HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-13 TAC PacketPage 1 of 3
UKIAH VALLEY BASIN
GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting
AGENDA
Civic Center ♦ 300 Seminary Avenue, Conference Room #3 ♦ Ukiah, CA 95482
310 Spyglass Parkway ♦ Vallejo, CA 94591
To participate or view the virtual meeting, go to the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89520774769
Or you can call in using your telephone only:
• Call (toll free) 1-888-788-0099
• Enter the Access Code: 895 2077 4769
• To Raise Hand enter *9
• To Speak after being recognized: enter *6 to unmute yourself
May 13, 2026 - 1:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
1.a. AB 2449 Notifications and Considerations
1.b. Introduction of New Committee Members Erin Formaker, Mendocino Country Resource
Conservation District and Jared Walker, City of Ukiah Water Resources Department.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
The Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Technical Advisory Committee welcomes input from the audience. If
there is a matter of business on the agenda that you are interested in, you may address the Committee when this matter is
considered. If you wish to speak on a matter that is not on this agenda that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the
Technical Advisory Committee, you may do so at this time. In order for everyone to be heard, please limit your comments to
three (3) minutes per person and not more than ten (10) minutes per subject. The Brown Act regulations do not allow action to
be taken on audience comments in which the subject is not listed on the agenda.
4. BUSINESS ITEMS
4.a. Update on the Upper Russian River Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem (GDE) and
Interconnected Surface Water Study (ISW) Project Funded by the California Department of Fish
and Wildlife Grant.
Recommended Action: Receive update.
4.b. Review and Discuss the Stantec Technical Memo Relating to Governing Document
Amendments and Make Any Associated Recommendations to Staff.
Recommended Action: Give direction to staff to complete final drafts of targeted amendments to
the Bylaws, JPA, and TAC MOU for formal Board consideration and adoption.
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Attachments:
1. UVBGSA Governance and Operations Document Review Memo_2026-02-02
2. GSA governing docs
4.c. Update on the Department of Water Resources (DWR)'s Groundwater Sustainability Plan 2027
Periodic Evaluation.
Recommended Action: Receive update.
4.d. Status and Update of the Well Inventory Phase II Project.
Recommended Action: Receive update.
4.e. Consideration of the Establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to Identify and Develop Proposition
4 Project Opportunities.
Recommended Action: Establish an Ad Hoc Committee comprised of two TAC members to work
with staff in identifying, prioritizing, and developing potential Proposition 4 (Prop 4) project
opportunities that provide measurable benefits to the Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater
Sustainability Agency (UVBGSA).
5. STAFF AND PARTNER UPDATES
5.a. Status Update and Discussion on Russian River Watershed Resilience Pilot- Sonoma Water.
5.b. Update and Demonstration on the Bureau of Reclamation 2024 Grant.
5.c. Presentation and Update Regarding Next Steps for the Facilitation Support Services (FSS)
Agreement Work Via the Department of Water Resources and Stantec Consultants, and Discuss
Potential Joint Meeting with the Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency
(UVBGSA) Board in July.
6. GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT
6.a. Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (UVBGSA/GSA) General Manager
Update.
Attachments:
1. General Manager Report 5 -13-2026
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
The following items listed are considered routine and will be enacted by a single motion and roll call vote by the UVBGSA
Technical Advisory Committee. Items may be removed from the Consent Calendar upon request of a Commissioner or a citizen
in which event the item will be considered at the completion of all other items on the agenda. The motion by the Commissioners
on the Consent Calendar will approve and make findings in accordance with Staff recommendations.
7.a. Approval of the Minutes for the February 11, 2026, TAC Regular Meeting.
Recommended Action: Approve of the Minutes for the February 11, 2026, TAC Regular Meeting.
Attachments:
1. 2026-02-11 TAC Draft Minutes
8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS AND SET NEXT MEETING DATE
8.a. Discussion and Consideration of Future Agenda Items and Scheduling of Next Meeting Date
with Meeting to be Held at the County of Mendocino, Conference Room #B, 501 Low Gap Rd.,
Ukiah, CA 95482, at 1:00 p.m.
Recommended Action: Discuss and get consensus to hold the next regular meeting on October 7,
2026, or another day of the Members' choosing.
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Attachments:
1. 2026 TAC Agenda Forecasting
9. ADJOURNMENT
Please be advised that the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to the Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) needs to
be notified 24 hours in advance of a meeting if any specific accommodations or interpreter services are needed in order for you to attend. TAC
complies with ADA requirements and will attempt to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities upon request. Materials related to an
item on this Agenda submitted to the TAC Commissioners after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at the front
counter at the Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, CA 95482, during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to
5:00 pm. Any handouts or presentation materials from the public must be submitted to the clerk 48 hours in advance of the meeting; for
handouts, please include 10 copies.
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda was posted on the bulletin board at
the main entrance of the City of Ukiah City Hall, located at 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California; and at 501 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah, CA 95482;
not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting set forth on this agenda.
Kristine Lawler, CMC/CPMC
Dated: 5/8/26
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Agenda Item No: 4.a.
MEETING DATE/TIME: 5/13/2026
ITEM NO: 2026-800
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT:Update on the Upper Russian River Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem (GDE) and
Interconnected Surface Water Study (ISW) Project Funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Grant.
PREPARED BY: Maya Simerson, Senior Management Analyst
PRESENTER: Audra Bardsley, Larry Walker Associates
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Summary:
This item provides an update on the Upper Russian River GDE and ISW Study, with emphasis on activities
completed since the February 11, 2026 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting. Recent efforts have
focused on outreach and coordination, site prioritization and reconnaissance, landowner engagement, and
early preparation for monitoring implementation. This update is informational only; no action is requested.
Background:
The Upper Russian River GDE and ISW Study is being implemented by the Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater
Sustainability Agency with funding from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife under Grant No.
Q2496105. The study is intended to improve understanding of groundwater–surface water interactions and
groundwater dependent ecosystems to support SGMA implementation.
At the February 11, 2026 TAC meeting, staff and consultants provided an overview of study objectives,
preliminary analytical work, and anticipated next steps, including development of a site prioritization
framework, outreach to stakeholders and Tribes, and initiation of reconnaissance activities.
Discussion:
Since the February 11, 2026 TAC meeting, the project team has advanced study implementation through
coordinated technical analysis, outreach, and site preparation activities. Following a public webinar in January
2026, outreach efforts were expanded in February 2026 through participation in a Mendocino Lake Sonoma
Tribal Environmental Partnership (MLSTEP) Stream Team meeting, supporting information sharing and
discussion of optional Tribal participation pathways.
The technical team finalized and applied a multi-factor site prioritization framework—previously reviewed and
approved by the TAC—to evaluate tributaries, the Russian River mainstem, and the West Fork. Field
reconnaissance was conducted in March 2026 at prioritized tributary locations and along the Russian River
mainstem and West Fork to ground-truth desktop findings, with participation by fisheries biology, herpetology,
and geomorphology specialists.
Field reconnaissance and outreach activities have been accompanied by landowner coordination. To date,
three site access agreements have been executed for publicly owned properties along the Russian River
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mainstem and Russian River West Fork. The technical team is currently in discussions with additional private
landowners regarding potential participation along several high-priority tributaries.
Other activities have included review of existing groundwater sensor datasets to identify wells responsive to
river stage fluctuations, evaluation of candidate wells for potential sensor installation, coordination with the City
of Ukiah and the Ukiah Valley Water Authority, and initial procurement planning for anticipated shallow
monitoring well installations.
Recommended Action: Receive update.
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Agenda Item No: 4.b.
MEETING DATE/TIME: 5/13/2026
ITEM NO: 2026-802
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT:Review and Discuss the Stantec Technical Memo Relating to Governing Document Amendments
and Make Any Associated Recommendations to Staff.
PREPARED BY: Maya Simerson, Senior Management Analyst
PRESENTER: Maya Simerson
ATTACHMENTS:
1. UVBGSA Governance and Operations Document Review Memo_2026-02-02
2. GSA governing docs
Summary:Review and discuss the Stantec Technical Memo relating to governing document amendments &
discuss a potential joint meeting with the Board in July.
