Ross Cole

The board meeting addressed several critical infrastructure projects and administrative items. Key actions included approving the South Upper Truckee Well pump replacement project and the professional surveying services for the advanced metering infrastructure water meter installation. Additionally, the board approved the Stateline Tanks Recoding Project, which includes inspection services for both years of the project. Discussions also touched on operations committee reports concerning sewer collection, wastewater treatment pond alternatives, diamond ditch repairs, and rodent control. The meeting concluded with general manager reports on upcoming budget workshops, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and an update on personnel changes in the county executive position.

The board discussed and took action on several items, including the Tahoe Keys Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, specifically the adoption of plans and authorization to advertise for construction bids. Additionally, the board approved an ordinance amending water shortage and drought response standards to comply with Assembly Bill 1572, which bans irrigation of non-functional turf for certain customers. The board also adopted an updated water leak adjustment policy to modernize procedures in line with current billing and monitoring infrastructure. Committee reports included updates from the finance subcommittee regarding budget planning and long-term project alignment, as well as potential opportunities for expanding on-site renewable energy generation.

The meeting focused on the annual state of the groundwater basin update. Key discussion topics included a review of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requirements, an analysis of groundwater supply and demand, and the monitoring of basin management objectives. The Board discussed accomplishments related to groundwater monitoring, reporting requirements, and a collaboration with the El Dorado County Water Agency for the management of the groundwater sustainability agency. The transition is intended to improve operational efficiency and focus resources on core water delivery and treatment missions, with the ultimate goal of achieving a low-priority basin status.

The agenda focuses on the 2026 Stateline Tanks Recoating Project, the 2026 Advanced Metering Infrastructure Water Meter Installation Project, and 2026 Facilities HVAC upgrades. The Board will also review a liability claim against the District, receive a report on the state of the groundwater basin, and conduct a closed session regarding existing litigation. Additionally, the consent calendar includes the approval of payment of claims for the District.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several agenda items. Key topics involved the purchase of spare motors (one 700 horsepower and one 1,000 horsepower) for the Luther Pass pump station to ensure operational readiness, with an associated discussion regarding tracking existing spare equipment inventory. Another item addressed the grant of an easement to CALR for drainage improvements near Highway 88 and River Ranch Road in Alpine County, a joint project with Alpine County. A rebid for 2026-2027 sewer line spot repair and lateral abandonment services was considered. Furthermore, authorization was requested for the purchase of a 2026 Ford F350 flatbed truck equipped with a TravelVac 300 vacuum unit to replace an aging service line truck. Finally, the board reviewed the South Upper Truckucky Well Pump Replacement Project, which necessitated replacing the submersible pump system with a vertical turbine pump due to ongoing equipment damage from corrosive groundwater, with an analysis showing significant projected life cycle cost savings.