ITEM:		ACTION ITEM
1.	Consider Approval of Engagement Letter with Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP for Representing the District in Cal-Am v. MPWMD; Monterey Superior Court Case No. 20CV003201
Meeting Date:			December 23, 2020	Budgeted:
From:			David J. Stoldt, General Manager	Program/
				Line Item No.:
Prepared By:			David J. Stoldt	Cost Estimate:
General Counsel Approval: N/A
Committee Recommendation: None
CEQA Compliance: This action does not constitute a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378.

SUMMARY: On November 25, 2020 California -American Water Company (Cal-Am) filed a petition for writ of mandate with the Monterey County Superior Court requesting that the Court issue a writ of mandate under Code of Civil Procedure section 1085, or alternatively section 1094.5, directing the District to vacate and set aside its approval of Resolution 2020-17 Certifying the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District Potential Acquisition of Monterey Water System and District Boundary Adjustment EIR.

To defend its position, the District seeks to hire the firm of Shute, Mihaly, & Weinberger LLP, a firm with significant experience with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

RECOMMENDATION: The Board should review and approve the engagement letter with Shute, Mihaly, & Weinberger LLP

EXHIBIT

1-A Shute, Mihaly, & Weinberger LLP Engagement Letter

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