Western Regional Water Commission Meeting - October 29, 2025

The Western Regional Water Commission (WRWC) met on October 29, 2025, to receive a presentation on climatology from Nevada State Climatologist Dr. Baker Perry, approve the annual audit and designation of auditors, authorize pass-through funding for a riverbank restoration design project, amend a stormwater permit agreement budget, and receive a program manager update. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Motion to approve passed unanimously.
• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the August 20, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered at either public comment period.

Discussion Items

• Climatology Presentation: Dr. Baker Perry, Nevada State Climatologist and professor at UNR, presented on his research in the Andes and on Mount Everest, highlighting the critical need for high-elevation precipitation observations. He discussed Nevada's drought status (nearly entire state in drought designation), the value of the CoCoRaHS citizen science network, and the office's quarterly climate reports. Commissioners asked about Reno's status as one of the fastest-warming cities in the U.S.; Dr. Perry noted a paper in preparation on that topic and cited growth and land-use change as primary drivers. Concerns about federal funding uncertainty for climatology work were raised. Dr. Perry also emphasized the need for more weighing precipitation gauges and distrometers to improve snow measurement and flood forecasting in the Truckee River basin.
• Audit Presentation: The FY2025 financial audit performed by Shetler Macy & Associates was presented. The audit received a clean (unqualified) opinion. Government-wide net position increased by $473,000 to $3.06 million; the general fund balance increased by $464,000 to $3.07 million (per the presentation, though likely millions, not billions). No material weaknesses in internal control or compliance issues were identified. The commission voted unanimously to approve the financial statements.
• Designation of External Auditors for FY2026: Staff recommended reappointing Shetler Macy & Associates as the commission's auditors for FY2026, noting their long tenure and efficient work. Commissioner Andreola moved to approve the designation and also directed staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the following fiscal year to ensure competitive pricing. Motion passed unanimously.
• Pass-Through Funding for Truckee River Bank Restoration: The commission approved pass-through of $60,000 from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) 604b Clean Water Act funds to the Truckee River Foundation (doing business as One Truckee River) for a 30% engineering design of the Idawald River Bank Repair Project. Iris J Late Bart, Executive Director of One Truckee River, presented the project as part of a broader five-year regional vegetation management and assessment effort. The design will address bank erosion, invasive species (e.g., tree of heaven), and uncontrolled public access. The motion to approve passed unanimously.
• Stormwater Permit Agreement Budget Amendment: Staff requested an amendment to the FY2026 interlocal agreement with the City of Reno for stormwater management program support, adding $49,805.57 to the budget to cover an FY2025 invoice missed due to a clerical error. Funding is available from the contingency budget. The amended budget not to exceed $312,305.57 was approved unanimously.
• Program Manager Update: The program manager reported on the Cold Springs Valley water balance analysis presented to the Regional Planning Commission, ongoing work to develop modeling scenarios for full build-out. The wastewater regionalization feasibility study is proceeding; phase 1A findings will be presented at the November 5, 2025, concurrent meeting of both boards. The 2026 Water Reuse Symposium is scheduled for March 8–11 in Los Angeles, with an elected official workshop on Tuesday, March 10. Registration and travel for commissioners are included in the budget.
• Future Meeting Dates and Agenda Items: Staff distributed a proposed 2026 meeting schedule, moving the tentative budget approval from March to early February to accommodate the water reuse conference. Commissioners thanked staff for arranging Dr. Perry's presentation.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of FY2025 Financial Statements: Unanimous (motion by Hill, second by Duerr).
• Designation of Shetler Macy & Associates for FY2026 Audit: Unanimous, with directive to issue RFP for FY2027 (motion by Andreola, second unknown).
• Pass-Through Funding for Idawald Bank Repair Project: Unanimous, not to exceed $60,000 (motion by Duerr, second by Hill).
• Amendment to Stormwater Permit Agreement Budget: Unanimous, adding $49,805.57 for FY2026 (motion by Duerr, second by Hill).
• **All other items (agenda approval, minutes approval) passed unanimously without objection.