Board Meeting
AGENDA
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MEETING NOTICE
THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
STOCKTON EAST WATER DISTRICT WILL BE HELD
AT 12:30 P.M., TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025 AT THE
DISTRICT OFFICE, 6767 EAST MAIN STREET
STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA 95215
Assistance for the Disabled: If you are disabled in any way and need
accommodation to participate in the meeting,
please contact Administrative Staff at (209) 948-0333 at least 48-hours
in advance for assistance so the necessary arrangements can be made.
FOR CONTINUED CONVENIENCE STOCKTON EAST WATER DISTRICT
BOARD MEETINGS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY TELECONFERENCE.
Please call (347) 566-2741/Passcode: 921 317 838#
to be connected to the Regular Board Meeting, to begin at 12:30 p.m.
Agendas and minutes are located on our website at www.sewd.net.
AGENDA
A. Pledge of Allegiance (Legal Counsel Zolezzi) & Roll Call
B. Consent Calendar
C. Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)
D. Scheduled Presentations and Agenda Items
1. Minutes 04/15/25
2. Warrants
a. Fund 68 – Municipal & Industrial Groundwater Fund
b. Fund 70 – Administration Fund
c. Fund 71 – Water Supply Fund
d. Fund 89 – Fish Passage Improvements
e. Fund 91 – Vehicle Fund
f. Fund 94 – Municipal & Industrial Fund
g. Summary
h. Short Names/Acronym
i. SEWD Vehicles & Heavy Equipment
3. Warrants – California’s Public Employees Retirement System
4. The Gualco Group Presentation
5. Stockton East Water District – 2025 Strategic Priorities
a. Staff Report – Review And Provide Feedback To The
General Manager Regarding The Stockton East Water
District’s 2025 Strategic Priorities
6. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Update On
A PPA With White Pine Renewables For The Solar System
With (BESS) And Approval Of Incentive Program Application
E. Committee Reports
1. Agricultural Operations Committee Meeting, 04/16/25
2. Municipal Operations Committee Meeting, 04/16/25
3. Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Executive Committee
Meeting, 04/17/25
4. Administration Committee Meeting, 04/23/25
F. Report of the General Manager
1. Water Supply Report 04/15/24
2. Informational Items
a. F&M Bank – Annual Evening At The Ball Park,
6:00 p.m., 05/06/25
b. San Joaquin Farm Bureau’s – 111th Annual Meeting,
5:30 p.m., 05/08/25
c. American Water Works Association – Annual
Conference & Expo, 06/08/25 – 06/11/25
d. San Joaquin Farm Bureau’s – Night At The Ports,
6:30 p.m., 06/19/25
3. Report on General Manager Activities
a. ACWA State Legislative Committee Meeting, 04/25/25
b. Stockton East Water District Activities Update
4. Stockton East Water District Finance Update
G. Director Reports
1. ACWA Region 4 Tour & Program, 04/16/25
2. San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency – Groundbreaking
Ceremony, 04/18/25
3. Farmington Dam Presentation, 04/21/25
H. Communications
I. Agenda Planning/Upcoming Events
1. Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce – Kings Card Club,
5:00 p.m., 05/01/25
J. Closed Session
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - Real Property
Negotiations Government Code 54956.8
Property: 105-050-190, 105-050-170, 105-050-150, 105-110-450
Agent Negotiator: Justin Hopkins, General Manager
Negotiating Parties: Eilers Ranch LLC
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - Personnel
Government Code 54957
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION Potential exposure to litigation – Government Code
Section 54956.9 – one case
K. Adjournment
Certification of Posting
I hereby certify that on April 24, 2025 I posted a copy of the foregoing agenda in the outside display case at the District Office, 6767 East Main Street, Stockton, California, said time being at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Stockton East Water District (Government Code Section 54954.2). Executed at Stockton, California on April 24, 2025.
Signed By: Priya Ram, 04/24/25
Priya Ram, Director of Finance & Administration
Stockton East Water District
Any materials related to items on this agenda distributed to the Board of Directors of Stockton East Water District less than 72 hours before the public meeting are available for public inspection at the District’s office located at the following address: 6767 East Main Street, Stockton, CA 95215. Upon request, these materials may be available in an alternative format to people with disabilities.
THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF STOCKTON EAST WATER DISTRICT WAS HELD AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE
6767 EAST MAIN STREET, STOCKTON, CA
ON TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025, AT 12:30 P.M.
A. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL
President McGurk called the regular meeting to order at 12:30 p.m., Legal Counsel Zolezzi led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present at roll call at the District were Directors Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti and Watkins. Also present were Manager Hopkins, Assistant Manager Vega, Director of Finance and Administration Ram, District Engineer Evensen, Water Supply Manager Donis, Maintenance Manager Higares, Administrative Assistant Rodriguez, Legal Counsel Zolezzi and Consultant Barkett.
B. CONSENT CALENDAR (None)
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
President McGurk paid tribute with a minute of silence to honor Director Cortopassi.
D. SCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS AND AGENDA ITEM
1. Minutes 04/15/25 Regular Meeting
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the April 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
2. Warrants
a. Fund 68 – Municipal & Industrial Groundwater Fund
b. Fund 70 – Administration Fund
c. Fund 71 – Water Supply Fund
d. Fund 89 – Fish Passage Improvements
e. Fund 91 – Vehicle Fund
f. Fund 94 – Municipal & Industrial Fund
g. Summary
h. Short Names/Acronym
i. SEWD Vehicles & Heavy Equipment
Director McGurk inquired on the expenses and staff provided clarification.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the April 15, 2025, Warrants, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
3. Warrants – Californian’s Public Employees Retirement System
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the April 15, 2025, California’s Public Retirement System, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
4. The Gualco Group Presentation
Jackson Gualco and Kendra Daijogo of The Gualco Group delivered a formal presentation to the Board. Mr. Gualco commenced with a brief overview of his professional background before proceeding to outline the District’s primary areas of legislative and policy interest for 2025. These included Water Affordability, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Reform, the State Budget and Proposition 4, Insurance, Water Rights, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), and key legislative proposals; AB 362, AB 1413, AB 1466, SB 601, SB 697, and California Water for All (SB 72, authored by Senator Caballero). Mr. Gualco also reported on the District’s strategic priorities, which encompass the Central Valley Project Contract Modification, the Bellota Weir Project and related funding opportunities, the Farmington Dam Retrofit Project, and the Water Supply Enhancement Project.
Director McGurk inquired about Kendra’s involvement with ACWA. Mr. Gualco replied she participates in a group known as the Monday Morning Lobbying Group, which convenes regularly. This group, composed of lobbyists representing water-related clients, meets with ACWA staff to discuss upcoming legislative matters and priorities scheduled for the weeks ahead.
5. Stockton East Water District – 2025 Strategic Priorities
a. Staff Report – Review And Provide Feedback To The General Manager Regarding The Stockton East Water District’s 2025 Strategic Priorities.
Manager Hopkins delivered a presentation to the Board outlining the District’s Strategic Priorities for 2025. As part of the presentation, Manager Hopkins reviewed the key strategic priorities for 2024, which included: Resource Management, Reliable Infrastructure, Human Resources Management, Water Supply, Regulatory Engagement, and Collaborative Partnerships.
In the area of Resource Management, notable achievements included the development of a funding plan, implementation of new financial software, and the successful acquisition of $4.2 million in grant funding. Under Reliable Infrastructure, accomplishments included the completion of the Master Plan, initiation of the Peters Pipeline Rehabilitation design, implementation of a new Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), receipt of primary isolation valves, and the procurement of a generator and transformer for the new Low Lift Pump Station.
Human Resources Management achievements included the establishment of an employee incentive program, a reorganization to support succession planning, and efforts to ensure redundancy in licensing and certifications. In the category of Water Supply, key accomplishments were the execution of a five-year transfer agreement with Rock Creek Water District, advancement of the Farmington Dam Study, achievement of 12,000 acre-feet of in-lieu recharge, and commencement of the Calaveras River Watershed Resilience Study.
For Regulatory Engagement, progress included support of federal legislation, the adoption of ten bill positions, and the issuance of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Lobbying Services. Under Collaborative Partnerships, the District expanded its presence through LinkedIn, hosted a Growers Meeting, produced outreach videos, held Water Supply Contract meetings, and initiated discussions with potential Groundwater Banking partners.
Manager Hopkins then outlined the 2025 Strategic Priorities, which include: securing funding and conducting a District-wide rate study; reaching the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) in-lieu recharge goal; advancing the Farmington Dam Study; collaborating with Urban Contractors; fulfilling commitments outlined in the FY 2025–2026 budget; executing a Groundwater Banking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU); and meeting key performance indicator (KPI) goals.
The presentation concluded with an overview of departmental KPIs, covering Administration, Finance, Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, Water Supply, Management, and the Office of the General Manager.
