Board Meeting
AGENDA
PLEASE EMAIL (sewd@sewd.net) FOR A COPY OF THE FULL AGENDA PACKET
MEETING NOTICE
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
STOCKTON EAST WATER DISTRICT WILL BE HELD
AT 12:30 P.M., TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 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.
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 08/12/25
2. Warrants – California Public Employees’ Retirement System
E. Committee Reports
1. Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Executive
Committee Meeting, 08/13/25
2. San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation Monthly Water
Committee Meeting, 08/13/25
3. Administration Committee Meeting, 08/15/25
F. Report of the General Manager
1. Water Supply Report 08/12/25
2. Informational Items
a. Nearly $2 Billion Worth of Home Value Wiped Out in
California’s Central Valley – for a Surprising Reason,
www.yahoo.com, 08/07/25
b. San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors – 175th
Anniversary Gala, Haggin Museum, 09/05/25
3. Report on General Manager Activities
a. Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce – Green Team
San Joaquin, 08/13/25
b. ACWA State Legislative Committee Meeting,
08/15/25
c. Stockton East Water District Activities Update
4. Stockton East Water District Operations Update
G. Director Reports
1. ACWA Quarterly Policy Committee Meeting, 08/13/25
H. Communications
1. Central San Joaquin Water Conservation District – Response
to SEWD’s May 22, 2025 Letter
I. Agenda Planning/Upcoming Events
1. Agricultural Operations Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m.,
08/20/25
2. Municipal Operations Committee Meeting, 12:30 p.m.,
08/20/25
3. San Joaquin County Flood Control and Water Conservation
District Advisory Water Commission Meeting, 1:00 p.m.,
08/20/25
*This meeting was cancelled*
4. CSDA 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase,
08/25/25 – 08/28/25
5. Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Executive
Committee Meeting, 1:30 p.m., 08/28/25
6. District Holiday – Labor Day, 09/01/25
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 – ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION Potential exposure to litigation – Government Code
Section 54956.9 – two cases
K. Adjournment
Certification of Posting
I hereby certify that on August 14, 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 August 14, 2025.
Signed By: Priya Ram, 08/14/25
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 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, AUGUST 19, 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, Hansen, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti and Watkins. Also present were Manager Hopkins, Assistant Manager Vega, Director of Finance & Administration Ram, Water Operations Manager Wunderlich, Administrative Assistant Rodriguez, Consultant Barkett and Legal Counsel Zolezzi .
B. CONSENT CALENDAR (None)
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
Director McGurk wished Director Atkins a Happy Birthday!
D. SCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS AND AGENDA ITEM
1. Minutes
a. Minutes 08/12/25 Regular Board Meeting
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the August 12, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, Hansen, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
2. Warrants – California Public Employees’ Retirement System
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the August 19, 2025, Warrants, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, Hansen, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
E. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Executive Committee Meeting, 08/13/25
Director Watkins attended the Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Executive Committee Meeting. [JH1] Director Watkins stated a public records request had been submitted. The primary discussion focused on the 90,000 acre-feet overdraft target identified by the model. Members debated how this figure compared to previous estimates (30, 56, or 60 thousand acre-feet) and noted that the model continues to change due to climate impacts.
The new executive director proposed a voluntary approach for GSAs to contribute toward meeting the 90,000 acre-feet goal. Since an allocation study has not yet been completed, the committee discussed asking all 16 GSAs to identify what percentage or number of projects they could realistically implement in the coming years. This would encourage project-oriented planning and progress on the issue, with the intent of bringing the recommendation forward to the board. Director Watkins also reported The Domestic Well Mitigation Program, approved 1.5 to 2 years ago, has not moved forward. Key challenges include cross-county administrative coordination involving Calaveras, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin County Environmental Health. At present, no application exists, and the program has not been publicized. Additionally, Director Watkins reported Fritz Buckman is scheduled to retire in December. Discussion included succession planning for administrative roles, specifically who will serve as the DWR portal secretary. Julia was proposed for this role, and it is anticipated she will also become secretary of the board.
