Rene Del Rio

The agenda for the Regular Board Meeting included committee meeting summaries, consideration of adopting an ordinance amending Administrative Code sections related to committees and regular meetings, appointment of standing committee members and agency representatives for 2026, and approval of the 2026 regular meeting schedule. Other key discussion items included an update on the Line NN Project, a legislative update, information reports from various departments (Operations, Engineering, Admin Services, Finance), reports and comments from management and Board members, requests to attend conferences, suggested agenda items for the next meeting, a closed session to discuss labor negotiations, real property negotiations, and employee performance evaluation, and consideration of a contract for employment and labor law services.

This document outlines the 5-Year Water & Wastewater Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the Rainbow Municipal Water District, spanning fiscal years 2025/2026 through 2030/2031. The plan focuses on enhancing the district's water and wastewater systems to meet capacity criteria, ensure good condition, and operate efficiently and reliably. Key strategic areas include improving hydraulic capacity, pressure regulation, operational efficiency, system redundancy and reliability, fire flow capacity, and water supply. The total estimated cost for the water CIP is $45.8 million over the five-year period.

Key discussion topics for this meeting included an update on Quarterly Customer Service Call Metrics covering Average Hold Time, Average Talk Time, and Monthly Calls for September through December, comparing 2024 vs 2025 data. A Legislative Update covered various RMWD Grants summaries from agencies like CalOES, SDG&E, and EPA, detailing status updates for projects such as fire prevention and generator installations. The committee reviewed the implementation of a Plant Giveaway Program, scheduled to kick off in February 2026. Further topics included Water Use Efficiency, specifically the contract status for the Flume Flow Monitor Device, and an update on the Strategic Communications Plan implementation, which included reviewing the Digital Media Policy for Board approval. Finally, the meeting covered the 2026 Community Events schedule and planning for the January through March 2026 Newsletters.

The meeting included recognition of North County Water Agencies Student Poster Contest winners. Updates were provided on the twenty-one-day shutdown of Pipeline 4, Colorado River runoff, and the purchase of a Chevrolet Silverado EV to comply with clean air mandates. There was also a discussion regarding the Highway 76 (NN Pipeline) main break and plans for trenchless repair. Customer service call metrics were reviewed, and there was an update on legislative communications and the strategic communications plan implementation. The newsletter content planning and public communications were also discussed. The committee requested information regarding RMWD's capital projects and preparation for growth within their service area, as well as grant and legislative efforts.

The meeting included recognition of GFOA awards for the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The board considered the adoption of a resolution honoring Gary T. Arant, appointment of board officers, approval of the 2026 regular board meeting schedule, and adoption of a resolution establishing job classifications and monthly pay ranges for district employees and the General Manager. Also discussed was the presentation and acceptance of the annual audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, approval of a pass-through wastewater rate adjustment, a change order to Ardurra for engineering support services, and a review of the meter sizing/downsize program and policy on standing committees. The board also convened in closed session to discuss labor negotiations, the performance evaluation of the General Manager, and real property negotiations.