Manger Hopkins addressed questions from the Board.
6. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Update On A PPA With White Pine Renewables For The Solar System With (BESS) And Approval Of Incentive Program Application
Manager Hopkins provided the Board with a staff report on a PPA With White Pine Renewables For The Solar System With (BESS) And Approval Of Incentive Program Application. Assistant Manager Vega reported the District rising electricity costs from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), the Board of Directors convened the Electrical Power Alternatives Ad-Hoc Committee to evaluate energy generation options. Assistant Manager Vega reviewed the staff report and provided responses to questions
A motion was moved and seconded to proceed with the M&I Committee’s recommendation and approve White Pine to submit an application for the larger incentive on behalf of the District , as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
E. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Agriculture Operations Committee Meeting, 04/16/25
Directors Atkins, Sanguinetti, Nakaue and Manager Hopkins attended the Agriculture Operations Committee Meeting. Director Atkins reported that the committee reviewed two primary items: the Eilers Easement issue and the cropping pattern component of the Ability to Pay Study. Director Atkins reported the committee discussed the need to re-survey the pipeline to ensure it remains within the established easement held by the District. Manager Hopkins provided an update on the Ability to Pay Study, noting it had been submitted to the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and is currently under review. The USBR requested confirmation on the cropping pattern data, as the study utilized a Geographic Information System (GIS) approach, which resulted in data differing from previously submitted figures. The committee agreed to proceed with the GIS data.
2. Municipal Operations Committee Meeting, 04/16/25
Directors McGurk, Panizza, Nakaue and Manager Hopkins attended the Municipal Operations Committee Meeting. Director Panizza reported the committee reviewed and agreed to recommend the following items for consideration and approval by the Board: the purchase of a Caterpillar 325 blade excavator; the replacement of existing utility carts; the replacement of Unit 45, a 2008 Ford F-650 flatbed dump truck; the installation of an observation well associated with the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project; and the adoption of the Water Treatment Plant Master Plan.
Director Atkins inquired whether the excavator includes multiple bucket sizes or if additional buckets must be purchased separately. Maintenance Manager Higares replied the excavator is supplied with one standard bucket, but additional bucket sizes may be purchased if needed.
3. Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Executive Committee Meeting, 04/17/25
Director Watkins attended the Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Executive Committee Meeting. Director Watkins reported the committee has reviewed the resumes of six candidates for the Executive Director position. Three of these candidates have been selected for interviews, which are scheduled to take place on Wednesday. The committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday to review the budget.
4. Administration Committee Meeting, 04/23/25
Directors Sanguinetti, Nakaue, Watkins and Manager Hopkins attended the Administration Committee Meeting. Director Sanguinetti reported the committee discussed the proposed district policies, which include the Board Meeting Agenda Policy, Board Minutes Policy, Change Order Policy, and Social Media Policy. Director Sanguinetti reported Board Meeting Agenda Policy establishes a standardized approach for developing and organizing agendas for board meetings. This policy ensures that meetings are conducted efficiently, allows for the inclusion of both public and board member requests, and enhances transparency in the topics presented. The Board Minutes Policy specifies the procedures for accurately documenting the proceedings of board meetings. This policy ensures legal compliance, maintains a precise record of board actions, and preserves institutional knowledge for future reference. The Change Order Policy outlines the process for managing modifications to contracts, including the thresholds that require board approval. This policy strengthens fiscal oversight, reinforces internal controls, and supports compliance with auditing and regulatory requirements. The Social Media Policy governs the appropriate use of social media by the agency and its representatives. This policy safeguards the organization’s public image, ensures consistency in messaging, and mitigates potential legal and reputational risks.
F. REPORT OF GENERAL MANAGER
1. Water Supply Report as of 04/15/25
Manager Hopkins provided a handout of the Water Supply Report for information only that included storage, release, and production data collected from various sources as of midnight last night.
There is 218,733 AF in storage at New Hogan Reservoir. Current releases are set at 165 cfs. There is 1,994,046 AF in storage at New Melones Reservoir. Current releases are set at 1,775 cfs. The current release at Goodwin Dam to Stanislaus River is set at 1,843 cfs and release to all water users is set at 1,520 cfs. The District Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is currently processing 32 mgd. North Stockton is currently utilizing 8 mgd. South Stockton is currently using 7 mgd. Cal Water is currently utilizing 16 mgd. The City of Stockton WTP is currently processing 15 mgd.
