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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.23.2014 WB Minutes Regular MtgE A K E R S F I E L D MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE WATER BOARD - CITY OF BAKERSFIELD Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 2:00 p.m. Water Resources Building Conference Room 1000 Buena Vista Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Hanson called the meeting to order at 2:00 p,m, 2. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Hanson, Vice -Chair Johnson, Member Smith Absent: None 3. MINUTES A. Minutes of the Special Meeting of April 23, 2014 for approval. Motion by Smith to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of April 23, 2014. APPROVED ALL AYES 4. PUBLIC STATEMENTS Chairman Hanson recognized Benjamin Nixon, Troop 407; Brian Shih, Troop 484; and Cory Chianello, Troop 125; who are all working on their citizenship merit badges. A. Benjamin Nixon, spoke regarding water conservation at schools. B. Dolores Lopez spoke regarding saving water. C. Rudy Valles, California Water Service, spoke regarding a new customer assistance grant program and a scholarship program offered by shareholders. 5. KERN RIVER LEVEE DISTRICT None Bakersfield, California, July 23, 2014 - Page 2 §.o, m A, Kern River & Isabella Reservoir Operations Report John Ryan, Hydrographic Supervisor, reviewed the graphs and stated the snow melt is over and was very short; there was a heat wave in the second week of May; and the projected April /July estimate runoff is 95,000 of, at 20 percent of normal, Board information only, no action taken, B. Council Referral from Councilmember Johnson requesting a Report on Various Proposals regarding State Groundwater Legislation, a Summary of the " Paveey" Bill and Potential Impacts to the City. City Attorney Virginia Gennaro stated the two bills are pending in state legislature, known as the Pavely Bill and Dickinson Bill. Mrs. Gennaro introduced Jolie Ansley and Colin Pearce, outside legal counsel, Jolie Ansley, Duane Morris LLP, Outside Legal Counsel, summarized the contents of the amendments to Senate Bill 1168, Pavely Bill, and Assembly Bill 1739, Dickinson Bill, Both Bills are regarding groundwater management and regulations. The plans deadline is January 1, 2020. The bills are currently in the Appropriations Committee. Ms. Ansley answered questions. Colin Pearce, Duane Morris LLP, Outside Legal Counsel, spoke regarding the groundwater legislation and the availability of local ground water control, The ultimate goal is to develop a plan that helps everyone by providing sustainability for the ground water basin. Mr, Pearce answered questions. Vice -Chair Johnson requested the City get engaged in the legislative level in Sacrament and also involve the other urban water purveyors. Chairman Hanson recognized Dennis Fox, who spoke regarding the grasslands water district, C. Council Referral from Councilmember Johnson regarding State Emergency Water Conservation Regulations. Art Chianello, Water Resources Manager provided a summary of the resolution approved by the State on July 15, 2014, specifically Sec, 864 Prohibited activities in Promotion of Water Conservation and Sec. 865 9(b)(1) Mandatory Actions by Water Suppliers, The state has asked that the City of Bakersfield be categorized as a Stage 3 Drought, Mr. Chianello stated effective water conservation efforts have been implemented by City departments, Staff also continues to work with Cal Water to educate the public through mail inserts, social media and door hangars. Staff answered questions. No action taken, Board information only. Chairman Hanson recognized Dennis Fox who spoke regarding the use of gray water to irrigate lawns. Bakersfield, California, July 23, 2014 - Page 3 b. REPORTS continued D. Council Referral from Councilmember Smith regarding Watering on Alternate Days. Jason Meadors, Water Resources Director, stated staff reviewed current and proposed practices used by the cities of Fresno, Merced and Visalia regarding Residential Watering on Alternate Day Programs. The three cities enforce mandatory water restrictions by city ordinance; the restrictions were in place prior to state mandated emergency water conservation restrictions; fines are imposed; and the cities continue to educate the public. Mr. Meadors also stated if alternate watering days were implemented by the City of Bakersfield, the City would have to work closely with other water purveyors to ensure efforts do not contradict restrictions in their areas. Also, a public hearing is required to implement alternate water use schedules. Staff answered questions. No action taken, Board information only. Chairman Hanson recognized Tim Ruiz, Manager, East Niles Water District, who spoke regarding water conservation education and watering on certain days may cause surging at the wells. Chairman Hanson requested staff provide updates regarding water usage. Vice -Chair Johnson requested staff work with the Recreation and Parks Department regarding adjusting the watering times at City parks and landscaped medians. Vice -Chair Johnson requested staff provide additional information regarding tier pricing at the next water board meeting. HEARINGS - None 8. DEFERRED BUSINESS - None 9. NEW BUSINESS - None 10. MISCELLANEOUS - None 11, WATER BOARD STATEMENTS Bob Smith requested staff look into using tertiary treated water from the treatment plant at Harris Road parks, Bob Smith requested staff review standards regarding long term native plants for median landscaping. Bakersfield, California, July 23, 2014 - Page 4 11. `MATER BOARD STATEMENTS continued Bob Smith stated the Fire Department received an upgraded rating and 40 percent of the grading is attributed to the Water Resources Department. He congratulated the Water Resources Department. Russell Johnson stated he received a suggestion from a constituent to work with local restaurants to use table placard "water upon request" for water conservation. 12. CLOSED SESSION A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Closed Session pursuant to Government Code section 54956,9(4)(1). (One Case) ® North Kern Water Storage District v. City of Bakersfield Ventura County Superior Court Case No. 56 -2011 - 00408712- CU- CO -VTA Chairman Hanson recessed to Closed Session at 3:15 p.m. Chairman Hanson adjourned from Closed Session at 3:55 p.m. 13. CLOSED SESSION ACTION Virginia Gennero, City Attorney, stated there is no reportable action on Closed Session 12, A. 14. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Hanson adjourned the meeting at 3:55 p.m. Harold Hanson, Chairr- an City of Bakersfield Water Board Bobbie Zar goza, CM Secretary, �ity bf Ba rsfie Water Board