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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-09; Municipal Water District; 16; Appointment to the San Diego County Water Authority Board of DirectorsCA Review CKM Meeting Date: To: From: Staff Contact: morgen.fry@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2808 Subject: Districts: Recommended Action 1)Adopt a Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors resolution appointing Carlsbad Municipal Water District General Manager Amanda Flesse to the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors; or 2)Adopt a Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors resolution appointing one Board Member to the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors for a term ending December 2026, or until a replacement is appointed; or 3)Direct staff to open a recruitment to fill a vacancy on the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors and to place an item on a future agenda to appoint one member to the Board. Executive Summary As a member agency of the San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority), Carlsbad Municipal Water District (CMWD) may designate and appoint two representatives to the Water Authority board of directors. CMWD Board Member Teresa Acosta was appointed as a representative in January 2026 for a term expiring in December 2026, or until a replacement is appointed. CMWD General Manager Amanda Flesse was appointed in February 2025 for a term expiring June 16, 2026, or until a replacement is appointed. The CMWD Board of Directors may fill the expiring term by either: •Reappointing CMWD General Manager Amanda Flesse •Appointing a CMWD Board of Directors member, or •Opening a recruitment to appoint a Carlsbad resident June 9, 2026 Item #16 Page 1 of 10 Docusign Envelope ID: 70FAAE50-4EBD-8475-81AF-1F829A0E0540 Explanation & Analysis The Water Authority’s mission is to provide a safe and reliable supply of water to its 22 member agencies. These member agencies, including CMWD, are represented through a 34-member board of directors. The Water Authority requires each member agency to have at least one representative on the board of directors. Each member agency may designate and appoint one additional representative for each full 5% of the Water Authority’s assessed value within that member agency’s service area. The Water Authority reestablishes the vote entitlement of each member agency each year as one vote for each $5 million of total financial contribution, which includes all amounts paid on behalf of the Water Authority and the Metropolitan Water District. CMWD currently has two representatives on the Water Authority Board of Directors. The Water Authority board members may hold office for terms of six years. The City of Carlsbad currently holds two seats on the Board. The first seat has historically been filled with a CMWD board member appointment made during the annual City Council/CMWD Board reorganization process at the beginning of the year and is for a one-year term, or until a replacement is appointed. The second seat has been appointed to six-year terms and filled by the following individuals: 2020-2026 (resigned in 2023) District General Manager and former Otay Water (resigned in 2025) Options Option 1: The CMWD Board of Directors may fill Ms. Flesse’s term that expires June 16, 2026, by reappointing Ms. Flesse to a six-year term expiring in June 2032. Option 2: The CWMD Board of Directors may fill Ms. Flesse’s expiring term by appointing a CMWD Board member for a term expiring in December 2026. If this option is selected, this seat would be filled as part of the annual City Council/CMWD Board reorganization in January 2027 and reevaluated each January thereafter similar to the appointment currently held by Board Member Acosta. Option 3: The CMWD Board of Directors may fill Ms. Flesse’s expiring term by directing staff to open a recruitment to fill a vacancy on the Water Authority Board and to place an item on a future agenda to appoint one member to the Board for a 6-year term. June 9, 2026 Item #16 Page 2 of 10 Docusign Envelope ID: 70FAAE50-4EBD-8475-81AF-1F829A0E0540 If Option 3 is selected: 1.The City Clerk’s Office will issue a news release and promote the vacancy online. 2.A notice inviting applicants to apply will be posted on the city’s website. 3.Applicants will be encouraged to schedule meetings with City Council members to discuss their interest and qualifications. 4.Applicants will be invited to voluntarily attend the City Council meeting at which the CMWD Board will select an applicant for appointment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and registered to vote in the City of Carlsbad. Fiscal Analysis There is no fiscal impact from this action. Next Steps If Option 1 is adopted, the City Clerk’s Office staff will notify the Water Authority of the reappointment and Ms. Flesse will begin her term on June 17, 2026, for a six-year term expiring June 16, 2032. If Option 2 is adopted, the City Clerk’s Office staff will notify the Water Authority of the appointment. Additionally, staff will include this position as part of the annual City Council/CMWD Board reorganization in January 2027. If Option 3 is adopted, the City Clerk’s Office staff will follow the steps outlined above by opening a recruitment and inviting residents to apply for the position. Staff will place an item on a future agenda for the selection of an applicant. Ms. Flesse will continue to serve on the Water Authority Board until a Carlsbad resident is appointed. Environmental Evaluation This action is not a “project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) because appointing an individual to act as a city representative on a board, commission or committee is an organizational or administrative government activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. The activities or projects undertaken by or that may be considered by a board, commission or committee may require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA and CEQA Guidelines. Exhibits 1.CMWD Board of Directors resolution – reappoint Amanda Flesse 2.CMWD Board of Directors resolution – appoint a CMWD Board of Directors member 3.Sample application June 9, 2026 Item #16 Page 3 of 10 Docusign Envelope ID: 70FAAE50-4EBD-8475-81AF-1F829A0E0540 Exhibit 1 RESOLUTION NO. . A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT GENERAL MANAGER AMANDA FLESSE TO THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHEREAS, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District is a member of the San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority); and WHEREAS, the CMWD Board is required to appoint at least one representative to the Water Authority Board and is also allowed to appoint one additional representative to the Water Authority Board; and WHEREAS, on Feb. 11, 2025, the Board appointed CMWD General Manager Amanda Flesse to be a member of the Water Authority Board with a term ending on June 16, 2026, to fill the unexpired term of Vicki Quiram; and WHEREAS, Water Authority board members may hold office for terms of six years; and WHEREAS, if reappointed, Ms. Flesse’s term will expire on June 16, 2032. