Zone 7 Meeting - April 15, 2026

The Board entered Closed Session at 6:01 p.m., Director Benson arrived at 6:04 p.m., Director Figuers arrived at 6:35 p.m., and the Board adjourned at 6:36 p.m.

Item 3 -

3. Open Session and Report Out of Closed Session

There was nothing to report out of Closed Session.

Item 4 -

4. Pledge of Allegiance

Director Benson 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

There was no public comment.

Item 7 -

7. Minutes

Director Palmer moved to approve the minutes of the special Board meeting held on March 4, 2026. The motion was seconded by Director Benson and approved by a voice vote of 7-0.

Director Palmer moved to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on March 18, 2026. The motion was seconded by Director Brown and approved by a voice vote of 7-0.

Item 8 -

8. Consent Calendar

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

Item 9 -

9. Adopt the 2026 Asset Management Plan Update and FY 2026-27 Ten-Year Water System Capital Improvement Plan >

Valerie Pryor, General Manager, introduced the item, reminding the Board that a workshop had previously been held to review the Asset Management Plan (AMP) Update and the 10-year Water System Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). She noted that both documents are planning tools and that while the Board is being asked to approve the plans, funding for projects will continue to be reviewed and approved through the annual budget process and future Board actions.

Mona Olmsted, Principal Engineer, presented the final AMP and CIP. She explained that the documents support the Agency's mission to provide safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable water service and align with Strategic Plan Goals B (Reliable Water Supply and Infrastructure) and H (Fiscal Responsibility). She outlined the core priorities guiding the CIP, including renewal and replacement of existing infrastructure, operational improvements, implementation of the PFAS management strategy, and enhancing water supply reliability.

Ms. Olmsted reported that the AMP establishes a 40-year planning horizon and recommends annual funding of $16.3 million to ensure long-term sustainability of water system assets. The CIP includes 50 projects with an estimated total cost of approximately $875 million, encompassing facility upgrades, system improvements, and major initiatives such as the Mocho PFAS Treatment Plant, the Regional Groundwater Development Project, and the Chain of Lakes Conveyance System. She noted that minor revisions were made following Board input at the March 4 workshop, including updates to the Facilities Map legend and inclusion of bonding capacity information from the Agency's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

Director Brown asked how the $16.3 million annual funding level was determined. Ms. Olmsted explained that it is based on evaluating asset replacement needs over the 40-year horizon. Director Brown also inquired about the length of the planning period and the timing of prior updates. Ms. Olmsted stated that a 40-year horizon is consistent with industry standards, and Osborn Solitei, Treasurer/Assistant General Manager - Finance, confirmed that the previous AMP update occurred in 2017.

Director Gambs asked how the AMP and CIP relate to water rates and connection fees. Chris Hentz, Assistant General Manager - Engineering, explained that the plans identify funding needed for maintaining existing assets, which informs water rates, as well as projects required to support future growth, which are used in calculating connection fees.

Public comment was received from Seema Badar, a Dublin resident.

Director Green commented on the reduced allocation for the Sites Reservoir Project in the CIP, noting her continued disagreement with that adjustment but expressing overall support for the plan. President Narum clarified that approval of the AMP and CIP does not constitute approval of project funding, which will be addressed during the budget process.

Director Gambs reiterated that the Board had previously conducted a detailed workshop on the item and commended staff, particularly Ms. Olmsted, for their work. Director Palmer echoed those comments and emphasized that approval of the AMP and CIP represents adoption of a planning framework, with individual projects to be considered separately in the future.

Director Gambs moved to approve the AMP and CIP in support of the Strategic Plan. Director Benson seconded the motion, which was approved by a unanimous 7-0 vote.

Item 10 -

10. Declaration of May as Water Awareness Month >

Valerie Pryor presented a Resolution declaring May as Water Awareness Month. She explained that Water Awareness Month is recognized statewide and is an opportunity for water agencies to conduct outreach and educational efforts to increase public understanding of water supply.

