HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-09 - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 22-97
MINUTES OF THE
YORBA LINDA WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, October 9, 2025, 8:00 AM
1717 E Miraloma Ave, Placentia CA 92870
1. PARTICIPATION INSTRUCTIONS
Were included on the agenda.
2. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 AM.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Affairs Officer Gonzalez led the pledge.
4. ROLL CALL
DIRECTORS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT
Tom Lindsey, President Mark Toy, General Manager
Gene Hernandez, Vice President Doug Davert, Assistant General Manager
Brett R. Barbre (Deported at 10:00 AM) Christine Mcllrevey, Finance Manager
Trudi DesRoches Freddie Ojeda, Operations Manager
Wayne R. Scott Lori Thompson, Human Resources and Risk Manager
Rosanne Weston, Engineering Manager
Annie Alexander, Board Secretary
Joanna Gonzalez, Public Affairs Officer
Carole Wayman, Assistant Board Secretary
ALSO PRESENT
Andrew Gagen, General Counsel, Kidman Gagen Law LLP
5. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA (None)
6. AB 2449 TELECONFERENCE REQUESTS (None)
7. INTRODUCTIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
7.1. Elected Official Liaison Reports (None)
Item 7.2. was taken later in the meeting.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS (None)
The Board entered Closed Session at 8:03 AM.
Mlnutes of the YLWD Board of DPeclas Regular Meeting Held October 9,2025 at 8:00 AM t
2025-98
9. CLOSED SESSION
9.1. Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Pursuant to Section 54957 of the California Government Code
Title: General Manager
9.2. Conference with Labor Negotiators
Pursuant to Section 54957.6 of the California Government Code
Agency Designated Representative: Andrew Gagen, General Counsel
Unrepresented Employee: General Manager
Director Barbre left the meeting at 10:00 AM.
10. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
The Board returned from Closed Session at 10:20 AM. No reportable action was taken.
The following item was taken out of order.
7.2. Employee Recognition
General Manager Toy and Operations Manager Ojeda recognized Brian
Adams and Vincent Larragoitiy on their recent promotions to Maintenance
Worker ll. General Manager Toy and Finance Manager Mcllrevey then
introduced and welcomed Amanda Acuna, newly hired Customer Service
Representative II.
11. PUBLIC COMMENTS CONTINUED (None)
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
Director DesRoches requested to remove Item No. 12.7. from the Consent Calendar
for separate action.
Director Hernandez made a motion, seconded by Director DesRoches, to approve
the remainder of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 4-0-0-1 on a roll call vote
with Director Barbre absent.
12.1. Minutes of Board of Directors Meetings
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors approve the minutes as
presented.
Minutes of the YLWD Board of Directors Regular Meeting Held October 9,2025 at 8:00 AM 2
2025-99
12.2. Payments of Bills, Refunds, and Wire Transfers
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors ratify and authorize
disbursements in the amount of$3,399,921.82.
12.3. Budget to Actual Reports for the Month Ended August 31, 2025
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receive and file the Budget to
Actual Reports for the Month Ended August 31, 2025.
12.4. Cash and Investment Reports for the Month Ended August 31, 2025
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors receive and file the Cash and
Investment Reports for the Month Ended August 31, 2025.
12.5. Moratorium on New Leases, Encumbrances, and Encroachments on District
Real Property
Recommendation:That the Board of Directors extend the moratorium on new
leases, encumbrances, and encroachments on District real property through
April 13, 2027.
12.6. Notice of Exemption for Kellogg Drive Waterline and Sewer Replacement
Project
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors consent to filing the Notice of
Exemption (NOE) with the Orange County Recorder's office for the Kellogg
Drive Waterline and Sewer Replacement Project Job No. J-2025-31 8,J-2025-
315.
12.8. Notice of Exemption for Santiago Booster Pump Station Discharge Pipe Lining
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors consent to filing the Notice of
Exemption (NOE) with the Orange County Recorder's office for the Santiago
Booster Pump Station Discharge Pipe Lining Project Job No. J-2025-32.
