City of Sacramento
City Council - 5PM Report
915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2022-02455 1/24/2023 Consent Item 11.
Authorization to Execute Interagency Cost-Share Agreements for Sacramento City-County Office of Metropolitan Water Planning for Fiscal Year 2022/23 File ID: 2022-02455
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Pass a Motion authorizing the City Manager or the City Manager’s designee to execute interagency cost-share agreements for the Sacrament City-County Office of Metropolitan Water Planning (CCOMWP) FY 22-23 operating budget. The FY 22-23 operating budget was approved by City Council on May 10, 2022 (Attachment 1); however due to an administrative oversight, the request for Council authorization to designate signature authority was not completed.
The first interagency cost share agreement is for the Water Forum Successor Effort (WFSE) Fund 7103 and has been signed by the City of Roseville, City of Folsom, Placer County Water Agency, and the San Juan Water District (Attachment 2). The second interagency cost share agreement is for the for the Habitat Management Element (HME) Fund 7104 and has been signed by the County of Sacramento (Attachment 3). Execution of these agreements is critical for the CCOWMP to collect revenue for FY 22-23.
Contact: Jessica Law, Executive Director, (916) 808-1998, [email protected], Citywide and Community Support, Sacramento City-County Office of Metropolitan Water Planning Presenter: None
Attachments:
1: City of Sacramento Resolution No. 2022-0133
2: Interagency Cost Share Agreement for WFSE Fund 7103 - FY 22-23 Operating Budget 3: Interagency Cost Share Agreement for HME Fund 7104 - FY 22-23 Operating Budget 4: Water Forum Business Strategy
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: Under the current interagency Agreement governing operations of the Sacramento City -County Office of Metropolitan Water Planning (CCOMWP), funding for the Water Forum Successor Effort (WFSE) and Habitat Management Element (HME) is provided by water suppliers who are signatories to the Water Forum Agreement. The FY 22-23 operating budget was approved by the
File ID: 2022-02455 1/24/2023 Consent Item 11.
May 10, 2022 Resolution 2022-0133. However, due to an administrative oversight, the CCOMWP is requesting a motion authorizing the City Manager or the City Manager’s designee to execute the two interagency cost share agreements in order to collect revenue.
Policy Considerations:
Under the current Interagency Agreement (C2001-005) governing operations of the Sacramento City-County Office of Metropolitan Water Planning (CCOMWP), funding for the Water Forum Successor Effort (WFSE) and Habitat Management Element (HME) is provided by water suppliers who are signatories to the Water Forum Agreement (WFA). The WFA (C1999-222) approved in FY1999/00, includes a mechanism for a WFSE to ensure actual implementation of the Agreement until 2030. This recommendation is consistent with the Mayor and City Council’s mission to protect, preserve, and enhance the quality of life for present and future generations. This recommendation is also necessary to meet mitigation requirements specified by the WFA Environmental Impact Report of 2000.
Economic Impacts: None.
Environmental Considerations: Continuing administrative activities and government fiscal activities do not constitute a project and are therefore exempt from CEQA review [CEQA Guidelines § 15378 (b)(2) and (b)(4)].
Sustainability: Not Applicable.
Commission/Committee Action: Not Applicable.
Rationale for Recommendation: The WFSE and HME is being administered under the auspices of the CCOMWP, also known as the Water Forum. The approved FY 22-23 operating budget covers a range of services needed to implement the WFA including services and projects related to regional water resource management, design and construction of habitat enhancement projects, and a collaborative interest based negotiation process for an amended Water Forum Agreement. These activities have been deemed essential to maintaining the lower American River as a functioning ecosystem and preserving the American River Parkway’s reputation as the jewel of the Sacramento Region. These ongoing activities, under the guidance of the Water Forum have gained regional, state -wide, and national recognition and have helped to define Sacramento as a leader in water management, open space preservation, and ecological stewardship. Additional information on the Water Forum priorities for FY 22-23 can be found in the Water Forum Business Strategy (Attachment 4).
Financial Considerations: The approved operating budget for FY2022/23 is $1,643,843 in revenue and program support transfers, and $1,922,787 in expenditures for the CCOMWP Fund
File ID: 2022-02455 1/24/2023 Consent Item 11.
