Board Meeting
Agenda
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, SEPTEMBER 2, 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 (Dir. of Finance & Admin Ram) & Roll Call
B. Consent Calendar
C. Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)
D. Scheduled Presentations and Agenda Items
1. Minutes 08/19/25
2. Warrants
a. Fund 56 – Construction Fund
b. Fund 68 – Municipal & Industrial Groundwater Fund
c. Fund 70 – Administration Fund
d. Fund 71 – Water Supply Fund
e. Fund 89 – Fish Screen Improvement Fund
f. Fund 91 – Vehicle Fund
g. Fund 94 – Municipal & Industrial Fund
h. Payroll
i. Summary
j. Short Names/Acronym List
k. SEWD Vehicles & Heavy Equipment
3. Warrants – California Public Employees’ Retirement System
4. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Solids
Handling Dewatering Lagoon Project Equipment Purchase
5. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Consider
Adoption of On-Farm Recharge Policy
6. Water Year 2024 – Accounts Receivable Credits for
Refund for AG and Municipal & Industrial (M&I)
7. Cancellation of September 9, 2025 Stockton East Water
District Regular Board Meeting
8. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Consider Approving
Filing of CEQA Notice of Exemption for the Highway 4 Traveling
Screens Project
9. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Consider Approving
Filing of CEQA Notice of Exemption for the Solids Handling
Dewatering Lagoons Project
E. Committee Reports
1. Agricultural Operations Committee Meeting, 08/20/25
2. Municipal Operations Committee Meeting, 08/20/25
3. Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Executive
Committee Meeting, 08/28/25
F. Report of the General Manager
1. Water Supply Report 08/19/25
2. Informational Items
a. Amid Threats From Trump, Adam Schiff Forms Legal
Defense Fund, The New York Times, 08/19/25
3. Report on General Manager Activities
a. Stockton East Water District Activities Update
4. Stockton East Water District Engineering/Maintenance Update
G. Director Reports
1. CSDA 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase,
08/25/25 – 08/28/25
H. Communications
1. Thank You Letter From The Vice President, 07/28/25
2. ACWA Proposition 4 Implementation – Take Action Now,
08/20/25
3. Farmington Dam PSA from Dave Simpson with North San
Joaquin Water Conservation District, 08/26/25
4. ACWA JPIA Liability, Property, and Worker’s Compensation
Risk Assessment
I. Agenda Planning/Upcoming Events
1. Eastern Water Alliance Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m.,
09/04/25
*This meeting has been cancelled*
2. Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce – Networking
Mixer, San Joaquin A+, 5:00 p.m., 09/04/25
3. ACWA State Legislative Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m.,
09/05/25
4. San Joaquin County 175th Anniversary Gala – Haggin
Museum, 6:00 p.m., 09/05/25
5. San Joaquin County and Delta Water Quality Coalition
Steering Committee Meeting, 9:00 a.m., 09/08/25
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 28, 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 28, 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, SEPTEMBER 2, 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 of Finance & Administration Ram 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, Director of Finance & Administration Ram, District Engineer Evensen, Maintenance Manager Higares, Administrative Assistant Rodriguez, Consultant Barkett and Legal Counsel Zolezzi.
B. CONSENT CALENDAR (None)
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
D. SCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS AND AGENDA ITEM
1. Minutes
a. Minutes 08/19/25 Regular Board Meeting
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the August 19, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, Hansen, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
2. Warrants –
a. Fund 56 – Constructions Fund
b. Fund 68 – Municipal & Industrial Fund
c. Fund 70 – Administration Fund
d. Fund 71 – Water Supply Fund
e. Fund 89 – Fish Screen Improvement Fund
f. Fund 91 – Vehicle Fund
g. Fund 94 – Municipal & Industrial Fund
h. Payroll
i. Summary
j. Short Names/Acronym List
k. SEWD Vehicles & Heavy Equipment
Director Sanguinetti inquired on the expenses and staff provided responses to questions.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the September 2, 2025, Warrants, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, Hansen, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
3. Warrants – California Public Employees’ Retirement System
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the September 2, 2025, Warrants, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, Hansen, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
4. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Solids Handling Dewatering Lagoon Project Equipment Purchase
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with a staff report for the Solids Handling Dewatering Lagoon Project Equipment Purchase. Manager Hopkins reported The Solids Handling Dewatering Lagoons Project (Project), included in the approved FY 2025–2026 Budget, will expand lagoon capacity at the Water Treatment Plant through the construction of three new clay-lined lagoons and associated infrastructure. The Project was originally designed to include eight concrete-lined lagoons at an estimated cost of $11 million. However, following recent regulatory review, the design was modified to allow clay-lined earthen lagoons consistent with the existing facilities. This change has enabled staff to complete critical portions of the work in-house, resulting in substantial cost savings for the Project. Maintenance Manager Higares reviewed the staff report and staff provided responses to questions.
