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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-01-26 Board Meeting Minutes 1 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS OF THE OTAY WATER DISTRICT AND OTAY WATER DISTRICT FINANCING AUTHORITY April 1, 2026 The meeting was called to order by President Rivera at 3:30 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL Directors Present: Rivera, Robak, Gonzalez, and Croucher Directors Absent: Lopez Staff Present: General Manager, Jose Martinez; General Counsel, Dan Shinoff; Chief Financial Officer, Joe Beachem; Chief of Administrative Services, Kevin Koeppen; Engineering Manager, Michael Long; Chief of Operations, Andrew Jackson; and District Secretary, Jenny Diaz. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA President Rivera indicated that Board action was required to approve the remote attendance of Director Croucher. A motion to approve the remote attendance of Director Croucher was made by Director Robak, seconded by Director Gonzalez, and carried with the following vote: Ayes: Directors Rivera, Robak, and Gonzalez Noes: None Abstain: Director Croucher Absent: Director Lopez A motion to approve the agenda was made by Director Croucher, seconded by Director Gonzalez, and carried with the following vote: Ayes: Directors Rivera, Robak, Gonzalez, and Croucher Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Director Lopez 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF MARCH 4, 2026 2 A motion to approve the minutes of the regular board meeting of March 4, 2026, was made by Director Robak, seconded by Director Gonzalez, and carried with the following vote: Ayes: Directors Rivera, Robak, Gonzalez, and Croucher Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Director Lopez 5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD ON ANY SUBJECT MATTER WITHIN THE BOARD'S JURISDICTION BUT NOT AN ITEM ON TODAY'S AGENDA President Rivera opened the floor for public participation on any subject matter within the board’s jurisdiction. There were no requests to speak from virtual attendees or from anyone present in the Board room. ACTION ITEMS 6. BOARD a) ADOPT THE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM POLICY GUIDELINES AND THE ANTICIPATED 2026 TOP 10 LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY PRIORITIES (TENILLE OTERO) Communications Officer, Tenille Otero, presented the District's Legislative Program Policy Guidelines and Top 10 Priorities for 2026, which provide a framework for responding to legislation. Staff recommended maintaining the 2025 format. Ms. Otero introduced Baltazar Cornejo, Senior Policy Advisor, at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP. Mr. Cornejo presented a legislative overview, noting that approximately 1,800 bills were introduced. Key topics included those shown in the attached presentation. Board members were provided an opportunity for comments and/or questions. President Rivera inquired about affordability and the funding source for rate assistance, specifically whether it would come from the general fund. Mr. Cornejo indicated that the general fund has been the source discussed. President Rivera further inquired about water supply management, noting that he had heard about the DCP project and related opposition, and asked Mr. Cornejo if he recalled the specific concerns raised. Mr. Cornejo indicated that Native American tribes and environmental organizations have raised concerns about the impacts of constructing the tunnel, noting that the cost-benefit analysis does not appear to align. 3 Director Croucher thanked staff for providing the information requested. He noted that the Board had previously requested the ability to evaluate the history of baseline changes for year-to-year comparisons, and staff responded by providing that information. Following the Directors’ comments, a motion to adopt the Legislative Program Policy Guidelines and the Anticipated 2026 Top 10 Legislative and Regulatory Priorities was made by Director Gonzalez, seconded by Director Robak, and carried with the following vote: Ayes: Directors Rivera, Robak, Gonzalez, and Croucher Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Director Lopez PUBLIC HEARING 7. PUBLIC HEARING ON BOARD OF DIRECTORS PER DIEM RATE THE BOARD WILL BE HOLDING A PUBLIC HEARING TO HEAR THE PUBLIC’S COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED 4.97% INCREASE TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ PER DIEM RATE FOR ATTENDING MEETINGS AND PERFORMING THE DUTIES OF THEIR OFFICE a) ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 603 TO APROVE THE PROPOSED 4.97% INCREASE TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ PER DIEM RATE FOR ATTENDING MEETINGS AND PERFORMING THE DUTIES OF THEIR OFFICE, AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 4471 AMENDING POLICY 08 TO REFLECT THE NEW PER DIEM RATE President Rivera opened the public hearing and General Manager Martinez presented the resolution. The General Manager indicated that, by law, the Board’s per diem may be updated annually, not to exceed 5%, and that the current proposal reflects a modest increase of just under 5%. The resolution is intended to amend the per diem and incorporate administrative updates only, with no functional changes, reflecting updated language and revised committee and group names. President Rivera opened the public hearing for comments. Following no public comments, President Rivera closed the public hearing. Board members were provided an opportunity for comments and/or questions. Following no comments or questions from the