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, Vicki Cardoza and Tom Zehnder.  Agency/Organization representatives: Nola Engelskirger/SLO County Public Works; Mark Barnett/NRCS; Julie Thomas/CSLRCD; Vern Dahl/OCSD.

II.   Public Comment

 There was no public comment.

III. Announcements

There were no announcements.

IV. Review and approval of minutes.

The minutes of the April 15 meeting were approved as written.

V. Status reports by County Public Works:

    a. 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 the Coastal Commission, which was the final required environmental permit.  Public Works is ordering parts to do the replacement, which they anticipate will take 6-8 weeks, and then they will schedule the work.

    b. Waterway Management Program and EIR – update

    Nola reported that the contract for completion of environmental review and permitting for the WMP is scheduled to go before the Board of Supervisors on June 3.  Then there will be a kick-off meeting of all consultants.  End date for contract is in 2010.

VI. 2008 Vegetation Management Work.

Julie reported that she was working on the Coastal Development Permit Waiver application for the Coastal Commission to do vegetation work in the coastal zone during the summer.  There is a training planned in mid-June for four California Conservation Corps crewmembers so that they can monitor for presence of red-legged frogs while the crews do vegetation thinning; the CDFG permit for the project requires that RLF monitors are present at all times while work is being done.

VII. South levee condition below Guiton’s crossing – continued from April Meeting

Gary summarized that at the March meeting the group had discussed putting a hard topping on the levee during standard maintenance to protect the levee from horse use.  Tom Zehnder said that a Class II base material would provide the necessary protection, and is no more expensive than the usual material.  Class II forms a hard surface that wears well.  Would want to apply the base on both sides of the levee, and this could be done when/if the levee raise is done.

VIII. Open Forum (Questions/Suggestions for next agenda)

 Julie asked whether the County had investigated applying for the DWR Local Levee Evaluation grant.  Nola will look into the grant.

 Will asked whether the Zone 1/1A Advisory Committee or funding could help address Oceano flooding issues, since water from Oceano flows into AG Creek.  Mark said that the AG MOU process will be a good venue for Zone 1/1a and Oceano to work together.  Nola and Vern discussed the Oceano Drainage Study, which identified potential solutions, but funding needs to be pursued for implementation.  Vern is investigating this.

 There was a question re the encroachment of fences on the south levee above 22nd Street.  Nola will check on the status of getting the fences moved.

XI. Set Date for Next Meeting.

 The next two meetings were set for June 24 and July 22.

XII. Adjourn.
 

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.
 
 

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.  Agency/Organization representatives: Dean Benedix and Diana Haines/SLO County Public Works; Julie Thomas/CSLRCD; Mark Barnett/NRCS; Tom Zehnder/South SLO San District; Vern Dahl/OCSD. Community members: Hugh Gilson, Cindy Cleveland

II.   Public Comment
     Julie introduced Cindy Cleveland, a biologist specializing in steelhead trout and red-legged frogs, who will be helping coordinate the 2008 annual vegetation maintenance and red-legged frog monitoring for the flood control channel.

III. Announcements
    There were no announcements.

IV. Review and approval of minutes.
    The minutes of the February 19 meeting were approved as written.

V. Status reports by County Public Works:
    a. Appointments for vacant Zone 1/1A Member position and Alternate
        and
    b. Bylaws – proposed amendments
    Diana reported that on March 4 the SLO County Board of Supervisors approved Charlie Lackie as a member of the Zone 1/1A Advisory Committee.
    In addition, the Bylaw amendments were approved.
    Because the provision for alternate members was contained in the Bylaw amendments approved on March 4, an appointment could not be made that day.  SLO County Public Works has posted and advertised the position.

