County of Monterey  
Board of Supervisors Chambers  
168 W. Alisal St 1st Flr,  
Salinas, CA 93901  
Meeting Minutes  
Tuesday, February 20, 2024  
12:00 PM  
Water Resources Agency Board of Directors  
Mike LeBarre, Chair  
Matt Simis, Vice Chair  
Mark Gonzalez  
Deidre Sullivan  
Ken Ekelund  
Mike Scattini  
Jason Smith  
John Baillie  
Marvin Borzini  
Participation in meetings:  
You may attend the Board of Directors meeting through the following methods:  
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OR to participate by phone call any of these numbers below:  
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Enter this Meeting ID number: 997 6907 9850 when prompted. Please note there is no  
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comment if joined by computer audio please Raise your Hand; and by phone please push *9  
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PLEASE NOTE: IF ALL BOARD MEMBERS ARE PRESENT IN PERSON, PUBLIC  
PARTICIPATION BY ZOOM IS FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY AND IS NOT REQUIRED  
BY LAW. IF THE ZOOM FEED IS LOST FOR ANY REASON, THE BOARD OF  
DIRECTORS MEETING MAY BE PAUSED WHILE A FIX IS ATTEMPTED BUT THE  
MEETING MAY CONTINUE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRPERSON.  
4. If you choose not to attend the Board of Directors meeting but wish to make a comment on  
a specific agenda item, please submit your comment via email by 5:00 p.m. on the Friday  
before the meeting.. Please submit your comment to the Secretary of the Board at  
WRApubliccomment@co.monterey.ca.us mailto:WRApubliccomment@co.monterey.ca.us In  
an effort to assist the Secretary in identifying the agenda item relating to your public  
comment please indicate in the Subject Line, the meeting body (i.e. Board of Directors  
Agenda) and item number (i.e. Item No. 10). Your comment will be placed into the record at  
the Board meeting.  
Participacion en Reuniones:  
Puede asistir a la reunion de la Junta Directiva a traves de los siguientes metodos:  
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la Junta Directiva en vivo por http://monterey.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=19 o  
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3. Para participar for ZOOM, por favor únase for audio de computadora por:  
https://montereycty.zoom.us/j/997 6907 9850  
O para participar for teléfono, llame a culquiera de los números a continuación:  
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)  
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)  
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)  
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)  
+1 253 215 8782 US  
+1 301 715 8592 US  
Cuando se le solicite, ingrese este número de reunión: 997 6907 9850. Por favor tenga en  
cuenta que no hay código de participante, simplemente presione # nuevamente después de  
que la grabación se lo indique.  
Se le colocará en la reunion como asistente; cuando deseé hacer un comentario público si  
esta unido por la computadora utilize la opción de levantar la mano en el chat de la pantalla; o  
por teléfono presione *9 en su teclado.  
TENGA EN CUENTA: SI TODOS LOS MIEMBROS DE LA JUNTA ESTÁN  
PRESENTES EN PERSONA, LA PARTICIPACIÓN PÚBLICA DE ZOOM ES SOLO POR  
CONVENIENCIA Y NO ES REQUERIDA POR LA LEY. SI EL FEED DE ZOOM SE  
PIERDE POR CUALQUIER MOTIVO, LA REUNIÓN DE LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA  
PUEDE PAUSARSE MIENTRAS SE INTENTA UNA SOLUCIÓN, PERO LA REUNIÓN  
PUEDE CONTINUAR A DISCRECIÓN DEL PRESIDENTE.  
4. Si prefiere no asistir a la reunión de la Junta Directiva pero desea hacer un comentario  
sobre algún tema específico de la agenda, por favor envie su comentario por correo  
electrónico antes de las 5:00 p.m. el Viernes antes de la reunion.. Envie su comentario al  
Secretario de la junta al correo electronico WRApubliccomment@co.monterey.ca.us  
mailto:WRApubliccomment@co.monterey.ca.us Para ayudar al Secretario a idenficar el  
artículo de la agenda relacionado con su comentario, por favor indique en la linea de asunto  
del correo electronico el cuerpo de la reunion (es decir, la Agenda de la Junta Directiva) y el  
número de artículo (es decir, el Artículo No. 10). Su comentario se colocará en el registro de  
la reunion de esta Junta.  
