[0:00] Well, good morning everybody. I'll officially call to order the regular

[0:05] meeting of Coachella Valley Water District Board of Directors. It is April

[0:09] 14th, 2026 here in Palm Desert. And

[0:15] guess what? Somebody else is going to do the pledge of allegiance today.

[0:19] [laughter]

[0:21] » We have we have uh Director Nelson, go for it.

[0:25] » All right. Ready? Begin. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United

[0:30] States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under

[0:36] God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[0:41] » Amen. >> Nicely done.

[0:44] » Well done.

[0:49] » Roll call, please. Thanks. >> Yes. Good morning. President Pal

[0:53] » here. Vice President Estrada will arrive late and we [music] will note the time

[0:57] of his arrival for the record. Director Biano

[1:01] » here. >> Director Aguular

[1:02] » here. >> And for the last time, Director Nelson

[1:06] » here. A

[1:10] [laughter]

[1:12] had some violins. >> A we could arrange that. Uh all right.

[1:18] And we'll so we'll note director or vice president Estrada's arrival when when uh

[1:22] when that happens which is imminent. Do we have any additions, deletions or

[1:27] adjustments for today's agenda? >> No sir.

[1:30] » I would just note um as discussed President Pow if we could just on item

[1:34] seven if we could just move the recognitions to um uh take the employee

[1:39] recognitions first and then we would proceed with director Nelson's

[1:42] recognitions. >> Yes.

[1:43] » Thank you. So 7B.

[1:49] » You guys, you know, I can adjust. >> Yeah, I get it. All right. So, um,

[1:57] I'm going to just slow play this because I want Vice President Estrada to be

[2:00] here. Do we have anyone from the public wishing to comment at this time? And not

[2:05] regarding Director Nelson, but about other things.

[2:07] » Yeah, sorry, Tom. Uh we changed that as well then [laughter]

[2:11] » because we have we have an agenda item for for people to to make presentations

[2:16] and say their goodbyes etc. Um do we have

[2:26] [clears throat]

[2:29] » any public comment? No. All right. Consent calendar consists of items 5 A

[2:35] through G.

[2:40] Is there a motion to approve the consent calendar?

[2:43] » I'll make a motion. >> Second.

[2:47] » All in favor say I. >> I.

[2:48] » I. Pass 40. >> So we'll do seven B, which should buy us

[2:56] enough time. We have five anniversaries. All all 20s except for Brian, which is

[3:05] 25. And then we have retirement. And I'm going to read those that are present.

[3:13] Uh, and after I read that, you can come on up and we'll do photo. Uh, so 20-year

[3:19] anniversary, Victor Cordova. Victor Cordova's 20-y year career at

[3:24] CBWD was built much like the block walls. He learned to build with his

[3:28] father, steady hands on, and brick by brick. Raised in thermal, Cordova began

[3:33] his career in construction and masonry before joining CBW in 2006. His wife of

[3:38] 23 years, Brenda, joined the district in the customer service department in 2005.

[3:44] A year later, Cordova followed, becoming a utility worker on the paving crew.

[3:48] Over the next decades, Cordova built his skills, earning his class A license,

[3:52] water distribution 2, and water treatment 2 certifications along with

[3:57] project management and supervisory training through UC Riverside, a

[4:01] foundation leading to roles as a distribution operator three and a lead

[4:05] at West Shores before moving to domestic equipment technician. Today, Cordova

[4:11] helps maintain well sites and access roads, assists during storm response,

[4:15] and supports any crew that needs extra hand.

[4:18] Uh, when we are in there, we are all equal. Everybody steps up. Everybody is

[4:23] willing to help, says Cordova. Cordova and Brenda um share four children and a

[4:29] grandson. Outside of work, he enjoys off-roading, fishing, and annual summer

[4:33] trips with the family to the Columbia River in Oregon.

[4:38] Very nice. And then we have one more that I'm going to read. Haime Mora, uh,

[4:43] operations crew chief, also with, um, in domestic, also with 20 years. Quote, I

[4:49] like where I started because I learned a lot about water, the delivery, the

[4:53] production, installing new valves, main lines, fire hydrants, and repairing fire

[4:57] hydrants. It helped me move up and gave me a good understanding of how water

[5:01] distribution works, said operations crew chief. Domestic Haime Mora born in

[5:08] Chicago and raised locally. Mora graduated from Palm Desert High School

[5:12] in 1999 and later earned his water distribution 3 and water treatment 2

[5:16] certifications. He joined CBWD in March 2006 and built a career across domestic

[5:22] system maintenance, airvac operations, and the chlorine crew. This past year,

[5:27] he was promoted to crew chief for the date palm area as crew chief. Uh Morris

[5:32] spends his days overseeing the chlorine crew at production wells, reservoirs,

[5:36] booster stations, and responding to customer service calls. Outside of work,

[5:41] Haimey and his wife of 22 years, Yolanda, are dedicated parents to sons

[5:47] Diego and Max, and a beloved German Shepherd, Luna.

[5:52] I like the dogs. Uh, [clears throat] weekends are filled with family

[5:56] gatherings, hiking with Luna, and cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs.

[6:01] Morris says what first drew him to CBW 20 years ago still motivates him today,

[6:08] the camaraderie, the problem solving, working with good people, and helping

[6:12] customers understand how our system works.

[6:16] Um, so congratulations both of you. Also just to to read the other names that are

[6:21] not attending with 20 years Andre Alejandra Angulo uh Lisa Sanchez and

[6:28] then 25 years Brian Fog and then retiring with 20 years is Ray Rodriguez.

[6:34] Um so gentlemen come on up. >> Victor come up first

[6:38] » one at a time apparently.

[6:47] » [applause]

[7:13] » Does this now? Is it working? Thanks.

[7:18] » I just say uh I just want to say that's a a pleasure to be working here. It was

[7:23] a lot of great bunch of uh people, guys, and the crews and our official uh offers

[7:32] people that help us complete our job till the day because we all need to work

[7:36] together to get stuff done here. >> Stuff. That was a clean way to say that.

[7:42] [laughter] >> [applause]

[8:00] » I want to get a private picture.

[8:19] » [snorts] >> if you

[8:24] » I wasn't expecting to speak. I might have bypassed, but regardless, I'm just

[8:29] kidding. Uh [laughter]

[8:32] » I really I really enjoy working here especially uh the people that that I

[8:37] work with are they're really great people. They're brilliant minds and uh

[8:43] you know they just make you want to be better and so I don't take it for

[8:47] granted. >> Thank you guys.

[8:51] [applause]

[8:53] » So um I just want to put it >> if you don't use the mic. He's one of

[8:58] the guys why I'm here at CBWD. Him and I, our kids, grew up together. Um we uh

[9:04] coached um soccer together. Uh we were the first team to go all the way. We

[9:10] traveled all over. Uh we were uh both dual coaches and then he was a coach uh

[9:17] in baseball. We spent years together uh at practices and and a lot. And when I

[9:23] first came to him and said, "I want to run from CBWD," he was encouraged me uh

[9:27] to go for it and thought I would be great and and was there. Uh I picked his

[9:33] brain a lot. Um we had a lot of good times. I miss you. We live real close to

[9:36] each other, too. So, um I can't believe 20 years.

[9:41] » So, congratulations. >> Thank you. Thanks, [applause]

[9:47] All >> [applause]

[9:58] » right. [clears throat]

[10:09] » Really? >> 50 years old.

[10:12] » 50 years of service. [laughter]

[10:17] Yeah, we do. All right.

[10:24] » Yeah. 15.

[10:35] Yeah. He texted me to push it to 820. Well, we have other stuff, right?

[10:41] » I have other stuff. Why don't we get do do a little more leaprogging here? We'll

[10:47] save 7A for for a minute. So, why don't we move on to the action calendar

[10:53] 8A? >> This is uh Glenn presenting. There you

[11:00] are. >> Good morning. Go ahead. Floor is yours.

[11:05] » Uh good morning pres uh President Pal, members of the board. Uh my name is

[11:09] Glenn Lubie, acting engineering manager for domestic water. This item before you

[11:14] is for the uh reservoir 47113 and4 project. Um so the request is to

[11:19] authorize the general manager to con to authorize the construction contract with

[11:23] Canyon Springs Enterprises for um as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder

[11:29] for the construction of the reservoir 47 113 and 4 construction project in the

[11:34] amount of 5,946,000.

[11:38] It's also recommended that the board authorize the following expenditures in

[11:42] the amount of1,393,955

[11:47] for a total request of 7,339,955.

[11:54] So this project um the total construction cost is estimated to be

[11:58] 7,400,000. It's a multi-year construction contract.

