Zone 7 Meeting - March 18, 2026
3. Open Session and Report Out of Closed Session 6. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ZONE 7 ALAMEDA COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT REGULAR MEETING March 18, 2026 Directors Present: Dawn Benson Catherine Brown Dennis Gambs Laurene Green Kathy Narum Sarah Palmer Staff Present: Valerie Pryor, General Manager Chris Hentz, Assistant General Manager - Engineering Osborn Solitei, Treasurer/Assistant General Manager - Finance Mariza Sibal, Associate Civil Engineer Donna Fabian, Executive Assistant/Board Secretary General Counsel: Matt Weber, Downey Brand Item 1 - Call Zone 7 Water Agency Meeting to Order The Zone 7 Water Agency meeting was called to order by President Narum at 7:05 p.m. Item 2 - Closed Session The Board entered Closed Session at 5:30 p.m. and adjourned at 6:59 p.m. Item 3 - 3. Open Session and Report Out of Closed Session There was nothing to report out of Closed Session. Item 4 - Director Gambs led the Pledge of Allegiance. Item 5 - All Directors were present. Item 6 - 6. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items There was no public comment. Item 7 - Director Gambs moved to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on February 18, 2026. The motion was seconded by Director Benson and approved by a voice vote of 7-0. Item 8 - Director Palmer moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 8a through 8d. The motion was seconded by Director Green and approved by a roll-call vote of 7-0. Item 9 - Mariza Sibal, Associate Civil Engineer, presented the item, providing an overview of the Mocho PFAS Treatment Plant Project, including background, procurement process, project delivery approach, schedule, and recommended actions. She explained that PFAS impacts have taken the Mocho wellfield and Mocho Groundwater Demineralization Plant offline, resulting in a loss of approximately 16 MGD, or 40% of groundwater production capacity, reducing system redundancy and water supply reliability. She noted that the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) delivery method would help expedite project delivery by 6 to 12 months compared to a traditional design-bid-build approach, while allowing for early procurement of long-lead equipment and enhanced collaboration between the designer and contractor. Ms. Sibal reviewed the competitive procurement process, noting that six proposals were received and evaluated based on qualifications and technical criteria. Garney Pacific, in partnership with Hazen and Sawyer, was identified as the highest-ranked firm. She also described the continued need for Owner's Representative support services from Carollo Engineers during the pre-construction phase. The total project budget was identified as $54.4 million, with the current request limited to preconstruction services and contract amendments. Director Palmer inquired about the timing of grant funding related to electrical components and whether the project schedule would allow the Agency to utilize available funding before its expiration. Ms. Sibal confirmed that early procurement packages, including switchgear, are intended to meet grant deadlines. Director Green requested clarification on the roles of Garney Pacific and Hazen and Sawyer, and confirmed that the project involves potential replacement of well pumps and related equipment rather than drilling new wells. Ms. Sibal explained that Garney Pacific would serve as the design-builder, with Hazen and Sawyer as the design subconsultant, and that condition assessments would determine final scope elements. Director Gambs asked about the legal authority for using the PDB delivery method and requested a comparison to traditional project delivery. Valerie Pryor, General Manager, confirmed that state law authorizes the use of progressive design-build for water projects and that Zone 7 updated its purchasing policy accordingly. Chris Hentz, Assistant General Manager - Engineering, added that the PDB approach allows for collaboration, cost optimization, and early equipment procurement, resulting in schedule efficiencies. President Narum asked about the status of right-of-way acquisition with the City of Pleasanton, the off-ramp provision in the contract, and project funding. Ms. Pryor reported that an appraisal had been submitted to Pleasanton and is under review. Ms. Sibal explained that the off-ramp provision allows the Agency to discontinue the PDB approach if a guaranteed maximum price cannot be negotiated. Osborn Solitei, Treasurer/Assistant General Manager - Finance, confirmed that funding strategies include pursuing grant funding and, if necessary, issuing bonds, with early procurement costs partially reimbursable. Director Gambs moved to approve both resolutions. The motion was seconded by Director Green and approved by a roll-call vote of 7-0. Item 10 - There were no Board comments on the Finance Committee meeting notes. Item 11 - President Narum reported that she presented the Livermore Science Odyssey Award for Best Middle School Project, which focused on evaluating the costs of desalination. She noted that the student's work was impressive and thoughtfully developed, and expressed optimism about the future of science based on the quality of the projects presented. Director Palmer reported on her participation in ACWA Water Policy Committee meetings, including discussions with the Water Quality and Agriculture Committees. She highlighted federal policy issues and noted differing perspectives within the agricultural community regarding the Delta Conveyance Project (DCP), particularly concerns about protecting water rights. She also reported on ongoing Delta Conveyance Authority (DCA) permitting hearings and upcoming geotechnical work, noting that legal challenges remain pending. Director Palmer further discussed recent water quality regulatory developments, including the impacts of the Supreme Court's Sackett decision, which narrows the definition of Waters of the United States. She explained that the decision shifts greater regulatory responsibility to the State and may impact water quality protections, requiring additional staffing and regulatory efforts in California. Director Green reported that she attended the ACWA Water Quality Committee meeting, where PFAS continues to be a primary topic of discussion. She noted that a PFAS working group is conducting a survey to better understand the true costs associated with PFAS treatment. Director Green emphasized that, from her perspective and that of her constituents, the information should be used to support funding solutions rather than to shift regulatory requirements. Item 12 - There were no requests for items for a future Agenda. Item 13 - Valerie Pryor provided highlights from the staff reports. She reported that the State Water Project allocation remains at 30% and noted that, despite earlier snowpack, recent heat conditions may limit any increase in allocation. She emphasized that Zone 7 began the year with full storage, which remains full, and indicated that the Agency is in a strong position for the year. Ms. Pryor also highlighted a recently released Department of Water Resources fact sheet titled The State Water Project - Beyond the Tap, which outlines the system's importance to California, including water supply, flood protection, environmental benefits, and support of the State's economy. President Narum requested an update on second-quarter financial results. Osborn Solitei reported that the second-quarter financial report was presented to the Finance Committee in February and that the Agency's financial position remains strong. He noted that beginning fund balances are consistent with projections, investments are performing well, and the Agency continues to maintain AAA credit ratings. He also referenced approximately $13 million in water supply reliability funding in Fund 100, which will be incorporated into upcoming rate discussions. Item 14 - President Narum adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m.
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