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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - Legislative & Public Outreach Committee - 04/10/2025LEGISLATIVE & PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMITTEE APRIL 10, 2025 East Valley Water District was formed in 1954 and provides water and wastewater services to 108,000 residents within the cities of San Bernardino and Highland, and portions of San Bernardino County. EVWD operates under the direction of a 5­member elected Board. COMMITTEE MEMBERS James Morales Jr. Governing Board Member Ronald L. Coats Governing Board Member Legislative & Public Outreach Committee Meeting April 10, 2025 ­ 1:00 PM 31111 Greenspot Road, Highland, CA 92346 www.eastvalleywater.gov PLEASE NOTE: Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the District’s office located at 31111 Greenspot Rd., Highland, during normal business hours. Also, such documents are available on the District’s website at eastvalley.org and are subject to staff’s ability to post the documents before the meeting. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(a), any request for a disability­related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, that is sought in order to participate in the above agendized public meeting should be directed to the District Clerk at (909) 885­4900 at least 72 hours prior to said meeting. CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS PUBLIC COMMENTS Any person wishing to speak to the Board of Directors is asked to complete a Speaker Card and submit it to the District Clerk prior to the start of the meeting. Each speaker is limited to three (3) minutes, unless waived by the Chairman of the Board. Under the State of California Brown Act, the Board of Directors is prohibited from discussing or taking action on any item not listed on the posted agenda. The matter will automatically be referred to staff for an appropriate response or action and may appear on the agenda at a future meeting. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered by the Board of Directors to be routine and will be enacted in one motion. There will be no discussion of these items prior to the time the board considers the motion unless members of the board, the administrative staff, or the public request specific items to be discussed and/or removed from the Consent Calendar. 1.February 13, 2025 Legislative and Public Affairs Outreach Meeting Minutes INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 2.Legislative Update DISCUSSION ITEMS 3.Updated Grant Platform REPORTS 4.Public Affairs/Conservation Activities ADJOURN LEGISLATIVE & PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMITTEEAPRIL 10, 2025East Valley Water District was formed in 1954 and provides water and wastewater services to108,000 residents within the cities of San Bernardino and Highland, and portions of SanBernardino County.EVWD operates under the direction of a 5­member elected Board.COMMITTEE MEMBERS James Morales Jr. Governing Board Member Ronald L. Coats Governing Board Member Legislative & Public Outreach Committee Meeting April 10, 2025 ­ 1:00 PM 31111 Greenspot Road, Highland, CA 92346 www.eastvalleywater.gov PLEASE NOTE: Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the District’s office located at 31111 Greenspot Rd., Highland, during normal business hours. Also, such documents are available on the District’s website at eastvalley.org and are subject to staff’s ability to post the documents before the meeting. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(a), any request for a disability­related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, that is sought in order to participate in the above agendized public meeting should be directed to the District Clerk at (909) 885­4900 at least 72 hours prior to said meeting. CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS PUBLIC COMMENTS Any person wishing to speak to the Board of Directors is asked to complete a Speaker Card and submit it to the District Clerk prior to the start of the meeting. Each speaker is limited to three (3) minutes, unless waived by the Chairman of the Board. Under the State of California Brown Act, the Board of Directors is prohibited from discussing or taking action on any item not listed on the posted agenda. The matter will automatically be referred to staff for an appropriate response or action and may appear on the agenda at a future meeting. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered by the Board of Directors to be routine and will be enacted in one motion. There will be no discussion of these items prior to the time the board considers the motion unless members of the board, the administrative staff, or the public request specific items to be discussed and/or removed from the Consent Calendar. 