Danielle Coats

The meeting provided an update on water supply conditions, emphasizing the importance of agriculture to the community and efforts to protect water resources amidst ongoing drought considerations. Key discussion points included the district's water supply sources (local, Colorado River, and State Water Project), escalating costs of imported water, and rate mitigation strategies. Furthermore, the presentation detailed the impact of increasing watershed temperatures on water runoff, leading to reduced usable water supply, citing poor snowpack melt and runoff forecasts for the Colorado River Basin. The presenter also discussed actions being taken in response to Executive Order N-7-22 concerning water allocation regulations for the agricultural community.

The board meeting included a significant update from staff regarding a substantial 24-inch mainline break that occurred on May 9th, which impacted local businesses and traffic, requiring non-stop repair efforts. Key actions approved by the Board included authorizing staff to submit a grant application to the US Bureau of Reclamation for the turf replacement program. If awarded, this grant will expand the existing program, which has already replaced 1 million square feet of high water use turf, to include commercial, industrial, institutional, and employment association customers. Furthermore, the Board unanimously approved a professional service agreement for the design and drilling of a new well to replace an aging one, aiming to secure and enhance the local groundwater supply, which constitutes approximately 40% of Rancho Water's supply.

Key discussions during the March 14th board meeting included the approval, by a vote of 5 to 1, of additional funding and an amendment to a professional services agreement for the Arroyo Seco Creek Crossing Vale Oak Road repair. The Board accepted the President's Special Recognition Award from the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority for the district's liability, property, and workers compensation programs covering the 2014 to 2017 period. The board tabled discussion on Group 2 Team Leadership Solutions training for management workshops, requesting staff to research grant funding to offset costs. Furthermore, the board unanimously approved the 40-year long-term ground lease for the Lake RV Resort campground to Camp VL LLC, finding it exempt from CEQA review. The board also unanimously approved the staff recommendation for the fiscal year 2019-2020 budget workshop direction.

The document summarizes key events from two board meetings. On January 3rd, the Board of Directors appointed John Rossi as a new member to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Ben Drake in November. Six individuals applied, and Rossi was appointed with a five to one vote, bringing nearly 30 years of water industry experience. At the regular board meeting on January 10th, the board president appointed members to three standing policy committees: Finance and Audit, Planning and Administration, and Engineering and Operations.

The board meeting included a public hearing to consider proposed rate increases for water, recycled water, and wastewater service charges over the next two fiscal years. These changes are based on a cost of service study, influenced by aging infrastructure, maintenance costs, and the rising cost of imported water. The board approved the new rates with a four to two vote. Additionally, the board unanimously approved a short-term land lease for Sturgeon Electric Company to use as a staging area for powerline replacement.