Board of Directors

Board Members Report Federal Advocacy in DC and Local Housing Growth

Board members reported congressional visits on water policy in Washington, D.C., new San Ramon housing growth, and Walnut Creek development adding 422 townhome units.

Why it matters: Federal advocacy on water reuse and new housing developments in the service area will directly affect district infrastructure demands and long-term planning.

Board Previews Draft Two-Year Strategic Plan With New KPI Framework

Staff presented the draft FY 26-28 strategic plan featuring a new Key Performance Indicators framework, on track for May committee review and July 1 launch.

Why it matters: The biennial strategic plan guides the district's budget, enterprise risk management, and organizational priorities; this cycle introduces consolidated KPIs to replace prior metrics.

Central San Wins Seventh IT Excellence Award, Among Only 10 Districts Statewide

Central San's IT team received MISAC's highest Excellence in IT Practices Award for the seventh time, placing it among only 10 California special districts honored.

Why it matters: The award validates the district's IT governance across 11 evaluation areas including cybersecurity and disaster recovery, reflecting operational maturity that keeps critical sanitary infrastructure secure.

Board Member Activities and Upcoming Events

Board members reported on recent and upcoming activities. Director Kuznik commented on the Potomac wastewater disaster as a reminder of Central San's excellent operations. Director McGill (Hockett) reported meetings with 4CD board member Andy Lee and Gordon Gravel, noted the upcoming CASA DC Forum with meetings with Congress members Garamendi, DeSaulnier, Harder, and Alex Badia's staff on Feb 25, and a tentative Contra Costa Special Districts Association Executive Committee meeting in May. Director Pilecki planned to attend Pleasant Hill State of the City, an Industrial Association meeting featuring Dr. Fine from the Bay Area Air District, and the Martinez State of the City on March 5. Secretary Katie announced upcoming March meetings and her UNC Leadership Training absence March 2-13.

FY 2021-2024 Benchmarking Study: Central San Performance vs. Peer Agencies

Christina G. presented the District's comprehensive benchmarking study comparing Central San's performance across 86 indicators (40 benchmark categories) against statewide California agencies and nationwide data from AWWA. Central San exceeded peer performance in 63% of benchmarks. The study used AWWA's Utility Benchmarking framework and included a California-specific survey distributed through CAFA and BACWA. Data limitations include subjective definitions, varying agency operating types, and limited California agency participation (8-9 respondents). Central San has unique characteristics including cogeneration, multiple hearth furnace solids handling, and recycled water production. Phil Leiber and General Manager Roger Bailey praised Christina's work and emphasized benchmarking as a key tool for demonstrating value to customers and informing budget decisions. The District plans to share aggregated California data with participating agencies to encourage broader participation.

Industrial Users Significant Non-Compliance Report for 2025

Staff member Colleen reported on the annual EPA-mandated review of industrial users for significant non-compliance. Two industrial users met the federal criteria for significant non-compliance in 2025, including BART, which was a repeat offender from the prior year. Both users have since returned to compliance after performing deep cleanings of their pre-treatment systems. Per federal regulations, the District is required to publish the names of non-compliant users in the annual report and in a local newspaper. The District retains discretion over whether to impose financial penalties, and in this case chose not to since both users corrected the issue.

GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (FY 2025-26)

Staff presented the District's eighth consecutive GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for fiscal year 2025-26. The award evaluates budgets across four criteria: policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications device. Central San received special recognition this year for the strategic goals and strategies section, which required outstanding ratings from all three reviewers. Staff acknowledged the district-wide collaborative effort including General Manager Roger Bailey, Deputy GM Phil Leiber, Edgar Lopez, Michelle Gonzalez, Velisa Parks, Christina G., and numerous other finance division personnel and budgeteers. Greg Norby was also recognized for improving the capital budgeting process.

Labor Negotiations Closed Session

The board recessed into closed session for conference with labor negotiators regarding Public Employee Union Local 1, MSCG, and the management group. District negotiators include General Manager Bailey, Deputy GMs Lieber and Norby, HR Director Taji O'Malley, and Labor Negotiator Lisa Charbonneau.