Shelly Barnes Thomsen

The Board meeting agenda addressed several key projects, including the 2026 Water Meter Installation Project and the Tahoe Keys Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, for which contracts were proposed for award. Additionally, the Board discussed engineering services for the sewer project, the approval of installment sale agreements for waterline and pump station replacement projects, and the issuance of a special use permit for the Woollystar Music Festival. The agenda also included a presentation on capital improvements and budget updates, along with the receipt and filing of payment of claims.

The Board discussed the purchase of three 2026 Chevrolet battery electric pickup trucks to maintain compliance with California Air Resources Board regulations, which require replacing vehicles over 8,500 lbs GVW with zero-emission vehicles. Challenges regarding the lack of suitable electric work truck technology, inadequate charging infrastructure, and the high cost of electric vehicles compared to conventional hybrids were highlighted. The Board debated potential policy shifts, including prioritizing the acquisition of plug-in hybrids and developing a long-term electrification infrastructure plan rather than relying on one-off purchases.

The Board meeting agenda covers the South Upper Truckee Pump Replacement Project, involving the waiver of bid irregularities and contract award to the lowest responsible bidder. Additionally, it includes the 2026 Advanced Metering Infrastructure Water Meter Installation Project and the 2026 Stateline Tanks Recoating Project, with specific requests for approval of scopes of work and the authorization of the General Manager to execute related task orders. Further business includes the Bakersfield Well Rehabilitation Project, the review and filing of payment of claims, and an executive session to address existing litigation.

The Board discussed several operational and administrative items, including the authorization for the purchase of three electric pickup trucks and the initiation of the Sunset and Tanglewood Well Drilling project. The Board also addressed the rejection of bids and rebidding of the Pioneer Trail Waterline Project, approved a reimbursement agreement with the City of South Lake Tahoe for road rehabilitation, and awarded a contract for asphalt patching and trench paving services. Furthermore, the meeting involved the adoption of a resolution for the consolidated districts election, approval of a scope of work for the Park Avenue Waterline Enhancement Project, and the filing of various payment of claims.

The 2025 Urban Water Management Plan for the South Tahoe Public Utility District serves as a comprehensive planning tool to ensure long-term water supply reliability for its service area. The plan focuses on characterizing existing and planned water sources, estimating past and projected water demands, and assessing water supply reliability under various conditions, including normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry years. Key components include demand management measures, water shortage contingency planning, and compliance with water use reduction targets. The overarching goal is to confirm the availability of adequate water supplies to meet future demands, emphasizing groundwater reliance and ongoing conservation efforts.