Newman City Council on Oct. 28 adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to sign the Delta Mendota Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency joint powers agreement and separately adopted a domestic well mitigation policy for the subbasin, both intended to help the city comply with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).

Staff member Thomas told the council the JPA "will allow us, to meet the, SGMA requirements and, as a reminder that's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act," and said the agreement is intended to help coordinate basinwide issues and to offer safeguards for the city and its groundwater sustainability agency. Staff recommended council acceptance of the JPA.

Staff member Paul presented the domestic well mitigation policy, saying it "applies to all primary land owners using groundwater for domestic health and safety purposes" and outlining long-term mitigation options, "including pump modifications, deepening of wells and replacement wells in the sub basin here." Paul recommended adoption of the policy.

Council moved, seconded and adopted the JPA resolution and the domestic well mitigation policy by electronic votes recorded as 5-0. No council questions or public comments were recorded on either item.

The JPA and the mitigation policy are administrative steps tied to SGMA implementation in the Delta Mendota Subbasin; staff indicated the measures are intended to coordinate multi-agency work across the basin and to identify mitigation measures for domestic-water users. The domestic well mitigation policy lists potential technical fixes for impacted wells but does not specify funding amounts or an implementation timetable in the meeting record.

Copies of the JPA and the mitigation policy were brought forward by staff for council consideration; the minutes record no amendments or conditions attached to the council's adoption. Further technical and funding details were not specified during the meeting; staff indicated these items advance SGMA compliance and basin coordination.