ITEM:		ACTION ITEMS
15.	APPROVE RESPONSE TO 2015-2016 MONTEREY COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT
Meeting Date:			September 19, 2016	Budgeted:	N/A
From:			David J. Stoldt	Program/
			General Manager	Line Item No.:
Prepared By:			David J. Stoldt	Cost Estimate:
General Counsel Approval: N/A
Committee Recommendation: N/A
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: The Monterey County Civil Grand Jury submitted a Final Report to MRWPCA entitled “Striving for Sustainability” (Exhibit 15-B) on June 24, 2016. The report focused on groundwater and how important this resource is to every citizen in the county. The Grand Jury requested the District to respond affirmatively or negatively to their Findings and Recommendations.

With respect to each finding, the Board shall indicate one of the following:

1) That the Board/Agency/You agree with the finding; or

2) That the Board/Agency/You disagree wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the Board must specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include in the response an explanation of the reasons for the disagreement.

With respect to each recommendation, the Board of Directors must report one of the following actions:

1) That the recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action;

2) That the recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation;

3) That the recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the Board (this timeframe not to exceed six months from the date of publication); or

4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation.

District staff reviewed the report and recommends the response attached as Exhibit 15-A.

The District understands that civil grand juries have no enforcement authority, although we certainly know that they perform an important community function. The reports the Grand Jury generate are in response to citizen inquiries. The individuals who make up the Grand Jury are local citizens appointed by a judge.

The report constitutes a Final Report for purposes of Penal Code section 933. Pursuant to that section, the District Board must submit comments on the report to within ninety (90) days following its transmittal, which is October 12^th.

Pursuant to the Grand Jury’s letter the Board is responsible for Finding Nos. F1 through F16, and Recommendation Nos. R1 through R16.

RECOMMENDATION: The General Manager recommends the Board discuss the proposed response letter attached as Exhibit 15-A, recommend changes, if any, and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board.

EXHIBITS

15-A Draft Proposed Response to Civil Grand Jury Report

15-B 2015-16 Monterey County Civil Grand Jury Final Report “Striving for Sustainability”

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