West Sacramento flood agency approves consent package, sets regular 9 a.m. meetings

The West Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency approved its consent agenda at a special meeting on Aug. 21 and adopted a new regular meeting time.

Finance staff presented three consent items: a resolution to convey Lehi and flowage easements related to the Southport setback and mitigation areas; a resolution amending the administrative operations budget and approving a professional services contract for federal advocacy; and approval of special meeting minutes from June 26, 2005. A board member moved to approve the consent agenda and the motion carried on verbal "aye" responses.

The board discussed the recommended federal advocacy consultant after a question from a member about the firm’s background. Staff said the prior consultant, Mike Straughn, retired in June, the agency issued an RFQ, received two responses, and the selected firm scored highest on qualifications and regional water‑resources experience. Staff told the board the consultant would coordinate with the city’s federal lobbyists "when necessary" and suggested holding video conferences so board members could meet the firm before any trip to Washington, D.C.

Separately, the board voted to adopt a regular meeting schedule: the third Thursday of each month at 9:00 a.m. Board members discussed how closed sessions would be scheduled when required and agreed that a 9:00 a.m. start would work, with closed sessions set earlier as needed.

The board’s actions were procedural and no fiscal appropriations were taken at the meeting beyond noting items for future appropriation requests. The agency plans to bring the advocacy consultant team to the board for an introductory discussion and will publish the formal contract when administrative processing is complete.