Westlands Water District

Fresno, CA

Board Meeting – Revised (2-19-2026)

REVISED

Notice is hereby given that a Regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Westlands Water District will be held on February 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the District’s Fresno Office, 286 W. Cromwell Avenue, Fresno, California 93711.

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Meeting Agenda

Public Comment: Any member of the public may address the Board concerning any matter on the agenda when the item is considered by the Board. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person and no more than fifteen minutes per topic. For good cause, the meeting Chair may waive these limitations. Reminder that this meeting is being recorded.

  1. Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance
    The Chair may acknowledge Board members participating remotely as authorized by Government Code Section 54950 et seq.
  2. Board of Directors to Consider Modifications, Corrections or Additions to the Agenda of Items, as Authorized by Government Code Section 54950 et seq.
  3. Consent Calendar
    All items listed on the Consent Calendar are routine and non-controversial and will be acted upon by a single action of the Board of Directors, unless a Board Member requests separate consideration of the item. If such a request is made, the item may be heard as an action item at this meeting.
    Board of Directors to Consider:
    1. Approving the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of January 22, 2026
    2. Approving the Accounts Payable Reports (Dix)
    3. Adopting a Policy for Credit Card Issuance and Usage (Dix)
    4. Adopting a Revised Policy for Designated Reserve Funds (Dix)
    5. (i) Adopting Resolution No. 105-26 Authorizing Electronic Presentation of Claims under the California Government Claims Act, (ii) Adopting a Policy for Claims Processing (Dix)
    6. Approving Objection to Sale of Fresno County Tax-Defaulted Properties (Dix)
  4. General Manager’s Report (Febbo)
    1. Water Supply, Water Operations and Projected Water Supply and Use and Central Valley Project/State Water Project Operations, Drainage, Energy, Bay- Delta Water Quality Control Plan-Voluntary Agreement Update, Endangered Species Act Consultation on and Environmental Review for the Coordinated Long-Term Operation of the CVP and SWP, and Other Resources Activities (Febbo/Rosenthal)
    2. Science Program Update (Cavallo)
    3. Federal & State Legislative Affairs (Febbo)
    4. Public Outreach, External Affairs, and Consultant Review (Febbo)
    5. Operations & Maintenance Report (Vandergon)
    6. Strategic Plan Status Update (Febbo/Farmer)
  5. Outside Agency Activities (Board)
    Reports on activities of outside agencies Family Farm Alliance [Bourdeau], San Luis & Delta Mendota Water Authority [Freeman], Association of California Water Agencies [Freeman], State and Federal Contractors Water Agency [Gutierrez], Central Valley Project Water Association [Farmer], Power and Water Resources Pooling Authority [Farmer], California Farm Water Coalition [Wade]
  6. Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan (Gutierrez/Freeman)
    Board of Directors may act upon the following within its jurisdiction.
    1. Board of Directors to provide direction to staff regarding the following land disposition actions: develop a proposed pre-qualified bidders list and auction or bi-lateral negotiation process for future consideration by the Board. (Gutierrez/Freeman)
    2. Board of Directors to consider directing staff to complete the following transmission infrastructure actions: 1) develop transmission interconnection queue rules and procedures, and 2) contract for queue development and management services. (Gutierrez/Freeman)
  7. Finance & Administration Committee (Bourdeau)
    The Committee Chair will report, and the Board may act upon the following items within the Committee’s jurisdiction.
    1. Board of Directors to Consider Investment and Financial Reports (Dix)
    2. Board of Directors to Consider, subject to any adjustments as may be directed by the Board: (1) Approving the 2026-2027 Recommended Budget, Water Rates and Charges, Estimate of Obligations and Revenues, and Salary Schedule, (2) Authorizing the General Manager to take any and all actions necessary to carry out the activities included in the 2026-2027 Recommended Budget as approved, in accordance with District Rules and Regulations, and policies, (3) Approving and fixing the rates and charges detailed in the appropriate schedule titled Westlands Water District 2026-2027 Water Rates & Charges, and attachments, of the 2026-2027 Recommended Budget, (4) Authorizing the General Manager to collect from the appropriate water user(s) and other agencies, as necessary, the additional costs associated with the acquisition, conveyance, storage, and delivery of water supplies from sources other than the District’s contract supplies, including pumped groundwater, (5) Authorizing the President of the Board of Directors to file the attached Estimate of the District’s 2026-2027 Obligations and Revenues with the Secretary of the District, and (6) Adopting the 2026-2027 Salary Schedule, effective March 1, 2026 (Dix)
    3. Board of Directors to Receive Update Point & Pay Online Payment System (Dix)
    4. Board of Directors to Consider Directing Staff to Prepare a Policy Governing the Acquisition of Private Property for Public Use Through the Exercise of the Power of Eminent Domain (Freeman/Gutierrez)
  8. Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
    Serving as the Groundwater Sustainability Agency of the Westside Subbasin:
    1. Board of Directors to Receive an Update and/or provide Input on Sustainable Groundwater Management Act Implementation/Compliance Activities, including Actions to Implement the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (Solorio)
  9. Board of Directors to Consider Adopting Resolution No. 104-26 Subsidence Policy (Freeman)
  10. Board of Directors to Consider Proposed Edits to the Westlands Water District Policy for Disposition of District Land (Freeman)
  11. Public Comment
    Any member of the public may address the District Board of Directors concerning any matter not on the Agenda but within the Board’s jurisdiction. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person and no more than fifteen minutes per topic. For good cause, the meeting Chair may waive these limitations. In accordance with the Brown Act, the Board cannot act on any items not on the agenda. Public questions and comments on items listed on the Agenda will be accepted at the time the item is considered by the Board.
  12. Closed Session
    Board members’ opportunity to disclose their recusal from a closed session item because of a conflict of interest under Government Code section 87100. Members of the public may provide comment on any closed session item at this time.

