MONTEREY Peninsula Regional Water Authority (MPRWA) Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m., Thursday, September 27, 2012 FEW MEMORIAL HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 580 PACIFIC STREET, Monterey. Accept Monterey County as participatory member of the MPRWA and Authorize amendment to Bylaws Action: Approved (5-0-1; Garcia absent)
MONTEREY Peninsula Regional Water Authority (MPRWA) Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m., Thursday, September 27, 2012 FEW MEMORIAL HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 580 PACIFIC STREET, Monterey. Accept Monterey County as participatory member of the MPRWA and Authorize amendment to Bylaws Action: Approved (5-0-1; Garcia absent)
MONTEREY Peninsula Regional Water Authority (MPRWA) Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m., Thursday, September 27, 2012 FEW MEMORIAL HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 580 PACIFIC STREET, Monterey. Accept Monterey County as participatory member of the MPRWA and Authorize amendment to Bylaws Action: Approved (5-0-1; Garcia absent)
MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA)
Regular Meeting 6:00 PM, Thursday, September 27, 2012 FEW MEMORIAL HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 580 PACIFIC STREET MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Directors Present: Bachofner, Burnett, Edelen, Garcia, Pendergrass, Potter, Della Sala Directors Absent: None
Staff Present: Monterey City Manager Meurer, Legal Counsel Davi, Legal Counsel Freeman, Clerk to the Authority Milton
ROLL CALL
President Della Sala called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
OTHER BUSINESS
1. Accept Monterey County as Participatory Member of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Water Authority and Authorize Amendment to Bylaws Action: Approved (5-0-1; Garcia absent)
Legal Counsel Davi presented the agenda report, noting on August 1, 2012 the MPRWA sent a letter to the County of Monterey inviting participation in the JPA that the County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted on September 11, 2012 to join the JPA and appointed Supervisor Dave Potter as their representative. She added that the County approved a payment of $83,300 for Fiscal Year 2012/13 and requested that a pro ration share of $5,561.61 be waived. President Della Sala opened public comments and having no requests to speak closed public comment.
On a motion by Director Burnett, seconded by Vice President Bachofner, and carried by the following vote, the Monterey Peninsula Regional Water Authority accepted Monterey County as a participatory member of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Water Authority, authorized an amendment to the bylaws, accepted the $83,300 cost share for FY 12/13 and waived the pro- rated cost sharing amount of $5,561.61. AYES: 5 DIRECTORS: Bachofner, Burnett, Edelen, Pendergrass, Della Sala NOES: 0 DIRECTORS: None ABSENT: 1 DIRECTORS: Garcia ABSTAIN: 0 DIRECTORS: None RECUSED: 0 DIRECTORS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
President Della Sala requested public comments for items not on the agenda. Nelson Vega expressed concerns on taxes that may be charged per parcel and not more fairly on how much water was used. He stated it seems there is a lot of duplication of effort by multiple agencies and multiple jurisdictions making decisions about water. President Della Sala spoke in support MPRWA Meeting, 10/25/2012 , tem No. 3., tem Page 1, Packet Page 1 MPRWA Minutes Thursday, September 27, 2012
2 of TAC Chair Stoldts efforts. He reconfirmed the purpose of MPRWA and confirmed that there may not always be a need for both agencies to exist. Director Edelen responded to Mr. Vegas comments, clarifying that the MPRWA does not have jurisdiction over all water related issues, only those under its mission and purview. Having no further comments to speak, President Della Sala closed public comments.
REPORTS FROM MPRWA DIRECTORS AND STAFF
Director Burnett reported that the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) also addressed the topic of governance as did the MPRWA, noting that MPWMD wants public ownership at least in part and advocates for their inclusion in its governance. Director Burnett noted that this resulted in two letters submitted to the CPUC, one from MPWMD and one from MPRWA. He closed stating the Monterey County Board of Supervisors scheduled a special meeting September 28th, 2012 to review the question of governance. Director Pendergrass reported that the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency (MRWPCA) voted 11 to 9 against the ground water replenishment budget. Director Burnett requested a breakdown of the jurisdictions voting against the motion in order to discuss the dissention and stated his meetings with local agricultural representatives to understand their water rights concerns were amicable, adding there is another negotiating session with farmers coming up. Director Pendergrass indicated the dissenting jurisdictions were the Cities of Salinas, Marina Coast, Pacific Grove and the Moss Landing Harbor District. Vice President Bachofner discussed the impacted scenarios by the vote and stressed that timing was an issue. Director Garcia arrived at the meeting at 6:26 p.m. and stated for the record that she supported the joining of Monterey County to the MPRWA. Director Potter arrived at 6:27 p.m. and was welcomed by the board.