Ms. Pryor noted that Zone 7 traditionally celebrates the month by hosting tours of the Patterson Pass Water Treatment Plant. This year's tours are scheduled for Saturday, May 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. She described that attendees will receive an overview of Zone 7's water supply through a video presentation, followed by a guided tour of the treatment plant, along with refreshments and educational materials. She encouraged members of the public to attend.

Director Green moved to adopt the resolution. The motion was seconded by Director Palmer and approved by a unanimous 7-0 vote.

Item 11 -

11. General Manager's Compensation >

President Narum reported that the Board met in Closed Session on March 18 to evaluate the performance of General Manager over the past 12 months. She stated that the Board unanimously rated the General Manager's performance as outstanding based on goals aligned with the Agency's Strategic Plan.

Members of the Board expressed strong support and appreciation for Ms. Pryor's leadership, noting her focus on critical long-term initiatives, including water supply reliability efforts such as the Sites Reservoir Project, Delta Conveyance Project, Chain of Lakes, and the Flood Control Master Plan. Directors also commended her professionalism, dedication to the Agency, ability to navigate complex legal and operational challenges, and her leadership in developing a high-performing team. It was further noted that Ms. Pryor is well respected throughout the water industry and represents Zone 7 at a high level both regionally and statewide.

Board members highlighted the quality of staff work and project delivery under her leadership, including projects being completed on time and within budget, as well as her ability to balance internal operations with external engagement on key statewide water initiatives.

Following discussion, Director Gambs moved to adopt the proposed amendment and approve a 6% increase in the General Manager's base salary. The motion was seconded by Director Benson and approved by a unanimous 7-0 vote.

Item 12 -

12. Committees

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

Item 13 -

13. Reports - Directors

President Narum encouraged members of the public, particularly families with children, to attend the upcoming Patterson Pass Water Treatment Plant tour scheduled for Saturday, May 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. She noted that the tour provides an engaging and educational experience and may inspire interest in careers in the water industry. She also mentioned an upcoming tour hosted by the Dublin San Ramon Services District on Sunday, May 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., noting that both tours offer valuable insight into water operations.

Director Palmer reported on recent and upcoming activities. She stated that the Alameda County Special District Executive Board recently met for its annual dinner and began planning for next year's event, including leadership positions. She also reported on activities related to Association of California Water Agencies Region 5, where she currently serves as Chair, including planning a panel for the ACWA Spring Conference focused on the theme "from the lab to the tap," which she will moderate.

Director Palmer further reported on upcoming regional activities, including a two-day trip planned for September, as well as ongoing meetings with the Delta Conveyance Authority Board and Finance Committee. She noted that due to facility issues, upcoming meetings for both ACWA and the Delta Conveyance Authority will be held remotely.

She also shared that the ACWA leadership is in the process of selecting a new Executive Director, with a decision anticipated soon. Additionally, she announced plans to attend an upcoming tour hosted by the Water Education Foundation in the Central Valley, noting that such tours provide valuable perspectives on water issues by bringing together diverse viewpoints and stakeholders.

Item 14 -

14. Items for Future Agenda

There were no requests for items for a future Agenda.

Item 15 -

15. Staff Reports

Ms. Pryor highlighted select items from the routine staff reports. She reported that on April 1, the California Department of Water Resources conducted its critical April snow survey and found no measurable snowpack, noting that March was the warmest on record and snowpack levels were approximately 18% of average. She stated that the State Water Project allocation remains at 30% and is not expected to change significantly despite recent minor rainfall. Ms. Pryor added that statewide reservoir storage levels are strong, and Zone 7's storage is currently full, providing confidence in water supply reliability for 2026.

Ms. Pryor also highlighted the Agency's annual groundwater sustainability report submitted to the Department of Water Resources. She stated that Zone 7 met all required sustainability criteria, including groundwater levels, storage, water quality, land subsidence, and impacts to interconnected surface waters. She emphasized that no undesirable results were identified in any category and noted the importance of considering all sustainability indicators collectively.

Item 14 -

16. Adjournment

President Narum adjourned the meeting at 7:42 p.m.

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Zone 7 Meeting - April 15, 2026

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