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, JUNE 3, 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 (Director Atkins) & Roll Call
B. Consent Calendar
C. Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)
D. Scheduled Presentations and Agenda Items
1. Minutes
a. Minutes 05/27/25 Regular Board Meeting
b. AI Minutes 05/27/25 Regular Board Meeting
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 Fund
e. Fund 91 – Vehicle Fund
f. Fund 94 – Municipal & Industrial Fund
g. Summary
h. Short Names/Acronym List
i. SEWD Vehicles & Heavy Equipment
3. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Review
and Consider Adopting Updated Draft Records Retention
Policy
4. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Review
Proposed Policies and Consider Adoption
a. Stockton East Water District Policy Manual – Board
Meeting Agenda Policy No. 4100
b. Stockton East Water District Policy Manual – Board
Meeting Minutes Policy No. 4130
c. Stockton East Water District Policy Manual – Change
Order Policy No. 6580
d. Stockton East Water District Policy Manual – Social
Media Policy No. 4730
5. Resolution 25-26-03 – Placing In Nomination Andrew
Watkins As A Member Of The Association Of California
Water Agencies Region 4 Board of Directors
6. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Consider
Approval of Bid for Construction of ASR Well Piping
7. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Consider
Approving a Professional Services Agreement –
Phase 1 – Development of a Preliminary Engineering
Report and 25% Design
8. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Surface Water
Enhancement Grant Program
9. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Review Draft
AI and Date Governance Policy and Consider Adoption
10. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Consider
Acceptance of Project Completion
11. Cancellation of the June 10, 2025 Stockton East Water
District Regular Board Meeting
E. Committee Reports
1. Administration Committee Meeting, 05/28/25
2. Agriculture Operations Committee Meeting, 05/28/25
F. Report of the General Manager
1. Water Supply Report 05/27/25
2. Informational Items
a. CSDA’s General Manager Leadership Summit –
Lake Tahoe, CA, 06/29/25 – 07/01/25
b. AMWA’S 2025 Executive Management Conference
– Austin, TX, 10/26/25 – 10/29/25
3. Report on General Manager Activities
a. ACWA State Legislative Committee Meeting, 05/30/25
b. Groundwater Resources Association – SGMA
Implementation & Legislative Summit,
05/27/25 – 05/28/25
c. Stockton East Water District Activities Update
4. Stockton East Water District Engineering Update
G. Director Reports
1. The Gualco Group Reception, 05/27/25
H. Communications
I. Agenda Planning/Upcoming Events
1. Irrigation Field Day – Linden, CA, 9:00 a.m., 06/04/25
2. Central San Joaquin Water Conservation District & Stockton
East Water District Committee Meeting, 2:00 p.m., 06/04/25
3. Eastern Water Alliance, 10:00 a.m., 06/05/25
*This meeting has been cancelled*
4. Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce – Monthly
Mixer – Oakmont Senior Living, 5:00 p.m., 06/05/25
5. Stockton East Water District – Special Board Meeting,
12:30 p.m., 06/09/25
6. 2025 Stockton State of the City – Adventist Health Arena,
10:00 a.m., 06/10/25
7. Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Board Meeting,
10:30 a.m., 06/11/25
8. San Joaquin Farm Bureau Monthly Water Committee Meeting,
4:30 p.m., 06/11/25
9. Stockton East Water District – Special Board Meeting,
12:00 p.m., 06/13/25
J. Closed Session
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 091-240-120-000, 091-240-250-000, 091-240-350-000
Agent Negotiator: Justin Hopkins, General Manager
Negotiating Parties: Robert V & Venere M Marciano TR
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION Potential exposure to litigation – Government Code
Section 54956.9 – two cases
K. Adjournment
Certification of Posting
I hereby certify that on May 29, 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 May 29, 2025.
Signed By: Priya Ram, 05/29/2025
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 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, JUNE 3, 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., Director Atkins led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present at roll call at the District were Directors Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, and Sanguinetti. Also present were Manager Hopkins, Assistant Manager Vega, Director of Finance and Administration Ram, District Engineer Evensen, Maintenance Manager Higares, Administrative Assistant Rodriguez, Legal Counsel Zolezzi and Consultant Barkett. Director Watkins was absent.
B. CONSENT CALENDAR (None)
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
D. SCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS AND AGENDA ITEM
1. Minutes
a. Minutes 05/27/25
b. AI Minutes 05/27/25
Manager Hopkins notified the Board both the traditional human prepared minutes and artificial intelligence (AI) generated minutes were included in the week’s agenda.
