HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2019-06 - MOU for Salton Sea-Counties of Imperial & RiversideResolution No.2019-06
STAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
MEETING DATE: February 14, 2019
PREPARED BY: Christopher Gerry, Management Analyst
REQUEST: Adopt a resolution in support of the memorandum of understanding
between the County of Imperial and the County of Riverside concerning
unified support for the Salton Sea.
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution in support of the memorandum of understanding between the County of
Imperial and the County of Riverside concerning unified support for the Salton Sea.
Committee Recommendation
On January 28, 2019, the Sustainability Committee (Committee) received a presentation by the
Salton Sea Authority's Executive Director, Phil Rosentrater, regarding restoration and
management efforts as well as the recent collaboration of stakeholders. Based upon this
presentation, the Committee unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution
in support of the memorandum of understanding.
Backaround Analvsis
On June 26, 2018, the County of Imperial and County of Riverside entered into a memorandum
of understanding concerning unified support for the Salton Sea. The memorandum of
understanding represents good faith commitments and common goals, which are being made, in
the spirit of cooperation and collaboration to benefit the Salton Sea.
A resolution supporting the -memorandum of understanding was adopted by the Salton Sea
Authority and its member agencies (i.e., Riverside County, Imperial County, Torres Martinez
Desert Cahuilla Indians, Coachella Valley Water District, and Imperial Irrigation District); Imperial
County cities involved with the Salton Sea; and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments.
The member agencies have requested that public agencies impacted by the declining Salton Sea
adopt resolutions supporting this effort as well.
LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL REVIEW
N/A
Robert W. Hargreaves Lauri Aylaian n Moore
City Attorney City Manager Director of Finance
ATTACHMENTS:
CITY MANAGER
'�'11
Lauri Aylaian
City Manager
A. Memorandum of Understanding (County of Imperial and County of Riverside)
B. Resolution
Attachment A
Memorandum of Understanding (County of Imperial and County of Riverside)
J
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE COUNTY OF IMPERIAL AND THE COUNTY OF :RIVERSIDE . . .
CONCERNING UNIFIED SUPPORT ON THE SALTON SEA.
THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ("MOU") is entered into on this 26th day ofJune,
20I$, by and between the. County of Ihiperial;:a political subdivision of the State -of California, and ,
the County of Riverside; .a political subdivision of the State of California. Bothcounties may be
referred to herein collectively as the "Parties".
This MOU representsgood faith commitments and common goals which are beingmade in the spirit
of cooperation and collaboration to benefit the Salton. Sea.
WHEREAS, it is the desire of t1ie.County of Imperial and the County'of Riverside to work
together in a collaborative manner and support common goals: to: further Salton Sea restoration and
management efforts as well as the development potential; of the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the inflow of water to .the Salton Sea has decreased and pursuant to the -
:Quantification Settlement Agreement, mitigation water inflows: ended on December 31- 2017, and
without restoration or stabilization measures, the Salton Sea will rapidly decline; and
WHEREAS, the State of California .C.'State") has developed the Salton Sea Management
Program ("SSMP) through departments within the California Natural Resources and Environmental
Protection.Agencies and is obligated to pay for certain .costs related to habitat; air and water quality
issues at the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS; the state has developed the 10-year SSMP:plan and identified a phased series of
projects, the state has not appropriated all the necessary SSMP funding. The -Salton Sea is at.
substantial risk of irreversible damage and threatens wildlife and, public health; and
WHEREAS; it is the intent of both Parties to take coordinated. andcooperative action to
further stabilize the Salton Smon such restoration efforts which would protect and improve public
health, air quality, -arid wildlife habitat; and.
WHEREAS, the Salton Sea is located within both counties and the Parties have land -use
authority and land -use control;: and
WHEREAS, it is the desire and intent of both Parties to, work together on agreed projects and
.
financing mechanisms such as an Enhanced Infrastructure Finance District ("EIFD") that would
support projects and stimulate economic development:around the Sea; and
WHEREAS,; both- Parties recognize :and support the. immense value of working: together to
enhance opportunities for renewable energy and geothermal developmentto the region by providing
reliable, affordable energy in furtherance of the State's Renewable Portfolio Standard and
Greenhouse Gas Reduction goals and could:provide funding for Salton Sea infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the benefits of said integrated projects would include economic development,
recreational activity, and reduction in air quality impacts as well .as optimize the potential
.opportunities at the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of both Parties to support the Salton Sea.Authority ("SSA.'), the
SSA as a Joint Power Authority with common power of directing and coordinating actions relating to
the improvement bf the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, both'Parties.desire recognition of Imperial Arid Riverside Counties as the local
land use authorities with an enhanced role in implementing projects. California law requires the -
California Natural Resources Agency to develop a Salton Sea plan in cooperation and consultation
with local agencies; and
WHEREAS, the Parties support the common: goal of a locallymanaged and. more efficient
process to expedite projects at the Salton Sea to avert a further decline at the Salton Sea.
