HEALDSBURG, CA — A Cloverdale city councilmember asked Healdsburg leaders Monday night to appoint a council representative to join regional discussions about water resiliency and the proposed Alexander Valley Water District, saying Healdsburg's participation would ensure the city's interests are represented as conversations move forward.
Speaking during public comment at the Aug. 3 City Council meeting, Cloverdale Councilmember Andres Marquez said the Cloverdale City Council authorized him on June 24 to serve as the city's official representative in discussions with neighboring agencies and organizations.
Since then, he said he has met with Sonoma Water, the Russian River Property Owners Association, the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission, and other regional stakeholders.
Marquez stressed the meetings are intended to improve communication and exchange information rather than advocate for or against creating the Alexander Valley Water District.
"Their purpose is to improve communication, exchange information, and better understand the perspectives of neighboring communities as we address the long-term challenges of water resiliency and regional water management," Marquez told the council.
He asked Healdsburg to appoint one councilmember, and possibly an alternate, to participate in the discussions.
Marquez said an introductory meeting would bring the city's representative up to speed on previous conversations and prepare them for future regional coordination efforts.
He added that the discussions could remain informal or eventually evolve into a more formal collaborative organization similar to the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission.
Marquez also provided council members, the city attorney, and the city manager with copies of his proposal, Cloverdale's adopted resolution, and the city's comments to the Sonoma Local Agency Formation Commission regarding an appeal scheduled for Wednesday.
Because the request came during public comment on items not listed on the agenda, the Healdsburg City Council did not discuss the proposal or take action.
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