2. Receive Report from Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
a. Summary of September 17, 2012 Technical Advisory Committee Meeting Action: Report Received TAC Chair Stoldt provided an update on the TAC September 18, 2012 meeting regarding Consultant Chris Helms presentation about environmental and permitting issues. Mr. Helm provided preliminary observations of the three targeted desalination proposals, noting the scope was adjusted to reflect compliance activities. b. Review of Consultant Schedule and Progress Action: Report Received and Discussed
TAC Chair Stoldt indicated that responses to the SPI Consultants inquiries from the desalination proposals were slower than anticipated and a final report should be available on or before October 31, 2012. He noted one invoice for consulting services was received to date and forwarded on to the finance officer for payment. President Della Sala opened public comment. George Riley expressed concern that there has not been enough discussion regarding project costs, funding available and public financing opportunities. He requested MPRWA agendize a discussion of costs. Tom Rowley concurred with Mr. Rileys concerns about "stranded costs and expressed concern it will end up with the ratepayers. He asked that the MPRWA be concerned about the impact of cost on ratepayers. In regards to Mr. Rileys comments Mr Vega disagreed that money should not be a consideration at this point because it could result with an inadequate project. Instead, he said they should find the MPRWA Meeting, 10/25/2012 , tem No. 3., tem Page 2, Packet Page 2 MPRWA Minutes Thursday, September 27, 2012
3 right project parameters, then discuss cost. TAC Chair Stoldt announced CPUC workshops on costs and cost impacts have been set for Dec 11, 12 & 13, 2012. Director Burnett requested the discussion of costs to be taken up by MPRWA at a later date. Having no further requests to speak on Item #2, President Della Sala closed public comment. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3. August 1, 2012 Action: Approved (5-0-2 Burnett, Potter abstain)
4. September 12, 2012 Special Meeting Action: Approved (6-0-1 Potter abstain)
On a motion by Director Burnett and Seconded by Director Garcia the Monterey Peninsula Regional Water Authority approved the minutes from the meetings of August 1, 2012 and September 12, 2012 by the following vote: AYES: 5 DIRECTORS: Bachofner, Edelen, Garcia, Pendergrass, Della Sala NOES: 0 DIRECTORS: None ABSENT: 0 DIRECTORS: None ABSTAIN: 2 DIRECTORS: Burnett, Potter RECUSED: 0 DIRECTORS: None
AGENDA ITEMS
5. Direct the Selection of Legal Counsel and Authorize the President to Execute a Professional Services Contract with the Selected Firm/Attorney Action: Discussed and Approved (7-0-0)
Legal Counsel Davi presented the agenda report, stating the City of Monterey released a Request for Qualifications for legal counsel on August 10, 2012 and that 21 proposals were received. She stated MPRWA appointed members to an Ad Hoc committee, which reviewed the proposals and recommended four firms be presented to the MPRWA, based on specific criteria.
President Della Sala opened the item for public comments. Anthony Candotti, principal attorney at Condotti & Kovacevich responded to Vice President Bachofners concerns about costs associated with travel time to and from Santa Cruz indicating their proposal reflected a reduced rate for travel. Don Freeman spoke in support of his submission and gave qualifications for consideration of his firm, Perry and Freeman. Jason Redder, a partner at L+G, LLP, responded to questions about rates of principals verses associate attorneys and indicated that in the submitted proposal rates are reflective of experience. Richard Glenn from the Thompson Law office advocated that his office is the closest generating no mileage costs and said that he has a paralegal rate and other flexible, negotiable costs. He gave examples of substantial experience in public agency work and water supply issues. Having no further requests to speak President Della Sala closed public comment on this item.
Director Pendergrass said he prefers a firm who has familiarity with the MPRWA, the process and the players, and therefore, recommended Perry and Freeman. Director Edelen concurred and thanked the four firms represented at the meeting, stating they were all well qualified and very professional. Vice President Bachofner said he prefers to give business to the most local firm because it will have a net positive impact on the peninsula.
