Not an official district website. Pinedale County Water Public Transparency is maintained personally by Robert Dutcher, an elected director of Pinedale County Water District. It has not been reviewed or approved by the Board. The district's official site is pcwdonline.com.
Pinedale County Water Public Transparency
Open session
Agenda: approval of the Sept. 9 and Sept. 30 minutes (approved), September bills payable, engineer's report, CPA report, and the proposed water rate study continued from Sept. 30. Closed session on the City of Fresno litigation and Pinedale County Water District v. Kus (No. 26CU02177).
Special meeting
Board discussed the proposed water rate study, with Director Peranick absent. Counsel will review whether AB 2180 affects the study and contact the consultant. The board also discussed billing for multi-unit properties. A motion to continue the rate study discussion to Oct. 7 failed 2-2 (Silva and Dutcher yes; Rodriguez and Valdez no). Directors discussed the 2012 and 2021 rate studies and the restricted funds account, asked staff to locate related documents, and agreed to bring their questions to the Oct. 7 meeting. The agenda for this meeting has not been provided.
Open session
LT Municipal Consultants presented the proposed water rate study, recommending about $200,000 more in water revenue a year for five years, roughly 3% a year. Discussion included whether the district should consider consolidating with the City of Fresno. The board scheduled a Sept. 30 special meeting to decide on the rate study. The board unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-04 amending the conflict of interest code, and approved an amended 2026-27 budget of $3,489,500, raising legal and accounting from $60,000 to $80,000 for the City of Fresno litigation. The engineer estimated about $100,000 per diesel backup generator for well sites. Counsel reported that on July 22 the board authorized an appeal in the City of Fresno case, filed Aug. 26. The October regular meeting was moved to Oct. 7.
Open session
Board authorized purchase of a used 2024 Kubota backhoe, about $54,000 delivered, subject to third-party inspection, and voted to continue 2025-26 budget levels another month, both unanimously. The board discussed backup power for district wells; the engineer estimated about $95,000 per site for generators and site work. Counsel reported the July 22 action to file the lawsuit against the Registrar of Voters, and the board met in closed session on that case; no reportable action. July bills payable were not ready and were moved to September.
Special meeting (closed session, continued from July 13)
Closed session continued from July 13. At the Aug. 12 meeting, counsel reported in open session that the action taken on July 22 was to file the lawsuit Pinedale County Water District v. James A. Kus, Fresno County Clerk & Registrar of Voters (Fresno County Superior Court No. 26CU02177). At the Sept. 9 meeting, counsel reported the board also authorized on July 22 an appeal from the order denying the district installment payments in the City of Fresno case, filed Aug. 26. The agenda and minutes for this meeting have not been provided.
Special meeting
Agenda: Fresno LAFCo Executive Director Brian Spaunhurst on the district's service-area maps and what is needed to correct them, followed by closed session on the City of Fresno litigation and one potential case. The minutes of this meeting have not yet been approved.
Open session
Board accepted the updated audit for the year ended June 30, 2025, and adopted Resolution 2026-03 placing delinquent charges on the County tax rolls, each 4-0 with Director Valdez absent. Board voted to keep operating at 2025-26 spending levels until the 2026-27 budget is revised and directed counsel to prepare a continuing resolution. June bills payable were continued to August, and the board asked for copies of legal invoices. A customer commented on the 2025 water quality report. Closed session on two potential cases and the City of Fresno litigation; no reportable action.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2026-02 calling the November 3, 2026 election and asking the Registrar of Voters to conduct it, 5-0. Counsel reported that Elections Officer James Kus directed that district maps be included in the resolution and said he would acknowledge the district territory once he received it; the maps are attached to the resolution. The auditor presented the audit for the year ended June 30, 2025, with acceptance held until revisions arrived. The engineer reported the state has assigned a project manager to the Well 5, 9 and 10 funding application.
Open session
Gordon Saito & Co., CPAs introduced themselves and discussed how the district's financial reports could be made clearer for the board. Staff presented the proposed 2026-27 budget, noting it does not include the rate increase expected from the rate study now under way. Staff reported the district's backhoe can no longer be reliably repaired and a replacement will be needed. Closed session on two potential litigation matters; no reportable action.
