Eastern Municipal Water District

The meeting included standard procedures such as the flag salute and roll call, followed by a discussion on rules for virtual participation. Key action items involved the approval of a 5-year agreement with SE Pipeline Construction Company for asphalt maintenance and repair services, with a total value not to exceed $5,750,000. The board also addressed chemical supply contracts for the Paris Groundwater Treatment Facility, approving new agreements with Northstar Chemical ($550,000) and StepSaver California LLC ($4.5 million), alongside amendments to existing chemical supply contracts to support new operations. Furthermore, the board approved a contract with Dudek for the Brine Line Extension Study, valued at approximately $780,000, with an appropriation of $970,000 to fund the project through the facilities planning phase. The study will evaluate extending the brine line to serve the Paris North Groundwater Treatment Facility and assess potential future users.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a review of virtual participation rules. Key agenda items included a public hearing concerning the formation of Community Facilities District (CFD) 2025-115, Smith Landing, which was established to finance applicable Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) facilities costs for a 191 single-family home development, followed by a unanimous landowner election in favor of the propositions. Staff reported on the Saninto tunnel seepage measurement, yielding a credit from Metropolitan valued at nearly $4 million. Updates were provided on efforts to secure funding from the Air Force to address PFAS contamination impacting groundwater production wells 56 and 57, including engagement with Congressman Calvert. The board received a preview of Metropolitan's draft biannual budget, noting proposed rate increases and capital improvement program expansion, and the planned virtual presentation by Metropolitan's CFO regarding these matters. Finally, action was taken on the Gets Road Trunk Sewer Project, including the approval of an Initial Study Mitigated Negative Declaration and the recommendation to award the construction contract to WETA, despite their bid being higher than the engineer's estimate due to incomplete good-faith outreach from lower bidders.

The board meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a review of virtual participation rules. Key discussions included Executive Reports focusing on federal funding requests for FY26, specifically $13 million for the South Paris desalination program and $4.6 million for the restoration of Well 27. The General Manager also updated the board on the increase in the State Water Project allocation and progress concerning Assembly Bill 523. Other updates covered a productive meeting regarding planned development north of Interstate 60 and interaction with the incoming General Manager of Desert Water Agency. Construction updates highlighted progress on the Santa Deceleration lane and revisions to the Wine Country project phasing to improve road surface quality. The agenda included the approval of the Consent Calendar. Action items involved approving an agreement with EFI Solutions for the Simpson and Patterson booster station interim improvement project, which includes procuring new pumps and electrical equipment. The board also addressed the approval of utility agreements with Riverside County Transportation for the Mid County Parkway Segment 3 project, which is a key interim transportation corridor.

The committee reviewed several proposed board items requiring action. Key actions included the approval and authorization of a contract with Rite-Way Roof Corporation for the replacement of six roofs, totaling an appropriation of $525,000. The committee also recommended approval for a one-year extension and funding addition for As-Needed Engineering Non-Design Services, bringing the total to $3,600,000. Further approvals covered two five-year agreements for Closed-Circuit Television Pipeline Inspection and Video Services totaling $550,000. Change orders and agreement amendments were authorized for the Perris II Desalter Safety Platforms Project, the design of the Romoland Feeder Replacement and Matthews Transmission Pipelines Project, the Goetz Road Trunk Sewer Project (including a Mitigated Negative Declaration adoption), corrosion repair for the Perris II Desalter, final design for the Purified Water Replenishment Advanced Water Purification Facility Project, and preliminary design for the Perris Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility Interim Improvements and Rehabilitation Project. An information item regarding Change Orders to Specifications was also reviewed.

The meeting included Executive Reports from the General Manager and Deputy/Assistant General Managers, covering an update on the WRF Research Needs Workshop and confirmation of no facility damage from recent storms. The Consent Calendar actions included approving an agreement amendment with Environmental Science Associates for desalter project support, a three-year agreement for security camera service with Ecamsecure, selection of underwriter services pools for financing, and multiple annexations of parcels to Improvement District No. U-22. The Action Calendar featured unanimous approval for reimbursing Pulte Home Company, LLC for gap pipelines construction, approval for Enterprise Resource Planning and Development Services Management System project completion funds, and ratification of a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Riverside for a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program sub-application. During Closed Session, the Board authorized negotiation for the purchase of surplus water resources from the San Diego County Water Authority and held a discussion regarding anticipated litigation.