HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.15.22 Board Correspondence - FW Corning Sub-basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Committee Meeting- August 18, 2022
County of Glenn
Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District
Monroeville Water District
Notice and Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Corning Sub-basin GSA Committee
August 18, 2022 | 2:00 p.m.
Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District Main Pump Station
7854 County Road 203, Orland, CA 95963
Remote Participation Option:
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Meeting ID: 292 409 493 064
Passcode: 344FZB
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+1 323-676-6164,,831242986# United States, Los Angeles
Phone Conference ID: 831 242 986#
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________________________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Meeting Minutes
a. *Approval of July 13, 2022 meeting minutes.
4. Period of Public Comment
5. Staff Reports
6. Corning Sub-basin GSA 2022/2023 Budget
a. Report on status of Agency contribution request.
b. *Approve Glenn County as the fund administrator for the CSGSA pending
concurrence with the County.
7. Corning Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan
a. Water Year 2022 Annual Report
225 N. Tehama St. 530.934.6540
8. Corning Subbasin Advisory Board Report
9. Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant
a. *Approve grant writing services approach
10. Corning Sub-basin GSA Committee Member Reports and Comments
11. Next Meeting
12. Adjourn
A complete agenda packet, including back-up information, is available for public inspection during normal work hours at 225
North Tehama Street, Willows, CA 95988. After posting of this Meeting Agenda, the public may request copies of support
information for public agenda items listed.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Corning Sub-basin GSA Committee will make available to persons
with a disability disability-related modification or accommodations. Notification two days prior to the meeting will enable the
Corning Sub-basin GSA Committee to make arrangements to provide reasonable accommodations. If requested, this document
and other agenda materials can be made available in an alternative format for persons with a disability who are covered by the
Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact Lisa Hunter at 530-934-6540.
CERTIFICATION: Pursuant to Government Code § 54954.2 the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on or before 2:00
pm on August 15, 2022.
Page | 2
County of Glenn
Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District
Monroeville Water District
Corning Sub-basin GSA Committee
Meeting Materials
August 18, 2022 | 2:00 p.m.
Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District Main Pump Station
7854 County Road 203, Orland, CA 95963
Remote Participation Option:
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 292 409 493 064
Passcode: 344FZB
Download Teams | Join on the web
Or call in (audio only)
+1 323-676-6164,,831242986# United States, Los Angeles
Phone Conference ID: 831 242 986#
Find a local number | Reset PIN
Learn More | Meeting options
________________________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair will call the meeting to order.
2. Roll Call
Staff will conduct roll call.
3. Meeting Minutes
a. *Approval of July 13, 2022 meeting minutes.
Draft meeting minutes are attached.
Attachments:
July 13, 2022 draft meeting minutes
Corning Sub-basin GSAPage 1
225 N. Tehama St. 530.934.6540
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County of Glenn
Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District
Monroeville Water District
Corning Sub-basin GSA Committee
Meeting Minutes
July 13, 2022 | 9:30 am
Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District Pump Station
7854 County Rd 203, Orland, CA 95963
Public participation was also offered via teleconference
1. Call to Order
John Amaro called the meeting to order at 9:38 a.m.
2. Roll Call
Party Representative Member Agency
Tom Arnold County of Glenn
X Grant Carmon County of Glenn
X John Amaro Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District
X Pete Knight Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District
Julia Violich Monroeville Water District
X Seth Fiack Monroeville Water District
Lisa Hunter conducted roll call as noted above.
3. Meeting Minutes
a. *Approval of May 11, 2022 meeting minutes
No corrections or comments were made on the draft minutes.
On a motion by Mr. Knight, seconded by Mr. Carmon, the meeting minutes of May 11,
2022 were unanimously approved as presented.
4. Period of Public Comment
No public comments were heard.
