[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6609610,"mediaKeyId","2911654-eb9f145cb35cde75b72d2e8df0bea7d8","parentId",2911654,"title","Valley Water officials tell Sunnyvale council planned rate increases aim to fund billions in dam, treatment-plant upgrades","audioSeconds",155,"startMs",829000,"endMs",984000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2911654-eb9f145cb35cde75b72d2e8df0bea7d8&start=829&end=984","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2911654-eb9f145cb35cde75b72d2e8df0bea7d8/thumbnail_829000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6609610/Sunnyvale/Santa-Clara-County/California/Valley-Water-officials-tell-Sunnyvale-council-planned-rate-increases-aim-to-fund-billions-in-dam-treatment-plant-upgrades","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609610-98e82dd89d28fee0246a70c1361e321c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152616&Signature=ncNU7ekrKDzu4aEDMPTQjNiMoC~~-RXCGbYxEwFra4D526mFEHlYIhScr1iNVw02bfHTLLp27yZVg0-D0cuKkPJaz0XdvEfM8ruX4rzCfMrT65UvBc4bqSaWGc6RP2JBPrfHB0oNvY8AnPxXJ0YJcRH5L2J5FOyIQjKFtlgocjoioTnhB7I-AlrodoM31isbIQDAykr-2VY~FTiz2auHg54-ohWdkFo6Y49VkSCIpIU5CpI25EnsKUIduIfdAe8C7F9dDzP41d4b6xGOz5Txqsc1RCI2Yaw7jgRdJ~ilD0o2HJsqT0K5vxGKI6WJ8nEpWBWJI1Ezy9GR7UIZyzcldQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-09T05:38:19Z","article","Valley Water leaders on April 8 told the Sunnyvale City Council that the agency is recommending a nearly 10% increase in groundwater production charges for fiscal 2026 to help pay for an era of large, multi‑decade water system investments.

The presentation by Valley Water officials outlined a staff recommendation of a 9.9% increase to groundwater charges in FY26 — which the agency said would amount to roughly $7.60 a month for the average household before any additional charges that retail water providers might add. Valley Water officials said planned rate increases continue for years in their projection, then taper in later decades.

Why it matters: Valley Water supplies or supports wholesale water and groundwater services across Santa Clara County; the agency argues that aging dams, treatment plants and climate changes require major capital spending now to avoid longer‑term shortages, economic losses and irreversible ground subsidence.

Key points from the presentation
- Recommended groundwater charge increase for FY26: 9.9%, estimated monthly impact to the average household: $7.60 (does not include additional retail charges). (Darren Taylor, Chief Financial Officer, Valley Water)
- Major capital projects identified as drivers of the rate outlook include the Anderson Dam seismic retrofit (presented as a $2.4 billion project), Rinconada Water Treatment Plant reliability improvements (presented as roughly $720 million), a placeholder estimate for a San Jose purified water program (~$2.8 billion) and a Chico Reservoir expansion (roughly $2.7 billion). Valley Water also listed potential participation in projects led by other agencies, including a Delta conveyance program. (Darren Taylor; Aaron Baker, Chief Operating Officer)
- Local supply: Valley Water staff said local groundwater and surface supplies are in good condition now excluding storage in Anderson Reservoir, which remains restricted due to an FERC‑ordered restriction that has contributed to a long‑running retrofit program. Staff described an emergency tunnel project and a multi‑year seismic retrofit plan for Anderson that would be built in staged segments; the agency said the Anderson retrofit schedule targets completion in the early 2030s. (Aaron Baker; Bavani Yaputu)
- Water reuse: Valley Water presented regional goals for potable reuse of about 24,000 acre‑feet per year by 2035 and described a phased purified‑water demonstration program and coordination with the San Jose–Santa Clara regional wastewater facility. The agency said reusable water will be required for drought resilience. (Aaron Baker)
- Cost containment: staff cited paused positions (about 30 water utility positions and 45 district‑wide “paused” positions), deferred lower‑priority capital projects and applications for low‑cost federal loans and WIFIA financing as cost‑containment steps. Valley Water said it recently applied for about $1.3 billion in low‑cost federal loans to support dam safety work. (Darren Taylor)
- Process and schedule: staff noted public hearings continuing April 9 (Water Commission) and a May 16 continuation of the Valley Water rate hearing where input will be considered in the board decision. Valley Water also described an adaptive Water Supply Master Plan 2050 intended to guide sequencing of investments. (Darren Taylor; Aaron Baker)

What council members asked: Sunnyvale council members pressed Valley Water on sea‑level‑rise work in the Bay shoreline study (phaseing of Army Corps feasibility work and how phase results would affect Sunnyvale), the Anderson retrofit schedule and costs, and how demand uncertainty can interact with long‑term capital needs. Valley Water staff emphasized an adaptive planning approach and said some large projects remain preliminary and that sequencing could reduce near‑term rate pressure but carries risk and higher future inflationary costs.