[12:03] Um, and it's included in the capital improvement budget uh for this fiscal

[12:07] year in the amount of $750,000. We uh also received a grant from DWR in

[12:13] the amount of $850,000. Um, and the rest is going to be paid for

[12:18] with WSBFC funds. This uh the project includes the

[12:24] construction of two 1 million gallon steel reservoirs. They're going to be

[12:28] replacing two 100,000galon uh capacity steel reservoirs. They're

[12:33] bolted steel tanks. Um one was constructed in 1993. One was constructed

[12:38] in 1999. Um they have uh they're deteriorating

[12:44] condition and u corrosion and starting to have minor leaks. [snorts]

[12:51] So uh the project will provide will improve water storage for that. That's

[12:56] the ID8 system. Ensure reliable and sustainable domestic water supply and

[13:00] improve um fire flow reliability and pressure drops in the event of of a of

[13:05] of a fire. We received uh six bids on March 17th um

[13:12] for via planet bids and the lowest uh bidder was Kan Springs Enterprises and

[13:18] so we recommend the award to to that contractor. Um and I'll be happy to

[13:23] answer any questions that you might have.

[13:25] It's 8A. I I had a question.

[13:31] Um, and maybe I missed it reading through

[13:35] it. Is is what did the district put down? Um, because this has probably been

[13:40] on our CIP for a few years now. What was the what was the original number that we

[13:46] came up with on how much this was going to cost?

[13:50] Um, so the project has been um in the works since I think about 2015. Um, so

[13:55] it has been a long time and um I'm sure the various budget updates over the

[13:59] years as costs have changed. Um, I don't have the uh last the last estimate for

[14:06] the the the budget on this project. Um, but I don't believe we're we're far off.

[14:12] So, I don't have um the previous proposed budget in front of me

[14:16] » because this was probably in our our CIP packet uh last year or the year before.

[14:21] I just wanted to know how close we were when with our estimates if we're way off

[14:25] if we're millions off or we're a couple hundred thousand.

[14:27] » Uh yes. Um I so I don't have uh don't have that in front of me, but I can

[14:31] start the followup. Um I believe this was in in the the range we expected.

[14:36] » Okay. um in the future. Could we please have

[14:39] all these >> these in here so we can we can see how

[14:42] things are progressing? >> It kind of gives us an idea of of uh

[14:46] what the future holds and how far we're off on these.

[14:53] » Understood. >> Thank you.

[14:57] Anything else? >> All right. Is there a motion to approve

[15:01] AA?

[15:05] I'll make a motion to approve the item.

[15:12] Is there a second?

[15:17] » I'll second.

[15:22] » And this is paid through water service backup facilities charges.

[15:25] » Yes. And then the grant funds as well. >> And grant funds. Yeah. Okay. Any other

[15:30] discussion or questions before we vote? All in favor say I. I

[15:34] » I Any opposed? Pass 5. >> Thanks.

[15:38] » All right, that was 8A. We're going to go back now to the presentation of 7A,

[15:44] resolution recognizing Peter Nelson, Division 4 CBW board of director for his

[15:49] dedicated years of service to Coachella Valley Water District.

[15:55] And I know there's probably a Sylvia, you have a

[16:02] » um do we have an order of of uh yeah the program here or is that that's the

[16:07] actual resolution? >> This is CWD's resolution

[16:11] » which was included in which was included in the consent calendar and

[16:16] » I know I voted on it, John. >> We we [laughter]

[16:19] uh you did. That's clever. Uh, it was unanimous. So, um, I don't know that we

[16:26] want to read it. It's pretty long. >> Yeah. You don't need to, but it's it's

[16:30] very good. >> You like to read a couple whereases?

[16:33] » Oh my god. >> Maybe one or two.

[16:35] » Do you want me to go get your glasses? >> No. No. [laughter]

[16:38] So, th this is I know it's really big. >> Um, and welld deserved. We're we're

[16:46] kidding around, but to be honest, I mean, I could I could talk about what's

[16:50] in here because it's really if you want to read it, it's on it's

[16:55] posted on the agenda packet under the consent calendar. [snorts]

[17:00] But, Director Nelson, I mean, you've done so much. You've been here so long.

[17:05] And what this says is that, you know, you've

[17:11] been a real kind of stalwart on western water and the rights for the Coachella

[17:16] Valley and our whole existence relies on that. And so you've [clears throat] been

[17:22] a you've been a really important part of this district getting from the year 2000

[17:30] to the year 2026. It's a really important time because I'm

[17:35] sure you'll let us know later, the water situation, the hydrarology is not very

[17:40] good right now. And for us to be able to have somebody fighting for our rights

[17:45] and it's not just, you know, doing things at the board, it's doing things

[17:48] outside [cough] and having those relationships [clears throat] with folks

[17:51] in other agencies, uh, both in California and outside. But uh

[17:58] what you've been able to do here and also your leadership on the Colorado

[18:01] River Board as chair for a while and you've been on there a long time partly

[18:05] as chair uh has really set up I think California

[18:10] facing maybe the most one of the most difficult things we've ever gone through

[18:15] as a state of how do we negotiate our shortage guidelines going forward when

[18:20] we're in the middle of maybe the driest time ever on the Colorado River. So, uh,

[18:25] it's that, but also leadership here. I mean, being a colleague on the board,

[18:31] all the pipes we've built, you know, >> uh, that you've been a also fighting for

[18:38] lower rates. I know that's in here, but uh keeping the water management plan on

[18:43] track, the the fact that the amount of water that's in the ground now

[18:50] uh through all this difficult time is higher than it was 20 years ago. That's

[18:55] unbelievable. And that's a should be something that you you know that you

[18:59] should be very proud of and we all benefit from that. So I don't know if

[19:03] anyone wants to actually read it >> [snorts]

[19:05] » um you can do that. But now therefore, be it resolved that the board of

[19:09] directors of CVWD applauds Director Peter Nelson for a job well done and

[19:14] wishes him and his family the very oh my gosh the very best in

[19:20] their future >> endeavors

[19:22] » endeavors. [laughter] Anyways, thank you very much. Yeah. And

[19:26] we're gonna we're gonna give this to you.

[19:28] » Oh my gosh. [laughter]

[19:33] » Thank you so much. Of course. Yeah. Do you want to be in front?

[19:37] » Yeah. [laughter] [applause]

[19:45] » They want a photo. >> I think we got to take a picture.

[19:48] » Let's do the

[20:02] » Just you.

[20:14] on three. One, two, three. One, two, three.

[20:20] » Excellent.

[20:24] » We'll get that over to the desert sun later today.

[20:28] » No speech. >> Speech.

[20:29] » No speech. I'll say something.

[20:40] » Yeah, we're on. Good. >> Yeah. No, thank you, John, and thank

[20:45] you, the board. So, all all the things in the

[20:49] in the proclamation really are a team effort. Um, and I played a small part in

[20:56] that. And so I think when we came in 2000 and John was uh you know before

[21:03] that time and then after that time there was uh Corky Larson snuck in there for a

[21:08] little bit. Uh but I I I was recalling this morning um the

[21:14] election dinner at the newly constructed uh Indian Wells Tennis Garden. And uh

[21:23] Jim Batton had been a uh big help to John and I in our campaigns and we were

[21:30] having a um we were having a celebration dinner there. Jim won handily and I

[21:38] actually went back and looked and I and I got 74% of the vote and uh

[21:44] » and this last election I got 76%. So I actually increased by 2%. That

[21:50] that's uh that's pretty good. You know, usually folks go down, but uh anyway, I

[21:55] was I was really >> uh surprised about that. But uh

[22:00] » Darlene and I who um who were at that dinner, we we left and we owned a place

[22:06] in Palm Royale Country Club uh right across the street. And so we just walked

[22:13] home. And when we when we walked there um we didn't have our clicker. And so we

[22:19] and it was it's like 12 o'clock at night and we had to jump the gate. Uh but uh

[22:25] I've I've come a long way since then, but [laughter] uh uh no, I've really

[22:30] appreciated all the relationships and uh Tom, you're here. Um you know, been

[22:35] great to work with you at the Salt and Sea Authority. We got so much done

[22:38] there. Uh but uh you know it's it's a challenge and you know there's a there's

[22:44] those challenges sometimes that are difficult to meet and there's some that

[22:48] are impossible to meet and uh we're in a super dry hydrarology and and salt and

[22:55] sea kind of reflects that today. Uh, but we did a lot, I think, good work there

[22:59] and um and brought the community together and and Glenn over at City of

[23:05] India, you know, we we argued and argued about

[23:09] » how we're going to pay for this replenishment program and, you know, you

[23:13] guys just didn't see the benefit for that. And uh uh I I think today, you

[23:19] know, 20 that was about in 2009. And you know, we had to put that QSA water

[23:24] somewhere. And and um I appreciated that those negotiations. Um I think I was

[23:30] chair of this board at the time and and that was a lot of hard work with uh with

[23:35] Indo, but you know, we we we we really got it done in a way that um you know,

[23:41] benefited the valley. And so those those um relationships were super important uh

[23:48] to uh be able to you know have that water in the ground more today than we

