Title
Consider receiving the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Development Services Update
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors:
Receive the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Development Services Update
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The MCWRA Development Services section is tasked with overseeing the Agency’s responsibilities for advising the County on land use matters and implementing the County’s floodplain management program. The purpose of the Agency’s involvement in land use and floodplain management is to ensure that flood risk is lessened; that effective storm drainage and flood control is provided; and, that an adequate and safe water supply is available to meet the County’s current and long-term needs. The Development Services section carries out these tasks through its authority under the Agency Act; the 2010 County General Plan; Land Use and Area Plans; Monterey County Code; and, various Storm Drainage Master Plans. It is through land use and construction permit review, and coordination with County departments, that these Water Resources related issues are considered and appropriately regulated. The revenue to provide the Water Resources Agency (WRA) engineering and hydrology services is obtained through permit fee revenue (see figure 1) and the Agency’s Countywide zone of assessment.
For over 30+ years the Agency has been part of the County’s land use permit review team where the community and County have relied upon our expertise and authority. The Agency’s Development Review section continues to offer these services and fulfills this important role for Monterey County. The Agency’s Development Services section is comprised of the WRA General Manager, various levels of Hydrologists and Engineers, and Technicians. The day-to-day functions of the section are supervised by Jennifer Bodensteiner, Associate Hydrologist. In this capacity, it is the role of the supervisor to ensure the Agency maintains its authority for these duties; that all permit review is timely; that the response is in accordance with governing regulations and policies; and, that the Agency provides excellent customer service to other departments and the public. Certain subject matter experts are brought into work through Development Services matters, as appropriate. An example would be an Associate Engineer is asked to assist on advising of appropriate flood and storm water control methods for new development, or a certain Hydrologist is asked to assist on advising on domestic well impact assessments when considering new wells for new development.
The WRA BOD should be informed that In January 2018, the Monterey County Resources Management Agency (RMA) sought to incorporate the Agency’s flood and storm water control review under its duties for grading and erosion control. It is the opinion of the WRA General Manager that the Agency holds the necessary qualifications and authority to advise and regulate as to what measures are necessary and appropriate to control flood and storm waters. A change in such responsibilities should not be done without consideration of first informing the appropriate governing bodies, and enacting amendments to the Agency Act, the 2010 General Plan, etc (see table 1). The Agency’s General Manager recommended to the County Administrative Office that such a request be brought to the attention WRA BOD and the WRA BOS, and that any such request contain options and recommendations on whether and how to proceed on transitioning the responsibilities from the WRA to the RMA.
In closing, the Agency’s Development Services section has the respect of the engineering and design community, and other county departments, and we take provide in to providing these engineering and hydrology related services to our community. Until otherwise determined unnecessary or such responsibilities are transitioned to another department, the Agency will continue to maintain a Development Services section available to the public and the County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
FINANCING:
None
Prepared by: Jennifer Bodensteiner, Associated Hydrologist, (831) 755-4860
Approved by: ____________________________________________________
David E. Chardavoyne, General Manager, (831-755-4860
Attachments:
1. Article XI MCWRA Fees for Land Use Permitting Activities
2. Table 1-Legislation and Policies Related to the Control of Flood and Storm Waters in Monterey County
3. Board Order