5. Staff Reports
Ms. Hunter reported the data from the Airborne Electromagnetic Survey (AEM)
that Department of Water Resources (DWR) is conducting statewide is expected
to be available in May 2023. More information can be found online at:
https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Groundwater-Management/Data-and-Tools/AEM
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Ms. Hunter stated she is working with DWR to submit an application through the
Technical Support Services program to explore and better understand the
depressions/void areas appearing near Stony Creek that have been discussed at
past meetings. Discussion ensued on the terminology of the features in question.
Ms. Hunter reviewed the status of the Proposition 1 grant and stated the grant
period has concluded. The final invoicing and reporting have been submitted and
she will work with DWR to finish the close out process including the release of the
ten percent retention payment.
Ms. Hunter noted the future Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant
solicitation will be discussed in a separate agenda item.
6. *Approval of Revised 2022 Meeting Schedule
Ms. Hunter stated the 2022 meeting schedule had been approved in April;
however, since that time, staff has become aware of conflicts for some members
to attend in person for those dates. Another consideration is the short time-frame
between the Corning Subbasin Advisory Board (CSAB) meetings and the CSGSA
meetings. She suggested revising the 2022 meeting schedule to accommodate
these factors. Discussion ensued on potential meeting options.
On a motion by Mr. Carmon, seconded by Mr. Knight, it was unanimously ordered to
approve the revised 2022 meeting schedule to be the third Thursday of each month at
2:00 p.m.
7. *Approve Agreement with Paris Kincaid Wasiewski, LLP to provide legal services to the
CSGSA
Ms. Hunter summarized the committee began discussing this topic in March and
background information is included in the meeting materials. At the May meeting,
staff was directed to request a draft contract and statement of qualifications from
Ms. Kincaid. Discussion ensued on the qualifications and reputation of the firm.
Mr. Knight asked if they would only be called in for certain items requiring
guidance. Ms. Hunter replied, the committee would provide direction to the firm
relating to their attendance at meetings and request their guidance on certain
items as needed.
On a motion by Mr. Carmon, seconded by Mr. Knight, it was unanimously ordered to
approve the agreement with Paris Kincaid Wasiewski, LLP to provide legal services to the
CSGSA.
8. Corning Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan
Ms. Hunter reported on topics that will be discussed in more detail at a future
meeting. She stated the Water Year 2022 Annual Report will need to be
coordinated with the Tehama County portion of the basin and staff will be
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meeting soon to discuss this among other topics. The CSGSA will need decide
how to move through the process to develop the report.
She stated GSA staff will also discuss approaches on the upcoming Sustainable
Groundwater Management grant opportunity, which is expected to open in
October 2022. She further stated there is approximately $200 million available
through this opportunity and approximately 95 basins that are eligible to apply. It
seems likely this topic will be discussed at the CSAB. She further noted it would
be helpful to hire a grant writer to assist with developing and submitting the
application.
9. Corning Subbasin Advisory Board Report
Ms. Hunter shared the CSAB met June 8, 2022 and held initial discussions on
costs and splitting Corning Subbasin shared costs. They further discussed funding
mechanisms, which was clarified that each GSA will be responsible for its own
funding mechanism. Shared costs will include items such as Annual Reports,
grant writing, and similarly shared tasks. Further discussion will continue at the
September 2022 meeting. Discussion ensued and suggestions were made to
prepare materials for a productive CSAB meeting.
Ben King spoke regarding building capacity, best practices relating to the
differences between hill ground and valley ground, and cost structure.
10. Discussion on Executive Order N-7-22
a. *Approve Well Permit Acknowledgement Form and authorize staff to finalize
process with the Glenn County Environmental Health Department
Mr. Amaro introduced the item and noted this item was discussed at the last
meeting.
Ms. Hunter summarized that at the last meeting, staff was directed to
the Department had any comments or suggestions. Environmental Health staff has
not provided any concerns with the proposed form. She further stated staff
recommends finalizing the Well Permit Acknowledgement Form and authorize staff
to continue to work with the Environmental Health Department staff to finalize an
efficient process.
