Tamayo Group given Rainbow MWD contract for strategic planning facilitation services

The Rainbow Municipal Water District board voted 5-0 April 28 to award a contract to the Tamayo Group to help facilitate the district's strategic plan.

"We have a lot of important decisions to make," said Rainbow general manager Tom Kennedy. "This will help improve that discussion."

The strategic plan will provide a long-range vision to guide Rainbow's board and staff through decisions which will be made in the near future. "We're going to establish a clear vision for the district," Kennedy said. "That's a super important thing for us right now."

The strategic plan will help determine the best options for infrastructure investment to serve new development. "There's a lot of important projects for us to consider," Kennedy said. "This is a process where they can look at the big picture items."

Rainbow's February and March meetings included discussion related to initiating the strategic plan process. On March 24, the board directed Kennedy to contact implementation services providers. Kennedy conducted phone interviews with Daniel Iacofano of MIG, Brent Ives of BHI consulting, and Michele Tamayo of the Tamayo Group. Kennedy then consulted with Rainbow board president Dennis Sanford, and the two conducted an in-person interview with Tamayo.

Kennedy also surveyed other water agencies in San Diego County about the Tamayo Group, which is based in Solana Beach, and received positive recommendations. The Tamayo Group has provided strategic planning facilitation for the Vallecitos and Helix water districts, the Oceanside and Carlsbad city water departments, and the San Diego County Water Authority.

During the process, Tamayo will meet with each board member individually to determine their perceptions of the district and their personal priorities. She will also meet with key staff members at all levels, with district committee members, and with ratepayers during an open meeting. A date will be set for public input regarding the strategic plan; Kennedy expects that public forum to take place in late June.

Tamayo's work will allow the district to develop goals and objectives for each strategic focus area. Those goals and objectives will allow the district to monitor and measure its performance in meeting those objectives.

"It will be an excellent opportunity for our board," Kennedy said.

The contract includes an hourly rate for Tamayo but not a specific amount. "It's kind of a flexible agreement," Kennedy said.

The estimated contract amount is $25,000, although if additional outreach or public workshops are desired the payment would increase. Should the amount exceed $25,000, a change order would be brought to the Rainbow board for approval.