Open session
Board approved bills payable for February and March 2026, 4-0 with Director Peranick absent. The engineer reported the Well 5 and 10 planning application was submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board on March 20. Staff reported water meters were installed at Kratt and Nelson schools over spring break. Counsel reported he would meet with the Elections office and County Counsel about the district's elections map. Closed session on the City of Fresno litigation; no reportable action.
Open session
The engineer reported the state planning application for Well 5 treatment and a new Well 10 was complete. Well 9's site is too small for treatment equipment, so the plan is to take Well 9 out of service and build Well 10 at the district's Alluvial site; a backup generator was added to the Well 5 scope. Board agreed to move forward with G. Saito & Co., CPAs at $500 a month for accounting help. Bills payable were pulled because of errors in the report. Closed session on the City of Fresno litigation and one potential case; no reportable action.
Open session
Board accepted Provost & Pritchard's engineering services proposal and adopted Resolution 2026-01 authorizing the general manager to apply for state financing for the Well 5 treatment and Well 10 construction project, both unanimously. Board added to the agenda and awarded the water rate study contract to LT Municipal Consultants, unanimously. After closed session, counsel reported that an easement with North Palm Investors for access to the proposed well site had been executed and recorded.
Open session
The engineer reported Provost & Pritchard's 2026 contract would be $24,000 and the planning application for state funding to treat Wells 5 and 9 was in progress. In discussion of PFOS/PFAS contamination, counsel noted the City of Fresno has filed a lawsuit. Staff reported schools with working meters are now billed at metered rates, with remaining meter installation planned for spring break.
Open session (December 2 meeting cancelled)
Board adopted Resolution 2025-07 setting regular meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m., 5-0. The engineer reported on water shutoff problems at the Windemere Apartments, a capital improvement project list, and options for a new Well 10 estimated at about $950,000 for a test well and production well.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2025-05 extending the general manager's contract through December 31, 2031, 5-0. Board authorized a request for qualifications for accounting services and appointed Directors Dutcher and Silva to an ad hoc policy review committee. Board adopted Resolution 2025-06, an agreement with Provost & Pritchard for engineering work toward state funding for PFAS remediation, 5-0. Rate study quotes of $24,975, $15,200 and $10,980 were received. After closed session, the board agreed to move regular meetings to the second Wednesday of the month.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2025-03, a consulting agreement with Chris Coronado to serve as the district's interim D3-certified operator, 5-0. A rate study proposal from Tuckfield & Associates was received. A proposal to move regular meetings was tabled. After closed session, the board announced it had decided to extend the general manager's contract for five years.
Open session
Special meeting adjourned to closed session on pending litigation, with no open-session business.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2025-02 approving the 2025-26 budget and a 2.6% employee cost-of-living increase retroactive to July 1, both 4-0 (Director Valdez absent). Board authorized up to $20,000 for a compressor, 3-0 (Director Peranick abstaining). Bartle Wells quoted $24,975 for a rate study and more quotes were requested. The engineer reported the water main replacement project complete.
Open session
Board voted 3-2 to add an employee cost-of-living item to the agenda (Directors Dutcher and Silva opposed); it was discussed and carried to the next meeting. Approval of the 2025-26 budget was postponed again, 5-0. Board approved up to $50,000 for water meters at district schools, 5-0, and staff will seek a new rate study.
Open session
Special meeting adjourned to closed session with no open-session business.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2025-01 placing delinquent accounts on the county tax rolls, 4-0 (Director Valdez absent). Board voted to receive detail on non-recurring expenses over $5,000 and to receive meeting minutes within five business days. Approval of the 2025-26 budget was postponed, and staff was directed to pursue metering of schools in the district.
Open session
Board kept regular meetings on the first Tuesday of the month. Board voted 5-0 to authorize the general manager to work with Provost & Pritchard on a cross-connection control program. A budget status report through April 30 was reviewed.
