HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Reso 2018-56 RESOLUTION NO. 2018-56
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CATHEDRAL
CITY, CALIFORNIA, IN SUPPORT OF THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF IMPERIAL AND THE
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ON THE SALTON SEA.
WHEREAS, on June 26, 2018, the County of Imperial, a political subdivision of the
State of California, and the County of Riverside, a political subdivision of the State of
California (Counties) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding representing a
mutual good faith commitment and common goals made in the spirit of cooperation and
collaboration to benefit the Salton Sea.
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the County of Imperial and the County of Riverside
to work together with other local agencies in a collaborative manner and support common
goals to further Salton Sea restoration and management efforts as well as the
development potential of the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the Counties encourage outreach to the surrounding communities
and seek supportive resolutions from all cities and other agencies. The parties welcome
cities and other agencies to join and assist them in efforts that are supportive of the Salton
Sea; and
WHEREAS, the inflow of water to the Salton Sea has decreased and pursuant to
the Quantification Settlement Agreement, mitigation water inflows ended on December
31, 2017, and without restoration or stabilization measures, the Salton Sea will rapidly
decline; and
WHEREAS, the State of California ("State") has developed the Salton Sea
Management Program ("SSMP) through departments within the California Natural
Resources and Environmental Protection Agencies and is obligated to pay for certain
costs related to habitat, air and water quality issues at the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the State has developed the 10-year SSMP plan and identified a
phased series of projects, the state has not appropriated all the necessary SSMP funding.
The Salton Sea is at substantial risk of irreversible damage and threatens wildlife and
public health; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Counties to take coordinated and cooperative
action with other agencies to further stabilize the Salton Sea on such restoration efforts
which would protect and improve public health, air quality, and wildlife habitat; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire and intent of both Counties to work together with local
agencies on agreed projects and financing mechanisms such as an Enhanced
Infrastructure Finance District ("EIFD") that would support projects and stimulate
economic development around the Sea; and
WHEREAS, both Counties recognize and support the immense value of working
together with other local agencies to enhance opportunities for renewable energy and
geothermal development to the region by providing reliable, affordable energy in
furtherance of the State's Renewable Portfolio Standard and Greenhouse Gas Reduction
goals and could provide funding for Salton Sea infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the benefits of said integrated projects would include economic
development, recreational activity, and reduction in air quality impacts as well as optimize
the potential opportunities at the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, California law requires the California Natural Resources Agency to
develop a Salton Sea plan in cooperation and consultation with local agencies; and
WHEREAS, the City of Cathedral City supports the common goal of a locally
managed and more efficient process to expedite projects at the Salton Sea to avert a
further decline at the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the City of Cathedral City is in support of the North Lake vision which
would complement the state's SSMP plan by providing an in-sea barrier around the
contours of the north shoreline with a deep lake and respectfully request the state's
support and recognition in the SSMP as an important integrated project; and
WHEREAS, the City of Cathedral City is supportive of the Perimeter Lake concept
which would also include a South Lake component and resemble a flowing river with a
system of low-profile levees bordering the Salton Sea shoreline. The Parties respectfully
request to have the Perimeter Lake incorporated into the state's SSMP long-term plan;
and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Cathedral City hereby
adopts this Resolution and agrees to the collaborative partnership and a unified strategy
between the County of Riverside and the County of Imperial to support common goal of
stabilizing and restoring the Salton Sea.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council
of the City of Cathedral City held on this 12th day of December, 2018, by the following
vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Gutierrez, Gregory and Aguilar; Mayor
Pro Tem Carnevale and Mayor Pettis
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Gregory , Mayor
ATTEST:
racey R. rtin z, City Cle k
APPROVED AS TO ORM:
Eric S. Vail, City Attorney