The board approved a not-to-exceed $259,640 work release with David's Engineering to advance the Robert Van Lier Regulating Reservoir expansion to 100% design (projected near 500 acre-feet). Staff presented continued east-side groundwater declines and SGMA demand-management timelines (starting ~30%). Out-of-district deliveries exceeded 12,000 acre-feet in 2025, generating nearly $3 million in revenue.
Paulsell Phase 1—about six miles of canal expansion funded by a $14.4M grant—was reported complete, designed for up to 180 cfs. Phase 2 work was discussed for this winter (design proposal expected soon). District groundwater pumping remains minimal at under 200 acre-feet, with surface water rights handling most supply needs. Proposition 4 grant funding was discussed as a future opportunity.
The board approved a resolution authorizing the 2026 out-of-district water sale program at $218.54 per acre foot, with staff projecting roughly 12,000 to 15,000 acre feet in sales including fringe areas. Canals have begun charging in early March, and staff reported a 620,000 acre foot Bulletin 120 forecast at 90 percent probability. The board also unanimously adopted the 2025 Water Management Plan after a public hearing with no comments.
The Board approved a crane system investment exceeding the $100,000 formal bid threshold for the auto shop to improve operational efficiency and safety. They authorized the formal surplus process for a property parcel that requires shopping to agencies and government entities before sale. Staff presented the 2025 Agricultural Water Management Plan showing over 800,000 acre-feet contributed to groundwater aquifers over 20 years.
The Board approved extending the out-of-district water sales program with a one-year credit rollover for 2025 unused minimums, addressing infrastructure constraints while the program delivered over 12,000 acre-feet generating $2.6 million. Directors also voted to adopt a groundwater management plan requiring 25% reduction in non-district areas over five years and a $300,000 well mitigation fund, while the Paulsell Lateral Phase 1 upgrade nears completion ahead of schedule.