    c. Flap gates and other levee maintenance work.
      Diana reported that money is being shifted in the budget to allow the Sand Canyon (aka Meadow Creek) flap gate to be replaced this year.  If the County receives the IRWM grant, it will be able to replace the Los Berros flap gates as well.
      In discussion regarding other levee maintenance work, Gary mentioned that at a recent meeting of the Pismo-Oceano Vegetable Exchange (POVE), members had inquired about adding a gate on the south levee near Halcyon.  Diana said that the County will be starting work on Halcyon Road at the end of March, so it would be better to wait on that gate installation until the road work on Halcyon is completed.
      In response to a question re access by big farm equipment if they can’t get through a levee gate, Gary said that there is alternate access.  Diana will talk with the bridge crew to see if it’s possible to make the gates wider to allow for bigger farm equipment, if that wouldn’t make the gates too heavy to manage.
      There was discussion about dust created by vehicle traffic on the levees, and a benefit of the gates would be in reducing the dust.
    There was additional discussion about the fence constructed by a landowner on the south levee between Halcyon and 22nd Street.  Diana said that a County survey crew found that the fence is 16 to 18 feet into the County’s easement, so the County is in communication with the landowner about the matter.  Diana is also looking into whether the level of building/development on the property is within allowable levels under County codes.

VI. 2008 Vegetation Management Work.
    a. March 11 assessment of channel vegetation and consideration of options for 2008 management.
    Julie reported that on March 11 she met with John Farhar, Diana Haines and Nola Engelskirgir from SLO County Public Works, Tina Moore of the California Conservation Corps, and Cindy Cleveland to plan for 2008 vegetation management.  The CCCs have committed to beginning vegetation management work on July 15, and have committed at least 1 full crew for up to 10 weeks (barring being called away on emergency fire duty).  Julie is the the process of writing up the notes with task assignments for preparing and completing the vegetation management work.
    Following the planning meeting, the group reconvened at the AG Creek flood channel to tour the channel to assess the level of effort that would be required this season, and to identify any other issues that the CCCs might address while they were working.  They were joined by Stephnie Wald of Central Coast Salmon Enhancement.  Because of the intensive willow thinning pruning carried out last year, the group agreed that the level of effort necessary this year would be significantly less, and discussed the option of skipping a year to save funds for other channel maintenance purpose.
    The Advisory Committee discussed the possibility of delaying all or a portion of the vegetation maintenance, and agreed that it was better to continue the annual vegetation maintenance program to maintain consistency in funding and permitting.
Julie said that other work that will be done by the CCCs this year will be removal of highly invasive species like arundo and castor bean (required by the project’s CDFG permit), clearing vegetation and dirt blocking various flap gates, and as a second priority to do trash removal.
    In response to a question about how to prioritize the vegetation management work.  The consensus was to start in the coastal zone and work upstream.
    Julie said that the group touring the channel on March 11 also noted that, because there had been so much willow thinning, the beavers were now starting to eat/fell sycamores and cottonwoods, which are more desirable trees to keep on the channel banks, because they can grow much taller and provide more shade canopy than willows, and their shade suppresses willow growth, so that over the long run mature sycamores and cottonwoods could reduce the cost of vegetation maintenance.  Julie is planning to investigate the cost of beaver “exclosures” to protect young sycamores and cottonwoods.
    Glenda asked whether the CCCs could do ivy removal in the area near Guiton’s crossing.  Julie said that they’d take a look at the ivy.
     Mark Barnett inquired whether the County has flow curves for AG Creek from the stream gage, and Dean said that Silas Cranor at the County has them.

    b. Consideration of support of class fees for training CCCs to be red-legged frog (RLF) monitors.
     The California Department of Fish and Game permit that allows the vegetation thinning in the flood control channel requires that a qualified RLF monitor be present at all times during vegetation work.  Julie distributed a chart (attached) comparing the cost of hiring professional RLF biological monitors vs. training CCCs to be RLF monitors.  Sending two CCCs to training was by far the least expensive option.  The CCCs cover their own transportation, food, and lodging, and asked only that Zone 1/1A cover the class fee.  Julie emphasized that because of turnover in the CCCs crews, it will probably be necessary to train new crewmembers every year to be RLF monitors. The Advisory Committee agreed that was a good use of Zone 1/1A funds.