Board, a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 603 to approve the proposed 4.97% increase to the Board’s per diem rate and adopt Resolution No. 4471 amending Policy 08 to reflect the new per diem rate was made by Director Robak, seconded by Director Gonzalez, and carried with the following vote: 4 Ayes: Directors Rivera, Robak, Gonzalez, and Croucher Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Director Lopez CONSENT ITEMS 8. ITEMS TO BE ACTED UPON WITHOUT DISCUSSION, UNLESS A REQUEST IS MADE BY A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OR THE PUBLIC TO DISCUSS A PARTICULAR ITEM: a) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 4472 AMENDING POLICY 29, CLAIMS HANDLING PROCEDURE, TO DELEGATE AUTHORITY TO THE GENERAL MANAGER TO TAKE ACTION ON GOVERNMENT CLAIMS (JOSE MARTINEZ) b) AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH REWARD STRATEGY GROUP, INC. FOR A CLASSIFICATION AND TOTAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS STUDY FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $119,480 (SUZIE LAWSON) President Rivera asked if any Directors had any comments; they did not. A motion to approve the consent calendar items was made by Director Robak, seconded by Director Gonzalez, and carried with the following vote: Ayes: Directors Rivera, Robak, Gonzalez, and Croucher Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Director Lopez ACTION ITEMS 9. BOARD a) APPROVE THE DISTRICT’S PROPOSED FY2027 – FY2030 STRATEGIC PLAN (MICHAEL KERR) Information Technology Manager, Michael Kerr, began by acknowledging the Board and General Manager for their support throughout the process. He noted that contributions from the Chiefs and staff were also instrumental in developing the Strategic Plan. Mr. Kerr introduced representatives from The Hive Consulting Group, Rex Sanders and Rafael Silva, who were present to address questions from the Board. Mr. Kerr expressed his appreciation for their support throughout this process. Mr. Kerr presented the proposed plan as summarized in the attached presentation. 5 President Rivera indicated it was great working with The Hive and staff on the Strategic Plan update. President Rivera inquired about adopting new technology for asset management. Staff confirmed they are exploring vetted technologies. Director Croucher indicated he had no questions and stated he was comfortable with the Strategic Plan after reviewing it with the General Manager. Director Gonzalez inquired about leadership development programs and whether they had been previously established or were new. Chief of Administrative Services, Kevin Koeppen, indicated that this is a continuation of an existing initiative in the Strategic Plan. Mr. Koeppen noted that the District supports staff development through training opportunities, including programs with The Centre for Organization Effectiveness, as well as internal processes for identifying and developing leaders, and additional training for new supervisors and managers on topics they may not have previously encountered. Noting the District’s answer rate, Director Gonzalez expressed concern over the District’s low public Google rating, urging focus on improving public-facing satisfaction metrics. Director Robak sought more detail on the AI component and stressed its importance for efficiency. General Manager Martinez confirmed it’s a standalone initiative and the District must first establish an AI governance framework. Director Robak commented on the communications demographic, noting that it is foundational. He emphasized the importance of using all available avenues to effectively reach customers and expressed confidence in the District’s communications strategy. Director Robak also inquired why certain metrics were not benchmarked against AWWA standards. Mr. Kerr explained that many of the metrics are not included in AWWA benchmarks and noted that they were originally established by a prior Board and staff. Following no further comments from the Board, a motion to approve the District’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 – 2030 Strategic Plan was made by Director Croucher, seconded by Director Robak, and carried with the following vote: Ayes: Directors Rivera, Robak, Gonzalez, and Croucher Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Director Lopez The Hive representative, Mr. Sanders, thanked the Board for inviting him and Mr. Silva to today’s meeting. He noted that they do not often have the opportunity to see how their work is implemented and expressed appreciation for the collaboration with 6 the Board and staff. President Rivera thanked Mr. Sanders for his remarks and for his assistance in supporting the District’s Strategic Plan. b) DISCUSS THE 2026 BOARD MEETING CALENDAR (JENNY DIAZ) District Secretary Jenny Diaz reminded the Board of the upcoming committee and special board meetings, which are scheduled as follows: The Engineering, Operations, and Water Resources Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 12:00 pm. The Finance & Administration Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 12:00 pm. The Special Board Meeting for the Budget Workshop will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 12:00 pm. General Manager Martinez also reminded the Board of its prior approval to reschedule the May Board meeting, which will now be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. No other changes were noted or made to the Board meeting calendar. REPORTS 10. GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT General Manager Martinez announced the District’s 70th anniversary commemoration, noting its theme of “70 Years of Service to Our Community”. He noted that staff continue working on finalizing the webpage and social media efforts, developing outreach materials, and will continue promoting the anniversary throughout the year. He also reported the sobering news from the April 1st snowpack survey, which indicated the second-lowest measurement on record (less than 20% of the normal). 11. SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY UPDATE President Rivera reported on a new water transfer agreement with Western Municipal Water District (expected to bring in about $100 million over 30 years), a tour of the Colorado River Aqueduct, and a tour of the Carlsbad Desalination Plant. Director Robak expressed concern that the Carlsbad Desalination Plant is on leased land, which could complicate a future purchase by the Water Authority. 12. METRO WASTEWATER JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY UPDATE Director Robak indicated there was nothing to report as last month’s meeting was cancelled and the next meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, April 2nd. MARCH 31,2026 A FRESH LOOK AT THE Lessons inspired by the Opening General Session and the Albert Robles Education Center tour, with a focus on how water education can strengthen public trust, stewardship, and long-term resilience. MARCH 31,2026 Water education is not a side activity — it is part of the work. One of the clearest messages from the Symposium was that water leadership today must include public understanding, not just technical excellence. In the Opening General Session, Philippe Cousteau helped frame education as a force multiplier for environmental action and intergenerational stewardship. His leadership through EarthEcho International, which has activated more than 2 million youth in 146 countries, reinforces a powerful truth: when people understand water, they are more ready to protect it. BIG TAKEWAY WHAT STOOD OUT AT THE ALBERT ROBLES EDUCATION CENTER The strongest lesson: infrastructure can also be a classroom. The Albert Robles Education Center was presented as more than an advanced water treatment site. It is a LEED Platinum campus that combines a state-of-the-art purification facility with a fully digital bilingual Learning Center, demonstration gardens, and public gathering spaces. The tour highlighted the treatment process — ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet advanced oxidation — while also showing how interactive exhibits and landscape features help the public understand the full water story. The model was powerful because it connected technology, place, and public learning in one experience. MARCH 31,2026 MARCH 31,2026 WHAT WRD SHOWED THROUGH ITS EDUCATION MODEL Education works best when it is visible, layered, and designed for many audiences. From the session slides and remarks, WRD showed an outreach model that welcomes community members, elected officials, visitors, and peer agencies into the learning process. Their approach includes public tours, school engagement, student art programming, eco-gardener education, and workforce development. The facility also includes 40 bilingual water exhibits and more than an acre of demonstration gardens, showing how education can be immersive, multilingual, and rooted in everyday experience. WHY THIS MATTERS FOR OTAY Otay already has real building blocks for a stronger water education strategy. Otay already supports an annual student poster contest, Hydro Station, Splash Science Labs, school assemblies, and education partnerships that help students learn about the water cycle, water quality, conservation, and careers in the water sector. Otay is also connected to the Water Conservation Garden, which offers public classes, school tours, adult group tours, and outreach programming. MARCH 31,2026 At the same time, Otay’s long-term planning emphasizes conservation, recycled water, and reducing demand for more expensive imported water. That makes public education especially important: people are more likely to support wise water policy when they understand where water comes from and how local resilience is built. WHAT WE CAN BRING HOME I believe Otay can deepen its leadership in water education by making it more connected, more visible, and more community-facing. Create a clearer education pathway from elementary learning to adult public education and workforce awareness. Tell the water story more simply and more visually — especially around imported water, conservation, recycled water, and regional resilience. Expand multilingual and interactive public learning tools so education reaches families across generations and language communities. Make tours and civic learning more intentional for residents, schools, elected leaders, and community partners. Elevate student creativity through poster, art, or calendar-style programs that keep water education visible all year long. Connect education to future careers so young people can see themselves in the water sector. MARCH 31,2026 MARCH 31,2026 THE VISIONIN ACTION Water education is how we build trust before crisis, stewardship before scarcity, and leadership before the next generation is asked to carry more than it should. MARCH 31,2026 THANKYOU SUMMARY OF FORMAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING MARCH 19, 2026 1. Exchange Water Delivery Agreement with Western Municipal Water District. The Board ratified an Exchange Water Delivery Agreement Between the San Diego County Water Authority and Western Municipal Water District. 