City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: June 3, 2025
From: Freddie Agyin, Director of Health and Environmental Control Department: Health and Environmental Control
Submitted by: Dulce Gonzalez, Management Analyst
Subject
The Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Authority (GWMA) Amended and Restated Joint Exercise of Power Authority Agreement (JPA Agreement) Recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-015 approving and authorizing the execution of the Amended and Restated JPA Agreement by and between the Southeast Water Coalition and various cities regarding the GWMA.
Background
The GWMA was established in 2007 through a JPA Agreement to address regional challenges related to water supply reliability, water quality, stormwater management, and flood control within the Gateway Region of Los Angeles County. Considering the expansion of GWMA's membership and responsibilities over time, amendments to the JPA Agreement are being proposed to accurately reflect the current and anticipated operational framework.
GWMA is composed of 28 member cities, including the City of Vernon, and water agencies serving a population of over two million residents. The region is characterized by diverse hydrogeological, topographic, demographic, political, and economic conditions. GWMA also represents the Greater Los Angeles County Integrated Regional Water Management group and has managed stormwater compliance programs under the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit since 2012, coordinating efforts among multiple watershed groups.
Through collaboration among its members, GWMA has successfully developed regional projects and secured funding from local, state, and federal sources. These efforts include partnerships with the Lower Los Angeles River, Lower San Gabriel River, Los Cerritos Channel, and other watershed groups to meet MS4 Permit requirements for stormwater monitoring and reporting.
In 2024, the GWMA staff and legal counsel proposed modifications to the JPA Agreement. These modifications include: (1) adjustments to the terms of board members, (2) the allowance of up to three alternates, (3) specifications for a super-majority vote on certain board actions, and (4) the removal of the requirement to appoint a lead agency for financial and contractual affairs. On January 14, 2025, GWMA staff circulated a draft of the Amended and Restated JPA Agreement for member review. Following the incorporation of comments from legal counsel and participating agencies, the GWMA Governing Board approved the final version by super-majority vote on April 10, 2025. Each member agency is now required to formally adopt the amended agreement by resolution.
Resolution No. 2025-015 approves the GWMA JPA Agreement and authorizes the City Administrator to execute said agreement.
The proposed resolution and related GWMA JPA Agreement have been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is $15,000 for the annual GWMA membership. Sufficient funds are available in the General Fund, Health and Environmental Control Department, Membership Dues Account No. 011-020-200-529550 for fiscal year 2025-26 and will be budgeted in subsequent fiscal years.
Attachments
1. Resolution No. 2025-015