12.9. Award of Construction Contract for Santiago Booster Pump Station Discharge
Pipe Lining Project
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors award the construction
contract for the Santiago Booster Pump Station Discharge Pipe Lining Project
to T.E. Roberts, Inc. for$686,313.00, Job No. J-2025-32.
Minutes of the VLWD Board of Directors Regular Meefing Held October 9,2025 a18:DO AM 3
2025-100
12.10. Quitclaim Deed for Parcel Map 2014-176, 5055 Short Street
Recommendation: That the Board of Directors authorize the General
Manager to execute a Quitclaim Deed to abandon an existing easement
within 5055 Short Street.
ITEM REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE ACTION
12.7. Notice of Exemption for Santiago Booster Pump Station Rehabilitation Project
Director DesRoches noted that she was not opposed to the Notice of
Exemption and inquired why an emergency backup generatorwas not being
included in the project due to the facility's critical function and vulnerability
during a wildfire event, and requested that this option be reconsidered.
Staff responded that, after discussions with the Engineering and Operations
teams as well as the consultant, it was determined that a natural gas engine-
powered backup water pump was the most practical and cost-effective
solution, and would offer more capacity and redundancy than an
emergency backup generator. Staff also noted that the natural gas pump
would be restored or replaced first to provide redundancy during
construction, and it can be operated remotely.
Director DesRoches made a motion, seconded by Director Hernandez, to
consent to filing the Notice of Exemption (NOE) with the Orange County
Recorder's office for the Santiago Booster Pump Station Rehabilitation Project,
Job No. J-2024-23. Motion carried 4-0-0-1 on a roll call vote with Director
Barbre absent.
13. ACTION CALENDAR
13.1 Establishment of New Committees
President Lindsey provided background on previous review groups that were
originally formed for informational and educational purposes. He noted that
it was determined that if the review groups were to continue, their meetings
would need to be noticed in accordance with the Brown Act. Since that time,
the review groups have discontinued meeting.
Director DesRoches commented that she had requested that this matter be
agendized so that the Board could discuss whether it would be beneficial to
establish formal Finance and Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
committees. She also commented on the potential functions and benefits of
establishing these committees.
Minutes of the VLWD Board of Directors Regular Meeting Held October 9,2025 at 8:00 AM 4
2025-101
General Manager Toy commented on the determination regarding the status
of the review groups and noted that staff would continue to be available to
meet with Directors on an individual basis to discuss any topic as needed.
Extended discussion followed regarding the purpose of committees, whether
there was a need for a finance committee and CIP committee, and the
current process that facilitates Directors requesting information individually.
Director DesRoches made a motion to establish a Financial Review
Committee and a CIP Review Committee. Motion failed forlock of a second.
13.2. Request for Signature on SB 682 (Allen) Environmental Health: Product Safety:
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
Staff presented a brief overview of SB 682, which addresses intentionally
added PFAS in consumer products in California, and noted that multiple water
agencies were supporters of the bill.
Director Lindsey made a motion, seconded by Director Scott, to approve a
letter requesting Governor Gavin Newsom's signature on SB 682 (Allen)
Environmental Health: Product Safety: Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroolkyl
Substances. Motion carried 4-0-0-1 on a roll call vote with Director Barbre
absent.
13.3. YLWD Commemorative Activities for USA 250
Staff noted that they met with Director Scott to review options to
commemorate this event and recommended implementing five activities
through July 2026, at the Board's discretion.
President Lindsey expressed concern about setting a precedent by promoting
an organization on the District's website, asking if the District had done
anything similar before. Staff clarified that these efforts are celebrating the
nation's 250th anniversary, not supporting an individual organization.