2. Amend Agreement for Consulting Services with M Strategic Communications. The Board amended the agreement with M Strategic Communications for continued consulting services for the Water Authority through February 29, 2028, by $192,000 for a period of 24 additional months with total contract funding not to exceed $2,562,000. 3. Monthly Treasurer’s Report on Investments and Cash Flow. The Board noted and filed the monthly Treasurer’s Report 4. Approve City of San Diego Compensation Agreements and Accept Proceeds from the Transfer of Former Redevelopment Agency Parcels in San Diego, California. 1) The Board authorized the General Manager to enter into a compensation agreement with the City of San Diego and accepted proceeds from real property transfer to the City (Naval Training Center Site) amounting to $2,742.07; and 2) The Board authorized the General Manager to enter into a compensation agreement with the City of San Diego and accepted proceeds from real property transfer to the City (Walker Scott Site) amounting to $1,664.05; and 3) The Board authorized the General Manager to enter into a compensation agreement with the City of San Diego and accepted proceeds from real property transfer to the City (Chinese Historical Museum Site) amounting to $337.15. 5. Approve Capacity Fee Refund to KD Logan LLC. The Board authorized the General Manager to issue a capacity charges refund in the amount of $107,179.00 to KD Logan LLC (property owner). 6. Approve the Recommended Debt Management Activities. 1) The Board authorized staff to schedule Debt Management Activities including the issuance of a new Senior Lien Water Revenue Bond to fund the Capital Improvement Program, restructuring Series 11 of the Commercial Paper Program, and refunding of select Senior Lien bonds; and 2) The Board authorized the selection of the Financing Parties for associated Debt Management Activities. 2 7. Adopt positions on various bills. 1) The Board adopted a position of Oppose on H.R. 7078, the Equal Access to the Colorado River Act (Schweikert); and 2) The Board adopted a position of Support on S. 3923, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act (Cruz and Cantwell); and 3) The Board adopted a position of Support on AB 2180, Proposition 218 Omnibus Implementation Act: proportional cost of service (Ward); and 4) The Board adopted a position of Oppose unless amended on AB 2013, Fire risk areas: water suppliers: emergency preparedness plan (Bennett); and 5) The Board adopted a position of Support on SB 1153: Disaster preparedness: urban retail water suppliers and public water systems: wildfire (Caballero). 8. Approval of Minutes. The Board approved the minutes of the Formal Board of Directors’ meetings of February 26, 2026. OTAY WATER DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS PER DIEM AND MILEAGE CLAIM FORM Pay To: Francisco X. Rivera Period Covered: Employee Number: From: 03/01/26 To: 03/31/26 ITEM DATE MEETING PURPOSE / ISSUES DISCUSSED 1 03/17/26 SDCWA Agenda Briefing Meeting with GM & Director Robak. Discussed SDCWA Agenda items: Transfer Agreement with Western Municipal Water Authority, FY budget & contracts (Teams). 2 03/18//26 SDCWA South & East Caucus meeting at Denny’s Navajo Road, El Cajon. Local Water Authority meeting with SDCWA GM to discuss Board Agenda items (Water Transfer). 3 03/18/26 Ad Hoc OWD Negotiations Meeting with consultant (Teams). Discussed necessary work items for upcoming employee labor contract with GM, Director Lopez and consultant team (Teams). (No Charge) 4 03/26/26 OWD Board of Directors Agenda Briefing with Acting GM Jackson. Reviewed the draft April OWD Board of Directors agenda with Acting GM Jackson & Legal Counsel D. Shinoff (Teams). 5 03/30/26 Phone call meeting with OWD GM on April Board meeting & matters. Phone call meeting with OWD GM Martinez to discuss Board Agenda items & OWD matters. Mark Robak From:3/1/2026 3/31/2026 ITEM DATE MEETING PURPOSE / ISSUES 1 3/4/2026 Otay Water District Monthly Board Meeting 2 3/6/2026 East County Chamber of Commerce First Friday Breakfast - NO CHARGE 3 3/12/2026 Otay Water District Committee Agenda Briefing 4 3/17/2026 East County Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee 5 3/17/2026 Otay Water District Discuss upcoming SDCWA Board Meeting with Otay GM - NO CHARGE 6 3/18/2026 East County Caucus Discuss upcoming SDCWA Board Meeting with neighboring agencies - NO CHARGE 7 3/18/2026 East County EDC Monthly Board Meeting - NO CHARGE 8 3/18/2026 East County Chamber of Commerce Dine & Dialogue with Supervisor Joel Anderson -NO CHARGE 9 3/18/2026 Otay Water District Conservation, Public Relations, Legal, and Legislative (CPRL&L) Committee 10 3/20/2026 East County Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffee Connect at Rancho San Diego YMCA - NO CHARGE 11 3/26/2026 East County Chamber of Commerce Monthly Board Meeting 12 3/27/2026 Helix Water District Grand opening of their electric vehicle charging hub - NO CHARGE OTAY WATER DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS PER-DIEM AND MILEAGE CLAIM FORM Pay To:Period Covered Employee Number BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS ATTENDED FORM Submitted by the District Secretary on behalf of the Board Director Pay To: Jose Lopez Period Covered: 03/01/2026 to 03/31/2026 ITEM DATE MEETING PURPOSE / ISSUES DISCUSSED 1 03/03/26 South County Economic Development Council Monthly Meeting 2 03/04/26 OWD Regular Board Meeting Monthly Meeting 3 03/06/26 Water Conservation Garden Tomatomania 4 03/12/26 Other - Pre-approved by the Board President FLOW Monthly Meeting (Zoom) 5 03/18/26 OWD Committee Meeting CPRL&L 6 03/18/26 Other - No Charge Employee Negotiations 7 03/27/26 Other - No Charge Albondigas