1.February 13, 2025 Legislative and Public Affairs Outreach Meeting Minutes INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 2.Legislative Update DISCUSSION ITEMS 3.Updated Grant Platform REPORTS 4.Public Affairs/Conservation Activities ADJOURN LEGISLATIVE & PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMITTEEAPRIL 10, 2025East Valley Water District was formed in 1954 and provides water and wastewater services to108,000 residents within the cities of San Bernardino and Highland, and portions of SanBernardino County.EVWD operates under the direction of a 5­member elected Board.COMMITTEE MEMBERSJames Morales Jr.Governing Board Member Ronald L. CoatsGoverning Board MemberLegislative & Public Outreach Committee MeetingApril 10, 2025 ­ 1:00 PM31111 Greenspot Road, Highland, CA 92346www.eastvalleywater.govPLEASE NOTE:Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of theagenda packet are available for public inspection in the District’s office located at 31111Greenspot Rd., Highland, during normal business hours. Also, such documents are availableon the District’s website at eastvalley.org and are subject to staff’s ability to post thedocuments before the meeting. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(a), any request for a disability­related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, that is sought in order to participate in the above agendized public meeting should be directed to the District Clerk at (909) 885­4900 at least 72 hours prior to said meeting. CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS PUBLIC COMMENTS Any person wishing to speak to the Board of Directors is asked to complete a Speaker Card and submit it to the District Clerk prior to the start of the meeting. Each speaker is limited to three (3) minutes, unless waived by the Chairman of the Board. Under the State of California Brown Act, the Board of Directors is prohibited from discussing or taking action on any item not listed on the posted agenda. The matter will automatically be referred to staff for an appropriate response or action and may appear on the agenda at a future meeting. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered by the Board of Directors to be routine and will be enacted in one motion. There will be no discussion of these items prior to the time the board considers the motion unless members of the board, the administrative staff, or the public request specific items to be discussed and/or removed from the Consent Calendar. 1.February 13, 2025 Legislative and Public Affairs Outreach Meeting Minutes INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 2.Legislative Update DISCUSSION ITEMS 3.Updated Grant Platform REPORTS 4.Public Affairs/Conservation Activities ADJOURN Agenda Item #1 April 10, 20251 Meeting Date: April 10, 2025 Agenda Item #1 Consent Item Regular Meeting TO: Committee Members FROM: Public Affairs/Conservation Manager SUBJECT: February 13, 2025 Legislative and Public Affairs Outreach Meeting Minutes RECOMMENDATION That the Legislative and Public Outreach Committee approve the February 13, 2025 meeting minutes. DISTRICT PILLARS AND STRATEGIES V - Community Engagement, Advocacy, and Leadership a. Utilize Effective Communication Methods to Foster Exceptional Community Relations FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this agenda item. Respectfully submitted: ________________ William Ringland Public Affairs/Conservation Manager ATTACHMENTS Draft February 13, 2025 Minutes 02-13-2025 etb 2 1 6 9 Draft Pending Approval EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT FEBRUARY 13, 2025 LEGISLATIVE & PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMITTEE MINUTES PUBLIC COMMENTS APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 10, 2024, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY OUTREACH UPDATE 02-13-2025 etb 2 1 6 9 CONSERVATION UPDATES The Conservation Coordinator provided an update on the District’s submission of the Urban Water Use Objective report and conservation efforts, including workshops, a mulch giveaway, the Community Fall Festival, and educational programs in schools. Mrs. Robledo also discussed the challenges and strategies for meeting new water use efficiency regulations. A new controller has been introduced as part of the District’s Weather Based Irrigation Controller rebate direct install program. The Public Affairs/Conservation Manager provided detailed information on the complexity of the Water Use Efficiency regulations and the need for a strategy to provide resources and support to different segments of the District’s ratepayers. The Committee also discussed the importance of proactive communication and community outreach as related to the regulations. Information only. The Committee discussed and established that the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee meetings will continue to be held bi-monthly, on the second Thursday at 1:00 p.m. The Public Affairs/Conservation Manager provided an update on current activities including the productive meeting with the legislative advocate and the update of the District’s Crisis Communication Plan. He explained the