Title
Make appointments to two of the Primary and Alternate Agricultural Director positions on the Board of Directors of the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (“SVBGSA”) for terms commencing July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2023.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors make appointments to two of the Primary and Alternate Agricultural Director positions on the Board of Directors of the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (“SVBGSA”) for terms commencing July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2023.
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, 2020, 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 two Agricultural Director positions that are expiring. Appointments to the other positions will be recommended separately.
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 permanent Board was appointed effective July 1, 2017, and three of the County’s appointments were given two-year terms, expiring on June 30, 2019. The Board of Supervisors made appointments to those positions last year. Those positions that were given three year terms are two Agricultural Directors, the Other GSA Eligible Entity Director, and the Environment Director, whose terms will expire on June 30, 2020.
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; an Agricultural Director must be an individual that i) is engaged in, and derives a majority of gross income or revenue from, commercial agricultural production or operations; or ii) is designated by an entity that is engaged in commercial agricultural production or operations, and the individual derives a majority of gross income or revenue from agricultural production or operations, including as an owner, lessor, lessee, manager, officer, or substantial shareholder of a corporate entity.
The Salinas Basin Agricultural Water Association nominates for the two Agricultural Director positions, and have forwarded the following as its nominees:
FOREBAY
• Primary: Steve McIntyre
• Alternate: Nick Huntington
PRESSURE
• Primary: John Bramers
• Alternate: Christopher Bunn, Jr.
Mr. McIntyre currently serves as a Director on the SVBGSA Board and is an owner of Monterey Pacific, Inc. and McIntyre Vineyards. Mr. Bramers is currently an alternate and is employed by Merrill Farms, LLC. Mr. Huntington and Mr. Bunn will be new additions as alternates; Mr. Huntington is an owner of Huntington Farms and Mr. Bunn’s family owns Crown Packing Company.
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