Matt Green

The meeting included a period for public comments on agenda and non-agenda items, followed by consideration of agenda changes. Key discussion items included introductions, the Chair's Report, review of prior meeting minutes (specifically the January 28th, 2026 CCLEAN Meeting Minutes), Lead Agency Remarks, DMR Reporting on CIWQS, discussion on adding Soquel Creek Water District as a member, the Program Director's Report, topics or questions for Water Board Staff, the Water Board's Report, general announcements, and a Financial Report.

The Regular Board Meeting addressed several key items. A staff report requested board direction on a waiver request from Hunter Leighton concerning Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) fees, arguing for the ADU to be grandfathered in based on the timing of his plumbing permit relative to the district's ADU policy adoption date. The board received direction requests regarding a planned retreat for March/April, including input on potential topics such as boardsmanship, the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and a listening session with management staff. The board also reviewed recommendations from the Spills Committee regarding lowering the spill rate, which included needing staff reports on required resources and potentially increasing staffing in the Collections department. Additionally, the board recognized Ken White for his years of service by adopting Resolution No. 2026-01. Action items included adopting resolutions for the Reclamation Project Audit, adopting an Information Security Policy, authorizing an invitation for bids for sewer repairs, amending a Professional Services Agreement for engineering services, and amending deferred compensation plans to conform with SECURE 2.0 Act requirements. The board also made appointments for the new President, President Pro Tem, and Secretary roles.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included public comments regarding a letter to the editor and a request to waive fees for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). The agenda covered the introduction of a new Maintenance Mechanic employee and recognition for Ken White's service, including a resolution acknowledging his 14 years as President. Board discussions focused on a Board Retreat. Under action items, the Board considered several resolutions, such as authorizing amendments to the ADU Policy, approving agreements for an Extra Territorial Intertie and a Sewer Main Relocation Project, approving inspection observations and change orders, authorizing the advertisement for RFPs related to vegetation monitoring and easement maintenance surveys, approving change orders for tree removal, accepting the 2025 Surplus Property & Disposition Report, and authorizing purchases for replacement weir gates and generators for various pump stations. Additionally, resolutions were passed to amend the Salary Policy regarding management compensation and to adjust the General Manager's compensation retroactively to January 1, 2024. Other items included accepting the 2025 Annual Collection Report, discussing the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Vacancy Election, accepting the June 30, 2025 Financial Audit, and discussing potential flood implications from the Los Padres Dam and Reservoir Alternatives Study.

The meeting agenda included several key discussions and actions. The Board pulled Resolution No. 2023-37 regarding the proposed Carmel Area Wastewater District Assessment District Project No. 23-01 from the agenda. The Board unanimously passed Resolution No. 2023-53, accepting the completion of the 2022-23 Spot Repairs Project #23-02 and directing the filing of a Notice of Completion. Resolution No. 2023-54 was unanimously passed, authorizing the annual adjustment of Reserve Fund balances by transferring funds to the Capital Fund. Discussions also covered staff introductions, employee recognition for passing an exam, and multiple closed session items concerning labor negotiations and potential litigation. Other items addressed included cybersecurity, Waste Discharge Requirements, the status of the Fats, Oil, and Grease Program staffing estimate, a discussion on Eminent Domain, and the approval of the Monterey County Treasurer's Report and the General Manager's Salary Adjustment.

The meeting included a presentation on infrastructure monitoring using non-dedicated sensors, specifically Phoning It In: Monitoring Infrastructure through Non-dedicated Sensors, detailing techniques like using vehicles as sensors and leveraging telecommunication fibers for distributed acoustic sensing. Key discussion points involved challenges related to scalability, resolution, and noise in sensing technologies, with solutions introducing physics-based constraints. The board also addressed various action items, including adopting resolutions for a change order increase, authorizing the advertisement for WWTP perimeter improvements maintenance and security fence replacement, approving a consultant contract for industrial control network improvements, adopting an updated policy on hiring of relatives, and approving the purchase of the Waterworth software package. Communications covered a General Manager Report, which included discussions on a recent ocean spill and the development of a crisis communication plan. The board also reviewed and accepted several monthly reports, including cash receipts and disbursements, and held a Closed Session for General Manager Performance Evaluation.