He stated that Trustee Bettencourt and Trustee Loudon are members of the Ad Hoc Committee. He reported that there have been several meetings concerning the threat of the mussel and the proposed alternatives to prevent the introduction of quagga mussel at the lake. He stated that Trustee Bettencourt and Mr. Kvistad attended the March 17, 2008 Board of Supervisors Meeting and spoke in favor of protections and actions to prevent the invasive mussel from entering Lake Cachuma. He indicated that Kate Rees spoke on behalf of COMB, County Parks and other members of the public provided comment on the program. He referred to a draft detailed report prepared by Mr. Tom Fayram which described the fiscal impacts of the Quagga Mussel for the Boat Launch Program at the lake and the costs associated with the program. Mr. Dahlstrom reported that County would like to implement an inspection program for boats prior to entering the lake but have cost issues and would like participation by the water purveyors. The Board discussed the mussel and the effects on the lake, infrastructure impacts if there was a problem and the cost participation with the County and potential rate payer impacts and liability.
After a lengthy discussion the Board supports the County in their proposed preventative actions and concluded that the rate payers of ID#1 should not be held liable for any of the costs the County Parks inspection program requires.
G. City of Solvang
1. Proposed 5.0 CFS Well Field Project
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that Stetson Engineers has completed the study of the City of Solvang’s water delivery system. He explained that after reviewing the evaluation there are insufficiencies in Solvang’s current system and he has several concerns regarding the information that was supplied to Stetson. The District met January 28, 2008 with City of Solvang representatives to discuss the proposed 5.0 cfs well field project and future water supply issues. The Board members briefly provided comment and further discussed this item under closed session item XV.B.
H. District Reorganization
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the draft legislation has been prepared by the legislative counsel and will be introduced by Assemblyman Pedro Nava. He and Mr. Kvistad reported that some of the content needs minor revision and legal counsel is in the process of fine tuning the document. Mr. Kvistad indicated that it would be resubmitted to the legislative counsel by Monday March 24th. The revised legislation is scheduled to be heard on April 9, 2008 and April 15, 2008 by the Assembly Local Government Committee. Mr. Dahlstrom stated that a resolution with the legal description of the District boundaries will be necessary and support letters from partnering agencies would be beneficial in this process. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
I. LAFCO
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included a March 13, 2008 letter from Brownstein Hyatt Farber & Schreck to LAFCO regarding the draft legislation for the reorganization of the District. Mr. Kvistad explained that this letter was in response to the letter Mr. Bob Braitman sent on March 6, 2008 which was also included in the packet.
IX. REPORTS, ACTION BY THE BOARD MEMBERS OR STAFF, QUESTIONS OF STAFF, STATUS REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMITTEE REPORTS, OBSERVATIONS AND OTHER MATTERS AND/OR COMMUNICATIONS NOT REQUIRING ACTION
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that the Board packet included the current newsletter from Family Farm Alliance.
X. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Mr. Dahlstrom presented the Warrant List for Board approval. The Warrant List covered warrants 11186 through 11278, for the time period February 19, 2008 through March 19, 2008 in the amount of $756,190.08. Trustee Loudon MOVED to approve the warrant list as presented. Trustee Bettencourt seconded the motion and it was carried by a unanimous voice vote.
XI. REQUESTS FROM BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR ITEMS TO BE INCLUDED ON THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
There were no requests from the Board.
XII. CORRESPONDENCE: GENERAL MANAGER/SECRETARY RECOMMENDS THE ITEMS NOT MARKED WITH AN ASTERISK (*) FOR FILE
The correspondence list was reviewed and discussed.
XIII. NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
The next Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2008. Mr. Dahlstrom stated that he will be at the State Assembly on April 15, 2008 and asked the Board if they could meet on April 22, 2008.
It was MOVED by Trustee Bettencourt seconded by Trustee Loudon and carried by a unanimous voice vote to authorize a Special Meeting April 22, 2008.
XIV. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
[Subdivision (a) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code]
1. Name of Case: Adjudicatory proceedings pending before the State Water Resources Control Board regarding Permits 11308 and 11310 issued on Applications 11331 and 11332 to the United States Bureau of Reclamation and complaints filed by the California Sport Fishing Protection Alliance regarding the operating of the Cachuma Project and State Board Orders WR73-37, 89-18 and 94-5; and proposed changes to the place of use of waters obtained through aforementioned permits for the Cachuma Project
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
[Initiation of litigation pursuant to Subdivision (c) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code – three cases]
The Board adjourned to closed session at 9:20 p.m. and reconvened to open session at 10:09 p.m. There was no action required.
XV. ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business, it was MOVED by Trustee Bettencourt, seconded by Trustee Clay to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 p.m. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.
The March 18, 2008 Regular Minutes were approved at the April 22, 2008 Speical Meeting.
