Title
Make appointments to the Environment Primary and Alternate 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 Environment Primary and Alternate 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. The Board previously made the appointments of the Agricultural Directors and the Other GSA Eligible Entity Directors, and it is recommended at this time that the Board of Supervisors make appointments to the Environment Primary and Alternate Agricultural Director positions.
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. As mentioned above, the Board of Supervisors recently made appointments to two of the Agricultural Director positions and the Other GSA Eligible Entity positions, but appointments need to be made for the Environment Director position.
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 Environment Director must be a representative of an established environmental organization that has a presence or is otherwise active in the Basin. Janet Brennan currently serves as the Primary Director, and Robin Lee is the Alternate Director. A consortium of environmental groups (listed in the JPA agreement) nominates for these Director positions. We are informed that the consortium has nominated Ms. Brennan to continue as the Primary Director, and Robin Lee to continue as the Alternate.
Each of the nominees will be invited to the Board meeting to address the Board if the Board has questions.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the General Fund with the appointments.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
X Economic Development
X Administration
__Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared and approved by:
___________________________________
Leslie J. Girard, County Counsel, x. 5365
Attachments:
Draft Resolution