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 ...
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