GSA legal counsel reported to the Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency that the Indian Reservation Water Association (IRWA) submitted a withdrawal notice dated May 7, making IRWA’s withdrawal effective July 7, and warned that the change will leave the agency with only four active board members — the minimum needed for a quorum.

The counsel said the GSA first learned of possible withdrawal in November and has repeatedly sought confirmation; staff later received a digital copy of the notice. “According to the date of that notice, the effective date of IRWA's withdrawal will be July 7,” counsel said. Counsel added the lack of a timely, confirmed 60‑day notice has complicated planned, single-step amendments to the joint powers agreement (JPA).

Legal counsel told the board the tribal stakeholder director has been nonresponsive and that there are gaps in participation after a recent management transition. Counsel said the Ukiah Valley Water Authority has expressed interest in joining the GSA and could fill a board seat if the membership process is completed in time.

The counsel described other JPA work in progress, including options to transition the treasurer and controller roles away from Mendocino County to another member agency or a consultant, and said staff will provide updates at the August meeting with the aim of presenting an amended JPA for board review thereafter.

No formal board action was taken on membership changes during the meeting. Counsel advised the board to ensure attendance for meetings following July 7 to maintain quorum while membership changes are implemented.

Board members did not take public comment on this item during the update. Counsel said further procedural steps — potentially including requesting resignations, initiating removal procedures for nonresponsive members, or approving a replacement member — will be considered as more information becomes available.