[23:54] had back then. Um, and I'll I'll just say, you know, thanks to, you know, the

[23:59] Weeks family who, you know, Lo Weeks was a friend of mine at the uh before I got

[24:05] involved on the board, you know, and he was a former general manager here. Um,

[24:11] and Low and I went to church together. And um, uh, you know, I there's a story

[24:17] in the Bible that talks about Jesus meeting the woman at the well. and he

[24:24] actually served her water. He was a Jew who that the Jews didn't uh associate

[24:30] themselves with Samaritans. And he drew the water for her and supplied her

[24:36] water. And that's really what I wanted to do. uh take that model and and

[24:43] supply, you know, address that to my position here on the board was I wanted

[24:49] to be able to make a uh difference in people's lives in giving them something

[24:55] that they needed. And so, um that was, uh where Lo and I started. And um you

[25:02] know, it just went from one GM to the next. And you know, now we're stuck with

[25:05] Jim. But, uh, [laughter] no, it's, uh, much thanks, I think I've

[25:11] said it before, but, much thanks to the board over the years, um, and to the GMs

[25:17] and especially to the staff members. Uh, you know, I I I hope that we've made it

[25:23] good for you here um, in terms of u your quality of life and compensation and all

[25:30] that. Um uh but the real reward is the fact that together we're serving, you

[25:38] know, a living substance, you know, something that people need on a daily

[25:43] basis and that you find uh reward in that. So with that, I'm done. And uh all

[25:49] you other guys, you you don't have to go too long. So, [laughter]

[25:54] [applause]

[25:58] [applause] >> okay, Sylvia, do you have would you want

[26:02] to call this? Sure. From here, please. >> So, we'll start kind of in the order

[26:06] that I have um first with uh Congressman Calvert's office. I believe we have

[26:11] Glenn Miller. And thank you. >> Morning, Glenn.

[26:15] [applause]

[26:24] Is it on? Oh, good morning everyone. I'm Glenn Miller. I'm the district

[26:28] representative for Congressman Ken Calbert. It's a beautiful day and a sad

[26:32] day at the same time. I've known Peter a long time and we've worked together on

[26:36] many things, but your dedication, your love, your passion for not only the

[26:42] Coachella Valley Water District, the egg industry, your family, but this whole

[26:46] valley is seen through your eyes. And the work that you've done, not only

[26:50] here, but throughout the valley, has changed many, many people's lives. and

[26:55] you think back into your mind of all the people you've met, all the people you've

[26:59] mentored, all the people you've talked to, the people you've given jobs to, the

[27:03] people that you've helped, and you realize the impact that you have done in

[27:06] the 25 years plus here in the Coachella Valley. Uh on behalf of Congressman

[27:12] Calbert, we understand that everybody needs to ride off into the sunset, but w

[27:17] with what you've done, they'll never forget you. and on behalf of Congressman

[27:20] King Calbertt, my staff, and and the and the 700,000 people he represents, thank

[27:26] you very much for all you do. God bless you and enjoy your retirement.

[27:29] » Thanks. Thanks. [applause]

[27:46] Thank you so much. Appreciate it. >> Yeah. One one thing is uh you know you

[27:51] mentioned I'm going to ride off into retirement and and so Lorraine and I had

[27:57] a conversation about well signing or you are retiring. I'm like well I'm not

[28:02] retiring because I'm still going to stay involved with the community and uh and

[28:07] you know have opportunities to to do that and and I've already gotten started

[28:12] on that. Um but resigning because that's that's like, you know, the latest uh

[28:18] federal guy that

[28:22] I'm still going to be involved in the community. [clears throat]

[28:25] » We need you. >> Yeah, of course.

[28:28] » All right. Thank you. >> Okay. And next we have um Armando Avalos

[28:33] from Senator Steve Padilla's office. >> Did I say Avalos? Avalos.

[28:39] » Good morning, Armando. >> Good morning.

[28:46] Armando, >> excuse my boss. So, good morning. My

[28:50] name is Armando Aalos. I'm uh district representative for state senator Steve

[28:54] Padilla. Um just want to say thank you. 25 years is quite the accomplishment.

[28:59] Hold this correctly. So, 25 years is quite the accomplishment. To put that in

[29:03] perspective, Gladiator was a number one movie at the time.

[29:07] And California gas prices were $1.70 on average. Oh,

[29:11] » so that just goes to show how much time you've invested into the community and

[29:15] into CBWD. And on behalf of State Senator Steve Padilla, we just want to

[29:19] thank you for everything that you've done and all your contributions to the

[29:21] community. >> Great. Thank you so much.

[29:23] » Thank you. [applause]

[29:37] » You know, I'm gonna say a few words between all these things. It's all all

[29:42] what I forgot. But I feel like sometimes I won't capture it and then if I want to

[29:48] come back and listen to it. >> Uh I I [clears throat] defin I

[29:52] definitely am not uh leaving this board like um aged wine. You know, wine gets

[29:59] better, right? Uh I feel like I'm uh sometimes leaving like one of those uh

[30:04] reservoirs that we approved today. It's it's old and decrepit and rusted and

[30:09] you're going to get a new one. But, uh, I'm I am I'm very hopeful for this board

[30:14] as as they go through the process of replacing me that, uh, that the new one

[30:19] is going to do even better than the old one. So,

[30:26] » next, >> um, next we have Felipe Ortiz from

[30:30] California Assembly Member Wallace's office.

[30:34] Hi

[30:41] there. How are you? >> Good. Good to see you. Good to see you.

[30:44] » Well, good morning everybody. My name is Philip Prtiz and I'm a senior field

[30:47] representative for Assembly Member Greg Wallace. Just like Armando Glenn said,

[30:50] thank you so much for 25 years. This is a long time. Thank you for all your

[30:54] dedication, effort to make the community valley better and for to make this

[30:58] district better. So, on behalf of the summer walls, I just want to present a

[31:01] certificate for and enjoy your uh retirement. Thank you.

[31:04] » Great. Thank you. [applause]

[31:20] » Next. >> No words. Okay. Um, and next we have

[31:23] Darren Shimmer. Shimmer. Shimmer from uh Riverside County Supervisor Pedes's

[31:29] office.

[31:34] Hey, good morning. Um, it's an honor to to be here to present this recognition

[31:40] to you from uh, Supervisor Perez, you know, and he he would like to be here.

[31:45] He's um, got a Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting right now in in

[31:51] Riverside. But um you know what he remembers most um Director Nelson is um

[31:59] you know the kind words you had and the um dedication of uh Lake Kawa Veterans

[32:05] Regional Park. Just the um um just being happy for for what's being done at at

[32:13] that water resource but being done, you know, for veterans in the the Coachella

[32:18] Valley. and he wanted me to um pass that along to you and and uh and just

[32:24] congratulate you on um 25 years of um public service to um protect and enhance

[32:33] um water supplies of the Coachella Valley. So congratulations

[32:39] and uh thank you so much. >> Great. Thank you so much Darren.

[32:42] Appreciate it. Appreciate the supervisor's work uh across the valley

[32:46] as well. Thank you. >> Thank you.

[32:49] » [applause]

[32:54] [applause]

[32:58] » Thank you. >> Okay. And then we have two individuals

[33:03] that asked to provide um public comments. So I will go in the order

[33:06] received. Uh first we have Ben Olsen. Come on up, Ben.

[33:14] I can't answer all the secrets. [laughter]

[33:18] all the skeletons. >> I've probably known Peter longer than

[33:24] his wife has. Um, Peter and I first met. His father worked for a large farming

[33:29] company and so did I in the in the early 70s.

[33:34] Um, his father used to bring him out to the ranch when he was 13 years old.

[33:40] Peter and I probably first met 1974. That's a long time ago. I started

[33:44] getting paid when I was 14. >> Okay. Well, it was it was about that

[33:49] time. So, I do uh I followed his career for a long time. Very proud of him. Very

[33:54] proud for all the things you've done. Um consider Peter in a from a water

[34:00] standpoint, the rudder from of the ship. This is a pretty good size ship and uh a

[34:06] rudder always for the ship giving direction and uh and without pushing and

[34:11] pulling but certainly with uh you know um [clears throat] concern for the

[34:16] constit his con constituency and so I just wanted to say uh thank you

[34:22] for everything you've done uh from you know from the time you moved down in

[34:27] down here mid 80s I believe >> 87

[34:30] » 87 with the Crocker Ranch and uh still progressing.

[34:36] Thank thank Darlene also for her patience over the past few years where

[34:42] it's been a drive back and forth every now and then and uh glad you glad to see

[34:48] you guys are back in the deal. But wish you all the best in the future and thank

[34:52] you from everyone here and everyone in the Coachella Valley for all the work

[34:57] you've done. >> Okay, man. [applause]

[35:07] else. >> Okay. And next we have Tom Kirk with

[35:10] CAG.

