Resolution No. 2025-015RESOLUTION NO. 2025-015
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE AMENDED
AND RESTATED JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT BY AND
BETWEEN THE SOUTHEAST WATER COALITION AND VARIOUS
CITIES REGARDING THE LOS ANGELES GATEWAY REGION
INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
SECTION 1. Recitals.
A. The City of Vernon (City) is a “local agency,” as defined in the Integrated Regional
Water Management Planning Act, California Water Code Section 10530, et seq.
(IRWMPA).
B. The City is a permittee under the “Waste Discharge Requirements and National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer System (MS4) Discharges within the Coastal Watersheds of Los Angeles and
Ventura Counties,” NPDES Permit No. CAS004004 (MS4 Permit), as amended
occasionally by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region.
C. The City is a “public agency,” as defined in the Joint Exercise of Powers Act,
California Government Code Section 6500, et seq., and is authorized to enter into an
agreement to exercise powers common to the member public agencies.
D. The Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management
Authority (GWMA) was established to operate as a “regional water management group,”
as defined in and authorized by the IRWMPA, in order to (a) implement a regional water
resources management plan that will protect and enhance regional water supplies, and
to otherwise further the purposes of the IRWMPA, with respect to the Gateway Region
and (b) perform other regional responsibilities for water development and management.
E. Through the GWMA, participating agencies also cooperate with each other to
implement certain portions of the Watershed Management Programs and Coordinated
Integrated Monitoring Programs, as those programs are described in the MS4 Permit,
and to perform such other responsibilities for water quality.
F. On April 10, 2025, the GWMA Board adopted, by a super-majority vote, a
proposed amendment to the GWMA’s Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (Amended
and Restated Agreement) to, among other things, update the purposes of the GWMA
relating to the MS4 Permit and to make other changes intended to modernize the
governance of the GWMA.
G. The proposed Amended and Restated Agreement will take effect upon adoption
by a super-majority of the legislative bodies of the GWMA’s members.
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H. The City Council desires to continue participating in the GWMA and approve the
Amended and Restated Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Vernon finds and determines that the
above recitals are true and correct.
SECTION 3. The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby approves the
Amended and Restated Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement for the Fifth Amended and
Restated Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement for the Los Angeles Gateway Region
Integrated Regional Water Management Authority, in substantially the same form as
attached hereto as Exhibit A.
SECTION 4. The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby authorizes the City
Administrator to execute said Amended and Restated Agreement for, and on behalf of,
the City of Vernon and the City Clerk is hereby authorized to attest thereto.
SECTION 5. The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby instructs the City
Administrator, or his designee, to take whatever actions are deemed necessary or
desirable for the purpose of implementing and carrying out the purposes of this Resolution
and the transactions herein approved or authorized, including but not limited to, any non-
substantive changes to the Agreement attached herein.
SECTION 6. The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby directs staff to send a
fully executed Agreement to the GWMA.
SECTION 7. The City Clerk or Deputy City Clerk shall certify the passage and
adoption of this resolution, enter it into the book of original resolutions.
/ / /
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Resolution No. 2025-015
Page 3 of
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APPROVED AND ADOPTED June 3, 2025.
________________________
JUDITH MERLO, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________
GENOVEVA ROCHA, City Clerk
(seal)
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________
ZAYNAH N. MOUSSA, City Attorney
I CERTIFY THAT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-015 was passed and adopted by the City
Council of the City of Vernon at the Regular Meeting on June 3, 2025, by the following
vote:
AYES: 5 Council Members: Larios, Lopez, Rivera, Ybarra, Merlo
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
________________________________
GENOVEVA ROCHA, City Clerk
(seal)
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AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT
FOR
THE LOS ANGELES GATEWAY REGION INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER
MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT
(“Agreement”), dated for reference as of April 10, 2025, is entered into by and between
the Cities of Artesia, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Cerritos, Commerce, Compton,
Cudahy, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Huntington Park, La Mirada, Lakewood, Long
Beach, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Norwalk, Paramount, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe
Springs, Signal Hill, South Gate, Vernon, and Whittier, the Central Basin Municipal
Water District, the Long Beach Public Utilities Department (acting through its Board of
Public Utilities Commissioners), and the Water Replenishment District of Southern
California, all of which are public agencies and/or municipal corporations. Each of the
foregoing are sometimes referred to herein as “Member”, or collectively as “Members.”
