Kurt Kettenacker

The board meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum. Item three was skipped, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Director Martin. The rules of procedure were reviewed, noting adherence to Rosenberg's Rules of Order and guidelines for public comment. There were no members of the public wishing to address the board during the public input session. The Human Resources report covered employee recognition, including three new hires (David Brazza, Isaac Lopez, and Yuri Chavez), three promotions (Adam Wagner, Charles Bell, and Fernando Willus), and eight anniversaries, three of which were milestones. Significant discussion focused on recognizing Jeff Nutter for 30 years of service, highlighting his integral role in operations, maintenance, and emergency response, and acknowledging the growth of new hires and promoted personnel through their certifications and contributions.

The study session included a review of human resources matters, noting staff anniversaries, promotions, certifications, and a new hire, Joseph Miguel Rohn, formerly of the Valley Sanitary District. Key discussion points focused on future public hearings scheduled for Monday regarding the establishment/levying of water standby assessments (totaling approximately $237,000) and sewer standby assessments (approximately $13,000) for vacant lots, which are necessary for infrastructure maintenance. Additionally, the board discussed the resolution for adopting the 2020 Coachella Valley Regional Urban Water Management Plan, which standardizes requirements across valley agencies. A significant portion of the session involved a presentation on delinquent accounts totaling $1.113 million across 651 accounts (5% of total accounts) scheduled for addition to the Riverside County tax rolls. Staff detailed outreach efforts related to COVID-19 impacts and state requirements prohibiting account closures, including reversing $228,000 in late fees and establishing payment plans. There was also a board inquiry regarding securing grant monies to offset these customer costs.

The regular meeting of the board of directors included roll call confirmation, leading into the Pledge of Allegiance and a review of the rules of procedure, which specified adherence to Rosenberg's Rules of Order. The public comment section (Item 6) concluded with no public speakers present. The Human Resources report (Item 7) recognized several employee anniversaries, including Greg Chapman (17 years), Lee Boyer (23 years, noted as Plant Superintendent of the Year 2022 and active in the Tri-State seminar), Rachel Pust (1 year), and Joe Hernandez (16 years, recognized for certifications and holiday float contributions). Certificates of completion were also acknowledged for Chad Finch (Cross Connection Control Specialist) and Fernando (Water Distribution Two certification). The meeting then moved to Item 8, a public hearing regarding Resolution 2023-21 concerning an Energy Service Contract with NG Services USA for energy-related improvements to district facilities. The public hearing concluded without comments or protests received.

The study session began with an announcement regarding the recent passing of wastewater treatment plant operator Lee Boyer, followed by a moment of silence. Key discussions included the review of Rosenberg's rules of order for procedural guidelines and public input procedures. The board discussed moving item 16, the acceptance of the 2025 Water and Wastewater Master Plans, for review, which are intended to guide capital improvement schedules and budgeting over a 20-year timeline, addressing factors like development and future regulations. Additionally, preliminary discussion occurred regarding Resolution 2025-05 to collect sewer fees on the tax roll, noting its positive impact on reducing delinquencies. Finally, Resolution 2025-06 was reviewed, authorizing positions to apply for the state and local cybersecurity grant program, valued at approximately $246,000.

The meeting included a discussion regarding the proposed revisions to the Mission Springs Water District Personnel rules and regulations. Key changes involved bringing the Non-Discrimination/Fair Employment/Equal Employment Policy into compliance with California law by explicitly listing all protected categories, including off-the-job marijuana use. The Marijuana Testing Law (Rule 35) was revised to clarify that the District will not prohibit off-the-job marijuana use unless employees are impaired at work or subject to Federal Drug Testing guidelines. The Education and Certification Incentive Pay Policy (Rule 39) was confirmed to remain as a percentage of base pay, not a flat fee, as clarified with Calpers. Directors also discussed concerns about the ambiguity of testing for psychoactive cannabis metabolites versus non-psychoactive metabolites and the implications for prospective employees. The board also discussed Resolution 2024-1 concerning the establishment of water and standby assessments, noting that maintenance fees for lines established prior to a proposition passage are based on outdated 1966/1974 rates and cannot be easily updated without a new rate study. The discussion on delinquent accounts (Resolution 2024-3) highlighted the process required by state law before sending accounts to the County tax rolls, including customer communication efforts and relief funding received.