Open session
Board accepted Berger & Co.'s proposal for the audit of fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, at a cost of no more than $25,500, by a 3-1 vote (Director Dutcher opposed, Director Silva abstaining). The engineer reported on new state cross-connection control requirements and final payments on the water main replacement project.
Open session
Board approved Partial Payment Estimate 10 for the water main replacement project, 5-0. Updates on water meter project funding, mapping of sewer customers, and the district's pending appeal.
Open session (continued from March 4)
Regular meeting continued from March 4. The agenda included Partial Payment Estimate 09 for the water main replacement project and board officers. Minutes for this meeting are not yet available.
Open session
Board accepted the annual audit presented by Berger & Co. CPAs and Partial Payment Estimate 08 for the water main replacement project, both unanimously. Staff was directed to use Provost & Pritchard for engineering services for one year and to prepare a monthly budget status report.
Open session
Oath of office administered to new Directors Alex Valdez, Robert Dutcher and Christine Silva. Board approved Partial Payment Estimate 07 for the water main replacement project and heard updates on the Blackstone Avenue work, water meter project funding and engineering services.
Open session
Incoming directors Robert Dutcher and Christine Silva introduced themselves; the oath of office was continued to January 7, 2025. Board approved Partial Payment Estimate 6 for the water main replacement project. District engineer Frank Daniele announced his retirement. Counsel reported he was working with LAFCo to set up a meeting on the district's boundary issues, likely in January 2025.
Open session
Board approved Partial Payment Estimate 5 for the water main replacement project and per diem for Director Valdez's meetings with the Clovis Veterans Memorial District. Public comment asked the district to give clear public notice of open board seats before the 2026 election. No agenda for this meeting was posted on the district website.
Open session
Board approved Partial Payment Estimate 4 for the water main replacement project and $9,050 for fencing at Well 7, both 5-0. Counsel reported his view that the County elections office erred in refusing to let sewer-only customers file to run for the board, and the board directed him to send a letter to the County and appear before the Board of Supervisors.
Open session
Board approved the 2024-25 budget with the option to amend, 5-0, and Partial Payment Estimate 3 for the water main replacement project. The board discussed the County elections department not recognizing residents of the district's sewer-only service areas as eligible to vote or run for the board, directed staff to obtain sewer system boundary mapping from Provost & Pritchard (estimated $4,000), and directed counsel to work on the issue with the County and/or LAFCo.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2024-04 on the biennial Conflict of Interest Code review with no changes, and approved Partial Payment Estimate 2 ($230,049.62) for the water main replacement project. The engineer reported the state had lowered the priority of water meter project funding. The 2024-25 proposed budget was presented. Two closed session litigation items were added to the agenda.
Open session
Board adopted a resolution placing delinquent charges on the county tax rolls, approved Partial Payment Estimate 1 ($49,423.28) and a $33,550 deductive change order for the water main replacement project, and authorized purchase of an $11,530 line locator (Director Peranick absent).
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2024-02 ordering the 2024 board of directors election and consolidating it with the general election (Directors Rodriguez and Baroni absent). Board authorized the general manager to issue the notice to proceed on the water main replacement project.
Open session
Manager's report on a power pole that fell in the Well 5 yard, a Verizon conduit bored through a district sewer line on Palm Avenue, and the search for a bridge loan. Public comment asked about availability of minutes and the audit, and about water meter installation.
Open session
Board accepted the audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, presented by Berger & Co. CPAs, and awarded the water main replacement contract to Haydon Construction after the state approved added funding, both unanimously. Public comment included questions on sewer rate increases tied to the City of Fresno litigation.
Open session
Engineer's update: water meter project plans due in March, with submittal to the state by the end of April; the district was still waiting on state approval of added funding for the water main replacement project.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2024-01, an agreement with the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District for delivery of surface water for recharge, unanimously. Haydon Construction was reported as low bidder on the water main replacement project, and the district will seek more state funding. Counsel reported the City of Fresno had asked the court to hold the district in contempt over payment of its judgment, which counsel disputed.
