HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.19.23 WB Minutes Regular MtgBAKER FIELD
THE SOUND OF �ax1/,iLlrNcy 13' ei{sY
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR
MEETING OF THE
WATER BOARD - CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 - 10:00 a.m.
Water Resources Conference Room
1000 Buena Vista Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93311
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Smith called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Chairman Smith, Member Gonzales
Absent: Member Freeman
3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
A. Agenda Item Public Statements - None
B. Non -Agenda Public Statements - None
4. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Legal Counsel -Potential Litigation
Closed session pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2), (e)(1).
Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney requested the board add a closed session
item to the agenda. After the City of Bakersfield's Water Board Agenda for
April 19, 2023, was published in accordance with the Brown Act, staff has
determined an immediate need to take action and that the need arose after
the posting of the Water Board Agenda. Ms. Gennaro requested the Closed
Session be immediately following Public Statements. A blue memo was
circulated and on the table for public viewing.
Motion by Member Gonzales to add a Closed Session regarding
Potential Litigation to the Water Board Agenda.
APPROVED WITH MEMBER FREEMAN ABSENT
Bakersfield, California, April 19, 2023
Chairman Smith recessed the regular meeting to Closed Session at 10:02 a.m.
Chairman Smith adjourned Closed Session and reconvened to the regular
meeting at 10:28 a.m.
5. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
City Attorney Gennaro stated there is no reportable action regarding Closed
Session Item A.
6. MINUTES
A. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 2, 2023.
Motion by Member Gonzales to approve the Minutes of March 2, 2023.
APPROVED WITH MEMBER FREEMAN ABSENT
7. KERN RIVER LEVEE DISTRICT
A. Update on the Kern River Levee District
Daniel Maldonado, Assistant Water Resources Director, explained the
background, and how the City of Bakersfield in coordination with Local Agency
Formation Commission (LAFCO) operates and maintains the Kern River Levee
District. Mr. Maldonado explained the responsibilities, sphere of influence map,
and purpose of the Kern River Levee District. Levees are accredited by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
8. REPORTS
A. Update on Isabella Lake Dam Safety Modification Project. Kern River &
Isabella Reservoir Operations Report
Daniel Maldonado, Assistant Water Resources Director, gave background
information regarding the reason for Isabella Lake Dam Safety Modification
Project. Mr. Maldonado explained the components of the construction project
consisting of Main Dam, Auxiliary Dam, service spillway, and Labyrinth Weir.
Once completed the reservoir (Isabella Lake) has gross storage capacity of
568,075 -acre feet. On April 4, 2023, the Army Corp of Engineers held a ribbon
cutting ceremony for the completion of Phase 2 of the project. Although there
are still minor projects to complete, the structural portion of the project has been
completed and is ready to be utilized this season.
Miguel Chavez, Hydrographic Supervisor, stated in the last report given to the
board in February 2023 that water content and snow depth has greatly
increased. We received significant storms entering our Kern River Watershed
including a Category 3 Atmospheric River which occurred on March 10, 2023.
Referring to the graph titled "Kern River Basing Snowpack Accumulation", Mr.
Chavez compared 2023 snowpack to one of the wettest years on record of
1982-1983 with the record being 1969 1.7 million acre-feet of run off April
through July (A -J). In 1982-1983 season the A -J run off was 339% of our
Bakersfield, California, April 19, 2023 — Page 3
historical average. In February it was reported that the Department of Water
Resources (DWR) forecasted the A -J run off to be 187% of normal, since then
on April 1, 2023, DWR forecasted the A -J run off to be 429% of normal or 1.83
million acre-feet. With records going back to 1893, currently we are on pace to
have the wettest year on record. Referring to the graph titled "Kern River Natural
Flow, Regulated Flow, & Isabella Reservoir Storage 2022-2023 Water Year",
Mr. Chavez stated March brought a lot of action to the Kern River. The March
10th Category 3 Atmospheric River was a sub -tropical storm that brought warm
moisture into the Kern Watershed melting off the lower elevation snow up to
7000 ft of elevation as a result flooding occurring in Kernville. Peak flows were
recorded at 45,700 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is the second highest
recorded flows in our history. The highest being December 6, 1966, of 120,000
cfs. March had significant increases of storage elevation. March 1St storage
elevation was at 135,000 acre -ft and on March 311t storage elevation was at
343,620 acre -ft, increasing 200,000 acre -ft or 29 ft. Throughout Bakersfield we
increased about 2,000-2,500 cfs, which we were able to safely manage and
move to our recharge ponds and Buena Vista's recharge ponds. Prior to the
storm on March 9th the outflow from Isabella was 440 cfs and we ended the
month with 4,400 cfs. Currently the outflow from Isabella is at 5,650 cfs, inflow is
at 5,540 cfs and storage is at 299,792 acre -ft; anticipate all three elements to
increase as the snow begins to melt off. On Monday, April 17, 2023, the Army
Corp of Engineers requested the Kern River Interests incrementally, increase
outflows to 7000 cfs, and Mr. Chavez projected to reach that level by early May.