(7103) and the HME Fund (7104). The detail of revenue and expenditure budgets for both funds are outlined in Table 1. There are sufficient funds in Funds 7103 and 7104 available fund balance to support the additional expenditures of $278,944 not covered by revenue and program support transfers to support operating expenditures. The changes in the adding and deleting of FTE positions is estimated to have a cost of the FTE positions changes is estimated to be a savings of $162,448.
The Water Forum Coordinating Committee approved the use of these available fund balances in April 2022.
The proposed City of Sacramento’s program support cost share is $496,561 for both funds, including $250,136 for WFSE services and programs in Fund 7103, and $246,452 for HME services and programs in Fund 7104. These City funds are included in the FY2022/23 Department of Utilities Water Fund 6005 proposed budget as program support transfers.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not Applicable.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-0133
Adopted by the Sacramento City Council
May 10, 2022
Approving the City-County Office of Metropolitan Water Planning Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Operating Budget
BACKGROUND
A. The City-County Office of Metropolitan Wa ter Planning supports a diverse group of business and agricultural leaders, citizens groups, environmentalists, water manager, and local governments (including the City of Sacramento) in the Sacramento region that have joined to fulfill two co-equal objectives:
1. Provide a reliable and safe water supply for the region’s economic health and planned development to the year 2030, and
2. Preserve the fishery, wildlife, recreational, and aesthetic values of the lower American River.
B. In 1999 forty Water Forum members (including the City of Sacramento) approved a comprehensive Water Forum Agreement (WFA) (City Agreement 2001-222).
C. The WFA consists of integrated actions nec essary to provide a regional solution to water shortages, environmental damage, gr oundwater contaminat ion, and limited economic prosperity. To continue the work of the WF A, the stakeholders created the Water Forum Successor Effort (WFSE).
D. City Manager Agreement 2001- 05 established the City-County Office of Metropolitan Water Planning (CCOMWP, also known as the Water Forum) to provide staffing and administrative support for the WFSE to the year 2030. Its objective is to promote the implementation and continued vitality of the WFA. It also specifies that all administrative arrangements of the CCOMWP will be processed according to the City of Sacramento’s established policies and procedures.
BASED ON THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE BACKGROUND, THE CITY COUNCIL RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The CCOMWP Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Operating Budget as shown in Exhibit A is hereby approved.
Resolution 2022-0133 Ma y 10, 2022 Pa ge 1 of 9
Section 2. The deletion of two Full-Time Eq uivalent (FTE) positions (1.0 FTE Program Specialist and 1.0 FTE Staff Aide), and the addition of two FTE positions (1.0 FTE Senior Engineer and 1.0 FTE Administrative Analyst) to the CCOMWP Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Operating Budget are hereby approved.
Table of Contents:
Exhibit A – Water Forum Annual Budget
Adopted by the City of Sacramento City Council on May 10, 2022, by the following vote:
Ayes: Members Ashby, Guerra, Harris, Jenning s, Loloee, Schenirer, Valenzuela, Vang, and Mayor Steinberg
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Attest:
_____________________________________
Mindy Cuppy, City Clerk
The presence of an electronic signature certifies that the foregoing is a true and correct copy as approved by the Sacramento City Council.