RECITALS
(i) In 2007, the cities of Cerritos, Downey, Lakewood, Long Beach, Norwalk, Paramount, Santa
Fe Springs, Signal Hill, and South Gate initially entered into a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement
(“Original Agreement”) and created the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water
Management Authority (“GWMA”). Since its creation, additional Members, as listed above in the
preamble, have been added to the GWMA pursuant to the provisions of the Original Agreement.
(ii)Each Member is a "public agency", as defined in the Joint Exercise of Powers
Act, California Government Code Section 6500, et seq., and all are authorized to enter into this
Agreement in order to exercise powers common to these public agencies.
(iii)This Agreement creates a public entity, separate from its Members, that is capable
of carrying out the purposes of this Agreement.
(iv)Each Member is a "local agency", as defined in the Integrated Regional Water
Management Planning Act, California Water Code Section 10530, et seq. ("IRWMPA"). As of
the effective date of this Agreement, all Members function within the County of Los Angeles.
(v)It remains the intent of the Members in entering into this Agreement to operate as
a “regional water management group”, as defined in and authorized by the IRWMPA, in order to
(a) implement a regional water resources management plan that will protect and enhance regional
water supplies, and to otherwise further the purposes of the IRWMPA, with respect to the
Members' jurisdictional areas (collectively, “Gateway Region”) and (b) perform other regional
responsibilities for water development and management, as described herein.
(vi)All of the cities which are Members are permittees under the “Waste Discharge
Requirements and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Discharges within the Coastal Watersheds of
Los Angeles and Ventura Count ies,” NPDES Permit No. CAS004004 (“MS4 Permit”), as
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amended from time to time by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los
Angeles Region.
(vii)The Members desire to amend and restate the Original Agreement in order to
further state their intent to cooperate with each other to implement certain portions of the
Watershed Management Programs and Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Programs, as those
programs are described in the MS4 Permit, and to perform such other responsibilities for water
quality, as described herein.
(viii)The Members acknowledge that the GWMA may contract and cooperate with other
regional water management groups and agencies to develop, administer, update, and implement,
an Integrated Water Management Plan for the Greater Los Angeles County area.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises, terms, conditions and covenants
contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
1.Recitals Incorporated. The recitals set forth above, are hereby incorporated by
reference and made a part of this Agreement.
2.Purposes. This Agreement is made pursuant to the provisions of the Joint Exercise
of Powers Act, relating to the exercise of powers common to the Members. The purpose of this
Agreement is to jointly exercise the powers set forth herein as to the Gateway Region, and, acting
as a "regional water management group", to jointly prepare, contract for the preparation and
implementation of, and/or adopt a "regional plan" for the management of water resources, and
for implementation and operation of "qualified projects or programs", and/or the preparation of
"qualified reports and studies", as those quoted terms are defined in the IRWMPA. In accordance
with the IRWMPA, the regional water resources management plan may more specifically address
any of the matters set forth and more fully described in California Water Code Section 10540(c)
including, but not limited to, the following: ground water management planning; urban water
management planning; the preparation of a water supply assessment; the planning, construction
or modification of a flood management project; the planning, construction or modification of a
water recycling project; the planning, construction or modification of a domestic water supply
facility to meet safe drinking water standards; the planning, construction or modification of a
drainage water management unit, and/or the implementation of a water conservation program. In
addition, the purpose of this Agreement is to implement and from time to time revise certain
portions of the Watershed Management Programs and Coordinated Integrated Monitoring
Programs, as those programs are described in the MS4 Permit, that have been developed by the
Members and to perform such other responsibilities to promote water quality within the
Gateway Region. Notwithstanding the citation of specific legal authority for the foregoing, the
Authority may exercise any other statutory authority which may now exist or be subsequently
enacted to deal with ground water, storm water, water recharge, water recycling, water supply,
water storage, water treatment, water drainage, water conservation or any related urban water
management subject within the purview of local or regional water agencies and MS4 operators.
