Documenter: Josef Sibala
Here’s what you need to know:
-
With the district not supplying water for growers and nearing the end of summer, Assistant General Manager of Operations Adam Claes stated that FID entitlements are “too small for significant deliveries.”
-
The board (3-1) approved the 4000 acre-feet water sale to Orange Cove Irrigation District and purchased 2500 acre-feet from Alta Irrigation District.
-
Regarding the California High-Speed Rail, FID staff is working on “fiber optic cable” issues and other agreements.
The Scene
Since 1920, the Fresno Irrigation District (FID), according to its website, focuses on delivering surface water to customers in the agricultural, municipal, industrial, and environmental sectors of the Central Valley. FID receives most of its surface water supplies from the Kings River and San Joaquin River from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Central Valley Project.
The meeting coincides with ongoing discussions of the Federal Infrastructure Bill, and La Nina forecasts throughout the Valley during the winter.
The board met in person on Thursday, August. 12, 2021, at 3:00 pm at 2907 S Maple Avenue Fresno, CA 93725.
Officials Present:
-
Ryan Jacobsen, President, Division 3
-
Jerry Prieto, Vice President, Division 1
-
George Porter, Director, Division 4
-
Christopher Woolf, Director, Division 2
-
Greg Beberian, Director, Division 5
Officials Absent:
-
Jerry Prieto, Vice President, Division 1
Others Present:
-
General Manager Bill Stretch
-
Assistant General Manager for Administration September Singh
-
Assistant General Manager for Operations Adam Claes
-
Chief Engineer Laurence Kimura
-
Controller DeAnne Hailey
-
Superintendent of Construction and Maintenance Mike Prestridge
-
Watermaster Jim Irwin
-
Special Project Manager Kassy Chauhan
-
Kings River Conservation District General Manager David Merritt
-
Field Representative of Rep David Valadao Brandon Herreman
-
Orange Cove Irrigation District General Manager Fergus Morrisey
-
Senior Irrigation Systems Specialist at Fowler Packing Kyle Moeller
-
21st California Congressional District Candidate Chris Mathys
Discussions/Actions
After the roll call, the Board of Directors unanimously approved the following items:
-
Regular Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – July 8, 2021
-
July 2021 Check Report
-
July 2021 Detail Register − Payroll Summary
-
July 2021 Unpaid Assessments Report
-
July 2021 Investment Account
-
Developer Project – West Coast Waste Will Substitute the Existing North Central No. 26, Located Southeast of North and Cedar Avenues, with Approximately 418 Feet of 48-Inch Diameter ASTM C-361 RGRCP under Board Policy. Engineering Action Request 2021-16
-
Developer Project – Lennar Homes will Widen the Existing Armstrong Avenue Bridge Over Mill No. 36, Located North of Floradora Avenue, as Part of Tract 5571 under Board Policy. Engineering Action Request 2021-17.
-
Updated FID Policy No. 100-514: Retention and Destruction of District Records
-
The request of Overnight Stays for Two Staff Members to Attend the California Special District Association (CSDA) Annual Conference in September 2021.
-
The request of Overnight Stay for the Safety Manager to Attend the Joint Power Insurance Authority (JPIA) Conference in September 2021
Under Financial Report, Controller DeAnn Hailey, as of June 2021:
The overall budget target for June is 50%, while the General Fund is 45% of the overall budget items.
On the Water Purchase Fund, the district reallocated grant income from the Capital Improvement Fund for the Central Basin Project.
The accounts received in June are $127,109,29. The General Fund is “steady as it goes.
On the Treasurer’s Report, the cash on hand is $30.3 million, which includes:
-
$19.4 million in the General Fund
-
$1.1 million in the Power Revenues Fund
-
$6 million in the Water Purchase Fund
-
$3.4 million in the Capital Improvements Fund
-
$300,000 for the Improved Benefits Fund.
Deposits and investments total $30.3 million. As of June 30, the available balance is $9.1 billion, with 95% of revenues coming from assessments.
The Auditor Request for Proposal was sent out for the 2021-25 audit period and will receive 2 proposals on August 14.
With the district not supplying water for growers and nearing the end of summer, Assistant General Manager of Operations Adam Claes stated that FID entitlements are “too small for significant deliveries.”
In its April-July forecast, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) projects Kings River runoff as 25% of the average water supply, with a projected 300,000 acre-feet. Claes said that “creeks are running dry.”
Groundwater levels at Pine Flat Dam have stabilized yet are “very low.”
In the Central Valley Project, Friant holds 20%, with North and South of Delta Ag holding 20% of the water supply. Forecasts show reduced potential and little precipitation in the Tulare Basin.
