HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - EVWD Board of Directors - 04/08/2026r
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Minutes
Regular Board Meeting
Meeting Date: April 8, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Approved April 22, 2026
The Chairman of the Board called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Chairman Carrillo led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS
PRESENT
Directors: Carrillo, Coats, Goodrich, Morales, Smith
ABSENT
None
STAFF
Michael Moore, General Manager/CEO; Brian Tompkins, Chief Financial Officer; Kerrie
Bryan, Director of Administrative Services; William Ringland, Director of External
Affairs and Public Experience; Patrick Milroy, Operations Manager; Rudy Guerrero,
Finance Manager; Cecilia Contreras, Public Affairs Coordinator; Justine Hendricksen,
District Clerk; Shayla Antrim, Administrative Specialist
LEGAL COUNSEL
Jean Cihigoyenetche
GUESTS
Members of the public
PRESENTATIONS AND CEREMONIAL ITEMS
• Student Bottled Water Art Contest
The General Manager/CEO stated that this is the District's third annual Bottled Water
Art Contest.
• The Public Affairs Coordinator provided an overview of the contest. She stated
that students from grades 1-6 from various local schools participated to
expressively create reasons why they love water. She stated that over 100
entries were received, and the top three winners' artwork will be printed on
limited-edition water bottles used by the District to support the community
during short-term outages, and the designs will also be displayed in the lobbies
at District headquarters and the Sterling Natural Resource Center. Winners
were announced and received certificates, along with cases of bottled water
featuring their artwork on the labels.
Chairman Coats thanked students and teachers for their participation.
THE BOARD RECESSED
The Board recessed for a break at 5:13 p.m. to greet art contestants.
RECONVENED
The Board reconvened at 5:29 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Chairman Coats declared the public participation section of the meeting open at 5:30
p.m.
There being no written or verbal comments, the public participation section was
closed.
1. APPROVALOFAGENDA
a. Approval of Agenda
A motion was made by Director Smith, seconded by Director Goodrich, that the Board
approve the April 8, 2026 agenda as submitted.
The motion carried by the following:
Ayes: Carrillo, Coats, Goodrich, Morales, Smith
Noes: None
Absent: None
2. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Consider Approval of Board Meeting Cancellation
b. Approve the Directors' Fees and Expenses for March 2026
r A motion was made by Director Morales, seconded by Vice Chairman Carrillo, that the
Board approve the Consent Calendar items as submitted.
The motion carried by the following:
Ayes: Carrillo, Coats, Goodrich, Morales, Smith
Noes: None
Absent: None
3. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
a. Crisis Communication Plan
The General Manager/CEO presented an informational update on the District's Crisis
Communication Plan, explaining its role in ensuring fast, accurate, and multi-channel
communication during incidents such as water main breaks, water quality issues, and
other crises. He highlighted new communication templates, a situational checklist,
improved coordination with partner agencies, and ongoing staff training and exercises
to strengthen emergency preparedness and public trust.
For information only.
b. Review FY 2026-27 Revenue Projections
The Finance Manager presented an informational report on projected revenues for
Fiscal Year 2026-2027. He reviewed current-year performance and outlined key
assumptions, including adopted rate adjustments, customer growth, and usage trends.
He also detailed projected water, wastewater, and non-rate revenues. He reported
that total operating revenues are projected at approximately $61.7 million, supporting
a draft balanced budget for FY 2026-2027.
For information only.
4. REPORTS
a. Board of Directors' Reports
Director Goodrich reported that on April 7 he attended the North Fork Water Company
Annual Shareholders' meeting.
Director Morales reported on the following: April 1 he attended the Association of
California Water Agencies (ACWA) Region 9 Board meeting where they discussed
planning for a July 17 event in Temecula; April 6 he attended the ACWA State
Legislative Committee meeting, where members reviewed State legislation positions;
and April 7 he attended the North Fork Water Company Annual Board of Directors and
Shareholders' meeting.
Director Smith reported on the following: March 20 he attended the Citrus Harvest
Festival, supporting the District's booth and outreach activities; April 7 he attended the
North Fork Water Company Annual Shareholders' and Board of Directors meeting; and
April 8 he attended the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District Board
meeting with nothing to report.
