ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
11.	CONSIDER AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS TO AMEND CONTRACTS FOR LIMITED-TERM EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN FISH RESCUES
Meeting Date:			June 17, 2013	Budgeted:	Included in FY 2012-2013 Budget
From:			David J. Stoldt, General Manager	Program/	Aquatic Resources Fisheries
				Line Item No.:	2-3-2
Prepared By:			Cynthia Schmidlin	Cost Estimate:	Up to $2,000
General Counsel Approval: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on June 10, 2013 and recommended approval.
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: Increasingly low stream flow conditions, as a result of this below-average rain year, have necessitated intensive rescues of steelhead juveniles, smolts and adults since the early part of May, 2013. In order to prevent significant steelhead mortality, the District has been performing fish rescues seven days per week for the first time.

A number of limited-term Water Resources Assistants and Fisheries Aides have been hired this season to assist regular District employees with rescue work. In addition, field employees who do not typically perform rescues, such as the hydrologists, hydrogeologists, and riparian projects coordinator have pitched in on several days. However, due to the unplanned seven-day rescue schedule and absences of regular rescue staff due to illness and jury duty, the FY 2012-2013 Board authorization for Water Resources limited-term employees has fallen short of the need. The General Manager has used his authorization to cover $1,953 of extra funding needed. However, up to an additional $2,000 is required.

RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the expenditure of funds to amend the contract of one Water Resources Assistant, increasing the hours of work up to 32 hours, and amend the contracts of several Fisheries Aides, increasing the hours of work up to a total of 96 hours.

IMPACTS TO STAFF/RESOURCES: The total cost of the limited-term contract amendments described above would not exceed $2,000. Sufficient funding for limited-term Water Resources Assistants and Fisheries Aides was not included in the Aquatic Resources Fisheries Project Expenses for FY 2012-2013. However, the money required will be transferred from the budgeted Contingency Line Item.

BACKGROUND: The District has performed fish rescues for the past sixteen years, adding one day of weekend rescues in 2009. This year, critical conditions on the Carmel River have necessitated increasing the rescue schedule to seven days per week.

EXHIBIT

None

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