Mr. Knight inquired if this form is the same as the Glenn
(GGA) form; whereby, discussion confirmed the form is essentially the same as the
several GSAs in the region are also using a very similar Well Permit
Acknowledgement Form. e the
well drilling permit standards, automated water usage reporting, techniques to
estimate water usage, and responsibilities of the County and the GSA.
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On a motion by Mr. Carmon, seconded by Mr. Fiack, it was unanimously ordered to
approve the Well Permit Acknowledgement Form and authorize staff to finalize process
with the Glenn County Environmental Health Department.
11. Corning Sub-basin GSA 2022/2023 Budget
a. Discuss Short Term Funding Strategy
b. Provide direction on a proposed agreement among member agencies to fund
specific tasks or explore other potential options to meet short term funding needs
c. Discussion on appointing a fiscal agent for the CSGSA
Ms. Hunter stated the direction from the previous meeting was to request $40,000
from each of the agencies to fund specific tasks until a funding mechanism was in
place. She further stated it will be important to select a fiscal agent that will
manage the CSGSA account. Ms. Hunter said that grants have funded the CSGSA
except for in-kind services and the grant funding has ended. She also noted the
deadline to get a fee on the County tax roll is August 10 of each year. The soonest
the GSA would see funding, if that is the preferred collection route, is over a year
away. The funding contribution from each agency is intended to support the priority
GSA tasks in addition to the continued in-kind services.
Mr. Fiack reported there had been some confusion on the funding request at the
Monroeville Water District meeting; however, the funding request had been
approved. Mr. Knight asked if there would be reimbursement of these initial funds.
Mr. Fiack shared how Monroeville Water District handled a similar situation for
reimbursement of loans. Discussion ensued on the funding request, fees in other
basins and districts, and fee structures. It was clarified the funding mechanism will
be developed after a consultant is selected. Mr. Carmon reported that Glenn
County approved the funding request. Mr. Knight shared the topic was discussed
in general and would be brought to a future GCID Board meeting.
Ms. Hunter stated the County would likely agree to manage the CSGSA funds. Any
invoices could be brought to the CSGSA for approval prior to payment. If another
agency volunteers for this role, that could also be considered. There was consensus
that Glenn County be the fiscal agent for the CSGSA. Ms. Hunter stated this item
would be brought back to the next meeting for action.
Ms. Hunter asked if a formal agreement was needed. By CSGSA consensus, it was
decided that a formal agreement is not necessary at this point.
12. Funding Mechanisms for GSP Implementation
a. *Approve issuing Request for Proposals To Provide Services to Develop and
Implement a Funding Mechanism for the Operations of the Corning Sub-basin
Groundwater Sustainability Agency and Implementation of the Groundwater
Sustainability Plan
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b. *Authorize the Funding Mechanism RFP Ad Hoc Committee to complete all tasks
necessary to bring a consultant recommendation to the CSGSA
Ms. Hunter provided a recap of prior discussions and the CSGSAs desire to get a
rate consultant on board to help move the funding mechanism process forward.
An ad hoc committee was created at the May 11, 2022 meeting to bring a
Request for Proposals (RFP) to the CSGSA for consideration. A draft RFP is
included in the meeting packet and staff recommends approving the RFP.
Mr. Carmon asked about the timeline for the RFP. Ms. Hunter clarified that in the
draft RFP, the issue date is July 18 and closing date is September 5. Discussion
ensued on the RFP and potential synergies with other projects, such as the
Annual Report.
Ms. Hunter noted the RFP currently indicated the County of Glenn will manage
the agreement with the consultant. There were no concerns with this approach.
Mr. Carmon suggested shortening the response period from 90 days to 60 days,
and discussion took place on the timing of the RFP.
Holly Dawley suggested adjusting the due date to September 2 rather than
September 5 due to the holiday. There was general agreement to this suggestion.