MPRWA Meeting, 10/25/2012 , tem No. 3., tem Page 3, Packet Page 3 MPRWA Minutes Thursday, September 27, 2012
4 Director Burnett moved and Director Pendergrass seconded the motion for the Monterey Peninsula Regional Water Authority to accept the firm of Perry and Freeman and the option of a flat monthly fee of $2,500. President Della Sala invited discussion on the motion. Director Garcia questioned the specifics of the Perry and Freeman proposal. On question, Mr. Freeman explained the fee schedule presented in the proposal and said his firm rarely charges the extraordinary fees unless they are required to attend litigation.
Director Potter expressed concerned that Mr. Freeman serves at the pleasure of too many of the local jurisdictions and there would be a concern with an element of influence which should be subject to consideration of the board. He stated if the issue of conflict came up it would be unreasonable to have to continuously retain outside counsel in times of conflict. Mr. Freeman responded that he would be required to bring a letter to each of the jurisdictions for which he participates to deal with any conflicts of interest. Mr. Freeman noted if there was a conflict, he would suggest that MPRWA retain separate legal counsel. Vice President Bachofner spoke in support of the Thompson Law firm citing no conflict of interest and previous positive experiences. Director Garcia spoke in support of positive past experiences with Perry and Freeman.
The motioner clarified his motion to state the following: the MPRWA Board approves the selection of Perry and Freeman for legal counsel with the understanding any extraordinary costs would be additional to the $2,500 flat fee and there would be a 90 day review period of the contract and authorized the President to execute a professional services contract with the selected firm Perry and Freeman. And the seconded agreed to the change and the motion was carried by the following vote: AYES: 7 DIRECTORS: Bachofner, Burnett, Edelen, Garcia, Pendergrass, Potter, Della Sala NOES: 0 DIRECTORS: None ABSENT: 0 DIRECTORS: None ABSTAIN: 0 DIRECTORS: None RECUSED: 0 DIRECTORS: None
Legal Counsel Davi accepted responsibility to review the legal services contract prior to its execution.
6. Review the Necessity/Desirability of Executive Director Action: Discussed and Approved Necessity of Hiring Executive Director
Monterey City Manager Meurer introduced this item and reported that all six participating agencies have formally requested the authority hire a dedicated Executive Director due to the time constraints of current City Managers and the attention needed to efficiently coordinate the efforts of the MPRWA.
President Della Sala opened public comment. Tom Rowley said the Board was very lucky to have John Dunns involvement, but that the sooner the Executive Director is appointed the more efficient the MPRWA can function. Having no further requests to speak, President Della Sala closed public comment.
On a motion by Director Garcia and seconded by Director Burnett and carried by the following MPRWA Meeting, 10/25/2012 , tem No. 3., tem Page 4, Packet Page 4 MPRWA Minutes Thursday, September 27, 2012
5 vote, the MPRWA Board approved the necessity of hiring an Executive Director. AYES: 7 DIRECTORS: Bachofner, Burnett, Edelen, Garcia, Pendergrass Potter, Della Sala NOES: 0 DIRECTORS: None ABSENT: 0 DIRECTORS: None ABSTAIN: 0 DIRECTORS: None RECUSED: 0 DIRECTORS: None
7. Discuss Agenda Items for Future Meetings Action: Discussed
President Della Sala introduced this item requesting additional agenda topics for future meetings. Director Burnett requested that a discussion over the surcharge take place at a future date due to the fact the issue may come before MPRWA prior to the completion of the SPI Consulting report. President Della Opened public comment on this item and seeing no requests to speak closed public comment.
8. Information Action: Discussed
President Della Sala indicated that there are previous commitments in the Monterey Council Chamber at 6:00 p.m. through the end of 2012. Meetings for the remainder of 2012 will begin at 7:00 p.m. Having no further business to conduct before the MPRWA, President Della Sala adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 7:38 p.m.
***Adjourn to Closed Session***
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION
Legal Council Don Freeman announced that the Board gave confidential direction to staff regarding the Closed Session item: Conference with Labor Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency Negotiators: Fred Meurer - Unrepresented Employee: Executive Director
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
Lesley Milton, Clerk to the Authority Chuck Della Sala, MPRWA President
MPRWA Meeting, 10/25/2012 , tem No. 3., tem Page 5, Packet Page 5
(Routledge International Studies of Women and Place) Rosemary Sales - Women Divided - Gender, Religion and Politics in Northern Ireland (1997, Routledge)