Vice Chairman Carrillo reported on the following: April 2 he met with Chairman Coats
and the General Manager/CEO to review the agenda and to discuss District business;
and April 7 he attended the North Fork Water Company Annual Shareholders' meeting.
Chairman Coats reported on the following: April 2 he met with Vice Chairman Carrillo
and the General Manager/CEO to review the agenda and discuss District business;
April 7 he attended the North Fork Water Company Annual Shareholders' and Board of
Directors meeting; and April 7 he attended the Yucaipa Valley Water District Board
meeting, where that Board approved replacement of approximately 5,567 feet of
water mains, along with several other construction, service contracts, and project
updates.
For information only.
b. General Manager/CEO Report
The General Manager/CEO reported on the following:
• Announced Fitch Ratings affirmed the District's AA-rating with a stable outlook
following its annual review of the 2020 revenue bonds, noting strong financial
performance and highlighting SNRC operations, digester revenue, and the
capital improvement program.
• April 10 the Customer Service Center at District Headquarters will be closed due
to staffing issues, with services available at the Sterling Natural Resource
Center location.
• April 11 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. a "Day in the Park" event will be held at
the Sterling Natural Resource Center for nearby residents, featuring community
engagement activities; he noted the event may be rescheduled pending
weather conditions.
• April 14 at 10:00 a.m. a Special Finance and Human Resources Committee
meeting will be held at the District office.
• April 17 Conservation staff will participate in the Monterey Elementary STEAM
event, providing education on the water cycle, water careers, and water-use
efficiency.
• April 18, the District will be hosting a "Tips & Salsa Garden" Workshop at the
Sterling Natural Resource Center, with registration required due to high
demand.
r • April 10, he will be attending the American Water Works Association Conference
and co-presenting on the District's in-house pipeline construction program with
the General Manager from Crescenta Valley Water District.
• Next week, he will be attending the Design-Build Institute of America
Conference.
• May 16, the Highland Chamber of Commerce will be holding the "Evening
Under the Stars" event at the Sterling Natural Resource Center; he invited the
Board to attend.
• Ryan Ritualo, IT Manager, presented at the ESRI headquarters on the District's
new GIS platform, noting that the District is among the first retail water
agencies on the West Coast to implement the system.
• April 7, he attended the San Bernardino City Unified School District's Linked
Learning Gold Pathway Celebration, where partner schools were recognized and
appreciation was expressed for the District's involvement.
• He announced the upcoming retirement of the Chief Financial Officer, noting his
years of service and contributions to the District.
The Chief Financial Officer, Brian Tompkins, thanked the Board and staff and reflected
on his tenure with the District. He expressed appreciation for his 24 years of service,
noting significant advancements in customer service and technology during that time.
He acknowledged that his retirement would be bittersweet, expressed pride in the
accomplishments achieved for the community, and conveyed deep respect for the
Board's leadership and support. He also commended District staff for their dedication
and professionalism, and shared that he and his wife look forward to remaining part of
the community.
For information only.
c. Legal Counsel Report
Legal Counsel had nothing to report.
d. Board of Directors' Comments
Director Smith thanked the Chief Financial Officer for his service, noting he learned a
great deal about municipal finance from him and wished him well in retirement.
Director Morales congratulated the Chief Financial Officer and highlighted his
contributions, referencing the recent Fitch rating affirmation and recognizing the
Finance staffs efforts.
Director Goodrich shared appreciation for the Chief Financial Officer's leadership,
noting his reassuring presence during challenging times and acknowledging his
support.
Vice Chairman Carrillo praised the Chief Financial Officer as a strong steward of public
funds, emphasizing his trust in his leadership and recognizing his many
accomplishments and service to the District.
Chairman Coats expressed appreciation for the Chief Financial Officer's financial
expertise, shared an example of his impact, noted he will be difficult to replace, and
wished him well in retirement.
For information only.
ADJOURN
Chairman Coats adjourned the meeting at 6:33 p.m.
onld L. Coats, Board President