Open session
Engineer's update: the water meter project funding application was on target, and bids for the water main replacement project were set to open January 26. The general manager reported he was seeking bids for help repairing large water lines that can't be fully shut down.
Open session
Staff reported a new lead and copper rule inventory due October 2024 and that PFOS and PFAS testing would begin in March 2024. The January 2024 meeting was moved to January 9.
Open session
Board approved the summary of the October 17 public hearing and authorized bidding the water main replacement project. Staff will add a budget line for payments to the City of Fresno for the litigation that resulted in a sewer rate increase. After closed session, the board reported adopting Resolution 2023-06 opting out of specified class action lawsuits on water contamination.
Public hearing
Public hearing on the proposed sewer rate increase to pay the City of Fresno judgment. The district has not posted an agenda, the hearing summary or the rate resolution. The November 7, 2023 minutes record approval of a summary of this hearing and refer to the resulting sewer rate increase.
Open session
The engineer reported on the meter and water main projects; the state's January 1, 2025 meter deadline was no longer firm.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2023-05 on special assessments and the water shortage contingency plan. Residents asked about the proposed sewer increase and were directed to the October 17 hearing.
Open session
Board authorized the Prop 218 notice of a public hearing on a sewer rate increase to cover payments to the City of Fresno under the court judgment, with the hearing set for October 17, 2023.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2023-04 placing delinquent charges on the county tax rolls. The engineer reported progress on the water main and meter projects.
Open session
Board voted to proceed with a public notice to increase sewer rates in order to pay the City of Fresno judgment, with a hearing 45 days after notice. Board adopted the 2023-24 budget and accepted a $24,680 bid to replace the Ingram hydrant.
Open session
Board accepted Berger & Co.'s proposal for the fiscal year 2023 audit and authorized bids to relocate a dead fire hydrant on Ingram.
Open session
Board accepted Provost & Pritchard's bid for a water shortage contingency plan. No agenda for this meeting was posted on the district website; the file posted under this date is the May 3, 2022 agenda.
Open session
Board adopted the district's employee compensation schedule, which includes a 3% step increase tied to the last rate study, 5-0, and directed annual performance evaluations.
Open session
Board accepted the audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, and adopted Resolution 2023-03 finding the Fresno Irrigation District water supply agreement exempt from CEQA.
Open session
After a public hearing on the vacancy, the board appointed Fred Gonzales to the board (Resolution 2023-01) and adopted Resolution 2023-02, a surface water supply agreement with Fresno Irrigation District.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2022-13 for the water meter funding application. Counsel said the board must fill its vacancy by February 4, 2023. The general manager stated that Fresno County Elections had in the past disenfranchised the district's sewer-only customers and that he had sent the County maps of the district boundaries.
Open session
The district has not posted an agenda or minutes for this meeting. The January 3, 2023 minutes refer to a board vacancy arising from the December meeting.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2022-11 setting director compensation and reimbursement for meetings and activities other than regular board meetings. A 2023 cost-of-living adjustment for employees was tabled to December.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2022-10 exempting the water main replacement project from CEQA, voted to enroll in the state's LIHWAP customer assistance program, and discussed recovering costs from a contractor that damaged a fire hydrant. The City of Fresno had not agreed to the district's use of the Herndon and Maroa basin.
Open session
The district has not posted an agenda or minutes for this meeting. The October 4, 2022 minutes record approval of the September 6 minutes.
Open session
The 2022-23 proposed budget was discussed, including a new line item for water purchase and basin maintenance. Staff reported the City of Fresno had not agreed to let the district use the Maroa and Herndon basin.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2022-06 (debt management policy required for meter funding), Resolution 2022-09 (delinquent accounts to tax rolls) and Ordinance 2022-02, a comprehensive sewer ordinance. Fresno Irrigation District offered surface water for recharge. District engineer Frank Daniele announced plans to retire.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2022-08 ordering the 2022 board election. The minutes note that an unopposed candidate is appointed automatically and does not appear on a ballot, with candidate filing open July 18 to August 12, 2022.
