CUAC Minutes Jan 2026 Draft
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D R A F T MINUTES CITIZENS UTILITY ADVISORY COMMISSION OASIS WATER CAMPUS 7070 NORTHERN AVE. GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85303 JANUARY 7, 2026 6:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ford called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Amber Ford, Chair Scott Scherer, Vice Chair Dr. Kerry Duskin, Commissioner Srikanth Grandhi, Commissioner Kyle Holschlag, Commissioner Absent: Brian Pirooz, Commissioner Also Present: Attendees: Ron Serio, P.E., Director, Water Services Katrina Alberty, Deputy Director, Water Services John Henny, Deputy Director, Water Services Megan Sheldon, Deputy Director, Water Services Lisa Esquivel, Administrator Department Support Services, Water Services Dan Hatch, Administrator Financial Programs, Water Services Alana Reid, Management Assistant, Water Services Zacary Richards, Water Resources Program Manager, Water Services Joanne Toms, Administrator Environmental Programs, Water Services Steven Acquafredda, Principal Engineer, Water Services 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS None. 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES a. Approval of the December 3, 2025 Citizens Utility Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes Motioned by Vice Chair Scott Scherer, seconded by Commissioner Dr. Kerry Duskin to approve the minutes of the December 3, 2025, meeting. AYE: Chair Amber Ford Vice Chair Scott Scherer Commissioner Dr. Kerry Duskin Commissioner Srikanth Grandhi Commissioner Kyle Holschlag Passed 5. WATER RESOURCES UPDATE a. INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION Mr. Richards provided a Water Resources update regarding Glendale’s water supplies, Salt River Project, and Colorado River watershed conditions, and drought mitigation projects. Chair Amber Ford inquired about the recent assured water supply application designated by the Arizona Department of Water Resources. Mr. Richards clarified that it is a 2025 application currently under review. Commissioner Kyle Holschlag asked about the allotment process, which Mr. Richards explained is based on reservoir capacity. Commissioner Srikanth Grandhi inquired about the city allotment for CAP water and expected supply after 2027. Mr. Richards detailed the allocation process and projected reductions under Tier2A or Tier2B, noting their impact on Glendale. Commissioner Kyle Holschlag inquired about the timeline for the Advanced Water Purification study and requested that it be added to a future discussion. Mr. Richards clarified that we are evaluating whether to manage it in-house or partner with other entities. Commissioner Srikanth Grandhi asked about the reduction of CAP and whether Glendale has the infrastructure to use SRP water. Mr. Richards and Ms. Sheldon explained that we have the infrastructure, but we would have to follow the guidelines to use SRP water off project lands. Chair Amber Ford wanted clarification regarding the SRP watershed conditions. Mr. Richards clarified that the total SRP system is 57% of capacity as of December, while the Verde River watershed was 47% of capacity in August. Ms. Toms provided an update on the water conservation rebate program and information about the adoption of building and fire codes. Commissioner Srikanth Grandhi asked about the codes for the new City Hall building. Ms. Toms provided information about the new building and energy/water efficiency. Chair Amber Ford asked how water conservation related to the code amendments, and Ms. Toms clarified its role in the process. Commissioner Dr. Kerry Duskin inquired about the code implementation process for plans submitted after July 9, to which Ms. Toms provided clarification. Vice Chair Scott Scherer inquired about grant funds. Ms. Toms provided details about the grant, city funds, and the rebate program. Commissioner Kyle Holschlag inquired about the differences between residential and non-residential rebate programs, and Ms. Toms provided the details. 6. WATER SERVICES CIP PROJECT STATUS a. INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION Mr. Acquafredda presented information on capital improvement projects throughout the city, including project drivers, system operations, infrastructure project updates, and treatment facility project updates. Commissioner Srikanth Grandhi asked about the shared cost of Peoria and Glendale. Mr. Acquafredda clarified the shared cost for the 67th Ave Transmission Waterline project. Chair Amber Ford asked about the timeline for the RSPS Forcemain project, while Vice Chair Scott Scherer inquired about the process. Mr. Acquafredda provided details on both. Chair Amber Ford inquired about PLCs, and Mr. Acquafredda explained the process for updating existing PLCs or replacing them. Vice Chair Scott Scherer asked about funding for the projects, and Mr. Acquafredda provided details. Chair Amber Ford, Commissioner Srikanth Grandhi, and Commissioner Kyle Hoforag commended Mr. Acquafredda for his presentation. 7. DISCUSSION OF 2025 BOARD & COMMISSION MEMBER SURVEY a. INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION Ms. Alberty presented the questions and answers from the Board and Commission Member Survey that was sent out to the 18 different committees, and the Commissioners discussed the survey responses. 8. 2026 COMMISSION CALENDAR AND AGENDA TOPICS a. INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION Ms. Esquivel presented the agenda topics for the 2026 Commission Calendar, and the Commissioners discussed additional topics to include. Chair Ford suggested bringing additional topics to the next meeting. 9. STAFF UPDATES a. Mr. Serio commended the presenters for their excellent presentations. He also noted that customers should have received the 2026 Clean and Green Calendar. 10. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS The Commissioner commended the presenters on their presentations. 11. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Future Agenda Items for March 4, 2026: 1. Finalize 2026 Commission Calendar and Agenda Topics 12. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Citizens Utility Advisory Commission will be held on March 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., at the Oasis Water Campus, 7070 W. Northern Ave., Glendale, Arizona, 85303. 13. ADJOURNMENT Chair Ford adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m. The Citizens Utility Advisory Commission meeting minutes of January 7, 2026 were submitted and approved this 04 day of March, 2026. ____________________________________ Alana Reid Recording Secretary