TO: Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
FROM: Richard Thomasser - District Manager
REPORT BY: Richard Thomasser - District Manager
SUBJECT: North Bay Watershed Association Membership
RECOMMENDATION
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Discussion and direction regarding continued membership of the North Bay Watershed Association (NBWA) and reassignment of District Board representative. (Fiscal Impact: $6,000 Expense, Flood District - Watershed Projects, Discretionary)
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BACKGROUND
The NBWA was created in 2000 via an MOU between several North Bay local government entities to facilitate partnerships and promote stewardship of the North San Pablo Bay watershed resources. The stated goals of the organization are:
1. Bring together local agencies to work cooperatively and effectively on issues of common interest
2. Work cooperatively to increase eligibility for watershed-based funding
3. Maximize effective use of resources
4. Enhance the NBWA’s influence on local, State and federal policies and programs
5. Educate communities about the importance of watershed stewardship
When the District joined NBWA in 2010, the only local entity that was a voting member was Napa Sanitation District. The NBWA had previously requested that Napa County consider membership. However, the WICC Board recommended that the County postpone membership until such time as potential benefits off-set annual costs. Membership was instead recommended for consideration by the District for the benefits outlined below:
1. The District was engaged in IRWMP efforts at the local (county-wide) and regional (Bay Area and Sacramento River) levels.
2. The District’s boundaries include the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Napa County.
3. The District’s Board of Directors includes members from both the County and the Cities/Town.
4. The District’s role and responsibility for flood and stormwater management and water conservation county- wide are key elements in integrated water resource planning and management.
5. Representation by the NBWA in the greater North Bay and San Francisco Bay Region provides the District improved access to grants and other funds/programs that require regional planning and project integration.
The County of Napa became a member of NBWA in 2019, as did the City of American Canyon. At this time, staff recommends discussion and consideration of continued participation in NBWA by the District as well as assignment of a new board member representative. Leon Garcia has represented the District on the NBWA Board from 2017 through his retirement in 2024. Director Amber Manfree is currently representing the County of Napa on the NBWA Board.
Requested Actions:
1. Discussion of District’s continued membership in light of the County’s concurrent membership.
2. Selection of a Flood Board Member to represent the District if the District is to continue membership with the NBWA
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
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Where is it budgeted? |
Flood District - Watershed Projects Subdivision 8000500 |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
Membership benefits may include participation in regional grant funding applications and possible grant awards |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
Membership dues of approximately $6,000 are paid annually |
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Consequences if not approved: |
Continued District participation in NBWA would not be supported |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.