Long-term forecasts have shown June to July was “hottest on record” in California. In winter, La Niña has a “good chance.”
By the end of November, he projects approximately 42,000 acre-feet above the Temperature Control Pool (TCP), which can hold back some water.
On funding, necessary expenses cover $4.3 million, with $11.7 million spent on district infrastructure and technology.
In response to grant opportunities, the district acquired the 50-acre Basin Land to ensure competitiveness.
The district focused on maintaining the Big Dry Creek and Fancher Creek through removal and creek cleanup.
The FID explored energy conservation, especially solar and other sources.
The district recognized homelessness as a “continuous problem” and aimed to get spending.
The district’s target recommendation of the 2-year funding for projects is about $16 million.
The Finance Committee will discuss the allocation in Fall 2021.
General Manager Bill Stretch stressed that infrastructure is “badly needed.”
With forecasts of available 42,000 acre-feet above that TCP, Claes said water supply would be enough for health and safety purposes.
Revenue from water sales is $16 million. Staff recommended the board approve a water sale to Orange Cove Irrigation District of 4000 acres-feet at $100 per acre-feet, totaling $12.3 million.
Alta Irrigation District is interested in the marketing of 3,000 acre-feet of Kings River water.
While Director Beberian voted no and with Prieto absent, the board (3-1) approved the following:
-
Water sale of 4000 acre-feet to Orange Cove Irrigation District, with 1000 acre-feet of which comes from Alta Irrigation District.
-
Purchase of 2500 acre-feet of water from Alta Irrigation District. The board will discuss the negotiated price in a meeting in September.
In the engineering report, Chief Engineer Lawrence Kimura received review notices and 40 letters last month.
Central Basin paperwork and final reimbursements would be “worked out” on the Capital Improvement Projects.
The construction of the Wagner Basin project is complete. The Savory Pond Project, a 50-acre recharge basin, is currently being designed.
Regarding California High-Speed Rail, FID staff is working on “fiber optic cable” issues and agreements.
Last month, the district issued and monitored 10 construction, structure, and water permits.
On the Construction and Maintenance Report, Assistant General Manager of Operation Claes listed their activities as follows:
-
All-Weather Road at Mill Canal located East of Fowler Avenue.
-
Removal of Trash Rack for Construction at Dry Creek Canal, which is southwest of McKinley and Millbrook Avenues
-
Sloping at Bland Waste Canal, Southwest of Central and Howard.
-
Brushing at Washington Ctr, Br., which is Southeast of Jefferson and Clara
-
Pipeline Repair at Little Houghton Canal, which is Southwest of Belmont and Monroe
-
Gate Repair at Thompson Canal at Barstow and Jameson.
-
The district poured a concrete pad and constructed flume support columns at Gould Canal, Northeast of Shields and DeWolf.
The district prepares for a crop survey and a separate survey assessing structures such as pipes and others.
The District organized a cleanup last week in Mill Canal near McKinley Avenue, in line with efforts to mitigate homeless encampments.
On administrative matters, Special Project Manager Kassy Chauhan updated the board about the outreach efforts of the Kings River Conservation District External Affairs Committee.
On the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Proposition 69 grant, an agreement was executed and received on August 4.
For North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency (NKGSA), permits have increased to 226 since January 2021. They are working for a drought resource messaging for growers available in various languages.
Chauhan gave updates about the member agency mitigation responsibility. The Advisory Committee will consider the Final Draft Policy on August 13.
NKGSA will consider groundwater impacts with Fresno State and the International Water District, while seepage losses and displacement were primary concerns.
Director Beberian maintained that the memorandum by the Advisory Committee was “unrealistic.” Chauhan reiterated that the memorandum is “just a tool” for projects, and what matters are the “actual groundwater levels.”
In the Special Project Manager Update, Chauhan said that regarding Prop 218, an ad hoc committee met on July 7. A workshop will be on August 13, which will identify FID’s unmet needs.
The district plans to enlist a financial consultant for long-term planning. A review of FID rules and regulations is ongoing.
On Stream Group, the district is considering Section 7001 and other feasibility studies to improve channels.
On regulatory affairs, Chauhan said that the District is pushing for irrigation land fees as “low as possible,” despite the terms of the Kings Water Alliance.
The Kings Water Alliance has paid for isotopes studies to figure out the source of the nitrates.
On August 13, 2021, the California State Water Resources Control Board approved emergency curtailment orders at the Delta Watershed, supported by Friant Water District.