Background:
The Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (UVBGSA) requested a technical memorandum
from Stantec to evaluate the Agency’s governing documents, including the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA), the
agency's Bylaws, and the Technical Advisory Committee's (TAC) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This
review was undertaken to identify opportunities to improve clarity, consistency, and alignment with best
practices for Groundwater Sustainability Agencies operating under the Sustainable Groundwater Management
Act. See the full memo in Attachment #1.
The Stantec memo identifies several areas where the documents could be strengthened, including:
• Defining eligibility, appointment processes, and continuing qualifications for Board and TAC members;
• Establishing term lengths and/or setting limits to holding consecutive positions;
• Formalizing TAC leadership roles such as Chair and Vice-Chair;
• Clarifying the TAC’s authority to form ad hoc working groups;
• Providing more specificity regarding meeting logistics and public noticing requirements consistent with
the Ralph M. Brown Act; and
• Clarifying how the TAC develops recommendations to the Board and responds to Board direction.
The memo also identifies the need to replace the Upper Russian River Watershed Authority with the Ukiah
Valley Water Agency, and it points to an inconsistency between the JPA and TAC MOU related to TAC
membership, specifically regarding the role of the California Land Stewardship Institute (CLSI) needing to be
added.
Discussion:
Staff has begun incorporating the recommendations from the Stantec memo into draft amendments to the
Bylaws, the JPA and the TAC MOU, see attachment #2. Staff has also considered the alternative option of
developing a standalone TAC Charter to address governance and procedural details.
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Key policy considerations for the Board and TAC include:
• Whether to amend the existing TAC MOU or develop a separate TAC Charter;
• How to formally define TAC membership, including resolution of the inconsistency related to CLSI
participation;
• The appropriate level of structure for TAC terms, leadership roles, and meeting procedures; and
• How best to formalize the process for TAC recommendations and responses to Board direction.
Staff recommends that the TAC provide direction to proceed with targeted amendments to the existing
governing documents—including the Bylaws, Joint Powers Agreement (JPA), and Technical Advisory
Committee (TAC) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)—to incorporate the recommendations identified in
the Stantec technical memorandum. The redline changes proposed for these three documents can be
referenced in Attachment #2.
Staff further recommends not pursuing development of a standalone TAC Charter at this time. While a
Charter could provide a consolidated framework for TAC procedures, it would introduce an additional
governing document, which may create redundancy, increase administrative complexity, and require ongoing
coordination across multiple documents. Amending the existing documents instead maintains a more
streamlined and cohesive governance structure.
In summary, Staff recommends that the TAC provide policy direction on the key considerations outlined above
and authorize staff to return with final draft amendments to the Bylaws, JPA, and TAC MOU to be presented
to the Board for consideration and adoption.
Recommended Action: Give direction to staff to complete final drafts of targeted amendments to the Bylaws,
JPA, and TAC MOU for formal Board consideration and adoption.
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To: Blake Adams
City of Ukiah, Ukiah Valley Basin
Groundwater Sustainability Agency
From: Marisa Perez-Reyes, Nicole
Hinostroza, and Bridget Lowry
Stantec Consulting Services Inc;
Sacramento, CA
File: Technical Memorandum:
Governance and Operational
Document Review
Date: February 2, 2026
Dear Blake Adams,
Per your request, Stantec has prepared a technical memorandum with options for potential revisions to
the Ukiah Valley Basin GSA’s governance and operational documents. The technical memorandum
outlines areas that may benefit from an update to enhance alignment and efficiency during
implementation of the Ukiah Valley Basin’s Groundwater Sustainability Plan. When appropriate,
alternative text and/or suggestions for revisions are also offered. Key areas that are addressed in the
analysis include:
•GSA Board Composition
•Designation of GSA Board Member Alternates
•GSA Board Meeting Attendance
•Removal of a GSA Member Agency or Board Director
•GSA Board Member Terms and Vacancies
•Composition and Requirements of the Technical Advisory Committee
•Clarifying the GSA Administration Role and Responsibilities
•Incorporating Changes and Updates from Board Resolutions
•Incorporating Information from the Compliance Checklist
•JPA Amendment Process
•Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management
•Clarification of Financial Powers
•Opportunities for Improving Communication and Engagement
•Next Steps for Aligning ISP 79 Activities
We hope the enclosed technical memorandum is helpful to your planning regarding potential updates to
UVBGSA’s governing and operational documents, and welcome further discussion. Please do not
hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you may have.
Regards,
Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
AGENDA ITEM 4b - ATTACHMENT 1
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Technical Memorandum
Ukiah Valley Basin GSA
Governance and Operational Document Review
Considerations for Potential Revisions to Enhance
Alignment and Efficiency During GSP Implementation
Date: February 2, 2026
Prepared by:
Marisa Perez-Reyes
Nicole Hinostroza
Bridget Lowry
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Table of Contents
Acronyms and Abbreviations: .................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 4
GSA Board Composition ........................................................................................................................... 5
Designation of GSA Board Member Alternates ......................................................................................... 5
GSA Board Meeting Attendance ............................................................................................................... 5
Removal of a GSA Member Agency or Board Director ............................................................................. 6
GSA Board Member Terms and Vacancies .............................................................................................. 6
Composition and Requirements of the Technical Advisory Committee .................................................... 6
Clarifying the GSA Administration Role and Responsibilities ................................................................... 7
Incorporating Changes and Updates from Board Resolutions .................................................................. 7
Incorporating Information from the Compliance Checklist ........................................................................ 8
JPA Amendment Process.......................................................................................................................... 8
Dispute Resolution And Conflict Management .......................................................................................... 9
Clarification of Financial Powers ............................................................................................................... 9
Opportunities for Improving Communication and Engagement ................................................................ 9
Next Steps: Aligning ISP 79 Activities with Governance Improvements ................................................... 9
Appendix A. GSA GovernaNce Checklist Gaps and Corresponding Options for Addressing .................... 11
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS:
California Land Stewardship Institute (CLSI)
Facilitation Support Services (FSS)
Implementation Service Plan (ISP)
Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA)
Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP)
Joint Powers Agreement (JPA)
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Mendocino County Resource Conservation District (MCRCD)
Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control and Water Conservation District (RRFC)
Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA)
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (UVBGSA)
Ukiah Valley Water Authority (UVWA)
Upper Russian River Water Agency (URRWA)
This memorandum was prepared by Stantec at the request of the Ukiah Valley Basin GSA, with support
from the California Department of Water Resources, Facilitation Support Services (FSS) Program,
Implementation Service Plan (ISP) No. 79.
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INTRODUCTION
This technical memorandum, Governance and Operational Document Review, was prepared by Stantec
at the request of the Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (UVBGSA, GSA).
UVBGSA is made up of four member agencies: the City of Ukiah, County of Mendocino, Russian River
Flood Control and Water Conservation District (RRFC) and the Upper Russian River Water Agency
(URRWA), joined together in Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) to develop and implement the Ukiah Valley
Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). The GSA is governed by a six-member Board of Directors,
advised by a nine-member Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and administered by the City of Ukiah.
The original Ukiah Valley Basin governance documents were drafted during the GSA’s formation and
created the structure that supported the Basin’s GSP development and adoption. The work of the GSA
has now shifted to implementation of the GSP. Given the evolving nature of the GSA’s work, a review of
its guiding documents is appropriate. The goal of the review is to identify potential revisions that would
enhance alignment with Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) requirements, reflect the
agency’s existing practices, and highlight opportunities for efficiency.
The technical memorandum lists the documents Stantec reviewed and outlines areas that may benefit
from an update. Stantec consulted with the GSA to track existing governance documents to ensure that
all relevant documents were reviewed. When appropriate, alternative text and/or suggestions for revisions
are also offered. During this review, particular attention was given to the GSA’s JPA requirements and
Bylaws that support the formation and function of the Ukiah GSA and supporting agencies and
discussions with the GSA Administrator on the GSA’s current challenges and opportunities.
