EXHIBIT 1-A

 

DRAFT MINUTES

Monterey Peninsula Water Management District

Public Outreach Committee

January 13, 2011

 

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 9:10 am in the District conference room.

 

Committee members present:                Regina Doyle, Chair                                                     

                                                            Kristi Markey

                                                            David Pendergrass

 

Committee members absent:                 None

                                                                                   

District staff members present:               Darby Fuerst, General Manager

                                                            Henrietta Stern, Project Manager

                                                            Stephanie Pintar, Water Demand Manager                   

                                                            Arlene Tavani, Executive Assistant

 

Comments from the Public

No comments were presented.

 

Discussion Item

1.         Discuss Response to 2010 Monterey County Grand Jury Report

            The committee offered the following direction to staff for preparation of the response.  Express agreement with Findings 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7 and 8.8.  Indicate the District’s agreement with Recommendations 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6 and 8.7.  Send letters to the Marina Coast Water District, and Monterey County Water Resources Agency stating that the District is ready to work with them to develop agreements as recommended by the Grand Jury, and send copies of the letters to local newspapers and jurisdictions.  Emphasize in the  Grand Jury response that the District’s innovative conservation programs have been successful in reducing water use, and that the ASR project has provided a significant benefit to the water users.  Also note that the District’s stated goal is to develop new water sources.

 

2.         Discuss Public Outreach Related to Coastal Water Project and Cease and Desist Order Decisions

            General Manager Fuerst provided an update to the committee.  No further discussion or action.

 

3.         Discuss Public Outreach Related to CPUC Proposed Decision re CAW Collection of MPWMD Mitigation Program User Fee

            There was consensus that until an alternate decision is proposed, there was no immediate need for additional public outreach on this issue.

 

4.         Update on Development of Student Activity Book by California American Water Company

            Ms. Stern reported that District staff has responded to questions and provided hydrologic information for the book.  No completion date has been set.  This project will not be funded by the District.

 

5.         Progress Report on Implementation of Focused Public Outreach Goals

            Ms. Pintar submitted a list of goals and reviewed them with the committee.  She noted that the rebate program must be suspended by May 1, 2011, because program funds will be depleted by then.  She is working with Cal-Am on development of an advice letter to the California Public Utilities Commission requesting additional funds.

 

6.         Develop Schedule and Topics for Monthly Targeted Mailings

            No discussion of this item.

 

7.         Discuss Hiring Public Information Staff Person or Consultant

            The committee asked that staff provide information on the cost for this position and source of funding; should this be a staff position or filled by a consultant, and could a present District employee move into this position.

 

8.         Discuss Public Outreach Related to Aquifer Storage and Recovery Phase 1 Project

            The committee suggested that a press event could be conducted in June 2011 at the ASR well site or the District office.  The event could highlight the benefits provided by the project, and also focus on water recycling such as the Groundwater Replenishment project proposed by the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency.  Staff should develop a term other than ASR to describe our project, a term that is easier for the public to understand.

 

Other Items

The committee agreed that the current web address of www.mpwmd.dst.ca.us, should be changed to www.mpwmd.net.   The change will be implemented immediately.

 

Schedule Next Committee Meeting Date

The meeting was set for Thursday, February 17, 2011, at 9 am in the District conference room. 

 

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:20 am. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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