Resolution 2022-0133 Ma y 10, 2022 Pa ge 2 of 9
Mindy Cuppy
Digitally signed by Mindy Cuppy
Date: 2022.05.18 15:58:22
-07'00'
FY 2021-
2022
FY 2022-
2023
Approved Proposed
($) ($) ($) (%)
FUNDING
Water Forum Successor Effort (WFSE) 935,061 904,487 -30,574 -3.3% Habitat Management Element (HME) 677,562 739,356 61,794 9.1% Funding Subtotal 1,612,623 1,643,843 31,220 1.9%
EXPENDITURES
Water Forum Successor Effort (7103)
Staff / Labor and Benefits 823,002 569,554 -253,448 -30.8% Operating Services and Supplies 160,285 165,533 5,248 3.3% Consulting Services and Programs 350,000 165,000 -185,000 -52.9% WFSE Subtotal 1,333,287 900,087 -433,200 -32.5%
Fund Balance Draw -398,226 0 398,226
WFSE TOTAL 935,061 900,087 -34,974 -3.7%
Habitat Management Element (7104)
Staff / Labor and Benefits 300,000 400,000 100,000 33.3% Consulting Services and Programs 558,200 614,000 55,800 10.0% HME Subtotal 858,200 1,014,000 155,800 18.2%
Fund Balance Draw -180,638 -274,644 -94,006
HME TOTAL 677,562 739,356 61,794 9.1%
Fund Balance Draw
Water Forum Successor Effort (7103) -398,226 0 398,226 -100.0% Habitat Management Element (7104) -180,638 -274,644 -94,006 52.0% Subtotal -578,864 -274,644 304,220 -52.6%
Total Local Funding
Water Forum Successor Effort 935,061 900,087 -34,974 -3.7% Habitat Management Element 677,562 739,356 61,794 9.1%
Fund Balance Draw 578,864 274,644 -304,220 -52.6%
Subtotal 2,191,487 1,914,087 -277,400 -12.7%
Difference
Water Forum Annual Budget
Fiscal Year 2022-23
- Overview -
1,612,623 1,639,443 26,820 1.7%WATER FORUM FUNDS TOTAL 1Resolution 2022-0133 Ma y 10, 2022 Pa ge 3 of 9
FY 2021-2022 FY 2022-2023
Approved Proposed
($) ($) ($) (%)
WATER FORUM SUCCESSOR EFFORT
Staff/ Labor and Benefits 823,002 569,554 -253,448 -30.8% Permanent staff 653,574 569,554 -84,020 -12.9%
Temporary position 169,428 -169,428 -100.0%
Operating Services and Supplies 160,285 165,533 5,248 3.3% Leased office space 53,728 56,549 2,821 5.3%
Special projects 0 0 0 n/a
City administrative costs 39,000 39,000 0 0.0%
Outreach and sponsorships 10,000 10,000 0 0.0%
Food and catering for meetings 5,000 5,000 0 0.0%
Printing 5,000 5,000 0 0.0%
Transportation/local 5,000 5,000 0 0.0%
Legal services 12,457 13,708 1,251 10.0%
Travel/ lodging/registration fee /meeting r 7,000 7,000 0 0.0% Office supplies, AV, subscriptions/membe 5,000 5,000 0 0.0% Rental/maintenance of equipment 5,100 5,100 0 0.0%
Telecommunications 6,500 6,500 0 0.0%
Computers services/software/website 6,000 7,200 1,200 20.0% Postage & delivery services 500 476 -24 -4.8%
Consulting Services / Programs 350,000 165,000 -185,000 -52.9% Mediation/Facilitation 300,000 -300,000 -100.0%
Water management Analysis 50,000 0 0 0.0%
Water Forum 2.0 0 50,000 50,000 n/a
Flows and Operations 000 n / a
Engagement 0 50,000 50,000 n/a
Administrative 0 65,000 65,000 n/a
WFSE Subtotal 1,333,287 900,087 -433,200 -32.5%
Fund Balance Draw Subtotal
Difference
Water Forum Annual Budget
Fiscal Year 2022-23
- Proposed Expenditures -
1Resolution 2022-0133 Ma y 10, 2022 Pa ge 4 of 9
FY 2021-2022 FY 2022-2023
Approved Proposed
($) ($) ($) (%)
Difference
Water Forum Annual Budget
Fiscal Year 2022-23
- Proposed Expenditures -
HABITAT MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Staff / Labor and Benefits 300,000 400,000 100,000 33.3% Consulting Services / Programs 558,200 614,000 55,800 10.0% Science Support: n/a
Temperature Modeling 200,000 114,000 -86,000 -43.0%
Fisheries Monitoring 163,200 75,000 -88,200 -54.0%
Project Implementation 90,000 100,000 10,000 11.1%
Other Technical support 0 175,000 175,000 n/a
Engagement 105,000 105,000 0 0.0%
Administrative 0 45,000 45,000 n/a
HME Subtotal 858,200 1,014,000 155,800 18.2%
Note: Per the Water Forum Agreement, the HME cost is adjusted annually by the construction index of the Engineering News Record (Construction Cost Index for 20 Average US Cities and for the San Francisco Bay Area.) 2Resolution 2022-0133 Ma y 10, 2022 Pa ge 5 of 9
FY 2021-2022 FY 2022-2023
Approved Proposed
($) ($) ($) (%)
Difference
