For Utilities Commission Meeting [October 20, 2020]
TO: Honorable Chairperson and Commission
APPROVAL: Thomas J. Crowley, P.E., Utilities Manager
Title
Recommend City Council/Rialto Utility Authority Approval of the Rialto Basin Groundwater Council Framework Agreement.
(ACTION)
Body
BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement in the lawsuit against Fontana Union Water Company (FUWC) et al by Valley District, City of Rialto, City of Colton, and West Valley, the latter four entities and Fontana Union Water Company are required to form a Groundwater Council to promote sustainable groundwater management for the Rialto Basin.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
Over the last year, management and counsel for the four entities that will form the Groundwater Council, developed the attached proposed Framework Agreement for the Rialto Basin Groundwater Council (RBGC). It should be noted that Valley District commented on the proposed Agreement but will NOT be a party to it. A summary of the key provisions follows:
SECTION 3 - COUNCIL CREATION AND PURPOSE
* The purpose of the Agreement and the reason behind the creation of the RBGC, is to provide for the funding, integration, and coordination of the management of native and imported water and associated groundwater replenishment facilities within the Rialto Basin. (Sec. 3.2)
* The RBGC shall consist of one representative and one alternate from each Party. (Sec. 3.3)
* For Colton, Rialto and WVWD, the representative member of the RGBC shall be a publicly-elected official of the Party and for FUWC the representative shall be a member of its Board of Directors. The same criteria applies to the alternate member. (Sec. 3.4)
SECTION 4 - COUNCIL MEETINGS AND ACTIONS
* At the initial meeting, the RBGC shall select officers, specifically someone to serve as President and chair its meetings, a Vice President to serve if the President is unavailable, and a Secretary to record RBGC proceedings and actions. (Sec. 4.1)
* The Parti...
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