Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/09/1988, Agenda WHALE ROCK COMMISSION MEETING " T_TINCi2,'__ AGENDA DATE ITEM # A G E N D A WHALE ROCK COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1988 HEARING ROOM CITY HALL - 990 PALM STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA 12:00 Noon Commissioners lunch at Sebastian's. Chorro at Monterey adjacent to Mission Plaza 1:30 p.m. Commissioners reconvene at City Hall, Hearing Room 9 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo ROLL CALL Commissioners: Ron Dunin, City of San Luis Obispo Commission Vice Chair John Dunn, City of San Luis Obispo, Commission Secretary Doug Gerard, California Polytechnic State University Commission Chair Carlos Madrid, California Deparment of Water Resources Carmen Salvato, California Mens Colony Bill Statler, City of San Luis Obispo --------------------------------------------------------------------- PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (5 Minutes) The Whale Rock Commission will receive public comment on items of interest to the public -within the Commission's jurisdiction. As a general rule, action will not be taken on issues not listed on the agenda. Staff will generally be asked to follow up on such items at the discretion of the Chair. Written material is also encouraged. 1. Minutes - Approval of draft minutes of the August 22, 1988, meeting. 2 . Consideration of Morro Bay's request for emergency water supply. 3. Approval of Coastal Streams Storage and Diversion Project contract with Leedshill-Herkenhoff, Inc. 4. Consideration of a request to renegotiate the Cayucos Area Water users contract. RECEIVE ® NOV 4 1988 QTY CLERK SAN LUISOBISPO.CA Draft Minutes Whale Rock Commission Meeting Monday, August 22 , 1988 Hearing Room, City Hall - 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, California Commission Members Present: Ron Dunin, City of San Luis Obispo, Commission Vice Chair John Dunn, City of San Luis Obispo, Commission Secretary Doug Gerard, California Polytechnic State University, Commission Chair Carlos Madrid, California Department of Water Resources Carmen Salvato, California Mens Colony William Statler, City of San Luis Obispo City Staff Present: Barry Daffern, Water Supply & Distribution Supervisor Hal Fones, Utilities Engineer William T. Hetland, Utilities Director Jane Johansen, Recording Secretary Roll Call Chairman Gerard called the meeting to order at 1:40 p.m. and invited comments from the audience in accordance with the Brown Act (items not on the agenda) . Mr. George Brett, of Cayucos, presented a request that the Whale Rock Commission consider renegotiating the contract with the Cayucos Area Water Organizations for retrieving groundwater, and considering the possibility of a water treatment plant for that area in the future. With the possibility of taking this up as a future agenda item, Chairman Gerard requested that the recording secretary research and make available to the commissioners, copies of the original Whale Rock Agreement. (Copies were sent to each Commissioner week of 8/29/88) . Mr. Charles Palmer commented that the Commission should be aware that some residences in Cayucos are not metered. ACTION ITEMS 1. Draft Minutes from the June 15, 1988 , Annual Whale Rock Meeting. Commissioner Salvato requested clarification of the motion on Action Item No. 4 , Water Allocation and Operational Program, a motion which he had seconded. In discussion, it was agreed that the operating agreement does make provision for the purchase or borrow of water from another member agency, and therefore, Commissioner Salvato's question could be clarified by indicating at the end of the motion, "within the guidelines of the Whale Rock Commission Meeting, August 22, 1988 Draft Minutes Page 2 agreement" . Commissioner Dunn then made a motion to approve the minutes as modified, seconded by Commissioner Dunin. Motion carried. 2. Coastal Stream Diversion and Storage Proiect A. Approval of proposal for environmental impact report institutional alternatives, and watershed study. Bill Hetland explained the schedule for the the overall process, and commented that we are now seeking approval of the contract. The project has a range of costs, with the upper limit being $118,000. $42,500 has already been authorized by the City of Morro Bay to fund the project. This figure was based on the original estimate of $85, 000. Now having received the proposal coming in at a possible $118,000, staff has met again with Morro Bay staff asking their consideration of an increase in their financial participation. Staff recommends the Whale Rock Commission Chairman execute the contract for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Report, Watershed Surveys, Alternate Diversion and Storage Plans, and recommend an Institutional and Financial Plan, and work with Morro Bay to request an increase of their financial participation to an amount representing 50%. The Chairman opened the item for discussion. Commissioner Dunn clarified that we have a letter from Morro Bay making it clear that they don't wish to duplicate studies to analyze San Bernardo Creek Reservoir, as they have already commenced a $300, 000 study encompassing that scope. In response to a question from Commissioner Dunin, Bill Hetland indicated that the increase in the initial cost projection of $85,000 to $118,000, is not unusual in a project of this magnitude, and that what is important is that we have a contract with an upper limit. The duplication issue would be handled administratively depending on what issues come up during the study. Regarding the hourly rates and fees (last page of the proposal) , Hetland indicated this is a standard fee schedule. Questions of upper and lower limits on fees, and whether or not certain travel is appropriate to