President Gambs stated that the Board met in Closed Session prior to the meeting and reported that Zone 7 entered into a settlement agreement with Dublin San Ramon Services District regarding a potential litigation matter. He noted that copies of the final settlement agreement are available at the Zone 7 office or upon request by any member of the public.

Item 4 -

4. Pledge of Allegiance

Director Brown led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Item 5 -

5. Roll Call of Directors

All Directors were present.

Item 6 -

6. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items

Public comment was received by Debbie Ferrari and Ken Horton.

Item 7 -

7. Minutes

Director Benson moved to approve the minutes from the regular Board meeting on April 16, 2025, seconded by Director Brown. The motion was approved by a voice vote of 7-0.

Item 8 -

8. Consent Calendar

Director Narum commented on Item 8k, expressing her support for Director Palmer's candidacy for the ACWA Region 5 Board. She noted that Director Palmer dedicates a significant amount of time and effort representing Zone 7, which is often underappreciated, and stated she was happy to support her.

Director Benson raised a question regarding Item 8g, inquiring whether any changes had been made since the previous Board meeting. Valerie Pryor, General Manager, responded that no changes had been recommended by the Administrative Committee.

President Gambs highlighted Item 8h, noting that Zone 7 is receiving a grant from the state for over $1.2 million to support electrical work at the Mocho Groundwater Recharge Facility. He acknowledged the efforts of staff in securing the funding, emphasizing the importance of being prepared with completed design work, which positioned the Agency to successfully apply for and receive the grant.

Director Benson moved to approve Items 8a through 8l, seconded by Director Narum. The motion was approved by a roll call vote of 7-0.

Item 9 -

9. Water Conservation Art Contest Finalists >

Carol Mahoney presented on the 2025 Tri-Valley Water Conservation Art Contest, themed "Habitat Heroes: Transforming Lawns into Vibrant Native Gardens." She shared that this year's contest included all five Tri-Valley water agencies for the first time, expanding participation beyond Livermore to include Dublin, Pleasanton, and San Ramon. Over 240 student submissions were received, with more than 1,600 community votes helping to select 17 finalists. While technical difficulties prevented the display of the artwork during the meeting, Ms. Mahoney and members of the Board engaged with student artists, discussing their inspirations and the media they used, which ranged from watercolor and colored pencil to digital animation. The students, ranging from kindergarten through high school, showed a strong understanding of water conservation concepts and great artistic skill.

Special recognition was given to top winners: Elvy Beltran (8th grade, Livermore), Reva Gupta (9th grade, Dublin), Viraj Gupta (1st grade, Livermore), and grand prize winner Nina Wang (4th grade, Pleasanton), who created a 27-image animated digital video. Awards were presented by Board President Dennis Gambs, General Manager Valerie Pryor, and local officials. All finalists received gift bags, runners-up received gift cards, and the grand prize winner received an iPad. Finalist artwork will be displayed at various city and water agency offices throughout the Tri-Valley to promote water conservation. The presentation concluded with a group photo of the award recipients and Zone 7 Board members.

Item 10 -

10. Flood Management Plan - Systemwide Evaluation Results >

Ms. Pryor introduced the item as part of the ongoing development of Zone 7's Flood Management Plan. She noted the Board had previously adopted Phase 1, a strategic-level plan, and the current work represents Phase 2, a systemwide evaluation to assess flood risks from overbank flooding beyond Zone 7's channels. This analysis is intended to quantify damage risks to non-Zone 7 property and support the prioritization of future flood mitigation projects.

Tom Chapman of HDR and Joanna Leu, technical lead, presented the findings. Mr. Chapman gave an overview of Phase 1, highlighting its alignment with Zone 7's Strategic Plan goals. He explained that the 2023 hydrologic and hydraulic modeling update incorporated recent storm events and formed the basis of the systemwide evaluation. Ms. Leu then provided detailed insights into the risk assessment approach, defining flood risk in terms of hazard, performance, exposure, vulnerability, and consequence. She clarified that the analysis focused on overbank flooding and did not include storm drain backup.

The modeling used 10-, 25-, 50-, 100-, 200-, and 500-year storm scenarios, accounting for current and projected future conditions over a 50-year planning horizon. Findings show expected annual damages of $4 million under current conditions, increasing to $8.8 million in the future if no action is taken. The cumulative net present value of damage over 50 years is estimated at $155 million. These figures reflect depreciated replacement values rather than market prices.

Director Figuers raised concerns about the distinction in risk for structures near versus far from channels and appreciated the explanation of depreciated structure values. Director Green confirmed that the modeling incorporated future climate trends and 2023 storm validation. She also inquired about potential structural solutions, such as channel grouting, and emphasized the need to understand permitting challenges. Mr. Chapman confirmed these types of measures would be evaluated and scored for implementability.

