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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - Legislative & Public Outreach Committee - 06/11/2026LEGISLATIVE & PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMITTEE JUNE 11, 2026 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 Chris Carrillo Governing Board Member Ronald L. Coats Governing Board Member Legislative & Public Outreach Committee Meeting June 11, 2026 ­ 12:00 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.Approve the February 12, 2026 Legislative & Public Outreach Committee Meeting Minutes INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 2.Legislative Update 3.Outreach Update REPORTS 4.Public Affairs/Conservation Activities ADJOURN LEGISLATIVE & PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMITTEEJUNE 11, 2026East 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 Chris Carrillo Governing Board Member Ronald L. Coats Governing Board Member Legislative & Public Outreach Committee Meeting June 11, 2026 ­ 12:00 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.Approve the February 12, 2026 Legislative & Public Outreach Committee Meeting Minutes INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 2.Legislative Update 3.Outreach Update REPORTS 4.Public Affairs/Conservation Activities ADJOURN LEGISLATIVE & PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMITTEEJUNE 11, 2026East 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 MEMBERSChris CarrilloGoverning Board Member Ronald L. CoatsGoverning Board MemberLegislative & Public Outreach Committee MeetingJune 11, 2026 ­ 12:00 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.Approve the February 12, 2026 Legislative & Public Outreach Committee Meeting Minutes INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 2.Legislative Update 3.Outreach Update REPORTS 4.Public Affairs/Conservation Activities ADJOURN Agenda Item #1 June 11, 20261 Meeting Date: June 11, 2026 Agenda Item #1 Consent Item Regular Meeting TO: Committee Members FROM: Director of External Affairs & Customer Experience SUBJECT: Approve the February 12, 2026 Legislative & Public Outreach Committee Meeting Minutes RECOMMENDATION That the Legislative & Public Outreach Committee approve the February 12, 2026 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 Director of External Affairs and Customer Experience ATTACHMENTS Draft February 12, 2026 Committee Meeting Minutes 2-12-2026 cmc 2 3 3 7 Draft pending approval EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT February 12, 2026 LEGISLATIVE & PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMITTEE MINUTES PUBLIC COMMENTS APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 9, 2025, COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 2-12-2026 cmc 2 3 3 7 • Committee leadership updates and early water-related legislation, including efforts to streamline prior bond implementation Information only. OUTREACH UPDATE The Public Affairs Supervisor provided an update on recent and upcoming outreach, communications, and community engagement efforts. The update included the refresh and rebranding of the District’s bill insert to “The Drop/La Gota”; sponsorship and participation in community events such as the Citrus Harvest Festival and the upcoming “Day in the Park” at the Sterling Natural Resource Center (SNRC); and the successful completion of the annual Student Art Contest, which received over 100 entries and will include the winners being recognizes at an upcoming Board meeting. Ms. Morales also reported on the continued development of a Crisis Communication Plan, continued high demand for facility rentals at the SNRC and Headquarters, completion of neighborhood outreach for the Plant 140 tank rehabilitation project, and finalization of the 2026 Outreach Calendar. Additional updates included website enhancements featuring a planned AI-powered customer assistance tool, transition of the Consumer Confidence Report to a digital format with creation of a new District newsletter, preparation of the upcoming SNRC newsletter, and coordination of the District’s annual budget development process. Information only. CONSERVATION UPDATE The Director of External Affairs & Customer Experience provided an update on the District’s conservation programs, regulatory compliance efforts, and water efficiency initiatives. The update included confirmation of compliance with the State’s Water Use Objective Report and annual Water Loss Audit, while noting increasing challenges in meeting future conservation targets. A pilot Home Water Assessment Program targeting Tier 3 customers will be launched to evaluate participation and water savings. Planned conservation workshops include Tree Care 101, a renter-focused “Tips and Salsa Garden” workshop, a nonfunctional turf workshop for HOAs and businesses, and the annual Waterpalooza event. He also highlighted expansion of the District’s early education program through classroom instruction and potential interactive school partnerships. Information only SET THE DAY AND TIME TO HOLD RECURRING MEETINGS 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 12:00 p.m., during even numbered months. 