I.   Welcome and Introductions

    The meeting was called to order at 3:00 pm.

    Committee members present: Gary Kobara (Chair), Glenda Guiton, Norm Getty, Will Deschenes, Charlie Lackie, Stan Ikeda, and Tom Zehnder.  Agency/Organization representatives: Dean Benedix and Nola Engelskirger/SLO County Public Works; Mark Barnett/NRCS; Vern Dahl/OCSD. Community members: Hugh Gilson

II.   Public Comment

     None

III. Announcements

    None

IV. Review and approval of minutes.

    One correction was noted to delete Jeff Werst from the attendees list since he was not present.  Stan Ikeda motioned to approve the minutes as corrected; motion seconded by Norm Getty.  The minutes of the March 18 meeting were approved as corrected.

V. Status reports by County Public Works:

    a. Appointments for vacant Zone 1/1A Alternate Member positions
    Nola Engelskirger reported that Tom Zehnder was officially appointed as an alternate member on April 1, 2008.  Alternate member positions 2-7 remain vacant, but may be filled at any time.

    b. Flap gates and other levee maintenance work
    Nola reported that Public Works has obtained the environmental clearance to replace the Sand Canyon flap gates from all agencies except the Coastal Commision.  Public Works is continuing to pursue clearance from the Coastal Commission and in the mean time is working on procuring the flap gates and appurtenances through the County’s purchasing department.

VI. 2008 Vegetation Management Work.

    No formal report was given since Julie Thomas was not present.  However, Dean Benedix did note that the maintenance agreement between the Flood Control District and the RCD is still in progress.

VII. Environmental review and permitting of Zone 1/1A long-term management plan -Update.

    Dean Benedix reported that staff was processing the Board of Supervisors package for approving the Morro Group / SWCA contract for $509,971 to prepare the Zone 1/1A Waterway Management Program (WMP), EIR, and regulatory permitting.  The agenda item will also include a request for a loan for approximately $635,000 to complete the project.  The total cost of the project includes $510K for the Morro Group / SWCA contract, $75K for supplemental engineering services from Cannon Associates (survey) and Fugro (geotechnical), and $50K for project management by District/County staff.

    Some discussion ensued regarding the high cost for preparing the WMP.  It was reiterated that this work was necessary in order to obtain a long term permit or a “program permit” to conduct maintenance in the flood control channel.

    Some additional discussion ensued regarding the possibility of getting grant/federal money like the Santa Maria Levee has received.  Dean Benedix responded that the District/County staff is continually looking for grant money to assist in this project.  Currently, the District/County has applied for 1.1M in funding from the IRWM Grant Program for financing the WMP and has sought funding from the Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program for financing levee repair/resurfacing and installation of additional swing gates and signs.

    Gary Kobara added that once we get the WMP in place, we’ll be better armed for applying and obtaining grant money.  In order to get funds, you first have to have a plan.

    Tom Zehnder recommended that the District/County look into the RWQCB’s Clean Beaches Initiative (Prop 50 Grant Fund) because there may be some opportunity for some funding.

VIII. South levee condition below Guiton’s crossing – cont. from March Meeting

    Gary suggested that the item be tabled again until Vicki Cardoza was present for discussion.

    Discussion ensued regarding the actual damage caused by horse traffic.  It was suggested that there would be little to no damage if the top of the levee was resurfaced with a stronger material (aggregate base).  The specific areas needing resurfacing are on the levee tops downstream of the railroad bridge.  District/County staff pointed out that any grading within the Coastal Zone requires a permit.  It is anticipated that it would be a lengthy process to obtain this permit, but staff said they would look into the possibility.
 
IX. Open Forum (Questions/Suggestions for next agenda)

    Vern Dahl announced that he was trying to form a group/committee with the goal of approaching the Flood Control District/County to request that the District/County actively seek grant funding for flood improvements in Oceano.

    It was suggested that the Arroyo Grande Watershed and Creek MOU be utilized to unify the group/committee.  The MOU is set to go to the County Board of Supervisors for approval/execution on April 22.

    Dean Benedix noted that the Oceano Flood Control and Drainage Study identifies improvements, but no funding is currently available.  Funding is possible, but it takes community backing or a group/committee, such as this one proposed by Vern, to influence the awarding of funds like Community Development Block Grants he has seen given to other communities.

XI. Set Date for Next Meeting.
 
     The next two meetings were set for May 20 and June 17.

XII. Adjourn.

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CSLRCD:  Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District
NRCS:  Natural Resources Conservation Service
OCSD: Ocean Community Services District
Zone 1/1A website:  http://www.coastalrcd.org/Zone1-1A.html or go to http://www.coastalrcd.org/  and follow links to Zone 1/1A.