Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities, and Parks to execute a ten-year, retroactive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the term of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2035, with the San Lucas County Water District (District) for the purpose of working together on the implementation of the San Lucas Water District Clean Drinking Water Supply Project (Project), and
b. Authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities, and Parks to execute up to three future amendments to the MOU that do not significantly alter the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities, and Parks to execute a ten-year, retroactive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the term of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2035, with the San Lucas County Water District (District) for the purpose of working together on the implementation of the San Lucas Water District Clean Drinking Water Supply Project (Project), and
b. Authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities, and Parks to execute up to three future amendments to the MOU that do not significantly alter the scope of work.
SUMMARY:
Approval of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will establish a formal partnership between the County of Monterey (County) and the San Lucas County Water District (District) to support implementation of the San Lucas Water District Clean Drinking Water Supply Project (Project). The MOU authorizes the County to assist the District with securing funding and, upon funding availability, completing the engineering, environmental, permitting, right-of-way, design, and construction activities necessary to improve the community’s water supply.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed MOU will establish a formal partnership between the County and the District. The goal of this partnership is to work together on implementation of the Project. The Project will install new wells with a companion treatment system to remove contaminants and provide a safe and reliable water source. The County, working on behalf of the District, is presently seeking funding from State, federal, and private sources for this critical water project for the community. The proposed MOU will further authorize the County to assist the District to improve its community water supply when funding is secured, by overseeing the preparation of necessary engineering and environmental studies and reports, acquiring right-of-way, applying for permits, and, with the concurrence of the District, designing and constructing the new municipal water supply Project. The proposed MOU is intended to create an ongoing partnership and set forth the roles and responsibilities of the parties.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The District supports staff’s recommendations. The Office of the County Counsel-Risk Management has reviewed the proposed MOU as to form, indemnity and insurance provisions.
FINANCING:
County staff time will be funded through the State and federal funding received for the Project.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This recommendation advances the Board’s Strategic Plan Goals by supporting mandated activities that protect residents, infrastructure, and environmental resources. The proposed Project ensures compliance with existing permits, MOUs, and regulatory obligations while maintaining the continuity of essential County operations.
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
X Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
Diverse and Thriving Economy
Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Benny J. Young, Management Specialist
Reviewed by: Thomas R. Harty, PE, Senior Civil Engineer
Reviewed by: Enrique Saavedra, PE, Chief of Public Works
Reviewed by: Jessica Cordiero-Martinez, Finance Manager III
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Attachments:
Attachment A - Proposed MOU