2-12-2026 cmc 2 3 3 7 PUBLIC AFFAIRS/CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES The Director of External Affairs & Customer Experience provided an update on department activities, including enhancing the District’s website with a dedicated Capital Improvement Program (CIP) section to better highlight infrastructure investments and project notifications. He also shared that briefing materials are being prepared for the upcoming Sacramento legislative meetings and reported that staff are monitoring newly introduced legislation regarding the elimination of the penny and billing rounding procedures. Information only. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 1:11 p.m. _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Ronald Coats Chris Carrillo Director Director Agenda Item #2 June 11, 20261 Meeting Date: June 11, 2026 Agenda Item #2 Informational Item Regular Meeting TO: Committee Members FROM: Director of External Affairs and Customer Experience SUBJECT: Legislative Update RECOMMENDATION This agenda item is for informational purposes only, no action is required. DISTRICT PILLARS AND STRATEGIES V - Community Engagement, Advocacy, and Leadership c. Enhance Legislative Advocacy to Promote Water Security and Sustainability FISCAL IMPACT This item is funded in the current fiscal year budget. Respectfully submitted: ________________ William Ringland Director of External Affairs and Customer Experience ATTACHMENTS Presentation LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Legislative and Public Outreach Committee June 11, 2026 RESOLUTE CAPITOL OVERVIEW 2 •Budget Bill Must Be Passed June 15th •July 2nd is the 2nd House Deadline for Policy Committees to Pass Bills •Summer Recess July 2nd to August 3rd •August 3 to August 31 •Mad Dash to the End of Session, Likely More Budget-Related Action CAPITOL OVERVIEW/ELECTIONS 3 •Post 2026 Turnover •Eight Senate Open Seats •Termed Out or Running for Other Offices •Thirteen Assembly Open Seats •Three Running for Senate (Connolly, Soria, Valencia) •Current Makeup of the Legislature •Senate: 30 Dem, 10 Rep •Assembly: 60 Dem, 20 Rep STATUS OF KEY 2025 LEGISLATION 4 •AB 1881 (Ramos) •California Indian Freedom Act of 2026 •AB 2180 (Ward) •Proposition 218 Protection Against Lawsuits - ACWA Sponsored •AB 2588 Johnson •Water District Director’s Compensation •SB 1001 (Archuleta) •Local Agency Personnel Access in Emergencies/Personal Identity Verification •SB 1135 (Caballero) •Disaster Preparedness: Urban Retail Water Suppliers and Public Water Systems: Wildfire STATUS OF LOW-INCOME RATE ASSISTANCE EFFORTS 5 •AB 2739 (Soria) •Water Affordability and System Stabilization •Would Create Trust for Infrastructure and Low-Income Rate Assistance Funding •SB 1125 (Menjivar) •Water Rate Assistance Program DISCUSSION Agenda Item #3 June 11, 20261 Meeting Date: June 11, 2026 Agenda Item #3 Informational Item Regular Meeting TO: Committee Members FROM: Director of External Affairs and Customer Experience SUBJECT: Outreach Update RECOMMENDATION This agenda item is for informational purposes only, no action is required. DISTRICT PILLARS AND STRATEGIES I - Effective Solutions d. Utilize Current Technology and Invest in Future Solutions V - Community Engagement, Advocacy, and Leadership a. Utilize Effective Communication Methods to Foster Exceptional Community Relations d. Provide Education Programming that Empowers the Community FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this agenda item. Respectfully submitted: ________________ William Ringland Director of External Affairs and Customer Experience ATTACHMENTS Presentation Agenda Item #3 June 11, 20262 Meeting Date: June 11, 2026 Agenda Item #3 Informational Item OUTREACH UPDATE Legislative and Public Outreach Committee June 11, 2026 2026-27 BUDGET DOCUMENT 2 •Supported Finance team with annual budget document design •Incorporated GFOA comments and feedback •Focused on customer-friendly and transparent document CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT 3 •Streamlined report focused on water quality sampling results •Customer notifications completed prior to June 30 deadline •Printed copies available upon request Annual ReportBill Insert THE PIPELINE 4 •Annual newsletter highlighting District updates, projects, and system investments •Informs and educates customers •Customer-first engagement approach •Mailed once per year WEBSITE ENHANCEMENTS 5 CIP UPDATES 6 •CIPs require substantial ratepayer investment •Projects may impact the community •New CIP website section currently under development •Project maps •Community notifications •Project milestones CIP UPDATES CONT. 7 •Project page displays additional details about the CIP •Community notices are placed “above the fold” •Page can include FAQs, photos, and contacts for additional information AI HELP CENTER 8 NONFUNCTIONAL TURF (NFT) 9 NONFUNCTIONAL TURF (NFT) OUTREACH 10 •Develop a strategic community engagement plan focused around NFT •Targeting CII customers and HOAs within the community •Designing supporting material to inform and educate customers about the regulations NONFUNCTIONAL TURF HANDOUT 11 NFT WEBSITE ENHANCEMENTS 12 Conceptual draft. Design and copy subject to change. NFT WEBSITE ENHANCEMENTS 13 Conceptual draft. Design and copy subject to change. DISCUSSION