Water Forum Annual Budget
Fiscal Year 2022-23
- Proposed Expenditures -
ROLLUPS AND SUMMARIES
Fund Balance Draw
WFSE -398,226 0 398,226 -100.0%
HME -180,638 -274,644 -94,006 52.0%
Fund Balance Draw Subtotal -578,864 -274,644 304,220 -52.6% Total Budget including Fund Balance Draw
WFSE 935,061 900,087 -34,974 -3.7%
HME 677,562 739,356 61,794 9.1%
Total Budget with Fund Balance 1,612,623 1,639,443 26,820 1.7% Summary: Staff / Labor and Benefits
WFSE 823,002 569,554 -253,448 -30.8%
Temporary Position 169,428 0 -169,428 -100.0%
HME 300,000 400,000 100,000 33.3%
Staffing Subtotal 1,292,430 969,554 -322,876 -25.0%
3Resolution 2022-0133 Ma y 10, 2022 Pa ge 6 of 9
Water Forum Annual Budget
Fiscal Year 2022-23
- Summary of Projected Funding Sources -
FY22-23
WFSE
Sacramento County - Zone 13 465,153
City of Sacramento 250,136
City of Roseville 86,636
City of Folsom 40,245
Placer County Water Agency 19,957
Sacramento Municipal Utility District 20,601
San Juan Water District in Placer County 12,714
El Dorado County Water Agency 9,045
Subtotal 904,487
HME
Sacramento County - Zone 13 492,905
City of Sacramento 246,452
Non CVP Diversions 0
Golden State Water Company 0
Subtotal 739,356
1 Resolution 2022-0133 Ma y 10, 2022 Pa ge 7 of 9
Water Forum Annual Budget
Fiscal Year 2022-23
- WFSE Cost Share -
Purveyors / Organizations
Connections
(01-01-22)
Percent of
Total
Cost
Share
Zone 13, Sacramento County unincorporated area1
267,948 51.43% 465,153 $
City of Sacramento 144,089 27.66% 250,136 $
City of Roseville 49,906 9.58% 86,636 $
City of Folsom 23,183 4.45% 40,245 $
Placer County Water Agency2
11,496 2.21% 19,957 $
Sacramento Municipal Utility District3
n/a 2.28% 20,601 $
San Juan Water District in Placer County 7,324 1.41% 12,714 $ El Dorado County Water Agency4
n/a 1.00% 9,045 $
Total 503,946 100.00% 904,487 $
NOTES:
1Zone 13 funds are used to cover the financial contributions for the following water purveyors:
Purveyors / Organizations
Connections
(01-01-22)
Percent of
Zone 13
California-American Water Company 64,086 23.92%
Carmichael Water District 11,718 4.37%
Citrus Heights Water District 20,224 7.55%
Clay Water District n/a n/a
Del Paso Manor Water District 1,799 0.67%
Elk Grove Water District 13,042 4.87%
Fair Oaks Water District 14,390 5.37%
Florin County Water District 2,500 0.93%
Galt Irrigation District n/a n/a
Golden State Water Company 17,114 6.39%
Natomas Central Mutual Water Company n/a n/a
Omochumne-Hartnell Water District n/a n/a
Orange Vale Water Company 5,684 2.12%
Rancho Murieta Community Services District 2,734 1.02%
Rio Linda/Elverta Community Water District 4,648 1.73%
Sacramento County Water Agency 59,510 22.21%
Sacramento Suburban Water District 47,102 17.58%
San Juan Water District (in Sacramento County) 3,397 1.27% Total 267,948 100.00%
2It is assumed that two-thirds of PCWA's connections are served by the Yuba/Bear Rivers. Therefore, the remaining 10,924 connections (one-third of 32,773 total connections) are used in this computation. 4El Dorado County Water Agency contributes 1% of the total budget on behalf of El Dorado Irrigation District and Georgetown Divide Public Utilities District. If any of these entities finalize a Purveyor Specific Agreement, their cost contribution will be updated. 3Contributions by SMUD was initially $10,000/year. This contribution is adjusted each year for inflation by the same Engineering News Record index used to adjust the Habitat Management Fund. 1 of 1 4/28/2022
Resolution 2022-0133 Ma y 10, 2022 Pa ge 8 of 9
Water Forum Annual Budget
Fiscal Year 2022-23
- HME Cost Share1 Projection -
2021-2022 2022-2023
Approved Proposed
County of Sacramento - Zone 13 451,709 492,905 2 41,196 9.12% City of Sacramento 225,854 246,452 2 20,598 9.12%
Non CVP Diversions 00 3 0.00% n/a
Total 677,562 739,356 61,794 9.12%
4Golden State Water Company agreed to contribute to the HME for water diverted under its replacement water supply contract with SMUD. The potential value of this contribution is unknown at the time budgets are prepared.