difference between the District's Emergency Response Plan and the Crisis Communication Plan. He mentioned the appointment of two new members to the Community Advisory Commission and the upcoming first meeting. He discussed AB532, the low-income rate assistance bill and the importance of tracking the legislative updates. Information only. The meeting was adjourned at 2:59 p.m. ______________________________ ______________________________ James Morales, Jr. Ronald Coats Director Director Agenda Item #2 April 10, 20251 Meeting Date: April 10, 2025 Agenda Item #2 Informational Item Regular Meeting TO: Committee Members FROM: Public Affairs/Conservation Manager SUBJECT: Legislative Update RECOMMENDATION This agenda item is for informational purposes only, no action is required. BACKGROUND / ANALYSIS District staff, together with legislative advocates, are actively monitoring this year's legislative session and tracking over 89 bills significant to East Valley Water District’s operations. The legislation has been focused on a wide variety of water/wastewater topics, including water affordability, clean fleets, PFAS, and fire protection/water supplies. Staff are monitoring unique pieces of legislation including the following: •AB 532: Water Rate Assistance Program •AB 794: California Safe Drinking Water Act: Emergency Regulations •SB 350: Water Rate Assistance Program •SB 454: PFAS Mitigation Program •SB 682: PFAS Substances State leadership continues to focus legislative efforts related to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In response, staff have signed onto two coalition letters, one through the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) and another through the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), emphasizing the significant impacts of these persistent chemicals on water systems. In collaboration with ACWA, CASA, and the California Special Districts Association (CSDA), District staff remain actively engaged in working groups and advocacy efforts to represent the District’s positions. Participation in these organizations provides valuable opportunities to voice concerns on proposed legislation, stay informed about industry coalitions, and collaborate with neighboring districts on legislative matters. Agenda Item #2 April 10, 20252 Meeting Date: April 10, 2025 Agenda Item #2 Informational Item The District remains committed to actively monitoring and engaging in the evolving legislative and regulatory landscape to ensure its interests are effectively represented. DISTRICT PILLARS AND STRATEGIES V - Community Engagement, Advocacy, and Leadership b. Cultivate and Strengthen Collaborative Partnerships within the Water Industry c. Enhance Legislative Advocacy to Promote Water Security and Sustainability FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this agenda item. Respectfully submitted: ________________ William Ringland Public Affairs/Conservation Manager ATTACHMENTS Presentation Legislative and Public Outreach Committee April 10, 2025 Legislative Update LEGISLATIVE LANDSCAPE •Monitoring 89 Pieces of Legislation •Classified Relevant Bills into Tiers •Taking Positions Based upon Adopted 2025-26 Legislative Platform 2 EVWD Clean Fleets Water Affordability Water Quality/PFAS Fire Protection / Water Supplies TRACKING AND MONITORING Bill District Position AB 259: Open Meetings: Local Agencies: Teleconferences Support AB 514: Water: Emergency Water Supplies Watch AB 532: Water Rate Assistance Program Support AB 632: Local Ordinances: Administrative Fines or Penalties Watch 3 TRACKING AND MONITORING Bill District Position AB 794: California Safe Drinking Water Act: Emergency Regulations Oppose Unless Amended AB 990: Public Water Systems: Emergency Notification Plan Watch AB 1203: Water Conservation: Water Wise Designation Watch SB 350: Water Rate Assistance Program Oppose Unless Amended 4 TRACKING AND MONITORING Bill District Position SB 394: Water Theft: Fire Hydrants Support SB 454: State Water Resources Control Board: PFAS Mitigation Program Support SB 496: Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation: Appeals Advisory Committee: Exemptions Support SB 614: Potable Water: Nonfunctional Turf Oppose 5 TRACKING AND MONITORING Bill District Position SB 682: Environmental Health: Product Safety: Perfluoroalkyl And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Support 6 SESSION OUTLOOK 7 •Bill Passage Deadline: All bills must pass each house by June 6 •Budget Bill Deadline: Must be passed by June 15 •Summer Recess: July 18 – August 18 Questions? 