The Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board met Thursday, June 1 at CAP Headquarters. The meeting began with the Administration of Oath of Office by Sara Mae Williams, Pima County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, who swore in CAWCD Board’s newest member, Justin Manuel. Board Member Manuel was appointed by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to take the seat vacated by the late Marie Pearthree who resigned from the Board earlier this year.

General Manager Brenda Burman kicked off the meeting by recognizing four employees for 25 and 20 years of service. She also discussed last week’s announcement of a Lower Basin consensus proposal presented to the U.S. Department of the Interior to conserve a historic 3 million acre-feet in Lake Mead, as well as the subsequent historic visit and press conference with Governor Hobbs at CAP Headquarters.

The Board approved the final rate schedules:

• 2024-2028 Water Delivery and Capital Charge Rate Schedule
• 2023/24 – 2027/28 CAGRD Rate Schedule Including Collection of Annual Membership
• 2024-2028 Underground Water Storage Rate Schedule

After hearing a recommendation from the Finance, Audit & Power Committee, the Board approved the WAPA One transmission rate and an exemption to posting security with the Industrial Commission of Arizona. Following the CAGRD and Underground Storage Committee, the Board also approved the purchase and sale agreement for long-term storage credits between  CAWCD and Stone Applications LLC.

On the Consent Agenda, the Board approved:

• Job Order construction contract for the Fire Feeder Valves Project at CAP Headquarters
• Purchase Contract for discharge valve operating systems and air compressors at the Brady and Red Rock pumping plants
• Job Order construction contract for condition-based monitoring at the Twin Peaks, Sandario, Brawley and San Xavier pumping plants
• Agreement with the City of Phoenix for street improvements along Central Avenue for the west entrance gate at CAP Headquarters
• Contract for janitorial services
• Cost-share agreement for the proposed SRP-CAP Interconnection Facility, Phase 1
• Revised Recreational Trail Policy

The Board also heard a number of presentations including:

• Creation of a CAP Water Education Center
• Report on water operations
• Colorado River conditions
• Colorado River discussions

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 County. 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. Meetings are open to the public – in person and via livestream.

For additional details on the June 1, 2023 board meeting, take a look at the agenda. Board minutes and video will be posted here, as well.