What Valley Water said about affordability: Valley Water described assistance programs for ratepayers and said the agency plans to restore a previously sun‑set rate assistance program in June or July. The agency emphasized that staff recommend balancing affordability with investments needed to avoid future shortages.

Looking ahead: Valley Water staff asked cities and retailers to provide comment at the commission and board hearings in April and May; the board will adopt rates after the conclusion of its public hearing process.

Ending: Valley Water’s presentation framed the FY26 recommendation as the near‑term step in a decades‑long investment plan. Council members did not act on rate setting — Valley Water’s board will decide — but the presentation gave Sunnyvale officials and the public specific financial and schedule details to use in upcoming comment to the Valley Water board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - April 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Valley Water leaders on April 8 told the Sunnyvale City Council that the agency is recommending a 9.9% increase in groundwater production charges for fiscal 2026 to help pay for multi‑billion‑dollar dam and treatment‑plant upgrades.","taxTitle","Sunnyvale , Santa Clara County, California","taxId",2858,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6609595,"Sunnyvale council accepts annual vacancy report; HR outlines hiring tools and compensation study",214,1706000,1920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2911654-eb9f145cb35cde75b72d2e8df0bea7d8&start=1706&end=1920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2911654-eb9f145cb35cde75b72d2e8df0bea7d8/thumbnail_1706000.jpg","/articles/6609595/Sunnyvale/Santa-Clara-County/California/Sunnyvale-council-accepts-annual-vacancy-report-HR-outlines-hiring-tools-and-compensation-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609595-fefa4db86d16a5e64ef49a254eb3abf5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152616&Signature=jJCaRLUScNWh1XZP4p1eOF2gMiT0TfnbbTHN8ZwU59XtImubXNAXJbrWqMhmUMTXgu1YehIqzIUiU2bZjv1HGaZTWzcByuhbKt0QCTWYuVLPXKw50wa14n87ZDv4yR6Cr66vS7aTeuQmXcGnnZwNbZwkyxe4sI5CZrKC9-fF7Bs0xQmuQJjdFkdif~E-PcePWWsjwdiCpnuZHfpAfvMiWuHuB1IR1GNRQj2-kt0s4LmiO0okjgzgCaZkE3T5Rr9xbxYaNlTdfQBVHMs5EYWZ6rw70xqHeL0DqY6MAa9q1sZHWZ3Ul9w8bVFMx7PSeZeb~gFNlP79UTJIDI1-7lmxKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sunnyvale City Council on April 8 accepted the city’s annual report on vacancies, recruitment and retention — a presentation required by Assembly Bill 2561 — and directed staff to continue recruitment and classification work intended to improve hiring and retention.

HR presentation highlights
Human Resources Director Tina Murphy told the council the city’s current authorized full‑time‑equivalent (FTE) count is 956.68 and reviewed bargaining units and vacancy rates by group. Murphy said no bargaining unit had a vacancy rate above the 20% threshold that would trigger additional bargaining‑unit presentations under AB 2561; the largest represented group, the Sunnyvale Employees Association (IFPTE Local 21), showed an 8.7% vacancy rate in the presentation. The Communication Officers Association (dispatch) showed a filled staffing level with a 0% vacancy rate in the pay‑period snapshot presented.

Tools and steps underway
Murphy and HR staff described multiple initiatives to shorten recruitment timelines and improve candidate experience: updated civil‑service rules and a refreshed recruitment and classification policy (in meet‑and‑confer), a “how‑to-apply” video on the city website, remote exam capability using a TestGenius platform, and a forthcoming management classification and compensation study that is the first such review for management positions since the early 2000s.

Other details: HR said the city added 21.5 FTE last July, explained that vacancy percentages can fluctuate with new positions, and noted planned work on onboarding and an employee engagement survey launched the week of the meeting.