On a motion by Mr. Fiack, seconded by Mr. Carmon, it was unanimously ordered to
approve issuing the Request for Proposals To Provide Services to Develop and
Implement a Funding Mechanism for the Operations of the Corning Sub-basin
Groundwater Sustainability Agency and Implementation of the Groundwater
Sustainability Plan as revised to change the due date to September 2, 2022.
Mr. Knight made a motion to authorize the Funding Mechanism RFP Ad Hoc Committee
to complete all tasks necessary to bring a consultant recommendation to the CSGSA.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Fiack.
During further discussion, Ben King asked if Regional Government Services (RGS)
does this type of work. Mr. Carmon asked how the RFP gets distributed; whereby
Ms. Hunter indicated the announcement is emailed to a list of consultants that
have asked to be included in these types of announcements and the RFP is
posted on the website. If members have suggestions of firms to include, the
information should be sent to Ms. Hunter.
The motion was passed unanimously.
13. Corning Sub-basin GSA Committee Member Reports and Comments
Mr. Carmon reported the County is still receiving several reports of dry wells,
including both domestic and ag. Discussion ensued on the dry conditions, surface
water conditions, and well conditions and response times to lower pumps.
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Ian Turnbull asked if there was any information on the reports of subsidence near
Orland and Artois. Mr. Knight shared he has heard of two wells with issues and
Mr. Carmon shared he heard of a collapsed well also.
Mr. Turnbull reported that in Tehama County, the 29 cent per acre fee was
passed by the Groundwater Commission for the first three years for the well
registration program. The GSA will likely consider this item on Monday, July 18,
2022.
14. Next Meeting
The next CSGSA is scheduled for August 18, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
15. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 11:07 a.m.
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4. Period of Public Comment
Members of the public are encouraged to address the Corning Sub-basin GSA Committee.
Public comment will be limited to three minutes. No action will be taken on items under
public comment.
5. Staff Reports
Staff from members of the Corning Sub-basin GSA will provide relevant updates, such as
a brief status update of GSP implementation, grant agreement, and project agreement.
Reminders and clarifications may be made, and direction may be provided to staff.
6. Corning Sub-basin GSA 2022/2023 Budget
a. Report on status of Agency contribution request.
b. *Approve Glenn County as the fund administrator for the CSGSA pending
concurrence with the County.
Over the past several months the CSGSA has discussed funding needs for GSP
Implementation. At the April 13, 2022 meeting, the CSGSA requested figures for
immediate short-term funding needs and longer-term needs, breaking the discussion into
two parts. The short-term funding strategy will address immediate needs to provide for
GSA administration and prioritized tasks. The longer-term needs will be addressed through
the funding mechanism discussions.
At the May 11, 2022 meeting, discussion was held on short, medium, and long-term
funding options. It was noted that in the immediate term, member contributions were
determined to be the most effective option to fund the GSA activities. The CSGSA reviewed
initial funding needs based on the Corning Subbasin GSP Section 8.9 Short-Term
Implementation Start-Up Budget and Tables 8-5 and 8-6. Prioritized immediate term
needs presented included legal services, fee study, grant application expenses, fiscal
support, annual report, and routine data management system updates. The proposed
budget for these items would be $197,000 for fiscal year 2022/2023. If the estimated
expenses are split evenly among the three members, each member would contribute
$65,667. After much discussion, the CSGSA it was agreed to request each member
agency contribute $40,000 to fund initial short-term prioritized needs.
At the July 13, 2022 meeting, it was reported that Glenn County and Monroeville Water
District approved the funding request. GCID reported there had been general discussion
and the item would be placed on a future agenda for consideration. There was also
consensus that Glenn County be the fiscal agent for the CSGSA. Additionally, it was
decided that a formal agreement relating to the fund administration was not necessary.
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Members may report the status of the funding contribution request and any feedback the
agencies may have regarding the contribution.
7. Corning Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan
a. Water Year 2022 Annual Report
Updates may be provided on activities relating to the Corning Subbasin Groundwater
Sustainability Plan.
