Irvine Ranch Water District

The committee reviewed several key infrastructure and engineering items, including the consultant selection and budget increase for the Eastwood Recycled Water Pump Station modifications, the approval of reimbursement agreements with the City of Irvine for capital facilities related to the Great Park Northern Sector, Cultural Terrace, and Gateway Residential Village developments, and the selection of consultants for the Harding Canyon Dam Alternatives Analysis and the Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project. Additionally, the committee discussed local resource program funding for the Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project.

The Board discussed various business items including a legislative and regulatory update, final acceptance of the Santiago Hills Zone 5 Tank repair project, and a janitorial services contract extension. The Board also reviewed and authorized construction awards for the Santiago Creek Dam Site Preparation project and the Los Alisos Water Recycling Plant biosolids removal. Further, the Board received reports on long-term capital financing, approved an off-site mitigation area budget for the Syphon Reservoir Improvement project, authorized potential debt refunding for 2016 bonds, and approved a comprehensive compensation structure redesign including a new step-based salary system.

The committee discussed water banking project facilities, capacities, operations, and programs, including forecasted recharge activities for 2026. Presentations provided overviews of water banking storage, recharge, and recovery operations, including before and after-loss estimates, and the status of IRWD purchase and exchange programs. Key discussion points included updates on Sites Reservoir water rights, oral reports from the district liaison to Dudley Ridge Water District, and a closed session regarding real property negotiations for the acquisition of water supplies and facility capacity.

The Board conducted a public hearing regarding vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts as required by AB 2561. Discussions included a presentation on the long-term capital financing strategy, approval of the January 2026 treasury report, and various project-related items such as pipeline replacement acceptance, budget increases for water infrastructure projects, and the 2026 project manual update. The Board also authorized agreements for the Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project, discussed potential debt refunding and reissuance, and reviewed the results of the triennial salary survey, leading to the approval of a new step-based compensation structure and updated salary schedules.

The Board of Directors held a meeting where they recognized a director for thirty years of service. A public hearing was conducted regarding proposed changes to the District's rules and regulations for water, sewer, recycled water, and natural treatment systems. Additionally, a presentation on population characteristics of the service area was delivered. The Board adopted a support position on state legislation regarding water conservation and authorized a budget increase and construction contract for the Michelson Force Main improvements project. Directors also provided reports on their recent activities and attendance at various conferences and committee meetings.