Cynthia Carbajal

The committee reviewed several proposed board items requiring action. Key actions included the approval and authorization of a contract with Rite-Way Roof Corporation for the replacement of six roofs, totaling an appropriation of $525,000. The committee also recommended approval for a one-year extension and funding addition for As-Needed Engineering Non-Design Services, bringing the total to $3,600,000. Further approvals covered two five-year agreements for Closed-Circuit Television Pipeline Inspection and Video Services totaling $550,000. Change orders and agreement amendments were authorized for the Perris II Desalter Safety Platforms Project, the design of the Romoland Feeder Replacement and Matthews Transmission Pipelines Project, the Goetz Road Trunk Sewer Project (including a Mitigated Negative Declaration adoption), corrosion repair for the Perris II Desalter, final design for the Purified Water Replenishment Advanced Water Purification Facility Project, and preliminary design for the Perris Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility Interim Improvements and Rehabilitation Project. An information item regarding Change Orders to Specifications was also reviewed.

The meeting included Executive Reports from the General Manager and Deputy/Assistant General Managers, covering an update on the WRF Research Needs Workshop and confirmation of no facility damage from recent storms. The Consent Calendar actions included approving an agreement amendment with Environmental Science Associates for desalter project support, a three-year agreement for security camera service with Ecamsecure, selection of underwriter services pools for financing, and multiple annexations of parcels to Improvement District No. U-22. The Action Calendar featured unanimous approval for reimbursing Pulte Home Company, LLC for gap pipelines construction, approval for Enterprise Resource Planning and Development Services Management System project completion funds, and ratification of a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Riverside for a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program sub-application. During Closed Session, the Board authorized negotiation for the purchase of surplus water resources from the San Diego County Water Authority and held a discussion regarding anticipated litigation.

The board meeting commenced with a flag salute, notably led by a new director. Discussions primarily revolved around financial matters and significant water resource updates. Key actions included holding a public hearing and subsequently adopting resolutions and an ordinance to establish Community Facilities District (CFD) Number 2025-116, known as Creekstone, to finance applicable facilities for a 164-home development. The board also adopted a resolution certifying the results of the landowner election for this new CFD and passed an ordinance regarding labor billing rates for 2026. The General Manager reported positive advancements in securing federal earmark funding totaling $8.3 million for projects like the South Paris desalination program and the Quail Valley sewer conversion. Updates were also provided concerning the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Colorado River Post 2026 operations and the Metropolitan Board's approval of guiding principles for the Pure Water Southern California program. Finally, department updates covered water use efficiency programs and planned workshops and tours.

Key discussions included the executive report confirming that all previously submitted earmarks, totaling $10.3 million, were approved in the recent appropriations bill, with specific allocations noted for projects like the Quail Valley subject to sewer and the groundwater desalination program. The board also received updates on the Colorado River operational guidelines negotiations, noting a failure to meet a recent deadline and potential future litigation. Additionally, the State Water Project allocation increased from 10% to 30%, though snowpack remains below normal. Updates were provided on the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation, confirming Phase One stabilization is concluding and Phase Two is set to begin in March, with personnel and budget metrics reviewed. Finally, the board approved a standard facilities agreement for reimbursement from PY Home Company LLC for the construction of two parallel pipelines in the Valley Boulevard gap area, pending environmental exemption findings, and authorized an appropriation of approximately $2.9 million for this reimbursement. An update on the Development Services Management System (DSMS) project was also presented.

The meeting commenced with a public hearing for the proposed establishment of Community Facilities District (CFD) number 24-12, River Walk Village, including setting the rate and method of assessment and authorizing bond indebtedness up to $6 million. Following the public hearing, resolutions establishing CFD number 2024-25 and certifying the results of the subsequent special tax and bond election were adopted, passing unanimously. Discussions covered the general manager's report, including the annual update on Metropolitan Water District asset valuation and voting weight changes, and remarks reinforcing EMWD's support for Metropolitan's cooperative role. Updates were provided on hosting the Joint Inland Empire Orange County caucus, which included constructive dialogue with the San Diego County Water Authority regarding collaboration. Furthermore, EMWD presented supportive comments regarding the Sites Project Authority's petition for water rights. The General Manager also noted the demise of State Bill 1255 concerning low-income rate assistance, and provided updates on community meetings concerning infrastructure in Wine Country. Water operations reported satisfying the 2024 and 2025 CSPA settlement recharge obligations ahead of schedule, alongside discussion regarding proposed pipeline shutdowns by the State Department of Water Resources.