Reviewed documents included the following:
• 2017 Ukiah Valley Basin GSA Joint Powers Agreement (JPA)
• 2017 Ukiah Valley Basin GSA Bylaws
• 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the GSA, Mendocino County Resource
Conservation District (MCRCD), Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA), and the California Land
Stewardship Institute (CLSI) establishing the Ukiah Valley Basin Technical Advisory Committee
(TAC)
• 2022 Ukiah Valley Basin GSA Communications and Engagement Update
• Ukiah Valley Basin GSA Administrative Processes Document
• Ukiah Valley Basin GSA Governance Compliance Checklist
• February 2025 email communications between Indigo Bannister (West Yost, previously
contracted GSA administrator) and UVBGSA legal counsel regarding potential JPA amendments
• Board Resolutions:
o No. 23-01 Decisions Between Board Meetings
o No. 23-03 Ukiah Valley Basin GSA Procurement Processes
o No. 24-01 Adopting New Governance Policies
o No. 24-02 GM Spending Authority
o No. 24-03 Adopting Social Media Policy
This memorandum identifies several governance and operational gaps, potential challenges, and
opportunities for enhancements. Options for revisions to the JPA, Bylaws, or other associated governance
and operational documents are also offered. Key challenges or opportunities are grouped and offer
corresponding options the GSA may consider to address them.
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GSA BOARD COMPOSITION
The 2017 JPA was signed by four member agencies: the City of Ukiah, the County of Mendocino, the
Russian River Flood Control and Water Conservation District (RRFC) and the Upper Russian River Water
Agency (URRWA). URRWA has since disbanded and will therefore no longer be a member of the GSA. A
new water agency in the region, the Ukiah Valley Water Authority (UVWA), has formed and is anticipated
to be added as a member agency to the GSA. To address this change, the GSA should:
• Update the JPA to remove references to URRWA and to add UVWA as a member agency.
• Update Section 7.1.3 of the JPA to describe the relationship between UVWA and the City of
Ukiah.
The GSA might also consider adding a Domestic Well User Stakeholder Director position to allow for
representation from this beneficial user group.
DESIGNATION OF GSA BOARD MEMBER ALTERNATES
JPA Section 7.4 states, “Each Member may also appoint one (1) Alternate Director to the Board of
Directors, and an Alternate Director shall be appointed for each Stakeholder Director”. This language can
be interpreted to mean that Alternates are optional for Member Agencies but are required for the
Stakeholder Directors. The Bylaws provide this clarification by stating, “Each Member Agency is
responsible for appointing a Board Member and an Alternate Board Member, pursuant to its own
procedures and authorities.” Aligning the JPA with this language will ensure consistency across
governance documents and reduce confusion. To avoid ambiguity, the GSA could:
• Revise Section 7.4 of the JPA to clearly state the expectation that an Alternate be appointed for
every Director seat.
In contrast to Bylaws Section 2.2.4, which outlines the process for the Board to appoint the Agricultural
Stakeholder Director and Alternate, Section 2.2.3 does not include language about the process for
appointing an Alternate for the Tribal Stakeholder Director position. To address this, the GSA could:
• Add language to Section 2.2.3 to clarify expectations for how an Alternate for the Tribal
Stakeholder Representative will be determined.
This issue is especially pertinent given challenges that have surfaced in recent years with reaching
quorum at GSA Board meetings. Establishing Alternates may support achieving quorum in cases when
not all Members are able to attend.
GSA BOARD MEETING ATTENDANCE
To further address issues in attendance and meeting quorum, the GSA could also consider adding
language to the JPA and/or Bylaws that outlines expectations for meeting attendance and sets a process
for managing excessive absences. Example text could include:
• The expectation that Boad Directors attend and actively participate in all Board meetings ,
• Encouragement of Alternate Directors to attend meetings to stay informed of Board actions and
developments,
• Expectation that Board Directors notify their Alternates to participate at a Board meeting on their
behalf in the event that a Director is unable to attend, and/or
• A process for declaring a vacancy on the Board if neither the Director or Alternate attends a
certain number of consecutive Board meetings or a certain number of meetings within a year.
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REMOVAL OF A GSA MEMBER AGENCY OR BOARD DIRECTOR
Currently, Section 7.6 of the JPA outlines the terms for removal of a Board Member (noting that Member
Agency Directors may be removed or replaced by their appointing Member Agency at any time, and
Stakeholder Directors may be removed or reappointed by a simple majority vote of the GSA Board) and
Article 17 describes policies for voluntary withdrawal of a GSA Member Agency, but neither specify what
would constitute grounds for involuntary termination of a member agency. The GSA may wish to develop
a policy that establishes clear procedures for Board Members and Member Agencies , in the event of
absenteeism, failure to pay dues, and/or unethical/improper conduct. Options to address this could
include:
• Revise Section 7.6 of the JPA to outline the action(s) the Board may take in response to violations
of attendance, financial obligations, or conduct requirements such as a issuing written warnings
to the Director or Alternate and Member Agency, outlining corrective steps and timelines, and if
noncompliance persists, a process to recommending removal of the Director or Alternate.
• Revise Article 17 of the JPA to specify what measures would constitute the removal of a Member
Agency from the GSA, such as absenteeism, failure to pay dues, and/or unethical/improper
conduct, as well as the measures that would be taken to notify the Member Agency of the GSA’s
intent to terminate, with corrective actions and timelines to comply, as appropriate.
GSA BOARD MEMBER TERMS AND VACANCIES
The GSA has expressed a desire to include additional policies to address vacancies on the Board of
Directors due to expiration of terms. Currently, Section 7.7 of the JPA states that when vacancies occur
on the Board of Directors, a replacement should be appointed to fill the unexpired term of the previous
Board Member. Upon the vacancy of a Member Director, the Alternate Director shall the n serve as
Director until a new Director is appointed. Currently, there is a gap in procedure for cases where a
Director’s term has expired but there are no qualified candidates to assume the role and in what case a
Director might serve an additional term. To provide further clarity around member terms, the GSA might:
• Revise the JPA and/or Bylaws to allow Directors and Alternates Directors with expiring terms to
hold office until their successor is selected by their Member Agency, and the GSA has been
notified of the succession. If a Director or Alternate Director’s term is expiring and there are no
qualified candidates for the open seat, they may continue to hold office until a qualified
replacement is appointed and assumes the role.
• Amend Section 7.5 of the JPA to add more specificity regarding rules for Board member term
limits, conditions for consecutive terms, and clarify that all Director terms are concurrent. The
section should also state that when a new Director is appointed mid-term, they serve the
remainder of the exiting term rather than starting a new term.
• Update the JPA and/or Bylaws to state a Director may resign at any time upon written notice to
the GSA, including any timing considerations for the notice of resignation .
COMPOSITION AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
A 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established the UVBGSA Technical Advisory Committee
(TAC) and includes general information about the TAC’s purpose, composition, and general functions.
However, a detailed Charter for the TAC does not exist and the level of detail that many TAC Charters
would typically list does not exist in the MOU. Among the components not detailed in the MOU are:
• Eligibility and continuing qualifications to serve as a representative on the TAC and nomination or
application processes,
• TAC member term lengths or limits,
• Committee roles (e.g., chair, vice-chair),
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• Authority to convene ad hoc groups on specific topics,
• Location, time, and frequency of TAC meetings, and the location where meeting agendas are
posted per the requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act, and
• Detail about how recommendations are made from the TAC to the Board and how the TAC
responds to directives from the Board to advise on certain topics.
To document this information, the GSA could either:
• Amend the TAC MOU to include details consistent with the above listed components, or
• Develop and adopt a TAC Charter that includes the relevant details.
Additionally, there is an inconsistency in how the UVBGSA JPA and TAC MOU describe TAC membership.
Both state that the TAC will be comprised of at least one representative from each member agency, one
Agricultural Stakeholder representative, one Tribal Stakeholder representative, one member representing
SCWA, and one representing the MCRCD. However, the MOU also indicates tha t a representative from
CLSI will participate in the TAC. The GSA could address the inconsistency by:
• Updating the JPA to include CLSI as a member of the TAC.
CLARIFYING THE GSA ADMINISTRATION ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The GSA’s governing documents are not consistent in how they refer to the GSA’s Administrator/
Executive Director/ General Manager, nor is the scope of responsibilities abundantly clear. At the time of
the GSA’s formation, Article 13 of the JPA allowed the Board of Directors to hire an Executive Director
who would serve as the Chief Administrative Officer of the GSA and would be responsible for the proper
and efficient administration of the GSA and hold all the powers designated in the Bylaws. However, the
Bylaws reference the Executive Director only once and do not provide further detail on the roles and
responsibilities of this position. More current Board Resolutions consistently refer to a GSA General
Manager—a role that is not defined in the JPA or Bylaws. Options to address this include:
• Update Article 1 of the JPA to state that “Executive Director” and “GSA General Manager” are
used interchangeably to refer to the same position.