NOTE: All agenda titles related to numbered agenda items are live web links. Click on the  
title to be directed to corresponding Board Report.  
PUBLIC COMMENT: Members of the public may address comments to the Board  
concerning each agenda item. The timing of public comment shall be at the discretion of the  
Chair.  
Call to Order at 12:00 P.M.  
The meeting was called to order at 12:03 p.m.  
Roll Call  
Present: Matt Simis, Deidre Sullivan (arrived at 12:05p.m.),Ken Ekelund, Mike Scattini (arrived  
12:10p.m.), Jason Smith (arrived at 12:02 p.m.), John Baillie, Marvin Borzini  
Absent: Mike LeBarre, Mark Gonzalez  
Public Comments on Closed Session Items  
None  
1.  
Closed Session under Government Code section 54950, relating to the following items:  
a. Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2), the Board will confer with legal counsel  
regarding one matter of significant exposure to litigation.  
b. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), the Board will confer with legal counsel  
regarding existing litigation:  
1. Nacimiento Regional Water Management Advisory Committee v. Monterey County Water  
Resources Agency, et al. (San Luis Obispo Superior Case No. 19CVP-0010)  
c. Pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b)(1), the Board will provide a performance  
evaluation for the General Manager.  
d. Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8, the Board will confer with real property  
negotiators:  
Property: Recycled Industrial Wastewater  
Agency Negotiator(s): Ara Azhderian, General Manager  
Negotiating Parties: City of Salinas and Monterey One Water  
Under Negotiation: Price and terms.  
Note: Continuance of Closed Session to be held at the conclusion of the Board's Regular  
Agenda, or at any other time during the course of the meeting announced by the Chairperson of  
the Board. The public may comment on Closed Session items prior to the Board's recess to  
Closed Session.  
Recess to Closed Session  
Reconvene Meeting at 1:00 P.M.  
The meeting reconvened at 1:10 p.m.  
Pledge of Allegiance  
ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS BY CLERK: The Clerk of the Board will announce  
agenda corrections and proposed additions, which may acted on by the Board as provided in  
Sections 54954.2 of the California Government Code.  
Public Comment  
None  
Presentations  
Board of Directors Comments: Marvin Borzini, John Baillie, Jason Smith, Mike Scattini  
Public Comments: Bill Lipe (will also follow-up in writing), Nancy Isakson  
2.  
Summary of the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project’s 2023 Operational Season.  
(Staff Presenting: Peter Vannerus)  
Attachments:  
CSIP Season Summary 2023  
Consent Calendar  
Upon Motion by Director John Baillie and Second by Deidre Sullivan the Board approved the  
Consent Calendar.  
Ayes:Matt Simis, Deidre Sullivan, Ken Ekelund, Mike Scattini, Jason Smith, John Baille,  
Marvin Borzini  
Noes: None  
Absent: Mike Lebarre, Mark Gonzalez,  
Abstained: None  
Recused: None  
3.  
4.  
Approve the Action Minutes of January 16, 2024, and Special Board of Directors Meeting Action  
Minutes of January 24, 2024.  
Attachments:  
Draft BOD Minutes January 16, 2024  
Draft SPECIAL BOD Minutes January 24, 2024  
Receive the Monterey County Water Resources Agency FY 2023-24 Financial Status Report through  
December 31, 2023. (Staff: Nan Kyung Kim)  
Attachments:  
Board Report  
FY24 Financial Status Report thru Dec. 31, 2023  
Executed BO# 24-002 FY24 WRA Financial  
Action Items  
5.  
Consider receiving the 2023 Annual Groundwater Level Contours and Cumulative Change Chart.  
(Staff Presenting: Guillermo Diaz Moreno)  
Attachments:  
Board Report  
Attachment A: Annual 2023 Shallow  
Attachment B: Annual 2023 Deep  
Attachment C: Cumulative Changes 1944 - 2023  
Attachment D: Summary of Changes 2022 - 2023  
Board Order  
Executed BO# 24-003 Annual GWL Contours & Cumulative Change Chart  
Upon Motion by Director Deidre Sullivan and Second by Jason Smith the Board received the 2023  
Annual Groundwater Level Contours and Cumulative Change Chart.  
Ayes: Matt Simis, Deidre Sullivan, Ken Ekelund, Mike Scattini, Jason Smith, John Baillie, Marvin  
Borzini  
Noes: None  
Abstained: None  
Absent: Mike LeBarre, Mark Gonzalez  
6.  
