Memorandum
Date: February 4, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Pawan Upadhyay, Water Resources Director
Mireya G. Turner, Community Development Director
Subject: Consideration of (a) Proposed Reorganization and Renaming of the Drought Workgroup; (b) Establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee; (c) Transference of Lead Agency to Community Development Department; and Presentation of SB 552 Compliance and Project Updates
Executive Summary: In response to the ongoing challenges such as limited water resources, increased demand, climate variability, and recent legislative requirements related to drought and water shortages, Staff proposes a reorganization of the current Drought Workgroup, renaming it to the "Lake County Drought and Water Shortage Task Force" and establishing an ad hoc committee. Additionally, we will discuss the implications of Senate Bill 552 (SB 552) and outline the process for drafting a comprehensive drought resiliency plan. Updates on the transfer of lead agency responsibilities and project timelines will also be provided.
The Water Resources Department will present on the following:
1. Reorganization and Renaming:
o Transformation of the existing Drought Workgroup into the Lake County Drought and Water Shortage Task Force
o Expanded mandate and formal reporting structure to the Board of Supervisors.
2. Establishment of an Ad Hoc Advisory Committee:
o Department Formation of an ad hoc committee to handle specific, short-term tasks
o Members will be invited based on their expertise in areas such as water resources management, environmental science, agricultural needs, and local community knowledge.
o The Department will select Advisory Committee members, who will hold 4 meetings with the primary role of developing the drought resiliency plan in accordance with SB552 requirements for State Small Water Systems and Domestic Wells.
o The Ad Hoc drafted drought resiliency plan will be reviewed by the Task Force, prior to submission to the BOS for approval and then state certification.
3. Implications of Senate Bill 552 (SB 552):
o Overview of SB 552 requirements for enhanced drought preparedness and resilience.
o Role of the Drought and Water Shortage Task Force and Ad Hoc Advisory Committee in meeting these legislative requirements.
4. Drafting a Drought Resiliency Plan:
o Importance of a comprehensive drought resiliency plan in response to SB 552.
o Process for drafting the plan, including stakeholder involvement, public participation, and the opportunity for the public to review and comment on the draft plan before finalization.
5. Project Updates:
o Transfer of Lead Agency: An update on the transfer of lead agency responsibilities for this initiative.
o Updated Project Timeline: A revised timeline outlining major project milestones and expected completion dates.
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Recommended Action: (a) Approve the Reorganization and renaming of the Drought Workgroup to the Lake County Drought and Water Shortage Task Force; (b) Approve the establishment of the Drought Resiliency Plan Ad Hoc Advisory Committee; and (c) Approve the transference of Lead Agency from Water Resources to Community Development Department.