On August 10, the Senate approved the Federal Infrastructure Act, which covers $8.3 billion for Western water infrastructure, $3.3 billion for wildfire, and $2.1 billion for ecosystem restoration. The act is awaiting House approval.
The Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 (Senate Bill 914) will allot $55 billion on water and wastewater “municipal” projects.
The Kings River Water Association Legislative Committee supported a “common language” in the Airborne Snow Observatory (ASO) brief document.
In July, SB 129 was passed, which included $100 million for fixing Friant Canal.
The San Joaquin Valley Water Collaborative Action Plan will hold an in-person workshop in Fresno State to provide “valuable” information for Washington officials during the fall.
On public relations, the new edition of the Waterways Newsletter will be available next month.
On COVID, Assistant General Manager for Administration September Singh said that FID would be closed to the public, while staff in the office who are unvaccinated are required to mask indoors.
Senate Bill 95, which gives one-time supplemental leave, will expire on September 30, 2021. The California Department of Public Health orders has placed healthcare worker vaccine requirements.
Two preferred provider organization (PPO) plans, PERS Care and PERS Choice, merged.
She reported two entrants, five new hires, four separations, two transfers, and one retired staff.
General manager Bill Stretch objected to the annexations made by Tranquility Resource Conservation District (RCD). In Sierra RCD, he argued for removing items relating to water.
In the closed session, the board discussed the following items as follows.
-
Conference with Legal Counsel – Pending Litigation Government Code §54956.9(d)(1).
The Board will meet in closed session to confer with counsel regarding State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights, KRWA Petition for Change Re License No. 11521.
-
Conference with Legal Counsel – Pending Litigation Government Code §54956.9(d)(1).
The Board will meet in closed session to confer with counsel regarding State Water Resources Control Board, Petitions to Revoke or Revise the Declaration of Fully Appropriated Stream Systems concerning the Kings River System.
-
Conference with Legal Counsel – Pending Litigation Government Code §54956.9(d)(1).
The Board will meet in closed session to confer with counsel regarding State Water Resources Control Board, Semitropic Improvement District of Semitropic Water Storage District v. Kings River Water Association et al.; Complaint in Support of Petition to Revise and Revoke Declaration of Fully Appropriated Stream System for the Kings River.
-
Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Government Code 54956.9(d)(2) between FID and the City of Fresno/Lance-Kashian & Company.
Board will meet in closed session to confer with counsel on potential litigation gave Lance-Kashian & Company’s encroachment into FID’s Harris Deed ROW, and the City of Fresno’s allowing said encroachment with knowledge of the nature of FID’s senior interest and recorded interests.
-
Conference with Legal Counsel – Government Code 54956.8. involving the potential: (1) use of District facilities, canals, and pipelines, and including the potential lease/purchase/ sale/transfer or exchange of real property or real property interests in connection with groundwater banking facilities, basins, easements; and (2) the Board is granting of authority to its negotiators to begin the process of negotiating the scope, water sources, price and terms for new or renegotiated water supply, water conveyance or cooperative agreements between the District and smaller individual Fresno County agencies, municipalities or communities (including but not limited to Kerman, Biola, Pinedale, Malaga, and other Fresno County within FID) providing for the use of the District’s conveyance system similar to the District’s contractual water supply and other contractual arrangements with the cities of Fresno and Clovis.
Negotiating parties for FID: Bill Stretch, Adam Claes, and Jeff Boswell
Negotiating parties for Cities: City Managers, City Engineers, City Attorneys, and others designated by these Cities as well as general managers, mayors, agency officers, public utility directors, etc., for smaller Fresno County agencies, municipalities, or communities to engage with FID negotiators for the use of FID infrastructure, canals, groundwater banking sites, basins, infrastructure, easements, etc.
Under negotiation: Price and terms Property APN(s): Affects existing FID canals, pipelines, structures, recharge basins (Waldron, Lambrecht, Boswell, SW banking facility, etc.), existing and planned (Wagner, and others) as well as potential basins proximate to small cities looking for groundwater recharge basin locations to lease, purchase, joint venture or develop with the District’s help.
-
Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Government Code 54956.9(d)(2).
Damage Claim to Real and Personal Property Filed by Turner’s Auto Wrecking (Singh)
-
Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Government Code 54956.9(d)(2).
Potential Litigation – damage to District Canal Property
The meeting ended at 5:16 pm. The board will be meeting in person on Thursday, September 9, 2021, from 3:00 pm at 2907 S Maple Avenue Fresno, CA 93725.
If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at Documenters-admin@thefresnoland.com with “Correction Request” in the subject line.
