Zone 7 Meeting - December 17, 2025

Director Palmer moved to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on November 19, 2025. The motion was seconded by Director Benson and approved by a voice vote of 6-0. Director Green was present; however, her vote was not heard due to audio issues.

Item 8 -

8. Consent Calendar

Director Gambs pulled Item 8d for comment and stated that the item referenced Exhibits A and B, one of which would show a map of the easement. He commented that, as presented, the document did not clearly indicate the specific location of the easement. Director Gambs suggested that, for future items of this nature, including the exhibit or drawing showing the easement location would be helpful.

Director Palmer moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 8a through 8g. The motion was seconded by Director Gambs and approved by a roll-call vote of 6-0. Director Green was present; however, her vote was not heard due to audio issues.

Item 9 -

9. Commendation for Retirement of Operations Manager Rich Gould >

Valerie Pryor, General Manager, presented a commendation honoring Operations Manager Rich Gould for his retirement and many years of dedicated service to the Zone 7 Water Agency. She highlighted Mr. Gould's leadership, extensive institutional knowledge, numerous professional accomplishments, industry awards, and lasting impact on the Agency, including facility operations, staff training, emergency preparedness, and system reliability. Ms. Pryor read a Resolution of Commendation recognizing Mr. Gould's 45 years of public service and his contributions to the Agency.

Board members and staff expressed appreciation for Mr. Gould's mentorship, professionalism, and commitment to public service, sharing personal remarks regarding his influence on the agency, its employees, and the broader water community.

The Board unanimously approved the Resolution of Commendation honoring Rich Gould for his service and retirement. A group photo was taken.

Item 10 -

10. Independent Auditors' Report and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025 >

David Alvey, CPA, Audit Partner with Maze & Associates, the Agency's independent external auditor, presented the Independent Auditors' Report and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. Mr. Alvey provided an overview of the audit process, including interim and final audit phases, and summarized the scope of testing performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and Government Auditing Standards.

Mr. Alvey reported that the Agency received an unmodified (clean) audit opinion, the highest level of assurance provided by an independent audit. He noted there were no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies identified in internal controls and no disagreements with management. Financial highlights and overall fund performance were summarized, and required communications and upcoming accounting standards were reviewed. Mr. Alvey commended Agency management and finance staff for their cooperation and sound financial practices.

Board members expressed appreciation to the auditor and Agency staff for the successful audit, noting the value of an independent review and the Agency's continued excellence in financial reporting. Comments included recognition of the efficiency of the Finance Committee review and the quality of the audit process.

Director Benson moved to accept the Independent Auditors' Report and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. The motion was seconded by Director Palmer and approved unanimously by a roll-call vote of 7-0.

Item 11 -

11. Temporary Adjournment/Continuance of Zone 7 Water Agency Meeting >

President Narum adjourned the Zone 7 Water Agency meeting at 7:43 p.m.

Item 12 -

12. Call Livermore Valley Water Financing Authority (LVWFA) Regular Meeting to Order >

President Narum called the Livermore Valley Water Financing Authority Regular Meeting to Order at 7:43 p.m.

Item 13 -

13. Roll Call of LVWFA Board >

All Directors were present.

Item 14 -

14. Public Comment >

There was no public comment.

Item 15 -

15. Livermore Valley Water Financing Authority Water Revenue Bonds, 2018 & 2023 Series A for the Year Ended June 30, 2025, Update >

Osborn Solitei, Treasurer/Assistant General Manager - Finance, provided an update on the Livermore Valley Water Financing Authority Water Revenue Bonds, 2018 and 2023 Series A. He reported that the 2023 Series A projects are nearly complete, with approximately $11.4 million remaining to be spent, and that $18.7 million was expended in the prior year. The bonds are tax-exempt and subject to IRS arbitrage regulations; as of the end of the fiscal year, there was a reported liability of approximately $100,000 related to interest earnings, which is expected to decrease as funds are spent. This item was for information only.

