Arturo Ceja

The meeting included an employee recognition segment, celebrating a staff promotion, the attainment of a new professional certification, and a 25-year service milestone. The board also received and reviewed the Mission Creek subbasin annual report for the 2024-2025 water year. The presentation covered the positive water balance, the status of groundwater production, ongoing basin monitoring regarding water levels, and the absence of evidence for subsidence. Additionally, the report addressed the newly implemented hexavalent chromium contaminant levels and the long-term sustainability goals for the subbasin.

The board discussed the Mission Creek Subbasin annual report for the 2024-2025 water year. They reviewed contract amendment number nine with West Yost Consulting for regulatory reporting, permitting, and design services related to the Horton wastewater treatment plant, including the decommissioning of a monitoring well and reconfiguration of percolation ponds. Additionally, the board considered the award of a contract for solar site repairs at Little Morongo and 19th Avenue, as well as the award of a contract for the GQPP AD15 area M2 sewer construction and waterline replacement project, noting the necessity of coordinating with the state for potential budget augmentation.

The board addressed several key items, including the review and filing of the Mission Creek Subbasin Annual Report for Water Year 2024-2025 and the authorization of Contract Amendment No. 9 with West Yost for regulatory and design services. Action items included awarding contracts for solar site repairs at Little Morongo and 19th Avenue, as well as the GQPP AD-15 Area M-2 sewer construction and water line replacement project. Additionally, the board discussed the adoption of the updated MSWD Strategic Plan, the notice of completion for the Monitoring Well 1A project, and approval of an employment agreement for the General Manager/Chief Engineer. The meeting also featured updates on the administration building, groundwater protection, and hexavalent chromium, along with a closed session regarding potential litigation and labor negotiations.

The board meeting agenda includes several action items, such as receiving the Mission Creek Subbasin Annual Report for Water Year 2024-2025, authorizing a contract amendment for regulatory reporting and design services, and awarding construction contracts for solar site repairs and the GQPP AD-15 Area M-2 sewer and water line replacement project. Additionally, the board will address the completion of the Monitoring Well 1A project, the adoption of the updated strategic plan, and the approval of a new employment agreement for the General Manager. The meeting will also feature updates on the administration building, groundwater protection program, and hexavalent chromium levels, along with a closed session for discussions regarding potential litigation and labor negotiations.

The key discussion centered on the proposed adoption of Mission Springs Water District (MSWD) Social Media Policy Number 2023-01. The presentation emphasized that the new policy is necessary to address current social media complexities, which differ significantly from older guidelines, and to protect the district legally and safeguard its brand identity. The policy aims to establish clear responsibilities for managing social media channels, provide guidelines for employee interaction, and set standards for using MSWD equipment or referencing the district online. Key components discussed included prohibiting the endorsement of products, services, or events, and restrictions against posting content related to religious beliefs, discrimination, or political campaigning. The presenters noted that this policy is the first step, with a board-specific version forthcoming for the board handbook. Directors expressed concern regarding the perceived creation of new rules without accountability for existing issues, while others supported the proactive measure as a necessary legal protection.