Director Narum asked about sedimentation impacts on original channel capacity and the use of current versus historical conditions. Mr. Chapman confirmed that capacity inspections are conducted regularly and incorporated into modeling assumptions. Director Narum also raised concerns about state legislation diminishing local zoning authority, making it harder to control floodplain development. Directors Benson and Palmer echoed frustrations with the lack of agency control over zoning, calling for water and flood agencies to have a greater say in land use planning.

The presentation also addressed geomorphic risk, channel erosion and sedimentation, qualitatively scored as low, medium, or high. Staff will use 2017 and 2023 storm damages ($33M and $82M, respectively) to help calibrate and monetize in-channel damage risks. Upcoming steps include developing structural and non-structural flood mitigation measures, creating and evaluating project alternatives, and coordinating with partner agencies and the public. Alternatives will be assessed using evaluation criteria such as cost-benefit, public acceptability, and permit feasibility.

Public comments were received from Rod Zeisse, John Marchand, and Ken Horton.

President Gambs concluded with questions on calibration and how evaluation criteria for alternatives will be developed. Mr. Chapman assured the Board that staff will be engaged throughout the process and that all criteria, benefits, and costs will be collaboratively developed and transparent.

Item 11 -

11. Consider Adopting an Ordinance to Increase Zone 7 Board of Directors Compensation >

Shelisa Jackson, Human Resources Manager, presented the item, recommending that the Board consider adopting an Ordinance to increase Board compensation. At the May 7, 2025, Administrative Committee meeting, members reviewed the 2025 Compensation Survey of Comparable Water Agencies and considered two options: maintaining the current compensation rate of $216.93 per meeting, or increasing it by 10% to $238.62 per meeting, which is the maximum increase allowed under Water Code Section 20200. The Board's current compensation, adopted in 2023, permits compensation for up to 10 meetings per month. The survey results showed that the average compensation for comparable agencies was $247.67, reflecting a 13% increase since the last review. Ms. Jackson added that Zone 7 Board members do not receive group medical or retirement benefits.

Ms. Jackson noted that three of the six surveyed agencies, East Bay MUD, Marin Municipal, and Valley Water, had increased their compensation since the previous survey. She clarified that while the policy guiding meeting compensation is reviewed biennially, the broader Compensation and Expense Reimbursement Policy is scheduled for revision in 2026.

Director Palmer supported the increase and emphasized that Zone 7 remains the lowest-compensated Board among peer agencies and receives no benefits. Director Figuers also supported the increase, noting that modest compensation helps offset public service-related costs. Director Benson opposed the increase, citing a sense of stewardship and personal commitment to public service, and expressing concern over the optics of increasing stipends during challenging economic times. Director Green agreed with the proposed 10% increase but suggested that future adjustments should become effective only after the next election to avoid the perception of self-benefit. Rebecca Smith, General Counsel, advised that such a delayed effective date would be possible, though not proposed in this Ordinance, and should be considered for future discussions.

Director Narum expressed reluctance to support the full 10% increase, suggesting a 6% increase would be more appropriate. She echoed concerns about timing and noted her past practice of voting against increases when employee raises were lower. She and Director Green agreed the Board should revisit this issue as part of future compensation reviews. Other Directors reiterated that the compensation was not the primary motivation for service but noted the value of acknowledging the time and commitment required.

Following discussion, Director Palmer moved to adopt the 10% increase, and the motion was seconded by Director Green. The ordinance passed by a roll call vote of 5-2, with Directors Benson and Narum voting in opposition.

Item 12 -

12. Committees

There were no comments on the notes from the Finance Committee or the Water Resources Committee meetings.

Item 13 -

13. Reports - Directors

Director Palmer submitted a written report and noted that she attended the ACWA Spring Conference and participated in various meetings. Director Green and President Gambs also reported attending the Conference.

Item 14 -

14. Items for Future Agenda

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

Item 15 -

15. Staff Reports

Ms. Pryor provided a brief update, highlighting the success of Zone 7's recent open house and Patterson Pass Water Treatment Plant tours. She reported that the event welcomed 70 visitors and expressed her appreciation to all Zone 7 staff who participated, with special thanks to Donna Fabian and Monique Santiago for their leadership in organizing the event. Ms. Pryor also shared exciting news that Zone 7's Schools Program, in collaboration with the Livermore School District, had received a Gold Medallion Award from the National School Public Relations Association for their entry titled "Reimagining Water Education: The Zone 7 Water Academy's Collaborative Strategy."

Item 16 -

16. Adjournment

President Gambs adjourned the meeting at 9:29 p.m.

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Zone 7 Meeting - May 21, 2025

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