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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LOMA PRIETA RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
August 16, 2016
4:00 PM.
The regular meeting of the Loma Prieta Resource Conservation District Board of Directors was called to order by David Robledo at 4:04 p.m. Other Directors present were Sandy Petersen, Dave Boll, and Judy Hess. Also in attendance was Dina Iden Loma Prieta RCD Executive Director, Mark Fishler Loma Prieta RCD Office Manager, and Erika Boyland NRCS.
Public Comments
None
Approval for changes in Agenda
Mark asked we add to new business an item 6C-Renewal of Liability Insurance. Dina asked we add to new business an item 6D-New CDFA SWEEP verification grant. Sandy moved to add 6C and 6D to the agenda. Judy second. Motion carried.
Approval of July meeting minutes
Dave moved to approve minutes of the June meeting. Sandy second. Motion carried.
Partner Reports/Erika Boyland, NRCS
Erika provided the latest status on EQIP contracts: 32 new applications for FY16, 8 were eligible (4 in SC County, 4 in SB County) for $662,756 in funding, and an additional batching period was added that just ended July 29. A new Office Engineer started July 25. NRCS conducted interviews in July for a Range Conservationist. Erika attended a Farm Service Agency outreach event for African Americans on July 12. NRCS is working with the Xerces Society to conduct pollinator workshops in Salinas and Napa.
New Business
a. Pajaro Compass report: Abby Ramsden from The Nature Conservancy was unable to attend the board meeting to make her presentation. She will attend the September board meeting and Dina reminded the board to review the report so as to provide feedback to Abby.
b. 2016 Speakoff Contest: Mark told the board about the 2016 High School Speakoff Contest which will be hosted by Live Oak High School, likely the first week of October. The topic this year will be “Based on history, what is your conservation dream and how can RCD’s be involved?” Mark reminded the board we will need 2 of them to serve as judges along with Dina.
c. Liability Insurance renewal: Mark informed the board it is time to renew our liability insurance. Our insurance broker, GPP is offering an alternative this year. Due to the passage of AB656 late last year, mutual water entities may enter into Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) arrangement with public agencies to help reduce their cost of coverage. Member Guard is a partnership between GPP and the California Rural Water Association. If we buy thru Member Guard we are still serviced by GPP and we will save $330 the first year. After the first year we would need to join the California RWA which is $183 per year so we would not save as much but it’s still a savings. Mark told the board he would get a competitive quote from SDRMA to make sure Member Guard was the best deal and would report back at the September board meeting the outcome.
d.New potential CDFA grant: Dina reported that we received an opportunity for a $2,000 grant from CDFA to verify a project installation of a new irrigation system occurring in Gilroy who is receiving SWEEP funding. We would do the verification of the project upon completion of the project. Dave made a motion to accept the grant. Sandy second. Motion carried.
Old Business
a) L&L:Dina reported the MOU with SBCRD was signed by their president and Camille signed the contractor agreement. Camille will start working with Dina on holding a Livestock and Land workshop in October. Dina has begun reaching out to local horseman groups and other livestock groups for participation. Dina is forming the TAC and Sandy has agreed to be a member. Dina will be attending a mapping meeting Aug 18 to determine priority areas. Dina will also attend a Kick Off Presentation meeting at the regional water board in San Luis Obispo with Angie Gruys of RCDSC on September 2.
b) MIL: Dina and Mark have been doing various forms of outreach. Dina placed an ad in the Farm Bureau newsletter. She also worked with the Vineyard Team’s SIP program to let their growers know about the MIL program. As a result of that conversation, the Vineyard Team produced a brochure featuring all of the Central Coast RCD’s and the services each RCD provides to growers.. Mark called local farmers and got 4 solid leads which he turned over to Ben Burgoa for follow-up. He also placed a free ad on the Farms Reach website. Mark also spoke to the Chrysanthemum Growers about putting on a free workshop for them.
c)SAW: Contract signed by SCVWD. Dina will now starting working on getting agreements signed with our sub contactors.
Treasurer’s Report
Mark gave the paperwork to David Robledo to get him added as a signer on the bank account. Sandy agreed to go to the bank with David to get that done. Dave asked Mark to start including in the monthly financial reports a report showing P&L by grant, including pending A/R from each grant. Sandy motioned to pay all bills and approve treasurer’s report. Dave second. Motion carried.
Correspondence
Outgoing: None
Incoming: None
Executive Director Report
Dina reported she already covered everything she had this month in the new and old business
Directors Reports
Valley Verde-David decided to stay on the Valley Verde board.
FYI
All materials available for review listed on agenda but not included in minutes.
Announcements/Calendar
Next board meeting will be September 20, 2016 at 4PM.
Adjournment
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:38PM.
Approved_______________________________ Date____________________
Secretary of the Board of Directors
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