Coastside Water District Approves $126K in Infrastructure Spending, Celebrates New Tank Milestone

The Coastside County Water District board moved swiftly through a trio of procurement items — a new pickup truck, replacement treatment plant pumps, and a fire-safety tree removal contract — while celebrating a major community milestone: the ribbon cutting for the district's new Half Moon Bay water tank, which drew over 90 attendees and three government proclamations.

• Board unanimously approves $126K+ in infrastructure procurement across fleet replacement, treatment plant pumps, and wildfire-safety tree removal
• Ribbon cutting for new water tank draws 90+ attendees and proclamations from a congressman, county supervisor, and the mayor
• Director reports "room for optimism" on negotiated settlement with VASCA after private meeting with agency CEO
• Two candidates emerge for open board seat as President Feldman confirms planned retirement
• Well testing nears completion; new treatment equipment goes online across district facilities

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Tank Celebration Marks Major Capital Milestone

The board and staff basked in the success of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the district's new Half Moon Bay water tank, a capstone event for a years-long capital project.

Why it matters: The new tank represents a significant infrastructure investment for the small Coastside district, and the breadth of intergovernmental attendance — from city and county officials to state regulators and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission representative Steve Ritchie — underscored its regional importance.

Where things stand: General Manager Mary Rogren reported that the event was an overwhelming success. "We had over 90 people attend, largely made up of staff from the city of Half Moon Bay, the county, the fire. We had our regulators from the state each even come," she said. The district received three proclamations: from Congressman Ricardo's office, Supervisor Mueller's office, and Mayor Reddick from the City of Half Moon Bay.

Vice President John Miller said the event went smoothly, noting no issues. President Bob Feldman cast the celebration in broader terms: "This is an affirmation of all the efforts of all the people, the management, the staff, the board of directors and the public who participated in making this happen."

Rogren closed by thanking her team. "I would like to openly thank all of our staff, because every single person contributed," she said.

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$50K Tree Removal Contract Aims to Cut Wildfire Risk Near Water Tanks

The board unanimously approved a $50,000 sole-source contract with Brush Hog Tree Care Inc. for hazardous tree removal and pruning near the Half Moon Bay water tanks, where a year of maintenance was missed during tank construction.

Why it matters: The work is coordinated with the local fire department to lower the tree canopy, reduce debris falling on tanks, and create a defensible fire break around critical water infrastructure — a growing concern in fire-prone coastal California.

Where things stand: Staff explained that before construction of the new tank, substantial tree clearance had been done, but one full year of maintenance lapsed during the build. The approach will use specialized crane equipment to reach trees from the newly paved areas rather than sending workers to fell trees in hazardous conditions. "They can get in there and reach and cut back the trees that are on our property without having to put guys in there to fell the trees right on top of other trees," a staff member explained.

The other side: Director Ken Coverdell raised a concern about wildlife, asking, "Are we out of the raptor nesting time period to have someone evaluated that for the permission to do this work?" Staff confirmed the nesting period typically ends in late July and said they would verify clearance before work begins. "When we looked into it, it was July. The end of July is when it usually ended. So I believe we're out of it," staff responded.

Decisions: Director Chris Mickelsen moved, Vice President Miller seconded, and the contract was approved 5-0 under sole-source procurement Resolution 2025-07. Miller praised the use of a local business.

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VASCA Settlement Talks Show Signs of Progress

Director Mickelsen reported that he and General Manager Rogren held a private meeting with Tom Smigel, CEO of VASCA, and came away encouraged.

Why it matters: A negotiated settlement with VASCA could resolve longstanding interagency water service issues affecting Coastside customers and rates — a matter that has shadowed the district's intergovernmental relations.

Where things stand: "I had a meeting with Tom Smigel, the CEO of VASCA. Mary also said I think it was a very productive meeting, actually a little room for optimism on the negotiated settlement moving forward," Mickelsen told the board. Vice President Miller indicated he was in full agreement. No details on the substance of the negotiations were shared publicly.

What's next: The board offered no timeline for settlement discussions. Further updates are likely at a future board meeting.

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Two Candidates Step Forward for Open Board Seat

Director Coverdell used the director agenda items portion of the meeting to formally welcome two community members in the audience who are running for a seat on the board, following President Feldman's announced retirement.

Why it matters: A competitive election for the open seat signals healthy civic engagement in a small, specialized district that manages critical water infrastructure for the Coastside community.

Where things stand: Coverdell praised the district as a rewarding place to serve, noting its fiscal strength. "It's an amazingly well balanced budget, which is unusual on the Coastside, if you're not very aware," he said. He also highlighted the depth of experience on the current board: Director Mickelsen has served 25 years, Vice President Miller has served multiple terms, and Dave Dixon, a former general manager, now serves as a board member.

President Feldman reflected on his decision: "In June, when I discussed my plan to retire, my closing remark was I was sure what we would find within the community some people who are interested in providing public service and working with an organization like this. And I am so happy to be proven right in that prediction."

The board's counsel noted the candidates could have spoken under a reopened public comment period, but Feldman opted to move the meeting forward into closed session.

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Minor Items

• Consent calendar approved unanimously, covering monthly accounts payable and prior month expenses. (For: 4, Against: 0, Absent: 1)
• $43,619 Ford F-150 purchase approved from Town Ford — the lowest of two quotes received for the district's annual one-vehicle fleet replacement under the capital improvement program. Director Coverdell moved; President Feldman seconded. (For: 4, Against: 0, Absent: 1)
• $33,000 Watson Marlow peristaltic pump purchase approved to replace corroded hypochlorite chemical feed pumps at the Denniston water treatment plant, installed during 2013 upgrades. Staff said the new design allows pump head swaps without direct chemical contact and integrates with the SCADA system. Passed 5-0.
• Well testing underway; PG&E expected to finish this month, with staff hoping to report the project ready at the next meeting.
• New treatment equipment operational: a residual control system at El Granada Tank 3 and a hurricane blower at Nunes for TTHM removal are both online. The floc basin and new-sed basin were drained for routine cleaning, and the mixer in Tank 3 was replaced.
• Two dry-barrel fire hydrants installed at Ames Landing as replacements, with Vice President Miller thanking staff for resolving confusion with the fire district about hydrant records.
• Closed session held pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 regarding a public employee appointment. No reportable action.