8 Agenda Item #3 April 10, 20251 Meeting Date: April 10, 2025 Agenda Item #3 Discussion Item Regular Meeting TO: Committee Members FROM: Public Affairs/Conservation Manager SUBJECT: Updated Grant Platform RECOMMENDATION That the Legislative & Public Outreach Committee recommend that the Board of Directors consider adopting the updated Grant Strategy to enhance the District’s ability to effectively pursue and manage grant funding opportunities. BACKGROUND / ANALYSIS Grant funding presents an opportunity to align the District's priorities, goals, and projects with those of other agencies, while offsetting large capital investments. By utilizing grant funding, the District can avoid passing these costs along to ratepayers. Given that the District serves a diverse population a critical and necessary service, grant funding sources can sometimes be more widely available. However, it is essential to recognize that grant funding comes with additional conditions and reporting requirements that would not be necessary if the District were to self-fund projects. Given the advantages and challenges of grant funding, the District has developed a strategic Grant Platform to guide its grant pursuits. The District originally adopted a Grant Platform in 2012. Since that time, the organization has undergone significant transformations, including the opening of the Sterling Natural Resource Center and the adoption of a new Strategic Plan. As a result, staff have developed an updated Grant Platform for Board consideration. This updated platform aims to ensure that the District has the flexibility to pursue funding opportunities as they arise while maintaining alignment with the Strategic Plan. By doing so, the District can maximize available funding, implement projects throughout the service area and continue to provide a safe and reliable services. DISTRICT PILLARS AND STRATEGIES II - Sustainability, Transparency, and Accountability c. Pursue External Beneficial Funding Sources Agenda Item #3 April 10, 20252 Meeting Date: April 10, 2025 Agenda Item #3 Discussion Item FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this agenda item. Respectfully submitted: ________________ William Ringland Public Affairs/Conservation Manager ATTACHMENTS Grant Platform L E A D E R S H I P | P A R T N E R S H I P | S T E W A R D S H I P GRANT STRATEGY 2025 East Valley Water District has been successful at securing and completing projects with the assistance of grant funding. Using this experience, the District continues to develop a strategic approach and prioritization of funding in a manner that supports the District’s Strategic Plan and 5-Year Work Plan projects. Funding opportunities may include methods such as competitive grants, appropriations, formula-based funding and per capita allocations to reduce ratepayer expenses. p . 3 •Review, advise and adopt the Grant Strategy. •Consider approval of Resolutions, delegation of authority, applications, letters of support and other policy level documentation, as necessary. •Consider signing acknowledgments and certifications, as necessary. •Should the consideration of a grant opportunity not be consistent with the adopted Strategic Plan, 5-Year Work Plan or other adopted planning document, the Board of Directors would consider authorizing the application prior to submission. •Consider approval of contract with a Grant Partner to support the District with applications, pursuits, monitoring, and reporting. Board of Directors •Update the Grant Strategy, as approved by the Board of Directors. •Monitor grant availability and evaluate the potential benefits to the District. •Coordinate Grant Strategy with the Board of Directors to promote the interests of East Valley Water District to decision makers at all levels of government. •The General Manager/CEO is authorized to submit grant applications on behalf of the Board of Directors, so long as the grant is consistent with the adopted Strategic Plan, 5-Year Work Plan, and other adopted planning documents. •Participate in meetings with funding agency representatives, legislators, Board of Directors and other public officials, as needed. •Work with Consultants to develop grant applications, maintain application logs and priorities and maintain Grant Strategy, as needed. Periodically report to the Board of Directors or committee the status of the logs. •Develop and submit grant reporting requirements as required by secured funding sources. •The General Manager/CEO and designated staff may participate in grant discussions on behalf of the District, so long as it is consistent with the Strategic Plan and Grant Strategy. If a grant is awarded and requires matching funds, staff will either present the funding request to the Board of Directors or incorporate it into a future fiscal year’s budget proposal. General Manager / CEO & Staff •Monitor, review, and advise staff of funding opportunities that align with the District’s Grant Strategy. •As necessary, work with District staff to draft grant applications in a manner that is both competitive and consistent with the organizational priorities and application requirements. •As necessary, assist with grant management and reporting requirements. •Provide an exceptional level of transparency, ethics, and customer service in representing East Valley Water District’s interest to all funding agency officials, staff, and agencies. •As necessary, participate