Title
Make appointments to the Primary and Alternate Other GSA Eligible Entity Director positions on the Board of Directors of the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (“SVBGSA”) for terms commencing July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors make appointments to the Primary and Alternate Other GSA Eligible Director positions on the Board of Directors of the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (“SVBGSA”) for terms commencing July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026.
SUMMARY:
The County makes appointments to certain Director positions (Primary and Alternate) on the Board of Directors of the SVBGSA. Four of those positions have terms expiring on June 30, 2023, two Agricultural Directors, the Environment Director, and the Other GSA Eligible Entity Director positions. It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors make appointments at this time to the Other GSA Eligible Entity Director positions that are expiring.
DISCUSSION:
The SVBGSA, a Joint Powers Authority (“JPA”) created by the County, the Water Resources Agency, various cities and other public entities in the Salinas Valley, is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors. Each Director position has a Primary and an Alternate Director, and each represents a different interest or stakeholder group generally as required by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. As set forth in the Joint Powers Authority agreement forming the SVBGSA, various members of JPA make appointments to the Director positions.
The County is responsible for the appointments of a Primary and Alternate for each of 7 Director positions: A) one representing Other GSA Eligible Entities; B) four representing agricultural interests; C) one representing environmental interests; and D) one Public Member representing interests not otherwise represented on the Board. Generally, the Director positions have three-year terms; however, so that not all Director positions would expire at the same time, a number of the positions were given two-year terms at the start. The positions that were given three-year terms are two Agricultural Directors, the Other GSA Eligible Entity Director, and the Environment Director, whose terms expired on June 30, 2020. Appointments were appropriately made for terms commencing July 1, 2020, and expiring on June 30, 2023. The Board previously made appointments to the two Agricultural Director positions whose terms expire on June 30, 2023; the Environment Director positions are still pending nominations from the Environmental Caucus, the nominating group.
The JPA agreement sets forth general qualifications for Directors:
1. General education and/or knowledge, interest in and experience relating to the control, storage, and beneficial use of groundwater;
2. General understanding and knowledge of the Basin and all its beneficial users;
3. Working knowledge and understanding of how to develop strategic plans, policies, programs, and financing/funding mechanisms;
4. Genuine commitment to collaboratively work together to (a) achieve groundwater sustainability through the adoption and implementation of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin, and all its beneficial users; and (b) provide for the ongoing sustainable management of the basin;
5. General knowledge and understanding of one or more of the different facets (administration, financial, legal, organizational, personnel, etc.) needed for a successful and productive organization;
6. Ability to commit the time necessary, estimated at a minimum 15 - 20 hours per month, to responsibly fulfill their commitment to the organization. This includes, but is not limited to: (a) Board meetings, (b) Board training, (c) analyzing financial statements and technical reports, (d) reviewing Board documents before Board meetings, (e) attending Board meetings, and (f) serving on committees to which they are assigned; and
7. A permanent resident within the Basin, or a representative of an agency with jurisdiction, or a business or organization with a presence, within the Basin.
Each of the Director positions has specific qualifications; the Other GSA Eligible Entity Director must be a representative of a GSA Eligible Entity but not including the cities of Salinas, Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield or King City. The current eligible entities are the County of Monterey, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency, and Monterey One Water (“M1W”). The Board previously authorized County Counsel to solicit interest from representatives of the eligible entities in the positions. Supervisor Luis Alejo currently serves as the Primary Director for this position, but has indicated he no longer wishes to serve. Supervisor Glenn Church has indicated interest in serving. John Baillie, the current Chair of the Water Resources Agency Board of Directors, is currently the Alternate Director, and has indicated his interest in continuing in that position. Mr. Baillie is Vice-President of the Jack T. Baillie Co, Inc. which includes Baillie Family Farms and Tri-Counties Packing Company. Paul Sciuto, current General Manager for M1W has expressed interest in serving. Mr. Sciuto previously served as the Alternate director from 2017 - 2020. (REVISED VIA SUPPLEMENTAL)
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the General Fund with the appointments.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
X Economic Development - Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
X Administration - Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
___ Health & Human Services - Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services, promoting access to equitable opportunities for health choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
X Infrastructure - Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
___ Public Safety - Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading business and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared and approved by:
___________________________________
Leslie J. Girard, County Counsel, x. 5365