2. CONSIDER
AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS TO EMPLOY CONSULTANT TO PROMOTE RESOLUTION 2003-01
Meeting Date: May
19, 2003 Budgeted:
No
Program/Line
Item No.: N/A
Staff Contact: Fran Farina Cost Estimate: $25,000
General Counsel Approval: Yes
Committee Recommendation: The
Chair and Vice Chair reviewed this item on May 8, 2003 and recommended
approval.
CEQA Compliance: N/A
SUMMARY: This consent calendar action shall confer authority upon the Acting General Manager to expend a sum not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars to engage consulting services to assist the District to achieve the purpose enunciated in Resolution 2003-01.
RECOMMENDATION: District staff recommends the Board authorize the Acting General Manager to engage the consultant. This item will be approved if adopted along with the Consent Calendar.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Board previously adopted Resolution 2003-01, opposing SB 149, as this legislation proposed to dilute the power of District voters. Among other things, the Board expressed concern that SB 149 proposes to delete the existing requirement that water projects be placed before District voters. The legislation also proposes to change elections processes contrary to the “one person, one vote” federal voting rights mandate. Insofar as the proposed change to the District’s form of governance is not equal or fair, staff recommends that the District employ the assistance of an expert consultant to assist the District in its presentations before the Senate, Assembly, and other organizations in relation to SB 149.
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