• Update the Article 4 of the Bylaws to include a section on the roles and responsibilities of the
Executive Director and to add a clause that states “Executive Director” and “GSA General
Manager” are used interchangeably to refer to the same position.
UVBGSA contracted with West Yost consultants to perform the role of Executive Director from 2022-2024.
In 2025, the City of Ukiah assumed the administrative duties for managing the GSA and worked with West
Yost to outline a UVB Administrative Process document describing the administrative duties of the GSA
Executive Director. To reduce ambiguity and better align the documents, the GSA might:
• Add a section to the Bylaws that describes the role and responsibilities of the Executive Director,
using information from the UVB Administrative Process document.
INCORPORATING CHANGES AND UPDATES FROM BOARD RESOLUTIONS
Numerous resolutions have been approved by the Board that could be incorporated in the GSA Bylaws.
Options to update the Bylaws include:
• Add a new section to incorporate Resolution No. 23-01, which established an alternative process
for policy decisions requiring urgent action.
• Update Article 2 to include policies adopted under Resolution No. 24-01 and 24-03, which
address social media use by the Board and the expectations and appropriate use of GSA
property and resources by Directors.
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• Update Section 7.3, which directs the GSA to use the County of Mendocino’s procurement
process, standard contract, legal review, and contract administration, to reference Resolution No.
23-03, which allows the GSA to adopt their own GSA procurement policies.
• Update Article 10 to incorporate the governance policies adopted under Resolution No. 24-01,
which established the “Document Retention and Destruction Policy.”
• Update Article 11, which expresses the GSA’s intent to develop Ethics and Conflict of Interest
policies, to reference Resolution No. 24-01 which formally adopted a new Conflict of Interest
Code and Code of Ethics.
• Update Article 7 to incorporate the GM’s spending authority adopted under Resolution 24-02.
INCORPORATING INFORMATION FROM THE COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST
The Ukiah Valley Basin GSA Governance Compliance Checklist outlines compliance requirements,
recommended SGMA best practices and suggested policies for future consideration that serve as an
internal resource for the GSA Administrator to determine missing policies, procedures, and processes in
governance. In some instances, the GSA may consider incorporating relevant practices into its JPA and
Bylaws or passing a Board Resolution to formally adopt and document the policies.
Across multiple checklist categories, the GSA lacks fully documented and consistent processes related to
training requirements and onboarding procedures for different roles. The checklist also identifies gaps in
reporting and disclosure procedures expected from elected officials and decision-makers. To address
these governance gaps, the GSA may consider the following:
• Pass a Board Resolution that formally documents required trainings, standardizes the onboarding
process, and lists reporting and disclosure expectations from GSA members, elected officials,
and staff, or
• Amend the Bylaws to formally document the same items.
Similarly, the Compliance Checklist states that periodic financial reports should be prepared by a certified
public accountant and lists elements the report should address. An option to provide further clarity would
be to:
• Amend Article 12.1 to reflect the new entity assuming the Treasurer and Controller role and to
include the best practices of processes for financial reporting.
See Appendix A for the complete summary of gaps identified in the Compliance Checklist and how these
items could be incorporated into existing or new governance documents.
JPA AMENDMENT PROCESS
The JPA does not currently outline a formal process for adopting an amendment to the JPA. Language to
add to the JPA could include:
• Information about the process required for a member agency to provide formal written notice if
they intend to withdraw from the Agreement, including timing considerations for when the
agency’s withdrawal is considered effective and the agency is no longer considered a “Member”
of the GSA, per § 17.1 of the agreement.
• Information about the number of Board members that must consent for an amendment to the JPA
to be considered.
• Expand upon § 18.7 of the Agreement to include how the amended JPA would be circulated to
obtain signatures from existing Members.
• Procedures expected for individual member agencies to adopt the amended JPA, if any.
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• Timing considerations for when the amendment would take effect and when copies of the
amendment must be sent to the Secretary of State’s Office and Controller’s Office.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Currently, the GSA does not have a clearly established process for resolving disputes between Members
of the JPA. The GSA should consider adding a new section to the JPA to address roles and
responsibilities for conflict dispute resolution. Considerations may include:
• Information about which party is responsible for attempting to resolve any issues that should arise
between Member Agencies or Directors, through coordination of informal negotiations, facilitation
of communication, and assistance to members to reach a resolution.
• Options available for the GSA to engage a mediator or arbitrator to assist in reaching a resolution,
if the GSA is not able to resolve the matter informally.
CLARIFICATION OF FINANCIAL POWERS
Since the formation of the GSA, the role of Mendocino County has changed. Areas that may warrant
attention include:
• Article 12 of the JPA and Bylaws Section 6.3, which states that the Mendocino County shall act as
Treasurer and Controller for the GSA. To reflect current practices, the GSA should revise these
sections to remove mention of Mendocino County and add language stating that the GSA Board
may appoint any Member to the role of Treasurer and Controller upon a simple majority vote.
• Article 6.3.2.1 of the Bylaws, which directs Mendocino County to conduct or coordinate an
Independent Audit, among other sections that assign duties to the County, may need to be
revisited.
Lastly, GSA Legal Counsel indicated to the previous administrator, West Yost, that the GSA may wish to
clarify how GSA fees might be administered. In email communications from earlier this year, Legal
Counsel recommended the GSA add language to Article 7 of the JPA to clarify which Member agencies
can administer fees and within which geographic jurisdictions. Without further context, Stantec cannot
make a recommendation as to how this comment should be considered.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVING COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT
In 2022, Stantec prepared an update to the GSA’s Communication and Engagement Plan which identified
recommendations for improved outreach and engagement with Tribes and other Stakeholder groups.
Some recommendations for the GSA to consider include:
• Shifting GSA Board and TAC meeting times that take place outside of business hours to allow for
more participation from members of the public.
• Allowing hybrid participation in Board and TAC meetings to allow for increased participation .
• Tribes have requested separate meetings amongst UVBGSA staff and Tribal Representatives.
The GSA could consider allowing these types of meetings to be held or directly engaging with
trusted community partners to increase Tribal participation.
If the GSA were to implement any recommendation from the C&E plan, it would be a good practice to
ensure that the JPA or Bylaws are updated to reflect changes.
NEXT STEPS: ALIGNING ISP 79 ACTIVITIES WITH GOVERNANCE IMPROVEMENTS
This memorandum includes options for amending the UVBGSA JPA, Bylaws, TAC MOU, and other
relevant operational/administrative resources. We hope this memo will help support the GSA
Administrator and UVBGSA legal counsel as they prepare as-needed amendments to these documents.
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In addition to providing considerations for changes to these documents, Stantec anticipates this
governance and operational document review memo can help inform the other governance, operational,
and strategic planning activities included in ISP 79:
• TAC Charter/MOU Amendment – ISP 79 includes scope to prepare a redline amendment of the
TAC Charter, pending outcomes from this activity. The scope of work in the ISP would need to be
updated and clarified, because the TAC has an MOU that functions as a Charter rather than an
existing Charter. Based on the GSA’s review of this technical memorandum, Stantec could likely
support the preparation of an amendment to the MOU or the development of a new charter.
• Operations Plan – ISP 79 includes scope to prepare an Operations Plan describing the roles
and responsibilities of the various entities involved in governing, advising, or administering the
UVBGSA. This memo can help identify areas where greater operational clarity is needed, and
therefore facilitate a discussion with the GSA Administrator or other GSA supports about
UVBGSA processes.
• Strategic Plan – Lastly, the ISP includes support for preparation of a Strategic Plan, to articulate
UVBGSA’s vision and long- and short-term goals. Stantec will conduct a series of interviews with
TAC members and interested parties and summarize interview findings in a presentation to the
Board and TAC and receive direction on items to prioritize in the development of the Strategic
Plan. Some of the questions raised for GSA consideration raised in this memo may be useful to
review during interviews or with the GSA Board.
