Monterey Peninsula Regional Water Authority

MINUTES MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY Thursday, April 12, 2012 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Water Authority was held in the Pacific Grove City Council Chambers on the above stated date at the stated hour of 6:02 p.m. President Della Sala called the meeting to order. 2. ROLL CALL AND INTRODUCTIONS Present: Directors Della Sala; Edelen; Garcia, McCloud and Pendergrass. (Director Bachofner arrived at 6:10 pm) 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice President Sue McCloud led the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. REPORT FROM AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF Director Della Sala reported that Supervisor Dave Potter had requested that a copy of the JPA's bylaws be sent to him so that he could share it with the Board of Supervisors, who will be determining whether or not to have him serve on the JP A, representing the citizens of the unincorporated areas. Della Sala said that it is hoped that an answer will be forthcoming on this matter soon. It also was reported that Cal-Am Water President Rob MacLean has agreed to make a presentation to the Water JPA on April 23, shortly after the filing deadline with the State Public Utilities Commission. 5. RECEIVE REPORT FROM THE TECHNICALADVISORY COMMITTEE AND PROVIDE DIRECTION, AS NEEDED Roger Dolan, acting as spokesman for the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), presented the report. He said that the TAC has held two meeting at Seaside City Hall since the last Water JPA meeting on March 22. The group also held a field trip to the Sand City desal plant on March 11. On April 16, the TAC will hear presentations from the two Moss Landing water projects and has a representative from Cal-Am Water scheduled to address the group at its meeting on May 7. He also said that although the TAC originally felt it would be helpful to add a member with experience in CEQA, this idea has been tabled for now. President Della Sala opened the meeting to public comment at 6:25 p.m. Speaking to this item were: George Riley (a TAC member), who said Cal-Am is not necessarily the preferred water provider. Dale Hekkhuis, who urged the Authority to move into areas of more substance. Nelson Vega, who urged the TAC to take a more independent stance. Bill Hood, who suggested cooperating with Cal-Am, yet maintaining an "arm's distance" relationship. Doug Wilhelm, who addressed the fair evaluation of all water options. Ralph Rubio, who addressed the cost of a GWR pipeline and need for an early vetting of this project. Keith Israel, General Manager of the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency, who said his Board would be holding a meeting the next day that should elicit more information about cost estimates and other details of its proposed project. Skip Keysers, who addressed the need for independence and fair hearings. President Della Sala closed the meeting to public comment at 6:40 p.m. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA President Bella Sala opened the meeting to public comment 'at 6:53p.m. Nelson Vega addressed the Authority about having a mission and strategy that avoids duplication with other agencies. George Brehmer spoke about the need for the Authority to find the best project at the best price for the ratepayers and the need to promote public rainwater capture and use of gray water as simple water conservation measures. President Della Sala closed the meeting to public comment at 7:00 p.m. As it was Vice President Sue McCloud's final meeting, Della Sala took the opportunity to thank her for her many years of service to the community, notably her 12 years as Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea and for her leadership in the establishment of the Water Authority. 7. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Vice President McCloud moved to approve the Minutes of March 8, 2012 and March 22, 2012, with corrections to Item 4 (hosting Web domain, not Website) and Item 6 (the misspelled name of a public speaker) on the March 22 Minutes, seconded by Director Bachofner, and approved unanimously. 8. SELECTION OF A VICE PRESIDENT With Vice President McCloud's departure, the Authority must fill the role of Vice President must be filled. Director Garcia nominated Director Bachofner for this position. Vice President McCloud nominated Director Edelen. A vote was taken that was deadlocked 3-3 (Garcia, Pendergrass and Bachofner supporting Bachofner; with Della Sala, McCloud and Edelen supporting Edelen). Director Edelen withdrew his name from consideration and moved to support Bachofner, which was unanimously approved. 9. DISCUSSION OF MPRWA AS A PARTY TO THE CPUC TOA NEW APPLICATION FILED BY CAL-AM OR INTERVENER TO AN AMENDED APPLICATION Carmel City Administrator Jason Stilwell presented the staff report. President Della Sala opened the meeting to public comment at 7:14 p.m. Speaking to this item were: Ralph Rubio; Bill Hood; Nelson Vega; and Dave Laredo (who was speaking as an individual, not as MWMD's general counsel). President Della Sala closed the meeting to public comment at 7:25 p.m. Director Pendergrass moved to approve that the Authority become a party to Cal-Am's new application and approve an expenditure of$l,OOO or less for expenses related to this filing action, seconded by Vice President McCloud and approved unanimously. 10. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS Among the items expressed for future agendas were: discussion of amending the ordinance restricting potential desal organizations; evaluation ofthe privately owned groundwater replenishment projects; continued follow up on becoming a party to Cal-Am's amended application, consideration of a graduated scale of water value based on usage; and consideration of a separate letter to vet the Cal-Am project once it is unveiled. 11. DISCUSSION OF FUTURE MEETINGS President Della Sala said that the JPA's next meeting, originally scheduled for April 26 in Pacific Grove, has been changed to Monday, April 23. As reported earlier, Cal-Am Water President Rob MacLean has offered to give a presentation to the Authority on the Cal-Am water supply project that will be submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission earlier that same day. The location of this Authority meeting will be determined. 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p.m. _____/s/________________ Carmelita Garcia, Sectetary