Aaron Baker

The Capital Improvement Committee meeting addressed several key items related to capital projects. Discussions included a review and discussion of the Capital Project Monitoring -- Construction Report, where concerns were raised regarding flood wall construction scheduling for Coyote Creek, leading to a request for a briefing for Director Beall. The committee received information on design-build pilot projects, specifically the Coyote Pumping Plant Adjustable Speed Drives Replacement Project and the Vasona Pumping Plant Upgrade Project. The Committee recommended to the Board the use of the Design-Bid-Build project delivery method for the Vasona Pump Station Upgrade Project. Information was also received regarding Valley Water's Construction Contract Contingency and Change Order Management Processes, resulting in a request to revise the contingency data table for better clarity on larger projects. The status of capital projects not listed in monitoring reports was reviewed, and information on Change Orders to the Anderson Dam Tunnel Project Construction Contract was received. Finally, the Committee reviewed and noted the 2023 Capital Improvement Program Committee Draft Work Plan, and formally approved the minutes from the May 15, 2023, Committee meeting.

The meeting included discussions on the monthly update regarding progress towards Valley Water Resolution 21-68's water use reduction target and conservation efforts related to the drought emergency. Key discussion points included high water usage, comparison to 2019 numbers, shutting off outside watering, continuing conservation outreach messages, defining xeriscaping (drought resistant landscaping), educating users about 'low' watering, and conservation incentives. A drought response plan update involved discussions on the differences between the Water Shortage Contingency Plan and the Drought Response Plan, scheduling, outreach messaging to underserved communities, engaging housing development agencies and realtors regarding Model Ordinances, and reviewing vulnerability assessment versus the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for project completion. Standing items reports on the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), Flood MAR, and the Agricultural Water Use Baseline Study received no verbal updates. The work plan for the committee was reviewed, setting agenda items for the next meeting.

The meeting agenda for the Board Audit Committee includes discussions on proposed updates to the Board Audit Committee Audit Charter, requiring legal counsel to incorporate committee comments and report back. Other key discussions involve the process and scope of the 2023 Annual Audit Training from the Chief Audit Executive, receiving the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Third Quarter Financial Status Update as of March 31, 2023, and receiving/discussing the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Financial Audit presented by Vasquez and Company LLP. The committee will also review the status of the 2023 Risk Assessment, review and discuss the 2023 Board Audit Committee Work Plan, and discuss the 2022-2024 Annual Audit Work Plan.

The meeting included discussions on the monthly update regarding progress towards the Water Use Reduction Target and drought-related conservation efforts. Key topics covered included semitropic deliveries, leak monitoring, contract management, data collection, water conservation outreach programs, digital platforms, the Landscape Rebate Program's award distribution, and continued funding for the Lawn Busters Program. Further discussion centered on water use data for residential and business customers, including program participation impediments and comparisons between flow meters versus Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). An update was also provided concerning the Zones of Controlled Drinking Water Well Construction for the Purified Water Project, focusing on regulatory agencies and the appeals process. Standing reports on the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), FloodMar, and the Agricultural Water Use Baseline Study were reviewed. The committee also reviewed the Work Plan for future agendas.

The Capital Improvement Committee meeting included receiving information on the Santa Clara Valley Water District's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, which covered construction activities' carbon footprint, emissions forecast, and reduction measures to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The Committee requested staff provide details on implementing zero carbon emission vehicles and the timeline for the annual report in relation to the budget cycle. Discussions also covered the status of capital projects in the design and permitting phase, including a request for staff to schedule a briefing regarding the Lower Guadalupe project with Director Beall. Furthermore, information on Change Orders for the Anderson Dam Tunnel Project construction contract was received, and the Committee reviewed the 2024 Capital Improvement Program Committee Work Plan.