VII. Environmental review and permitting of Zone 1/1A long-term management plan and Update on Task Force meeting March 17.
    Norm reported that the Zone 1/1A Task Force had met with members of the Morro Group on March 17 to review the Morro Group’s proposed Scope of Work, developed in conjunction with Swanson Hydrology & Geomorphology, to develop a Waterway Management Plan for the AG Creek flood control channel, and to complete environmental review and permitting.  The proposed timeline for completing the work has been accelerated, with the aim for completion moved to the end of 2009.  Dean said that he anticipates that the Scope of Work will be finalized and go to the Board of Supervisors by the end of April.
    There was discussion of options for levee raises that will be considered, and implications for easements, the railroad bridge, and adjacent landowners.
    In the course of the work, SH&G will do new HMS computer runs for Lopez Lake being at 20%, 50%, and 90% capacity, to complement computer analysis completed for the 2006 “Alternatives Study” which assumed that Lopez Lake was at capacity and spilling.
    Dean asked for the Advisory Committee’s endorsement of the Scope of Work and recommendation for the Board of Supervisors to approve.

MOTION:  Gary moved to recommend to the SLO County Board of Supervisors that they approve the Scope of Work for “Environmental Services for the Waterway Management Plan”.  Glenda seconded the motion.  The motion was passed unanimously.

IX. Open Forum (Questions/Suggestions for next agenda)
    No comments during open forum.

XI. Set Date for Next Meeting.
     The next two meetings were set for April 15 and May 20.

XII. Adjourn.

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.
 
 

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, Vicki Cardoza, Stan Ikeda.  Agency/Organization representatives: Jeff Werst, Dean Benedix and Diana Haines/SLO County Public Works; Julie Thomas/CSLRCD; Tom Zehnder/South SLO San District. Community members: Charlie Lackie, Tom Bowman

II.   Public Comment
    There was no public comment.

III. Announcements
    Dean Benedix announced that Jeff Werst has been appointed to a new position as Director of Design in the County Dept of Public Works.  Until a replacement is hired for Jeff, Diana will stand in on tasks related to Zone 1/1A, with Dean assisting.  Jeff said that his contact info will remain the same in case we need to contact him.

IV. Review and approval of minutes.
     Vicki C. noted one typo in item VI.  Stan moved for approval of the minutes, with correction of the typo, Glenda seconded, motion passed.
     Regarding item X, 4th bullet of January minutes: Vicki noted that the passage on the south side of the levee is open, but horses can’t use it during the winter because a portion is black adobe mud which pulls off horseshoes.  And the path is closed March through September to protect snowy plovers.
     Will made a motion for all Board members to walk the north levee below Guiton’s crossing to observe its condition, especially as regards impacts of use by horses, then have a March agenda item to discuss this.  Glenda seconded the motion and it passed.  Julie will send Norm an email to let him know.
     Julie volunteered to call State Parks to find out if there were options for improving the beach access through State Parks land on the south side of the levee.

V & Nominees for Vacant Zone 1/1A Member Position – status of applications;
VI. Bylaws – status of proposed amendments.
     Diana reported that the nominations for the Zone 1/1A Advisory Committee and the proposed changes to Bylaws will be on the March 4 Board of Supervisors agenda.

VII. Environmental review and permitting of Zone 1/1A long-term management plan – Update.
    Jeff reported that over the past month, the IRWM phase II grant application for $1.38 million was submitted for Zone 1/1A.  The Morro Group has been preparing attachments to the application.
     The Morro Group has estimated a cost for studies required for the EIR and for the long-term maintenance program.  Most of the money will be required during the beginning of work.  Paavo Ogren of County Public Works has indicated that a County “bridge” loan to Zone 1/1A may be possible to enable the work to be done; a budget and scope of work are needed to process a bridge loan.  The County met with representatives of Morro Group and subcontractor Swanson Hydrology & Geomorphology (SH&G) last week to discuss outline of tasks and costs.  There will be more necessary in terms of design costs than had been initially expected.
     Jeff would like to convene a meeting of the Zone 1/1A Task Force with Morro Group and SH&G to discuss status of plans for the long-term planning process.  Norm Getty will be in touch with the Task Force with proposed dates.
     Flap gates:  Re status of work on channel flap gates, the cost of repairing/replacing the Los Berros and Sand Canyon flap gates turned out to be greater than anticipated, so the County is planning on performing that work with IRWM grant $$, if received.
    Levee gates:  Diana reported that installation has been completed on the new gate on the north levee by Rancho del Arroyo mobile home park.  The County is considering putting riprap at the base of gate posts to deter motocyclists.  Norm said that the new gates seem to have cut down on motor vehicles on the levee.