1The Water Forum Agreement describes the cost-sharing process among the Water Forum purveyors for the Habitat Management Element on pages 86-87.
Difference
using the average of the CCI for these two areas, currently 9.12%. This % is multiplied by the prior 3Other purveyors with contracts for Central Valley Project water agreed to contribute to the HME in those years when they divert non-CVP water above their baseline. The potential value of these contributions is unknown at the time budgets are prepared. 2Contributions by the City of Sacramento and County of Sacramento were initially set annually at $125,000 and $250,000, respectively. These contributions are adjusted each year for inflation as set by the January issue of the "Engineering News Record" published Construction Cost Index (CCI) for US - 20 Cities Average and for the San Francisco Bay Area. The annual adjustment is year contribution amount to determine the amount of increase/decrease. 1 Resolution 2022-0133 Ma y 10, 2022 Pa ge 9 of 9
As confirmed by the Water Forum Plenary on July 28, 2022
SACRAMENTO WATER FORUM
BUSINESS STRATEGY (2022-2030)
Sacramento Water Forum | Final Draft Business Strategy (2022-2030) 1 | Page
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 2 Water Forum 2.0 and the Business Strategy ..................................................................................... 3 WFSE Business Strategy for Existing Program Areas (2022-2030) .................................................... 4
1.1 Habitat Enhancement .............................................................................................................. 4
1.2 Flow and Operations ................................................................................................................ 6
1.3 Science and Monitoring ........................................................................................................... 7
1.4 Communications ....................................................................................................................... 8
1.5 Administration ............................................................................................................................ 9 Appendix 1: Water Forum Priorities and Budget (FY 22-23) .......................................................... 10
Sacramento Water Forum | Final Draft Business Strategy (2022-2030) 2 | Page
Introduction
The original Water Forum Agreement was signed in 2000 and for the last 22 years, the Water Forum has created consistency and strength in the region by maintaining the coequal objectives:
Provide a reliable and safe water supply for the region’s economic health and planned development through to the year 2030; and
Preserve the fishery, wildlife, recreational, and aesthetic values of the lower American River.
Former Executive Director of the Water Forum, Leo Winternitz, recently remarked that over the course of his forty-year career, he’s seen a plethora of governance models come and go, but the Water Forum stands out as an organization that has persisted. Inherent to our success is the unique approach to our work: mutual gains, clear communication, scientific rigor and integrity, and commitment from a range of interests. The value of trust between the four caucuses, as well as between all of the caucuses and the Executive Director, of the Water Forum cannot be overstated.
While not identified as a priority action, the work of building and maintaining trust is integral to the viability of the organization and the success of our future endeavors.
In 2020, at the start of the global coronavirus pandemic, the Water Forum embarked on a new journey to review and revise the historic agreement. The last two+ years have ushered in massive societal and political changes that have touched all our lives. The region is experiencing the very real impacts of climate change in the form of extended statewide drought, unpredictable precipitation, extreme heat, and wildfires. And while the past two+ years have presented challenges and distractions, we have continued with negotiations on Water Forum 2.0. Through that process, we have recognized a need to delineate the efforts related the ongoing implementation of the original Water Forum Agreement and the Water Forum 2.0 negotiations.
This Final Draft Business Strategy captures an important point in the Water Forum’s history. With 8 years remaining on the original agreement, the Business Strategy outlines how the organization will implement core programs for habitat management, flows and operations, science and monitoring, communications, and administration of the Water Forum Successor Effort (as outlined in the original agreement). It demonstrates that we are growing as an organization with the help of outside funding and support.
The Business Strategy, just like the river, thrives with consistent adaptive management. I’m looking forward to working with the Water Forum plenary and our stakeholders to adjust and refine this report on an annual basis. Onward!
