Chris Jones

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several key agenda items, including a closed session for a performance evaluation of the General Manager. Public hearings were held regarding job vacancy recruitment strategies and the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan, including the adoption of Resolution 2026-20. Other business included approving a sewer easement, a memorandum of understanding with the Chamber of Commerce, and an official ballot selection for LAFCo. The board also addressed various resolutions, such as honoring staff service, approving installment purchase contracts for water and wastewater, and establishing the FY 2026-27 budget and appropriations limits. Further actions included reviewing ordinance amendments, supporting Assembly Bill 1821, and discussing the Parks and Recreation Public Art program. The meeting also featured updates from various standing committees, ad-hoc committees, and department reports.

The Board of Directors agenda included a public hearing for the Measure B Maintenance Assessment District to renew assessments for parks, open space, and recreational facilities. Key discussion topics included the approval of facility use agreements, the adoption of a proclamation for Professional Municipal Clerks Week, a memorandum of understanding with the McKinleyville Union School District for after-school programs, and a notice of exemption for infrastructure upgrade projects. The meeting also covered the adoption of resolutions honoring a retiring employee, updates on bond financing for water and wastewater, the second reading of ordinances regarding delinquent charge collections and community forest regulations, and reviews of budget revisions and draft budgets for various district funds.

The Board meeting included discussions on various operational and infrastructure projects, such as lift station upgrades, microgrid system performance, and the planning for a District office remodel. The Board reviewed financial reports, including the Treasurer's report and budget drafts for FY2026-27, and considered amendments to district regulations and ordinances concerning delinquent utility charges and fixed assets. Additionally, the Board reviewed legislative and regulatory reports, considered appointments to the community forest committee, and initiated the performance evaluation process for the General Manager.

The agenda for this meeting included approval of the agenda itself, noting that no closed session or public hearings were scheduled. The Consent Calendar addressed several items, including the approval of the January 31, 2026 Treasurer's Report, compliance with State Double Check Valve (DCV) Law, declaring utility trucks surplus, consideration of the 2025 Wastewater Management Facility Annual Report, and review/approval of amendments to County Leases for Law Enforcement and Library Facilities. The Board also considered the adoption of Resolution 2026-04 regarding the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission's (RREDC) Revised Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) and the adoption of a Fixed Asset Policy. Operational data and cost savings for the Microgrid System at the Wastewater Management Facility were also reviewed. Under Continued and New Business, the Board considered approval of the FY24-25 Single Audit Report, adoption of resolutions honoring employees for milestone years of service, review of the Draft Capital Improvement Plan for FY2026-27 operational funds, and joining ACWA Coalitions supporting specific legislation. Furthermore, the Board approved a resolution to proceed with planning for financing improvements to Water and Wastewater Systems, and another resolution declaring intent to reimburse for Water Projects. Reports covered active committees, legislative updates, and staff reports including an update on pending FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant funding for district projects.

The meeting agenda for the Regular Meeting included call to order procedures, approval of the agenda, and consideration for adding or changing agenda items. Key discussion points under the Consent Calendar involved the approval of draft minutes from prior meetings in December 2025, the approval of Treasurer's Reports for November and December 2025, compliance with State Double Check Valve (DCV) Law, review of the 2025 Integrated Pest Management Plan Annual Report, adoption of a resolution for the Humboldt County Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan 2025, approval of facility use agreements with youth sport organizations, and consideration of attendance at several upcoming conferences and symposiums in 2026. New Business items included presentations for a Community Builder Award and Employee of the Year, consideration of a resolution in memoriam of a former Director, approval of FY24-25 Audited Financial Statements, approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Redwood Empire Endurance Riders (REER), discussion of committee assignments for 2026, review of the Draft Capital Improvement Plan for Parks & General Fund FY2026-27, and discussions regarding the purchase of a Motor Control Center and Variable Frequency Drives for a lift station seismic upgrade project, and the purchase of McCluski Tanks.