Chairman Smith requested the total cost of Isabella Lake Dam Safety
Modification Project to which Mr. Maldonado stated staff will research and
provide to the board.
Motion by Member Gonzales to Receive and File Report.
APPROVED WITH MEMBER FREEMAN ABSENT
B. Report on Water Conservation Practices of Phoenix, AZ and Las Vegas,
NV
In response to a referral at the February 15, 2023, Special Water Board
Meeting, Sameena Gill, Water Resources Engineer III, presented a report
reviewing water conservation practices of Phoenix, AZ and Las Vegas NV.
Phoenix, AZ promotes Water Conservation as a way of life, utilizing Water
Smart HOA, Water Smart Business, Leak Detection Program, and Water
Conservation Education conservation initiatives. Population has increased in
Phoenix, but water use has decreased. Las Vegas, NV is another example of
increased population growth and decreased water use. Las Vegas utilizes a
Water Smart Program which includes Water Efficient Fixtures and Appliances,
Water Smart Landscapes, Free Water Audits, Water Waste Enforcement, and
Water Conservation Education. Las Vegas also utilizes a Water Smart
Landscape Program which includes Xeriscaping, Landscape Design Assistance,
Water Efficient Plant Selection, Irrigation System Upgrades, and Water Efficient
Maintenance Practices. Las Vegas also implemented new initiatives; Cutting
Back on "Non -Functional" Grass, Prohibiting Installation of New Grass. Other
restrictions evolving fountains and water features, new golf courses, existing golf
courses, and swimming pools are in place as well.
Bakersfield, California, March 2, 2023 — Page 4
Water Board members instructed staff to provide Local and State of California
Development Standards of landscaping and stormwater for commercial and
residential properties. Member Gonzales requested information regarding the
Turf to Garden programs' success rate. Rafael Molina, California Water Service
Assistant District Manager, offered work with City staff and to make a
presentation to the Water Board regarding conservation programs and success
rates at a later meeting.
Motion by Member Gonzales to Receive and File Report.
APPROVED WITH MEMBER FREEMAN ABSENT
C. Update on Water Conservation in the City's Domestic Water Service Area
Tylor Hester, Domestic Water Supervisor II, reported in the Month of March the
Governor of California rescinded his 15% voluntary reduction of water as
compared to water usage rates in 2020. Also last year the Governor rescinded
an order that required Urban Water Suppliers to activate Level 2 of their Water
Shortage Contingency Plans. Even with the recent, significant rainfalls and snow
pack the Governor still has the emergency drought conservation regulations in
place including provisions around wasteful use.
In 2023, the City's Domestic Water Service area has saved 1,280 acre -ft
compared to the same period in 2020, which equates to a savings of 20.22% for
the 2023 year of January through March. Water savings amounts are for the
total water deliveries within the system. The City's Domestic Water Service Area
has grown in the past two years. In 2020 the population served by the City's
Domestic Water Service area was approximately 157,440 residents and the
population currently served is about 163,386 residents, an increase of almost
6,000 residents with 1,600 new service connections. Considering the population
growth in the City's system, the average water use reduction equates to
approximately 22% per person per day this year as compared to the same
period of 2020. Residential gallons per capita per daily calculation is 160.67
gallons compared to 86 gallons per capita goal of Las Vegas in previous report
to which Ms. Gill corrected current per capita of Las Vegas is 110 gallons with
the goal to reach 86 gallons by year 2035.
Mr. Maldonado stated the governor maintained the wasteful water regulations
such as automatic shutoff nozzle on hoses, outdoor watering 48 hours after
measurable rainfall, and watering decorative or nonfunctional turf in commercial,
industrial, and institutional areas. Mr. Maldonado explained in November 2021
Water Resources Department staff brought before the Water Board that the City
of Bakersfield would be entering into Shortage Level 2 in response to the
governor's drought proclamation, which included the limiting of outdoor
landscaping and turf watering to three days per week while highly
recommending two days per week for our residents. Water Resources staff
asked for input from the Water Board if there would be any consideration to
rescind any type of water regulations including the shortage Level 2 status
which is currently implemented within the City of Bakersfield or would
conservation efforts continue. Chairman Smith and Member Gonzales agreed
with long term conservation and continue to plan for dry years going forward.
Motion by Member Gonzales to Receive and File Report.
APPROVED WITH MEMBER FREEMAN ABSENT
Bakersfield, California, April 19, 2023 — Page 5
9. HEARINGS - None
10. NEW BUSINESS -None
11. WATER BOARD STATEMENTS - None
12. ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Smith adjourned the meeting at 11:18 a. m.
Bob Smith, Chairman
City of Bakersfield Water Board
Kimberly Ale an, Secretary
City of Bakersfield Water
Board