Top 3 Key Takeaways
Construction Management Services Delayed for Major Projects - The Board postponed approval of $5.8 million in construction management contracts for six major infrastructure projects including treatment plant improvements at Ione and Tanner facilities. Director concerns centered around awarding management contracts before construction contracts are approved, which differs from the agency's historical practice of awarding both simultaneously.
Safety Protocols Enhanced Following Recent Violence - Following recent political violence, the Board discussed "Run, Hide, Fight" safety protocols for active shooter situations. The safety briefing emphasized evacuation as the first priority, finding secure hiding places if escape isn't possible, and fighting back only as a last resort when confronting danger directly.
Employee Retention Policy Approved - The Board adopted a new separation incentive policy providing financial incentives (additional vacation pay equivalent to up to one month's salary) for employees who give 6-24 months advance notice before leaving. This addresses concerns about losing institutional knowledge after the recent departure of a key engineering position with only two weeks' notice.
Key Takeaways
The agency has 6-10 senior employees likely to retire within the next five years, making succession planning critical for maintaining operational continuity.
WIFIA loan closing is scheduled for December, with construction bidding anticipated for December/January and board decisions on construction contracts expected in January.
The agency is currently conducting an organizational study with employee and director interviews to assess staffing efficiency and workload management.
A facility tour was conducted of the Ione and Tanner Water Treatment Plants as part of the board's oversight responsibilities.
The construction management approach differs from past practices due to the urgency of grant money timelines and the absence of former key engineering staff who previously handled these functions in-house.
Staff noted that constructability reviews represent a small portion of overall project costs, minimizing financial risk if projects are delayed or modified.
The agency meets with EPA every two weeks regarding the WIFIA loan process and has not received notification of any changes to the December closing timeline.
Board Actions
Approved:
Postponed:
To engage with Amador Water Agency or provide comments on these matters, contact the agency at 12800 Ridge Road, Sutter Creek, CA 95685 or by phone at (209) 223-3018. The next board meeting information was not specified in this session.
