Board gets update on SB 552 drought and low‑water resiliency planning; advisory committee membership drafted

County staff and consultants presented an update on Lake County’s work to prepare a drought and low‑water resiliency plan under California Senate Bill 552. The board had previously reorganized its drought task force and directed staff to draft an advisory committee and schedule; staff returned with a proposed roster and timeline for the roughly one‑year effort.

Community Development Director Maria Turner said the plan (sometimes referred to as the DRIP in staff materials) will concentrate on state small water systems and domestic wells that are not already covered by other agencies’ drought plans. Turner said the county is assigning the lead agency role for this effort to Community Development and that Stantec consultants will provide technical assistance and drafting support. Stantec staff described the advisory committee as an ad hoc group that will meet at up to four key points in the drafting process, with the task force reviewing the draft plan before it returns to the board.

The proposed advisory committee membership listed community development, watershed protection, environmental health, public works, office of emergency services, the county chief climate-resiliency officer, all tribal governments, CAL FIRE (county and state representatives were discussed), two private water purveyors (Golden State Water and Cal Water where applicable), the Farm Bureau, Seigler Springs Community Redevelopment Association and the Lake County Land Trust. Staff said special districts would remain on the standing task force and would have review input but were omitted from the ad hoc advisory committee because the plan’s focus targets state small systems and domestic wells.

Board members and members of the public asked for clarifications. Supervisor Sabatier recommended adding county fire districts in addition to CAL FIRE, suggested including the Chamber of Commerce to represent businesses rather than a single community association, and raised questions about tribal participation and the plan’s geographic scope. A public speaker urged that ad‑hoc and standing bodies follow open‑meeting requirements and include public representatives; she also recommended clearer notice and public records for advisory bodies.

Staff said they would adjust the advisory list based on board direction (for example, adding county fire and the Chamber if the board so directs) and proceed with the planned kickoff meeting and schedule in May. The board did not take a formal vote on the roster; staff will return with the formal advisory committee membership and schedule as the process advances.