HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-25 - YLWD-MWDOC-OCWD Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Minutes
MINUTES OF THE
YORBA LINDA WATER DISTRICT
MWDOC AND OCWD AD HOC COMMITTEE MEETING
January 25, 2011
A meeting of the YLWD/MWDOC/OCWD Ad Hoc Committee was called to order at 4:00
p.m. The meeting was held at the District's Administrative Office at 1717 E Miraloma
Ave, Placentia CA 92870.
YLWD COMMITTEE MEMBERS YLWD STAFF
Director Michael J. Beverage, Chair Ken Vecchiarelli, General Manager
Director Gary T. Melton
MWDOC COMMITTEE MEMBERS MWDOC STAFF
Director Brett Barbre Karl Seckel, Asst General Manager
OCWD COMMITTEE MEMBERS OCWD STAFF
Director Roger Yoh (Unable to attend) Mike Markus, General Manager
VISITORS
Mark Schock
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
2. DISCUSSION ITEMS
2.1. Water Supply Conditions
Mr. Seckel began the conversation reporting on the current year to date
precipitation as higher than normal compared to averages for this time of
year, combined with above average snowpack levels in the Sierra Nevada
Mountains and in the Colorado Rockies. Statewide, the water supply
situation looks good for this time of year with current allocation of the State
Water Project already at 50%, which is higher than normal for this early in
the year. Mr. Seckel also noted that the weather patterns are forecasted
to be drier than normal for the remainder of the year, which could result
overall as just an average year. Mr. Seckel also reported that demands
are down within the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) service area
trending at 1.75 million acre feet (MAF) compared to the budget which
estimated 1.9 MAF for the year. On the positive side, MWD is restoring
storage levels in their system quicker than anticipated. On the negative
side, the decreased sales are resulting in lower revenues. MWD is
currently reviewing the situation for the year and looking at opportunities to
make adjustments.
Mr. Markus reported on the underground aquifer (basin) conditions which
are expected to experience higher than average recharge rates. He also
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shared that Orange County Water District (OCWD) is currently forecasting
a steady or slightly higher basin production percentage (BPP, i.e.,
allowable pumping) at 62%-65%, with only minor adjustments in the
replenishment assessment (RA) at $249-$265, which is the rate charged
per acre foot pumped and is used to purchase water to refill the basin. Mr.
Markus also noted that this past December was the wettest December on
record and unfortunately, the vast majority of the rainfall captured behind
Prado Dam had to be released to the ocean for flood control purposes and
to protect property. The Committee discussed the role of the Army Corps
of Engineers and the beneficial and cooperative water conservation
management between them and OCWD. However, during the rainy
seasons, water conservation behind the dam is secondary to flood control
and storm water management. Mr. Markus also reported on other positive
incidental recharge and storage that has occurred and will continue to
occur as the runoff and water that soaks into the soils makes its way to the
riverbed and the aquifer.
2.2. MWDOC/Member Agencies Settlement Agreement Status
Mr. Seckel and Mr. Barbre gave a joint report on the history behind the
settlement agreement and the current status of execution between the
Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) and its 28 member
agencies. It was reported that nineteen agencies are needed to execute
the agreement before the MWDOC Board will consider executing it.
Currently, only one of the ten south county agencies that precipitated the
negotiations, which culminated with the Settlement Agreement, had
approved its execution. While others are expected to follow this action,
there was some skepticism expressed that all ten south county agencies
would follow suit. It is anticipated that the north agencies (including
YLWD) would wait and see whether the agreement is executed by the
precipitating south county agencies, before considering action by their
respective governing bodies.
2.3. OC-51 Progress
Mr. Vecchiarelli gave a brief history on the MWD connection, its current
use and configuration and its ultimate configuration. Messrs. Seckel and
Barbre also discussed past and future attempts to assist YLWD in cutting
through the thick red tape and MWD and misunderstandings of the project
intent and purpose. Mr. Barbre expressed optimism that with recent
changes in the MWD Board leadership, this project should move forward
more quickly and result in a more favorable outcome for YLWD.
2.4. OCWD Annexation and Potential Well Sites
Mr. Markus reported the OCWD Board approved a California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) consultant for the project and that a
kick off meeting was held with the participating agencies. He estimated a
nine month process to complete the environmental analysis and reported
that monthly meetings with all the groundwater producers would keep all
stakeholders involved with the process. Mr. Vecchiarelli explained the
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benefits of the annexation to YLWD and where the current boundaries are
for the basin within YLWD's service area. The Committee briefly
discussed the history behind past annexation decisions and why the
matter has been so contentious over the past decade and a half.
2.5. Future Agenda Items and Staff Tasks
The Committee agreed to keep the existing items on the next agenda for
status reports and updates.
3. ADJOURNMENT
3.1. The Committee adjourned at 5:25 p.m. The next regular meeting of the
YLWD/MWDOC/OCWD Ad Hoc Committee will be held March 22, 2011 at
4:00 p.m.
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