in workshops, technical discussions, and agency interactions on behalf of the District. Grant Partner ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES ORGANIZATIONAL EVALUATION The Grant Strategy reflects the priorities adopted by the Board of Directors through the Strategic Plan, 5-Year Work Plan, and other planning documents. It is designed to serve as a guide for East Valley Water District’s efforts in pursuit of funding from local, State, and Federal agencies. •The District should monitor the cost for active grant funded projects and ensure that they will not interfere with existing funding and that there are adequate resources to ensure the application commitments could be fulfilled. •Recognize that the cost for application preparation averages 10% of the request including staff and consultant expenditures. When pursued, this is an investment in the District that will not always be reimbursable by the grant, if successful. •Understand the funding requirements of the grant including maximum request amount, funding match requirement, and reporting/audit requirements. •Utilization of specialized grant consultants can strategically invest resources in the pursuit and monitoring of constantly changing funding opportunities. •Consideration for the necessary steps required to get a project in good standing for a grant application. Financial Elements Grant funding can be a resourceful means of financing projects while minimizing the impact on ratepayers. These programs are ideal when the Strategic Plan of the District aligns with the funding agency. While there are many funding sources available, few will be consistent with the District’s planning efforts. When considering the submission of a grant application, the District shall assess the following financial considerations: Program Assessment In addition to financial consideration, each grant or loan opportunity will be focused to support the funding agencies priorities and regulatory obligations. When monitoring calls for application and considering grant opportunities, the District should ensure that programs are consistent with existing strategic planning efforts. The grants, appropriations, formula-based funding, and per capita allocations should assess: •Evaluating programs to determine where the District will be the most competitive. •The funding source’s consistency with the District’s plan and vision as identified in the planning documents. •Upcoming and new legislation incentivizing the District’s participation in the funding program. •Current staff capacity to seek, pursue and manage the particular grant. •Previous experience, if any, with the funding agency. •The planned program timing and the alignment with the District’s effort. Understand that if successful, funding awards typically occur no less than six months after application submittal, and in many cases 12-18 months later. •District’s access to the data requested in the application or in the subsequent reporting requirements. •Cost benefit review to pursuing the funding source, considering commitments, reporting requirements, staff resources, and funding request amount. In general, this amount should be no less than $100,000 to justify necessary administration efforts. •Funding source schedule and whether the source is cyclical to assess the cycle the District would be the most competitive. •Support from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the community, and partner agencies. p . 4 POTENTIAL GRANT FUNDING AGENCY GENERAL PROJECT TYPE GRANT/ LOAN State of California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) Planning, Disaster Mitigation, Disaster Recovery, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Grants Department of Natural Resources Carbon Emission Reduction, Park Space Grants Energy Commission Alternative Energy Generation Grants/ Loans CalRecycle Waste Diversion, Alternative Energy Generation Grants State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)Planning, Capital Construction Grants/ Loans Federal Bureau of Reclamation Water Efficiency Grants Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)Water Infrastructure, Water Quality Grants Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)Planning, Disaster Mitigation, Disaster Recovery Grants As a California Special District that provides water and wastewater services, the District is eligible to submit applications for many grants offered by multiple state and federal agencies. Funding agency initiatives that are consistent with District projects include: disaster mitigation, water quality, water sustainability, wastewater, alternative energy/waste diversion, and carbon emission reduction. While some funding opportunities may be generated following the implementation of legislation, the following are examples of potential funding agencies with goals that align with the District’s priorities: p . 5 District Headquarters 31111 Greenspot Road Highland, California 92346 eastvalleywater.gov