    The Board will meet with Legal Counsel in closed session pursuant to the Government Code sections noted to discuss the following:
    1. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code section 54957(b)(1))
      Title: Gen eraI Man ager
    2. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release
      Government Code section 54957
    3. Conference with Legal Counsel -Anticipated Litigation
      Significant exposure to litigation (Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(2)) and/or initiation of litigation (Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(4)) – 7 potential cases
    4. Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code section 54956.8)
      1. Property: Approximately 2,942.09 Acres – E½ of Section 9 ,W½ of Section 15, NE¼ of Section 16, S½ & NW¼ & NE¼ of Section 21, NW¼ of NW¼ of Section 22, NW¼ & NW¼ of NE¼ of Section 28, N½ & SE¼ &SW¼ of Section 29, E½ of NE¼ of Section 31, and all of Section 33, T. 36N., R.3W., M.D.B.&M., in Shasta County, California
        Agency Negotiator: General Manager or Designee
        Negotiating Parties: Winnemem Wintu Tribe
        Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
      2. Property: Water Supply
        Agency Negotiator: General Manager or Designee
        Negotiating Parties: Santa Clara Valley Water District, West Stanislaus Irrigation District
        Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
      3. Property: Approximately 1,240 acres – Section 33 (excluding the SW¼ of SW¼) and Section 34, T.17S., R.16E., M.D.B.&M.
        Agency Negotiator: Golden State Clean Energy, LLC
        Negotiating Parties: Origis Development, LLC
        Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
      4. Property: Approximately 210 Acres – S½ of NW¼ & S ½ of S½ of NE¼ (excluding N½ of S½ of SE¼) & N½ of SE¼ (excluding S½ of NW¼) of Section 2, and NW¼ of NW¼ of Section 12, all in T. 16N., R.14W., M.D.B.&M.
        Agency Negotiator: Golden State Clean Energy, LLC
        Negotiating Parties: Recurrent, LLC
        Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
      5. Property: Parcels of land within the Infrastructure Plan Element of the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan
        Agency Negotiator: Golden State Clean Energy, LLC
        Negotiating Parties: Multiple
        Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
    5. Conference with Legal Counsel- Existing Litigation
      Existing Litigation Pursuant to paragraph (1) of Subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9
      1. Firebaugh Canal Water District et al. v. United States of America et al., United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Case Nos. 1:88-cv-634-JL T- SKO, 1:91-cv-048-LJO/DLB
      2. Westlands Water District v. United States, United States Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit, Case No. 13-5069
      3. North Coast Rivers Alliance et al. v. U.S. Department of the Interior et al., United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Case No. 1:16-cv-00307-JLT-SKO (“Challenge to Interim Renewal Contracts & Repayment Contracts”)
      4. Hoopa Valley Tribe v. United States Bureau of Reclamation et al., United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Case No. 1:20-cv-01814-JLT-EPG (“Challenge to Repayment Contracts”)
      5. Center For Biological Diversity et al. v. United States Bureau of Reclamation et al., United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Case No. 1:20-cv-0706-JLT-EPG and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Case No. 25-5137 (“Challenge to Repayment Contracts”)
      6. State Water Board Cases, Sacramento County Superior Court Case No. JCCP 5013 (“WQCP Phase 1 Litigation”)
      7. Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Association et al. V. Raimondo, et al., United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Case No. 1:20-cv-0431-JLT-EPG (“2019 ROG on LTO NGO Litigation”)
      8. California Natural Resources Agency et al. v. Raimondo, et al., United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Case No. 1:20cv- 0426-JLT-EPG (“2020 ROG on LTO AG Litigation”)
      9. Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Docket Nos. ER20-2878-000 et al. (“PG&E Wholesale Distribution Tariff Proceedings”)
      10. California Sportfishing Protection Alliance et al. v. State Water Resources Control Board et al., Sacramento Gou nty Superior Court, Case No. 34-2021-80003761 (“2021 Order Re TUCP”)
      11. California Sportfishing Protection Alliance et al. v. State Water Resources Control Board et al., Sacramento Gou nty Superior Gourt, Case No. 34-2021-80003763 (“2021 Order Re Shasta Temp. Mgmt. Plan”)
      12. State Water Resources Curtailment Cases (Santa Clara County Superior Court (Case No. 22CV402030, JCCP No. 5229)
      13. State Water Resources Control Board, Administrative Hearings Office, Proceeding re Petitions for Change of Water Rights Permits 16478, 16479, 16481, and 16482 (Applications 5630, 14443, 14445A, and 17512, respectively) of the Department of Water Resources (“Delta Conveyance Project Proceeding”)
      14. Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority et al. v. California Department of Water Resources et al., Sacramento Superior Court Case No. 24WM000183; San Francisco Baykeeper et al. v. California Department of Water Resources et al., Sacramento Superior Gourt Case No. 24WM000185, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance et al. v. California Department of Water Resources et al., Sacramento Superior Court Case No. 24WM000181, Central Delta Water Agency and South Delta Water Agency v. California Department of Water Resources, Sacramento Superior Court Case No.   TBD   (“2024   State   Water   Project   LTO/ITP”)
  13. Report from Closed Session, if any, Required by Government Code Section 54957.1
  14. Board of Directors to Consider Resolution 107-26, Authorizing General Manager or Designee to Execute an Option and Purchase and Sale Agreement with Origis Development, LLC, on Approximately 1,240 acres in Section 33 (excluding the SW ¼ of SW¼) and Section 34, Township 17 South, Range 16 East, M.D.B.&M. (Freeman)
  15. Adjournment