Council action
Councilmember Richard Mellinger moved and the council unanimously approved accepting the vacancy report (7‑0). The motion was procedural acceptance of the AB 2561 report; no additional budget action was taken.

Ending
Councilmembers asked follow‑up questions about hard‑to‑fill classifications such as environmental services, engineers and certain public‑safety roles, and staff said they are using targeted outreach, occasional executive recruiters for senior roles and new platforms to improve recruitment success.","City human resources staff briefed the council on the annual vacancy, recruitment and retention report required by Assembly Bill 2561; council voted 7‑0 to accept the report and staff described steps including remote testing, a classification/compensation study and employee engagement work.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6609600,"After resident complaints about Charles Street projects, Sunnyvale council votes to agendize Village Center master plan by July 1",342,1554000,1896000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2911654-eb9f145cb35cde75b72d2e8df0bea7d8&start=1554&end=1896","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2911654-eb9f145cb35cde75b72d2e8df0bea7d8/thumbnail_1554000.jpg","/articles/6609600/Sunnyvale/Santa-Clara-County/California/After-resident-complaints-about-Charles-Street-projects-Sunnyvale-council-votes-to-agendize-Village-Center-master-plan-by-July-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609600-aa288092983fa826a97db8da28ca61c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152616&Signature=E5oklgz3p~6BXbNzGr0T3e8UYdDuZl4qWaehBS2bOsBzN4NagQGS-UdxIe8N2e5SAXblh8zcE9OoH~ZqwynBrEDZM7FYHvwpfm5-Xs~LxaUSnQTgtvpfHBkxX9xg0KEs8ZDkjVcq9aTLPBy32VBisyJeoLj~rTmzkR-Nk0c5mja5gm0pQ1u~nNb4lVJTIMpdQcuIXvfLGKjNnNO52LWkjGy2STHs~ql0ud~FtvVvdHGJ5OqX7RMUeyL8mt1JQrAtcCxKmVUzg-njtUFw46fFf8Fl0lWI~rAg03CSSp7VN1jTxa6NWhHxg57RMuWi-3WZFehVT9s5bGgIxDH4L9KSdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Community residents told the Sunnyvale City Council on April 8 that a cluster of recent housing projects near the 300 block of Charles Street have strained parking, raised safety concerns and put grocery access at risk — and council moved unanimously to place its Village Center master plan on a future agenda no later than July 1.

Public comments: residents and neighborhood advocates described worsening parking congestion and quality‑of‑life problems tied to several new multifamily developments they named — the Meridian and Maxwell projects — and objected to a separate proposed project (a 40‑unit development) next to an existing affordable‑housing site. Speakers from the neighborhood said crimes of opportunity such as theft and catalytic‑converter removals had increased, that cars were frequently blocking driveways and hydrants, and that the community fears further loss of retail and grocery options.

Why it matters: residents and some council members linked the Village Center master‑plan delay to potential unwanted changes at Village Center 4 — the site that includes a Lucky Supermarket — and asked the council to expedite a planning framework that preserves retail access while accommodating housing goals.

Council action: Councilmember Richard Mellinger moved to agendize the Village Center master plan with a target of completing the hearing by July 1. Councilmember Lay seconded; the motion passed 7‑0.

Comments and staff context
- Several residents pressed staff to work with developers and property managers on short‑term mitigations such as enforcement of illegal parking, vehicle abatement, trash and cigarette receptacles, and coordination with businesses for parking signage. City staff said vehicle abatement capacity is constrained but that the city is establishing a full‑time vehicle abatement officer classification to increase enforcement capacity.
- The council and staff discussed the Wells Fargo redevelopment concept; staff said MidPen Housing (the developer referenced by residents) had been meeting with neighbors and that details — including the number of units and final design — were still in flux. Staff noted the city owns the Wells Fargo site and that the existing agreement with the affordable housing developer contemplates approximately 120 units, which gives the city substantial influence over final proposals.

Next steps: Council’s agendizing motion requires staff to place the Village Center master plan before the council no later than July 1, 2025. Residents asked staff for short‑term enforcement and outreach to the developer about on‑site management and “good neighbor” measures while the master plan proceeds.