[35:15] » [laughter]

[35:18] » Uh well, John, you uh mentioned uh Peter's established a few relationships

[35:22] over the years. And uh I think one of the reasons those relationships are so

[35:28] strong is people see in Peter what I see him, integrity.

[35:33] And when Peter gives his word, it means something. And Peter also does it with a

[35:38] smile on his face. And when he's protecting our interest, whether it's a

[35:43] interest or urban interest in the Coachella Valley, or if he's protecting

[35:47] California's interest, he does it with a smile on his face, but he's earnest and

[35:52] serious and he protects our interest. And the results we've seen in the

[35:58] Coachella Valley have been significant. You've been a big part of that. You're

[36:02] not a small part of it. You're a big part of it. And I think your seat is

[36:06] going to be a very difficult one to fill. you don't just fill a seat with a

[36:10] new person and have the kind of relationships you've had, you will be

[36:14] missed. And on a uh a CEAG note, we do appreciate your support on CV Link.

[36:21] We've had a fantastic partnership. Thank the board and the entire staff, Jim.

[36:26] Your staff's been fantastic. Uh we've built something that's will survive long

[36:31] after us. In fact, eight inches of concrete will probably survive longer

[36:36] just than just about everything else out here. Appreciate that support. And on a

[36:40] uh somewhat comical note, I want to note u when Peter shows up at a CB Link

[36:46] event, he rides his bike there and maybe the only one that does. I don't think

[36:52] I've ridden a bike on CB Link yet. You have. Yes.

[36:56] » And uh I also want to note that you've also demonstrated how dangerous it is.

[37:01] » Yes. >> To ride a bike.

[37:02] » Yes, I have. >> On our on our city streets,

[37:05] » right? >> Oh, no. So,

[37:08] » the pin [laughter] will

[37:11] » Yeah. And you did that for CV Link. >> I did.

[37:14] » Peter, may you have a great retirement. Spend more time with Darlene. Thank you

[37:18] for your service. [applause]

[37:31] Can Can I say something >> board members?

[37:33] » Yeah, go ahead. >> You know, um,

[37:37] uh, the desert, the water here is our

[37:41] lifeblood, and this is a thankful job. I mean, 25 years, you know, it's it's it

[37:48] pretty much attributes to a a part-time job of 20 hours a week. Um, this this

[37:53] seat and and to think that Peter did it for 25 years, but not only did he do it,

[37:59] he was leading it. And um from the QSA uh to the negotiations with employees

[38:06] every two years to uh I mean we're a small water district comparative to the

[38:13] rest of California's water and for him to be the president of the Colorado

[38:18] River Board for some time and to lead that organization I've been in those

[38:23] meetings. For him to be the leader and then to look at him that tells you

[38:28] something. You know, every single city in this Coachella Valley from Palm

[38:33] Springs to Coachella should all have, and I'm calling on them all to have

[38:38] Peter Nelson uh uh celebrated [snorts] at their meetings. Everybody should know

[38:45] what this man has done to the Coachella Valley and where we stand. Some of the

[38:50] cheapest water rates in the Coachella Valley, I mean, in the in the state of

[38:53] California, uh we're only uh one of a few that are in balance. That means

[38:58] we're putting more water in than we're taking out

[39:02] in in in the desert. 128 golf courses. He was instrumental in in in putting uh

[39:09] pipes to our golf courses and getting them off groundwater. Instrumental in

[39:13] bringing in this QSA water. Instrumental in in in trying to save the what we can

[39:19] of the Colorado. I mean, I can go on and on and on. He's been a mentor to me from

[39:23] the beginning. We've known each other for quite some time before CBWD. Um, and

[39:29] then the employees, I want you to know, you know, we have negotiations every two

[39:33] years. His vision for you guys and taking care of the employees, um, was

[39:39] second to none to to helping us who were newly on the board 10 years ago, 12

[39:45] years ago, and John what, 20 years ago, and you four years ago or five years

[39:50] ago. It's it's it's I can't say enough. So, um, I'm going to

[39:56] miss you a lot. I I hope that you're still involved in in water negotiations,

[40:02] um, in the future. I I hope that there's some carveout or something we can do to

[40:07] to to make you still part of that because, uh, your services are needed.

[40:11] And I know you're not retiring. This is just this is just another chapter and

[40:16] you're on the back nine. That's right. Right. You're on the back nine.

[40:19] [laughter] So, uh, >> no, I appreciate that. I could go on and

[40:22] on. No, I appreciate that. Um, yeah, that that certainly means a lot. And I

[40:26] know some other folks might say some um something else, but uh I would like to

[40:32] say that all of those things that you just outlined are I was supported every

[40:39] step in the way with my wife Darlene here who um um you know was back giving

[40:44] me that uh impetus to uh uh you know go out and do things and do things well and

[40:51] couldn't have done it without her. So, [applause and cheering]

[41:01] » John, yeah, let me let me just say first of all, it's going to be really hard to

[41:05] to add on to what everybody else has said, which I completely concur with,

[41:09] and Tom took one of my words that I was going to use about integrity. That um is

[41:13] something that you really brought to this organization five years ago when I

[41:17] was first appointed and then subsequently elected. Um, one of the

[41:21] reasons why I wanted to be part of this organization was because of the

[41:23] credibility of this organization, which I think you are largely in part

[41:27] responsible for over those years, Peter. And um, when I first was on the board, I

[41:32] reached out I was advised to actually by several people to to reach out to you on

[41:38] dishes regarding the Salt and Sea Authority. We met, we had a bite to eat,

[41:42] and you were uh, incredibly generous with your time and effort and and words

[41:47] of advice. So, um I'll miss my seatmate. It's going to be um almost impossible to

[41:53] replace somebody with with the expertise and experience and historical uh

[41:58] background that you brought to us. So, um I'm sad about that, but happy for

[42:02] what's next. >> Great. Thank you, John.

[42:04] » Sure. >> Appreciate it.

[42:05] » Yeah. Thanks.

[42:08] » Well, uh I think we've we've uh recently had a lunch and we talked a lot. So, I

[42:14] just wanted to say again that it was an honor for me to serve with you over the

[42:18] last 12 years. I certainly learned a lot from you. Um, all the things that have

[42:22] been shared already are are true. Um, you've played a huge role in what

[42:27] Kachala Valley is today. And I think you've uh you've you've really helped us

[42:33] through a lot. As you mentioned, you know, we we aren't the the biggest

[42:37] agency, but I think we're very well respected. And I think in a lot of ways

[42:40] is because a lot of what you've done and how you've kind of carried yourself. So

[42:44] I'm looking forward to staying connected. Um I I would like to stay

[42:48] connected. Um and and uh I hope that you stay involved and uh looking forward

[42:56] to that. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Yeah.

[43:00] » Yeah. I I'll say thank you to Darlene, too.

[43:04] You've been there the whole time. Really? Um,

[43:09] you deserve credit. It's a lot of It's a lot of time away

[43:13] and a lot of of hours. All right. Well, Jim, did you have

[43:19] something? I didn't prepare any remarks. No, sir. I

[43:24] uh I I do very much appreciate all the support that the entire board has given

[43:28] us as we've tried to move forward. Um, but particularly with Peter. Uh I can

[43:33] remember uh traveling with Peter and then maybe stopping and having an adult

[43:37] beverage or two. Um and you know getting uh learning more about Peter, the man,

[43:43] the individual um which also kind of helps us guide uh the staff through um

[43:50] the priorities that that we need to have so or need to accomplish. Um I truly

[43:56] will miss him. uh he's been a good friend uh as as we have tried to work

[44:01] through the challenges that uh we're responsible

[44:04] uh and the things that we are required to deliver. Um so uh I appreciate it and

[44:11] uh I don't uh envy the board's challenge in trying to find a successor. Uh but we

[44:18] will turn our attention to that uh next week um after you depart.

[44:24] » Yeah. So, uh, again, thank you very much, sir. It's been an honor and a

[44:28] privilege to serve with you. >> Yeah. Thank you, Jim.

[44:30] » Thank you. I hope you still are going to Crew every year because nobody can roll

[44:35] numbers like he can on [laughter] the crafts table.

[44:38] » That's true.

[44:42] » Right. You do too, [laughter] >> I think. Unbelievable.

[44:46] » That's That's when we're off the clock, right?

[44:48] » Yeah. >> That's when we're off the clock. That's

[44:50] right. [clears throat] [laughter]

[44:53] » Good. Well, um very nice presentation. If there's nothing further,

[45:00] then uh why don't we move on to our remaining agenda items.

[45:06] » 8B.

