HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.12.25 WB Minutes Special MtgBAK R FIELD
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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL
MEETING OF THE
WATER BOARD - CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - 10:00 a.m.
Water Resources Conference Room
1000 Buena Vista Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93311
I. 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 Kaur
3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS - None
4. MINUTES
A. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Water Board Meeting of October 23,
2024.
Motion by Member Gonzales to approve the Minutes of October 23,
2024.
APPROVED WITH MEMBER KAUR ABSENT
5. KERN RIVER LEVEE DISTRICT
6. REPORTS
A. Kern River & Isabella Reservoir Operations Report
Miguel Chavez, Hydrographic Manager, first discussed the Kern River Basin
Snowpack Accumulation graph in the Water Board Packet. A November
storm brought snow to the basin bringing the snowpack above average but
since then the weather has been dry. Historically a dry January on the Kern
means a very dry water year. In late January there was storm activity that
impacted Northern California which brought our snowpack higher. Currently
there is a storm projected to bring six feet of snow at higher elevations and
three and half at mid -elevations. DWR published the first Bulletin 120 Report
Bakersfield, California, February 12, 2025 — Page 2
REPORTS (continued)
of the year on Monday, February 10, 2025, with a forecast 56% of normal
runoff for the April — July period. The California Nevada River Forecast Center
is projecting higher at 75% of normal runoff for the April — July period. Second,
Mr. Chavez discussed the Kern River Inflow, Outflow, and Isabella Reservoir
Operations Water Year 2024-2025 graph in the Water Board Packet. The two
spikes on the graph coincide with storm activity in November and end of
January. Next Water Board Meeting staff should have the water year visually
projected on the graph. Currently, Isabella inflow is 500 efs., outflow is 300
cfs. and storage is at 162,700 acre-feet of which 29,000 acre-feet is the City
of Bakersfield's water.
Matthew Collom, Deputy City Attorney, requests the Water Board to allow item C.
presented prior to item B. to give as much time for our visitors to present.
C. Update on the Kern River Canal Backup Weir Project
Daniel Maldonado, Assistant Water Director, provided additional information
since the last update in November 2024, with a construction commencement
date of February 18, 2025, with Nicholas Construction. Mr. Maldonado
explained the importance of the project and displayed pre -construction
photos.
B. Delta Conveyance Project Presentation
Kristina Budak, Water Director, introduced Carrie Buckman, Environmental
Program Manager California Department of Water Resources, and Graham
Bradner, Executive Director, Delta Conveyance Design and Construction
Authority Ms. Budak introduced Tom McCarthy, Kern County Water Agency
General Manager/Interim Improvement District No. 4 Manager. Also in
attendance, Kern County Water Agency Directors Wulff, Milobar, and
Lundquist. Mr. McCarthy gave an overview of the State Water Project, history
of Improvement District No. 4 (ID4) and ID4's relationship with the City of
Bakersfield. Ms. Buckman and Mr. Bradner provided a presentation about
the Delta Conveyance Project including an overview of the project,
preliminary cost estimate, schedule summary, and the next steps. Estimated
construction to begin 2029 with a completion date of 2042 and fully
operational in 2045.
7. HEARINGS — None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Proposed 2025 Water Board Meeting Calendar
Kristina Budak, Water Director, reviewed the proposed 2025 Water Board
Meeting Calendar, confirmed members are available for a 10 a.m. start time
and meeting dates as listed on the calendar.
Bakersfield, California, February 12, 2025 — Page 3
Motion by Member Gonzales to approve the 2025 Water Board Meeting
Calendar
APPROVED WITH MEMBER KA UR ABSENT
9. WATER BOARD STATEMENTS — None
10. CLOSED SESSION — None
11. CLOSED SESSION ACTION — None
12. ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Smith adjourned the meeting at 11:35 a.m.
Bob Smith, Chairman
City of Bakersfield Water Board
IK'bei-LivyAlenian, Secretary
City of Bakersfield Water Board