Karen L. Gish

The Board of Directors discussed several key agenda items, including employee certification recognition, a presentation on the Draft Fiscal Year 2027 budget, and committee reports. Legal counsel provided a report, followed by a report from the General Manager. The Board conducted a closed session regarding potential litigation and the employment contract for the new General Manager, subsequently reporting on the employment agreement. Additionally, the Board considered a resolution calling for an election and requesting consolidation with the statewide presidential general election, and reviewed reports regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 Draft Budget and capital improvements.

The board sessions addressed a variety of operational and financial topics, including a water bill reduction request, the adoption of the Amador County Hazard Mitigation Plan update, and an application to the Local Agency Formation Commission regarding the Pine Grove Community Services District. Discussions also covered the Ione Water Treatment Plant expansion project, FY27 budget assumptions, and Agency staffing adjustments. Additionally, the board considered a contract for an audio/video system upgrade for the Agency Board Room and held closed sessions regarding real property negotiations.

This 2025 Amador County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update serves as a comprehensive roadmap to reduce long-term risks to people, property, critical facilities, and natural resources from future hazard events and natural disasters. The plan articulates six primary goals: safeguarding lives, property, and the environment; protecting critical infrastructure and services; enhancing public awareness and preparedness; building overall community resilience; decreasing wildfire severity; and ensuring FEMA eligibility for grant funding. It details a planning process that assesses risks, identifies vulnerabilities, and outlines mitigation strategies to foster a more resilient and sustainable community.

The meeting agenda covered several significant items. Under Agency General matters, the Board considered a customer's request for a water bill reduction related to a severe leak, and addressed the Pine Grove Community Service District's application to LAFCO for dissolution, proposing the Amador Water Agency become the successor agency for water service. The Board also held a required public hearing regarding the annual report on employee vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts as mandated by AB 2561. Department reports included updates from Human Resources/Risk Management and Operations & Engineering, detailing safety statistics, regulatory compliance activities, system maintenance, and construction projects. Closed session discussions involved conference with real property negotiators regarding the Amador Water System with PG&E and East Bay Municipal Utility District, and a public employee performance evaluation concerning the General Manager hiring process.

The main board meeting agenda included discussion on Safety Topic presented by Director Peters, followed by the Consent Agenda, which included approval of January Accounts Payable claims and the quarterly investment report. Key general agency items involved directing staff to pay Mr. Wardall the remaining reimbursement liability of $66,514.08 and terminate the associated agreement, considering an exception request for a water connection for Daniel Epperson, and accepting the Fiscal Year 2026 Mid-Year budget presentation by Eide Bailly. The Board also discussed and directed staff to pursue Option 1B financing strategy, involving short-term financing and new funding for six identified capital projects. Closed Session addressed potential litigation (4 cases) and public employee hiring evaluation for the General Manager. Committee meetings included discussions on the six capital improvement projects and costs, presentation on the financing strategy, and WIFIA loan updates.