Open session
After a public hearing, the board adopted Resolution 2022-07 appointing Alex Valdez to the vacant seat. Counsel reported an upcoming Court of Appeal date on June 9. No agenda for this meeting was posted on the district website.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2022-04 declaring a board seat vacant after Director Tyler Mackey's resignation, and Resolution 2022-05 amending the drug-free workplace policy.
Open session
After a public hearing with no comments, the board adopted Ordinance 2022-1 setting director compensation (2-0, Director Peranick abstaining), and Resolution 2022-03 authorizing the water main replacement funding agreement with the state. The board president reported a director was no longer a district resident and would resign.
Open session
Board authorized Provost & Pritchard to proceed with survey and CEQA work on the meter project. Staff reported a state drought relief award of just over $2 million to replace district lines. A public hearing on the stipend increase was set for May 3.
Open session
Board accepted the audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, and voted to raise the director stipend from $100 to $250 per meeting. Board declined Provost & Pritchard's $15,500 contract amendment on meter funding and voted to reopen the office April 4.
Open session
Staff reported three residences still on septic systems and not connected to the district sewer; staff and counsel will update the 1963 sewer ordinance. Directors requested updates on the City of Fresno litigation, meter funding and director compensation.
Open session
The engineer reported on unresolved boundary-line issues at the R. Smith property next to the district's well site. Counsel will seek Fire Department approval for proposed construction at the well site.
Open session
Special meeting adjourned to closed session with no open-session business.
Open session
Board adopted Ordinance 2021-01. Counsel reported on the legal limits for director stipends.
Open session
Ordinance 2021-01 on customer accounts, billing and water meters was introduced. Board approved a 5.7% salary increase for all district employees. No agenda for this meeting was posted on the district website.
Open session
Board decided all district accounts will be placed in property owners' names. Counsel advised the vacant board seat could not be filled until the November 2022 election because appointment deadlines had passed.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2021-3 authorizing a Small Community Drought Relief grant application and approved moving district accounts from Union Bank to Chase Bank (Director Peranick absent).
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2021-02 placing delinquent accounts on the tax rolls and approved the 2021-22 budget. Staff reported a leak at Well 8.
Open session
After a Prop 218 public hearing (3 written protests; 5 residents spoke), the board adopted the water rate increase, 4-0. Board authorized the president to sign the revised Statement of Covenants for the R. Smith property.
Open session
Board approved Provost & Pritchard's consultant services agreement for the water metering project and postponed approval of the 2021-22 budget.
Open session
Board voted 4-0 to start the Prop 218 process for Rate Scenario 1, which bills residential water by lot size, with a public hearing set for June 29, 2021. The engineer noted lots of 5,000 square feet or less would pay less and larger lots about double.
Open session
Bartle Wells presented the draft water rate study. Directors raised equity between small and large lots under flat-rate billing, and the study was sent back for revision using lot size.
Open session
Counsel reported the February 23 appointment was invalid because the appointee was not yet a registered voter in the district. A new motion to appoint her failed 2-2, and counsel said the County would fill the seat. Board accepted the annual audit and required the auditor to present future audits in person. A GV Wire reporter attended.
Open session
Board interviewed two applicants for the vacant seat and appointed Amanda Castro (Resolution 2021-1, 4-0, after a 3-1 nomination vote).
Open session
Staff reported the Bartle Wells rate study draft, with a water rate increase planned for July. The board discussed driveway and easement terms for the district's well site next to the R. Smith property.
Open session
Agenda listed staff and director reports. The district has not posted minutes for this meeting; the February 2, 2021 minutes record approval of the January minutes.
Open session
Oath of office administered to newly appointed Directors Tyler Mackey and Zachary Baroni. Director Aguilera submitted his resignation effective December 31, 2020, and the board thanked departing Directors Brown and Aguilera.
Open session
Board accepted Anderson & Ballou's $29,250 bid for the Locust service line replacement. Fresno Irrigation District presented on its centennial. Counsel presented the general manager's new contract, effective January 1, 2021.