Order of Business

The order of business reflected in this Agenda is subject to change.

Accessibility

A person with a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 may request the District provide a disability-related modification or accommodation in order to facilitate that person’s participation in any public meeting of the District. Such assistance includes appropriate alternative formats for the agendas and agenda packets used for any public meetings of the District. Requests for such assistance may be made in person at the District’s Fresno office, which is located at 286 W. Cromwell Avenue, Fresno, California, 93711, by telephone (559-224-1523), facsimile (559-241-6277), email to Abby Castillo (acastillo@wwd.ca.gov), or written correspondence addressed to Westlands Water District, Attn: Abby Castillo, P.O. Box 5199, Fresno, California 93711. Notifications of at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will assist staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be made.

Remote Participation by Members of the Public

At this time, the District permits remote meeting participation by telephone or video conference through Zoom. This option is offered as a courtesy and is not required by law. Telephone and internet access and reliability varies widely, and District staff may not be able to assist members of the public with technical difficulties. To avoid issues that may arise from participating remotely by phone or video, members of the public who wish to provide public comment are encouraged to attend in person at a noticed location.

At the appropriate time, the meeting Chair will acknowledge members of the public wishing to provide comments. Participants attending by video conference are asked to use the “Raise Hand” tool in the Zoom interface when seeking to provide public comment on an item.

Document Availability

Written material related to an item on this agenda that is distributed less than 72 hours prior to this meeting to at least a majority of the members of the legislative body will be available for inspection at the District’s Fresno office located at 286 W. Cromwell Avenue, Fresno, California 93711. Electronic material related to an item on this agenda that is distributed electronically less than 72 hours prior to this meeting will be made available on the District’s website (https://wwd.ca.gov/).

Written material distributed during a public meeting will be available for public inspection at the meeting if prepared by District staff or a member of its legislative body, or after the meeting if prepared by some other person.

Disclosure

This agenda has been prepared pursuant to applicable laws of the State of California, including but not limited to, Government Code section 54950, et seq. This agenda and supporting materials have not been prepared to inform an investment decision concerning the District, including in any of District’s bonds, notes, or any other financial obligations. Any projections, plans, or other forward-looking statements included in the information in this agenda or supporting materials are subject to a variety of uncertainties that could cause any actual plans or results to differ materially from such statements. The information in this agenda and supporting materials is not intended to be used by investors or potential investors in considering the purchase or sale of the District’s bonds, notes, or other financial obligations. Investors and potential investors should rely only on information filed by the District on the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s Electronic Municipal Market Access System for municipal securities disclosures and the District’s Investor Relations website, maintained on the World Wide Web at emma.msrb.org and wwd.ca.gov/investor-relations, respectively. For purposes of this note, “District” means Westlands Water District, Westlands Water District Distribution District No. 1, Westlands Water District Distribution District No. 2, San Luis Unit/Westlands Water District Financing Authority, and/or Westlands Water District Financing Corporation.