ITEM:		DISCUSSION ITEM
19.	FOLLOW-UP ON WATERMASTER BOARD WORKSHOP ON APRIL 2, 2025, AND WATER SUPPLY PLANNING COMMITTEE DISCUSSION FROM MAY 5, 2025
Meeting Date:			May 19, 2025	Budgeted:	N/A
From:			David J. Stoldt	Program/
			General Manager	Line Item No.:	N/A
Prepared By:			David J. Stoldt	Cost Estimate:	N/A
General Counsel Approval: N/A
Committee Recommendation: N/A
CEQA Compliance: This action does not constitute a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines section 15378.

SUMMARY: As part of ongoing District-funded work to understand the influence of groundwater levels in the Salinas Valley on conditions in the Seaside Subbasin, the District contracted with Montgomery & Associates (Consultant) to further investigate and summarize in a Technical Memorandum the dynamics of the groundwater flow divide that defines the northern boundary of the Seaside Subbasin.

The District’s Water Supply Planning Committee reviewed and discussed the technical memorandum at its March 3, 2025 meeting and recommended informing the full Board of its findings. At the March 17, 2025 Board meeting, the Board directed staff to send to the Watermaster a letter summarizing its conclusions. That letter is included as Exhibit 19-A.

On April 2, 2025 the Watermaster held a workshop for its Board where a response to the District’s letter was highlighted in an informational PowerPoint presentation entitled “What is the Problem?”

That presentation went on to state “there are two categories of problems”: (a) “physical problems”, and (b) “institutional problems with MPWMD.” District staff who observed the presentation felt that the presentation mischaracterized the District’s position on several issues related to the Seaside Basin. The presentation is attached here as Exhibit 19-B.

The District’s Water Supply Planning Committee heard this item at its May 5^th and decided that the workshop merited full Board review and discussion. There will be a staff presentation at the full Board meeting. The Board should provide general direction to staff whether to request or send any additional correspondence to the Watermaster.

EXHIBITS

19-A March 31, 2025 Correspondence from District to Watermaster

19-B April 2, 2025 Presentation from Watermaster Board Workshop

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