Employee unions urged fair compensation as wages lag Santa Clara County’s $160,000 poverty line, with nearly 70% of members below that level. The board approved two resolutions of necessity for Coyote Creek Flood Protection property acquisitions, including at a low‑income housing complex, and awarded a $90.6 million Penitencia Residuals Management Project contract, with work expected to finish in 2030.
Board postponed eminent domain proceedings against school district properties needed for the Coyote Creek flood project. Staff presented a plan to address a $569 million capital budget shortfall across watershed and flood protection projects, recommending delays and rescoping of major initiatives. Board also approved substantial increases to well permitting fees, raising rates from $410-500 to $885/well to achieve full cost recovery and generate $400,000/year additional revenue.
Board adopted a comprehensive 30-year water supply master plan emphasizing lower-cost strategies including recycled water projects and reservoir participation. They maintained the existing agricultural water rate policy capping farm water charges at 10% of municipal rates to support local farming communities. Additionally, the board approved tripling participation in the Sites Reservoir project by acquiring additional storage capacity for $618,500.
The board proceeded with scheduled homeless encampment abatements despite requests for delay, citing 32 documented workplace violence incidents that prevent essential flood protection maintenance. A federal government shutdown threatens to delay critical agricultural project permits, while flood protection projects require expanded scope and additional funding following storm damage revelations. The meeting also addressed program updates and labor negotiations to complete contract ...
The Rinconada Water Treatment Plant reliability improvement project is progressing on schedule and within budget, with completion targeted for spring 2026. The project will increase the facility's water treatment capacity from 80 to 100 million gallons per day to better serve agricultural and municipal users. Community impact mitigation measures are in place, including noise monitoring and quieter construction vehicle alarms to reduce disruption to nearby residents.