[45:11] » As part of the GL, I think Glenn, you're back up here for two more. I was going

[45:15] to say as the part of the crowd departs, I wanted to kind of update uh Director

[45:20] Biano on the costs for the reservoir project out there. We did not publish a

[45:26] 25 uh 26 budget book and right now we're working on the 2627 budget, but the 2425

[45:34] budget book had that project in for 5.6 million. Uh the construction bid was 5.9

[45:41] uh not including the soft costs. the 2324

[45:46] uh budget book uh had it in for 4.23 million. Um and then the 2223 budget

[45:54] book only had a placeholder in it for 25,000. Um you know these are numbers

[45:59] that we publish as part of the budget as we go through. So there was cost

[46:03] escalation uh at least from the 2324 number which was 4.23 23 million and

[46:09] even from uh the budget from 2425 which is actually a year before the current

[46:15] year. I don't have what it was in this in this one. So we'll have to get back

[46:19] to you on that. >> Is that I mean so if we're asking for

[46:22] that for other items that come up for approval I mean I I think it's an

[46:26] interesting question. >> It is it's not one we have control of.

[46:30] » No I know but it's how does it evolve you know over the years. Um and scope

[46:35] can change, but inflation is a big part of obviously driving those costs up,

[46:40] which we've seen >> kind of

[46:42] » and delaying the decisions to move forward certainly does have an impact on

[46:48] what we will pay. >> But you usually that's in there. Usually

[46:51] it's in there. That's why usually it it's it's in the write up. It says, you

[46:56] know, we the we our estimate was this and and this is what it came to. So we

[47:02] we can see. So, this one just didn't have it in there.

[47:04] » Yeah, you're you're right. Um, part of the challenge was the the budget had

[47:07] evolved multiple times over the years, but also uh we're we're we've just been

[47:11] updating all the budgets for the following fiscal year. So, all the

[47:14] documents I had uh on hand, I had those those new numbers and not the old ones.

[47:19] So, I do apologize for that. We'll make sure we include that type of information

[47:21] in the future. And um do have the information for um at least this next

[47:26] item uh here. >> Okay, good. So, let's do AB.

[47:31] So this [clears throat] this project is in regards to the reservoir 4730-2

[47:36] construction project. Um this is uh in being it's a developer project. So it's

[47:42] with with PY and the desert retreat development. Um it it did go to board

[47:47] previously for the special agreement um that outlined the the obligations of uh

[47:52] PY um for that that development and the the obligations of CVWD.

[47:58] One of the items that they need to um cons that needs to be constructed to

[48:02] support that development is the reservoir 4730-2 project. Um so um it

[48:08] previously went to board um for reimbursement CBWD's obligation for the

[48:13] reimbursements of the upsizing of the reservoir. It's a they're obligated to

[48:17] provide a $ 1.7 million million gallon um reservoir or capacity and we are

[48:23] upsizing the reservoir to 7 million gallons. Um, this was all outlined in

[48:26] the the previous uh board item. Um, that item included reimbursement in the

[48:32] amount of just over $6 million um to cover CBW's share of the construction.

[48:37] Um, this request here is to authorize a 5% contingency in the amount of

[48:42] $297,820.

[48:45] Um, and for the general manager to execute task order five with uh to the

[48:50] professional services agreement with Verdantis for uh $69,180

[48:55] for geotechnical and soils inspection services um to support the project. Uh

[49:00] we're also requesting for um inspection fees to uh for for the project. Um so

[49:06] those items were not included in the previous board item. So, we're coming

[49:10] today to u request authorization for those uh those costs that CBW is

[49:15] obligated to to cover. Um our obligations are to cover um based on the

[49:22] upsizing 75.6% of the construction um the the construction contract, the

[49:28] inspection costs, um approved change orders um and project management costs.

[49:33] So that contingency would be to cover uh any any change orders CBW's share of any

[49:38] change orders that might come up um as well as the 388,000 for the

[49:44] inspection costs. That does represent the total um value of the expected task

[49:49] orders for inspection costs of which CVWD share would be 293,328

[49:56] estimated. Um and PY would be providing they've

[50:01] already provided a deposit to cover um a portion of the inspection costs and that

[50:05] will be adjusted as we move forward and have uh more accurate costs on on that

[50:10] work. So um this uh project is a a multi-year

[50:16] uh project estimated to have a total cost of $8,665,000.

[50:21] That's total cost. Um and uh of which uh CVWD's share is expected to be

[50:28] 6,533,410.

[50:34] So uh with that, I'd be happy to answer any questions.

[50:40] » So will this take care of any other

[50:43] development that's in that area that's yet to be done?

[50:46] » Yes. So the additional costs are are paid through WSPFC funds. So it won't

[50:51] affect rates and it will support for further growth. Desert retreats

[50:55] obviously for the that 1.7 million gallons of of storage capacity and we're

[50:58] adding um you know we're we're upsizing to 7 million. So there's there is

[51:02] additional capacity. So other developments in that area they would

[51:05] just have to pay their their fees and not necessarily construct a new new

[51:09] reservoir if they're below that. >> And then as as the other developments

[51:12] come online, they they'll pay their fair share of of

[51:15] » the fees. Yes. >> Okay.

[51:18] » I know all that. I just like to hear you say it.

[51:21] » Yeah. [laughter] Yeah. Appreciate that. Good. Uh, is there a motion to approve

[51:26] 8B? >> I'll make a motion.

[51:30] » Second. >> Okay. Um, all in favor say I.

[51:35] » I. >> I.

[51:36] » Pass. 5. >> One more. HC.

[51:43] Let's do it. >> All right. So, um, for this next item,

[51:46] um, this request is for the reservoir 5617-1 and-2 rehabilitation. Um, the

[51:54] request is to authorize the general manager to execute a task order um to

[51:58] the PSA with TKE engineering in the amount of $175,025

[52:03] for the design of the rehabilitation of reservoirs 5617-1 and two. Um, we're

[52:11] also requesting the additional expenditures in the amount of $29,975

[52:16] for total request of $25,000. Um, this uh these reservoirs, the first

[52:23] one 567-1, it's a 2.5 million gallon tank that's approximately 44 years old.

[52:29] Um, we've done a recent inspection um and found that the the coating is is

[52:34] pasted its useful life. it's it's it's failing in multiple areas and not

[52:38] adequately protecting the steel structure. Um so it's in need of of

[52:42] recoding rehabilitation. The other reservoir is a 3.5 million gallon weld

[52:47] seal tank. Um it is about 40 years old. Um and it was also identified in a

[52:52] recent inspection um that to have coating uh deficiencies um particularly

[52:57] on some of the structural steel members um and and no longer adequately

[53:01] protecting the steel structure from corrosion. Um neither tank has uh

[53:05] currently cathotic protection system. So that's something else that would be be

[53:09] be added. In addition, some safety uh improvements um uh fall protection and u

[53:16] uh you know things things of that nature to to make it more more safe when it

[53:20] needs to be inspected um and just for general maintenance. So, um, this

[53:27] project, um, has is estimated to cost one for the

[53:33] construction an estimated $3 million. Again, it's another multi-year project.

[53:37] Um, it's included in the current fiscal budget for amount of $150,000 and that

[53:41] the rest would be uh budgeted for future fiscal years.

[53:46] » Okay. >> But that I'm happy to answer any

[53:49] questions.

[53:53] » No.

[53:59] I'll make a motion to approve. >> Okay. Is there a second?

[54:05] » Second. >> Second by Agular.

[54:09] And all in favor say I. >> I.

[54:11] » I. Passed. 50. >> Thank you.

[54:13] » Just wondering I'm wondering how close the giraffes are to this thing.

[54:18] » They're I think they're right in that pen right there. They're right there.

[54:22] Right. I [clears throat] don't know. Okay,

[54:28] » David. Go ahead. 8D.

[54:32] » Purpose of this item is to authorize the general manager to execute a

[54:36] construction contract T Roberts as the lowest responsible for the O2

[54:42] project 191,265 uh dollars. The total cost of the

[54:49] request, which includes uh construction management and contingency, is $221,265

[54:57] uh dollars. The 01 pump station was recently improved as

[55:03] part of the Oasisu recharge project. Um the 01 lifts water up to the O2. The 01

[55:11] historically struggled. It was horizontal centrifugal pumps. We swap

[55:15] them out for horizontal or rather for vertical can pumps stabilize the flows

[55:20] on the distribution system um with a reservoir upstream uh and and slightly

[55:26] larger pumps for this location. However, the portion of the design that delivers

[55:31] to the O2 was based on record drawings [clears throat] that turned out to be

[55:34] incorrect. And so the O the 01 um as it has in the past still struggles

[55:40] delivering to the O2. And so this project is in lie of replacing the pump

[55:46] at the 01 which could be upwards of a million dollars in and very long lead

[55:50] items is to put in 160 ft of pipe and connect it to the um Oasis South

[55:56] distribution system from Avenue 74 right across the street. It's a short it's a

[56:02] quick fix to the to the problem. So uh the uh project open bids on March 16th.

[56:10] We received five bids for this project. Um the the the bids came in, you might

[56:16] notice, uh at the low bid came in at 248 545, but we had an add alternate there.

[56:23] We were investigating them the a different pipe material to see if we

[56:26] could get a different a better cost uh which we did not. So the real ask here

[56:30] is uh to award the contract less the bid alternate in the amount of 191265.