3.Establishment. Pursuant to the Joint Exercise of Powers Act,the Original
Agreement established a Joint Powers Authority which is a regional water management group
and a public entity separate from the parties to this Agreement. The name of the entity is the
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“Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Authority” and may
be referred to as the “Gateway Water Management Authority.” The GWMA shall carry out its
functions through a Governing Board, as described in this Agreement.
4.Term of Agreement. This amended and restated Agreement is effective as of the
latest date by which a super-majority of the Members, acting through their legislative bodies,
adopt resolutions approving this amended and restated Agreement and thereafter having executed
this Agreement, and shall continue in full force and effect for so long as no less than three (3)
such Members remain, or until terminated by unanimous consent, provided that all liabilities of
the GWMA have been satisfied and all assets of the GWMA have been distributed. A super-
majority for purposes of this Section 4 shall mean the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the
Members.
5.Restriction on Exercise of Powers. Pursuant to and to the extent required by
California Government Code Section 6509, the GWMA shall be restricted in the exercise of its
powers to the same extent as the City of Long Beach is restricted in its exercise of powers
hereunder; provided that, if the City of Long Beach cease to be a Member, then the GWMA shall
be restricted in its exercise of powers to the same extent as the City of Downey is restricted in its
exercise of powers hereunder; in that the aforesaid cities are charter cities with statutory authority
over a water supply.
6.Governing Board. The governing body of the GWMA is the Governing Board
which iscomprised of one representative from each Member , but such representative need not be
a member of the legislative body of such public agency if approved by resolution of the legislative
body of the Member. The Governing Board shall oversee the activities of the GWMA and shall
act consistent with and in furtherance of the purposes of this Agreement and the GWMA.
(a)Appointment. The legislative body of each of the Member shall appoint one
member of the Governing Board and may appoint up to three alternate Board members. If neither
the Governing Board member nor the Member's alternate(s) can attend a scheduled meeting, one
time per year the chief executive (e.g., city manager) or the assistant chief executive of the
Member may designate in writing a representative for that meeting who may attend and participate
in that meeting as if he or she was a Governing Board member.
(b)Term of Members. Each member and alternate member of the Governing
Board serves until removed by the applicable Member’s legislative body. Board members and
alternates may be removed at any time by the appointing Member’s legislative body. Vacancies
shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
(c) Compensation. Governing Board members shall receive no compensation
for attending required meetings.
(d) Voting. Each Governing Board member shall have one (1) vote. If a Board
member cannot attend a meeting, the alternate attending shall be fully empowered to act as the
Governing Board member for the meeting so attended. Actions taken by the Governing Board
shall require a majority or super-majority vote as provided below in Section (e).
(e) Quorum. A majority of the Governing Board must be present to constitute
a quorum. No action will be valid unless it has received the affirmative vote of the majority of
those Governing Board members present, except where a super-majority vote is specified. Where
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a super-majority vote is specified herein, it shall mean the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of
the Governing Board members present.
(f) Responsibilities. The Governing Board will:
(1)Determine general policy for GWMA activities.
(2)Act on behalf of all Members in adopting strategies to pursue the
purposes of the GWMA and implement such strategies.
(3)Approve a budget to expend funds necessary to exercise the
powers and achieve the purposes of the GWMA, as set forth in this Agreement, and as
otherwise provided by law. A super-majority vote shall be required to adopt a budget or
assess the contribution of costs or to purchase or long-term lease any real property.
(4)Ensure that projects and programs that are undertaken are in the best
interest of the residents served by the GWMA.
(5)Authorize expenditures of funds in accordance with budget and any
purchasing procedures adopted by the Governing Board.
(6)Share costs equally among the Members, except as otherwise
provided herein.