A motion was moved and seconded to authorize the General Manager to approve the purchase and installation of CAT Grade Control Systems for the CAT 330 and CAT 325 excavators, including a shared Trimble Cab Kit, GNSS Base-Rove System, and Trimble Business Center software for a total of $187,372.59 plus a 10% contingency, not to exceed $206,109.85 and authorize the General Manager to execute all related procurement, training, and licensing agreements, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, Hansen, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
5. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Consider Adoption of On-Farm Recharge Policy
Manager Hopkins presented a staff report to Consider Adoption of On-Farm Recharge Policy. Manager Hopkins reported the purpose of this Policy is to establish a program that encourages individual participants to divert recharge water into underground storage for later use in lieu of groundwater pumping, in alignment with Rule 177 adopted on March 19, 2024. Rule 177, together with Policy 3086, provides for two incentive programs one for gravity-fed diversions and another for lifted diversions. These measures directly support the District’s priorities of achieving groundwater sustainability under SGMA and enhancing overall water management. Manager Hopkins reviewed the staff report and staff provided responses to questions.
A motion was moved and seconded to adopt of the On-Farm Recharge Policy 3086, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, Hansen, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
6. Water Year 2024 – Accounts Receivable Credits for Refund AG and Municipal & Industrial (M&I)
Manager Hopkins presented the 2024 Water Year A Accounts Receivable Credits for Refund AG and Municipal & Industrial (M&I). Staff provided responses to questions.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the 2024 Water Year – Accounts Receivable Credits for Refund AG and Municipal & Industrial (M&I), as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, Hansen, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
7. Cancellation of September 9, 2025 Stockton East Water District Regular Board Meeting
Manager Hopkins presented a Cancellation Notice for the September 9, 2025 Regular Board Meeting. Manager Hopkins reported the Board of Directors have been invited to attend the Calaveras County Water District tour.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the Cancellation of September 9, 2025 Regular Board Meeting, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, Hansen, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
8. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Consider Approving Filing of CEQA Notice of Exemption for the Highway 4 Traveling Screen Project
Manager Hopkins presented a staff report to Consider Approving Filing of CEQA Notice of Exemption for the Highway 4 Traveling Screen Project. Manager Hopkins reported the District proposes to file a Notice of Exemption (NOE) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Project qualifies as categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15302, Class 2 of the CEQA Guidelines, which applies to the replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities located on the same site, serving substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structures being replaced. Manager Hopkins reviewed the staff report and staff provided responses to questions.
A motion was moved and seconded to authorize the General Manager to approve the Project and the filling of CEQA Notice of Exemption for the Highway 4 Traveling Screens Project and begin applying for all necessary permits, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, Hansen, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
9. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Consider Approving Filing of CEQA Notice of Exemption for the Solids Handling Dewatering Lagoons Project
Manager Hopkins presented a staff report to Consider Approving Filing of CEQA Notice of Exemption for the Solids Handling Dewatering Lagoons Project. Manager Hopkins reported the District is looking to upgrade three existing solids handling dewatering lagoons at the Water Treatment Plant. The Solids Handling Dewatering Lagoon Project aims to upgrade the existing lagoons with enhanced facilities, including new intakes and decant structures, to address operational challenges at the Water Treatment Plant. Modernizing the lagoons will provide greater flexibility in solids thickening and drying processes while reducing water loss from recycling. To ensure compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), District staff reviewed the project scope and recommend that the Board of Directors approve and file a Notice of Exemption (NOE). Staff has determined that the Project qualifies as categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15302, Class 2, which applies to the replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities on the same site with substantially the same purpose and capacity, and that none of the exceptions listed in Section 15300.2 apply. Manager Hopkins reviewed the staff report and staff provided responses to questions.