VIII. Open Forum (Questions/Suggestions for next agenda)

• In response to a question re accuracy of the new stream gages at Valley Bridge and 22nd Street bridge, Jeff said that County staff had checked, and found the gages to be within 1 inch of actual creek height.

XI. Set Date for Next Meeting.
    The next two meetings were set for March 18 and April 15.

XII. Adjourn.

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, Vicki Cardoza, Stan Ikeda.  Agency/Organization representatives: Mark Barnett/NRCS; Jeff Werst and Diana Haines/SLO County Public Works; Julie Thomas/CSLRCD; Patrick O’Reilly/OCSD; Tom Zehnder/South SLO San District. Community members: Charlie Lackie, Hugh Gilson

II.   Public Comment

     There was no public comment.

III. Announcements

    Jeff Werst announced that Nola Engelskirgir was on maternity leave, and had a new baby girl.

IV.   Review and approval of minutes.

     Minutes from the November and December meetings were approved.

V. Recap of early January storm event and stream installation status.

     Jeff Werst reported that the new stream gages with radio telemetry had been installed at Valley Road on Los Berros Creek, and at 22nd Street on Arroyo Grande Creek.  Both gages are now reporting well, with real-time measurements of stream stage (height) and precipitation reported on the County website www.slocofloodcontrol.org.

     A program is being developed to send a text message to County staff to say “check stream” if stage height reaches a pre-determined level that may indicate a flooding threat.

     NOAA has added continuously updated precipitation forecasts for Lopez Lake to their QPS: quantitative precipitation statement.

VI. Nominees for Vacant Zone 1/1A Member Position.

    Diana reported that the County has received applications from Charlie Lackie and Tom Zehnder for the vacant position on the Zone 1/1A Advisory Committee.  She said that it would be helpful if the Zone 1/1A Advisory Committee recommended one of the applicants to the SLO County Board of Supervisors.

    Stan Ikeda made a motion to recommend Charlie Lackie as the nominee for the vacant position, and the motion was passed unanimously.

VII. Bylaws – discussion of possible amendments to Bylaws to designate alternate committee members.

Norm moved to recommend adoption of the proposed revisions (attached), Glenda seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.

Norm then made a motion to nominate Tom Zehnder for appointment as an Alternate member of the Advisory Committee.  Glenda seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.

 In discussion, there was emphasis that it is each Advisory Committee member’s responsibility, if they are going to miss a meeting, to contact an alternate to fill in.

VIII. Consideration of support letter for County Public Works IRWMP grant application.

    Gary Kobara signed the support letter (attached) and gave it to Diana for inclusion with the County grant application.

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

Diana read a status report from John Farhar (SLO County):

“The Morro Group is focused on the IRWM grant application, with Swanson Hydrology & Geomorphology assisting by preparing an update to the Alternative 3A project, which is the grant proposal Project.  As part of the grant application they are preparing a work plan, schedule, budget and supporting background information.  The background section is based on start-up research they would be doing anyway under the interim contract for the WMP/EIR.  Under the interim contract, they have been fleshing out the scope of work and budget, soliciting estimates from subs for Cultural Phase 1 and for Hazards Phase 1 site assessment.  This information directly supports the grant application, as does our schedule development.  The grant application sections need to be completed this week, and we hope to have the WMP/EIR scope, budget and schedule no later than next week (Jan 24).  These materials will be made available to the committee at the earliest opportunity.”

X.  Set Date for Next Meeting.
 The next two meetings were set for February 19 and March 18.

XI. Adjourn.

* * *

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.