Holly Gould

The committee discussed community engagement topics, including a report on prior events attended and planning for upcoming community outreach. Additionally, the committee received updates on federal and state lobbying efforts, including progress on the District's Recycled Water Project and support for legislative bills, as well as information regarding rate presentations.

The board meeting includes a presentation by the Valley Sanitary District to the public regarding proposed wastewater rate adjustments. This presentation is part of a community engagement effort, known as the Rate Roadshow, intended to provide information, address questions, and ensure transparency ahead of a future public hearing scheduled to consider the adoption of these new rates.

The board meeting included a presentation of the CSMFO Operating Budget Excellence Award and a public hearing regarding the adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the proposed Biosolids Conversion Project. Additionally, the board addressed the California Special Districts Association (CSDA) call for nominations, authorized director attendance at CSDA Legislative Days, approved the installation of new gate openers and sensors, and reviewed the district's rebate program.

The primary discussion item for this meeting was an update on the Proposed Wastewater Rate Adjustment Process. This discussion followed the previous Board direction to approve Scenario 3 and begin the Proposition 218 process. The update detailed that the Proposition 218 Notice was in the final stages of design and legal review, scheduled to be sent to print on March 3, 2026, and mailed on March 12, 2026. The report also outlined the comprehensive Rate Roadshow, which includes several confirmed community outreach efforts such as presentations to the City of Coachella and the City of Indio, as well as townhalls and an open house, all leading up to the Public Hearing scheduled for May 12, 2026.

The meeting agenda included the announcement of February employee anniversaries. Key discussion items under the Non-Hearing Items section involved approving the purchase and installation of managed Allen-Bradley Stratix Mixers not to exceed $100,000, awarding a contract for berm removal within the Whitewater Storm Channel up to $22,000, authorizing the General Manager to execute an agreement for earthquake insurance not exceeding $161,707, and reviewing the draft Wastewater Rate Study and Five-Year Financial Plan, which included selecting a rate scenario and authorizing staff to initiate Proposition 218 notices. The General Manager's Report covered the monthly report for January 2026.