Title
Appoint the Monterey County Farm Bureau representative to the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors (Jason Smith or Kevin Piearcy - term ending December 31, 2026 (Full Board)).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors:
Appoint the Monterey County Farm Bureau representative to the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors (Jason Smith or Kevin Piearcy - term ending December 31, 2026 (Full Board)).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Under the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Act (“Agency Act”), the Monterey County Farm Bureau nominates two persons from whom the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors appoints one Director to the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors. Director Jason Smith term expires December 31, 2022.
Sections 48 and 49 of the Agency Act provide:
a. That the Agency shall be governed by a Board of Directors;
b. The manner of appointment of those Directors;
c. The number of Directors; and
d. The qualifications (experience) of those directors.
In relation to the Director position in question, Section 49(b)(1) of the Agency Act states:
“(b) Four directors shall be appointed by a majority vote of the supervisors from nominees submitted by the following groups or organizations:
(1) One Director from a list of two nominees provided by the Monterey County Farm Bureau, who has a background in agricultural production.
(2) One Director from a list of two nominees provided by the Grower-Shipper Vegetable Association of Central California, who has a background in agricultural production.
(3) One Director from a list of two nominees provided by the mayor's select committee, who has a background in city government within the territory of the agency.
(4) One Director from a list of two nominees provided by the Monterey County Agricultural Advisory Committee. The Monterey Agricultural Advisory Committee shall consider possible nominations from all areas of agriculture not represented by the organizations described in paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, such as flower growers' associations, cattlemen’s associations, wine grape growers' associations, and independent growers.”
Sections 50 and 51 of the Agency Act provide that Directors shall serve a four-year term, and that Directors may be reappointed in the same manner as appointment of the previous holder of the office.
The Monterey County Farm Bureau has submitted a letter nominating Jason Smith or Kevin Piearcy as its representative on the Board of Directors. (Attachment 1).
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Monterey County Farm Bureau.
FINANCING:
There is no cost associated with making this appointment other than meeting, mileage, and travel reimbursements currently included in the Monterey County Water Resources Agency FY 2022-2023 approved budget.
Prepared and Approved by: _______________________________________________
Brent Buche, General Manager, (831) 755-4860
Attachments:
1. Monterey County Farm Bureau’s Nomination Letter
2. Notification to Clerk of Reappointment