A motion was moved and seconded authorize the General Manager to approve the handout filling of a CEQA Notice of Exemption for the Solids Handling Dewatering Lagoons Project, obtain the necessary domestic Water Supply Permit Amendment and proceed with the construction of the project, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, Hansen, McGurk, Nakaue, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
E. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Agricultural Operations Committee Meeting, 08/20/25
Directors Atkins, Nakaue, Hansen, Sanguinetti, Manager Hopkins and Assistant Manager Vega attended the Agricultural Committee Meeting. Director Sanguinetti reported the committee discussed the replacement or removal of bridges. Manager Hopkins reported staff is reconfirming which crossings are the Districts responsibilities to establish a cost. Director Nakaue reported the committee discussed replacing one bridge per year and establishing a prioritization plan.
2. Municipal Operations Committee Meeting, 08/20/25
Directors McGurk, Panizza, Nakaue, Manager Hopkins, Assistant Manager Vega and Maintenance Manager Higares attended the Municipal Operations Committee Meeting. Director Nakaue reported the committee discussed the Peters pipeline capacity alternatives and the Solids Handling Dewatering Lagoon Project equipment purchase. Director Nakaue reported the Water Treatment Plant is currently unable to deliver its full permitted capacity of 65 MGD due to previous lining repairs. Two alternatives were proposed: the first involves constructing a single large 81-inch diameter pipeline, while the second consists of rehabilitating the existing CIPCP with steel sliplining and constructing a new 52-inch diameter parallel pipeline. Both alternatives would enable the Water Treatment Plant to achieve its full permitted capacity. District Engineer Evensen reported complications with WIFIA funding could delay the project by approximately three to four years if the Board chooses to proceed with a parallel lining. Discussion followed.
3. Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Executive Committee Meeting, 08/28/25
Director Watkins attended the Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Executive Committee Meeting. Director Watkins reported the San Joaquin County’s fall and spring water levels were reported to be significantly lower. A detailed report is expected in October, at which time the executive committee will review the findings, a new management working group has been established with meetings being through zoom, Julia Berry will assume responsibilities on the SGMA portal and the executive committee is working on the domestic well mitigation. The next Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Executive Committee Meeting will be on September 25th.
F. REPORT OF GENERAL MANAGER
1. Water Supply Report as of 08/19/25
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 168,003 AF in storage at New Hogan Reservoir. Current releases are set at 183 cfs. There is 1,648,117 AF in storage at New Melones Reservoir. Current releases are set at 1,603 cfs. The current release at Goodwin Dam to Stanislaus River is set at 1,875 cfs and release to all water users is set at 1,502 cfs. There are 16 irrigators on New Hogan, 5 on New Melones and 2 out of District. The District Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is currently processing 54 mgd. North Stockton is currently utilizing 13 mgd. South Stockton is currently using 6 mgd. Cal Water is currently utilizing 24 mgd. The City of Stockton WTP is currently processing 16 mgd.
2. Information Items: F-2a
·
3. Report on General Manager Activities
a. Stockton East Water District Activities Update
Manager Hopkins reported that at the ACWA Fall Conference, David Wiesenberger from Banta Cardona Irrigation District submitted an abstract titled “California’s Battle Against Invasive Species and Their Threat to Native Fisheries Beyond Region 4.”
Manager Hopkins reported he was contacted regarding interest in purchasing 67 acres at the end of the proposed Clements Pipeline, noting that state maps indicate the property sits over the only area of poor-quality soil.
Manager Hopkins reported presented the Board with the Fox 40 Studio interview.
Manager Hopkins reported he will be presenting at the Tri-Dam Board on September 18 to clarify the proposed CHP contract modification, which faces opposition from Oakdale Irrigation District (OID) and South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID). He also noted that he met with the General Manager of Calaveras County Water District (CCWD) to seek potential bipartisan support for the bill text Congressman Harder included in the appropriations bill; however, CCWD will not be able to provide assistance.
