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The board discussed a potential legal counsel transition that would maintain current rates while expanding the water law team. All three Kaweah Sub-basin GSPs have been submitted to DWR, starting a 75-day public comment period. A Prop 218 rate study is in progress, with a preliminary range of about $3–$25 per acre and a draft expected next month.

The board was notified that a cash call will likely be needed next month with current funds at $79,000 and $36,000 in bills due. The managers committee met with Provost & Pritchard about a potential demand management fee structure scope, with a proposal expected at the February meeting. East Side Water Management Area reported being one signature away from moving its district formation forward, with final formation expected in 6–9 months.

At a joint meeting, the Forebay and Upper Valley committees approved their October minutes. Staff outlined a GSP evaluation due January 2027 and planned amendments addressing state feedback on water quality and interconnected surface water. Members discussed sub-basin-specific drought planning and better acreage data to help interpret forthcoming Water Year 2025 pumping figures.

The Anderson Dam chiller plant is substantially complete after major delays, with completion now expected by August 2026 and about $5 million in contractor overhead over the extended schedule, prompting a planned $2.5 million contingency increase to be taken to the full Board. Staff recommended a vortex weir design for the Moffett Drop Structure fish ladder, estimated at $5–6 million with construction targeted for summer 2028.

The committee approved $77,500 for Optional Task Order 7 for EKI to revise the basin’s subsidence sustainable management criteria and related analysis, better aligning with updated state guidance. They also authorized $128,900 for Optional Task Order 9 to update the groundwater model with post‑2015 data, including refined land use, boundary conditions, and water diversion and extraction inputs.