Matt Freeman

The board discussed several topics, including site visits to Anza Electric Cooperative and Riverside Public Utilities, and received a presentation from the City of Riverside regarding their wildfire mitigation coordination efforts. Additionally, the board voted on the adoption of a revised schedule for POU and co-ops Wildfire Mitigation Plan submissions, conducted annual governance activities including officer and committee selections, and reviewed updated bylaws.

The workshop focused on planning and design information exchange in accordance with government code requirements, aiming to shape future regulations through stakeholder input. Key discussion topics included the standard planning and design ticket process, roles and responsibilities of excavators and operators, and the practical challenges of exchanging accurate underground infrastructure data. Participants discussed the need for precise data to avoid conflicts during construction, the timeline for submitting design tickets, and the reliance on both record drawings and field potholing to identify utility locations.

The board discussed unmarked lines, specifically concerning safety standards for operator responses, including the development of a triage system for ticket notifications and the identification of ownership of lines. Additionally, the board reviewed proposed amendments to fee regulations, focusing on improving clarity and stability in collection processes, addressing billing gaps for membership terminations, and managing budget forecasting concerns for facility owners.

The meeting commenced with housekeeping announcements regarding public comment procedures and emergency protocols. The Board reviewed and approved the minutes from the September 3rd meeting. Board members provided feedback on recent site visits to utilities, specifically highlighting the holistic approach to risk management observed at Ukaya and the advancements in floating solar array technology at Hildsburg. Staff provided a legislative update, noting the extension of remote participation provisions until 2030 and changes introduced by Senate Bill 254, which removed the requirement for the Board to advise every publicly owned utility individually and established a mandatory, board-determined schedule for Wildfire Mitigation Plan submissions (at least every four years). The Board's advisory report obligation to the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety was also modified. Key agenda items for the current meeting included adopting advisory opinions for submitted plans and voting on the 2026 to 2029 submission schedule. The staff update concluded with discussions on strategic plan implications due to legislative changes and the status of ongoing staff surveys and professional development activities.

The meeting included an announcement of an emergency evacuation plan briefing for in-person attendees. Two agenda items were pulled from discussion. Public participation procedures for in-person and remote attendees were reviewed. The board discussed and approved the 2026 through 2027 two-year work plan, which focuses on priorities under the theme 'Every safe dig begins with 811' and includes implementation schedules for Senate Bill 254. Subsequent to this, the board deliberated on enforcement items concerning California Water Services Bayshore District Investigation D2315300005, finding the entity in violation for failure to provide electronic positive responses to two separate tickets and for failure to maintain a valid phone number with the regional notification center.