WHEREAS, it is the desire of both Parties to respectfully request a: State Legislative
amendment to clarify the staWs legislativedirective to consult and -cooperate with Imperial and
:Riverside Counties; and
WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority recently achieved historic progress and completed the
first. phase Wetland project located on the Torres Martinez Desert.Cahuilla Indian Tribe reservation.
The Wetland project was: carried out and'accomplished by the. leadership of the Salton Sea Authority
and its, member agencies; and .
WHEREAS, the Parties are iri support of the North_ Lake vision which Would complement the
staWs SSMP plan by providing an in -sea barrier around the contours of the north: shoreline with a
deep lake and respectfully request the state's support and recognition in the.-SSMP as an important
integrated project; and
WHEREAS; the Parties are supportive of the Perimeter Lake.concept which would also
include a South Lake component .and resemble a flowing river with a system of low profile levees
bordering the Salton Sea shoreline. The Parties: respectfully request. to have the Perimeter Lake
:incorporated into the state's SSMP long-termplan; and
WHEREAS, the Parties will encourage outreach to the surrounding communities and seek
supportive resolutions from all cities. The Parties welcome. other. agencies to join and assist them in
efforts that are supportive of the Salton Sea; .arid
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Parties to improve the public health;. economic opportunity
and overall quality of life of the disadvantaged communities around the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Parties to support public -private partnerships and will assist
private entities to define and develop projects around the Salton Sea; and
'NOW, THEREFORE. BE IT RESOLVED, that the County. of :Imperial and the County.of Riverside
hereby adopt this Memorandum of Understanding and agree to a collaborative partnership and a
unified strategy to supportcommon goals which would stabilize and restore the Salton Sea.
County. of Imperial
Raymond-R. Castillo, Chairman
Imperial County Board of Supervisors
:John R. Renison,_ District 1 Luis A.. Plancarte, District 2.
Imperial County Board of Supervisors, Imperial County Board of Supervisors
Michael W.;Kelley, District 3. - . Ryan E. Ke Zey, Dis a _ t 4
Imperial County Board of Supervisors Im rial County oard zapervisors
County. of Riverside
Chuck Washington. C irman
Riverside :County Board of Supervisors
Kevin) Jeffries,: District I John F. - avaglio e, st ict 2
Riverside County Board of Supervisors Pi v .side my Bo o . ervisors
V Manuel Perez, District 4 Marion Ashley, Distract S
Riverside County Board of Supervisors Riverside County Board of Supervisors
Attachment B
Resolution
RESOLUTION NO.2019- 06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, IN SUPPORT OF THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE
COUNTY OF IMPERIAL AND THE COUNTY OF
RIVERSIDE CONCERNING THE SALTON SEA
WHEREAS, on June 26, 2018, the County of Imperial, a political subdivision of the State
of California, and the County of Riverside, a political subdivision of the State,of California ("Counties")
entered into a Memorandum of Understanding representing a mutual good faith commitment and
common goals made in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration to benefit the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Counties to work together with other local agencies in
a collaborative manner and support common goals to further Salton Sea restoration and management
efforts as well as the development potential of the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the Counties encourage outreach to the surrounding communities and seek
supportive resolutions from all cities and other agencies. The Counties welcome cities and other
agencies to join and assist them in efforts that are supportive of the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the inflow of water to the Salton Sea has decreased and pursuant to the
Quantification Settlement Agreement, mitigation water inflows ended on December 31, 2017, and
without restoration or stabilization measures, the Salton Sea will rapidly decline; and
WHEREAS, the State of California ("State") has developed the Salton Sea Management
Program ("SSMP") through departments within the California Natural Resources and Environmental
Protection Agencies and is obligated to pay for certain costs related to habitat, air and water quality
issues at the Salton Sea; and .