[56:37] And with that, I'll take any questions.

[56:41] Okay,

[56:46] » we don't have any recourse against the design. I mean, who did the design on

[56:50] that? >> It it was all consultants and it's a

[56:54] combination. It's it's not all the designer. It's a it is a combination of

[56:58] things. However, that the the consultant has donated some time in and addressing

[57:02] this particular issue. >> Okay.

[57:08] So out of abundance of c caution uh since I have property close to there I'm

[57:14] going to recuse myself from doing this Jeff.

[57:20] So based on that and the uh we request that you then leave the dis and uh

[57:26] during the vote on this item and we'll note for the record that to avoid even

[57:30] the appearance of a conflict due to a a financial interest of real property

[57:34] interest that you've elected to recuse yourself.

[57:38] » Thank you.

[57:42] » What's the distance the 500 ft? >> It's 500 feet. you take into account

[57:47] other right >> considerations but to avoid even getting

[57:50] into that [clears throat] analysis >> right I get you

[57:52] » all right so uh we are ready to vote we need a motion right

[57:56] » John I would move approval second >> okay um all in favor say I

[58:03] » I pass 40 with one recusal >> thank you

[58:06] » thanks David >> David if you wouldn't mind go retrieve

[58:10] director Biano from >> Sure

[58:14] » thank you. This brings us toformational items and reports.

[58:21] There was, I believe, one written communication included.

[58:25] Um, and then we have um this [clears throat]

[58:30] um conservation as a way of life compliance summary for CBWD. Adam, good

[58:36] morning. [clears throat] >> Good morning.

[58:41] » Morning, President Pal, members of the board. So, my name is Adam McUade,

[58:44] conservation manager, and I'm just providing a quickformational update on

[58:49] the district's compliance with the state's urban water use objective,

[58:54] otherwise known as the making conservation a California way of life

[58:58] regulation. Um, let's see if this is working.

[59:08] There we go. Um, so yeah, so with respect to the regulation, the

[59:12] district's required to submit the water use objective report annually. It's due

[59:17] January 1 of each year and it covers that prior fiscal year's consumption. So

[59:23] this compliance summary that was attached um that was due January 126 uh

[59:29] evaluated the fiscal year 25 consumption. So July 24th through June

[59:34] 25. Um this slide is just to provide a real quick overview of what the

[59:40] regulation is. Um so essentially the state is um assigning a water budget or

[59:46] the objective to each um water provider. Um this is the calculation

[59:52] um of how that objective is calculated. Um each of these components is

[59:58] aggregated into a total objective and the district's overall total use is

[1:00:04] compared to that total. So there's no requirement to meet each of these

[1:00:07] components individually. It's just looking at total use and the the overall

[1:00:11] objective. Um the regulation went into effect January 125 and it's um each of

[1:00:20] these components at different periods kind of tightens over the the next 15

[1:00:25] years and so the objective kind of becomes more restrictive as as time goes

[1:00:29] on. So to provide us time to implement programs and measures to to remain

[1:00:34] compliant. Um I picked out just a couple tables from the summary to just

[1:00:40] highlight everything. So like I mentioned um it's looking at just

[1:00:43] overall objective compared to use. You can see the district did meet the

[1:00:47] objective. >> So I just have a question.

[1:00:48] » Yeah. >> So we are mandated to tighten those

[1:00:53] » or is that a mandate that we put on oursel or the state has told us that we

[1:00:57] have to do that? the each of those standards is

[1:01:01] decreasing. So there's no like I mentioned there's no requirement to meet

[1:01:05] each thing individually but how the objective as a whole is being calculated

[1:01:10] is more restrictive. So our >> by by who?

[1:01:14] » Um so it's here this future standards is this table and so that's reflecting how

[1:01:19] each of those components >> but that's something that we put

[1:01:22] together or the state has said that we have to do.

[1:01:25] » Oh this is from the state. So I just don't want to get caught up like we

[1:01:29] don't have to say reduce the indoor standard because the our purpose is to

[1:01:35] meet the overall objective. So we can do that however we see fit but we do have

[1:01:40] the requirement to meet the overall objective.

[1:01:45] So um for example the residential indoor standard is reducing from the state is

[1:01:50] currently calculating that as a 55 gallons per capita per day by fiscal

[1:01:55] year 41. that's being they're how they're calculating that is reducing

[1:01:59] down to 42. But we don't necessarily have to do the

[1:02:04] same thing with how our indoor budget is calculated if that makes sense.

[1:02:09] » We just got to meet our budget. >> We just have to meet the overall total

[1:02:12] budget. So

[1:02:15] um yeah, so with the objective for this reporting period, it was calculated by

[1:02:21] the state to be um just under 95,000 acre feet. So 94,772.

[1:02:27] Um that was the state's calculation for the for the objective that we needed to

[1:02:31] meet and our water use was just over 93,000 acre feet. And so we met that. Um

[1:02:37] and as I mentioned there's some in the summary report there's some tables

[1:02:42] trying to kind of reflect what the estimated impacts are over the next 15

[1:02:47] years. You may see by um fiscal year 31 they're estimating we may have to reduce

[1:02:52] say 2% consumption to remain compliant. By fiscal year 41 we may have to

[1:02:58] conserve up to 16%. Um the primary drivers of that is going to be the uh

[1:03:04] commercial dedicated irrigation meters. Um how that landscape efficiency factor

[1:03:09] which is basically a combination of like plant factor and irrigation efficiency.

[1:03:14] You can see currently um it's just what we report as the objective. Um but

[1:03:19] that's going to adjust over the next several years once the the that those

[1:03:23] areas are mapped by the state. we evaluate and provide that mapping of how

[1:03:27] much area is being irrigated by those meters and then they're gonna

[1:03:31] » I just a little confused why I mean this sounds like

[1:03:36] uh for for for areas um or water districts that that are

[1:03:43] using that that aren't meeting the sigma

[1:03:46] requirements and that aren't um you know that are pulling more water out than

[1:03:51] they're putting in that I just don't understand Why were lumped into that

[1:03:56] this >> well this was a um regulation I don't

[1:04:02] know exactly when it was adopted I think 201617 state water board spent about

[1:04:07] five years developing the total regulation we were involved and flew up

[1:04:11] to Sacramento multiple times to provide public comment um on what was being

[1:04:16] proposed I believe initially it had maybe a 10-year roll out it was adjusted

[1:04:21] by the state I mean there is a lot of u negoti iating going on to to finalize

[1:04:27] the through the rule making process and this was what was developed and applies

[1:04:32] statewide. >> Nobody's exempt from this, right?

[1:04:36] » Correct. And this is the urban it's the urban water use objective so specific to

[1:04:40] urban use. Um, it's a I mean all our efforts put us in a great spot. We're

[1:04:45] compliant as it rolled out and minimal impacts over the f several first several

[1:04:51] years and um I mean that was why the big push was to give the provide the

[1:04:56] districts enough time to implement programs that they had time to meet that

[1:04:59] objective as those standards tightened by uh fiscal year 41.

[1:05:03] » But but everyone's household water budget everyone has an individual one.

[1:05:08] We we are going to tighten that. >> No, not necessarily. I mean,

[1:05:14] » we're going to we're going to decrease that every year.

[1:05:17] » No. >> Okay.

[1:05:18] » Well, that's up to you. >> That's up to the board.

[1:05:21] » Okay. It It sounds like that's >> that's what we've we've put in stone

[1:05:26] that it's >> No, no, it's one of the components. I

[1:05:28] mean, as Adam said, you know, the indoor water budget is one of the components,

[1:05:33] but it's one of a of a few. back up to the previous slide where you see all the

[1:05:39] » and so over time the you know if we have to reduce our the overall water budget

[1:05:44] for the district by 16% by 2040 we'll look at other ways of doing that. We're

[1:05:50] continuing our conservation programs and you know I think we've really done an

[1:05:55] excellent job in in meeting all the requirements that the states put on us.

[1:06:00] We had the 20 by 2020 20% reduction by 2020. Um and we met that. I think our

[1:06:08] number was we exceeded it by 12% I think. So we reduced by 32%.

[1:06:14] So I think we're in a really good shape. It's going to be up to the board over,

[1:06:18] you know, maybe we don't have to do anything. Maybe we just continue with

[1:06:22] our current conservation programs >> and our rebate programs. And then and

[1:06:26] then also all the new homes that are being built between now and 2041

[1:06:32] » and that will increase have a have a way different standard. I mean the look is

[1:06:35] completely different. >> They're they're and that those homes are

[1:06:39] going to >> be calculated with the current homes and

[1:06:43] so Okay. >> Yeah. And and just so the board knows I

[1:06:47] mean we engaged on this regulation quite actively. We wrote letters along with

[1:06:53] every other water agency. There was one state water board meeting. I think it

[1:06:58] started at like 9 in the morning and it was still going on at 10:00 at night.

