ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
3.	AUTHORIZE FUNDS FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR SEASIDE BASIN GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Meeting Date:			March 15, 2004	Budgeted: Yes
Staff Contact:			Joe Oliver	Program/Line Item No.: 2-6-2 F.2
				Cost Estimate: $22,000
General Counsel Approval: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on March 10, 2004 and recommended approval.
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: In December 2003, the Board directed staff to cease work on the interim Seaside Groundwater Basin (SGB) groundwater management ordinances and associated environmental review, and proceed with development of a SGB groundwater management plan, consistent with State legislation regarding adoption of plans by local water agencies. Accordingly, a portion of the funds that were budgeted for the interim ordinances and environmental review were retained in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2003-2004 District Budget to provide outside technical assistance for preparation of documentation to support the groundwater management plan. During the earlier work on the interim ordinances, technical assistance was provided to the District by Eugene Yates, as subcontractor to the District’s consultant on this project, Jones & Stokes. Staff proposes to retain Mr. Yates’ services to facilitate completion of documentation to support specific portions of the groundwater management plan regarding characterization and graphical depiction of hydrogeologic conditions in the basin. This work would also aid in staff’s preparation of materials to be used for public presentations on the plan.

RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the General Manager to expend FY 2003-2004 budgeted funds not to exceed $22,000 to provide technical assistance for development of the SGB groundwater management plan. The Administrative Committee considered this item on March 10, 2004 and recommended approval on a vote of 3 to 0.

IMPACTS TO STAFF/RESOURCES: A total of $32,000 was included in the original FY 2003-2004 District Budget for SGB groundwater management plan technical assistance (Program/Line No. 2-6-2 F.2 of June 16, 2003 adopted budget). This total was reduced by $10,000 in the mid-year budget adjustment adopted on January 29, 2004. Accordingly, up to $22,000 remains available in this year’s budget for this purpose. This technical assistance will reduce staff’s existing workload on this project, improve the quality of maps and other graphical representations, and enhance the public’s understanding of technical information to be presented in the plan.

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