Panel lays out schedule toward Jan. 14 draft and Dec. 17 listening session

Facilitation and State Water Board staff used the Nov. 19 meeting to present a straw schedule for completing the panel’s draft report.

Facilitator Sam McGill summarized proposed milestones: working group meetings on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12; a public listening session on Dec. 17 (virtual with an in‑person option); additional working sessions on Jan. 7 and an all‑day Jan. 14 meeting to review a consolidated draft; and a target date for release of the draft for public review around Jan. 23 followed by a roughly 30‑day public comment period. Staff said they would post documents to meet Bagley‑Keene notice requirements and that any draft with attributed comments must be handled carefully to avoid serial meeting concerns.

Erica (State Board staff) said if the panel identifies a need for more time after the Jan. 14 meeting staff will work with the panel to schedule additional meetings consistent with public notice rules; she encouraged members to flag that need as early as possible. The panel was reminded to submit written revisions by Dec. 1 when possible to aid consolidation.

The panel also noted an additional public workshop or meeting during the public comment period will be scheduled to collect further public input. Sam urged panelists to flag sections that might fit better under different questions so staff can consolidate the draft efficiently.

Panelists acknowledged the timeline’s tightness but agreed to try to meet the schedule; staff reiterated they will support additional time if needed and will post revised clean drafts (without attribution) when available.

The panel’s next meeting is Dec. 5, when members will revisit whether the timeline requires adjustment.