(7)Approve or deny applications from local public agencies for
admission to the GWMA or expel a member from the GWMA.
(8)Adopt by-laws, rules and regulations governing operations of the
GWMA.
(9)Appoint such ad hoc or standing committees of its Members as it may
deem appropriate, all in uniformity with the Ralph M. Brown Act (Sections 54950 et seq.)
(g) Meetings. The Governing Board shall conduct regular and special
meetings in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, commencing with California
Government Code Section 54950, or any successor provision thereto. It shall hold at least
one (1) regular meeting in each year and such additional meetings as may be necessary to
accomplish the purposes specified herein. Regular meetings shall be held at such location as
the Governing Board may determine by Resolution. Minutes shall be kept of all meetings of
the GWMA and shall be provided to the Members and made available to the public. Meetings
shall be conducted in accordance with rules of procedure adopted by the Governing Board (the
most current edition of “Roberts Rules of Order” as of the effective date of this Agreement).
Except as specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement, any rule of procedure affecting the
order of business may be suspended with the approval of a majority of Board members then
voting.
7. Organization.
(a)Officers. The Governing Board shall elect a chair, a vice-chair, treasurer
and/or such other officers as the Board shall find appropriate. The Governing Board shall also
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appoint a secretary, who need not be a member of the Governing Board. Each officer shall serve
at the pleasure of the Governing Board. Upon approval by the Governing Board, all contracts,
deeds and other official documents on behalf of the GWMA shall be executed by the Chair or the
Executive Officer, and attested to by the Secretary and approved as to form by GWMA's legal
counsel or other appropriate officer.
(b)Employees. The Governing Board may appoint an Executive Officer,
controller, clerk, legal counsel or other employees as it deems appropriate and may establish the
duties and compensation of such employees. The Governing Board may choose to utilize the
services of employees of the Members by appointing a Lead Agency, as described below, and, if
required, compensate the Member accordingly, or may directly appoint and employ its own staff.
If the GWMA directly employs employees, the Governing Board shall adopt a personnel system
establishing rules and regulations comparable to the public sector generally.
(c)Finances. The Governing Board shall appoint a qualified person to act as
the Auditor, who need not be a member of the Governing Board. GWMA shall cause an
independent annual audit of the GWMA’s finances to be made by a certified public accountant in
compliance with California Government Code Section 6505. The Treasurer of the GWMA shall
be the depositor and shall have custody of all money of the GWMA received from whatever
source. The Auditor of the GWMA shall draw warrants to pay demands against the GWMA when
the demands have been approved by the GWMA by its authorized representative pursuant to any
delegation of authority by the GWMA. The Treasurer and Auditor shall comply strictly with the
provisions of statutes relating to their duties, as set forth in the Joint Exercise of Powers Act. The
Governing Board may transfer the responsibilities of Treasurer and/or Auditor to any person or
entity as may then be authorized by law.
(d)Consultants. The GWMA is authorized to enter into contracts and pay
consultants pursuant to the GWMA's purchasing procedure to perform any work or activity it is
empowered to perform hereunder, including the provision of professional, financial, legal,
administrative, technical or other services. A consultant may be designated as an officer,
including the Executive Officer, of the GWMA.
(e)Lead Agency. The Governing Board may, but is not required to, select from
the Members, a Lead Agency for the GWMA. In such case, the Director of Finance of the Lead
Agency shall be and act as the Treasurer and Auditor of the GWMA, pursuant to California
Government Code Section 6505.6. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 6505.1, the
Secretary and Treasurer shall have charge of the property of the GWMA and each shall file an
official bond in the penal sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) or such additional
amount as the Governing Board may establish. If a lead agency is selected, by majority vote
the Governing Board may change the Lead Agency at any time. In such event, the officers of
the new Lead Agency shall serve as the respective officers of the GWMA.
(f) Property of the GWMA. Pursuant to California Government Code
Section 6505.6, the Governing Board may designate an officer or employee, or officers and
employees, in addition to the Treasurer, to receive, deposit, invest, and disburse the money
of the GWMA pursuant to California Government Code Sections 6505.5 and 6509.5. The
Governing Board shall fix the amount of the official bond to be filed by each such designee.
