Title
Consider recommendation from EAA staff to approve a resolution and order associated with certain Voluntary Irrigation Suspension Program Option (VISPO) forbearance agreements previously approved in December 2019.
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board adopt Resolution and Order No. 01-20-959 of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors to ratify approval and execution of Voluntary Irrigation Suspension Program Option (VISPO) forbearance agreements by the General Manager during December 2019.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the board to consider an EAA staff recommendation to approve a resolution and order ratifying the approval and execution of Voluntary Irrigation Suspension Program Option (VISPO) forbearance agreements during December 2019. The reason for the ratification is that Article 10.02(b) of the EAA Bylaws requires that any agreement, contract, or any other procurement instrument whose value exceeds $100,000 be approved by a written resolution of the Board. These specific agreements were approved without such resolutions and orders, but their execution by the General Manager was authorized by the Board of Directors at the November 12 board meeting. Therefore, staff recommends ratification of the agreements through resolution and order to be consistent with bylaw requirements. This resolution and order, and a sample VISPO forbearance agreement, attached to this agenda item, have been reviewed by legal counsel.
M/WBE PARTICIPATION:
This agenda item does not involve the procurement of goods or services by the EAA and, therefore, this section is not applicable.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
This agenda item supports the EAA's policy direction as set forth in the EAA 2016-20 Strategic Plan: Goal A. Sustain Federally Protected Aquifer-Dependent Species.
Acquisition of 40,000 acre-feet of water for the VISPO is required of the Edwards Aquifer Authority to maintain compliance with the Incidental Take Permit issued by USFWS on March 18, 2013. Specifically, this item is related to the obligations of Section 5.1.2 of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for these forbearance agreements is available in the 2020 EAHCP budget. The minimum cost these forbearance agreements over their terms is $1,365,759.72 and the maximum cost is $5,376,788.52.