Consider adoption of a resolution amending the Bylaws of the Monterey County Water Resources  
Agency Board of Directors concerning Board member participation on standing and advisory  
committees. (Staff Presenting: Ara Azhderian)  
Attachments:  
Board Report  
MCWRA Bylaws proposed amendments (clean) REVISED  
MCWRA Bylaws proposed amendments (redline) REVISED  
Resolution  
Executed RESO #24-001 MCWRA Bylaws  
Executed MCWRA Bylaws 2.20.24  
Upon Motion by Director Ken Ekelund and Second by Jason Smith the Board adopted a resolution  
amending the Bylaws of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors  
concerning Board member participation on standing and advisory committees.  
Ayes: Matt Simis, Deidre Sullivan, Ken Ekelund, Mike Scattini, Jason Smith, John Baillie, Marvin  
Borzini  
Noes: None  
Abstained: None  
Absent: Mike LeBarre, Mark Gonzalez  
Board of Directors Comments: Ken Ekelund  
Public Comments: None  
7.  
Consider recommending the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors to include  
funding for Interlake Tunnel Project development, in the recommended budget for fiscal-year  
2024-2025. (Staff Presenting: Ara Azhderian)  
Attachments:  
Board Report  
Board Order  
Executed BO#24-004 Interlake Tunnel Project  
Upon Motion by Director Ken Ekelund and Second by Deidre Sullivan the Board Recommend to  
the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors to include funding for Interlake  
Tunnel Project development, in the recommended budget for fiscal-year 2024-2025 OPTION 3: The  
Agency could budget $350,000 from Fund 130 (Hydroelectric Funds) to support work proposed  
under Option 2 as well as certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report and finalizing the  
Agency’s water rights change petitions. This funding represents a moderate level of effort by staff  
with some consulting technical and legal support.  
Ayes: Matt Simis, Deidre Sullivan, Ken Ekelund, Mike Scattini, Jason Smith, John Baillie,  
Noes: Marvin Borzini  
Abstained: None  
Absent: Mike LeBarre, Mark Gonzalez  
Board of Directors Comments: Ken Ekelund, Marvin Borzini, John Baillie, Mike Scattini, Deidre  
Sullivan  
Public Comments: Nancy Isakson, Christopher Bunn, Bill Lipe  
Key Information and Calendar of Events  
8.  
February, March and April 2024 Calendars.  
Attachments:  
February 2024  
March 2024  
April 2024  
General Manager's Report  
Board of Directors Comments: Ken Ekelund  
Public Comments: Thomas Virsik, Margie Kay  
9.  
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Fiscal-Year Ending 2025 Budget Preparation Update  
GEMS Expansion  
Personnel Update  
Monterey One Reconciliation  
Dam Safety Project Funding  
Carmel River Flood Model Update Funding  
Association of California Water Agencies Update  
Other  
Attachments:  
General Manager Memo  
Board of Director - Special Meeting GEMS Expansion Presentation  
WRA Planning Committee Presentation RE Financial Forecasting Model  
BOS Legislative Workshop WRA Priorities Fact Sheets  
DRAFT ACWA 2024 FAC Priorities  
Committee Reports  
10.  
Committee Agenda’s and Cancellation Notices for January and February 2024:  
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Special Water Resources Agency Board of Directors  
Water Resources Agency Reservoir Operations Advisory Committee  
Water Resources Agency Basin Management Advisory Committee  
Water Resources Agency Personnel and Administration Committee  
Water Resources Finance Committee  
Water Resources Planning Committee  
Joint Water Resources/Board of Supervisors Leadership Committee  
Attachments:  
Final SPECIAL BOD MEETING Agenda January 24, 2024  
Final ResOps Agenda January 25, 2024  
Final BMAC Agenda February 7, 2024  
P&A Cancellation Notice February 2024  
Final Finance Agenda February 2, 2024  
FInal Planning Agenda February 7, 2024  
Final SPECIAL BOD Agenda February 7, 2024  
JBL Cancellation Notice February 2024  
Information Items  
11.  
12.  
Reservoir Storage Release Update. (Staff: Peter Kwiek)  
Attachments:  
Reservoir Storage Release Update  
Salinas Valley Water Conditions: Quarterly Update for the First Quarter of Water Year 2023-2024.  
