Title
Make appointments to the Other GSA Eligible Entity and 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, 2020, through June 30, 2023.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Make appointments to the Other GSA Eligible Entity and 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, 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. The Board previously made the appointments of the Agricultural Directors, and it is recommended at this time that the Board of Supervisors make appointments to the Other GSA Eligible Entity and 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. 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. On June 16, 2020, the Board made appointments to the two Agricultural Director positions, and it is now appropriate to consider appointments to the Other GSA Eligible Entity Director and the Environment Director.
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, and has indicated his interest in continuing in that position. Paul Sciuto, the General Manger of M1W, is currently the Alternate Director, and has indicated his interest in continuing in that position. The Water Resources Agency Board of Directors has nominated John Baillie for a Director position. Mr. Baillie is a Director of the Agency and is the current Vice-Chair of the Board. He is Vice-President of the Jack T. Baillie Co, Inc. which includes Baillie Family Farms and Tri-Counties Packing Company.
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 the Alternate Director position is vacant. A consortium of environmental groups (listed in the JPA agreement) nominates for these Director positions. Abigail Hart of the Nature Conservancy (a member of the environment consortium) has indicated the consortium has nominated Ms. Brennan to continue as the Primary Director, and Robin Lee to serve as the Alternate. Mr. Lee currently is a member of the SVBGSA Advisory Committee.
Each of the nominees will be invited to the Board meeting to address the Board if the Board has questions. The Board will need to choose amongst Supervisor Alejo, Mr. Sciuto and Director Baillie for the Other GSA Eligible Entity Director positions.
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 DATE
County Counsel, Ext. 5365
Attachments:
Board Report