President Narum reported that Zone 7 has entered into a settlement agreement with Pleasanton related to one item of potential litigation. Copies of the final settlement agreement are available in the Zone 7 office or upon request by any member of the public.

Item 4 -

4. Pledge of Allegiance

Director Gambs led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Item 5 -

5. Roll Call of Directors

All Board members were present.

Item 6 -

6. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items

Public comment was received by Felicia Ziomek and Andrew Turnbull.

Item 7 -

7. Minutes

Director Palmer moved to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on July 16, 2025. The motion was seconded by Director Benson and approved by a roll call vote of 7-0.

Item 8 -

8. Consent Calendar

Director Green commended Osborn Solitei, Assistant General Manager - Finance, on Item 8b regarding the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Valerie Pryor, General Manager, noted that this award is one of the highest honors an agency can receive for its financial statements, recognizing Zone 7's ongoing commitment to public transparency and accountability. She further highlighted that this marks the ninth consecutive year the agency has received the award.

President Narum requested clarification on the resolution for Item 8f, noting that the language should reflect that there may be multiple property owners. Staff confirmed the resolution would be revised to state "each property owner" to address this concern.

Director Green moved to approve the Consent Calendar Items 8a through 8g. The motion was seconded by Director Palmer and approved by a roll call vote of 7-0.

Item 9 -

9. Water Conservation Program Update >

Neeta Bijoor, PhD, Principal Water Resources Planner, provided an update on Zone 7's Water Conservation Program, highlighting current efforts and program successes. She reported that Zone 7 offers a comprehensive set of rebates for lawn conversions, smart irrigation controllers, pool covers, and high-efficiency washing machines. To date, the Agency has supported over 400 lawn conversions totaling more than half a million square feet, issued over 1,300 smart irrigation controller rebates, 100 pool cover rebates covering 65,000 square feet of pool surface, and more than 19,000 washing machine rebates. Outreach and education also remain a central focus, with more than 3,300 community event participants, 13 workshops in the last four years, and over 12,000 students reached in classrooms this past year. Online engagement has also been strong, with the Tri-Valley Water Wise site receiving over 25,000 views and social media posts reaching more than half a million people. In addition, a pilot project on irrigation controllers showed a 7% reduction in household water use. Since 2020, Zone 7 has had an average of 11% annual water savings.

Dr. Bijoor noted that, despite these successes, participation in rebate programs has declined following the most recent drought. To encourage greater participation, staff is proposing to increase rebate amounts for residential and commercial lawn conversions, as well as for residential irrigation controllers, to align more closely with neighboring agencies. She concluded by emphasizing Zone 7's continued commitment to conservation through rebate opportunities, ongoing outreach, and support for retailers in complying with state conservation regulations.

Director Palmer questioned whether an increased rebate for commercial lawn conversions was necessary given the state's requirement to remove non-functional turf. Ms. Pryor explained that while removal is required, it will be a significant effort and retailers want to help the effort along and would like Zone 7's support with this effort. Director Palmer also asked if rebates were available for synthetic turf, and Dr. Bijoor confirmed that they are not, noting that the program is intended to promote water-efficient landscapes with additional environmental benefits.

Director Green inquired whether the overall conservation success data presented on slide 15 included commercial water use and whether a similar trend could be observed if commercial use were parsed separately. Dr. Bijoor clarified that the data reflect total gallons per capita daily but was not broken out by commercial accounts. Ms. Pryor noted that retailers have detailed commercial and institutional account data and Zone 7 does not track water use by sector, and Director Green commented that it would be valuable to verify the program's influence in that area.

Director Gambs noted that the Tri-Valley area is unique in having both a wholesale and retail water provider, which requires coordination to meet conservation requirements. He asked for background on how Zone 7 collaborates with retailers and clarifications on roles and responsibilities. Dr. Bijoor explained that the conservation program is highly collaborative, with regular meetings and ongoing support for retailers in implementing programs. Director Gambs added that trends in gallons per capita per day are influenced not only by drought but also by housing characteristics, such as landscape areas and appliances, which may differ in older homes that are a focus of the program. Dr. Bijoor confirmed that outreach efforts target the appropriate sectors to maximize program effectiveness.

