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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.13.2014 WB Minutes Special MtgB A K E R S F I E L D NOUN ^JATE� BOOAR� -CITY OF BAKE �© Urban Water Purveyors' Water Forum Thursday, March 13, 2014 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall South 1501Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 • ut Chairman Hanson called the meeting to order at 2:00 p,m. ROLL CALL Assistant City Clerk Drimakis called roll. Present: Chairman Hanson, Vice -Chair Johnson, Member Smith Absent: None 2. WELCOME Harold Hanson, Chairman, City of Bakersfield Water Board, welcomed everyone and stated water conservation and water use in a drought year is a very important issue, 3. INTRODUCTIONS Russell Johnson, Vice - Chair, City of Bakersfield Water Board, stated the purpose of the water forum is to share ideas and best practices. Also, to discuss what urban water users can do to save water and be part of the solution. 4. URBAN WATER DISTRICTS A. Water Association of Kern County — Public Awareness Campaign Update Beth Pandol, Executive Director, Water Association of Kern County, gave background information and stated the WAKC is a nonprofit group in Kern County and has been around since 1988, She gave an update of the WAKC conservation efforts and programs. She also stated the Association wants to help during this critical time, Russell Johnson, Vice - Chair, City of Bakersfield Water Board, recognized elected official dignitaries' representatives in attendance. Bakersfield, California, March 13, 2014 - Page 2 4. URBAN WATER DBSTRIICTS continued B. State of District's Water Supply and Current Conservation Methods City of Bakersfield Art Chianello, Water Resources Manager, City of Bakersfield, gave a presentation overview regarding the City's unique water assets and supplies, and the City's ongoing efforts to reduce water consumption and raise awareness, 2. California Water Service Company Rudy Valles, District Manager, California Water Service Company, gave a presentation and update regarding drought conservation efforts. Susan Cordone, Conservation Coordinator, California Water Service Company, gave an overview of the conservation programs currently in use. 3. Oildale Mutual Water Company Doug Nunneley, General Manager, Oildale Mutual Water Company, gave a brief history and stated water conservation is always encouraged through the use of bill inserts, newsletters, web site and Facebook, Also, a unique conservation effort the Company implemented decades ago includes a water patrol during the months of May through August. 4. Greenfield County Water District Mel Johnson. stated conservation is a priority for their Board; Water conservation efforts include communicating with the high -end users and educating the public to use water wisely, 5. Vaughn Water Company Van Grayer, General Manager, gave a brief history of the Company and stated conservation efforts will be through education and encouraging customers to conserve water through newsletters, radio and television campaigns; adjusting landscaping sprinklers; and continued water audits of customers' property. The Company will also be optimizing the distribution flushing system program to keep water quality at a good level. The Districts also plans to implement programs with North of the River, the City of Bakersfield, and Kern County Landscaping to conserve water on their median landscape areas. Bakersfield, California, March 13, 2014 - Page 3 4, URBAN WATER DISTRICTS continued B. 6, Improvement District No. 4 (Kern County Water Agency) David Beard, Manager, gave a brief history and purpose of Improvement District No. 4, Mr. Beard also highlighted water conservation efforts and programs in effect. East Niles Community Services District Tim Ruiz, P,E„ General Manager, East Niles community Services District, gave a brief history of the District, Questions and answers discussion followed, No action taken 5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS A. Harry Starkey, West Kern Water District, encouraged the City to be an active participant in the Kern Groundwater Management Committee. B, George Lusich asked "what is the overdraft in the county on the groundwater table," C. Eric Averett, Rosedale Water District, spoke regarding the Kern Groundwater Management Committee, D. Amber Beeson, Horticulturalist, spoke regarding reducing water usage and conservation. Jerry Todd, Kern City Resident, spoke regarding new technology used to save water and provided written materials to the water purveyors. 6. DISCUSSION Open discussion followed. No action taken, Russell Johnson, Vice - Chair, City of Bakersfield Water Board, referred to the City of Bakersfield Water Board or Community Services Committee, the topic of Landscaping in regards to medians and the implementation of drought resistant plants in medians and potentially using artificial turf. Steve Teglia, Assistant to City Manager, stated the topic of utilizing artificial turf and drought resistant plants will be on the Community Services Committee agenda for the meeting of April 4, 2014. Russell Johnson, Vice - Chair, City of Bakersfield Water Board, referred to City staff the ground water management plan and legislation issued by the Governor for review to determine whether the legislation changes anything that the Board needs to be aware of or monitor, Bakersfield, California, March 13, 2014 - Page 4 6. DISCUSSION continued Russell Johnson, Vice - Chair, City of Bakersfield Water Board, thanked everyone for attending the forum. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Hanson adjourned the meeting at 3;40 p,m, Harol. Hanson, hairy -r n City of Bakersfield Water Board Bobbie Zaragoza, CMC ,? Secretary, City of Bakersfield Water Board