Lane Cockrell

The regular monthly board meeting included several key agenda items. Discussions covered the administration of the Oath of Office for re-elected directors, although no formal action was taken as Oaths were already completed. The Board received an announcement regarding planned semiannual presentations to the Travis County Commissioners Court on groundwater matters. In officer elections, Director Leva was elected as Treasurer, and the existing President, Vice President, and Secretary were re-elected. The Board reviewed the drought stage and conditions, electing to remain at D2 Severe Drought based on hydrologic conditions. A request for a reduced setback for a proposed new exempt domestic well was considered, resulting in approval for a minimum 50-foot setback under specified conditions. The Board approved engaging Austin Alliance Group for bookkeeping services and finalized the engagement with Montemayor Britton Bender Carey, P.C., for the FY 2025 financial audit at a fee of $11,000. The Board also approved additional office closures for December 29, 30, and 31. Updates were provided on the status of the Clancy Utility Holdings, LLC contested case and GMA 9 joint planning regarding Difficult Flow to the Client (DFC) adoption, noting current monitoring wells exceed 30 feet of drawdown. Committee reports covered legislative focus on a groundwater export project, upcoming science funding applications from the Texas Water Development Board, and rules revisions to implement legislative changes to Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code. The General Manager also reported on permit applications, well registrations, and ongoing coordination for a potential joint rainwater harvesting outreach event.

Key discussions included an announcement regarding Director Huber's resignation effective January 16, 2026. The Board addressed drought conditions, noting the entire district is in severe drought (D2), and discussed potential mandatory curtailments under a D3 stage. Requests for reduced property-line setbacks for new wells were considered; one for an exempt domestic well at 1132 Thurman Bluff Drive was approved with a minimum 50-foot setback, while the request for a non-exempt well at 11018 Southwest Oaks was tabled for further information. The Board authorized the President and General Manager to negotiate an amendment to the Master Technical Services Agreement with INTERA, Inc. Updates were provided on the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Travis County funding for FY 2026 and the status of the Clancy Utility Holdings, LLC contested case. Significant time was dedicated to the Groundwater Management Area 9 (GMA 9) joint planning process, including an evaluation of different pumping scenarios using the Trinity Aquifer model and discussions regarding developing district-specific Desired Future Conditions (DFCs). Committee reports covered legislative updates concerning groundwater export projects and science committee data collection efforts.

The agenda for the meeting included reviewing and potentially approving the January 2026 Financial Report and outstanding invoices, as well as ratifying the executed Master Technical Services Agreement with INTERA, Inc. Key discussion items involved accepting Director Huber's resignation and addressing the resulting vacancy, receiving updates on the Hamilton Pool & Reimers Ranch Source Water Protection Study, and reviewing the District's current drought stage and conditions. Further items included considering requests for reduced setbacks or spacing for proposed new wells, applications for FY 2026 Texas Water Development Board grants, and updates on the Groundwater Management Area 9 Joint Planning Process and the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Travis County. The Board was also scheduled to discuss the Clancy Utility Holdings, LLC Contested Case Hearing and participation in the Texas Well Owner Network "Well Informed" Program.

Key topics for discussion and possible action include the appointment of the Board Outreach Committee, an update on the District Drought Stage and Conditions, consideration of requests for reduced setbacks or spacing for proposed new wells, the renewal of the Master Technical Services Agreement with INTERA, Inc., an update on the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Travis County, an update on the Clancy Utility Holdings, LLC Contested Case Hearing, and a discussion regarding the Groundwater Management Area 9 (GMA 9) Joint Planning Process, including draft proposed Desired Future Conditions (DFCs). The meeting also included committee reports and a General Manager's Report covering permit applications, monitoring programs, and public outreach.

The meeting agenda includes the review of financial reports and the authorization of outstanding invoice payments. Key discussion items involve updates on district drought conditions, requests for reduced setbacks or spacing for proposed new wells, and authorization for aquifer testing under specific drought stages. The Board will also address a vacancy and potential committee appointments, administrative committee responsibilities, and the application for groundwater research and data collection grants. Additionally, the agenda covers the joint planning process for Groundwater Management Area 9, updates on interlocal cooperation agreements, and progress on a contested case hearing.