Eric J Bennett

The board meeting included a public hearing regarding the status of vacant positions as required by AB 2561, covering recruitment, retention efforts, and hiring statistics. Additionally, there was a presentation regarding ongoing construction project delays and required amendments for professional services agreements related to the chlorine contact tank expansion and conversion to a sodium hypochlorite system.

The Board of Directors approved a resolution adopting an organizational conflict of interest policy for design-build projects, a delivery method intended to increase project efficiency. Additionally, the Board adopted an ordinance implementing Assembly Bill 1572, which prohibits the use of potable water for irrigating non-functional turf. The meeting also included an update from the General Manager regarding upcoming committee meetings and the receipt of a safety grant award from Aqua JPIA for forklift sensor technology.

The committee reviewed the fiscal year 2026 operating budget requests, focusing on controllable costs, including materials, supplies, and outside services. Key discussion topics included new permit fee increases for the City of San Marcos, the addition of valve position indicators for monitoring flow, maintenance requirements for SCADA battery systems, increased expenses for weed abatement and brush clearing around remote facilities, rising traffic control costs, and the implementation of new construction management software. The committee also discussed a potential extension of the auditor's agreement and the deployment of vehicle telemetry tracking.

This document outlines the historical evolution of the San Diego County Water Authority's strategy to enhance water supply reliability for the region. Faced with vulnerabilities from relying on a single supplier during a 1991 drought, the agency implemented a multi-decade strategy focused on diversification. Key strategic pillars include aggressive water conservation and education initiatives, establishment of long-term water transfer agreements with the Imperial Valley, and the development of major new facilities like the Claude Budd Lewis Carlsbad desalination plant. Future efforts involve promoting advanced treated wastewater, all aimed at reducing dependence on imported water and ensuring sustainable supply for San Diego County.

The Board of Directors discussed and authorized the annual VMware software renewal with CDW-G to maintain server virtualization infrastructure. They also granted final acceptance of the Wulff Waterline Improvements project, approved a surplus property listing for public auction, and awarded a construction contract for the Rock Springs Valve Replacement and Pipeline Condition Assessment project. Additionally, the Board authorized a two-year extension and rate adjustment for the General Counsel legal services agreement with Best Best & Krieger.