Manager Hopkins made the following correction to item D-1a.
Ø On Page 2, section E-2, paragraph 1, line 1, replace Manager Hopkins with Assistant Manager Vega.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the May 27, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes, as amended.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti,
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Watkins
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 Fund
e. Fund 91 – Vehicle Fund
f. Fund 94 – Municipal & Industrial Fund
g. Summary
h. Short Names/Acronym List
i. SEWD Vehicles & Heavy Equipment
Directors McGurk and Director Sanguinetti inquired about the Warrants and staff provided responses to the questions.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the June 3, 2025, Warrants, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti,
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Watkins
3. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Review and Consider Adopting Updated Draft Records Retention Policy
Manager Hopkins provided the Board with a staff report to Consider Adopting Updated Draft Records Retention Policy. Manager Hopkins reported the board adopted the Record Retention Policy 4690 on July 26, 2022. The District staff and legal counsel have noted several necessary policy updates to reflect evolving practices, new regulations and impacts from case law.
Director Sanguinetti requested track changes for the Record Retention Policy will come back as an informational item.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the Records Retention Policy, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti,
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Watkins
4. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Review Proposed Policies and Consider Adoption
Manager Hopkins provided a staff report proposing the adoption of four new policies. These proposed policies are the Board Meeting Agenda Policy, Board Meeting Minutes Policy, Change Order Policy, and Social Media Policy.
a. Stockton East Water District Policy Manual – Board Meeting Agenda Policy No. 4100
Manager Hopkins reported on the Board Meeting Agenda Policy, which establishes a standardized framework for developing and organizing board meeting agendas. This policy intends to ensure meetings are efficiently structured, accommodate requests from both the public and board members, and enhance transparency in the board’s operations.
b.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the Board Meeting Agenda Policy, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti,
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Watkins
c. Stockton East Water District Policy Manual – Board Meeting Minutes Policy No. 4130
Manager Hopkins reported on the Board Meeting Minutes Policy No. 4130. He stated this policy defines procedures for accurately documenting board meetings, supporting legal compliance, and preserving institutional knowledge. The policy also includes a provision for utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to expedite the drafting of meeting minutes.
Directors Nakaue and Director Panizza raised concerns regarding the reliability of artificial intelligence. Discussion followed.
Director McGurk suggested this item be returned to the Administration Committee Meeting for further review.
d. Stockton East Water District Policy Manual – Change Order Policy No. 6580
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with Change Order Policy No. 6580. He reported this policy clarifies the process for managing changes to contracts, including establishing thresholds that require board approval. The policy is designed to enhance fiscal oversight, strengthen internal controls, and support audit compliance.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve Change Order Policy No. 6580, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti,
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Watkins
e. Stockton East Water District Policy Manual – Social Media Policy No. 4730
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with Social Media Policy No. 4730. Manager Hopkins reported the policy outlines appropriate use of social media by the district and its employees. It aims to protect the district’s public image, ensure consistency in messaging, and mitigate legal and reputational risks.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve Social Media Policy No. 4730, as amended.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti,
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Watkins
5. Resolution 25-26-03 – Placing In Nomination Andrew Watkins as a Member of The Association of California Water Agencies Region 4 Board of Directors
Manager Hopkins provided the Board with a Resolution 25-26-03 to nominate Andrew Watkins as a member of the Association of California Water Agencies Region 4 Board of Directors.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve Resolution 25-26-03 Placing In Nomination Andrew Watkins as a member of The Association of California Water Agencies Region 4 Board of Directors, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti,
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Watkins
6. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Consider Approval of Bid for Construction of ASR Well Piping
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with a staff report to consider approval of the bid for the construction of ASR Well Piping. Manager Hopkins reported the ASR Well project converts an existing well into one capable of both aquifer recharge and extraction, with the final component being the installation of piping infrastructure. T&T Industrial Contractors, the lowest bidder, submitted a bid of $395,650, which falls within the project’s budget.
A motion was moved and seconded to authorize the General Manager to award a construction contract to TNT Industrial Contractors in the amount of $395,650, plus a 10% contingency of $39,565 for a total authorization of $435,215 and to make all necessary approvals to proceed with project implementation, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti,
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Watkins
7. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Consider Approving a Professional Services Agreement – Phase 1 Development of a Preliminary Engineering Report and 25% Design
Manager Hopkins presented a staff report to consider approving a Professional Services Agreement for Phase 1 development of a Preliminary Engineering Report and 25% design for the Clements Road Pipeline Project, part of the District’s Surface Water Expansion Project. The Project has progressed from landowner meetings to the design phase and aligns with the Water Supply Master Plan’s focus on managed aquifer recharge. The District is also exploring acquiring the Marciano Property to build recharge facilities, using the pipeline to transport water from the Calaveras River to support local agriculture. Manager Hopkins reviewed the staff report and provided responses to questions.
