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Council directs staff to pursue partnership on domestic well mitigation program
Summary
After staff outlined options and a revised framework agreement, the Madera council voted unanimously to pursue a partner Domestic Well Mitigation Program with Madera Irrigation District and Madera Water District and to keep county cooperation as an option.
The Madera City Council on Sept. 17 directed staff to pursue a partner Domestic Well Mitigation Program (DWMP) with the Madera Irrigation District (MID) and Madera Water District (MWD), following a presentation on a revised framework agreement and coordination among groundwater sustainability agencies.
Director of Engineering (Helmwirths) summarized recent GSA work-group activity and said MID signaled intent to move toward a proximity-based DWMP; as a result, the city is now working toward partnership with MID and MWD and expects that a single joint program is more likely than a county-city arrangement unless further talks change that calculation. The director noted concerns raised by some partners about annexation language and which party bears mitigation responsibility for wells in annexed areas.
"The recommended action is to work with MID and MWD on preparation of a partner DWMP," the presentation said, and council members moved and unanimously approved the staff recommendation. Staff also reported a coordination meeting set for Sept. 26 among the GSA, city, MID and MWD to continue negotiations.
Council direction included keeping the county partnership option open if those discussions do not resolve the city's priorities. Funding, if required, would be considered through the city's water enterprise fund once partnership details and cost shares are clarified. Council asked staff to return with framework documents and budget estimates once partnership terms are defined.
