Marice H. DePasquale

This 2025 Urban Water Management Plan for Mesa Water District evaluates current and future water supply and demand within its service area from 2025 through 2050. The plan prioritizes water resource management, water use efficiency programs, and water reliability assessments, incorporating strategies to mitigate water shortage conditions through an updated Water Shortage Contingency Plan. Key objectives include enhancing regional self-reliance by optimizing local groundwater supplies, actively managing new water supply wells, and exploring brackish groundwater desalination projects. The overarching goal is to ensure reliable water service and minimize the impacts of supply interruptions, particularly during drought conditions.

The Board of Directors approved fiscal year 2027 attendance at conferences, seminars, meetings, and events. Additionally, the Board authorized support for the California Special Districts Association Board of Directors Seat C election. Other key actions included approving a contract for Computerized Maintenance Management System support services and confirming appointments for District Officers, effective July 2026 through December 2028. The Board also reviewed reports regarding zero usage accounts and identified meetings eligible for expense reimbursement.

This strategic plan outlines Mesa Water District's commitment to being a top-performing public water agency. It focuses on eight key strategic goals: providing an abundant, local, reliable, and safe water supply; perpetually renewing and improving infrastructure; ensuring financial responsibility and transparency; increasing public awareness; attracting, developing, and retaining skilled employees; delivering excellent customer service; actively participating in regional and statewide water issues; and practicing continual business improvement. The plan aims to reliably provide clean, safe water, manage finances and infrastructure effectively, and advocate for water policy, ultimately benefiting the public's quality of life.

The Board meeting included several action items such as approving contracts for the Newport Beach Interagency Water Transfer Project, Geographic Information System support services, and integrated meter reading software technical support. The Board also reviewed and adopted updated guidelines for the procurement of goods and services. Furthermore, the meeting involved public hearings regarding the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and the proposed collection of capital charges by the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector, leading to the adoption of related resolutions.

The board meeting covered several critical initiatives and operational items. Discussions included presentations on financial services and control assessments by outside consultants, as well as an overview of designated funds policy and recommendations. The board received updates on regional water issues, specifically regarding the Local Supply Improvement Project, interagency water transfers, and recovery efforts following an incident at Reservoir 2. The Board approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Strategic Plan, renamed the Mesa Water Education Center to the Mesa Water Education and Career Center, and authorized legal fees for special counsel services. Additionally, the board approved a staffing plan for Fiscal Year 2027, which involved adding various full-time, part-time, and limited-term positions, and promoting the Chief Administrative Officer. A closed session was held to conduct performance evaluations and consult on property and labor negotiations.