Director McGurk moved item D-7 to after closed session.
8. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Surface Water Enhancement Grant Program
Manager Hopkins presented a staff report on the Surface Water Enhancement Grant Program. Manager Hopkins reported the District collaborated with the North San Joaquin Water Conservation District (NSJWCD) and the South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) with a $5 million grant last year through the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP). To address unmet demand, including seven unfunded SWEEP applications totaling $1.16 million, the district proposes a new grant program funded with $1.6 million from Fund 81 reserves. This program builds on past successes and supports compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) by helping water users convert from groundwater to surface water.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the Surface Water Enhancement Grant Program Policy and approve the use of $1,600,000 in reserves from Fund 81 to enable use of the grant program through the end of calendar year 2026, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti,
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Watkins
9. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Review Draft AI and Date Governance Policy and Consider Adoption
Manager Hopkins presented a staff report to review the draft AI and Data Governance Policy and consider its adoption. Manager Hopkins reported the District recognizes the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving operational efficiency, decision-making, and customer service. The policy aims to ensure AI technologies are used responsibly and effectively to enhance the District’s operations and services.
A motion was moved and seconded to adopt the AI and Data Governance Policy, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue
Nayes: Panizza, Sanguinetti
Abstain: None
Absent: Watkins
10. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Consider Acceptance of Project Completion
Manager Hopkins presented a staff report to consider acceptance of project completion. Manager Hopkins reported the Tunnel Outlet Flume Project, located in the Stockton East Water District Upper Farmington Canal, was completed by Accelerated Metal and Construction, LLC (ACM) on March 20, 2025. The flume provides precise flow measurements, improving the conveyance system’s performance in delivering surface water to the Dr. Joe Waidhofer Water Treatment Plant, farms in San Joaquin County, and the District’s groundwater recharge facilities.
A motion was moved and seconded to accept the project as complete, authorize the General Manager to proceed with signing the Notice of Completion and approve the filling of the Notice of Completion with the Stanislaus County Recorder’s Office, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti,
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Watkins
11. Cancellation of the June 10, 2025 Stockton East Water District Regular Board Meeting
A motion was moved and seconded to cancel the June 10, 2025, Regular Board Meeting, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti,
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Watkins
E. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Administration Committee Meeting, 05/28/25
Directors Sanguinetti, Nakaue, Watkins, and Manager Hopkins attended the Administration Committee Meeting. Director Nakaue reported the committee reviewed the AI and Data Governance Policy and a memorandum of understanding between Stockton East Water District and Contra Costa Water District to support mutual interests. Manager Hopkins reported the committee made a few changes to references in the Central Valley Project contract. He added the edits were completed, and the revised memorandum was sent to the Contra Costa Water District.
2. Agriculture Operations Committee Meeting, 05/28/25
Directors Atkins, Nakaue, Sanguinetti, and Manager Hopkins attended the Agriculture Operations Committee Meeting. Director Atkins reported the committee reviewed the Clemens Pipeline Design and the Surface Water Enhancement Grant Program, which were also presented to the Board at this meeting.
F. REPORT OF GENERAL MANAGER
1. Water Supply Report as of 05/27/25
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 207,805 AF in storage at New Hogan Reservoir. Current releases are set at 200 cfs. There is 1,907,831 AF in storage at New Melones Reservoir. Current releases are set at 3,493 cfs. The current release at Goodwin Dam to Stanislaus River is set at 3,254 cfs and release to all water users is set at 3,343 cfs. There are 24 irrigators on New Hogan, 8 on New Melones and 2 out of District. The District Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is currently processing 46 mgd. North Stockton is currently utilizing 11 mgd. South Stockton is currently using 6 mgd. Cal Water is currently utilizing 18 mgd. The City of Stockton WTP is currently processing 18 mgd.
