ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
3.	Consider Expenditure to Contract for Completion of Annual Carmel River Survey (Exempt from CEQA – Section 15306)
Meeting Date:			August 19, 2019	Budgeted:	Yes
From:			David J. Stoldt,	Program/	Erosion Protection
			General Manager	Line Item No.:	2-2-2 Carmel Riverbed Topographic Data
Prepared By:			Thomas Christensen	Cost Estimate:	$25,839
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on August 12, 2019 and recommended approval.
CEQA Compliance: This action is categorically exempt under California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines section 15306.

SUMMARY: MPWMD has cooperated for several years with the California State University at Monterey Bay (CSUMB) to gather and analyze Carmel River data. The Division of Science & Environmental Policy has provided a proposal attached as Exhibit 3-A to gather data in the active channel from the Carmel River Reroute to the lagoon. These data will be incorporated into the long-term database the District has developed to monitor and analyze the District’s efforts to manage and restore streambank stability, vegetation, and fisheries habitat within the riparian corridor.

RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Board authorize the General Manager to enter into an agreement with the University Foundation at CSUMB for a not-to-exceed amount of $24,839. Staff requests an additional $1,000 in contingency funding for unforeseen conditions. If this item is approved with the Consent Calendar, the General Manager would be authorized to expend up to $25,839 for this work.

DISCUSSION: CSUMB students have surveyed the Carmel River for large wood abundance and changes in channel geometry on several occasions since 2003. These data are being published annually and are used to track changes in the river resulting from the removal of San Clemente Dam. Replicating previous survey work will document the evolution of the channel and will help inform the Los Padres Dam study as well as long-term management of the Carmel River.

California Environmental Quality Act Compliance (CEQA): Guidelines

Section 15306. Information Collection

Class 6 consists of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. These may be strictly for information gathering purposes, or as part of a study leading to an action which a public agency has not yet approved, adopted, or funded.

EXHIBIT

3-A July 10, 2019 Proposal

U:\staff\Boardpacket\2019\20190819\ConsentCalendar\03\Item-3.docx