[1:07:04] There was a lot of engagement on this. I had calculated some rough estimate that

[1:07:09] it would cost our customers $800 million to comply at one point with a previous

[1:07:15] draft of that regulation. Um, so it would have been pretty

[1:07:19] draconian, but we the water agencies really um kind of engaged on it and got

[1:07:26] a regulation that made more sense. So I think CVWD is in a great place.

[1:07:32] » Good. That's good news. You know, something to think about next time that

[1:07:36] that we have to go up and talk to the board is

[1:07:40] if there were some way to get relief from Prop 218, that would really help us

[1:07:44] to >> incentivize this.

[1:07:50] » Yes, sir. I'll send you uh Aqua just recently sent out an update. There is

[1:07:55] legislation proceeding forward on 218. Uh and so I'll I'll give you I'll send a

[1:08:00] couple >> you know I mean that

[1:08:02] » yeah that's John that's super important because you know challenged on um you

[1:08:08] know tiered rates and so forth and when when I look at this plus plus and uh you

[1:08:13] know in the urban area this the tiered rates are um are an effective tool um

[1:08:20] for conservation and you take that tool away

[1:08:24] » and now you're putting the cost of conservation on the least able to afford

[1:08:30] uh water and that's just a policy issue that the state should be very concerned

[1:08:36] with about throwing all this conservation cost onto disadvantaged

[1:08:40] communities. >> I agree.

[1:08:44] » That is it. Any further questions? >> No. Thank you.

[1:08:47] » No.

[1:08:51] » Yeah. Thanks, Adam. Uh this brings us to board general

[1:08:56] comments. >> Director Nelson.

[1:09:00] » Oh gosh, I'll tell you. So the my water report today uh in one word, dry.

[1:09:06] » U when you look at uh Utah has just said that their snow pack is five times worse

[1:09:14] than the worst snow pack they've ever had. and the the runoff uh from in the

[1:09:20] Colorado basin is now down to 22% u of normal. Um so that's going to be

[1:09:28] draw uh that's going to be you know devastating to Lake Pal. So even with a

[1:09:34] a DROA contribution where they're bringing water from Flaming Gorge and

[1:09:38] Luke Mesa down to PAL um it's likely that uh there's going to have to be a

[1:09:45] reduction of the 7.23 two three uh planned uh movement of water from Pal

[1:09:50] down to Lake Me which is going to hurt Lake Me because it's been suggested as

[1:09:55] low as six million acre feet and I think that's probably the number that we're

[1:09:59] going to see. So that would put like PAL uh in the fall and in December down in

[1:10:05] the uh,25,050

[1:10:10] uh uh lake elevation which u with a 6 million acre foot release which is going

[1:10:16] to be um pretty close at the bottom of where we plan for in the drought

[1:10:22] contingency plan u and it'd be maximum uh contributions if that program is

[1:10:28] implemented. And I think for Coachella it's somewhere between 26 and 34,000

[1:10:33] acre feet which I I think is very manageable for for us without any you

[1:10:39] know farming or golf course uh cretailment. So I think you know we can

[1:10:44] manage through it but uh for the long term it's it presents you know huge huge

[1:10:48] » problem. But but would you say that another year like this would really

[1:10:55] put the ultimate strain on the system if we had another winter like this?

[1:10:59] » Yeah. Yeah. And that was really the average that was really the concern in

[1:11:04] 2022 uh in 2021. I mean that's I mean

[1:11:08] » were we worse then than we are now? We we were about the same spot,

[1:11:13] » but but but we had a snow pack in 2023 that really saved our our behinds uh in

[1:11:21] there. So that's kind of what we need now. So yeah, it's going to be

[1:11:26] challenging. So sorry to leave you with conditions.

[1:11:29] » Thanks. >> Yeah, but you're not leaving the board.

[1:11:32] » We're leaving the Colorado River Board, right? No, I requested Director Nelson's

[1:11:37] water hydrarology report because it's always so good. But it is it's good in a

[1:11:43] packed with negative information, but it's still very good.

[1:11:46] » Yeah. So, a couple things on the board, right? The Colorado River Board.

[1:11:50] » That's up to us. >> Okay. Yeah, it's up to you guys.

[1:11:53] » Yeah. >> Yeah. I've offered to stay on and it's

[1:11:56] up to you guys. So, whatever whatever you want to do.

[1:11:59] » Um but I I you know, I think I could be of service to you all. Um so with that

[1:12:05] um there's until August 15th which is the 24 month study that is used for the

[1:12:12] 2027 annual operating plan. That's the that's the typically the studies the

[1:12:21] runoff's done the water use done it plans for releases for 2027.

[1:12:26] So, um, we there's 123 days to that point. And so, in that time, you know,

[1:12:33] some kind of agreement's got to be made. And, um, Doug Burman, the Secretary of

[1:12:38] the Interior, said nobody's going to be happy and, you know, no trueer word

[1:12:43] spoken, >> right? So,

[1:12:45] » but uh >> I will report on a couple meetings I had

[1:12:48] with Robert in um in the interimm in terms of um you know potential

[1:12:57] addressing of the situation and so forth. So, I'll I'll report on those.

[1:13:01] » Okay. >> Um Director Aguilar,

[1:13:05] » no comments. >> Biano,

[1:13:07] » no comments. >> None.

[1:13:09] » All right. And I'll I'll uh pass also Um, do we have any board requests for

[1:13:16] future agenda items? We do have a special what is the

[1:13:23] » We do have We had a previously a hold for a study session and we've uh changed

[1:13:27] that to a special board meeting next Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. and it is to

[1:13:31] address the division for board vacancy and that will be the only item on the

[1:13:35] agenda. >> Yes. Perfect. Um, okay.

[1:13:39] » That's on our calendar. >> That's next Tuesday at 1:30.

[1:13:42] » Yes. You should all counter. >> It is.

[1:13:44] » Yeah, [laughter] >> I'm sure it is. I believe you.

[1:13:47] » We need you. >> I don't know if you've accepted, but

[1:13:49] it's Vincent. >> I'll be there.

[1:13:54] Good. Uh, meetings. Let's start. We have director Strada on this water education

[1:14:01] for Latino leaders. >> Yeah, I that should be removed. I was uh

[1:14:05] not able to attend that well in advance provided notification to staff but it

[1:14:10] must have stayed in the >> that that was an oversight on on our

[1:14:12] part. We we inadvertently added that >> senior inspiration director Aguular.

[1:14:18] » Yes. So um uh as always that's a really great event um held this year at the

[1:14:24] Hyatt. Sorry held this year at the Hyatt and we had a full table this year um

[1:14:29] thanks to Scott and several members of his staff. We also had Bob McKenna who's

[1:14:35] the former uh director of the senior center in Cathedral City and his guest

[1:14:40] and uh it was good good you know good contacts. I had the opportunity to chat

[1:14:44] with Amber and Russ Martin from Mission Springs and uh we got some nice

[1:14:50] publicity in the brochure here. Okay. >> So it was a great event.

[1:14:53] » Good. Very nice. April one we have a discussion. Director Nelson.

[1:15:00] » Uh yeah. So last meeting I had brought up that the state water resources

[1:15:03] control board had issued their draft uh water right for sites reservoir and that

[1:15:08] there were some uh issues that were concerning uh in there. Uh I had a

[1:15:14] conversation with Robert uh uh on the 1st. Uh he was headed off to a uh sites

[1:15:21] reservoir committee meeting the next day and um and so uh you know expressed

[1:15:27] concern about um which of the issues that the state water board ruled on were

[1:15:34] of consequence and which were not. and um so had a good conversation and um

[1:15:40] obviously there's uh we're going to come back the reservoir committee um which he

[1:15:45] met with the next day you know took some of our comments and concerns uh to heart

[1:15:50] there so that was it >> good good April 7th Eastern Kella Valley

[1:15:56] water supply project workshop director

[1:16:01] » uh yeah so that that's uh it's a workshop uh

[1:16:07] We we're working on on the updating the eastern Kacha Valley water supply plan

[1:16:11] and the sewer consolidation plants that we put back uh we put these together

[1:16:15] back in like 2018 2019 and so there's been a number of projects that have been

[1:16:20] complete. Uh there might be some new existing um small water systems out

[1:16:25] there that we need to account for. So it's it's just to try to put an update

[1:16:30] to this older plant. Uh the it was a pretty packed room. Um there

[1:16:37] was different folks there from housing coalition, uh nonprofits, um community

[1:16:44] members, uh mobile home park owners, etc.

