BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of Updated and Enhanced Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program for a Future Funding Measure (Continued from July 14, 2020).
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
A. *Receive additional information and clarification on questions from June 23, and July 14, 2020 Board meetings, including program financing, structure, and implementation;
B. Provide direction to staff on any final programmatic changes;
C. Adopt the Resolution, PROVIDING FOR THE CONTINUATION AND LEVY OF A SPECIAL TAX TO PAY THE COST OF THE SAFE, CLEAN WATER AND NATURAL FLOOD PROTECTION PROGRAM IN THE COMBINED FLOOD CONTROL ZONES OF THE SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT, SUBJECT, NEVERTHELESS, TO SPECIFIED LIMITS AND CONDITIONS; and
D. Adopt the Resolution, CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT ON NOVEMBER 3, 2020, REQUESTING SERVICES OF REGISTRAR OF VOTERS, REQUESTING CONSOLIDATION OF ELECTION, AND SPECIFYING CERTAIN PROCEDURES FOR THE CONSOLIDATED ELECTION.
Body
SUMMARY:
In accordance with direction received from the Board of Directors during the December 10, 2019 Board meeting, staff has explored the feasibility and the development of a potential November 2020 ballot measure to replace and renew the existing special parcel tax for the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program (Safe, Clean Water Program) beyond its current expiration in 2028.
During the June 23 board meeting, staff provided the board with the draft community-preferred program report, program resolution, community input data and results. Questions pertaining the draft report and proposed program focused on the program structure, financing and renewal mechanism. These items will be addressed during the special board meeting for July 14.
A supplemental agenda item will include:
• Additional information and clarifications on pending questions
• June public opinion survey data
• Updated summary of Valley Water’s public engagement and outreach efforts
• Updated community-preferred program report
• Program Resolution
• Resolution to call election
• PowerPoint presentation
BACKGROUND
As we work together to get through a global public health crisis, the importance of having a reliable public infrastructure has become even more apparent. Valley Water remains focused on delivering safe, clean drinking water and providing flood protection and environmental stewardship during any type of public emergency our county may face now or in the future.
Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program
The existing 2012 Safe, Clean Water Program was overwhelmingly approved by 74% of voters in November 2012, the current Safe, Clean Water Program is a 15-year special parcel tax that provides a strategy to support uninterrupted water resource services in Santa Clara County.
The current program funds approximately one-third of the existing watershed and stewardship budgeted programs. Currently, the Safe, Clean Water Program special parcel tax is comprised of six (6) categories for commercial/ industrial, high-density parcels, single-family residential and multi-family units up to four, agricultural, and nonutilized urban and rural areas. An annual escalator is also included to account for the effects of inflation that the Board may adjust annually.
The existing 2012 program was developed through extensive community collaboration and input from residents and stakeholders that identified five top community priorities:
Priority A: Ensure a Safe, Reliable Water Supply
Priority B: Reduce Toxins, Hazards, and Contaminants from our Waterways
Priority C: Protect our Water Supply from Earthquakes and Natural Disasters
Priority D: Restore Wildlife Habitat and Provide for Open Space
Priority E: Provide Flood Protection to Homes, Business, Schools and Highways
As a result of more than 17,000 community input surveys to date, Valley Water staff has recommended changes to the current program including adding a sixth priority under a potential proposed program renewal, one focused on doing our part for public health and public safety of our community, as an essential service provider.
The amount of community input on this program has far surpassed any input that Valley Water has received from the voting and general public.
Priority F: Support public health and public safety for our community
Over the years, this program, and the one that preceded it, have allowed Valley Water to construct projects and implement programs that keep our water safe and flowing reliably, that allow us to continue to provide various means of flood protection to residents and businesses, and to care for the environment in a responsible way. The Safe, Clean Water Program has helped Valley Water fulfill our mission and focus on the work that matters to Santa Clara County residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this item.
CEQA:
The recommended action does not constitute a project under CEQA because it does not have the potential for resulting in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS:
*Attachment 1: 071420 Item 2.7 Memo, G. Kremen
*Attachment 2: 071420 Supplemental Memo and Attachments
*Attachment 3: 071420 Handouts, Public Comments
*Attachment 4: 072120 Supplemental Memo and Attachments
*Attachment 5: 072120 Handouts, Public Comments
*Attachment 6: 072120 Handouts 2.7-G - 2.7-M
*Attachment 7: 072120 Handouts 2.7-N - 2.7-AD
*Attachment 8: 072120 Handout 2.7-AE Appendix E
*Attachment 9: 072120 Handout 2.7-AF
*Attachment 10: 072120 Handout 2.7-AG, Director Kremen
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER:
Manager
Marta Lugo, 408-630-2237