Jessica Law
Executive Director
Sacramento Water Forum | Final Draft Business Strategy (2022-2030) 3 | Page
Water Forum 2.0 and the Business Strategy
While the Business Strategy focuses on laying out a gameplan for carrying out existing Water Forum programs over the next eight years, it is important to say a few words about the Water Forum 2.0 process, as it will be a priority in the near-term. The original Water Forum agreement took seven years to negotiate, but we are expecting to complete the Water Forum 2.0 process in about half the time prior to the expiration of the original agreement in 2030. The negotiations focus on many of the original elements of the Agreement; however, caucus interests align on solving how the region can adapt to climate change with solutions such as enhanced conjunctive use, protection of groundwater supplies, and a stronger emphasis on the health of the American River, including but not limited to fisheries.
This figure shows progress
and schedule for the
continued negotiations, with
the majority of FY 22-23
occupied by Phase 3. Phase
3 will focus on the
framework for negotiations –
including reaching
agreement on the structure
and process – before diving
into the technical and highly
detailed working groups
that will hammer out the
details of the new
agreement. Within the first 9
months, the hope is to reach
a common understanding on the core elements of the agreement. Consistent with the Water Forum way, outreach and engagement with WF signatory boards and councils will be an essential part of the process as we launch into Phase Four and the development, and ultimately signing of the agreement.
Water Forum staff and consultants will continue to conduct the work of the Water Forum Successor Effort (WFSE), and the priorities for our core programs as outlined in this document.
Please see Appendix 1 for additional budget information regarding the Water Forum 2.0 process and the WFSE core programs.
Sacramento Water Forum | Final Draft Business Strategy (2022-2030) 4 | Page
WFSE Business Strategy for Existing Program Areas (2022-2030)
1.1 Habitat Enhancement
The Water Forum is well regarded for its long-standing habitat work on the lower American River (LAR). The LAR Salmonid Habitat Enhancement Projects are at the core of the program, largely supported by Federal funding through the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA). In its 14th year, this program incorporates best-available science to continually improve spawning gravel and rearing habitat through regular construction projects on the river. In 2020 the Water Forum was awarded $5 million in Prop 68 funding from the State for early implementation of the Statewide Voluntary Agreement process which complements the existing funding for the program, but while also amplifying the pace and scale of implementation. In the near-term, the Water Forum will be focused on refining design, analysis, and implementing construction with a phased approach at each of the ten approved sites. In addition, the Water Forum is evaluating feasibility of other habitat enhancement sites on the LAR, continuing our efforts on multi-benefit projects such as Cordova Creek naturalization, and working to strengthen connections to organizations and stakeholders working to improve river corridor health on the LAR.
Table 1.1 Habitat Enhancement
Near-Term Priority Actions (FY 2022-2024)
a. Finalize 5-year LAR Salmonid Habitat Enhancement Program funding, design, analysis, and implementation strategy (grant funded)
b. Develop gravel/habitat enhancement maintenance and monitoring plan (grant funded) c. Cordova Creek Phase 1 and Phase 2:
• Continue to work with local partners to support Phase 1 monitoring and maintenance • Prepare CEQA to prep for WCB eligibility for Cordova Creek Phase 2 Final design and c onstruction grant funding
• Pursue WCB grant funding to complete design and construct Phase 2 Cordova Creek • Continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure project support; partner with parkway advocates (Soil Born, CNPS, SARA, etc.)