2. Information Items: F-2a and F-2b
·
3. Report on General Manager Activities
a. ACWA State Legislative
Manager Hopkins attended the ACWA State Legislative Committee Meeting, where six new bills were presented. Three bills are of key interest to the District: AB 914 on air pollution regulations, with ACWA monitoring and seeking amendments; AB 1466 on groundwater adjudication, which ACWA opposes unless amended; and AB 942 on net energy metering, which ACWA doesn’t favor unless amended to exempt non-residential entities. Manager Hopkins also reported ACWA is developing trailer bill language for funding and enforcement measures to address the spread of golden mussels.
b. Groundwater Resources Association – SGMA Implementation & Legislative Summit, 05/27/25—5/28/25
Assistant Manager Vega attended the Groundwater Resources Association summit and reported it was very informative. Discussions focused on local agencies taking on more responsibilities, with some panelists expressing resistance and calling for increased state support. There was also a discussion on subsidence, with the Department of Water Resources advocating for regular use of monitoring technologies. Additionally, Assistant Manager Vega attended a panel on regulatory insights, covering probation basin management and upcoming guidance on best management practices.
c. Stockton East Water District Activities Update
Manager Hopkins reported the New Melones system is fully back in service. As shown in the Water Supply Report, the District has significant flows coming in.
Manager Hopkins reported Legal Counsel Zolezzi, and he have been working with a modeler to perform modeling related to the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes proposal. Manager Hopkins added they are nearing definitive results from various scenarios.
Manager Hopkins reported the Mokelumne Integrated Conjunctive Use Program (MICUP) has been negotiating agreements among all parties. Manager Hopkins reported the agreement is nearly complete and will soon be brought to the Board for consideration.
Manager Hopkins presented the equipment use for the week of May 26, 2025.
4. Stockton East Water District Engineering Update
District Engineer Evensen provided the Board with an engineering update. District Engineer Evensen reported the Eight Mile Dam project received permitting approval, marking significant progress. The Potter Creek Pump Station project is advancing with new installations such as a meter, energy dissipation structure, and concrete work. Modifications to the old well house have been made to enhance security for the ASR Well Project, and plans are underway for new above-ground piping.
G. DIRECTOR REPORTS
1. The Gualco Group Reception, 05/27/25
Director Watkins and Manager Hopkins attended The Gualco Group Reception, which had about 80 attendees. They met Josh F.W. Cook, the new Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 Administrator, who emphasized the agency’s focus on aligning with state needs to renew its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license. They also met the Honorable Connie Conway, the new State Executive for the Farm Services Agency, described as very pleasant.
H. COMMUNICATIONS
I. AGENDA PLANNING/UPCOMING EVENTS
1. Irrigation Field Day – Linden, CA 9:00 a.m., 06/04/25
2. Central San Joaquin Water Conservation District &
Stockton East Water District Committee Meeting, 2:00 p.m.,
06/04/25
4. Eastern Water Alliance, 10:00 a.m., 06/05/25
*This meeting has been cancelled*
5. Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce – Monthly
Mixer – Oakmont Senior Living, 5:00 p.m., 06/05/25
6. Stockton East Water District – Special Board Meeting,
2:00 p.m., 06/09/25
7. 2025 Stockton State of the City – Adventist Health Arena,
10:00 a.m., 06/10/25
8. Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Board Meeting,
10:30 a.m., 06/11/25
9. San Joaquin Farm Bureau Monthly Water Committee Meeting,
4:30 p.m., 06/11/25
10. Stockton East Water District – Special Board Meeting,
12:00 p.m., 06/13/25
J. REPORT OF THE COUNSEL
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 091-240-120-000, 091-240-250-000, 091-240-350-000
Agent Negotiator: Justin Hopkins, General Manager
Negotiating Parties: Robert V & Venere M Marciano TR
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION Potential exposure to litigation – Government Code
Section 54956.9 – two cases
President McGurk adjourned the meeting to closed session at 2:26 p.m. The regular meeting was reconvened at 2:37p.m., and was reopened at 2:38 p.m., with no reportable action.
President McGurk reopened discussion for item D-7. Manager Hopkins presented a staff report to consider approving a Professional Services Agreement for Phase 1 development of a Preliminary Engineering Report and 25% design for the Clements Road Pipeline Project.
A motion was moved and seconded to authorize the General Manager to approve a Professional Service Agreement with Provost & Prichard to provide design services for the PER and 25% design in the amount of $87,000 plus a 10% contingency of $8,700 for a total of $95,000 and make all other necessary approvals, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza,
Nayes: Sanguinetti
Abstain: None
Absent: Watkins
K. ADJOURNMENT
President McGurk adjourned the meeting at 2:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Signed By: Justin M. Hopkins
Secretary of the Board