MID Board Report Archive

Modesto Irrigation District (MID) Board Meeting ofTuesday, June 19, 2007
Contact: MID Public Affairs Department, Kate Hora, 209.526.7454
The next MID Board meetings will be July 10 and 31, and Aug. 14 and 28.

Don Pedro Board of Control Report

Director Hensley reported that Moccasin Point Marina has been relocated due to this year’s low water level. A routine inspection by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the federal agency charged with oversight of hydropower generation facilities, generated positive comments about Don Pedro. The popular Independence Day fireworks celebration will take place on Tuesday, July 3 starting at approximately 9:30 p.m. Cost is $6 per car.

Water report

The disappointing water year is strikingly apparent in the 791 foot elevation of Don Pedro Reservoir, compared to 828 feet at this time last year, said Walt Ward, Assistant General Manager of Water Operations. Rainfall in Modesto for the season totals 8.36 inches, about 75 percent of the historical average for the season of 12.18 inches on this date.

MID staff attended a public scoping session conducted by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) as part of the environmental review process for its Hetch Hetchy water system improvement plan. The so-called “fourth pipeline” from the Hetch Hetchy Valley to San Francisco, a facility that the SFPUC had announced was no longer under consideration, reappeared in materials distributed at the scoping session. MID staff is reviewing these materials to determine the potential impact on the District.

2008 Budget preparation and timetable

By majority vote, the Board directed staff to begin developing the 2008 budget. The manner of preparation, level of detail presented, review process, final budget document and reporting will remain unchanged from previous years. Budget workshops are tentatively scheduled for Sept. 11, 18 and 25; and Oct. 9 and 23.

Budget and Rates Administrator Jimi Netniss reported that anticipated cost increases in 2008 include $8.0 million in estimated costs to implement new state and federally mandated programs, $7.5 million in construction expenses for the Westley-Rosemore Transmission Line and $4.4 million in non-financed capital expenditures. MID’s contract to purchase excess Hetch Hetchy power will expire in 2008, as a result of which staff anticipates higher costs for purchased power.

Approved by unanimous vote

• Service agreements with Availability Personnel Services; Dunhill Staffing Systems, Inc.; and Westaff for temporary labor services.
• Acceptance of the 2006 Public Benefit Program Report.