2. Information Items: F-2a, F-2b, F-2c and F-2d
·
3. Report on General Manager Activities
a. ACWA State Legislative Committee Meeting, 04/25/25
Manager Hopkins was unable to attend the meeting, he received the meeting highlights. ACWA presented a total of fourteen bills, three of which were of particular interest to the District. The committee took a favorable position on Assembly Bill 514, an opposed position on Assembly Bill 929, and a watch position on Assembly Bill 717.
b. Stockton East Water District Activities Update
Manager Hopkins reported a leak was identified along the drain pipe installed in connection with the flume project, requiring the canal to be temporarily taken out of service. District staff is currently performing the necessary repairs, with concrete placement scheduled for today.
Manager Hopkins reported Director Atkins received an update from the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) concerning the current year’s water allocation. Due to the San Joaquin River Index water type reaching the below normal classification, the USBR has increased the East Side Division allocation to 100 percent. The District has received a full Central Valley Project (CVP) allocation from New Melones.
Manager Hopkins reported dam installations has been completed.
Manager Hopkins reported the Water Education Foundation event is scheduled for May 7th and informed the Board he will submit RSVPs on behalf of any members who wish to attend.
Manager Hopkins provided the Board with the equipment use for the week of April 28, 2025.
4. Stockton East Water District Finance Update
Director of Finance & Administration Ram provided the Board with a Finance Update. Director of Finance and Administration Ram reported that the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan application remains on schedule for submission by mid-May, with no delays anticipated at this time. The State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan application was submitted during the second week of March, and the District expects to receive confirmation of eligibility by July. While eligibility confirmation does not constitute loan approval, it does permit the possibility of expense reimbursement if the loan is awarded.
Director Ram further reported the current interest rate for California CLASS is 4.246%, generating earnings of $116,361.21 for the period of January through March. For the same period, the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) reported an interest rate of 4.313%, with total earnings of $359,007.42.
Additionally, Director Ram noted staff is actively engaged in fiscal year-end closeout activities to ensure the timely completion of projects, accurate expense allocation, and a seamless transition into the new fiscal year. Staff continues to make progress on the implementation of Tyler Technologies, with the chart of accounts being finalized and the system configuration underway using live data. This will enable the Finance team to begin practical use of the platform in advance of full system deployment.
Staff provided responses to questions.
G. DIRECTOR REPORTS
1. ACWA Region 4 Tour & Program, 04/16/25
Director Watkins attended the ACWA Region 4 Tour & Program. Director Watkins reported the event was held along the San Joaquin and Stanislaus Rivers. As part of the program, attendees visited the FISHBIO facility, where staff are conducting fish sampling and trapping activities. The fish are being tagged and categorized by species as part of ongoing monitoring and research efforts.
2. San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency – Groundbreaking Ceremony, 04/18/25
Directors McGurk, Watkins, Panizza and Manager Hopkins attended the San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency – Groundbreaking Ceremony. Director Panizza reported the event was attended by several notable individuals, including Congressman Josh Harder, Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors Chairman Paul Canepa, SJAFCA Executive Director Darren Suen, Lieutenant Colonel Ike Ukachi, and Mayor Christina Fugazi. Director Watkins noted the total attendance was estimated to be between fifty and sixty people.
3. Farmington Dam Presentation, 04/21/25
Directors McGurk, Panizza, Watkins and Manager Hopkins attended the Farmington Dam Presentation. Director Panizza reported the meeting was attended by approximately fifty participants. Staff presented an overview and accompanying video emphasizing the importance of the Farmington Dam Study. Although the presentation prompted a number of questions from attendees, no opposition to the study was expressed.
H. COMMUNICATIONS
I. AGENDA PLANNING/UPCOMING EVENTS
1. Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce – Kings Card Club, 5:00 p.m., 05/01/25
J. REPORT OF THE COUNSEL
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL LEGAL COUNSEL – Real Property
Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 105-050-190, 105-050-170, 105-050-150, 105-110-450
Agent Negotiator: Justin Hopkins, General Manager
Negotiating Parties: Eilers Ranch LLC
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNCEL – Personnel Government Code 54957
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Potential exposure to litigation – Government Code Section 54956.9
President McGurk adjourned the meeting to closed session at 2:10p.m. The regular meeting reconvened at 3:14 p.m., with no reportable action.
K. ADJOURNMENT
President McGurk adjourned the meeting at 3:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Justin M. Hopkins
Secretary of the Board
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