HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Water Utility Commission - 1/12/2026MINUTES
WATER UTILITY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
January 12, 2026
HOPI CONFERENCE ROOM
11000 N. LA CAÑADA DRIVE
REGULAR SESSION AT OR AFTER 5:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Niranjan Vescio called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Niranjan Vescio, Chair
Rebecca Badruddoja, Commissioner
Steven Linder, Commissioner
Alan Forrest, Commissioner
Greg Hitt, Commissioner
Joe Hornat, Commissioner
Michael Smejkal, Commissioner
Staff Present: Peter A. Abraham, Water Utility Director
David Allred, Water Operations Manager
Mary Rallis, Water Utility Administrator
Councilmember Mary Murphy, Council Liaison
Jeff Wilkins, Town Manager
CALL TO AUDIENCE - at this time, any member of the public is allowed to address the Commission on
any issue not listed on today’s agenda. Pursuant to the Arizona open meeting law, individual
Commission members may ask Town staff to review the matter, ask that the matter be placed on a future
agenda, or respond to criticism made by speakers. However, the Commission may not discuss or take
legal action on matters raised during "Call to Audience." In order to speak during "Call to Audience",
please specify what you wish to discuss when completing the blue speaker card.
No public speakers
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
1.REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 10, 2025 REGULAR SESSION MEETING MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Michael Smejkal, seconded by Commissioner Alan Forrest to approve the
November 10, 2025 Regular Session meeting minutes.
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
1/12/26 Water Utility Commission Regular Session Meeting Minutes 1
2.WELCOME NEW WATER UTILITY COMMISSIONERS (P. ABRAHAM)
Water Utility Director Peter Abraham introduced the new Water Utility Commissioners, Rebecca
Badruddoja and Steven Linder. All Commissioners and Water Utility Staff provided a brief introduction
of themselves.
3.NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF COMMISSION CHAIR EFFECTIVE JANUARY 13, 2026
Motion by Chair Niranjan Vescio, seconded by Commissioner Joe Hornat to nominate Michael
Smejkel for the position of Committee Chair.
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
4.NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF COMMISSION VICE CHAIR EFFECTIVE JANUARY 13, 2026
Motion by Commissioner Alan Forrest, seconded by Chair Niranjan Vescio to nominate Joe Hornat
for the position of Committee Vice-Chair.
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
5.TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS/COMMUNICATIONS (COUNCILMEMBER MURPHY)
Councilmember Murphy provided the following updates:
Upcoming Town Council meeting
6.UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ON POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE 2026 WATER UTILITY COMMISSION
WORK PLAN (P. ABRAHAM)
Water Utility Director Peter Abraham reviewed the proposed 2026 Water Utility Commission Work
Plan, including the agenda items that may be discussed.
Discussion ensued among the Commission and Water Utility Director Peter Abraham regarding the
2026 Water Utility Commission Work Plan and potential topics that may be added to the agenda.
7.REVIEW OF WUC RECOMMENDED WATER RATE CHANGES FOR FY 2026/2027 (P. ABRAHAM)
Water Utility Director Peter Abraham provided background context and a review of the Water Rates
Analysis.
Water Utility Director Peter Abraham reviewed the following:
Tentative Water Rate Analysis schedule
General water rates analysis goals (promote financial stability and water conservation)
Water Rates analysis goals for the next fiscal year (26/27)
Rate Model Input Data
Assumptions that are consistent with the General Fund
Assumptions Specific to the Water Utility
Existing system capital projects
Rate Model Output Data
Recommended base rate increases
Proposed Rate Increases/Debt Service Ration & Cash Reserve Requirements
1/12/26 Water Utility Commission Regular Session Meeting Minutes 2
Historical & Projected Potable Rate Increases by Year
Potable Water Cost Comparisons to other service providers
Discussion ensued among the Commission and Water Utility Director Peter Abraham regarding the
Utility's water rates and financial requirements.
8.UPDATE, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON GROUNDWATER PRESERVATION FEE FY
2026/2027 (P. ABRAHAM)
Water Utility Director Peter Abraham provided an update on the following:
Background of the Groundwater Preservation Fee (GPF)
Responsibility of the Groundwater Preservation Fee
Proposed financial scenario pro forma for the Groundwater Preservation Fee.
Discussion ensued among the Commission and Water Utility Director Peter Abraham regarding the
Groundwater Preservation Fee.
Motion by Commissioner Steven Linder, seconded by Commissioner Rebecca Badruddoja to make a
recommendation to Council to not increase the Groundwater Preservation Fee.
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
9.UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ON WATER RESOURCES & DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES FOR FY
2026/2027 (P. ABRAHAM)
Water Utility Director Peter Abraham provided the following information regarding Water Resources &
System Development Impact Fees:
Background and context of the Water Resource & System Development Impact Fee (WRSDIF)
Proposed financial scenario pro forma for WRSDIF
Discussion ensued among the Commission and Water Utility Director Peter Abraham regarding the
Water Resource & System Development Impact Fees
10.DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Water Utility Director Peter Abraham provided the following updates:
Upcoming meetings
CRWUA Conference
Colorado River DCP Status (end of 2025)
Colorado River System Reservoir Status
Colorado River Basin Above Lake Powell
Discussion ensued among the Commission and Water Utility Director Peter Abraham.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Greg Hitt, seconded by Commissioner Michael Smejkal to adjourn the
meeting at 6:27 p.m.
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
1/12/26 Water Utility Commission Regular Session Meeting Minutes 3
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the regular session of the
Town of Oro Valley Water Utility Commission of Oro Valley, Arizona held on the 12th day of January, 2026. I
further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 10th day of February, 2026.
___________________________
Maritza M. Valenzuela
Senior Office Specialist
1/12/26 Water Utility Commission Regular Session Meeting Minutes 4