Rick Whetsel

The Board of Directors welcomed a new staff member and discussed planning efforts for the 2026 Water Summit, evaluating potential venues and program topics. Key business actions included approving an addendum to extend CEQA documentation for the Canyon Lake Alum Treatment Program and authorizing a contract change order for the same program through 2026. Additionally, the Board established a schedule for future quarterly meetings and conducted an election of officers for a two-year term.

The Board received an informational update regarding the status of Canyon Lake, specifically addressing golden algae blooms and associated water quality issues. The presentation covered the history of alum treatments, the decision-making process for future nutrient control applications, and the challenges introduced by the presence of golden algae in the lake. No formal action was requested or taken during this informational session.

The board meeting focused on several key items including a report on the audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and an informational update on Canyon Lake golden algae and nutrient considerations. The board also reviewed and approved minutes and financial reports for prior months, including Treasurer's reports and TMDL task force notes. Discussions included administrative planning and potential audit filings as required by law.

The meeting was designated as a Special Workshop focused on the LESJWA strategic plan. Key discussions involved refining the organization's vision, which aims to position LESJWA as a key driver of community and ecological success. Core values, including stewardship, collaboration, sustainability, financial prudence, and science-based decision-making, were endorsed. A significant portion of the discussion centered on Goal 1: defining a "healthy lake," agreeing that this is a complex, long-term effort requiring practical metrics like lake closures and potentially an expert panel for a scientific definition. The board also emphasized the importance of creating a simple public definition for water safety alongside a detailed internal technical one, stressing clear communication via easily digestible public documents. Other strategic goals addressed included enhancing collaboration, promoting transparency, securing funding, and exploring new technologies. The session concluded with Administrator's comments regarding the submission deadline for Form 700, and a Closed Session was held to discuss anticipated litigation with legal counsel.

The Regular Board of Directors meeting included the approval of the Consent Calendar, which covered the minutes from the April 17, 2025 meeting and the Treasurer's Report spanning January through May 2025. Informational reports detailed an update on the 2025 Canyon Lake fish kill, concluding that golden algae toxins were the most likely cause following water quality and toxicity testing. An update was provided on the Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Task Force, noting the adoption of revised nutrient TMDLs by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. The Board also reviewed the 2024 Excess Nutrient Offset Credit Accounting Report for the Lake Elsinore Aeration and Mixing System (LEAMS). Finally, an overview of the implementation steps for Goal 1 of the LESJWA Strategic Plan, focusing on defining 'healthy lakes,' was presented.