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the Carlsbad Municipal Water District of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows: 1. That the above recitations are true and correct. 2. That this action is not a “project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) because appointing an individual to act as a city representative on a board, commission or committee is an organizational or administrative government activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. The activities or projects undertaken by or that may be considered by a board, commission or committee may require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA and CEQA Guidelines. 3. That the CMWD Board reappoints General Manager Amanda Flesse to the San Diego County Water Authority Board, for a term commencing June 17, 2026, and ending on June 16, 2032, or until a replacement is appointed. June 9, 2026 Item #16 Page 4 of 10 Docusign Envelope ID: 70FAAE50-4EBD-8475-81AF-1F829A0E0540 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Special Meeting of the Carlsbad Municipal Water District of the City of Carlsbad on the __ day of ________, 2026, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: ______________________________________ KEITH BLACKBURN, President ______________________________________ SHERRY FREISINGER, Secretary (SEAL) June 9, 2026 Item #16 Page 5 of 10 Docusign Envelope ID: 70FAAE50-4EBD-8475-81AF-1F829A0E0540 Exhibit 2 RESOLUTION NO. 1806 . A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR A TERM ENDING DECEMBER 2026, OR UNTIL A REPLACEMENT IS APPOINTED WHEREAS, California Water Code Appendix Chapter 45, Section 45-6(b) requires that the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board President appoint, with the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board’s concurrence, representatives to the San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority) Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District is entitled to two seats on the Board of Directors of the Water Authority with the first seat being filled by CMWD Board Member Teresa Acosta whose term ends December 2026; and WHEREAS, the CMWD board member appointed to the second seat will serve a term commencing on June 17, 2026, and ending December 2026, or until a replacement is appointed. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the Carlsbad Municipal Water District of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows: 1.That the above recitations are true and correct. 2. That the proposed action is not a “project” as defined by California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) because appointing an individual to act as a city representative on a board, commission or committee is an organizational or administrative government activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. The activities or projects undertaken by or that may be considered by a board, commission or committee may require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines. 3.That the following Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board Member is appointed to the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors for a term ending in December 2026, or until a replacement is appointed: Member: ____________________________ June 9, 2026 Item #16 Page 6 of 10 Kevin Shin Docusign Envelope ID: 70FAAE50-4EBD-8475-81AF-1F829A0E0540 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Joint Special Meeting of the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors of the City of Carlsbad, California, and the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California on the 9th day of June, 2026, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Shin. NAYS: Blackburn, Burkholder. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. _____________________________________ KEITH BLACKBURN, President ______________________________________ SHERRY FREISINGER, Secretary (SEAL) June 9, 2026 Item #16 Page 7 of 10 Docusign Envelope ID: 70FAAE50-4EBD-8475-81AF-1F829A0E0540 Application to fill City of Carlsbad vacancy on San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors About the San Diego County Water Authority The Water Authority’s 22 member agencies are represented through a 34-member Water Authority Board of Directors. At least one director from each agency sits on the Board. The Board establishes and administers policies for the Water Authority and generally holds its regular meetings on the fourth Thursday of every month with special workshops and other meetings as needed. Requirements to Serve •All applicants must be Carlsbad residents and registered to vote in Carlsbad. •If appointed, you will be required to file a financial disclosure statement, complete two hours of workplace harassment training and state mandated ethics training within 30 days of appointment, and complete two hours of state mandated fiscal and financial management training within 6 months of appointment. These trainings must be completed every two years during the term of appointment. Personal Information Name (as it appears on your voter registration): Date of Birth (Required for voter registration verification): Exhibit 3 June 9, 2026 Item #16 Page 8 of 10 Docusign Envelope ID: 70FAAE50-4EBD-8475-81AF-1F829A0E0540 Acknowledgements Yes No I am a resident of the City of Carlsbad. I am a registered voter in Carlsbad. Are you currently or have you ever been an officer of or employed by the City of Carlsbad? If yes, please explain on page 3. Are you currently or have you ever been under contract with the City of Carlsbad? If yes, please explain on page 3. I am a Citizens Academy graduate. I am familiar with the responsibilities of the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors. I am willing to be interviewed regarding my qualifications for appointment by the City Council or at the request of an individual Council member. I am willing to file financial disclosure statements upon assuming office, each year of my term, and upon leaving office. I am willing to complete two hours of state-manned ethics