Board recognizes 35-year employee and reviews proposed 2022 strategic plan

The Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board of Directors (CAWCD) convened virtually today for its November 2020 board meeting. CAWCD Board President Lisa Atkins chaired the meeting from the headquarters boardroom and all other board members participated via WebEx. The public was invited to watch the livestream and to provide public comment via the Board’s online “Blue Card.” All remaining board meetings in 2020 will be held virtually in accordance with CAP’s headquarters closure to keep employees safe and water flowing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Board began by recognizing several long-term (20 years and more) employees, including Assistant General Manager for Operations and Maintenance Bob Moody who marked 35 years of service to CAP. Julia Novak, Novak Consulting Group, also made a presentation on the proposed 2022 Board Strategic Plan, which will be considered by the Board at its December 2020 meeting.

After the Public Policy Committee presentation, the Board voted to:

• Support H.R. 8041/S. 4530, the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program Authorization Act, establishing an airborne snow observatory and measurement program within the U.S. Department of the Interior.
• Support language that could be used to support federal infrastructure funding to assist the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) with its obligation to provide 100 kaf of Colorado River Water augmentation and conservation under the Drought Contingency Plan. Language was developed in partnerships with BOR, the Arizona Department of Water Resources and representatives from the Lower and Upper Colorado River Basins.

Approved Consent Agenda items included:

• Contract for Motor Rotor Pole Refurbishment at Mark Wilmer Pumping Plant ­ 
• Renewal of Water Storage Agreements for Del Webb Corporation
• New Water Storage Agreement for Del Webb Corporation ­ 

 The Board also heard staff updates regarding:

• Communications Strategies
• Colorado River Conditions
• Colorado River Climate and Hydrology Workgroup and Water Utility Climate Alliance
• Yuma Area Salinity Management Infrastructure and Discussion on 242 Well Field Conservation Project
• Irrigation Efficiency Pilot Projects
• Revised Draft Water Quality Guidance Document
• Projected 2021 Water Deliveries

The CAWCD Board of Directors is a popularly elected, 15-member board. Ten members are from Maricopa County, four from Pima County and one from Pinal. Members serve six-year, unpaid terms. The board typically meets publicly the first Thursday of each month to establish policy and set rates and taxes for CAP.

For additional details on the November board meeting, take a look at the agenda and packet. Board minutes and video will be posted here.