By Nick Edsall
The December meeting of the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District (GCID) Board of Directors was held at district headquarters, located at 334 E. Laurel Street in Willows, California. Board President Logan Dennis called the meeting to order and, following the flag salute, invited members of the public to address the board.
Public Comment: Annexation and Interim Water Access Request
A landowner, Gary Alves, addressed the board regarding a 10-acre “island” property that is not in the District. His partnership had previously farmed the parcel in the 1970s, though it has not been farmed in many years. Gary explained that he submitted an annexation request but understands that annexation may take considerable time and that he is on a long waiting list. He asked whether it might be possible, in the interim, to install a gate and receive District water deliveries under the In-Basin Transfer program. 
District Manager Jeff Sutton responded that this request had recently been raised and that the GCID Board is currently in the process of reviewing the District’s in-basin transfer policy. Sutton noted that there are procedural and regulatory limitations, and that any expansion of the properties in the program would require National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance through a Bureau of Reclamation process, as well as approval by the board. Sutton also explained that annexation is currently handled on an acre-in/acre-out basis and that there is a substantial waiting list. Because the property is not presently annexed or enrolled in a district program, GCID cannot provide water delivery or a turnout at this time. Sutton committed, however, that staff would continue working with the landowner to explore what opportunities may or may not exist in the future.
Sites Project Contracting Concerns Raised
Sutton reported that the NorCal Carpenters Union submitted a letter to the district expressing concerns about the contracting process for a Sites Reservoir Project CMAR (Construction Manager at Risk) package. The area of concern involved the recommendation of a Contractor that is not a signatory to the Master Agreement with the trades in the State of California. According to Sutton, three major proposals were submitted by out-of-state firms, and the union expressed concern that the selection should be a qualified local bidder that is a signatory to the Master Agreement with the requisite experience and qualifications.
Consent Agenda
Approval of payment of claims, general fund items, and the November 20, 2025, board meeting minutes passed with no opposition.
Business Items: Resolution Honoring Benny Lopez
The board considered a resolution honoring Benny Lopez on his retirement. Sutton explained that Lopez, known for his humility, requested not to have a retirement party. Instead, Sutton will present him with the resolution following the meeting, along with his immediate supervisor and Jeremy Richardson. Lopez will also receive a district gift and a plaque made by his colleagues in the shop. The resolution passed with congratulations from the board.
Mail-Ballot Election to Fill Board Vacancy
The board next approved a resolution calling for an all-mail ballot election to be held Tuesday, May 5, 2026, to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Peter Knight. At the prior meeting, the board elected to hold an election rather than appoint a replacement. The resolution passed with no opposition.
New Director Welcomed
The board welcomed Sarah Reynolds to her first meeting as a GCID director. Reynolds is the third female Director elected to the Board since the District’s inception.
NCWA Board Representation
The board considered appointment of a GCID representative to the Northern California Water Association (NCWA) Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term. Former GCID Director Don Bransford previously served in this role and will continue serving on the NCWA Executive Committee indefinitely.
Directors Dennis and Reynolds were considered, and both expressed willingness to serve. Sutton noted that Reynolds has recently committed to the California Farm Water Coalition and leaned toward Dennis as the primary representative with Reynolds as an alternate, pending confirmation of time availability. Sutton will execute the voting ballot as directed by the board.
Administration Department Reports
Interim District Engineer Ed Henderson reported that precipitation forecasts indicate a strong winter storm system is expected to impact the region. While the wet cycle is welcome, Henderson cautioned that preparation is necessary as river levels rise. Because the amount of unregulated water entering the system is difficult to predict, district operations will remain flexible. Crews are identifying locations to move water to keep it from impacting work on the Lurline Project, and weirs are being removed in advance of the storm. Once conditions stabilize, deliveries may resume if needed before the January 7 scheduled maintenance shutdown. Henderson noted that extended rain events would likely reduce customer demand for deliveries.
Maintenance Superintendent Richardson reported that staff have been holding meetings at construction sites, conducting safety meetings, and opening bids for aquatic weed control. Sutton added that maintenance and operations staff jointly developed a prioritized list of road and ditch cleaning projects, with excavators to be rented to assist with the work.
Engineering staff member Chris Privatera reported that the Lurline check and siphon project remains on schedule, with 110 yards of concrete poured that day. Contractors, engineers, and electrical subcontractors will meet in January to coordinate remaining
electrical work once structures are completed. Ryan Fox with Syblon Ried Co. will prepare an updated project schedule. Privatera also reported that smaller projects have been completed or are underway, district boundary updates are being completed by California Engineering Company, GIS and mapping updates continue, and a large shipment of Rubicon Gates has arrived and is staged at the shop for future installation.
