ITEM: CONSENT CALENDAR

2. CONSIDER CONTRACT WITH DON ALLEY AND ASSOCIATES TO ASSIST WITH FISHERY EVALUATION FOR WATER SUPPLY PROJECT EIR

Meeting Date: September 15, 2003 Budgeted: $30,000

Program No.: 1-3-2-B-2

Staff Contact: Henrietta Stern Cost Estimate: not to exceed $21,250

General Counsel Approval: N/A

Committee Recommendation: Administrative Committee reviewed this item on September 10, 2003 and recommended to approve this item.

CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: The District Board will consider whether to authorize staff to retain Don Alley and Associates (DWA) to assist the MPWMD Senior Fishery Biologist evaluate the effects of water supply alternatives on the Carmel River steelhead and other riverine resources in the Water Supply Project Environmental Impact Report (EIR) under preparation. The not-to-exceed amount is $21,250, based on a maximum of 250 hours at $85 per hour through June 30, 2004. The consultant services will be provided on an “as needed” basis as authorized by the General Manager or Water Resources Manager. The need for consultant services is based primarily on the workload of the Senior Fishery Biologist for on-river commitments such as the Sleepy Hollow Steelhead Rearing Facility, fish rescues and other activities associated with the MPWMD Mitigation Program. The anticipated consultant tasks include helping with evaluation of the indirect effects of the proposed 8,400 acre-foot per year (AFA) Sand City desalination project on the Carmel River streamflow patterns, assessment of alternatives, responses to comments on the Draft EIR and developing text for the Final EIR. It is notable that the contract with Jones & Stokes Associates specifies that MPWMD is responsible for evaluation of the impacts of the proposed project and alternatives on riverine fishery resources.

RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board approve this item along with the consent calendar. Don Alley has extensive experience with central coast steelhead and has worked closely with MPWMD staff to prepare the Carmel River fishery evaluations in previous water supply project EIRs since the early 1990s. He has consistently produced a quality work product on time and within budget. Alley has performed extensive field work in the Carmel River and other coastal streams in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, and has written numerous technical reports on fishery issues. A brief summary of his credentials is provided as Exhibit 2-A. The FY 2003-2004 budget adopted by the Board at its June 16, 2003 meeting includes $30,000 to retain DWA (line item 1-3-2-B-2). No expenditures are considered to be reimbursable by California-American Water Company. At its September 10, 2003 meeting, the Administrative Committee voted 2 to 0 to recommend that the Board approve this item.

BACKGROUND: None.

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