Directors reviewed Ends Policies and flagged gaps around priority, affordability, and beneficiary language. The facilitator plans one-on-one director interviews ahead of the Oct. 23 work plan session, where the board is expected to work on aligning Ends Policies with the 2026-27 work plan. Directors also discussed possible committee mergers and new focus areas (conservation, climate events, regulatory matters). No votes were taken.
The board approved a Resolution of Necessity to acquire property interests at 463 Worcester Avenue (San Jose) for the Coyote Creek Flood Protection Project, a nine-mile effort designed to guard against flooding at the February 2017 level. The board also approved a $5,963,750 Berryessa Creek Off-Site Mitigation construction contract despite a sole bid above estimate. Staff noted the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project's Stage 2 diversion is expected to be operational in 2028.
The board kept the San Francisquito Creek Project E5 KPI intact and approved a letter proposing a joint working group with the JPA rather than changing the performance target. A $1.34 million payment was approved to advance planning for the B.F. Sisk Dam raise, a key water storage project with a final investment decision expected in 2028. The board also adopted a greenhouse gas reduction plan targeting carbon neutrality by 2045.
Short-term demand forecasts were highly accurate (met 8 of 9 best practices); auditors recommended stronger documentation. Chair Member raised rising bills and affordability; staff said price elasticity will be considered in the next rate cycle. JPA audits noted San Francisquito Creek backlog and San Luis & Delta-Mendota deficiencies; committee discussed a board oversight framework and handbook review.
Staff received updates on three programs: a multi-decade stream maintenance program covering Valley Water's stream facilities countywide (below 1,000 ft) under a new 10-year permit cycle, a direct potable reuse project targeting 24,000 acre-feet annually by 2035 at an estimated $2.45B, and two watershed master plans covering ~175 sq mi expected to finalize in spring 2027.