FSS support is not limited to activities currently scoped in ISP 79. If the GSA identifies areas where
additional support may be useful for carrying out options identified in this memorandum, the GSA is
encouraged to work with GSA and DWR to submit a request for additional services.
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APPENDIX A. GSA GOVERNANCE CHECKLIST GAPS AND CORRESPONDING OPTIONS FOR ADDRESSING
Checklist Category Existing Gap(s) Options for Addressing
Financial Practices
General – UVBGSA should, if applicable,
fully disclose both positive and negative
financial information to the public and
financial institutions including fund
summaries, revenues, expenditures, and
forecasts.
The GSA has a process in place for
financial disclosure, but the requirements
are not currently documented in the
Bylaws.
Amend Article 7 of the Bylaws to include the explicit
requirements for disclosing both positive and
negative financial information to the public and
financial institutions. The amendment could also
specify the reporting procedures and standards the
GSA must abide by.
Internal Agency Controls – Adopt internal
policies that establish a clear authorization,
approval, verification, and reconciliation
process to ensure accuracy, detect
discrepancies, and guide corrective actions.
Article 7 of the Bylaws addresses
authorizations and approvals for
transactions but does not address
reconciliation or corrective actions.
Board Resolution 24-02 provides
guidance on authority and limitations on
discretionary spending by the GSA
Administrator.
The JPA does not address the checklist
recommendation for Internal Agency
Controls.
Pass a Board Resolution or amend Article 7 of the
Bylaws to establish clearer authorization, approval,
verification, reconciliation processes, detect
discrepancies, and guide corrective actions.
Periodic Financial Reports – Financial
reports should be prepared by a certified
public accountant (CPA) in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles,
with periodic reporting to GSA officials,
disclosure of assets and liabilities, and
investment reporting presented in open
meetings
Bylaws Article 6 directs the Treasurer
and Controller (County of Mendocino) to
coordinate an independent audit by a
CPA, maintain records of assets and
liabilities accessible to the Board and
provide a quarterly Treasurer report to
the Board. It is not clear if investment
reporting is presented in open meetings.
Amend Article 12.1 of the JPA to incorporate best-
practice financial reporting such as rules and
procedures for disclosure of assets and liabilities,
and to specify the GSA’s commitment to present
investment reports in open meetings.
Budget – Adopt internal budget policies
requiring the posting of the current fiscal year
budget on the GSA website and when
applicable, establishing clear-capital
financing and debt management policies
governing consultant selection, disclosure
Article 7 and 9 of the Bylaws and Article
15 of the JPA cover budget and capital
financing and debt topics, but they do not
specify requirements for posting budgets
online.
Either through Board resolution or by amending
Article 9 to the Bylaws, include a policy debt
management that addresses how it selects external
consultants and disclosure practices and
interactions with rating service agencies.
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Checklist Category Existing Gap(s) Options for Addressing
practices and interactions with rating
agencies.
Currently, there are no policies in the
JPA or Bylaws that address debt
management related to external
consultants or disclosure practices and
interactions with rating service agencies.
Additionally, a policy to post complete fiscal year
budgets could be added to the Bylaws to properly
document administrative procedures and
requirements.
Audits – Pursuant to California law, ensure
accountability of funds through regular audits,
cooperation with state and federal audits,
independent audits within 180 days of the
year-end, posting of audit reports, rotation of
auditors, and Board review of audit results in
an open meeting.
Article 12 of the JPA directs the treasurer
and controller (County of Mendicino) to
coordinate independent audits in
compliance with Government Code
Section 6505. It does not mention
cooperation with other state or federal
audits, audits timelines, posting
requirements, rotation of auditors and
Board review of audit results in an open
meeting.
Via Board Resolution or by amending the Bylaws,
the GSA could specify required annual/biennial
independent audits, 180-day deadline post year-
end, auditor rotation, full cooperation with
state/federal audits, Board debrief in open session
and posting of audit reports.
OR
Via Board Resolution, the GSA could also consider
documenting these audit procedures in an Audit
Policy detailing roles, timelines, and public posting
requirements.
Expense Reimbursement – Implement
policies governing travel and expense
reimbursement for officials and staff,
including limits to expenses, use of
government and group rates, distribution of
policy to new personnel, consistent staff
review of compliance and independent
verification.
Though expense reimbursement is not
addressed in the JPA or Bylaws, this
may likely only be applicable to
consultants of the GSA. In those cases,
contracts cover these reimbursement
policies.
If the GSA desires to implement travel and expense
reimbursement for elected officials and staff, it could
pass a Board Resolution or amend Bylaws Article 7
to document administrative policies and
procedures.
Allowances – Adopt a policy addressing
allowances for Board members and staff,
ensuring allowances are supported by clear
documentation of their factual basis.
There are currently no policies
addressing allowances for Board and
staff members.
Pass a Board Resolution or consider amending
Article 7 of the Bylaws to address allowance
reporting and documentation and additonal
requirements for Board members and staff.
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Checklist Category Existing Gap(s) Options for Addressing
Use of GSA Resources and Equipment –
Audit policies prohibit gifts of public
resources, personal or political use of GSA
resources, improper mass mailings, and
ensuring consistent enforcement and training
for those with special access to GSA
equipment.
None. This item is addressed by
Resolution No 24-01, Exhibit A, Proper
Use, and Safeguarding UVBGSA
Property and Resources Policy.
N/A.
Procurement and Contract Rules and
Policies – Establish a transparent, agency-
wide procurement and contracting policy that
includes advertising requirements,
compliance with self-dealing and conflict-of-
interest laws, form 700 and form 805 filing,
standards for surplus-property disposal, and
adherence to competitive bidding
requirements where applicable.
Procurement processes and policies are
addressed in Board Resolution No. 23-
03. Board Resolution No. 24-01 adopted
a new Conflict of Interest Code and a
Code of Ethics which includes Form 700
filing requirements.
There are currently no policies
addressing Form 805 filing and
advertisement requirements.
Pass a Board Resolution or amend Article 7 of the
Bylaws to address advertising requirements and
Form 805 filing.
Investments and Bonds – Adopt an annual
written investment policy that provides
guidelines for the deposit and investment of
GSA funds in accordance with applicable
laws.
There is no policy speaking to annual
written investment statement
requirements.
If the GSA has investments, pass a Board
Resolution or amend Bylaws Article 9 to include the
annual written investment policy and a section
addressing investments and bonds.
Open Government
Promoting Transparency – Ensure officials
and designated staff maintain current
Form 700 Statements of Economic Interests
and adopt a policy for receiving and reporting
tickets or event admissions. in compliance
with FPPC requirements (Form 802).
Bylaws Article 6 states the Treasurer’s
duties shall include keeping and
maintaining matters included in financial
statements.
Article 6 of the Bylaws could be amended to
document the forms Board Members and staff must
submit to the Treasurer.
Public Records Act Requests and Record
Retention – Adopt policies for responding to
Public Records Act requests and establishing
a records retention schedule specifying
required retention periods, with procedures
Bylaws Article 10.3 specifies that the
Agency shall comply with California
Public Records Act.
Board Resolution 2024-01, Exhibit B:
Document Retention and Destruction
N/A.
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Checklist Category Existing Gap(s) Options for Addressing
made publicly accessible and a designated
staff roles.
Policy include a records retention
schedule and destruction procedures.
Public Engagement – Ensure compliance
with Brown Act posting requirements, adopt a
policy addressing AB 992’s limits on board
member social media use, and maintain
accessible meeting calendars, agendas,
minutes, and translated communication
materials as needed.
Both the JPA and Bylaws mention that
the governing body of the GSA is subject
to the Brown Act and must follow posting
requirements, but it does not mention the
GSAs commitment to maintain meeting
calendars, minutes, and translated
materials.
Board Resolution 2024-01 includes a
Social Media Use policy for Board
Members.
Pass a Board Resolution or amend Article 3
Meetings of the Bylaws to include the GSA’s
commitment to maintaining meeting calendars,
minutes, and translated materials.
Information about Key Elected and
Appointed Officials and Staff – Prepare the
annual Local Appointments List, maintain
updated contact and term of office
information for officials and staff on the GSA
website, post Form 806, and file required
Statements of Facts of Public Agencies with
the County Clerk and Secretary of State.