8.Powers and Functions as a Regional Water Management Entity. Subject to the
limitations set forth herein, the GWMA, acting through its Governing Board, shall have any and
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all powers commonly held by the Members, necessary or appropriate to fulfill the purposes set
forth in Section 2, above, and to implement the agreed upon provisions of the MS4 Permit on
behalf of the Members and to otherwise perform the functions and exercise the powers of a
regional water management group pursuant to applicable law.
9.Corporate and Political Powers. For purposes of exercising its authority, and
subject to the limitations set forth herein, the GWMA shall have all joint powers specified in
California Government Code Section 6508 including, but not limited to, any or all of the
following:
(a)To exercise the common powers of its Members;
(b)To make and enter into contracts;
(c)To employ agents and employees;
(d)To acquire, construct, manage, maintain or operate any building, structure,
work or improvement;
(e)To acquire, hold or dispose of real or personal property;
(f)To incur debts, liabilities and obligations and issue bonds, notes, certificates
of participation and other forms or evidence of indebtedness;
(g)To sue and be sued in its own name;
(h)To apply for, accept, receive and disburse grants, loans and other financial
aid from any agency of the State of California or the United States of America and to receive
donations of property, funds, services and other forms of assistance from persons, firms,
corporations or governmental entities;
(j)To obtain insurance for the GWMA and contract for risk management
services;
(k)To prepare and support legislation related to the purposes of this
Agreement;
(l)To adopt rules, regulations, policies, bylaws and procedures for the
carrying out of the foregoing powers or necessary for the governing of the operations of the
GWMA; and
(m)To exercise all other powers necessary and proper to carry out the provisions
of this Agreement.
10.Limitations. The GWMA shall not have the power of eminent domain.
11.Expenditures and Contributions. From time to time, the Governing Board
may require Member contributions in order to make expenditures necessary to carry out
the purposes and functions of the GWMA which may include, but are not limited to,
retention of consultant(s) to conduct studies and prepare plans, reports and designs, and/or
provide management services. Contracts over $100,000 shall require a super-majority vote of
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the Governing Board to approve. Contributions may be assessed against Members on an equal
basis, or upon such other basis as may be determined by the Governing Board. Within thirty
(30) days of such an assessment by the Governing Board becoming effective, each Member,
shall make the required contribution, providing that any Member not wishing to make such
contribution may, in the alternative, withdraw from the GWMA within said period by adopting
a resolution of withdrawal by its legislative body and otherwise complying with Section 15.
12.Eligibility for Membership and Admission. Any local public agency that is a
member of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, or that has statutory authority over
a water supply with the Gateway Cities Region, may apply to become a member of the
GWMA pursuant to an action taken by the legislative body of such public agency and may
become a Member upon a super-majority vote of the Governing Board and execution of
this Agreement. At the time of approval of admission, the Governing Board may request
that the new Member make a payment of any costs incurred by the GWMA to date, to the
extent the benefit of those costs will be derived or will continue to be derived after the new
Member agency has joined the GWMA.
13.Accounts, Reports, and Audits. The following procedures shall be followed to
ensure strict accountability of all funds of the GWMA and to provide for accurate reporting of
receipts and disbursements of said funds:
(a)The Auditor shall either prepare or contract with a
certified public accountant to prepare an annual audit of the GWMA's accounts and records. The
minimum requirements for such audits shall be those prescribed by the State Controller for special
districts under California Government Code Section 26909 or successor statute and shall conform
to generally accepted accounting principles.
(b)A report of said audit shall be filed as a public record with each Member
and with the County Auditor of the County of Los Angeles. Such report shall be filed within
twelve (12) months of the end of the fiscal year or years under examination.
(c)Any additional procedures pertaining to accountability of funds and assets
of the GWMA, as specified in the Joint Exercise of Powers Act, shall be followed.
