Western Regional Water Commission Meeting – February 25, 2026

The Western Regional Water Commission (WRWC) met on February 25, 2026, at 8:37 a.m. in Sparks, Nevada. All seven commissioners were present, establishing a quorum. The meeting included approval of routine items, a presentation on updating a water source protection plan, discussion and acceptance of a wastewater regionalization study phase 1A report, approval of funding for subsequent phases, adoption of the fiscal year 2027 tentative budget, election of officers, and scheduling of future meetings. No public comments were received.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Vanderwell, second by Commissioner Andreola. Passed unanimously.
• Approval of Minutes (November 5, 2025): Motion by Commissioner Andreola, second by Commissioner Vanderwell. Passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received.

Discussion Items

• Scope of Work and Funding for Source Water/Watershed Plan Update (Item 6):

  • Birgit Whitigram (staff) and Jill Sutherland (Resource Concepts Inc., RCI) presented a proposal to update the 2020 Integrated Source Water and Watershed Protection Plan. The update addresses changes in land jurisdiction, ownership, public water systems, and incorporates a geospatial analysis refresh. Phase 1 includes partner engagement, data review, and website reorganization; Phase 2 will develop new projects and performance tracking. The project is expected to be completed by fiscal year 2028. Total funding not to exceed $211,000 from the Regional Water Management Fund. Commissioner Taylor asked about coordination with regional planning to avoid duplication; Sutherland confirmed collaboration with the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency. Commissioner Harris inquired about the completion timeline (2028). Motion by Commissioner Andreola, second by Vanderwell. Passed unanimously.

• RAFTALIS Final Report on Wastewater Regionalization Feasibility Study – Phase 1A (Item 7):

  • Kim Rigdon (staff) introduced project manager Zach Green (RAFTALIS) who presented findings from Phase 1A, which documented challenges and objectives for regional wastewater management. Eight workshops identified challenges such as fragmented governance, aging infrastructure, sewer shed misalignment, and stormwater management. Stakeholders included Washoe County, City of Sparks, City of Reno, Sun Valley General Improvement District, and TMWA. A participant (Commissioner Taylor) disclosed a non-conflicting relationship with Jacobs Engineering (a subconsultant). Discussion included accelerating the timeline: Commissioner Taylor asked about completing phases 1B and 1C within 12 months; Green and project director John Mostracchio indicated it is feasible. Commissioner Dewar noted the Lemon Valley plant’s situation as a relevant case study. Commissioner Andreola expressed support for moving forward, referencing long-standing conversations since 2023. The commission unanimously accepted the final report.

• Funding for Phases 1B and 1C of Wastewater Regionalization Feasibility Study (Item 8):

  • Kim Rigdon presented the recommendation from the Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission to approve $475,000 from the Regional Water Management Fund for RAFTALIS to conduct phases 1B (preliminary evaluation of regional alternatives) and 1C (detailed organizational, financial, and operational analysis). Staff had initially budgeted $175,000 for the current fiscal year and $300,000 for the next; Rigdon offered to fully fund the entire $475,000 to avoid stop-and-go delays. Commissioner Andreola moved to approve full funding, with Commissioner Vanderwell seconding. Commissioner Taylor suggested adding a timeline goal of one year; the motion as made did not specify a timeline but the original contract has a completion date of June 30, 2027. Passed unanimously.

• Approval of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Tentative Budget (Item 9):

  • Kim Rigdon presented the tentative budget. Total anticipated revenue from the 1.5% water surcharge is $2.1 million (up ~$96,000 from last year). Total estimated expenses are $3.9 million (up from $3.4 million), including professional services contracts. Cash balance is $2.6 million; combined revenues and cash are sufficient to cover expenses. The projected ending cash balance of $732,068 meets the recommended six-month operating reserve. The budget includes a $900,000 project contingency line. Commissioner Vanderwell moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Andreola. Passed unanimously.

• Election of WRWC Officers for 2026 (Item 10):

  • The positions of Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary/Treasurer expired on December 31, 2025. Commissioner Vanderwell nominated current officers: Paul Anderson as Chair, Clara Andreola as Vice Chair, and Susan Seppeler as Secretary/Treasurer. Motion seconded by Commissioner Andreola. Passed unanimously.

• Future Meeting Dates and Agenda Items (Item 11):

  • Staff announced that the next regular meeting is April 15, 2026 (no March meeting due to staff attendance at the Water Reuse Conference), and the budget hearing is May 27, 2026, coordinated with the Flood Management Authority and TMWA. Commissioner Taylor requested updates on the wastewater regionalization study timeline. Motion by Commissioner Andreola to approve the items as presented, seconded by Vanderwell. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously approved all items, including the consent calendar, source water plan update ($211,000), acceptance of the phase 1A wastewater regionalization report, full funding ($475,000) for phases 1B and 1C, and the FY27 tentative budget.
• Re‑elected Paul Anderson (Chair), Clara Andreola (Vice Chair), and Susan Seppeler (Secretary/Treasurer) for 2026.
• Scheduled next meetings: April 15, 2026 (regular) and May 27, 2026 (budget hearing).
• Directed staff to keep the commission informed on progress of the wastewater regionalization study and noted the desire to accelerate the timeline.