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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. 1 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. 2 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. 3