File #: WRAPL 24-027    Name: BOD Training Program - Planning
Type: WRA Planning Item Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 5/30/2024 In control: Water Resources Agency Planning Committee
On agenda: 6/5/2024 Final action:
Title: Consider developing a Monterey County Water Resources Agency Training Program for the Board of Directors.
Attachments: 1. Board Report

Title

Consider developing a Monterey County Water Resources Agency Training Program for the Board of Directors.

Report

RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors:

 

Develop a Monterey County Water Resources Agency Training Program for the Board of Directors.

 

SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:

The Agency Board of Directors are currently required to complete mandated trainings, which includes Ethics training per Assembly Bill 1234.  The Board of Directors has requested additional training opportunities to sharpen and refresh directors skillset as they serve on the board.  The Agency is a member of several organizations that provide training, and these options are summarized below.

 

The California Specials District Association (CSDA) allows all staff and the directors to participate in a variety of trainings aimed for local government of special districts and is highly relevant to much of the Agency’s roles and responsibilities.  Some of these trainings are at no charge for members and are available online which include ethics, Brown Act, and new Board member trainings. There is also an Governance Foundations course offered in person as a pre-registration to the annual conference.  This is offered in various regions of California and costs $240 per person.  CSDA also offers a four-day Special District Leadership Academy that provides core governance training for elected/appointed officials and registration begins at $720 per person.  Additional information is available on the Learn menu:  https://www.csda.net/home <file:///H:\Data\BOD\2024\BOD%20Committees\Planning\6%20June%202024\Scheduled%20Items\BOD%20Training%20-%20PC\%20https:\www.csda.net\home>

 

The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) offers biannual conferences which they describe as “the premier destination for water industry professionals to learn and connect. Program offerings include Statewide Issue Forums, Town Hall discussions, Region Programs and sessions covering a wide range of topics including groundwater management, water rates issues, crisis communications, affordable drinking water issues, municipal finance, and more.”  The location of the conference moves throughout the State of California and the registration begins at $840 per person.  The conference is scheduled to be located in Monterey in May 2025 which would beneficially reduce the cost of participation through not necessitating travel, lodging and per diem rates.  There is also an on demand recorded option to view the conference after the event and the rates begin at $240 per person.  Additional information is available on their website at: <https://www.acwa.com/events/>

 

Agency staff recommends developing a training plan that is customized for the Agency’s Board of Directors that covers a variety of topics, offers flexibility for director participation and includes annual requirements to ensure that the opportunities are available to all board members.   Additional offerings, outside of the two memberships currently in place, may be needed to cover certain topics that are relevant to current Agency actions.

 

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:

N/A

 

FINANCING:

Funding estimates will be developed as the training plan is developed.

 

 

Prepared by:    Shaunna Murray, Deputy General Manager, (831) 755-4860                      

Approved by:   Ara Azhderian, General Manager, (831) 755-4860