FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
ITEM:		ACTION ITEM
5.	Consider Expenditure to Contract for Completion of Carmel River Survey (Exempt from CEQA – Section 15306)
Meeting Date:			August 14, 2023	Budgeted:	Yes with small adjustment
From:			David J. Stoldt,	Program/	Erosion Protection
			General Manager	Line Item No.:	2-1-4, B Carmel River Cross Section Survey
Prepared By:			Thomas Christensen	Cost Estimate:	$22,450
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Finance and Administration Committee reviewed this item on August 14, 2023 and recommended ______________.
CEQA Compliance: This action is categorically exempt under California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15306.

SUMMARY: MPWMD has cooperated on several occasions with the California State University at Monterey Bay (CSUMB) to gather and analyze Carmel River data. The Department of Applied Environmental Science has provided a proposal attached as Exhibit 5-A to gather data in the active channel from the Carmel River Reroute to the lagoon that helps inform the District on how the Carmel River channel has changed due to the removal of San Clemente Dam (2015). 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. The last survey was completed in 2019.

RECOMMENDATION: The Finance and Administration Committee should recommend that the Board authorize the General Manager to enter into an agreement with the University Foundation at CSUMB for a not-to-exceed amount of $22,450.

IMPACT TO STAFF/RESOURCES: This project will be overseen by the Environmental Resources Manager. The original budget for this survey was $21,500 which was approved by the Board in June of 2023. However, because of a change in indirect costs, CSUMB’s proposal is slightly over budget by $950. If approved this increase will be reflected in the mid-year budget adjustment.

BACKGROUND: 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 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 Alternatives study as well as long-term management of the Carmel River.

California Environmental Quality Act Compliance (CEQA): Categorical Exemptions:

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

5-A July 25, 2023, Proposal

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