training, fiscal and financial management training, and workplace harassment prevention training upon appointment and every two years thereafter throughout my term. I agree to review and adhere to the City of Carlsbad Boards, Commissions and Committees Code of Ethics and Public Service Values. approval to participate on City Boards and Commissions, I have obtained the June 9, 2026 Item #16 Page 9 of 10 Docusign Envelope ID: 70FAAE50-4EBD-8475-81AF-1F829A0E0540 Please make sure that your text fits in the box provided or attach an additional sheet if needed. Explanations Please describe your educational background Please describe relevant experience Please describe your current or past community involvement Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies, (including non-profit organizations) Additional information or comments Submittal Information Please email your completed and signed application to clerk@carlsbadca.gov. If you prefer to print, please sign and mail to: City of Carlsbad City Clerk's Office 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 Please be aware that: •Applications are considered public records. The public may view or request a copy of any application. •You may not serve on multiple commissions simultaneously. By signing this form, I acknowledge that my application is a public record. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct. Signature Date June 9, 2026 Item #16 Page 10 of 10 Docusign Envelope ID: 70FAAE50-4EBD-8475-81AF-1F829A0E0540 From:Mark Muir To:City Clerk Cc:Geoff Patnoe; Kevin Shin; Council Internet Email Subject:Please Post Public Comment: Agenda #16; SDCWA Appointment & Questions Date:Tuesday, June 9, 2026 12:58:30 AM Mayor and City CouncilCity of Carlsbad 1200 Carlsbad Village DriveCarlsbad, CA 92008 Subject: Appointment & Public Questions Dear Mayor and City Council Members, As a past Chair of the San Diego County Water Authority, retired Fire Chief, former Council Member, and homeowner in Carlsbad, I strongly believe that any Carlsbad representativeappointed to the San Diego County Water Authority should have direct public accountability to the residents they represent. That means the appointee should either be an elected City ofCarlsbad official or a qualified citizen volunteer serving the City of Carlsbad in a manner publicly accountable to the Council and public they are elected to serve. The Water Authority makes decisions that directly impact Carlsbad ratepayers, families, businesses, and homeowners on a current and long-term basis. Our representative must notonly understand local priorities, but also the long-term complexities and financial risks to Carlsbad residents associated with Metropolitan of Southern California and statewide waterissues. Our representative should be accessible to the public and accountable to the community — not simply appointed based on employment status. With no disrespect to our current and past City Water Managers, who have done an exceptional job, I believe appointing a paid city staff member, such as the City’s WaterManager raises additional concerns. First, any appointed staff member is necessarily being pulled away from city duties they are being paid for by the public and expected to perform. Ifthe argument is that the Water Manager should be appointed because the position relates to their city staff position, then the same logic would suggest replacing Carlsbad’s appointedSANDAG representative with the City Traffic Engineer. That is not how regional policy representation can work to the benefit of Carlsbad. Second, these appointed board positions involve broad public policy, budget, ratepayer, taxpayer and community priorities and impacts — not simply technical functions staff may bequalified to address (and should address in support of the city’s representative). In the case of water, billions of dollars in spending by Metropolitan and the State of California is now beingconsidered—with the expectation Carlsbad ratepayers and taxpayers will pay an unspecified share of these costs. The only voice Carlsbad has in this larger context is through itsrepresentative on the San Diego County Water Authority board of directors. During its most recent budget cycle, Metropolitan again raised property taxes—a “solution” toincreasing water rates many prefer because it doesn’t appear “on their watch” as a water rate increase. But for business and residents, it’s all the same: more money going out the door forwater. Carlsbad deserves representation that is transparent, experienced, and directly tied to thepeople who pay the bills. All Receive - Agenda Item #_____ For the Information of the: CITY COUCNIL Date: ___________ CA ____ CC____ CM ____ ACM ____ DCM (3) ____ 16 6/9/2026 x x x x x Please ask the following questions for public information and transparency: 1. Why is Water Authority selling its Colorado River water to other MWD member agencies rather than selling its Carlsbad desal water? Desal costs Water Authority 4Xmore, doesn’t it? 2. Looking at news reports on sales to MWD member agencies, the price is $1,350 peracre-foot—but doesn’t Water Authority have to pay MWD $671 of that money, meaning Water Authority’s share is only $679?3. Is that less than Water Authority pays IID for the water (in other words, are we selling for less than we are paying for the water)?4. Didn’t MWD also raise property taxes this budget cycle to pay for the State Water Project? Did we get credit on what we already pay MWD for delivery of water?5. Do you or Water Authority have any independent financial or legal analysis of the near and long-term impacts of these transactions as structured and proposed? Respectfully,Mark Muir Carlsbad ResidentSan Diego County Water Authority, Past Chair Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Past President & Board MemberRetired Fire Chief Retired City Council MemberRancho Carrillo Master HOA Board Member: 1,550 residents CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 2 PROPOSED ACTION ITEM 16: SDCWA Appointment Either: 1. Adopt a Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors resolution appointing Carlsbad Municipal Water District General Manager Amanda Flesse to the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors; or 2. Adopt a Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors resolution appointing one Board Member to the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors for a term ending December 2026, or until a replacement is appointed; or 3. Direct staff to open a recruitment to fill a vacancy on the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors and to place an item on a future agenda to appoint one member to the Board.