Tom R. Gray

The Board received a presentation on the annual financial audit for the previous fiscal year, noting a strong financial condition. Updates were provided on several ongoing capital projects, including the Northridge Well Project, the New York Well Phase II Project, and the Riverfront Main Replacement Project. The Board also discussed the process for providing water service to a local homeowners association. Additionally, the Board authorized a transfer of funds from reserves to support 2026 project expenses, approved a resolution calling for a general election, and accepted the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Various committee and representative reports were provided, including updates on regional groundwater and water authority activities.

The Board of Directors discussed various operational, financial, and project-related matters. Key topics included updates on the Northridge Well and New York Well Phase II projects, water service provision to the Rollingwood Homeowners Association common areas, and a report on water supply statistics for the month. Additionally, the Board reviewed and filed financial and investment reports, approved warrants and Cal-Card statements, and considered professional services for the 2026 Salary and Total Compensation Study as well as the distribution of the Consumer Confidence Report.

The board agenda includes several financial oversight items, such as reviewing the treasurer's report, investment report, financial expense report, and approving warrants, Cal-Card statements, and board expenses. Presentations will feature an consultant update on the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan, followed by a public hearing on these matters. Old business topics include updates on the Northridge Well Project, the New York Well Phase II project, Rollingwood Homeowners Association matters, future well site acquisitions, and water efficiency data. New business includes a discussion on monthly water supply and potential funding allocations for 2026 expenses.

The Regular Board Meeting agenda included several key items, commencing with the Consent Calendar which involved approving minutes from previous meetings (January 26, 2026, and February 10, 2026) and accepting and filing various financial reports for January 2026. Discussion and Action items covered Old Business, including updates on the FOWD Northridge Well Project and the Riverfront Main Replacement Project, and deferring action on the New York Well Phase II Project equipping and site work. New Business featured a discussion on FOWD Water Supply for January 2026, consideration for appointing District representatives to various organizations and committees, approval of FOWD Resolution No. 26-01 regarding the "Water Forum 2050 Agreement," approval of the legally binding Interagency Agreement for the Water Forum 2050 Administration and Management, authorization to carry forward 2025 funds to 2026, and adoption of an updated FOWD Policy No. 4070 on Employee Compensation. Separately, action was taken to direct the General Manager to revise the professional services agreement with KASL Consulting Engineers for the New York Well Phase II Project to include additional construction support services costing $367,000. The meeting also included a closed session to discuss existing and anticipated litigation.

The meeting addressed several key areas. Under the consent calendar, an amendment was made to the minutes of the November 17, 2025 meeting regarding a director's title, and reports for November 2025 (Treasurer's, Financial Expense) and October 2025 (Investment) were accepted and filed. A director was recognized for serving as FOWD Board President. Old business updates covered the completion of the Transmission Main Replacement Project - Phase I, progress on the Northridge Well Project (drilling complete, design underway), and contract award for the New York Well Equipping Project. New business involved a discussion on the November 2025 water supply report, the selection of the 2026 Board President and Vice President, approval of the General Manager's Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, approval of proposed 2026 Salary Ranges (including a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment), renewal of the independent auditor (Richardson & Company, LLP for the 2025 year-end audit), authorization of a $10,000 transfer from reserve funds for 2025 expenses, and approval of Policy No. 5070: "Investment of District Funds." During reports, staff was directed to schedule a presentation on SIGMA from the Sacramento Groundwater Authority for the next meeting, and the General Manager provided updates on his transition plan towards retirement.