DPC Minutes 2025-09-04

    Meeting Minutes
    Delta Protection Commission
    Executive Director Selection

    Thursday, September 4, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (end time is approximate)
    California Natural Resources Agency
    715 P Street, Room 02-221
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    (Main Meeting Location)

    Contra Costa County Government Office
    3361 Walnut Boulevard, Suite 140
    Brentwood, CA 94513
    (Teleconference Location)

    Solano County Government Office
    675 Texas St., Ste. 6002
    Fairfield, CA 94533
    (Teleconference Location)

    Slater Farms Inc.
    36721 Netherlands Rd
    Clarksburg, Ca. 95612
    (Teleconference Location)

    San Joaquin County Administration Building
    44 N San Joaquin St, Ste 627
    Stockton, CA 95202
    (Teleconference Location)

    Novo Nordisk Foundation
    Tuborg Havnevej 19,
    2900 Hellerup, Denmark
    (Teleconference Location)

    State Lands Commission
    100 Howe Avenue, Suite 100
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    (Teleconference Location)

    CDFA Building
    1220 N Street,
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    (Teleconference Location)

    Delta Farms Reclamation District No. 2030
    5555 Zuckerman Road
    McDonald Island, CA 95206
    (Teleconference Location)

    Agenda

    1.      Call to order and Flag Salute

    Chair Diane Burgis called the meeting to order at 11:10 a.m.

    2.      Welcome & Roll Call

    Chair Burgis called for a short recess to accommodate the arrival of Commissioner Williams. At 11:29 a.m., once Commissioner Williams arrived at the Chair’s location, Chair Burgis requested roll call. Commission Clerk Heather McClure then called the roll: Chair Burgis and Commissioner Anissa Williams were present at the Contra Costa County Government Office in Brentwood, CA; Vice Chair John Vasquez was present at the Solano County Government Office in Fairfield, CA; Commissioner Oscar Villegas was present at 4720 South Dudley Street in Denver, CO; Commissioner Patrick Hume was present at the Sacramento County Administration Building on 700 H Street; Commissioner David Kent was present at the main meeting location; Commissioner Tom Slater was present at Slater Farms in Clarksburg, CA; and Commissioner Brian Bugsch was present at the State Lands Commission in Sacramento, CA. Commissioners Sonny Dhaliwal, Cameron Bregman, Dean Ruiz (for South Delta Reclamation District), Jim Paroli, Toks Omishakin, Karen Ross, Wade Crowfoot, and Ex officio Senator Jerry McNerney and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom were absent with no alternates present. A quorum was established at this time.

    Chair Burgis noted that not all teleconference locations listed on the agenda were utilized and that some Commissioners were attending from locations not listed. Counsel Aitchison advised that it was appropriate to proceed with the meeting for its intended purposes.

    3.      Public Comment – an opportunity for members of the public to address the Commission regarding items not on the agenda

    Chair Burgis asked for public comment and there was none.

    Closed Session Agenda

    4.      The Delta Protection Commission will meet in closed session to consider candidates for the Executive Director position. This closed session is authorized by Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1).

    The Commission moved to closed session at 11:33 a.m. to discuss the items on its meeting agenda noticed for consideration in closed session. Erich WonSavage of CPS HR Consulting, Interim Executive Director Dan Ray, and Counsel Danae Aitchison joined the Commission for the closed session. The closed session concluded at 12:18 p.m.  Chair Burgis reported the Commission took no reportable action during the closed session.

    It was noted that Commissioner Williams left the meeting at this time.

    5.      Consider the appointment and salary of an Executive Director – The Commission

    Erich WonSavage began the discussion by noting that the salary range for this position is on the lower end, particularly given that some current DPC employees earn more than the maximum for this role. The salary range is $133,616 to $153,384, while certain staff in lower-ranked positions currently earn up to $170,024.

    Commissioner Slater asked whether, although the State would not authorize a higher range, it would reject an offer made at the top of the existing range. Interim Executive Director Ray responded that the State would not decline the offer but would require justification for offering the maximum salary.

    Chair Burgis commented that, in the future, the Commission should work with the Governor’s Office to establish a salary structure that ensures the Executive Director earns a certain percentage above those they manage. Commissioner Bugsch agreed, suggesting the salary should be at least 5% higher than the highest-paid staff member. Chair Burgis concluded by stating that she would like to advocate for this approach in the future, and that for the present the Commission should offer the top of the current range.

    6.      Adjourn

    Chair Burgis adjourned the meeting at 12:30 p.m.