None. This need was addressed in
Resolution 2024-01, Exhibit D: Agency
Transparency and Local Appointment
List Policy
N/A.
Meetings
Policies and Procedures – Officials must
receive training on open meeting laws, roles,
and responsibilities; provide chairperson
specific training and adopt rules of
procedures for meetings.
Article 3 of the Bylaws provides details
on Board meetings and provides some
direction on open meeting laws and best
practices but does not include training on
roles and responsibility. Article 3 also
includes the roles of procedure and roles
of order for meetings.
Pass a Board Resolution or amend Bylaws Article 3
to address the required training for Board and staff
members.
Website Content – Post regular and special
meeting agendas within required Brown Act
timelines and maintain accessible online
meeting materials, including current year
agendas, minutes, calendars, and options for
None. Bylaws Article 3 addresses Brown
act timelines and reporting which
requires website agenda to be posted
but does not address the posting of other
meeting materials.
Amend Bylaws Article 3 to include the GSA
commitment to maintaining accessible online
meeting materials, including current year minutes
and calendars.
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Checklist Category Existing Gap(s) Options for Addressing
community members to receive meeting
notifications.
Decision Making
Decision Makers – Ensure timely distribution
and collection of Form 700s; adopt and
enforce a conflict-of-interest code and ethics
policy; advise officials on prohibitions against
self-dealing and relevant conflict-of-interest
boundaries; decision-makers are aware of
boundary marks with respect to their various
property interests.
There are no clear processes for form
700 reporting and timelines.
The JPA and Bylaws do not mention
boundaries for property interests.
To address Form 700 requirements, see
recommendations for Promoting Transparency.
If applicable, JPA Article 11 may also be amended
to include self-dealing and relevant conflict-of-
interest boundaries, and boundary marks with
respect to their various property interests.
Process – Adopt a conflict-of-interest code
and ethics policy; ensure consistent
application of agency policies and provide
training for decisionmakers on due process
requirements and disclosure rules for quasi-
adjudicatory matters.
Board Resolution No. 24-01 adopted a
new Conflict of Interest Code and a
Code of Ethics.
There are no policies addressing training
requirements for decision-makers.
By Board Resolution or through an amendment to
the Bylaws, the GSA could adopt a Training Policy
to formally document training requirements and
timelines for Board and staff members.
Education and Training
Onboarding – Provide new officials and staff
with information on their duties,
responsibilities, and required policies,
including ethics and compliance obligations,
as part of a formal onboarding process.
There is no mention of onboarding
procedures or requirements in the GSA
policies.
Through Board Resolution or by amending the
Bylaws the GSA could include guidance or
procedures related to on-boarding and training to
ensure constancy in policies for all staff and Board
members.
Ongoing Education – Ensure required
sexual harassment prevention training for
elected officials and supervisors and provide
ongoing access to resources and educational
opportunities on ethics and other applicable
laws.
Sexual harassment trainings and
resources are not addressed in the JPA
or Bylaws.
To memorialize the GSA’s current practices with
sexual harassment trainings, a Board Resolution
could be passed to address the GSAs commitment
to provide educational materials and trainings.
Ethics Training – Ensure elected and
appointed officials complete two hours of
ethics training every two years (and initial
overview training upon assuming office) and
There are no policies addressing Ethics
Training.
To memorialize the GSAs current ethics training
process, a board resolution could be passed, or the
Bylaws could be amended to address the
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Checklist Category Existing Gap(s) Options for Addressing
encourage participation by senior staff as
relevant to their duties.
expectations and procedures for completing Ethics
Trainings.
Personnel
Personnel Practices and Policies – If
employees are hired, adopt personnel
policies covering fair hiring and
advancement, wide recruitment efforts,
nondiscrimination, anti-nepotism, secondary
employment, whistleblower protections, and
required public announcement of executive
compensation decisions.
There are no policies addressing hiring
policies and employment expectations.
Either through Board Resolution or an amendment
to the Bylaws, the GSA could adopt hiring policies
for GSA staff, and/or develop an Employee
Handbook which could include but not limited to
fair-hiring policies, non-discrimination, anti-
nepotism, secondary employment, whistleblower
protections, and required public announcement of
executive compensation decisions.
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Page 1 of 2
Agenda Item No: 4.c.
MEETING DATE/TIME: 5/13/2026
ITEM NO: 2026-804
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT:Update on the Department of Water Resources (DWR)'s Groundwater Sustainability Plan 2027
Periodic Evaluation.
PREPARED BY: Maya Simerson, Senior Management Analyst
PRESENTER: Audra Bardsley, Larry Walker Associates
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Summary:
This item provides a status update on preparation of the Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan
(GSP) Periodic Evaluation (PE), which is required to be submitted to the Department of Water Resources
(DWR) by January 28, 2027. Consistent with prior Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) recommendations and
Board direction, staff is proceeding under the PE-only pathway. This item is informational only; no action is
requested.
Background:
The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) requires groundwater sustainability agencies to
submit a Periodic Evaluation at least every five years following initial GSP submittal for approved plans. The
Ukiah Valley Basin GSP was submitted in January 2022 and approved by DWR in July 2023, requiring the first
PE to be submitted by January 28, 2027.
At its October 15, 2025 meeting, the TAC reviewed compliance pathway options and recommended
proceeding with a PE only, rather than preparing a combined Periodic Evaluation and Plan Amendment (PA).
The Board of Supervisors subsequently approved the PE-only pathway at its December 15, 2025 meeting.
Work was authorized in January 2026 and in April 2026, the existing On-Call Technical Support Agreement
with Larry Walker Associates (LWA) was amended to add preparation of the PE and associated Ukiah Valley
Basin Integrated Hydrologic Model update tasks.
Discussion:
Under the PE-only pathway, staff and technical team members are preparing a written evaluation focused on
GSP implementation progress, monitoring data, sustainable management criteria performance, projects and
management actions, and incorporation of new information since plan adoption. Minor updates consistent with
DWR guidance, such as addition of new representative monitoring points using established methods, may be
included; no substantive GSP amendments are proposed at this time.
A draft Periodic Evaluation will be provided to TAC members in advance of the October 7, 2026 TAC meeting
for technical review and input. Comments received will be incorporated into a revised draft for Board of
Supervisors review ahead of the November 12, 2026 meeting. Following Board input and consideration of
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public comments, technical team members will finalize the document for submittal to DWR by the January 28,
2027 deadline.
Recommended Action: Receive update.
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Page 1 of 2
Agenda Item No: 4.d.
MEETING DATE/TIME: 5/13/2026
ITEM NO: 2026-805
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT:Status and Update of the Well Inventory Phase II Project.
PREPARED BY: Maya Simerson, Senior Management Analyst
PRESENTER: Audra Bardsley, Larry Walker Associates
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Summary:
This item provides an update on progress made to date for Phase II of the Ukiah Valley Basin Well Inventory.
Phase II builds on earlier inventory efforts to improve the accuracy, completeness, and usability of well data to
support groundwater monitoring, modeling, and SGMA implementation. This update is informational only; no
action is requested.
Background:
The Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan identifies improvement of well construction, use, and
location data as an important component of reducing data gaps and strengthening basin analyses. Phase I of
the well inventory focused on compiling and reviewing available well completion records (WCRs) and
improving baseline information for key categories of wells.
Phase II expands this effort by addressing remaining data gaps, reconciling inconsistencies across datasets,
and improving well use classification, with particular emphasis on older wells, irrigation wells, monitoring
network wells, and public supply wells. Work was authorized in January 2026 and in April 2026, the existing
On-Call Technical Support Agreement with Larry Walker Associates (LWA) was amended to add the Well
Inventory Phase II task.
Discussion:
Since initiation of Phase II activities at the start of 2026, significant progress has been made to improve the
well inventory dataset. The technical team has manually reviewed the location and depth of wells constructed
prior to 1977 and improved planned use records through verification of WCRs for wells with “other” or
unknown tabulated use in the Online System for Well Completion Reports (OSWCR) database. Where
planned use remains unavailable, the team has begun assigning suspected use based on available
information, including identification of wells likely used for irrigation.
