AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: THOMAS BEKELE
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER
SUBJECT:
title
LOS ANGELES GATEWAY REGION INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT EXERCISE OF POWER AUTHORITY AGREEMENT
summary
Summary:
The Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority (GWMA) was established in 2007 by a Joint Powers Authority Agreement (JPA). The GWMA supports the state’s efforts that encourage and prioritize regional projects for competitive funding. The City of Signal Hill is a member of GWMA and the City’s Public Works Director serves as the Board’s Treasurer.
The number of member agencies and GWMA’s responsibilities have grown and evolved since its inception. The JPA Agreement is now being amended to best reflect current and anticipated activities, roles, and responsibilities. The proposed changes include establishing board member terms and allowing up to three alternates, updating the list of member cities and agencies, defining a super-majority vote requirement for specific board actions, and removing the mandate for a lead agency to manage GWMA’s financial and contractual affairs.
In 2025, staff received the draft Amended and Restated JPA Agreement (Agreement) for review and comment (Attachment B). Staff, in coordination with legal counsel, submitted comments by the March 14 deadline to ensure the revisions aligned with the needs and priorities of the membership. On April 10, 2025, GWMA’s Governing Board approved the Amended and Restated JPA Agreement by a super-majority vote. The member agencies are required to formally adopt the updated Agreement. Staff is requesting that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 4 Infrastructure: Maintain and improve the City’s physical infrastructure, water system, and recreational spaces.
Goal No. 5: High Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and process to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
recommendation
Recommendation:
1. Adopt a Resolution, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT FOR THE LOS ANGELES GATEWAY REGION INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Amended and Restated Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement.
body
Fiscal Impact:
No fiscal impact is associated with this action.
Background:
The GWMA was formed in 2007 to address water supply reliability, water quality, stormwater, and flood control in the Gateway Region of Los Angeles County. With a population of more than two million, GWMA members have successfully collaborated to develop regional projects, securing local, state, and federal funding to support these initiatives. GWMA's members include cities and water agencies that represent diverse hydrogeological, topographic, demographic, political, and economic characteristics. The members effectively communicate the needs of the Gateway region with a united voice, enhancing opportunities for project and funding partners.
GWMA’s membership and role have expanded significantly, growing from 9 founding members to a total of 28 cities and water agencies. GWMA has been able to respond to the changing water conditions and challenges in Southern California. In addition to developing regional projects and seeking grant funds for numerous local and regional projects, GWMA continues its critical role as part of the Greater Los Angeles County Integrated Regional Water Management, ensuring that the Gateway region’s voice remains heard. The City of Signal Hill has been an active member agency since GWMA’s inception, providing support and feedback on all GWMA-related initiatives. The City’s Public Works Director currently serves as the Board’s Treasurer.
Since 2012, GWMA has played a key role in facilitating and providing administrative support for watershed stormwater compliance programs under the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. The scope of the work includes supporting the Lower Los Angeles River, Lower San Gabriel River, Los Cerritos Channel, and several other regional coalitions of cities working together to meet MS4 requirements for monitoring and reporting stormwater flows to the harbor.
Analysis:
In 2024, GWMA staff and legal counsel provided several updates regarding the proposed modifications to the JPA Agreement. The proposed changes include establishing board member terms and allowing up to three alternates, updating the list of member cities and agencies, defining a super-majority vote for specific board actions, and eliminating the requirement for a lead agency to manage GWMA's financial and contractual affairs, responsibilities GWMA has handled internally since 2014. In 2025, staff received the draft Amended and Restated JPA Agreement for review and comment. Staff, in coordination with legal counsel, submitted comments by the March 14, 2025, deadline to ensure the revisions aligned with the needs and priorities of the membership.
On April 10, 2025, after incorporating comments and feedback from member agencies, the GWMA Board approved the Amended and Restated JPA Agreement by a super-majority vote. Staff is requesting that the City Council adopt a Resolution approving the Agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City.
Reviewed for Fiscal Impact:
_________________________
Siamlu Cox
Attachments:
A. Resolution Approving the Agreement
B. Agreement