Item 16 -

16. Adjournment of Livermore Valley Water Financing Authority Regular Meeting >

President Narum adjourned the Livermore Valley Water Financing Authority Regular Meeting at 7:46 p.m.

Item 17 -

17. Call Zone 7 Water Agency Meeting to Order >

President Narum called the Zone 7 Water Agency Meeting back to order at 7:46 p.m.

Item 18 -

18. Recommend Approval of a Candidate Statement Funding Policy >

Valerie Pryor reminded the Board that at the November Board meeting, the draft Candidate Statement Funding Policy was referred back to the Administrative Committee for further discussion. The Committee reviewed options regarding partial or no funding, including provisions for indigent candidates, and unanimously recommended continuing past practice: no funding for candidate statements and no funding for indigent candidates.

Director Gambs asked whether the Committee considered differences in cost for two-year versus four-year seats. Ms. Pryor confirmed that the Committee did not discuss this issue.

Directors Benson and Palmer noted that adopting the policy would provide guidance where none previously existed, while maintaining the approach of requiring candidates to have "skin in the game." Director Gambs expressed concern that the cost of statements could limit participation for qualified candidates and suggested partial funding. Other Directors noted the importance of candidate engagement and public accountability.

Director Green raised a separate issue regarding the potential disparity in cost allocation between two-year and four-year seats. Rebecca Smith, General Counsel, clarified that any adjustment would require an amendment to the policy, and cost distribution depends on the number of candidates filing for each seat. Directors discussed concerns about equity and potential impacts on candidacy.

President Narum and Director Palmer emphasized that filing to run for office carries no cost, that there are multiple free avenues for candidates to communicate with constituents, and that incumbency, rather than candidate statement cost, is a more significant barrier to being elected.

Following discussion, Director Palmer moved to adopt the Candidate Statement Funding Policy as recommended by the Administrative Committee. Director Benson seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a roll-call vote of 5-2, with Directors Gambs and Green voting no.

Item 19 -

19. Committees

There were no Board comments on the Finance Committee meeting notes.

Item 20 -

20. Reports - Directors

Director Palmer reported on her attendance at the ACWA Conference in San Diego. She noted that while she did not attend as many panels as usual, she participated in several important meetings, including discussions with Irvine Ranch, the director's breakfast, and a meeting with Karla Nemeth of DWR. She highlighted positive developments regarding the Delta Conveyance Project and noted that Andrew Schwartz of UWR spoke in strong support of the project as a key component of major water initiatives in California. Director Palmer also mentioned updates on water quality, including PFAS, water policy, and the ongoing role of SGMA, which continues to be a focus of discussion among agencies. She emphasized the networking opportunities at the conference, including meeting representatives from other agencies. Additionally, she provided an update on ACWA's search for a new Executive Director, noting that a committee has been formed and a timeline is expected for spring. Finally, she reported on a meeting with the executive committee of the Alameda County Special Districts Association to coordinate activities among various groups.

Item 21 -

21. Items for Future Agenda

President Narum requested that the technical findings of the Regional Wells Feasibility Study be presented at the January 21, 2026, Board meeting. She noted that the study is nearly complete and will recommend the optimal number of wells and the basis of design. She clarified that the item is intended for informational purposes only, and no discussion of future steps is requested at this time, as further work between Zone 7 staff and Pleasanton staff is still required.

Item 22 -

22. Staff Reports

Ms. Pryor noted that the Board packet included the usual monthly reports. She highlighted the fourth quarter PFAS sampling results, reporting no detection of PFAS in the treated water supplied to customers. She also provided an update on the Flood Management Plan Phase 2A process, noting ongoing progress and upcoming public town hall meetings scheduled for January 13, 14, and 15, 2026, to share current findings and potential solutions. President Narum inquired about the meeting locations, and Ms. Pryor stated that the January 13 meeting will be held in the Zone 7 Boardroom, the January 14 meeting at the Shannon Community Center in Dublin, and the January 15 meeting at the Amador Recreation Center in Pleasanton.

Item 23 -

23. Adjournment - President Narum adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m.

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Zone 7 Meeting - December 17, 2025

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