Vivia Arellano

This Investment Policy outlines guidelines for the prudent investment of the District's temporary idle cash, trust funds, and restricted monies, aiming to maximize cash management efficiency. Its primary objectives are the safety of principal and liquidity, followed by achieving a market-average rate of return. The policy details allowable investment vehicles and practices, investment limitations, and prohibited instruments, all while adhering to state laws and reporting requirements.

This document outlines the ecological significance of the Salton Sea as a critical habitat for avian biodiversity and details the collaborative efforts by various federal, state, and local agencies, alongside the farming community, to address its environmental decline. The initiatives focus on developing and restoring diverse habitats, including freshwater wetlands and fish habitats, and implementing innovative approaches like outfall channels to mitigate habitat loss and improve air quality, with the ultimate goal of preserving the Sea's ecological value for future generations.

The primary discussion focused on seeking approval for the public release of the draft Salton Sea Restoration and Renewable Energy Initiative (SSRREI) framework document, a comprehensive plan covering restoration, renewable energy development, and air quality mitigation. The document outlines several scenarios for action and includes a GIS-based program and a cost calculator. Discussions also clarified that renewable energy development royalties mentioned refer only to IID lands, not mineral rights. Board members and public commenters emphasized the importance of this framework as an alternative to a significantly more expensive nine-billion-dollar plan, and stressed the necessity of securing long-term sustainable water resources for the valley, separate from the immediate restoration efforts.

This document is a transcript of the 7th annual Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation Energy Summit, titled "California's Future Powered by the Imperial Valley." The summit emphasizes leveraging the Imperial Valley's renewable energy resources to drive economic development and address California's energy needs. Key discussions include a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to fund Salton Sea restoration through renewable resource development and the Imperial Irrigation District's (IID) Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan (STEP), designed to improve grid reliability and facilitate market access for renewable energy. The overarching strategic aim is for renewable energy to become the region's leading growth industry, significantly contributing to the local and state economy.

The meeting began with service awards for employees and recognition for the Team of the Month for January 2026. A presentation also honored a former Chairwoman with a gavel plaque. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and public comments regarding the 6th Street Seniors Project and the 2026 Deficit Irrigation Program (DIP). The board approved the consent agenda, which included the 2026 statement of investment policy. Action was taken on the 2026 DIP Description and Agreement, involving discussions about eliminating the field-selection lottery and introducing a proration method, with a vote to approve staff recommendations while deferring final decisions on the minimum threshold and pricing elements. Information reports covered the Renewable Portfolio Standard Program and an update on the Utilicast Energy Imbalance Market, targeting a go-live date of October 2028. Policy monitoring confirmed substantial compliance with Board Policy BL-13 concerning legislative delegation. Department reports included updates from Water, Power, and Support Departments, notably the full energizing of the Gateway Substation on January 15, 2026. The General Manager reported on numerous meetings, including discussions on the Colorado River operating guidelines post-2026 and reviewing the Lithium Valley Specific Plan. The session concluded with a closed session to discuss personnel and anticipated litigation, following which the Board voted to uphold the dismissal of an employee.