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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - April 3, 2007 SSCITY OF LODI INFORMAL INFORMATIONAL MEETING "SHIRTSLEEVE" SESSION CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2007 An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held Tuesday, April 3, 2007, commencing at 7:00 a.m. A. ROLL CALL Present: Council Members — Hansen, Hitchcock, Katzakian, and Mayor Johnson Absent: Council Members — Mounce Also Present: City Manager King, City Attorney Schwabauer, and Deputy City Clerk Perrin B. TOPIC(S) B-1 "Presentation by the Lower Mokelumne River Watershed Steering Committee" City Manager King briefly introduced the subject matter. Chris Storm, Chair of the Lower Mokelumne River Watershed Stewardship Steering Committee, presented the video entitled, "Reflections in the River." He stated that in 1999 the San Joaquin County Resource and Conservation District received a CaIFED grant to identify the stakeholders within the watershed area, which included agricultural businesses and property owners, citizens groups, and governmental agencies. In 2000, a grant was received for the purpose of creating the Lower Mokelumne River Watershed Stewardship Plan to manage the watershed. Mr. Storm reviewed in detail the following elements of the Plan, which were prepared by the consultant and reviewed and approved by the Committee: 00 Education — Includes workbooks regarding sustainable farming practices and manuals geared toward homeowners in the Lodi area; workshops to educate farmers on implementing the tools in the workbook; plans to implement workshops to educate homeowners on the manuals, perhaps in coordination with the City; and promoting existing and new education programs in schools. 00 Recreation — Includes fishing, boating, jogging, hiking, and bird watching. He stated that both the City's General Plan and the San Joaquin County's General Plan indicate that the Mokelumne River is an underutilized resource. co Agriculture — Includes several agricultural programs, as well as a dairy quality assurance program. 00 Biological Resources — The goal is to maintain and improve biological resources and to encourage habitat and conservation. He stated that the Mokelumne River is designated as an impaired waterway due to the heavy metals from Penn Mine. In response to Mayor Johnson, Public Works Director Prima stated that the designation was a result of the copper and zinc in the river, which occurred prior to the clean up of Penn Mine. Subsequently, the State wanted to add aluminum to the list, which it ultimately did not do; however, it did not go back and "de -list" copper and zinc. This is one area that staff would like to address during the watershed survey process for the surface water plant. 00 Flood Management — The Committee would like to facilitate the redistribution of fallen trees and debris in the river, which would allow water to pass through more easily, yet still provide a habitat for fish and water life. Additionally, the Committee would like to see release information provided to land owners. Council Member Hansen questioned what efforts have been made to clean up the Mokelumne Riper. John Brodie, Watershed Coordinator, responded that the difficulty lies with the battle between various agencies on what is best for the environment (i.e. good habitat for fish versus eroding levies), as well as permitting issues. Council Member Hansen suggested he contact Northern California Power Agency to see how it Continued April 3, 2007 handled the Central Valley project permit process. Mr. Brodie stated there are groups who conduct classes on how to work with agencies in obtaining permits and there are other issues in getting the work done relating to cost and private ownership. 0o Cultural Resources — Includes using cultural resources as an economic driver for the water, as well as programs that use native species. 00 Economics — Includes efforts and activities that would support the economy. 00 Emergency Services — Includes water protection and rescue. Mr. Storm stated that in 2002 the element of "Restoration" was added to the Plan and since then approximately $3 million has keen raised, the majority of which has gone toward restoration, education, and agriculture. Future goals include directing funds toward the remaining elements, adding a sustainability element to the Plan, assisting with the successful completion of the Delta College campus, studying the Delta as a recreational waterway, strengthening the Storm Drain Detectives and other similar programs, and implementing workshops for homeowners. He would like to see Lodi be certified as a sustainable community and would also like an official City representative to be appointed to the Committee. In response to Mayor Johnson, Kathy Grant, who supervises the Storm Drain Detectives Program, stated that Friends of Lodi Lake has dissolved, to which Mr. Johnson questioned what efforts have been made to reach out to other community groups. Mr. Storm responded that the Committee meetings are advertised regularly in the newspaper, notices are sent to interested parties, and a "Watershed Day" is held annually at Lodi Lake. The Committee is continuously identifying new stakeholders and inviting those interested to join the Committee in its efforts. Discussion ensued between Council Member Hitchcock, Mr. Storm, Public Works Director Prima, and Water/Wastewater Superintendent Frank Beeler regarding the quality of the City's well water, Mokelumne River water leaking into City wells, possible contaminants, regulations, and average age of water. In response to Mayor Johnson, Mr. Storm stated that the river is owned by the people of California and that a majority of the property owners are willing to work with the Committee toward its goals. Mr. Brodie added that cooperation from property owners is not the concern; it is the high cost of performing the necessary work, which the property owners cannot afford. In those cases, grant funding would need to be secured. Discussion ensued between Council Member Hansen, Mayor Johnson, Mr. Storm, and Mr. King regarding appointment of a City representative to the Steering Committee, for which there was general concurrence that a Council -designated member be appointed (i.e. Council Member or staff representative). Council Member Hansen suggested that the City amend its design guidelines for residential homes, which currently has water runoff draining directly to the street, to which Mr. Prima agreed that they should be reviewed and addressed in the General Plan process. Mr. King added that the new phase for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit will most likely dictate how storm water is treated and the City will have no choice in the matter, for which there will be a cost. C. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS None. D. ADJOURNMENT No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 a.m. ATTEST: Jennifer M. Perrin, Deputy City Clerk 2 AGENDA ITEM B-01 OEM CITY OF LODI %W COUNCIL COMMUNICATION TM AGENDA TITLE: Presentation by the Lower Mokelumne River Watershed Steering Committee MEETING DATE: April 3, 2007 (Shirtsleeve Session) PREPARED BY: City Manager RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion and information purposes only. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The San Joaquin County Resource Conservation District works with public and private property owners to promote the conservation of the County's diverse resources. The Lower Mokelumne River Watershed Steering Committee, consisting primarily of various community groups and governmental agencies, is charged with the creation and implementation of the Lower Mokelumne River Stewardship Plan, which directly impacts the City of Lodi. The Plan, completed in May 2002, is a voluntary program that guides landowners, residents, and stakeholders in maintaining and improving the resources of the Lower Mokelumne River Watershed. The Steering Committee will make a presentation regarding its activities, interaction, and partnership with the City. Specifically, the Committee is interested in increased cooperation and the issues of sustainability and resource management. FISCAL IMPACT: None FUNDING AVAILABLE: WA BK/RJfjmp Attachments Blair King City Manager APPROVED: Lf;; . Blair Ki , City Manager N:1AdaaimstratimX(IERK1Council\COUNCOM1WatershedCommsttee.DOC