14. Obligation for Debts and Liabilities and Distribution of Assets. Except as
otherwise provided herein or by applicable law, no Member shall be individually responsible
for any of the debts, liabilities or obligations of the GWMA, and all such debts, liabilities and
obligations shall exclusively be those of the GWMA.
(a) Indemnification.
(1)Each Member agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the GWMA
and all other Members, and employees, officers and agents of the GWMA, free and harmless
with respect to any and all claims, liabilities, losses, and damages, including legal fees and
expenses, to the extent arising out of or connected with the acts or omissions, or breach or
default, of such Member, or any person or entity acting on behalf of such Member, in the
performance of any of its obligations under this Agreement.
(2)The GWMA shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless, jointly
and severally, each of its Members and the Members' officers, officials, employees, agents,
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and representatives with respect to any loss, damage, injury, claim, litigation, or liability,
including attorney's fees and costs, arising out of or in any way related to the creation,
operation, functioning, decisions, or actions of the GWMA or the GWMA's officers, officials,
employees, agents, or representatives.
(3)The provision of indemnity set forth in this Section shall not be
construed to obligate the GWMA to pay any liability, including but not limited to punitive
damages, which by law would be contrary to public policy or otherwise unlawful.
(b) Tort Liability. Government Code Section 895.2 imposes certain tort
liability jointly upon public agencies solely by reason of such public agencies being parties to
an agreement as defined in Government Code Section 895. Therefore, the Member public
agencies, as among themselves, pursuant to the authorization contained in Government Code
Sections 895.4 and 895.6, each assume the full liability imposed upon it or any of its officers,
agents, employees or representatives by law for injury caused by a negligent or wrongful
action or inaction, or omission, occurring in the performance of this Agreement, to the same
extent that such liability would be imposed in the absence of Government Code Section 895.2.
To achieve this purpose, each Member public agency indemnifies and holds harmless each
other party and the GWMA, for any loss, cost or expense, including reasonable attorney's fees
and consultant fees that may be imposed upon or incurred by such other Member public
agency or the GWMA solely by virtue of Government Code Section 895.2.
(c) Funds for Defense. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a)
or (b), above, by a super-majority vote of the Governing Board, the Board may approve
the expenditure of GWMA funds to defend, indemnify and hold the GWMA, members of
the Governing Board, and/or any employee or agent of the GWMA, free and harmless from
claims and liabilities arising in connection with their actions taken in good faith, and while within
the scope of their duties being performed on behalf of the GWMA.
(d)Self-Insure. The GWMA may self-insure or purchase insurance, and/or-,
require the Members to self-insure or purchase insurance, in order to comply with any of the
defense and indemnity requirements herein.
(e)Privileges and Immunities. All of the privileges and immunities from
liability, exemptions from laws, ordinances, and rules, all pension, relief, disability, worker's
compensation, and other benefits which apply to the activity of officers, agents, or employees of
any Member when performing their respective functions within the territorial limits of the
Member, shall apply to them to the same degree and extent while engaged in the performance on
any of their functions and duties extraterritorially hereunder.
15. Withdrawal by a Member. Subject to the provisions of this section, any Member
may withdraw from the GWMA by providing the Governing Board no less than thirty (30) days
prior written notice including a copy of the initiating resolution by the legislative body of the
withdrawing Member. The withdrawing Member shall pay all unpaid contributions that were
approved by the Governing Board more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the date of
the notice of withdrawal. No Member may withdraw unless and until it has satisfied any and all
outstanding contractual obligations, or other indebtedness for which such Member would
otherwise be obligated, in whole or in part, to pay. "Outstanding contractual obligations"
includes the obligations for payments on contracts which the GWMA has entered into and are
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legally binding but where additional services will be performed in the future, until the contract
has been fully performed.
16. Effect of Termination. Upon termination of this Agreement by the GWMA, all of
the existing assets shall be divided and distributed for public purposes in such manner as shall be
determined by a super-majority vote of the Governing Board provided, however, that this
Agreement and the Governing Board shall continue to exist for the purposes of disposing of all
claims, administering the distribution of assets, and performing any other functions necessary to
conclude the affairs of the GWMA. This Agreement may not be terminated so long as the GWMA
has any outstanding contractual obligations or other indebtedness.