President Narum asked whether the proposed changes to rebate amounts had been discussed with retailers, and Dr. Bijoor confirmed that Zone 7 has been communicating regularly with them and that they are supportive. President Narum inquired about the process for applying for rebates, specifically whether residents must navigate separate applications for Zone 7 and city programs, such as Pleasanton's additional eco-friendly lawn conversion rebate. Dr. Bijoor explained that residents can apply directly to Zone 7 for their rebates, while city-specific rebates require a separate application. Ms. Pryor and Dr. Bijoor clarified that for other retailers, residents would apply directly to Zone 7 for lawn conversion rebates as there are no additional city-specific lawn conversion programs. President Narum suggested that combining applications could make participation easier and provide additional incentive.

Director Benson emphasized the importance of applicants submitting lawn conversion rebate requests prior to beginning work to ensure compliance with program requirements. Dr. Bijoor confirmed that retroactive rebates are not offered for lawn conversions, and applications must be submitted beforehand to verify requirements and ensure installation of proper plant types and water-efficient landscaping. She noted that other rebates allow a 60-day post-purchase application period. Director Benson also inquired about inspections, and Dr. Bijoor explained that retailers may conduct inspections, and verified Zone 7's review of photos and other documentation to confirm that requirements are met.

Director Palmer noted that Zone 7 has received a letter of support from DSRSD, the City of Livermore, and the City of Pleasanton, confirming their agreement with the proposal to increase rebate maximums.

Item 10 -

10. Flood Management Plan - Flood Risk Reduction Project Objectives and Evaluation Criteria >

Ms. Pryor introduced the item, noting that the Agency is continuing development of a modern Flood Management Plan following the system-wide evaluation presented earlier this year. The focus of this presentation was to review proposed project objectives and evaluation criteria, which will guide the selection and assessment of flood risk reduction alternatives. Ms. Pryor explained that these objectives will shape where the agency directs its efforts, while the evaluation criteria will be used to compare and prioritize potential projects.

HDR consultants Tom Chapman and Joanna Leu outlined the objectives and criteria in detail. The three primary objectives are to reduce impacts to public safety, reduce economic losses, and minimize lifecycle costs. Secondary objectives include enhancing water supply, reducing sedimentation and erosion, improving permitability, and aligning with funding opportunities and partnerships. Ms. Leu explained how evaluation criteria will provide measurable indicators, such as the number of people or facilities protected, reduction in flood damages, lifecycle costs, acre-feet of potential recharge, or qualitative ratings for permitting and funding alignment, to assess how well each alternative meets the objectives. She also presented hypothetical alternatives to illustrate how criteria would be applied in comparing project benefits and costs. Next steps include workshops with staff and partner agencies, public meetings in Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton, and evaluation of alternatives leading to a recommended plan for future Board consideration.

Director Figuers urged the consultants not to limit the analysis strictly to channels but to consider broader flooding impacts, warning systems, and challenges with channel geometry. Ms. Leu responded that road flooding linked to overtopped channels will be addressed, though stormwater backups are outside Zone 7's purview. She added that both structural and non-structural alternatives, including warning systems, will be considered, and acknowledged that varying channel geometry poses cost and design challenges.

Director Gambs highlighted concerns with the Valley Trails neighborhood in Pleasanton, noting its unique drainage issues and suggesting measures such as flap gates. He also sought clarification on whether improvements would apply to both Zone 7- and non-Zone 7-owned facilities. Ms. Pryor confirmed that all potential projects would be evaluated regardless of ownership, with costs adjusted accordingly. Director Gambs also recommended including flood insurance savings as a cost-reduction criterion and supported adding emergency notification as an objective. Ms. Pryor agreed that the criteria are designed to keep the range of alternatives broad.

Director Green asked why the sedimentation analysis focused only on high-risk areas rather than medium risk as well. Mr. Chapman explained that the priority is addressing the highest risk but that medium and low risks would still be factored into the evaluation at a lower weighting. Ms. Leu added that those categories would still be included in the scoring matrix, just with less emphasis.

Director Benson asked about potential project partners. Mr. Chapman stated that Zone 7 has been coordinating primarily with Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton, while Ms. Pryor noted that partners could be expanded as needed, including Alameda County.

