Cindy Cisneros

The board discussed various items including the Water Savvy Landscape Contest winners, updates from the General Manager/CEO, and consent calendar items such as the Board Calendar of Events and financial reports. Action items included the renewal of a radio access and maintenance agreement, the adoption of an ordinance prohibiting the use of potable water on nonfunctional turf, and a public hearing regarding the Water Shortage Contingency Plan and Urban Water Management Plan. Additionally, committee and board member reports were presented, and the meeting concluded with a closed session on litigation and a performance evaluation.

The committee discussed and reviewed proposed amendments to the Employee Policy Manual, which were intended to modernize District policies and maintain labor market competitiveness. The revisions covered several areas, including the employee probationary period, administrative leave, vacation, certification-education incentive program, insurance benefits, holidays, and employee service award and retirement recognition. The committee supported the proposed amendments and recommended forwarding them to the Board of Directors for further consideration. An additional update regarding miscellaneous items was also added to the agenda.

The Engineering Committee reviewed two infrastructure projects. The first involved a budget transfer for the Almond Street Waterline project to expedite replacement work in coordination with City street improvements, funded by reallocating money from other capital projects. The second project involved the award of a contract for the Reservoir 6 and Almond Street Waterline Replacement, which includes a new pipeline alignment to improve maintenance access and requires a property interest exchange with a private owner. Both items were recommended to be forwarded to the Board of Directors for approval.

The committee reviewed the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 and 2028 Capital Improvement Projects Budget, which focuses on enhancing water supply, distribution reliability, and infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, the committee evaluated a grant of easement for a sewer line installation related to a residential development in Rancho Cucamonga and discussed a purchase order amendment for the evaluation of a primary coagulant at the Lloyd W. Michael Water Treatment Plant. All items were recommended for further consideration and approval by the Board of Directors.

The committee reviewed a presentation regarding the implementation of an automated accounts payable process. The system aims to streamline data entry, reduce labor costs, and maintain quality control. Projected financial benefits include savings exceeding $50,000 in the first year and $100,000 annually in subsequent years.