17. Notices. Notices permitted or required to be sent pursuant to this Agreement shall
be sent by registered mail, return receipt requested, or reputable overnight delivery service,
addressed as follows:
To Member public agencies at each Member public agency's official
business address, personally addressed to the that agency's
Governing Board member;
To the GWMA at 16401 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount,
California 90723. This address shall be the GWMA's official
business address. This address may be changed by approval of the
Governing Board and the giving of written notice to each Member
at their official business address.
18. Amendment.Except for amendments that change the GWMA’s powers, duties,
indemnification requirements, or financial responsibilities, this Agreement may be amended by a
super-majority vote of the Governing Board. Otherwise, this Agreement may be amended by a
majority vote of the Governing Board and by a majority vote of the Members acting by resolution
of their legislative bodies.
19. Legal Actions.
(a)Remedies. The GWMA is hereby authorized to take any and all legal or
equitable actions, including but not limited to, seeking an injunction and/or specific performance,
necessary or permitted by law, to enforce this Agreement.
(b)Applicable Law and Forum. The laws of the State of California shall
govern the interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement, without regard to conflict of
law principles. Legal actions must be instituted and maintained in the Superior Court of the
County of Los Angeles, State of California, in any other appropriate court in that county, or
in the Federal District Court in the Central District of California.
(c)Acceptance of Service of Process. In the event that any legal action is
commenced against the GWMA, service of process on the GWMA shall be made by personal
service upon the Executive Officer or Secretary of the GWMA, or in such other manner as may be
provided by law.
(d)Waivers. All waivers of any term or condition of this Agreement shall be in
writing. No waiver of any term or same term or condition at a different time.
Resolution No. 2025-015
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20. Liberal Construction; Severability. In the event of any litigation over the meaning
of this Agreement or the GWMA of any agency of the GWMA, this Agreement shall be
liberally construed to effectuate its purposes. Should any part, term or provision of this
Agreement be decided by any court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal or in conflict with
any law of the State of California or federal law, or otherwise be rendered unenforceable or
invalid, the validity of the remaining portions and/or provisions shall not be affected thereby.
21. Conflicts of Interest. No officers, official, or employee of the GWMA shall have
any financial interest, direct or indirect, in the GWMA nor shall any such person participate in any
decision relating to the GWMA which affects his or her financial interests, in violation of any State
law or regulation.
22. Books and Records. All books, records, accounts, and documents of the GWMA
shall be available at any reasonable time to the Directors and, to the extent provided by the
California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 7920.000,et seq.) shall be public
records. This Section does not authorize the release of any confidential records which are
exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act or other applicable law or
regulations.
23. Principal Office. The principal office of the GWMA shall be that of the office of
the Executive Officer or as from time to time designated by the Board.
24. Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon all Members and shall inure
to the benefit of the successors of each of the Members provided, however, that no Member
may assign any right or obligation under this Agreement without the written consent of the
Governing Board.
24.Effectuate Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which
together shall constitute the same and entire agreement.
25.Filing with Secretary of State. The Executive Officer of the Governing Board
is directed to file with the office of the California Secretary of State and State Controller a
notice of adoption or amendment of this Agreement within thirty (30) days after the effective
date of such adoption or amendment, as required by California Government Code Sections
6503.5 6503.6 and shall file all other official notices as may be required by law.
26.Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the final, complete and exclusive
statement of the terms of the agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject matter of this
Agreement and amends, replaces, and supersedes all other prior or contemporaneous oral or
written understandings and agreements of the parties.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGES]
Resolution No. 2025-015
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed and attested by its duly authorized officers as of the dates set forth below.
