The board honored Rene Magdaleno for 20 years of service and accepted an unmodified financial audit. Army representatives reported shrinking Fort Ord groundwater plumes and ongoing PFAS investigations; district supply wells have no reported PFAS detections. A rate-loading error underbilled about 11,500 accounts by roughly $255,000, followed by delayed bills and confusing statements. Staff apologized, suspended September and October late fees, and revised billing procedures.
Staff outlined additional distribution-system PFAS sampling and plans to sample for microplastics at source wells and in the system. They discussed possible desalting and aquifer storage at Armstrong Ranch that could reduce reliance on agricultural groundwater wells. The district is also increasing seawater intrusion monitoring near Reservation Road and Imjin Parkway after observing possible movement of the intrusion front.
The committee approved the September 8 minutes 2–0 and reviewed the draft October 19 board agenda. Staff reported bills about a week late and an average $13 adjustment for two months of the July 1 rate increase; late fees for the delayed cycle will not be charged, and payment plans are available. The draft agenda includes a BRAC cleanup presentation with an opportunity for PFAS questions. Draft GSA policies are expected by year-end for later committee review.
Staff presented an informational analysis of the City of Marina's proposed 7% utility users tax (Measure Q), estimating about $1.5M/year from eligible MCWD water-related charges. The board took no position. Staff also reported FY25-26 unaudited results: $56.1M revenue, $51.5M expenses, $4.6M net positive, and $53.1M reserves. The board approved a $258/yr FOG program fee.
The board approved Resolution 2026-50 appointing the General Manager as real property negotiator for transactions involving Cemex, Salinas Valley Health, and the City of Marina, then entered closed session to discuss those negotiations. Item 11A — a resolution to find a sphere of influence amendment and annexation exempt from CEQA and to direct staff to file with LAFCO — pulled before a vote could be taken, staff citing correspondence requiring further review before the item is rescheduled.