(Staff: Rene Nunez, Guillermo Diaz Moreno, and Tamara Voss)  
Attachments:  
Salinas Valley Water Conditions for the First Qtr. Water Yr 23-24  
13.  
Well Permit Application Summary. (Staff: Guillermo Diaz Moreno)  
Attachments:  
Well Permit Application Summary  
Correspondence  
Board of Directors Comments: Deidre Sullivan  
Public Comments: None  
14.  
1. Letter dated January 23, 2024 to Governor Gavin Newson, Ben Allen (Bond Authors), Susan  
Eggman (Bond Authors), Eduardo Garcia (Bond Authors), Carlos Villapudua (Bond Authors), Josh  
Becker (Budget Subcommittee Chair), Steve Bennett (Budget Subcommittee Chair) from ACWA,  
CMUA, California Alliance for Jobs, Irvine Ranch Water District, San Diego County Water Authority,  
Sweetwater Authority, Yuba Water Agency, EVMWD, El Dorado Irrigation District, United Water  
Conservation District, Sonoma Water, NCWA, Serrano Water District, Monterey County, Monterey  
County Water Resources Agency, The City of San Diego, Turlock Irrigation District, Northern  
California Power Agency, Valley Water, SAFCA  
RE: Dam Safety and Resilience Program/Legislative Bond Proposals  
2. Letter dated February 2, 2024 to Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Republican Leader Mitch  
McConnell, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jefferies from  
Agribusiness and Water Council Arizona, Animas - La Plata Water Conservancy District (Colorado),  
Central Arizona Irrigation and Drainage District, Colorado Ag Water Alliance Colorado River District,  
Columbia Basin Development League (WASHINGTON), Deschutes Basin Board of Control  
(OREGON) - Arnold Irrigation District - Central Oregon Irrigation District -North Unit Irrigation  
District -Ochoco Irrigation District -Swalley Irrigation District -Three Sisters Irrigation District -Tumalo  
Irrigation District -Lone Pine Irrigation District, East Columbia Basin Irrigation District  
(WASHINGTON), Elephant Butte Irrigation District (NEW MEXICO), Farmers Conservation  
Alliance, Family Farm Alliance, Family Water Alliance (CALIFORNIA), Farwell Irrigation District  
(NEBRASKA), Greenfields Irrigation District (MONTANA), Idaho Water Users Association,  
Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District (KANSAS), Kittitas Reclamation District (WASHINGTON),  
Klamath Water Users Association (OREGON), Iliff Irrigation District (COLORADO), Logan  
Irrigation District; Loup Basin Reclamation District (NEBRASKA), Maricopa-Stanfield Irrigation and  
Drainage District (ARIZONA), Milk River Joint Board of Control (MONTANA), Monterey County  
Farm Bureau (CALIFORNIA), Monterey County Water Resources Agency (CALIFORNIA),  
National Water Resources Association, New Magma Irrigation and Drainage District (ARIZONA),  
North Sterling Irrigation District (COLORADO), Orange Cove Irrigation District (CALIFORNIA),  
Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregon Water Resources Congress, Roza Irrigation District  
(WASHINGTON), Salt River Project (ARIZONA), San Carlos Irrigation and Drainage District  
(ARIZONA), San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority (CALIFORNIA), Sargent Irrigation  
District (NEBRASKA), Solana Irrigation District (CALIFORNIA), South Columbia Basin Irrigation  
District (WASHINGTON), Truckee-Carson Irrigation District (NEVADA), Turlock Irrigation District  
(CALIFORNIA), Washington State Potato Commission, Washington State Water Resources  
Association.  
RE: 70 million for Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Program  
3. Letter dated February 1, 2024 to Honorable Alex Padilla, United States Senate from Sonia M. De  
La Rosa, County Administrative Officer RE: Support for the Low-Income Water Assistance Program  
(LIHWAP) Establishment Act  
Attachments:  
1.23.24 LTR Coalition to Governor Newsom RE Dam Safety Funding  
2.2.24 LTR Re WFPO Funding FY24 Appropriations  
2.1.24 CAO LTR of Support for Padilla RE: LIHWAP Establishment Act  
Board of Directors Comments  
Jason Smith, Ken Ekelund  
Adjournment  
The meeting adjourned at 2:33p.m.