HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - May 21, 1986 (99). CITY _CQUNCIL MEETING
MAY 21, 1986 -
PROPOSITION 44 N(O
WATER QUALITY BOM
LAW OF 1986 City Clerk Reimche presented a letter which had been
received from Jim Costa, Chairman of the California
OC-19 Legislature Assembly Coxtmittee on Water, Parks and Wildlife
OC-28 urging endorsement of Proposition 44, the Water
Conservation and Water Quality Bond Law of 1986 which
appears on California's June 3, 1986, direct primary ballot.
A lengthy discussion followed reoardinq the matter with
questions being directed to Staff.
Mayor Reid moved to adopt Resolution No. 86-83 endorsing
passing of Proposition 44. The motion was seconded by
Mayor Pro Tempore Olson but failed to pass by the following
vote:
Ayes: Council Members - Olson and Reid
Roes: Council Ak3a)ers - Pinkerton and Snider
Absent: Council Nknibers - Hinchman
May S, 1986
e
California i[egifilature
Assemble (90mmitiee
an
Water, Parks ani Wilblife
JIM COSTA
CHAIRMAN
61AY 7 1986
Dear City Manager:
3
j I am writing to seek your Council's endorsement of
Proposition 44, the Water Conservation and Water Qualtity Bond
Law of 1986, which appears on California's June 3, 1986, direct
primary ballot.
Prop-o-sition 44 will provide $150 million in much-needed
loans to local agencies for voluntary, cost-effective water
conservation programs, groundwater recharge facilities, and
ti agricultural drainage water treatment and containment works.
Two years ago, voters approved Proposition 25, the Clean
Water Bond Law, which provided funding for wastewater
treatment, water reclamation, and water conservation programs.
The Department of Water Resources received 55 applications from
local agencies throughout the state requesting nearly
$90 million in assistance for water conservation alone.
Proposition 44 will enable these local agencies to conserve
wa-t-er now -being lost due to leaking pipes and unlined ditches
and canals.
Proposition 44 will also provide loans for a new state
program -- groundwater recharge -- which has been practiced in
California for almost 90 years. Groundwater recharge is a
proven method of placing surplus surface water from wet years
into available storage underground so that it can be used in
dry years. This underground space is available in the Central
Valley and in valley areas in coastal and Southern California.
As storing surface water behind dams has become more expensive,
storing water underground where it does not evaporate becomes
more practical, efficient, and economical.
STATE CAPITOL ? SACRAMENTO. CALIFORNIA 95814 1 (916) 445.6164
The third program contained in Proposition 44 addresses our
state's agricultural drainage problem. Californians have made
a strong commitment to protecting water quality. Much of our
efforts have focused on treating municipal sewage water before
it is discharged to our rivers, bays, and ocean waters. Today,
rural areas throughout the state need to implement better
treatment and containment methods because of the salt and trace
element buildup in farm drainage water. This drainage problem
will progressively worsen unless we take positive steps to
correct it. Proposition 44 will provide funding for the
treatment and containment of drainage water in an
environmentally -safe manner.
An abundant supply of clean water will preserve the beauty
of California's environment, maintain fish and wildlife, and
support recreation. A continued supply of clean water will
also ensure the vitality of industry and agriculture. Most
importantly, however, a clean and abundant supply of water is
necessary to preserve and protect public health.
I hope your Council can join me and Californians for Clean
Water in endorsing Proposition 44. A growing list of
supporters includes the California Chamber of Commerce,
Association of California Water Agencies, California Farm
Bureau Federation, Cal -Tax, California State Grange, California
Labor Federation (AFL-CIO), and the American Associatlon of
University Women. There is no known opposition to
Proposition 44.
I have attached a draft resolution that you may wish to use
in endorsing Proposition 44. I would appreciate it if your
clerk could forward a copy of your resolution to local media
and a -copy to Californians for Clean Water, c/o Heron,
Burchette, Ruckert & Rothwell, 770 L Street, Suite 1150,
Sacramento, California 95814.
On behalf of Californians for Clean Water, thank you for
any assistance you can provide toward the passage of
Proposition 44. Your prompt response is important so that
Californians for Clean Water can add your Council to its list
of sup orters.
SlIce ly,
l
J CO A
C irman