Michelle Bumgardner

The Board of Directors held a budget workshop to review the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. Key discussion topics included workforce-related costs, utility expenses, infrastructure maintenance, and various capital improvement projects across wastewater, energy, and recycled water services. Staff presented details on the budget development process, the customer assistance program, and the strategic objectives driving rising expenditures. No action was required at this meeting, with the final budget scheduled for presentation at a later date.

The board discussed and took action on several key items, including the approval of a rate increase for the upcoming fiscal year via Ordinance No. 2020-01. The Board selected a preferred option for modifying the weighted vote formula within the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement. Updates were provided regarding the Pure Water Monterey project, including progress on deep well construction and potential funding for a fourth well. Additionally, the Board coordinated speakers for an upcoming California Coastal Commission hearing and received reports regarding COVID-19 protocols within the regional treatment plant and ongoing project commissioning.

The Board of Directors held a regular meeting covering several agenda items. Key discussions included the introduction of new board members and alternates, the approval of resolutions of appreciation for outgoing board members, and the consideration of consent agenda items, including financial reports and contract amendments for engineering and technical services. The Board also reviewed and received financial reports for the fiscal year, awarded contracts for chemical supplies and laboratory testing services, and approved a design contract for the Salinas Valley Reclamation Project dry chlorine scrubber. An informational update was provided on the Pure Water Monterey project, and the board held a closed session to discuss potential litigation.

The board meeting addressed various administrative and operational actions, including the approval of a resolution for a contract amendment with CalPERS, an agreement for pipeline hanger design, and a contract amendment for the advanced water purification facility. Key discussions involved the approval of a Board Code of Conduct policy, the purchase of a grinder for the Salinas Pump Station, and a one-year extension for chemical contracts. Additionally, the board reviewed rate increase models for future consideration, received committee reports, and heard updates on the Pure Water Monterey project, agency website redesign, and administrative inquiries regarding weighted voting and population figures.

The board convened to discuss a potential letter to the California Coastal Commission regarding the Cal-Am water project. Following an update on the Coastal Commission's decision to delay the final vote and schedule a second hearing for the project, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting without considering the proposed action item.