Director Scott made a motion, seconded by Director Hernandez to
participate in three commemorative activities: (1) place a link to USA 250's
website on the District's homepage and on the District's electronic billing
plafform; (2) display the nation's founding documents and America 250 flag
in the District's lobby; and (3) prepare a Board proclamation honoring USA
250. Motion carried 4-0-0-1 on a roll call vote, with Director Sarbre absent.
14. REPORTS INFORMATION ITEMS AND COMMENTS
14.1. Director's Reports
Minutes of the YLWD Board of Directors Regular Meeting Held October 9,2025 at 8:00 AM 5
2025-102
Directors provided brief updates on meetings attended and upcoming
events. Board members commented on the success of the Wildfire
Preparedness Community Meeting and the District's Open House event, and
extended appreciation to staff.
14.2. General Manager's Report
General Manager Toy highlighted various aspects of his report and
announced a new customer welcome initiative featuring door hangers with
information on setting up online account access, payment options, and other
helpful resources.
14.3. General Counsel's Report (None)
14.4 Future Agenda Items and Staff Tasks
Director DesRoches inquired about the Urban Water Management Plan and
Water Storage Contingency Plan updates and asked if the Board would have
an opportunity to review the draft plans before adoption. Staff noted that the
plans were in progress, due July 1, 2026, and drafts would be shared with the
Board before adoption.
Director DesRoches also requested the opportunity for Board review of the
draft Best Management Practices for customers exceeding certain
recommended thresholds to be developed as part of the Making
Conservation a California Way of Life regulation. Staff indicated that these
would also be shared with the Board before being sent to customers.
Director Scott commented on the Governor's recent signing of SB 707, which
included some revisions to the Brown Act, and requested an agenda item for
General Counsel to brief the Board.
President Lindsey indicated that he would like to ask the Board to vote on
these requests.
Director Lindsey made a motion, seconded by Director Scott, to agendize
Board review of the draft Urban Water Management Plan, draft Water
Storage Contingency Plan, and the draft Best Management Practices mailer
before adoption. Motion carried 4�0-1 on a roll call vote with Director Barbre
absent.
Director Scott made a motion, seconded by Director Hernandez to agendize
an update by General Counsel Gogen on recent revisions to the Brown Act.
Motion carried 4-0-0-1 on a roll coil vote with Director Barbre absent.
Minutes of the YLW D BOOM Of DbeCton RegUlor Meeting Held October 9,2025 at 8:00 AM 6
2025-103
15. COMMITTEE REPORTS
15.1. Interagency Committee with MWDOC and OCWD
DesRoches / Barbre
15.2. Joint Agency Committee with City of Yorba Linda
Hernandez/ Barbre
15.3. Joint Agency Committee with City of Placentia
Lindsey / Scott
15.4. Joint Agency Committee with City of Brea
Barbre / Hernandez
15.5. Joint Agency Committee with Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
Hemandez / Scott
16. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTIVITY CALENDAR
16.1. Meetings from October 10, 2025- November 30, 2025
Director Lindsey stated that he had been asked to give the invocation at
Yorba Linda's Council meeting on October 21, 2025, and would switch his
attendance with Director DesRoches on that date.
17. CLOSED SESSION CONTINUED
The Board entered Closed Session at 11:24 PM.
17.1. Conference with Labor Negotiators
Pursuant to Paragraph 54957.6 of the California Government Code
Agency Designated Representatives: Mark Toy, General Manager, and Lori
Thompson, Human Resources and Risk Manager
Employee Organization: Yorba Linda Water District Employees Association
17.2. Conference with Labor Negotiators
Pursuant to Paragraph 54957.6 of the California Government Code
Agency Designated Representatives: Mark Toy, General Manager, and Lort
Thompson, Human Resources and Risk Manager
Unrepresented Employees: All Unrepresented Classifications
18. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
The Board returned from Closed Session at 1 1:54 AM. No reportable action was taken.
Minutes of the YLWD Board of Directors Regular Meeting Held October 9,M25 of 8:00 AM 7
2025-104
19. ADJOURNMENT
19.1. President Lindsey noted that the next regular meeting was scheduled for
November 13, 2024. The meeting was then adjourned at 11 :54 AM.
Carole Wayman
Assistant Board Secretary
Minutes of the YLWD Board of Directors Regular Meeting Held October 9,2025 of 8:00 AM 8