[1:16:49] And so we um you know, we talked about why we were doing this. We had a a few

[1:16:55] exercises that we did to try to figure out what as as we move to prioritize

[1:17:02] these projects. We we're trying to figure out what criteria we should look

[1:17:06] at. And so we had an exercise to get a sense from the community and others what

[1:17:12] um the priorities should be that we consider. and uh looks like um we have a

[1:17:20] um a lot of interest and so I think it's going to be good and we we'll continue

[1:17:24] to talk about this in our DAC meetings and so maybe there's another workshop

[1:17:30] coming up again I don't know how many we have scheduled but does uh anybody here

[1:17:35] from >> none currently scheduled

[1:17:38] » none okay so we'll just continue to talk about it in the task force meeting so

[1:17:42] » it was good it was good um lengthy but it went

[1:17:45] That's it. Good. Uh, Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, Director Agal.

[1:17:50] » Yeah, John, I would just point out that uh on both the Energy Conservation

[1:17:54] Commission and on the uh Sustainability Energy Commission, I did not attend uh

[1:18:00] in part because I was not notified >> to attend. So, just for the record, I

[1:18:04] wanted to get that on there. >> Um, and then lastly, I'll just go ahead

[1:18:10] with the last item, John. >> Yeah.

[1:18:12] » Yeah. I'm speaking tomorrow at the Coachell Valley local government vendor

[1:18:16] fair that's going to be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center. And so I met

[1:18:20] with staff to uh Scott and and his folks to develop some speaking points. They

[1:18:25] expect about 400 people businesses to attend. So we have a chance to to tell

[1:18:30] folks how to do business with us and I'm looking forward to that.

[1:18:33] » Okay. All right. Good. That's great. >> Yeah. Interesting.

[1:18:36] » And I had an emergency or I would have been at both of those. I was planning on

[1:18:39] it but I just I had to cancel last minute. All right.

[1:18:42] » Yeah. >> And and just for clarification, Director

[1:18:44] Agular, I believe, serves as the alternate, but does not intend unless

[1:18:48] notified. So, that was an oversight on on our part. So, I apologize for that.

[1:18:52] » All right. Uh are there any other meetings we need

[1:18:56] to report on? >> I I have a couple, John. Um first, uh

[1:19:02] Robert did meet at the sites reservoir committee and then we we met afterwards

[1:19:07] on the third um via phone and uh we talked about the sites board um

[1:19:16] addressing those concerns that they have with the with the a board. So our our

[1:19:20] comments were were very well taken there uh and um much like some of the others

[1:19:25] too but uh very well taken. So the sites committee is going to be doing a lot of

[1:19:31] study on that. Um, and then also we talked about some of the strategies uh

[1:19:37] to uh think about addressing uh any curtailments uh that might come with

[1:19:44] Colorado River this year uh in terms of implementing the DCP or uh trying to get

[1:19:52] the federal government to which would be kind of a last minute push uh to push to

[1:19:58] continue some of the conservation programs that are occurring right now

[1:20:02] both in Imperial, Coachella, um, Palverity and all of California. Um,

[1:20:08] which would include some funding. So, uh be aware of that and um you know look

[1:20:14] [snorts] look for some of those opportunities that u um can go through

[1:20:20] um you know the DCP implementation or uh advocating with Congress for um

[1:20:28] continuation of some of those programs. So

[1:20:30] » good that that should be on your radar. And then on um on the 9th um I attended

[1:20:37] my last um state water contractors reservoir committee and um and the story

[1:20:45] there is the same story as on the Colorado in terms of you know there's a

[1:20:49] 30% allocation they're going to be able to meet that uh on the state water

[1:20:54] project uh but behind it uh both at uh lake uh Orville uh is you know not is uh

[1:21:04] going to receive not as much uh runoff and then what's behind it is is

[1:21:10] pretty low. So there's some concerns. In fact, the CBP the state uh the central

[1:21:16] valley project fryant division is actually reduced their their releases um

[1:21:23] out of fryant which from 100 down to 80 or 85 or they're planning on doing that

[1:21:28] in the next couple days. So, uh, that puts more pressure on on the state water

[1:21:34] project system as those guys try and move water around from the aqueduct over

[1:21:40] to the Frankal. So, um, last meeting there, same story. It's turning out dry.

[1:21:48] » Yeah. >> Yeah.

[1:21:50] » I think I've heard enough from you. [laughter]

[1:21:54] » Too much dry. >> Get a late storm recently that helped.

[1:21:57] And then there's there's another storm coming in. We're going to have a few in

[1:22:02] April, it looks like. >> I love your optimism. And in fact,

[1:22:04] » I [snorts] mean, it's not going to get us out, but it's but it's it's not going

[1:22:07] to hurt. >> It snowed at Big Bear last night.

[1:22:10] » Yes. >> Yeah. So, uh crazy.

[1:22:12] » And they got they got a foot of snow in uh in Mammoth and um that's making its

[1:22:17] way to I'm sure to Colorado. >> Let's hope so.

[1:22:21] » Utah. >> Yeah, let's hope so.

[1:22:23] » Yeah, >> that' be four times worse. Not

[1:22:24] » you need to be optimistic. [laughter] Uh, any other reports? Is there a motion

[1:22:30] to approve PDM for the meetings reported on?

[1:22:33] » I'll make a motion. >> Second. All in favor say I.

[1:22:37] » I. >> I. 50.

[1:22:41] » General manager report. >> Yes, sir. Just a couple of things. Um,

[1:22:45] I've been asked by Mission Springs Water District to come attend their study

[1:22:49] session on Thursday uh the 16th at 3 p.m. to uh they will pass a resolution

[1:22:56] on the ID8 uh transfer. I'm not sure yet whether we have to uh this board has to

[1:23:02] also provide a resolution. My my understanding was we just had to provide

[1:23:06] a letter of intent but as we get further into the details um I may be coming

[1:23:11] back. I have not heard. I attended uh a Miami Dunes uh board meeting on the 1st

[1:23:17] of April. You uh may recall that we're on the other side of that transfer as

[1:23:22] the recipient. Um but they didn't have an update. Uh asked us if we had any

[1:23:27] information and I said no, I had not. Um so I'm not sure what the timeline for

[1:23:32] that one is. Uh the other big issue that we've got is uh we have recruited um for

[1:23:38] the for Carrie's vacancy the director of engineering. We've got about 30 apps.

[1:23:43] They're being reviewed now by the uh recruiter, the executive recruiter, and

[1:23:47] we'll hopefully start uh some interviews.

[1:23:50] I don't know that we'll get them by the end of this month, but we'll certainly

[1:23:52] be doing that early next month. >> So, we have a third party recruiter on

[1:23:57] » Yeah. >> on uh

[1:23:58] » Yeah, we typically use a recruiter for the executive team members.

[1:24:02] » Okay. >> Because we want a broad um

[1:24:04] » Sure. >> broad aperture on those. And that's all

[1:24:07] I've got, sir. >> Thank you. Council report. Yes. I'd just

[1:24:11] like to thank Director Nelson on behalf of myself and our firm uh for giving us

[1:24:16] the opportunity to be general counsel. This district is a very prestigious,

[1:24:22] large, influential client, not just for me, but for our firm. We appreciate it.

[1:24:26] » Thank you. >> Do we have any departmental reports?

[1:24:30] » Yes, sir. I believe waiting extremely patiently in the audience is Joanne. Uh

[1:24:35] she'd like to make an introduction. >> Come on up, Joanne.

[1:24:42] Good morning, President Pound and members of the board. I'm very thrilled

[1:24:46] to introduce Lupe Lara. She's our new environmental services administrator

[1:24:51] that's leading the water resources planning team to continue to uh manage

[1:24:57] the or you know uh feeding into the long-term management of the uh Mission

[1:25:04] Creek and India subbasins sustainably um in collaboration with our GSAs. And

[1:25:10] Peter, thanks for all you do >> um and we'll continue this this effort.

[1:25:15] » Did you say Lupe? >> Lupe. Yes. Law, well, welcome.

[1:25:19] » Thank you. Appreciate it. Um, yeah, thank you board all for having me. I'm

[1:25:24] really excited to be part of um really such a team filled with uh expertise

[1:25:30] really is what the the division is what I've come to know to be filled with. Um

[1:25:35] I am a Southern California native, but I do come from uh central Washington. I

[1:25:41] was with Department of Army, so recently moved down here back to back to my

[1:25:45] roots. So really excited to to be part of the team.

[1:25:48] » Oh, welcome. >> Thank you.

[1:25:49] » It's an important role. >> Very important.

[1:25:53] » Yeah. Good. >> Big role to fill

[1:25:55] » again. Welcome. Look >> forward to it. Thank you.

[1:25:57] » Yeah. >> Any other department reports?

[1:26:02] » No, sir. Nobody's jumping up. >> No, I don't see any others. And um we do

[1:26:06] not have a closed session. >> We do not.

[1:26:09] » No, but we do have an activity that the audience is welcome to join in.

[1:26:15] uh in the uh board conference room. I think we have some cake and an

[1:26:20] opportunity to personally uh provide well-wishing to uh director.

[1:26:26] » Okay. Well, good. And with no further business, we're adjourned. Thank you.

[1:26:30] Thank you.

Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors - 04/14/2026

Transcript