At the July 13, 2022 meeting, staff mentioned the process to complete the Water Year
2022 Annual Report will need to be determined. The report is due to the Department of
Water Resources on April 1, 2023. Staff has communicated with Tehama County Flood
Control and Water Conservation District (TCFCWCD) GSA staff to bring forward a
recommended approach to release a Request for Propsals to solicit a consultant to
complete the work. It is recommended TCFCWCD manage the consultant agreement
which would include the Corning Subbasin Annual Report as one task within a larger
Tehama County Subbasins Annual Report agreement. This would likely create
efficiencies in developing the reports and have consistency within the Tehama County
subbasins, while allowing the CSGSA to participate in the process of developing the
Corning Subbasin Annual Report. The cost of the Corning Subbasin Annual Report would
be split between the agencies.
Staff may provide additional updates on the Water Year 2022 Annual Report approach.
8. Corning Subbasin Advisory Board Report
The Corning Subbasin Advisory Board (CSAB) met on June 8, 2022. As discussed at the
July 13, 2022 CSGSA meeting, the CSAB received updates from each Groundwater
Sustainability Agency (GSA) and held discussion on funding Corning Subbasin shared
costs. While each a GSA will develop its own mechanisms to fund GSA administration and
GSP implementation, it will be important for the GSAs to agree on how they plan to split
basin-wide or shared costs. Examples of such costs could include GSP Annual Reports
and 5-year updates. Discussion on this topic is expected to continue at the next CSAB
meeting, which is scheduled for September 7, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.
CSAB meeting materials, including presentations, agendas, and meeting summaries are
available on the website at: www.corningsubbasingsp.org.
Advisory Board members may provide additional updates.
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9. Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant
a. *Approve grant writing services approach
DWR is administering the Sustainable Groundwater Management (SGM) Grant Program
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Implementation funding solicitation
using funds authorized by the California Budget Act of 2021 (Stats. 2021, ch. 240, § 80)
and the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access
For All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68). The anticipated program schedule and key dates are
summarized below:
ite at:
https://water.ca.gov/work-with-us/grants-and-loans/sustainable-groundwater.
As this opportunity draws nearer, it is critical to coordinate with the TCFCWCD GSA on a
single application for the Corning Subbasin. The Corning Subbasin GSP Projects and
Management Actions (PMAs) should be reviewed, along with any new potential PMAs.
Implementation activities should also be considered which include items such as develop
and submit the Annual Reports and 5-year updates, update and refine hydrologic model,
expand and refine monitoring networks, and other data gaps that were identified during
the development of the Corning Subbasin GSP. Staff will be working with TCFCWCD staff
to bring this discussion to the CSAB for a coordinated approach across the subbasin and
to recommend a prioritized list of components (projects) to include in the grant application.
At the July 13, 2022 meeting, staff gave a brief report on the upcoming SGM grant
opportunity and suggested the CSGSA consider hiring a grant writer to assist with
developing and submitting the application. This would be coordinated with the TCFCWCD
GSA and the cost of the grant writing services would be split between the agencies. The
estimated cost is not yet known.
Two approaches have been discussed with TCFCWCD staff. With either approach, staff
recommends authorizing the TCFCWCD to lead the effort to hire a grant writer. It may be
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more efficient and cost-effective to include the Corning Subbasin grant application as one
task of a larger Tehama County subbasins grant writing agreement. This would allow the
TCFCWCD to have consistent applications across the County for all the subbasins that they
manage while allowing Corning Subbasin to be more specific to the local needs and
include the CSGSA in the process.
One approach could be to negotiate an agreement with a selected firm through a sole
source process. The second approach could be a Request for Proposals process. The
approach depends on the purchasing requirements of the contracting agency.
Staff may provide additional updates on the proposed approach.
10. Corning Sub-basin GSA Committee Member Reports and Comments
Members of the CSGSA Committee are encouraged to share information, reports,
comments, and suggest future agenda items. Action cannot be taken on matters brought
up under this item.
11. Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
12. Adjourn
The meeting will be adjourned.
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