Manager Hopkins reported Doyce Boesch contact will be expiring on September 30th which is the week some of the Board members and himself will be in Washington D.C. for the meetings Doyce has arranged. The Board will review the agreement at the next Regular Board Meeting.
Manager Hopkins reported the District will host an Employee Appreciation Day on September 19th and the Board is invited.
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with the updated employee values.
Manager Hopkins provided a listing of equipment use for the week of August 25, 2025.
4. Stockton East Water District Engineering and Maintenance Update
District Engineer Evensen and Maintenance Manager Higares provided the Board with an Engineering and Maintenance update. District Engineer Evensen reported on project and construction management activities, including the Aquifer Storage Recovery Well 74-01, Highway 4 Traveling Water Screen, LLPS P-1 Pump Replacement, and the Bellota Weir Modification Project. He also provided updates on planning, design, permitting, and grant efforts, which include the New Filter Design, Clements Pipeline and Reservoir, Potter Creek pump station phase II, replacement of BFVs and actuators on control vaults, the DWR Calaveras River Watershed Resiliency Grant, Utility Water Pump Station, and the LLPS Electrical Project.
Maintenance Manager Higares provided updates on Maintenance and Construction activities, which included preventative maintenance, Bellota pipeline ARV, P-1 electrical work (completed), ASR 7401 roof repairs (completed), ASR Electrical (in progress), the New North Borrow Site (on going), and implementation of Tyler EAM.
G. DIRECTOR REPORTS
1. CSDA 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase, 08/25/25 – 08/28/25
Director Atkins, Watkins, Nakaue, Hansen, Sanguinetti, McGurk and Manager Hopkins attended the CSDA 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase. Director Atkins reported he attended sessions covering general manager performance evaluations, managing board member transitions, and effective board interactions. Guest speakers included a former football player and a magician who shared a cross-country journey, averaging 100 miles per day, with a noted mix-up between San Jose and Santa Cruz. Additionally, ethics and sexual harassment trainings were completed, and certificates are now available online through participants’ CSDA profiles.
H. COMMUNICATIONS
1. Thank You Letter from The Vice President, 07/28/25
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with a Thank You letter from The Vice President.
2. ACWA Proposition 4 Implementation – Take Action Now, 08/20/25
Manager Hopkins presented a letter the District signed requesting Prop 4 funding, the voter approved Prop 4 funding and will be incorporated into the upcoming fiscal yea budget.
3. Farmington Dam PSA from Dave Simpson with North San Joaquin Water Conservation District, 08/26/25
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with an email from Dave Simpson, Director of the North San Joaquin Water Conservation District (NSJWCD), noting that he had seen the Farmington Reservoir commercial on Fox 40.
4. ACWA JPIA Liability, Property, and Worker’s Compensation Risk Assessment, 08/26/25
Manager Hopkins provided the Board with a Liability, Property, and Worker’s Compensation Risk Assessment from ACWA JPIA. Manager Hopkins reported the visit was very positive. Experience modification rates were reported at 0.72 for workers’ compensation and 0.79 for liability, both below 1.0 and resulting in annual premium discounts. The only substantive feedback received was a recommendation to adopt a formal cross-connection control ordinance.
I. AGENDA PLANNING/UPCOMING EVENTS
1. Eastern Water Alliance Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m., 09/04/25
*This meeting has been cancelled. *
2. Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce - Networking Mixer, San Joaquin A+, 5:00 p.m., 09/04/25
3. ACWA State Legislative Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m., 09/05/25
4. San Joaquin County 175th Anniversary Gala – Haggin Museum, 6:00 p.m., 09/05/25
5. San Joaquin County and Delta Water Quality Coalition Steering Committee Meeting, 9:00 a.m., 09/08/25
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 2:20 p.m. The regular meeting reconvened at 2:26 p.m., with no reportable action.
K. ADJOURNMENT
President McGurk adjourned the meeting at 2:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Justin M. Hopkins
Secretary of the Board