Tuolumne Utilities District

The committee meeting focused on critical issues regarding human resources, including concerns about succession planning and the adequacy of support staff during absences. Key discussion topics included the proper public noticing and interpretation of Assembly Bill 2561, employee turnover rates, vacancy documentation, the effectiveness of exit interview processes, and the overall management of vacant positions including public relations and IT support.

The board meeting agenda includes a closed session to confer with labor negotiators regarding the Northern California District Council of Laborers' Construction, Production and Maintenance Laborers' Local Union Number 1130. Following the closed session, the board will consider a resolution to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the aforementioned union. Regular business items feature the introduction and discussion of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Capital Improvement and Operating budgets, an update on District operations, and an informational presentation regarding Urban Water Management Plans.

The committee meeting focused on organizational trust, communication between staff and the board of directors, and concerns regarding accountability for results. Key topics included a review of legislative assembly bill requirements, the status of staff vacancies, employee turnover metrics, and the importance of succession planning. There was also a discussion regarding the challenges of coordinating committee meeting agendas and the management of public relations and IT functions during staff absences.

The primary agenda item concerned an easement encroachment issue at a property on Cawfield Road related to the construction of a new garage and retaining wall infringing upon a district easement. The committee discussed draft guidelines for staff to address unauthorized encroachments on TUD easements. Key discussion points included the discovery of the waterline caution tape on July 29, 2025, by a contractor who failed to follow proper underground service alert procedures. Staff sent a cease and desist order to the property owners detailing two remedy options: relocating the garage to clear the easement or relocating the district's water main. The relocation of the water main was noted as potentially involving significant cost and the need to coordinate with the State of California's Department of Transportation (CALR) right-of-way if moved to Cawfield Road. A property owner addressed the committee, explaining that a miscommunication with staff led to continued construction after they believed they had made necessary adjustments for a 5-ft offset, resulting in a nearly complete structure encroaching on the easement.

The primary discussion focused on an easement encroachment issue at a property on Coffill Road, involving unauthorized construction of a garage encroaching within a District easement and failures in following Underground Service Alert procedures. Staff reported that the garage structure was found to be approximately 4.5 feet from the District's water main, and a cease-and-desist letter was issued. The committee also reviewed draft guidelines and a flowchart for staff to address future unauthorized encroachments on District easements and underground facilities. The Committee recommended that the item be presented to the Board for review and determination of next steps.