2. San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation Monthly Water Committee Meeting, 08/13/25
Manager Hopkins attended the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation Monthly Water Committee Meeting. Manager Hopkins reported North San Joaquin is completing its pipeline project and recently transferred 113 acre-feet of water from Woodbridge for irrigation and recharge. Woodbridge has nearly exhausted its base supply for the year. Oakdale and South San Joaquin Irrigation Districts held a groundbreaking ceremony for a major tunnel project, with SSJID considering debt financing to support its completion. The Tracy Subbasin has also begun its five-year periodic evaluation. In addition, GWA Board Chair Robert Holmes provided updates from the GWA.
3. Administration Committee Meeting, 08/15/25
Present at the meeting were Directors Watkins, Sanguinetti, Nakaue, Manager Hopkins, Assistant Manager Vega and Director of Finance and Administration Ram. Director Sanguinetti reported the On-Farm Recharge Policy No. 386, which proposes a $25 pumping cost credit for participants who engage in recharge activities. The policy will be presented to the board for review. Manager Hopkins reported staff also presented the Budget Policy, which outlines funding needs for revenue sources, the process for assembling the budget, and references the Second-Amended Contract. As the District is currently soliciting proposals for a water rate study consultant, an important issue requiring input is clarifying what the rates should fund particularly how they will cover the capital improvement program, ongoing operations, and maintenance expenses.
F. REPORT OF GENERAL MANAGER
1. Water Supply Report as of 08/12/25
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 174,282 AF in storage at New Hogan Reservoir. Current releases are set at 228 cfs. There is 1,676,418 AF in storage at New Melones Reservoir. Current releases are set at 1,781 cfs. The current release at Goodwin Dam to Stanislaus River is set at 1,774 cfs and release to all water users is set at 1,677 cfs. There are 14 irrigators on New Hogan, 7 on New Melones and 3 out of District. The District Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is currently processing 54 mgd. North Stockton is currently utilizing 15 mgd. South Stockton is currently using 11 mgd. Cal Water is currently utilizing 24 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. Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce – Green Team San Joaquin, 08/13/25
Manager Hopkins attended the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce – Green Team San Joaquin. Manager Hopkins reported he provided a presentation to the Green Team, a group consisting of recycling and waste management companies. The presentation highlighted Stockton East’s operations and its efforts to preserve the groundwater basin, emphasizing the broad community benefits of this work. The presentation was well received, with many attendees expressing appreciation and noting that they had not previously realized the extent of the District’s role in protecting water resources.
b. ACWA State Legislative Committee Meeting, 08/15/25
Manager Hopkins attended the ACWA State Legislative Committee Meeting. Manager Hopkins reported two bills were being presented but only one was applicable to the District. Assembly Bill 1413 was the primary focus. This legislation would prohibit courts from determining a basin’s safe or sustainable yield at a level higher than what is identified in a valid Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP).
Concerns were raised that the bill could infringe upon groundwater right-holders’ due process and potentially create additional litigation challenges for GSAs. As a result, the committee adopted a “not-favor-unless-amended” position. While the specific amendments have yet to be defined, ACWA plans to work with other opposition groups to develop appropriate language.
c. The Water Group, LLC
Manager Hopkins shared an email regarding a potential recharge project involving a product developed by a former general manager. The product is currently being investigated for use by Cal Water.
d. Stockton East Water District Activities Update
Manager Hopkins reported San Joaquin County is moving forward with the lot line adjustment for the Marciano property. As part of the process, the County provided a short review period for other agencies, including the District.
Manager Hopkins reported he has held meetings with employees to review survey responses, clarify comments and scores, and gather feedback on potential improvements. The leadership team is scheduled to meet on Friday to review the survey results as a whole and incorporate the feedback collected from individual employees.
Manager Hopkins reported he drafted a support letter for the Farmington Reservoir project, which has been sent to the lobbying firm for review. The goal is to secure endorsements from all GSAs and state representatives for the study and project, with the letter ultimately being submitted to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. A trip to Washington, D.C. is tentatively planned for the week of September 29th, pending scheduling availability, with the intention of meeting with the subcommittee.
