North Kern Water Storage District

The meeting included the approval of the Consent Calendar items, which covered District Groundwater Levels, PG&E Monthly Analysis, District Exchange Balances, the Operations Report, approval of 2026 District Memberships and Support for Organizations, and the approval of Task Orders 26-01 and 26-02 for General Engineering and SGMA Implementation Support, respectively. Financial matters involved receiving and filing the Treasurer's Reports for North Kern Water Storage District and Rosedale Ranch Improvement District for November, reviewing financial statements, and approving the payment of Accounts Payable balances for both entities for November. The Board also approved the 2026 Budgets for North Kern Water Storage District and Rosedale Ranch Improvement District, adopted the Publicly Available Pay Schedule for 2026, and approved the 2026 Landowner Well Water Transportation Agreement. Further actions included authorizing a task order for NEPA support services related to a WaterSMART grant and approving the renewal of the Consultant Services Agreement with GEI Consultants. The Groundwater Committee addressed the Kern Subbasin returning to Department of Water Resources oversight, finalized a letter to re-engage the Friant Water Authority regarding subsidence, and approved service agreements for the Kern County Subbasin Technical Coordinator, well mitigation program assistance, and Water Quality Implementation Services. The Rosedale Ranch section authorized a task order for CEQA support services for a groundwater recharge project and the execution of a Canal Right of Way Exchange Agreement assignment. A closed session was held to discuss existing litigation, anticipated litigation, personnel matters, and real property negotiations.

Kern County is updating its Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan to gather community input on local hazards, such as wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. The plan aims to develop strategies to reduce risks and enhance community protection.

This Groundwater Management Plan aims to preserve the groundwater resource as a viable source of water supply for overlying uses into the foreseeable future through local control and management. It outlines basin management objectives focused on maintaining economically viable groundwater levels, protecting groundwater quality and minimizing salinity increases, avoiding inelastic land surface subsidence, and preserving both surface water rights/contracts and surface water quality. The plan emphasizes a commitment to conjunctive use, basin-wide cooperation, and local control.

The meeting included approval of the Consent Calendar items: District Groundwater Levels, PG&E Monthly Analysis, District Exchange Balances, Operations Report, and approval of a Common Use Agreement for a Roadway over the R-1 Canal with the City of Bakersfield. A General Informational Item included a report on approved storage carry-over from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Lake Isabella. A Public Hearing was held for finalizing the NKWSD Base Service Charges, resulting in the adoption of rates for Class 1 Lands ($188.00/acre) and Class 2 Lands ($176.00/acre). A subsequent Public Hearing finalized the RRID Base Service Charges, setting rates at $156.40/acre for Developed Lands Project Costs and $25/acre for All Lands Administrative Costs. Financial matters included receiving and filing Treasurer's Reports for October and approving Accounts Payable payments for both NKWSD and RRID. Updates were provided by the Consulting District Engineer regarding project designs, grant statuses, and progress on the ILRP/CV Salts programs. The Budget & Personnel Committee approved a 3.00% merit and cost of living adjustment (COLA) effective December 29, 2025, and the draft 2026 Budget was reviewed. The Engineering Committee authorized the General Manager to execute a Pipeline Crossing Agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad Company. The Groundwater Committee noted stable water levels but reported elevated levels of TCP and TDS in certain wells. The Board entered Closed Session to discuss existing litigation involving several cases, anticipated litigation, personnel matters, and real property negotiations.

The meeting included the approval of minutes from prior Regular and Special Board Meetings. The Consent Calendar, which included updates on District Groundwater Levels, Exchange Balances, Operations Report, and a license agreement renewal, was approved. Key discussions focused on Watermaster reports concerning cloud seeding activities and forecasted runoff percentages. Financial matters involved receiving and filing Treasurer's Reports for January for both the District and the Rosedale Ranch Improvement District, and approving payments for Accounts Payable balances for January. The Consulting District Engineer provided updates on canal lining weed abatement completion and preparation for concrete pouring, as well as grant status updates impacted by executive orders. The Budget & Personnel Committee recommended approving the adoption of a resolution to join ACWA JPIA for liability and property insurance, including electing Cyber liability coverage. The Engineering Committee authorized the General Manager to execute Task Orders with GEI Consultants for grant administration support for WaterSMART program grants. The Groundwater Committee addressed State Board Staff reports regarding probationary status recommendations and the Subbasin's ongoing efforts, culminating in the approval of the Groundwater Well Meter Installation Incentive Program with a budget not to exceed $80,000. Resolutions were approved concurring in nominations to the Executive Committee of the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority. Additionally, the Board agreed to move forward with establishing security fencing for well 99-04-005 due to vandalism.