Sutton also reported that Matt Collins will be leaving the district on January 6 to take a position with El Dorado Irrigation District. Sutton noted that Collins has been a great asset to GCID during his year and a half with the district, including his time as an intern.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Louis Jarvis presented the treasurer’s report. District finances were reported to be in good order, with nothing out of the ordinary.
Board Member Reports
Board members discussed recent developments related to demand-management studies conducted by Colusa Groundwater Authority (CGA) and Glenn Groundwater Authority (GGA). The consultant selection process generated controversy. Kelly Ornbaun noted concerns raised by John Burns and subsequent public protests by Ben King, which board members felt were slowing progress. It was suggested that King serving on the board could improve transparency and allow issues to be resolved through formal votes rather than repeated protests.
White-area groundwater issues remain in Orland and Arbuckle. With continued recharge and conjunctive-use management, GSAs may eventually move into lower-risk basin classifications. Board members also reported progress on recharge projects along Stony Creek in the Corning Basin, where monitoring wells are showing positive recharge results. Five-year permits for recharge diversions have improved reliability compared to prior annual permitting processes. Recharge projects associated with the Colusa Basin Drain are also showing early success, aided by available funding.
Assistant General Manager’s Report
Assistant General Manager Brad Mattson reported setbacks related to habitat restoration projects that will require time extensions. Due to contract and permitting constraints with USBR and CDFW, Mattson noted that projects scheduled for completion could be extended into 2029. Despite delays, progress continues. The rockwads project may still be completed, though the district incurred approximately $40,000 in underwater fish photography to satisfy CDFW requirements. After concerns regarding fishing impacts, CDFW approved the project. Sutton added that he has a drift boat trip scheduled on the Upper Sacramento River this year, allowing for firsthand inspection of the rockwads’ fishability.
Mattson also reported coordination with River Partners on a potential side-channel project near the fish screen and continued collaboration with landowners and supervisors as winter storms approach.
Manager’s Report
Sutton reported attending the ACWA conference, where he met one-on-one with the new General Manager of Metropolitan Water District. He will meet with both the incoming and outgoing general managers on December 23 regarding Sites Reservoir issues. Sutton expressed concern over the ongoing exodus of personnel from USBR and noted that
districts may need to consider contractors taking on greater operational and procurement roles. GCID will be well represented at the Mid-Pacific Region Water Users Conference in Reno from January 27–31. Sutton also reported that the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors passed a budget at their most recent meeting and are progressing well. GCID continues working with Sites staff on a facility-use agreement related to use of the GCID canal. A board workshop is planned, with a January 8 meeting focused on required business items.
Communications Report
The district newsletter was distributed earlier in the month. The next retirement celebration, honoring Gregg Abbott, is tentatively scheduled for February 7 at the Elks Lodge.
Attorney’s Report
There was nothing to report in open session.
Nick Edsall covers Northern California water’s impact on the agricultural community. With more than 25 years of farming experience and deep roots in the Sacramento Valley, Edsall knows firsthand the challenges growers face in water policy, regulation, and resource management and strives to translate complex water issues into clear, relevant reporting for farmers, ranchers, and stakeholders across the region.
Owner of Edsall Ag Consulting, LLC, Edsall is committed to bridging the gap between policy and production in California agriculture. In addition to his consulting work, he also serves as a sales representative for Duarte Nursery, working directly with growers in the Sacramento Valley to support successful orchard development. Nick can be reached at nick@edsallag.com
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GLENN COLUSA ID – President Logan Dennis, Vice President Peter Knight, Sarah Reynolds, John Amaro, and Kelly Ornbaun
Staff: Jeff Sutton – General Manager, Brad Mattson – Assistant General Manager Chris Privitera – Interim District Engineer, Ed Henderson – Superintendent, Louis Jarvis – Finance Director, Kayla Mendonca – Executive Assistant, and Andy Hitchings – Counsel, Somach, Simons & Dunn.
344 East Laurel Street
Willows, CA 95988
(530) 934-8881
contact@gcid.net
DWR SGMA # 5-021.52
From the GCID website: Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District (GCID) is dedicated to providing reliable, affordable water supplies to its landowners and water users, while ensuring the environmental and economic viability of the region. As the largest irrigation district in the Sacramento Valley, GCID has a long history of serving farmers and the agricultural community and maintaining critical wildlife habitat. The district fulfills its mission of efficiently and effectively managing and delivering water through an ever-improving delivery system and responsible policies, while maintaining a deep commitment to sustainable practices. Looking ahead, GCID will remain focused on continuing to deliver a reliable and sustainable water supply by positioning itself to respond proactively, strategically and responsibly to California’s ever-changing water landscape.
