ITEM: CONSENT CALENDAR

4. AUTHORIZE EXPENDITURE OF MITIGATION FUNDS FOR REPLACEMENT OF FISH COUNTER AT SAN CLEMENTE DAM

Meeting Date: October 30, 2003 Budgeted: Yes

Staff Contacts: Dave Dettman/Cory Hamilton Program/Line Item No.: Fixed Asset Purchases, Project Equipment

General Counsel Approval: N/A Cost Estimate: $3,500

Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on October 14, 2003 and recommended approval.

CEQA Compliance: Component of the monitoring program for the 1990 Water Allocation Program EIR

SUMMARY: Staff requests authorization to spend not more than $3,500 of FY 2003-2004 Mitigation Program funds to purchase a new fish counter for the San Clemente Dam fish ladder.

RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the General Manager to expend funds not to exceed $3,500 for the purchase of a new fish counter box. The Administrative Committee considered this item on October 14, 2003, and recommended approval on a vote of 3 to 0.

BACKGROUND: The San Clemente Dam fish counter is one of three techniques used by the District to monitor the health of the steelhead population. Over time, adult fish counts at San Clemente Dam provide an index of the total population and essential information on the seasonal timing of the run. The present fish counter has been in operation since 1993. The counter frame and diversion box are made of epoxy-coated plywood and it is continuously submerged. The plywood has been damaged by water and has a limited future lifetime. Staff believes replacement should be done now to avoid any potential failure and loss of data during the steelhead migration season.

IMPACTS TO STAFF/RESOURCES: The cost for the replacement fish counter is estimated to not exceed $3,500. Funds up to $2,500 for this project expense are included in the FY 2003-2004 District Budget in the Fixed Asset Purchases under Project Equipment, line 5, as replace fish counter box assembly. The $1,000 difference between the budgeted amount and estimated cost will be funded as a portion of $2,500 allocated in the FY 2003-2004 District Budget under Aquatic Resources Fisheries, No. 2-4-8, Fish Camera and Accessories.

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