Title
Approve an increase in funding for the Monterey County Water Resources Agency’s share of participation in a facilitated stakeholder implementation process provided by Consensus Building Institute regarding Sustainable Groundwater Management Act implementation from $30,000 to up to $43,750. (ADDED VIA ADDENDUM)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors:
Approve an increase in funding for the Monterey County Water Resources Agency’s share of participation in a facilitated stakeholder implementation process provided by Consensus Building Institute regarding Sustainable Groundwater Management Act implementation from $30,000 to up to $43,750.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Agency Staff was directed by the Agency Board of Directors and the County Board of Supervisors to develop a public process to involve stakeholders and organizations in the implementation of the SGMA. Agency staff presented SGMA information at three workshops in January (Public workshop on January 21, Growers-Shippers Association on January 27, and the Greater Monterey County Integrated Regional Water Management Regional Water Management Group on January 27). Other speaking opportunities were being developed in a strategic manner for efficiency and effectiveness.
The City of Salinas (and subsequently other Salinas Valley cities) desired that a facilitated process should be implemented to select the SGMA Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) for the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin (Basin). A Consortium was then formed, consisting of representatives from Monterey County, the Agency, the City of Salinas (representing Salinas Valley cities), the Farm Bureau, the Salinas Valley Water Coalition, and the Growers-Shippers Association.
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was released and responses were due May 18. Seven proposals were received, and three firms were invited to interview and a final selection as made - Consensus Building Institute - on July 31, 2015.
The City of Salinas will be the contracting party, as shown on the attached draft Agreement for Professional Services. Of the approximately $170,000 facilitation fee, $50,000 is anticipated to be covered by a Department of Water Resources grant. At an August 26, 2015 Consortium meeting, it was decided to split the remaining $120,000 cost four ways equally between the City of Salinas (representing Valley cities), Monterey County, the Agency and Agricultural industry representatives.
The Agency Board of Directors in Board Order 15-68 authorized the expenditure of $30,000 for facilitator services to establish a Groundwater Sustainability Agency, which amount was anticipated at the time the Board Agenda was published. On September 23, 2015, the City of Salinas notified the Agency that the Department of Water Resources grant amount was uncertain. Accordingly, the Agency should now plan on contributing an amount up to $43,750.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The SGMA implementation Steering Committee includes the Chair of the Board of Supervisors, the County Administrative Officer, Mayor of the City of Salinas, Salinas Public Works Director, Water Resources Agency General Manager, Water Resources Agency Counsel and representatives of the agricultural industry (Farm Bureau, Salinas Valley Water Coalition and Grower-Shipper Association).
The Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors approved funding in the amount of $30,000 from the Agency’s Fund 111 (Administration) on October 6, 2015.
The Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors approved the additional not-to-exceed amount of $13,750 on October 26, 2015.
FINANCING:
The total cost of the funding agreement is $175,000. The City of Salinas, Monterey County, Water Resources Agency and agriculture interests have agreed to each pay 25% of the total cost, absent Department of Water Resources grant funding. The Water Resources Agency’s pro rata share is $43,750, which will be funded by Fund 111 (Administration).
Prepared &
Approved by:
David E. Chardavoyne, General Manager, (831) 755-4860
Attachments:
Funding Agreement - GSA Facilitation Contract