Open session
Board directed staff to get bids to replace a failing service line on Locust. Staff reported the district main serving the R. Smith property was complete and that information was being provided to Bartle Wells for the rate study.
Open session
Board accepted Bartle Wells' proposal for a district rate study, 5-0.
Open session
Board asked for additional rate study bids with a refined scope, and directed the engineer and counsel to work on development conditions for the R. Smith project.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2020-04 placing delinquent accounts on the county tax rolls, and directed the general manager to get a quote for a rate study to help fund the state-mandated meter project.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2020-02 ordering the 2020 board election and, after a public hearing, Resolution 2020-03 adopting the disposal rate increase (2 written protests from 440 disposal customers). The general manager reported a dispute with the County elections office over the district boundary map used for elections: the district's position is that sewer-only customers, from the former Cavanaugh Water District area, are residents eligible to vote and serve on the board, and the County had rejected the district's corrected map.
Open session
Board accepted the audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, so it could be submitted to the state for meter project funding. Staff reported the district was not pursuing collections or late fees during COVID-19.
Open session
Board approved the Prop 218 disposal rate increase proposal of up to 6% a year. Representatives of the River Bluff West development reviewed site plans, easements and the district's adjacent well site with the board.
Open session
Staff reported the district was operating at a deficit on disposal service and would need its first disposal rate increase in over 15 years. Board authorized a Prop 218 notice for a public hearing on the increase. Meter funding was held up awaiting the audit.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2020-01, a policy on discontinuation of residential water service under SB 998. Staff reported Waste Management proposed an $8 increase for April 2020. Director Aguilera announced plans to leave the board in November 2020.
Open session
Board directed staff and the engineer to verify $47,720 in change orders on the Effie project. Counsel reported a January 15 court date in the City of Fresno litigation.
Open session
Board accepted the annual audit and awarded the Effie water system improvements contract to Anderson & Ballou. Board discussed an October 25, 2019 letter from Fresno County Counsel regarding Director Mackey's appointment; counsel said the district met the required timelines and would respond. The City of Fresno continued to deny the district use of the Maroa and Herndon basin for recharge.
Open session
Board appointed Tyler Mackey to the vacant seat (Resolution 2019-5). Staff reported new state testing requirements for two chemicals beginning April 2020. Counsel had no further report on the City of Fresno litigation.
Open session
Director Alex Valdez's resignation, effective June 15 due to relocating out of state, was read. Staff reported the district was operating at a deficit on disposal service after Waste Management's 2019 rate increase, and that the City of Fresno was taking recharge credit for basin water within the district's boundaries.
Open session
Board appointed Carlos Aguilera to the vacant seat (Resolution 2019-2) and adopted Resolution 2019-3 certifying the results of the November 6, 2018 election. Resolution 2019-1 authorized the general manager to work with Provost & Pritchard on meter project funding. No agenda for this meeting was posted on the district website.
Open session
No applications had been received for the vacant board seat; counsel advised the remaining directors could continue district business until an appointee was found.
Open session
Counsel advised the board must fill its vacancy by February 4, and a special meeting was set. Staff reported the state funding application would need a consolidation analysis, and counsel noted the district could rely on LAFCo's earlier findings.
Open session
Board adopted a resolution declaring a vacancy on the board and its intent to fill it by appointment, 4-0. Director Baucher announced it was his last meeting.
Open session
Board re-adopted the district's Conflict of Interest Code. Counsel reported that the options offered by the City of Fresno in the litigation were not viable and that a hearing was set for October 4 in Hanford.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2018-2 approving the mitigated negative declaration for the water meter installation project, and a resolution amending election Resolution 2018-1. Counsel reported a July 23 hearing in the City of Fresno litigation.
Open session
Board adopted Resolution 2018-1 ordering the 2018 board of directors election and consolidating it with the general election.
Open session
Board approved a $32,500 contract with Dunbar & Associates for the environmental package required for the water meter funding application. Counsel discussed the City of Fresno v. Pinedale County Water District litigation. The district has not posted an agenda for any 2018 meeting.
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