Work has also focused on improving public supply well data. The team has begun compiling WCRs for public
supply wells operated by Ukiah Valley Water Authority member agencies and has gathered and centralized all
available information for active wells operated by water suppliers not affiliated with UVWA. The team has
started reconciling naming aliases and location inconsistencies for wells in the groundwater level monitoring
network to ensure consistency across monitoring, sensor, reporting, and modeling datasets.
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In addition, the team has initiated a process for linking well destruction reports to their corresponding
construction reports, improving the ability to track well lifecycle status and reduce duplication or
misclassification in the dataset.
Recommended Action: Receive update.
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Agenda Item No: 4.e.
MEETING DATE/TIME: 5/13/2026
ITEM NO: 2026-813
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT:Consideration of the Establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to Identify and Develop Proposition 4
Project Opportunities.
PREPARED BY: Maya Simerson, Senior Management Analyst
PRESENTER: Maya Simerson, General Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Summary:Establish an Ad Hoc Committee to collaborate with staff in identifying, prioritizing, and developing
Proposition 4 project opportunities that benefit the UVBGSA.
Background:
Proposition 4 funding presents a potential opportunity for the UVBGSA to advance projects that support
groundwater sustainability, water supply reliability, and broader basin management objectives. These funding
opportunities are expected to be released in the next year.
Given the complexity of project identification, prioritization, and grant application requirements, focused
coordination between the TAC, the Board and staff is necessary to ensure the Agency is well-positioned to
pursue funding.
Discussion:
Staff recommends the formation of a temporary Ad Hoc Committee to:
• Collaborate with staff to identify eligible and competitive Prop 4 project concepts
• Evaluate potential projects for regional benefit, feasibility, and alignment with the Groundwater
Sustainability Plan (GSP)
• Consider opportunities for multi-benefit and multi-agency projects involving our PMAs
• Provide direction on project prioritization and readiness
• Assist in shaping funding strategies and/or partnerships
The Ad Hoc Committee would operate on a limited-term basis and focus specifically on Prop 4-related efforts.
As an advisory body of less than a quorum of the Board, the committee would not be subject to the Brown Act.
Staff would support the committee by coordinating meetings, preparing materials, and conducting preliminary
technical and funding analyses.
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Recommended Action: Establish an Ad Hoc Committee comprised of two TAC members to work with staff in
identifying, prioritizing, and developing potential Proposition 4 (Prop 4) project opportunities that provide
measurable benefits to the Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (UVBGSA).
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Agenda Item No: 5.a.
MEETING DATE/TIME: 5/13/2026
ITEM NO: 2026-806
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT:Status Update and Discussion on Russian River Watershed Resilience Pilot- Sonoma Water.
PREPARED BY: Maya Simerson, Senior Management Analyst
PRESENTER: Stephen Maples, Water Agency Engineer, Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma
Water)
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Summary:Status Update and Discussion on Russian River Watershed Resilience Pilot- Sonoma Water.
Background:
Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) staff will provide an overview of the Russian River Watershed
Resilience Pilot and describe how it relates to groundwater sustainability efforts and opportunities for input
from the GSA.
Discussion:
The Russian River Watershed Resilience Pilot, led by the Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water), is
a $2 million initiative funded by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to develop a climate-
resilient management plan for the 1,500-square-mile watershed. The pilot study area supports over 700,000
people, 238 streams, and critical habitats for endangered salmonids. The pilot aligns with California’s Water
Plan Update 2023 and focuses on:
• Climate Vulnerability Assessment: Quantifying risks from reduced snowpack, drought, floods, and sea level
rise.
• Multi-Sector Integration: Coordinating water supply, flood management, ecosystems, and land use planning
across jurisdictional boundaries.
• Equity-Centered Planning: Engaging Tribes, disadvantaged communities, and agricultural stakeholders in
decision-making.
The pilot program includes a vulnerability assessment specific to groundwater conditions and will incorporate
recommended adaptation strategies to improve resilience of regional groundwater supplies providing an
opportunity for incorporating and leveraging groundwater sustainability initiatives and projects of interest to the
GSA.
Recommended Action:
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Agenda Item No: 5.b.
MEETING DATE/TIME: 5/13/2026
ITEM NO: 2026-803
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT:Update and Demonstration on the Bureau of Reclamation 2024 Grant.
PREPARED BY: Maya Simerson, Senior Management Analyst, Laurel Marcus, Ca Land Stewardship
Institute (CLSI) and Ukiah GSA TAC member
PRESENTER: Laurel Marcus, Ca Land Stewardship Institute (CLSI) and Ukiah GSA TAC member
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Summary:Ca Land Stewardship Institute and the City of Ukiah received a 2024 Bureau of Reclamation grant
to enhance water modeling, develop a Decision Support Tool, and support planning for a new municipal well.
Background:
Ca Land Stewardship Institute (CLSI), working in conjunction with the City of Ukiah, received a grant from the
Bureau of Reclamation in 2024 to complete extensive modeling of groundwater and surface water and create
an online Decision Support Tool for agricultural and municipal water managers.
The grant also funds studies to assist the City with creation of a new municipal well. CLSI has provided
updates to the GSA TAC several times.
The project has completed an update of the GSA groundwater model, a topographic survey of the Russian
River channel and analysis of changes in surface water availability from the loss of PVP diversions.
Discussion:
A Technical Advisory Group has met several times to provide input on the sources of data being used and the
assumptions included for the modeled scenarios.
We are currently in the process of modeling various future scenarios of climate conditions, surface water
supply, conservation and groundwater use and designing the DST.
Recommended Action:
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Agenda Item No: 5.c.
MEETING DATE/TIME: 5/13/2026
ITEM NO: 2026-810
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT:Presentation and Update Regarding Next Steps for the Facilitation Support Services (FSS)
Agreement Work Via the Department of Water Resources and Stantec Consultants, and Discuss Potential
Joint Meeting with the Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (UVBGSA) Board in July.
PREPARED BY: Maya Simerson, Senior Management Analyst
PRESENTER: Marisa Perez-Reyes, Stantec
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Summary:
Background: The Ukiah Valley Basin GSA (UVBGSA) has retained Facilitation Support Services (FSS) from
the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to carry out various support activities, that are defined in
Implementation Service Plan (ISP) 79.1. Tasks include the preparation of a situation assessment and Strategic
Plan, governance development, Tribal engagement and coordination, and public outreach and education.
Stantec Consulting Services Inc. is the facilitator appointed by DWR to carry out the facilitation tasks. Stantec
has initiated work on the situation assessment for the Strategic Plan, as well as preparation of a Technical
Memorandum reviewing the GSA’s governance and operational documents and an operations plan outline.
Discussion: This item is to provide a brief verbal update on the activities scoped in the ISP, with a particular
emphasis on the status of activities in progress.
1. Strategic Planning
Stantec has initiated an interview process with members of the TAC and other interested parties with key
knowledge about beneficial uses and users of groundwater in the Basin. It is anticipated that approximately 16
interviews will be conducted in total. The interview protocol includes questions aimed at establishing a shared
vision statement for the GSA; identification of near- and longer-term goals, including success metrics and
anticipated obstacles to implementation; and discussion on the attributes of successful collaboration in the
region.
Following the interviews, Stantec plans to summarize themes from the situation assessment and present
findings to a joint, in-person meeting of the UVBGSA Board and TAC for reactions, impressions, and feedback
on how the assessment themes can inform Strategic Plan goals and tactics. Stantec will prepare a Draft
Strategic Plan based on the outcomes from the joint Board-TAC meeting. The ISP assumes the Draft Strategic
Plan will be presented by Stantec to the Board at a virtual meeting to review and confirm the goals and tactics
identified in the Plan.
2. Governance Development
Stantec has conducted a desktop review of the GSA’s governance and operational documents (inclusive of the
Joint Powers Agreement, Bylaws, Memorandum of Understanding that established the TAC, as well as other
materials like Board Resolutions and administrative process documents) and prepared a Technical
Memorandum with considerations for potential revisions to enhance alignment and efficiency during GSP
implementation. The memo was provided to the GSA Administrator and GSA legal counsel on February 2nd.
