Jeffry Franklin Ferre

The board meeting agenda focused on several organizational and financial matters. Key discussion topics included the annual Conflict of Interest Form 700 filing deadline, a review of the Fiscal Year 2026 audit engagement, and reports on the Authority's financial and treasury status as of the end of 2025. Additionally, the board received updates on the implementation of various environmental mitigation measures and progress regarding the state Salton Sea Management Program.

The meeting included an information session on recent Brown Act legislative updates. Financial reports provided an investment overview and updates on the financial standing and treasurer's activities. Implementation reports covered various mitigation measures, including environmental surveys for burrowing owls, habitat management, and updates on the Salton Sea air quality and vegetation projects. Additionally, a briefing was provided on the State Salton Sea Management Program, focusing on restoration project progress and community engagement efforts.

The meeting addressed organizational and financial matters, as well as implementation status. Organizationally, the minutes of the previous regular QSA JPA meeting held on January 27, 2025, were approved. Financial matters included an update on the Fiscal Year 2025 audit engagement, a review of the Finance Report ending December 31, 2024, which showed total assets of $76 million and fund balance of $72.9 million, and a review of the Treasurer's Report ending December 31, 2024, reporting $75.0 million in cash and investments. Implementation updates covered the status of mitigation measures, including distribution of IID's annual biological reports, ongoing marsh bird surveys, burrowing owl inspections, and updates on the Salton Sea Air Quality Task 24 project. Additionally, an update was provided on the State Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP), noting the submission of the 2025 Annual Report and public engagement activities.

The meeting involved organizational matters, including the approval of the minutes from the June 13, 2025 meeting. Financial matters included the review and acceptance of the fiscal year 2025 Audited Financial Report, which received an unmodified audit opinion, and a review of the Finance Report and Treasurer's Report ending June 30, 2025. Implementation updates covered various mitigation measures, such as ongoing operation of the Drain Habitat ('Managed Marsh') areas, burrowing owl surveys, pupfish drain studies, and air quality projects at the Salton Sea. Specific discussions addressed pipe replacement material for leaking pipes at a project site and the anticipated timeline for the Western Burrowing Owl status review report. An update on the State Salton Sea Management Program highlighted the state legislature's approval of $170 million for Salton Sea projects via the Proposition 4 Climate Bond and plans for the new Salton Sea Conservancy. Community engagement activities were also reported.

The meeting addressed several organizational and financial matters. The approval of the previous meeting minutes from April 2, 2025, was unanimously granted. Financial discussions included a review of the Treasurer's Report ending March 31, 2025, noting cash and investments of $72.7 million. The Finance Report for the same period showed total assets of $74.0 million and expenditures of $6.3 million, with approximately 43% of the FY 2025 budget spent. A key action item was the review and approval of the QSA JPA Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and Work Plan, set at $18,668,078. Discussion surrounding the budget focused on dust mitigation measures at the Salton Sea, including monitoring protocols, efficiency goals (at least 80% control), and prioritization of highly emissive areas. Concerns regarding a potential conflict between the Red Hill Bay BACM project and the Lithium Valley Specific Plan were also addressed. Implementation updates covered staffing for QSA Implementation Team Biologists, ongoing operation of drain habitats, burrowing owl surveys, educational programs, and construction completion for the Clubhouse Vegetation Project, while the Bombay Beach Vegetation Project awaits a well operation permit. An update on the State Salton Sea Management Program highlighted the flooding of the SCH East Pond Expansion.