charge the city, are questions to be addressed by the Project Manager. Dunin indicated he wants the Commission to be aware of how this is written and that travel expenses add up when the consultant is some distance away. Whale Rock Commission Meeting August 22, 1988 Draft Minutes Page 3 Dale Reddell , Mayor of Morro Bay, read a letter aloud (copy attached) and concluded with the comment that he would really like to see this project continue. Bill Coy, County Supervisor, indicated he is very enthusiastic about this proposal and urges the Whale Rock Commission to move forward on it. At some future point, the County will become involved; Cayucos is out of water, Morro Bay has approached the County, the County is very interested, communities around this area are interested to pay their way for future water entitlements. This proposal is very environmentally sound. Also he recognizes CMC's concerns about financing as legitimate. Don Smith, suggested additional sources for consideration. Chorro Creek Reservoir is not large enough and often overflows and it is directly behind CMC. Salinas Reservoir is a very good producer but not large enough to supply in all dry years. The water goes downhill without additional pumping. Nacimiento could serve 13 agencies and communities, rather than go with the State Water Project. Gary Napper, Morro Bay City Administrator, commented regarding duplicate studies, asking that we look at our planned scope of work; Morro Bay is not opposed, just doesn't want to pay twice. Randy Ruff (?) , representing Citizens Planning Alliance, encouraged looking at watershed basins and all supplies within the county, rather than importing water from outside the county. He encouraged the Commission to adopt an overiding viewpoint and the strategies to bring this about. Bruce Risley, Morro Bay Civic Action League, expressed full support of actions being recommended today. Morro Bay citizens feel a certain urgency about this. Hopefully, a year from now we will be in the midst of a solution, if the Whale Rock Commission makes a decision today. Commissioner Dunn hears Morro Bay indicating they are not willing to pay for the San Bernardo Creek area study; will we be looking at area to the east too? Hetland indicated yes. We will review Morro Bay's scope of work, with their consultant, so we don't duplicate efforts in this area. We can do this as we are underway. Whale Rock Commission Meeting August 22 , 1988 Draft Minutes Page 4 Commissioner Dunin asked the Commission to discuss the appropriateness of Hetland as Project Manager. Hetland said the MOU for this project spelled out joint funding of the project, Whale Rock Commission to act as lead agency, and Whale Rock staff being Project Manager for the study. Commissioner Gerard was concerned with the Morro Bay agreement because Morro Bay came to Whale Rock Commission some time ago asking the Commission to take the lead in pursuing the study, and results of the study indicated that the project should go ahead. The MOU appears to imply that we want the consultant to work for two bosses, making it very difficult to administer. He's concerned about this change in approach. Charles Palmer, Enterprise Engineering, felt the study indicated Morro Bay coming out on the short end. The report proposed bringing in water from Santa Margarita Lake, a small modification. He felt there are other ways to keep costs to everybody less than indicated in the report. Commissioner Gerard commented that we are only today in receipt of Morro Bay's letter, and we need more time to consider this. He apologizes if the City of Morro Bay feels it has not been fairly treated. There may be a need for an MOU to assure a formal process. He suggests staff work with City of Morro Bay to see if there is an agreement that can be developed. We would be happy to consider it at a future Whale Rock Commission meeting, even if this meant a meeting being held in the very near future. Commissioner Dunin stated that he will vote against the MOU. Also, this must be reviewed by the San Luis Obispo City Council which is a major partner in the Whale Rock Commission. Regarding storage water from Nacimiento, he is very supportive of the idea, but feels Morro Bay must realize they are buying their way into an existing arrangement. Commissioner Dunn hopes there is a way to proceed with the project, with the EIR, keeping in mind that it takes a while. He suggests two proposals, one minor and one serious: (1) Morro Bay does not want to pay twice -- that is more easily worked out. (2) The more serious is Morro Bay wanting to be co-administrator of the contract; that can't be worked out today. The question is, is there a way to proceed, subject to resolving these two issues in the very near future. Whale Rock Commission Meeting August 22, 1988 Draft Minutes Page 5 Commissioner Gerard agrees that the method of administering the contract seems to be the issue. He feels there is way to go ahead with the EIR, and direct staff to immediately meet with Morro Bay representatives to resolve the mutual concerns. John Lemons, Morro Bay City Councilmember, commented that there is no dissatisfaction at all on the part of Morro Bay with the way the project is proceeding under the existing MOU. He supports directing staff to discuss possible changes, while going ahead with the EIR, etc. It is not necessary to have a new MOU at this point in time. Motion• Commissioner Dunn made a motion to authorize the Chairman of the Whale Rock Commission to execute a contract with Leedshill/Herkenhoff for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Report, Watershed Surveys, Alternate Diversion and Storge Plans, recommend an Institutional and Financial Plan, and proceed with this contract subject to coming to acceptable arrangements with Morro Bay in reduction of cost to them to avoid their paying twice for a portion of the study, plus resolution of the contract. The motion was modified by Commissioner Madrid to indicate consideration of sharing the cost of alternatives, and giving credit to Morro Bay for work that their consultant has done. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Madrid and approved by unanimous vote of Commission members present. 2 . Coastal Stream Diversion and Storage Project B. Summary of requests for participation in Coastal Stream Diversion and Storage Project. Bill Hetland shared information that five agencies have requested 623 acre feet; Cambria Community Services is not interested; California Water Company in Los Osos is interested and will send a letter to that effect. The summary report was accepted at this time. 3. Paso Robles Beach Water Company Mr. Roger Lyon addressed the Commission regarding operational problems in their water system, including pumps sucking air which causes the chlorinator not to work. It is urgent to address the letting of a contract to drill a new well upstream (a proposal was received a month ago to prepare plans and specifications) , plus make emergency application to drill that well. Whale Rock Commission Meeting August 22, 1988 Draft Minutes Page 6 Regarding the chlorination problem, until a new well comes on line, the Commission could possibly assist with a backup chlorination system for the wells. Concerning percolation ponds, he requests consideration be given to mitigation measures, plus cleaning of algae from the ponds without taking out large amounts of rocks, etc. Bill Hetland indicated that the Whale Rock Commission is aware of the problems here and is committed to 100 acre feet per month maximum. With wells as they are operating now, the Commission is unable to do that. The percolation ponds are not directly over the aquifer, but off to the side, and therefore less efficient. The recommendation of the study was to put in additional wells. Staff has met with the consultant, decided on a site this past week, and are entering into a contract with consultant to design the well. The consultant work should take three weeks, then three weeks for the bid period after plans and specs are available and it is uncertain how long to do the work. We can apply for Coastal Commission permits through the County, with a rapid turn around. The well site is along frontage road, which is in fee title to County, so will require permit from the County. Commissioner Gerard asked how the yield would be distributed. Hetland responded that in our agreement with the Cayucos Area Water Organizations, we provided a certain number of acre feet, then the CAWO divided it up among themselves. We will probably turn the well over to them to operate and they will decide how to operate. In response to a question from Gerard regarding whether this will lower the existing water tables, Hetland indicated we hope to hit aquifer in area where it is much larger and see a net effect of a greater yield. John Bercumueller, Morro Rock Mutual Water Company, indicated he heartily supports Mr. Lyon's request. He commented that their pumps are drawing air only when both pumps are working at the same time. Regarding new wells, there is no way for County Water Works District #8 to participate in a new well, since their inter-tie is not constructed. In case of emergencies, one organization can draw from another. Funding for the inter-tie is budgeted for this year. Clint Milne, Water Works District #8, indicated their wells are not pumping air yet. Their share of the 600 acre feet is 174. What we're doing with the new well is not giving extra water, but giving the ability to take water without pumping air. Regarding the road, County Engineering is going to cooperate and grant a permit for the well in the road. There will be requirememts, like no surface facilities sticking up in the road. Overall, some of the red tape can be readily resolved. Whale Rock Commission Meeting August 22 , 1988 Draft Minutes Page 7 Hetland commented regarding chlorinators, that when they pump air, they loose their vacuum; we are looking at alternative means. Hope to get the chlorinator manufacturer here to see about possiblity of a cut-off switch on the well. In response to a question from Gerard, Hetland indicated Whale Rock staff can resolve the problem. We will provide whatever is necessary to meet our obligations. Hetland indicated we have funds budgeted to dredge the percolation ponds, but we are having problems getting access. There has been no response to our formal request for access. Regarding vacuum dredging methods for cleaning, we have not looked into this. We have in the past used a drag line and/or backhoe. Commissioner Gerard commented that regardless of how we cleanout the ponds, we must have access, something long-term. Roger Lyon agreed that a long-term arrangement for access to the ponds is important. Need to go beyond a verbal lease. Commissioner Madrid asked about the possibility of injecting the wells. Hetland indicated that the Health Agency has concerns about that because it is a pretty shallow aquifer. motion: Commissioner Gerard made a motion that the Whale Rock Commission direct staff to work with Paso Robles Beach Water Company to address the immediate problem of the chlorinator and do whatever is required within our obligations to assist in solving that problem, and that the Commission improve its efforts to work with the property owner to get access to the ponds in order to maintain them to the best of our ability. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Dunn and approved by unanimous vote of Commission members present. There being no further business to come before the Commission, Chairman Gerard adjourned the meeting at 3:00 p.m. co in Secretary, Jane Johansen