The ISP assumes the Administrator will receive input from other stakeholders as appropriate, revise as
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Page 2 of 2
needed, and then present the Memo at a publicly noticed Board meeting. The Bylaws Review Memo includes
options for preparation of a TAC Charter or amendments to the MOU to clarify items related to TAC function. If
one of those options is selected, the ISP includes scope for FSS to support with that activity.
Stantec has also initiated preparation of an Operations Plan, the purpose of which is to outline the roles and
responsibilities of the Administrator, GSA member agencies, TAC members, Board members, and others
engaged in implementing the GSP. The Operations Plan will be provided to the Administrator who will gather
feedback from stakeholders and integrate comments or feedback in a mark-up version of the document, which
Stantec will support revising accordingly. It is anticipated that the GSA Administrator would present the
finalized Operations Plan during a publicly noticed Board meeting.
3. Tribal Engagement and Coordination – not initiated, in favor of prioritizing activity related to governance
development and strategic planning, though the nexus between Tribal engagement and those activities has
been noted and is being considered as part of those activities currently in progress.
4. Public Outreach and Education – not initiated, in favor of prioritizing activity related to governance
development and strategic planning
Fiscal Impact: None. Funding for FSS is provided by DWR and administered by Stantec.
Recommended Action:
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AGENDA ITEM 6b - ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item 7a
Page 1 of 3
UKIAH VALLEY BASIN
GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY (UVBGSA)
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC)
Regular Meeting
AGENDA
County of Mendocino Conference Room B Board of Supervisors Chamber
501 Low Gap Road ♦ Ukiah, CA 95482
Virtual Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89520774769
February 11, 2026
1:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to the Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) met at a
Regular Meeting on February 11, 2026, having been legally noticed on February 6, 2026. The
meeting was held in person and virtually at the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89520774769. Chair Watts called the meeting to order at 1:02 p.m. Roll
was taken with the following Members Present: Erin Formaker, Mendocino County Resource
Conservation District; Amber Fisette, County of Mendocino; Adam Gaska, Agricultural
Representative; Laurel Marcus, California Land Steward Institute; Stephen Maples, Sonoma County
Water Agency (SCWA) (RCD); Javier Silva, Tribal Representative; and Chris Watt, Russian River
Flood Control (RRFC). Staff Present: Maya Simerson, Acting General Manager; Jared Walker, City
of Ukiah Water Resources Director; and Kristine Lawler, Clerk.
Note: City of Ukiah representation is pending City Council appointment.
CHAIR WATTS PRESIDING.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion/Second: Gaska/Fisette to approve the agenda. Motion carried by the following roll call
votes: AYES: Formaker, Fisette, Gaska, Marcus, Seymour, and Watts. NOES: None. ABSENT:
Silva. ABSTAIN: None.
Clerk announced that the TAC meeting was taking place in the Board of Supervisors Chamber due
to a double-booking of conference room B, and that signs had been posted at all doors.
3. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comment: Dominic Blum-Gutierrez, Department of Water Resources (DWR) – Giving
contact information and announcing document releases.
4. BUSINESS ITEMS
a. Discussion and Possible Nomination and Appointment of a Chair and Vice Chair of the
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater
Sustainability Agency (UVBGSA) for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year.
Presenter: Chair Watts.
No public comment was received.
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Technical Advisory Committee Minutes for February 11, 2026, Continued:
Page 2 of 3
Motion/Second: Gaska/Fisette to nominate and appoint Chris Watts as Chair of the Technical
Advisory Committee (TAC) for the Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (UVBGSA)
for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Formaker, Fisette,
Gaska, Marcus, Seymour, Silva, and Watts. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
Jared Walker, City of Ukiah Water Resources Director, responded to an inquiry from the Chair that
he would prefer not to serve as Vice Chair.
Motion/Second: Fisette/Marcus to nominate and appoint Adam Gaska as Vice Chair of the
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency
(UVBGSA) for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES:
Formaker, Fisette, Gaska, Marcus, Seymour, Silva, and Watts. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
5. STAFF AND PARTNER UPDATES
a. Presentation and Update Regarding the Upper Russian River Groundwater-Dependent
Ecosystem (GDE) and Interconnected Surface Water (ISW) Study.
Presenters: Audra Bardsley, Larry Walk Associates, Senior Scientist.
No public comment was received.
A PowerPoint presentation was given and received.
Motion/Second: Gaska/Fisette to approve the Draft Site-Prioritization Rubric, and the Draft Table
of Pre-Screened Streams and Weights for Rubric Factors. Motion carried by the following roll call
votes: AYES: Formaker, Fisette, Gaska, Marcus, Seymour, Silva, and Watts. NOES: None.
ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
b. Presentation by Sonoma Water Regarding the Russian River Watershed Resilient Project.
Presenters: Stephen Maples and Don Seymour, Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water)
Public Comment: Audra Bardsley.
A PowerPoint presentation was given and received.
c. Presentation and Update Regarding Next Steps for the Facilitation Support Services (FSS)
Agreement Work Via the Department of Water Resources and Stantec Consultants.
Presenter: Marisa Perez-Reyes, Stantec.
No public comment was received.
Update was received.
Chair Directive and Member Consensus for Stantec to expand the tribal engagement coordination
and public outreach and education components of the FSS.
d. Presentation and Discussion of the Draft 2025 Annual Water Year Report and Projects &
Management Actions (PMAs).
Presenter: Audra Bardsley, Larry Walk Associates, Senior Scientist.
No public comment was received.
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Technical Advisory Committee Minutes for February 11, 2026, Continued:
Page 3 of 3
A PowerPoint Presentation was given and received.
6. GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT
a. Update from the General Manager.
Presenter: Maya Simerson, Acting General Manager.
Report was received.
Chair Directive for staff to research whether Member Silva can be an Alternate on the GSA Board
if the tribal representative is not available.
Public Comment: Beth Salomone.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approval of the Minutes for the May 7, 2025, TAC Regular Meeting.
b. Approval of the Minutes for the October 15, 2025, TAC Regular Meeting.
Motion/Second: Gaska/Marcus to approve the minutes of May 7, 2025, and October 15, 2025,
Regular meetings, as submitted. Motion carried by the following roll call votes: AYES: Formaker,
Fisette, Gaska, Marcus, Seymour, Silva, and Watts. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN:
None..
8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS AND SET NEXT MEETING DATE
a. Discussion and Consideration of Future Agenda Items and Scheduling of Next Meeting
Date with Meeting to be Held at the County of Mendocino, Conference Room #B, 501 Low
Gap Rd., Ukiah, CA 95482, at 1:00 p.m.
Presenter: Chair Watt.
Committee Consensus to hold the next regular meeting on May 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. [at the
County of Mendocino, Conference Room B, located at 501 Low Gap Road in Ukiah].
Note: The agenda improperly said April 13, 2026, but this was corrected during discussion.
Future Agenda Items:
Member Marcus:
o Update on the Bureau of Reclamation grant and the decision support tool for water
management.
Chair Watts:
o Update on Facilitation Support Services (FSS)
o Update and Direction, if needed, on Interconnected Surface Water (ISW) Study by
Larry Walker.
9. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:28 p.m.
________________________________
Kristine Lawler, CMC/CPMC
TAC Clerk
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Meeting Date: 10/7/26 - Meeting starts at 1:00 p.m.Publish:10/1/26
Status Item
No.Agenda Item – Working Title Presenters Est Length
a.Update and Receive Feedback on Draft GSP Periodic Evaluation LWA 20-30 min
a.Approval of the Minutes for the May 13, 2025, TAC Regular Meeting.Lawler 5 min
a. GM Report; Small GSA Coalition update, Tribal recruitment update Simerson 5 min
b.Discussion and Consideration of Future Agenda Items Simerson 5 min
a. Scheduling of Next Meeting Date with Meeting to be Held at the County of Mendocino, Conference Room
#B, 501 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah, CA 95482, at 1:00 p.m.Lawler 5 min
PENDING
ITEMS:
Anticipated
Meeting
Date
Agend
a Item
–
Worki
ng
Title
Author(s)/
Presenter Notes
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS AND SET NEXT MEETING DATE:
STAF AND PARTNER UPDATES:
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS:
CONSENT CALENDAR:
AGENDA ITEM 8a - ATTACHMENT 1
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