Soquel Creek Co Water District

The meeting featured a presentation on public opinion research regarding the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission's water, power, and sewer services, with a specific focus on the potential introduction of purified recycled water into the city's water supply. Key discussion topics included the importance of supply diversification, the methodology and findings of citywide surveys and focus groups, the impact of branding and consumer trust on the perception of new water sources, and the effectiveness of various messaging strategies concerning water safety, reliability, and local control. Participants evaluated the terminology used to describe purified water, noting a preference for the term 'purified recycled water' for improved transparency and understanding.

The strategic plan outlines the Soquel Creek Water District's commitment to providing a safe, high-quality, reliable, and sustainable water supply while addressing the overdrafted groundwater basin and climate change. It is structured around five core components: Water Resource Management and Sustainability, Infrastructure and Delivery, Community Engagement and Trust, Fiscal Responsibility and Customer Service, and Workforce and Organizational Excellence. The plan emphasizes long-term sustainability, including the Pure Water Soquel project, to ensure a dependable water supply for the community for decades to come.

The meeting commenced with operational announcements regarding live streaming and archiving of board meetings. The board addressed public comments concerning the location of the Pure Water Reclamation Project in a residential area, with residents expressing concerns about notification procedures and the impact of sewage treatment facilities. A procedural change was introduced for public comment, requiring it to occur before board deliberation on each item. The consent agenda, including a Memorandum of Understanding, was approved. Board members discussed the need for improved public outreach to clarify that the drought is not over and that groundwater basin recovery is ongoing, suggesting the use of visible indicators like thermometers. Staff requested board feedback on managing and prioritizing new ideas that accumulate, proposing a 'Reserve List' structure. Administrative business included the approval of the first application under the new Water Distribution Optimization (WDO) program for low-flow toilets, and a discussion regarding the ascension of the Vice President to President, including pros and cons of different term limits.

The meeting commenced with a call to order, roll call, and a closed session. Following the closed session, the board announced that agenda item 7.4 would be postponed for further staff review. Key discussions during the open session included a public comment regarding correspondence about the Modified Pure Water Soquel Project and the anticipated dumping of brine into Monterey Bay via the Santa Cruz city wastewater outflow pipe, focusing on the effects of increased salinity. The board also addressed Brown Act updates concerning the expiration of the statewide emergency declaration (AB361) and pending legislation that might relax teleconference rules for directors. A significant action involved the formation of an ad hoc committee to explore collaborative strategies and shared resources between the Soquel Creek Water District and Scotts Valley Water District to enhance customer value. Board members expressed interest in serving on this new committee. Furthermore, the serious drought conditions were noted.

The meeting addressed procedures for conducting the board meeting virtually due to executive orders suspending physical meeting requirements. A significant portion of the discussion centered on establishing procedures for public comment in the virtual setting, ultimately implementing a system for live comment contingent upon prior submission of a speaker form. Staff provided updates on modifications to district work, including measures taken to protect staff and the community regarding COVID-19, such as implementing rotations, distancing, and enhanced sanitation. Key agenda items involved seeking board direction on the Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan, specifically regarding the delegation of authority, and adopting Resolution 20-04, which addressed declaring a local emergency and delegating authority. Public comment included concerns regarding the declaration of public works projects as essential functions under the shelter-in-place order, requesting that any essential projects be limited to repairs only to prevent the unnecessary introduction of outside workers who might carry contamination. Board members also discussed the proposal to triple the procurement policy limit for emergency purchases to facilitate necessary operations during the crisis.