Michael Thomas

The board meeting included reports on district activities and projects. Discussions covered the status of the Steuart Street tank construction, wastewater plant improvements, and the Santa Rosa stream bank rehabilitation project. It was noted that a new RFP will be issued for the SR4 access road and sewer improvement project, with work scheduled for the summer of 2027. Updates were provided on the urban water management plan, the consumer confidence report, and EPA grant funding. Additionally, reports were received from the sheriff's department regarding call statistics and the graduation of new cadets, and from the fire department regarding incident totals, fire safety efforts, and public community events.

The Board of Directors met to address procurement matters. They discussed and adopted Resolution 24-2026 regarding procurement integrity measures for the Cambria Skatepark Project, which includes limitations on the role of the project designer as a subcontractor and directives for issuing a formal bid addendum. Additionally, the Board rejected an informal bid for the Santa Rosa Well 4 Access Road and Sewer Improvement Project because the bid amount exceeded statutory limits, and authorized staff to re-advertise the project through a formal competitive bidding process.

The board discussed procurement integrity measures for the skate park project, specifically addressing issues regarding proprietary specifications and sole source concerns in the bid documents. The board considered adopting a resolution to issue an addendum that clarifies performance-based specifications, allows for equivalent products, reduces liquidated damages, and extends the bid deadline to ensure a fair and competitive bidding process and mitigate the risk of bid protests and litigation.

The committee received an overview of the district's current computer services provided by CIO and discussed potential future RFP processes. An update was provided regarding the ongoing research into designating the Cambria Veterans Memorial Hall as an historic building. Additionally, the committee reviewed the Third Quarter Budget Report in detail and voted to forward it to the Board with minor recommended edits.

The committee meeting focused on updates regarding the Steuart Street tank project, including excavation and geotechnical remediation progress, and the status of transmission and effluent lines. Discussions also covered water supply management, including the annual water shortage assessment, groundwater level monitoring, and utility operations. The committee further addressed plans for replacing a failing generator, participation in power offset demand programs, and the maintenance of groundwater monitoring equipment.