Board of Directors Agenda
Sacramento, CA 95833
Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors
August 8, 2018
4:00 p.m.
(Meeting in 1st floor conference room)
Upcoming Regular Meetings
- October 3, 2018
- December 5, 2018
- February 6, 2019
1. Call to Order of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors
The Board Chair will call the meeting to order if a quorum is present. Announcements by the Board Chair or Executive Director may be made at this time. Board members may make announcements at this time as well.
2. Public Comments
Opportunity for members of the public to address the Conservancy’s Board of Directors.
3. Approval of the minutes
*All items listed under the Consent Calendar, including minutes, are considered and acted upon by one Motion. Any Board member may request an item be removed for separate consideration.*
The Board Chair will request approval of the minutes of the Board of Directors meeting of June 6, 2018 and the following consent items.
4. Bollard and cable fence at Atkinson
This item requests the Board’s authorization to install a bollard and cable fence along a portion of the westerly property line of the Conservancy’s Atkinson tract. Total cost is $13,500.00. The Conservancy’s property backs up to several houses which continue to encroach on the Conservancy’s road, limiting our contractor’s access to the Atkinson tract.
Conservancy staff recommends the Board authorize this expenditure. Board approval of this item adjusts the 2018 budget accordingly.
Download the cable and bollard fence proposals (PDF, 154 KB)
5. BKS emergency forebay clean-out ratification
This item requests the Board’s ratification of funds used for emergency clean-out of the forebay on the BKS tract. The clean-out costs are as follows: $9,800.00 in labor and $5,019.11 for equipment rental and fuel for a total of $14,819.11. Repairs were completed on July 20 in cooperation with Sterling Caviar and the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
6. Executive Director legal expense reimbursement
This item authorizes the expenditure of $14,000.00 to reimburse the Conservancy’s Executive Director for legal expenses associated with County of Sutter inquiry and investigation. Conservancy Bylaws provide for indemnification of officers and Board members.
Download the Conservancy’s Bylaws Article VIII, Section 1. Rights of Indemnification (PDF, 317 KB)
7. Insurance presentation
John Bolce with LP Insurance will review with the Board the Conservancy’s recently renewed insurance policies. The Conservancy presently holds the following policies; Directors & Officers, non-owned and hired auto, workers’ compensation, employee practices liability, general liability, umbrella and flood insurance.
Management seeks approval of all the policies coverage limits and premiums.
8. Pollution insurance proposal
At the request of the Conservancy, LP Insurance was asked to obtain quotes for pollution insurance at three different coverage limits. Multiple carriers were solicited. Premium limits sought were $1 million, $2 million and $5 million.
Management is requesting approval to add the pollution insurance policy with Admiral Insurance Co. for a $2 million coverage limit policy with a $25,000.00 deductible and an annual premium of $12,772.31. Board approval of this item adjusts the 2018 budget accordingly.
9. Authorization to approve the demolition of the structure at 9055 E. Levee Road
This item requests the Board’s authorization to demolish the house at 9055 E. Levee Road. The cost of maintenance for this old farm house has continuously exceeded the revenue brought in by rent. Staff has received multiple bids on the job.
Staff is requesting approval of $22,400.00 plus $7,500.00 for contingencies. Board approval of this item adjusts the 2018 budget accordingly.
10. GGS translocation project
Translocation of Giant garter snakes to the Conservancy’s Fisherman’s Lake Reserve Area has been under discussion for many years. Populations of GGS are very low in the Reserve Area, despite the Conservancy’s creation and management of managed marsh complexes there. Scientists believe that populations are so extremely low that extirpation is a real possibility in that portion of the Natomas Basin.
The Conservancy has cooperated with the U.S. Geological Survey and U.C. Davis research teams on GGS matters in the Natomas Basin and regularly raises the idea of translocation. In the past, there has been resistance to the idea by others. Today, however, a proposal has been approved to conduct the translocation, and it seeks funding.
This matter requests that $39,000.00 be allocated to this project from the Conservancy’s “GGS reserve fund” for the purpose of partial funding for work being conducted by Allie Essert at U.C. Davis in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey in Dixon, CA. The program is for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. The Conservancy’s GGS reserve fund was originally designated by outside third parties (e.g., not-HCP fees) at the direction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The use of these funds is for research and related projects aimed at benefitting the GGS in the Natomas Basin.
Conservancy staff recommends the Board authorize this expenditure. Board approval of this item adjusts the 2018 budget accordingly.
Download GGS translocation project information (PDF, 151 KB)
11. Park & Water Bond issue and Conservancy participation
This item requests the Board’s authorization to spend $4,000.00 per month with Michael J. Arnold & Associates for the purpose of attempting to acquire grants from the June 2018 referendum (“California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018”) and get the Conservancy designated as a “recognized State Conservancy” in future initiatives. The consultant would also represent the Conservancy in matters pertaining to the water bond referendum on the November 2018 ballot.
Conservancy projects would include “remove barriers between habitat areas for species migration” ($30 million statewide) and possibly, funds for advance mitigation. The Board is asked to authorize staff to move forward with this effort, including with the assistance of Michael J. Arnold & Associates.
This proposed agreement would expire December 31, 2019. Conservancy staff recommends the Board authorize this expenditure. Board approval of this item adjusts the 2018 budget accordingly.
Download agreement with Michael J. Arnold & Associates (PDF, 65 KB)
12. Financial statement review
Financial statements will be provided for the period ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited). Additional financial information will be provided.
13. Meeting with legal counsel on Board and staff rights and responsibilities
For many years, the Board has periodically entertained a briefing with respect to Board members’ responsibilities and obligations, including duty of care, duty of loyalty and a discussion of the business judgment rule among others. Attorney Isabel Safie of Best, Best & Krieger will provide Board members with a brief overview and be available to respond to questions.
14. Executive Director’s Report
Various matters for Board members’ general information will be presented by the Conservancy’s Executive Director.
15. Executive Session
Executive Session is scheduled for real estate.
16. Adjournment
Official adjournment of the meeting.