President Narum raised questions about sedimentation tracking, upstream flows from San Ramon, and whether model data could be applied to building setback discussions with legislators. The consultants confirmed that model results will continue to be refined with new storm data and that sedimentation and erosion are tied to other Zone 7 programs. Ms. Pryor clarified that while San Ramon flows are included in the model, Zone 7 does not control development north of its service area. Ms. Leu noted that model data could support setback discussions, though further studies would be required. President Narum expressed support for the use of measurable criteria in project evaluation.

Andrew Turnbull provided public comment.

Director Palmer emphasized the value of retention basins, noting that even in major storms they can provide critical extra time for absorption or evacuation. She also expressed frustration that water agencies have little authority over development setbacks despite their knowledge of flood risks.

Directors Green and Palmer both acknowledged the complexity of the planning process and thanked staff and consultants for their thorough work. Director Green remarked that while the picture is still coming into focus, the framework is becoming clearer.

The Board took a 5-minute break.

Item 11 -

11. Proposed Update to the Board Policy on Conducting Business >

Ms. Pryor introduced the item, noting that an Ad Hoc Committee had recommended a full rewrite of the Board's Policy on Conducting Business to modernize the language, reference Rosenberg's Rules of Order, clarify meeting procedures, outline appointment and reporting relationships of key positions, clarify the roles of Board officers, and define the process for Directors to request agenda items.

President Narum, who served on the Ad Hoc Committee with Directors Benson and Gambs, explained that the group reviewed policies from neighboring agencies and worked with General Counsel to create a clearer, user-friendly document. She emphasized that the policy could be adjusted in the future if needed. Director Gambs added that the update provides a better roadmap for new Board members and recommended that the policy be reviewed more regularly in the future. Directors Benson and Palmer commended the collaborative effort, describing the result as progressive, simplified, and clear.

Director Green raised a concern that Rosenberg's Rules may encourage calling for motions too quickly, whereas the Board prefers open discussion to build consensus. Rebecca Smith, General Counsel, clarified that Rosenberg's Rules serve only as a fallback, with the Agency's policy taking precedence. President Narum and Director Green further discussed the chair's role in calling for motions, with Director Green noting that the chair is primarily a facilitator. Director Figuers stated that the chair should have the same ability to make motions as other members, while Directors Narum and Green agreed Rosenberg's allows flexibility but favors discussion before motions.

Director Gambs moved to approve the update to the Board Policy on Conducting Business with the caveat that it will be reviewed on a periodic basis. The motion was seconded by Director Palmer and approved by a roll call vote of 7-0.

Item 12 -

12. Committees

Director Green noted a typo in the Finance Committee meeting notes, which will be revised for the record.

Item 13 -

13. Reports - Directors

Director Palmer reported on the Alameda County Special Districts meeting held jointly with Contra Costa and DSRSD, noting details were included in her written report. She reminded the Board of the September 19 ACWA election and committee request deadline. Director Palmer also shared highlights from a recent agriculture committee meeting, including a UC Davis presentation on the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and groundwater issues, which underscored the seriousness of potential impacts to farming communities and lent support to the Delta Conveyance Project.

Item 14 -

14. Items for Future Agenda

Director Gambs suggested placing on a future agenda the formal appointment of the General Counsel and Board Secretary, noting that the Board has not previously taken official action on these positions. Ms. Smith clarified that the Board had approved her appointment earlier in her tenure, though records would be reviewed to confirm the status of the Board Secretary. President Narum requested confirmation and, if needed, consideration on a future consent calendar.

Item 15 -

15. Staff Reports

Ms. Pryor highlighted several reports included in the packet. She noted a joint letter to the editor correcting a misleading Independent editorial about the Sites Reservoir Project, emphasizing that it is an off-stream reservoir with strict environmental protections designed to benefit fish and the environment during dry periods. She also pointed out the six-month progress update on the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, which shows positive progress since its adoption in January.

Director Palmer commented that Sites Reservoir can help protect cold-water pools to support fish and expressed concern about misleading claims made by advocacy groups regarding Sites and the Delta Conveyance Project.

Item 16 -

16. Adjournment

President Narum adjourned the meeting at 9:24 p.m.

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Zone 7 Meeting - August 20, 2025

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