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF ARTESIA
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF BELL
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
Resolution No. 2025-015
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DATE: ________________________ CITY OF BELL GARDENS
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF BELLFLOWER
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF CERRITOS
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
Resolution No. 2025-015
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DATE: ________________________ CITY OF COMMERCE
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF COMPTON
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF CUDAHY
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
Resolution No. 2025-015
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DATE: ________________________ CITY OF DOWNEY
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF HUNTINGTON PARK
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
Resolution No. 2025-015
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DATE: ________________________ CITY OF LA MIRADA
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF LAKEWOOD
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF LONG BEACH
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
Resolution No. 2025-015
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DATE: ________________________ CITY OF LYNWOOD
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF MAYWOOD
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF MONTEBELLO
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
Resolution No. 2025-015
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DATE: ________________________ CITY OF NORWALK
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF PARAMOUNT
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF PICO RIVERA
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
Resolution No. 2025-015
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DATE: ________________________ CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF SOUTH GATE
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
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DATE: ________________________ CITY OF VERNON
_____________________________________
Brian Saeki, City Administrator
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
Genoveva Rocha, City Clerk Zaynah N. Moussa, City Attorney
DATE: ________________________ CITY OF WHITTIER
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk City Attorney
Resolution No. 2025-015
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DATE: ________________________ CENTRAL BASIN MUNICIPAL
WATER DISTRICT
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk District Attorney
DATE: ________________________ LONG BEACH UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk Attorney
DATE: ________________________ WATER REPLENISHMENT DISTRICT OF
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
_____________________________________
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ______________________________________
City Clerk District Attorney
Resolution No. 2025-015
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City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date:June 3, 2025
From:Freddie Agyin, Director of Health and Environmental Control
Department:Health and Environmental Control
Submitted by:Dulce Gonzalez, Management Analyst
Subject
The Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Authority (GWMA)
Amended and Restated Joint Exercise of Power Authority Agreement (JPA Agreement)
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-015 approving and authorizing the execution of the Amended and
Restated JPA Agreement by and between the Southeast Water Coalition and various cities
regarding the GWMA.
Background
The GWMA was established in 2007 through a JPA Agreement to address regional challenges
related to water supply reliability, water quality, stormwater management, and flood control within
the Gateway Region of Los Angeles County. Considering the expansion of GWMA's membership
and responsibilities over time, amendments to the JPA Agreement are being proposed to
accurately reflect the current and anticipated operational framework.
GWMA is composed of 28 member cities, including the City of Vernon, and water agencies
serving a population of over two million residents. The region is characterized by diverse hydro-
geological, topographic, demographic, political, and economic conditions. GWMA also
represents the Greater Los Angeles County Integrated Regional Water Management group and
has managed stormwater compliance programs under the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
System (MS4) Permit since 2012, coordinating efforts among multiple watershed groups.
Through collaboration among its members, GWMA has successfully developed regional projects
and secured funding from local, state, and federal sources. These efforts include partnerships
with the Lower Los Angeles River, Lower San Gabriel River, Los Cerritos Channel, and other
watershed groups to meet MS4 Permit requirements for stormwater monitoring and reporting.
In 2024, the GWMA staff and legal counsel proposed modifications to the JPA Agreement. These
modifications include: (1) adjustments to the terms of board members, (2) the allowance of up to
three alternates, (3) specifications for a super-majority vote on certain board actions, and (4) the
removal of the requirement to appoint a lead agency for financial and contractual affairs. On
January 14, 2025, GWMA staff circulated a draft of the Amended and Restated JPA Agreement
for member review. Following the incorporation of comments from legal counsel and participating
agencies, the GWMA Governing Board approved the final version by super-majority vote on April
10, 2025. Each member agency is now required to formally adopt the amended agreement by
resolution.
Resolution No. 2025-015 approves the GWMA JPA Agreement and authorizes the City
Administrator to execute said agreement.
The proposed resolution and related GWMA JPA Agreement have been reviewed and approved
as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is $15,000 for the annual GWMA membership. Sufficient funds are available in
the General Fund, Health and Environmental Control Department, Membership Dues Account
No. 011-020-200-529550 for fiscal year 2025-26 and will be budgeted in subsequent fiscal years.
Attachments
1. Resolution No. 2025-015