WHEREAS, the State has developed the 10-year SSMP plan and identified a phased
series of projects, the State has not appropriated all the necessary SSMP funding. The Salton Sea is
at substantial risk of irreversible damage and threatens wildlife and public health; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Counties to take coordinated and cooperative action
with other agencies to further stabilize the Salton Sea on such restoration efforts which' would protect
and improve public health, air quality, and wildlife habitat; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire and intent of the Counties to work together on agreed projects
and financing mechanisms such as an Enhanced Infrastructure Finance District ("EIFD") that would
support projects and stimulate economic development around the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the Counties recognize and support the immense value of working together
with other local agencies to enhance opportunities for renewable energy and geothermal development
to the region by providing reliable, affordable energy in furtherance of the State's Renewable Portfolio
Standard and Greenhouse Gas Reduction goals and could provide funding for Salton Sea
infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the benefits of said integrated projects would include economic
development, recreational activity, and reduction in air quality impacts, as well as optimize the potential
opportunities at the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, California law requires the California Natural Resources Agency to develop
a Salton Sea plan in cooperation and consultation with local agencies; and
-1-
P6401-0 001 \2196189 v L do c
RESOLUTION NO.2019- 06
WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority supports the common goal of a locally managed
and more efficient process to expedite projects at the Salton Sea to avert a further decline at the Salton
Sea; and
WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority is in support of the North Lake vision which would
complement the State's SSMP plan by providing an in -sea barrier around the contours of the north
shoreline with a deep lake and respectfully request the State's support and recognition in the SSMP as
an important integrated project; and
WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority is supportive of the Perimeter Lake concept which
would also include a South Lake component and resemble a flowing river with a system of low -profile
levees bordering the Salton Sea shoreline. The Counties respectfully request to have the Perimeter
Lake incorporated into the State's SSMP long-term plan; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Salton Sea Authority to improve the public health,
economic opportunity and overall quality of life of the disadvantaged communities around the Salton
Sea; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Salton Sea Authority to support public private
partnerships and will assist private entities to define and develop projects around the Salton Sea.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City. Council of the City of Palm Desert,
California, as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council declares support of the Memorandum of Understanding
between the County of Imperial and the County of Riverside concerning unified support on the Salton
Sea.
SECTION 2. The City Council shall certify support and adoption of this resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 14th day of February 2019, by the City Council of
the City of Palm Desert, California by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN,'CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
SUSAN MARIE WEBER, MAYOR
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
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Klassen, Rachelle
From: Stanley, lane
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2019 1:32 PM
To: Klassen, Rachelle
Subject: FW: Salton Sea Management Plan Memorandum of Understanding
-----Original Message -----
From: Kynen Cauthron [mailto:kynen.cauthron@gmail.comj
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2019 1:00 PM
To: weber <weber@cityofpalmdesert.org>
Subject: Salton Sea Management Plan Memorandum of Understanding
Hello Susan,
My name is Kynen Roan Casas Cauthron with Salvation by the Sea, representing the Salton Sea Coalition. I
understand that the Palm Desert City Council will be voting upon the consideration of the Memorandum of
Understanding to the Riverside County Salton Sea Management Plan to incorporate the completion of the Coyote Canal
to provide a solution to salvation and restorative efforts to our local Sea.
Not only would this allow scientific filtration of the stagnant water in the Salton Sea through osmosis, it could
pave the way for potential trade routes with our neighbors in Baja, California, which could bring substantial resources
and economic development to the area. On the topic of potential with the intention of restoring the Sea to her former
glory as a resort destination in the mid-20th century, the vast amount of currently inexpensive land, and limitless
potential for industrial development in our own backyard, which is quite a worthy investment.
Further understanding of the ecological and health risks and hazards that unregulated farming around the area
brings to the Sea and Coachella Valley inhabitants gives us a deadline before the risk becomes vastly more serious is why
we must act now. The completion of the construction of the Coyote Canal will provide a fast solution, ecological
salvation, improved health (mind you, 80% of children admitted to Loma Linda for cancer treatment come from around
the Sea), as well as economic development, increased potential for the housing and tourism industries in our beloved
Coachella Valley are all reasons to consider this Memorandum of Understanding to the Salton Sea Management Plan.
Thank you greatly for your consideration on this Memorandum of Understanding, Susan. I will be sending this
email to your colleagues on the Palm Desert City Council and will be at the City Council meeting tomorrow so that we
turn the page on this, and continue writing the story of our beautiful desert.
Blessings,
Kynen Roan Casas Cauthron