HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-26 - YLWD-MWDOC-OCWD Joint Agency Committee Meeting Minutes
ITEM NO. 13.6.
MINUTES OF THE
YORBA LINDA WATER DISTRICT
MWDOC AND OCWD JOINT AGENCY COMMITTEE MEETING
July 26, 2011
A meeting of the YLWD/MWDOC/OCWD Joint Agency Committee was called to order
at 4:10 p.m. The meeting was held at the District's Administrative Office at 1717 East
Miraloma Avenue, Placentia CA 92870.
YLWD COMMITTEE MEMBERS YLWD STAFF
Director Michael J. Beverage, Chair Ken Vecchiarelli, General Manager
MWDOC COMMITTEE MEMBERS MWDOC STAFF
Director Brett Barbre Kevin Hunt, General Manager
OCWD COMMITTEE MEMBERS OCWD STAFF
Director Roger Yoh Mike Markus, General Manager
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
2. DISCUSSION ITEMS
2.1. Availability of Replenishment Water
Mr. Markus confirmed that MWD has made approximately 200,000 acre
feet (AF) of Replenishment Water available to its member agencies, on a
first come/first served basis through the end of the calendar year. Mr.
Markus stated with confirmation from Director Barbre, that OCWD
expressed desire and intent to take 110,000 AF of this surplus water
through direct recharge and through in-lieu programs with their member
agencies. The Committee members discussed that other MWD agencies
also expressed desire to take advantage of this surplus water through
various storage programs. However, OCWD is one of the only agencies
with adequate funds to pay for this water without borrowing. Mr. Markus
stated thus far, OCWD has taken approximately 23,000 AF through direct
recharge at MWD's replenishment rate and about 12,000 AF through in-
lieu operations by member agencies at a higher rate. This higher rate for
in-lieu water is still lower than the full service MWD rate and the
Committee discussed the issues MWD has encountered within its member
agencies regarding these rates and storage programs. Mr. Markus
identified the various MWD connections that make it possible to take water
for direct recharge and noted which ones are most efficient with the lowest
losses and highest water quality advantages.
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2.2. Overall Status of Water Supply
Various Committee members participated in recounting the excellent
water supply conditions for the year, which continue to manifest in
reservoir storage gains through MWD's storage facilities, the Colorado
River Watershed, on the State Water Project System and in local
groundwater basins. Director Beverage expressed concerns that the
general public and most water ratepayers expect some relief from recent
water rate increases due to this surplus water condition. He expressed his
desire to see well-developed talking points that YLWD Board Members,
members of the YLWD Citizens Advisory Committee and others in the
water community could use to communicate the impacts of the near-term
water supply situation, the cyclical water drought conditions experienced
in Southern California and the cost factors that are causing the rates to
continue to increase instead of decrease with the recent surplus. The
Committee members agreed this public relations issue is particularly
challenging.
2.3. Groundwater Replenishment System Expansion
Mr. Markus reported OCWD received bids for the expansion of the
GWRS. The low bid was $115M which is lower than the engineer's
estimate. The OCWD Board will consider awarding the contract in
September with the expansion operational by 2014. The system will
expand the GWRS capacity from 70 MGD to 100 MGD. Director
Beverage asked where the additional water will be used and where the
primary benefits will be accessible. Mr. Markus reported the basin
production percentage (BPP) gains expected along with the associated
increase in the replenishment assessment (RA) to pay for the capital and
operational costs for these upgrades. He also identified how this local
resource would save the local OCWD agencies millions of dollars each
year over the cost of imported water and other options. Mr. Hunt asked
about the current and historical power costs of operating the existing
GWRS and was surprised to hear they were averaging well below
forecasts at approximately 8 cents per kilowatt hour. Mr. Markus
explained the programs OCWD is involved in to maintain these low costs.
2.4. Proposed Consolidation of MWDOC and OCWD
The Committee discussed the proposed consolidation discussions
between the OCWD and MWDOC Boards and their respective positions
on this concept. While no formal action has been taken, OCWD's Board
has directed their staff to review this further. The joint agencies will
continue to discuss this matter and may explore alternatives to increase
efficiencies through resource sharing. Input from their respective member
agencies is anticipated.
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2.5. Annexation of YLWD to OCWD
Mr. Markus reported the Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental
Impact Report (EIR) for the annexations is expected to hit the streets by
the end of this week. Comments will be due by the first part of
September. The document is expected to take approximately nine months
to one year to complete.
2.6. Future Agenda Items and Staff Tasks
Mr. Vecchiarelli noted that YLWD staff is working on a proposal and cover
letter for the OCWD Board to consider on a lease for a new groundwater
well on OCWD property. This item may be ready for discussion by the
next YLWD-MWDOC-OCWD Joint Agency Committee Meeting.
3. ADJOURNMENT
3.1. The Committee adjourned at 5:10 p.m. The next regular meeting of the
YLWD-MWDOC-OCWD Joint Agency Committee will be held September
27, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.
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