d. Engage with State and Federal agencies on implementation of LAR Salmonid Habitat Enhancement Program consistent with Statewide Voluntary Agreement early implementation actions (grant funded) e. Finalize publications highlighting LAR Salmonid Habitat Enhancement Program work over past 10 years (partially grant funded)
Ongoing Annual Actions
f. Construct phases of LAR Salmonid Habitat Program each year (grant funded) g. Implement outreach and communications strategy for LAR Salmonid Habitat Enhancement Program and other habitat enhancement projects (partially grant funded) h. Work with public water agencies (PWAs) and State and Federal agencies to track progress of Water Forum efforts regarding other programs (30x30; Statewide Voluntary Agreements, Cutting Green Tape, etc.) or requirements
i. Continue to co-convene the Lower American River Task Force (LARTF) with SAFCA Sacramento Water Forum | Final Draft Business Strategy (2022-2030) 5 | Page
Table 1.1 Habitat Enhancement
j. Coordinate with Regional Parks on Natural Resources Management Planning (NRMP) implementation and monitoring
As Time Allows
k. Seek grant funding for assessing the feasibility of creek enhancement projects (e.g., Buffalo Creek, Carmichael Creek, Steelhead Creek)
l. Seek grant funding for assessing the feasibility of rearing site enhancement projects as identified in Rearing Review Report (August 2020)
m. Continue to track and update the FISH plan (Draft 2019), and other related efforts n. Support local river education programs at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento Valley Conservancy, Soil Born Farms, and Sacramento Valley Chapter of CNPS Sacramento Water Forum | Final Draft Business Strategy (2022-2030) 6 | Page
1.2 Flow and Operations
In 2006, the Water Forum published the first Flow Management Standard (FMS) for the LAR. This methodology for protecting river health and water supply has continued to evolve and improve with new modeling and technical efforts. Water Forum efforts to continue to improve the FMS are linked with similar efforts to ensure that the methodology is included in regulatory processes such as the re- initiation of consultation on the Biological Opinion. To support understanding and implementation of the FMS, the Water Forum will publish a consolidated version of the methodology for reference by US Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and other state and federal implementing agencies. The Water Forum’s technical team of staff and consultants are critical to communicating and interpreting the FMS with scientific rigor.
Table 1.2 Flows and Operations
Near-Term Priority Actions (FY 2022-2024)
a. Publish consolidated 2017 Modified FMS report
b. Continue to work with Reclamation to implement the existing MOU and refine as needed c. Engage with Reclamation and other key agencies or stakeholders in the re-initiation of consultation on the Biological Opinion (BiOp) to ensure that the FMS standard continues to be productive and protective of the river
d. Engage in the American River Group stakeholder discussions while working towards clarifying roles and responsibilities related to WF’s expertise
e. Publish updated Modified FMS documentation following completion of the pending BiOp process (2022-2023)
Ongoing Annual Actions
f. Continue Modified FMS monitoring/updates/adjustments g. Work with PWAs and State and Federal agencies, WF and other stakeholders to review assumptions on Modified FMS, environmental flows, and operations regarding other programs (Statewide Voluntary agreements, Water Portfolio, etc.) or requirements
h. Engage WF members; and provide technical assistance to State and Federal agencies throughout the year on temperature planning, pulse flow operations, power bypass and storage targets i. Coordinate with Reclamation and fisheries agencies on FMS implementation As Time Allows
j. Track environmental reviews for major projects that could impact the coequal objectives to determine whether further engagement is warranted
k. Pursue adoption of FMS by SWRCB
Sacramento Water Forum | Final Draft Business Strategy (2022-2030) 7 | Page
1.3 Science and Monitoring
The Water Forum takes a practical approach to science and monitoring. Each study is directly tied to work that will support learning and adaptive management of the LAR Salmonid Habitat Enhancement Projects, understanding the need and the feasibility of future habitat actions, or supports decision-making related to the FMS. This program is growing in importance as the state and the water management system are under increased strain due to extended drought and climate change.
Table 1.3 Science and Monitoring
Near-Term Priority Actions (FY 2022-2024)
a. Develop “Year on the River” calendar of monitoring and scientific information to support decision making
b. Review monitoring information from past projects to determine their efficacy and improve future projects through adaptive management
c. Conduct water quality monitoring (i.e., dissolved oxygen at existing temperature/gage locations) d. Conduct eDNA or other short-term studies (drought monitoring, etc.) to inform management decisions based on river health
e. Conduct LAR-wide topographic change analysis [LiDAR and 2D DEM/model update] (with CVPIA- USBR/SAFCA cost share)
f. Complete restoration value study for LAR
g. Conduct required pre/post-project monitoring (Prop 68 grant supported) h. Complete life history/flow management evaluations (otolith), mark-recapture (genetics, restoration effectiveness), ESHE juvenile model, and peer-reviewed publications (with CVPIA-USFWS grant funds) Ongoing Annual Actions
i. Publish WF relevant fisheries and riverine ecosystem data in a central data repository j. Publish WF scientific findings in peer reviewed journals k. Present WF scientific findings at conferences
l. Seek funding and support from State and Federal agencies to implement a robust science program m. Work with PWAs and State and Federal agencies, WF and other stakeholders to participate in regional or statewide monitoring, modeling, and adaptive management efforts (e.g., CVPIA Science Integration Team, Salmon Recovery Partnerships, Statewide Voluntary agreements) or other requirements
As Time Allows
n. Seek funding to support a historical landscape ecology study of the LAR o. Form a science advisory committee to provide input on WF efforts and provide expert reviews
Sacramento Water Forum | Final Draft Business Strategy (2022-2030) 8 | Page
1.4 Communications
Communication and outreach to WF members are critical to the success of the Water Forum. With its caucus structure, the Water Forum has both an internal audience, and an external audience represented by the larger audience of WF signatory agencies and other partners. In the near-term Water Forum staff and consultants will continue to improve our communications systems and strategy to reach appropriate audiences. The Coordinating Committee will continue to serve as the main venue for review of external communications (e.g., media statements, press releases, letters).
