Director Palmer moved to approve the minutes from the regular Board meeting on January 15, 2025, seconded by Director Green. The motion was approved by a 5-0 roll call vote.

Item 8 -

8. Consent Calendar

Director Palmer moved to approve Items 8a and 8b and Director Green seconded the motion. The Consent Calendar was approved by a roll call vote of 5-0.

Item 9 -

9. Ratify Resolution to Dissolve the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Joint Powers Authority

Valerie Pryor, General Manager, provided an overview of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project, which would have expanded an existing Contra Costa Water District reservoir and allowed agencies such as Zone 7 to participate in additional water storage. However, in September 2024, the Contra Costa Water District Board decided to withdraw from the project, effectively ending its feasibility. As part of the original initiative, a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) was formed, with Zone 7 being a member. Director Narum served as Zone 7's representative, with President Gambs as the alternate. With the project no longer viable, the JPA sought to dissolve. In December, the Zone 7 Board had voted to direct its representatives to support the dissolution. The JPA subsequently passed a resolution to terminate its Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement, requiring ratification by at least 75% of the governing bodies. The item before the Board was to formally vote in favor of dissolving the JPA by adopting the Resolution.

Ms. Pryor reassured the Board that Zone 7 continues to evaluate multiple water supply reliability options, including storage, new water sources, and conveyance. While the Los Vaqueros project was considered an attractive option, planning studies indicated that there were multiple viable approaches to meeting future water needs, ensuring that Zone 7 was not solely dependent on this project.

Director Green inquired about the ability to document lessons learned from the project, noting that similar initiatives might arise in the future. She emphasized the importance of preserving institutional knowledge so that future efforts would not have to start from scratch. Ms. Pryor responded that the California Water Commission was particularly interested in this topic and that an upcoming study on the matter was expected.

Director Narum thanked Ms. Pryor for mentioning alternative water supply options and asked about the timeline for discussing these at the Board level. Ms. Pryor provided an update, stating that the Board had recently approved continued funding for the Delta Conveyance Project to enhance the reliability of the State Water Project. Additionally, Zone 7 had been participating in the Sites Reservoir Project, with a Board decision expected by the end of 2025. She noted that one or two Board workshops, possibly incorporated into regular meetings, would be held to discuss the Sites Reservoir Project further. Zone 7 was also actively considering interim and long-term water transfer options, including an option agreement approved by the Board a few months prior. A feasibility study on local storage within the Chain of Lakes conveyance system was also underway, with potential next steps expected by the end of the year.

Director Green expressed her disappointment that the Los Vaqueros expansion did not come to fruition and hoped that it might be revived in the future. Director Narum agreed, acknowledging the many benefits the expansion could have provided. She informed the Board that all project-related work had been compiled and stored, with the dam's design fully completed and approved by the Division of Safety of Dams. She remained hopeful that the project might be reconsidered at a later date. Director Narum also pointed out the positive aspects of the JPA, highlighting that it successfully demonstrated collaboration among diverse water agencies. She speculated that some agencies might pursue alternative projects together and that Zone 7 could potentially be involved in such efforts. Lastly, she noted that although funds had been expended on the project, they should be viewed as research and development investments that contributed to a broader understanding of water infrastructure planning.

Director Palmer made a motion to approve the Resolution and Director Green seconded it. The Resolution was approved by a roll call vote of 5-0.

Item 10 -

10. Declaration of Fix a Leak Week March 10-16, 2025

Alexandra Bradley, Communications Specialist, presented Zone 7's participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense Program's annual Fix a Leak Week. The initiative aims to raise public awareness about water waste caused by leaks in common household fixtures such as faucets, toilets, showerheads, outdoor irrigation systems, and hose bibs.

As part of Fix a Leak Week, Zone 7 and its retail partners will encourage customers to identify and repair leaks. This year, the Agency will hold its second annual Waterwise Wendy Fix the Leak Challenge, which invites residents to inspect their homes using a leak detective checklist. The checklist, designed for both individuals and families, guides participants through a step-by-step process to detect leaks inside and outside their households.

To promote the campaign, Zone 7 will implement several outreach efforts. A dedicated homepage slider on the Agency's website will direct visitors to a landing page containing contest details and downloadable resources. Social media graphics, digital flyers, and a dedicated Facebook reel will further support the campaign. Additionally, outreach will extend to local school districts through Peachjar, an electronic flyer distribution tool, ensuring students and their families are informed about the challenge.

This year, Zone 7 will offer three identical prize packages-one for each service area. The prize package includes an inflatable paddle board, an insulated beverage cooler, a Zone 7 water bottle, a waterproof football, water wings for kids, a beach bingo game, a children's beach towel, and a sandcastle kit, all designed to encourage outdoor water-related activities.

Director Green inquired about how the campaign's reach and effectiveness would be measured. Ms. Bradley responded that multiple metrics would be tracked, including website landing page traffic, contest participation, and social media engagement rates. Additionally, Zone 7 has allocated a marketing budget for paid media, and performance data from these efforts will be included in a follow-up report in the months following the contest.

Director Palmer made a motion to approve the Resolution and Director Green seconded it. The Resolution was approved by a roll call vote of 5-0.

Item 11 -

11. Committees

No comments were made regarding the notes from the Legislative Committee.

Item 12 -

12. Reports - Directors

Director Palmer provided an update on ACWA's strategic planning efforts, noting that Tiffany Giammona is serving as Interim Executive Director until Marwan Khalifa assumes the role on February 24. Recruitment for a permanent Executive Director is ongoing, with a goal of finalizing the position by the end of the year. She also mentioned the Board's participation in Donut Day on February 5, delivering donuts to various worksites in Zone 7. Additionally, she reminded the Board of the 34th Annual Alameda County Special District Association Dinner on March 13.

Director Green reported on a recent ACWA PFAS working group meeting, where potential legislation for PFAS funding was discussed. The group will continue reviewing the legislation to determine whether to support it.

Item 13 -

13. Items for Future Agenda

No items were requested for consideration at an upcoming Board meeting.

Item 14 -

14. Staff Reports

Ms. Pryor provided highlights from her report, noting that the Chain of Lakes Wells PFAS Treatment Facility project is nearly complete and will be brought online in early March, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for March 26. The Agency is also working on a new early storm flood warning system utilizing rainfall and streamflow gauges.

She reported that the State Water Project allocation for 2025 has increased to 20%, which, combined with existing water storage, ensures sufficient supply for the year. A slight additional increase in allocation may be possible given recent weather conditions.

Additional highlights included the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Patterson Ranch Trail, a collaborative effort with the Livermore Area Regional Park District, and a February 4th tour of the Agency's PFAS treatment facility by officials from Japan. Ms. Pryor thanked directors and staff for their participation in the successful event.

Director Narum congratulated the finance team, led by Osborn Solitei, for receiving the Operating Budget Excellence Award for the fiscal year 2024-25 two-year budget, emphasizing its alignment with the Agency's commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Director Green commended staff on the rapid development of the first PFAS treatment system, noting the opportunity to showcase the Agency's work during the tour with Japanese dignitaries.

Item 15 -

15. Adjournment

Director Narum adjourned the meeting at 7:26 p.m.

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Zone 7 Meeting - February 19, 2025

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