Ending: Council passed the agendize motion unanimously. Residents asked for ongoing engagement as staff and the developer refine project plans.","Residents urged the council to address parking, safety and grocery‑access concerns around Charles Street and recent developments; council unanimously moved to schedule the Village Center master plan for consideration no later than July 1, 2025.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6609605,"Sunnyvale high schoolers present youth advisory projects, seek city support for native‑planting, internships and literacy tutoring",144,1274000,1418000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2911654-eb9f145cb35cde75b72d2e8df0bea7d8&start=1274&end=1418","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2911654-eb9f145cb35cde75b72d2e8df0bea7d8/thumbnail_1274000.jpg","/articles/6609605/Sunnyvale/Santa-Clara-County/California/Sunnyvale-high-schoolers-present-youth-advisory-projects-seek-city-support-for-nativeplanting-internships-and-literacy-tutoring","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609605-e18f03b95fc66f437b214c16057a8deb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152616&Signature=MC8oywlTQR1QuOOH6hZqX-jGMVpQ5XC3og84XhKZ0VxIQOiOiLjPTzvCGCf800qt3ZvGrVCCoe33JTOEsPQa9Tqx65fpEPghnYAK56po213xjT3nmZ77zBEUDdwL32inPtewqYi7I2cPMHje3W9~6-n7poq6D3GXbwodmEELcmXz0huzR9mxPmmbQt55sxC1laab2z8yrqF3TWmFj7W83-TXoBp9eOeocDvYPtcGhxJPrOayQVSPyhxgLLDxJ-IqmFYboZ5VIvBesLdLDHx0ZZbaZYmh-Dq4cRNoNphhkkS2I6qO5gOe6aWcoquU0egRqxhUBppI3jvaaQV~LzXo9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","High school students who formed the Sunnyvale Youth Advisory on April 8 briefed the City Council on community projects the group has launched — including native‑plant conversions at school campuses, a proposed internship and volunteer database, a seed bank proposal for the library and a literacy tutoring program at Bishop Elementary.

The students said the group began last summer after contacting Councilmember Murali Srinivasan, and that it has grown to include members from multiple local high schools. Presenters described: a native‑plant pilot at Fremont High with a Valley Water micro‑grant; coordination with school clubs and gardeners for invasive species removal; a proposed central database of internships and volunteering opportunities for local students; a literacy intervention program at Bishop Elementary that focuses on phonics and weekly volunteer tutoring; and a library seed‑bank concept modeled on an established program.

Why it matters: the students argued that the projects pair civic engagement with climate‑resilient landscaping, hands‑on STEM outreach and early‑grade literacy supports, and they asked the council to help sustain the effort and consider formalizing a youth advisory role.

Council response and next steps
Councilmembers praised the students’ work and asked staff to follow up. Councilmember Srinivasan noted the youth advisory grew from constituent outreach and said city staff had set up the process to keep the group within Brown Act limits while allowing contact with council members. Councilmember Lay and others offered to connect students with school‑district officials and teacher contacts to expand the literacy and native‑plant work. Several councilmembers encouraged the group to consider formalizing a standing youth commission or similar body to provide sustained policy advice.

Context and details
- Valley Water awarded a $200 grant for the students’ planting work at Fremont High; students surveyed neighbors about awareness of native‑plant rebates and reported low awareness among respondents.
- The internship database proposal aims to centralize government internships, volunteer opportunities and non‑STEM placements; the students plan to host the curated list on FUHSD or city web pages once compiled.
- The literacy intervention program is operating at Bishop Elementary with weekly volunteer sessions focused on phonics; students said the school has among the lower elementary reading rates in the district and that volunteer recruitment and coordination with district staff are underway.

Ending
Councilmembers thanked the students for the presentation and asked staff to coordinate follow‑up conversations; the students said they would send materials and contact information after the meeting.","A student‑led Sunnyvale Youth Advisory presented plans to promote native plantings, a youth internship database, a literacy tutoring program at Bishop Elementary and other community projects; councilmembers encouraged continuation and offered connections to district and city resources.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Valley Water officials tell Sunnyvale council planned rate increases aim to fund billions in dam, treatment-plant upgrades

Sunnyvale council accepts annual vacancy report; HR outlines hiring tools and compensation study

After resident complaints about Charles Street projects, Sunnyvale council votes to agendize Village Center master plan by July 1

Sunnyvale high schoolers present youth advisory projects, seek city support for native‑planting, internships and literacy tutoring