BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ☐ No ☒
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
Accept Management Response to the Independent Monitoring Committee Report on the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
A. Accept Management Response to the Independent Monitoring Committee Report on the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025; and
B. Provide additional direction as necessary.
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SUMMARY:
On February 18, 2026, the Independent Monitoring Committee (IMC) issued its report on Santa Clara Valley Water District’s (Valley Water) Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program (Safe, Clean Water Program) Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Over the past months, Project Managers, Unit Managers, Assistant Officers, and Deputy Officers managing projects in the Safe, Clean Water Program met with the IMC and its subcommittees for Safe, Clean Water Program Priorities A-F and the Finance subcommittee to review the Safe, Clean Water Program Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Report (FY25Annual Report), answer questions, and provide follow-up information as necessary. Throughout this review, the IMC members have shown passion and dedication to the Safe, Clean Water Program.
In its review of the FY25 Annual Report, the IMC agreed with the status of all 31 projects and had no recommendations. The IMC provided notes for Valley Water’s consideration in developing future years Annual Reports, which staff will address moving forward.
In its cover letter, the IMC notes that, at its request, Valley Water staff presented on December 3, 2025, regarding the impact of jurisdictional complexities on Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program projects, including effects on cost and schedule and efforts underway to address these challenges. The IMC commented that the public should be better informed about these jurisdictional complexities and their impact on project cost and progress. While discussing specific obstacles can be challenging, it is important to communicate the broader systemic issues and the need for improvement.
Valley Water appreciates the IMC’s feedback and agrees that continued transparency and communication regarding jurisdictional complexities are important. Staff will continue to highlight these efforts and the progress being made, while enhancing communication about the nature of these complexities and their impact on project delivery.
Valley Water staff remains committed to the success of the Safe, Clean Water Program and to achieving its KPIs in a cost-effective and transparent manner. We value the IMC’s thorough monitoring and look forward to continued collaboration through an open, constructive, and responsive review process.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IMPACT:
There are no Environmental Justice impacts associated with this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this item.
CEQA:
The recommended action does not constitute a project under CEQA because it does not have the potential for resulting in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Management Response Table
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER: Manager
Luz Penilla, 408-630-2228