Table 1.4 Communications
Near-Term Priority Actions (FY 2022-2024)
a. Work with the Coordinating Committee to develop annual communications and stakeholder outreach strategy based on current issues and opportunities b. Refresh the WF external website with new design and branding c. Create a WF member-only web page to support facilitation of WF meetings and information exchange
d. Implement the WF Tracking and Oversight process as agreed by WF members in 2017 e. Coordinate with regional GSAs to better understand the work that they are doing to implement the GSPs (monitoring, action plans) and how it relates to the coequal objectives Ongoing Annual Actions
f. Advocate for the American River region with State and Federal agencies and other stakeholders g. Connect with and amplify organizations that are working on the LAR h. Promote the work of the WF with relevant stakeholders i. Continue to convene effective and engaging Plenary, Coordinating Commi ttee, and Caucus meetings
j. Provide facilitation support to WF signatories as appropriate and upon request k. Continue to provide “Learning and Engagement” sessions for WF members and the public to highlight key issues in the region, including but not limited to groundwater sustainability, water conservation, water management, water for economic and development needs, and river health As Time Allows
l. Complete “State of the River” report every five years Sacramento Water Forum | Final Draft Business Strategy (2022-2030) 9 | Page
1.5 Administration
The Water Forum, also known as City-County Office of Metropolitan Water Planning, is housed at the City of Sacramento. As such, Water Forum staff work closely with City of Sacramento to track and manage our finances. In the near-term, Water Forum staff will work to improve our internal processes to allow for long-term viability of the organization.
Table 1.5 Administration
Near-Term Priority Actions (FY 2022-2024)
a. Review internal processes to ensure required fiscal tracking measures are in place b. Pursue additional funding to support WF 2.0 process (i.e., WF members, external funding) c. Review current funding structure to align with ongoing efforts such as the Statewide VA process Ongoing Annual Actions
d. Prepare quarterly and annual reports of actual spending e. Prepare budgets and approval by WF members and the Sacramento City Council, and Sacramento County Board of Supervisors
f. Prepare and execute contracts to conduct WF work
g. Prepare and submit required grant progress reports
h. Implement appropriate fiscal tracking measures
i. Work with the Coordinating Committee to review progress on near-term actions and annual priorities; Review annual progress reports and priorities with the WF plenary As Time Allows
j. Work with Coordinating Committee to develop a 5-year financial forecast and budget estimate
Sacramento Water Forum | Final Draft Business Strategy (2022-2030) 10 | Page
Appendix 1: Water Forum Priorities and Budget (FY 22-23)
Table 1.6 Water Forum Priorities and Budget (FY 22-23)
SERVICES FTE TOTAL
BUDGET
PERCENT
OF TOTAL
Priority Project Local
Funding
State and
Federal Grant
Funding
Total % Local
Funding
All
Sources
Water Forum 2.0 $250,000 $126,496 $376,496 66% $167,757 $544,253 9% Existing Programs
1.1 Habitat
Enhancement $100,000 $2,900,211 $3,000,211 3% $271,836 $3,272,047 55%
1.2 Flows and
Operations $175,000 $43,500 $218,500 80% $121,393 $339,893 6%
1.3 Science and
Monitoring
$149,000 $839,818 $988,818 15% $65,789 $1,054,607 18%
1.4 Communications $170,000 $48,880 $218,880 78% $115,547 $334,427 6%
1.5 Administration $150,533 $0 $150,533 100% $253,104 $403,637 7% TOTAL $994,533 $3,958,905 $4,953,438 20% $995,426 $5,948,864 100%