ITEM:		DISCUSSION ITEM
24.	WORKSHOP ON PROPOSAL BY WATER PLUS FOR PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF CALIFORNIA AMERICAN WATER
Meeting Date:			July 18, 2011	Budgeted:	N/A
From:			Darby Fuerst,	Program/
			General Manager	Line Item No.:
Prepared By:			Darby Fuerst	Cost Estimate:	N/A
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: N/A
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: Water Plus, a local ratepayer advocacy group, has requested that the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD or District) Board convene a public workshop to review Water Plus’ proposal that the District purchase Cal-Am, an investor owned public utility that is the largest water purveyor in the Monterey Peninsula area. A copy of the Water Plus’ proposal dated April 6, 2011 is included as Exhibit 24-A. Water Plus has also requested that the Board, following the workshop, conduct a District-wide advisory vote asking whether or not the voters within the District “support the purchase of Cal-Am by a public agency to ensure local ratepayer control over the cost and supply of water on the Monterey Peninsula”.

RECOMMENDATION: The Board should receive the presentation by the Water Plus representatives regarding the group’s proposal that MPWMD purchase Cal-Am, ask questions, allow public comment and questions, and following Board discussion, provide direction to staff. As a discussion item, no action is required at this time.

IMPACT ON STAFF RESOURCES: District staff contacted the Monterey County Elections Department to obtain an estimate of the cost to conduct a District-wide advisory vote in November 2011. The estimated cost to conduct a District-wide advisory vote in November 2011 would be approximately $85,000. This cost would be in addition to the $169,000 that has been budgeted to conduct Director elections in Divisions 3, 4, and 5 in November 2011.

EXHIBITS

24-A Water Plus Proposal to the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District

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