Manager Hopkins provided a listing of equipment use for the week of August 11, 2025.
4. Stockton East Water District Operations Update
Water Operations Manager Wunderlich presented the Board with a Treatment Plant Update. Water Operations Manager Wunderlich reported, for the month of July, the WTP collected 98 samples and there were 0 samples that tested positive for Coliform and E.coli. The rain totals for the past 7 days were 0 and the surface water production for the Treatment Plant was 4,835 AF and City of Stockton WTP was 1,640 AF. The groundwater production for Stockton East Water District was 0 AF, California Water Services was 360 AF and City of Stockton was 17 AF. Lastly, the TTHM average is 29ppb and free chlorine average was 0.89 ppm.
G. DIRECTOR REPORTS
1. ACWA Quarterly Policy Committee Meeting, 08/13/25
Manager Hopkins reported on the Groundwater Committee meeting, noting updates on Prop 4 funding, which was described as a "regurgitation" of previously approved allocations. The funding includes $193.25 million for SGMA implementation and $200 million for multi-benefit land repurposing projects. The Department of Water Resources plans to combine these two funding pools into a single solicitation, with applications expected in 2026 and grants awarded in 2027. Policy updates included Assembly Bill 2039, which adds additional Brown Act requirements for GSAs. Although largely duplicative of existing requirements for public agencies, the bill passed both houses despite ACWA’s opposition and is expected to be signed by the governor.
Director Atkins reported on the Agriculture Committee Meeting discussions about raising Shasta Dam. Three options were considered 8, 12, and 15 feet—with 15 feet chosen due to similar costs. This increase would provide approximately 634,000 acre-feet of additional storage, with an estimated cost of $5 billion, including extensive associated infrastructure work. Sites Reservoir was also discussed, facing similar time and cost challenges and potential interactions with water rights concerning Sacramento River settlement contractors. Manager Hopkins reported Jennifer Pierre, General Manager for State Water Contractors, noted the Delta Conveyance Project’s costs rise by $400 million per year of delay.
Manager Hopkins attended the Energy Committee Meeting. Manager Hopkins reported on PG&E's revised criteria for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), noting that the sustained wind speed threshold has been lowered to 31 miles per hour, with gusts at 45 miles per hour. Additionally, 32 more circuits have been added to the PSPS program, which will affect approximately 47,000 additional customers. These changes indicate that PSPS events are expected to be more frequent and widespread in the coming year.
H. COMMUNICATIONS
1. Central San Joaquin Water Conservation District – Response to SEWD’s May 22, 2025 Letter
Manager Hopkins provided the Board with a letter received from Central San Joaquin Water Conservation District (CSJWCD) requesting the District’s wheeling rate cost methodology. The District had previously provided this information a few years ago and has since re-sent it. It was noted that the methodology reflects a higher figure than what was actually charged, and the district is currently awaiting a response.
I. AGENDA PLANNING/UPCOMING EVENTS
1. Agricultural Operations Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m., 08/20/25
2. Municipal Operations Committee Meeting, 12:30 P.M., 08/20/25
3. San Joaquin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Advisory Water Commission Meeting, 1:00 p.m., 08/20/25
*This meeting was cancelled*
4. CSDA 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase, 08/25/25 – 08/28/25
5. Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Executive Committee Meeting, 1:30 p.m., 08/28/25
6. District Holiday – Labor Day, 09/01/25
J. REPORT OF THE COUNSEL
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 – ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION Potential exposure to litigation – Government Code
Section 54956.9 – two cases
President McGurk adjourned the meeting to closed session at 1:18 p.m. The regular meeting reconvened at 1:39 p.m., with no reportable action.
K. ADJOURNMENT
President McGurk adjourned the meeting at 1:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Justin M. Hopkins
Secretary of the Board
[JH1]I can't say this is incorrect, but this doesn't make sense/lacks any relevance.