Monterey Peninsula mayors want a stronger voice in the oversight of the proposed regional desalination plant. And a seat or two on the project's advisory board might not be enough.

Last night, the Monterey City Council voted down a proposal to put two Peninsula mayors on the advisory council, an effort to represent the Cal Am ratepayers who currently have no part in the desal project's proposed governance.

The three councilmembers who rejected the move - Libbey Downey, Jeff Haferman and Nancy Selfridge - wanted a larger role for Peninsula mayors: a place among the decision-making parties, currently California American Water, Marina Coast Water District and Monterey County Water Resources Agency.

Mayor Chuck Della Sala and Vice Mayor Frank Sollecito disagreed, instead supporting the plan to add two mayors to the advisory council. But they would not have the authority to call for arbitration in that capacity.

The Carmel City Council is holding a special meeting Tuesday night, July 27, to discuss and provide policy direction on modifications to the Water Purchase Settlement Agreement.

Read more on the desal project at www.mcweekly.com/rwp.