Archive for the ‘CCSD’ Category
Desal for Cambria
I wonder how many reading this were around in 1996. FYI the CCSD at that time had a Desalination system designed, permitted and ready to be constructed. We had spent over 3 million dollars on this very complicated problem dealing with many varied government agencies. Funny thing is that it was 3 times the size of the system now being discussed. We were going to supply San Simeon with water (with their monetary participation) as well as allow for controlled growth in Cambria. The NO GROWTH group was successful in defeating the majority on the Board who had devised this dastardly plan. The newly elected Directors immediately fired the General Manager (David Andre) and killed the desalination plan. Now here we are 12 years later trying to do the same thing at much greater cost and one third the size.
I would suggest that all voters who are concerned about where our water will come from when we have the draught which is sure to come, screen carefully those running for office in the coming election.
Reginald Perkins (former CCSD president)
No Water Moratorium for CCSD Attorney
“Employee shall receive the following benefits: To encourage Employee to reside locally and remain employed for the term of this agreement, a housing incentive of a non-transferable intent to serve letter for Employee’s single-family residential lot.”
In November 2007 the District Counsel retired from his employee status and was immediately hired as a contract attorney at approx. $100,000 per year for 1/2 time services. Now he has decided that he is not going to build on his lot so he has the lot AND THE WATER RIGHTS up for sale. When I brought this matter to the attention of one of the current CCSD Directors seeking support for stopping any transfer of the intent to serve letter his comment was that there are not three votes on the current Board from members that would be willing to address this issue. Could the contract be any clearer?
What is a CSD anyway?
As we rev up into election season and three positions on the Board of the CCSD are open for election, a little refresher on some of the basics about this form of local government might be helpful.
Back on May 1, 2008, I posted an article called CCSD 101 - The Basics. Read it here. There are a few lingering misconceptions about the CCSD, its board and staff and what it does for the community. To get a more in depth lesson on the CCSD, read the recently produced Municipal Services Review, which provides a good overview of the district and its operations. But in the interest of a better informed community, here are the things everyone should know about the CCSD.
1. The CCSD is not just a water district. Since 1976, when the CCSD was formed, it has taken on providing Water, Sewer, Solid Waste, Fire Protection, Street Lighting, Parks and Recreation, Transit, and Veterans Memorial Services. The CCSD has been recognized as providing these services and cannot cease providing them without LAFCO approval - a process that includes public input and is similar to the process required for the district to take on providing a new service. (Fact: The Community Services District law enumerates 31 potential services a CSD may provide. CCSD provides only 8.)
2. There are 5 elected members on the Board of Directors. State law limits the amount of compensation they are given to $100 per meeting, with a $600/month cap. Directors can choose to receive no compensation.
3. The Directors can be reimbursed for meals and travel for district business (like conferences and Coastal Commission meetings).
There are other Cambria myths and misconceptions. Let’s sharpen up our community knowledge and enhance our understanding.
Tags: 93428, CA, Cambria, CCSD
CCSD Board Discussion On Rates
Finally available through Google video, the discussion between the Board Members about what to do about the rate increase. It provides an interesting perspective of the outcome of the rates proposal and prop 218 protest. It’s about 20 minutes in all.
More valuable than a gallon of gas? Say YES! with a small donation today.Tags: 93428, Cambria, CCSD, water rates
CCSD Secrecy At It’s Finest
On August 11, 2008 Amanda Rice submitted a public document request asking for several items. She asked for copies of emails from General Manager Tammy Rudock to the Board during a given time period, copies of emails from CCSD to the League of Women’s Voters, and copies of any contract between CCSD and the League of Women’s Voters regarding the Prop. 218 protest. The CCSD response, signed by Ms. Rudock, said that she doesn’t retain “sent” emails, that there were no emails to the League nor was there any contract. The following is a reprint of my August 30th email to Ms. Rudock:
Dear Ms. Rudock,
At a time when there is a great deal on community concern about transparency at the CCSD, it is very disturbing to see the public records response received by Amanda Rice. In her request she asked for copies of some of your “sent” emails.
The attached public records response says in part ” Ms. Rudock does not retain sent emails in the regular course of business and I have checked and she did not retain any such emails.” Since the response letter is signed by you, could you please explain who the “I” refers to when the response is talking about your practices.
I have serious concerns, shared by many other Cambrians, that you do not retain “sent” emails. What record do you have of the electronic correspondence you have with others? As CCSD is a public agency, Cambrians have a right to access the records of public business, and ordinary and prudent business practice is to keep records of correspondence. Can you please provide me with an explanation of why such records are not retained.
Among the recipients of this message are the CCSD Board and the CCSD District Counsel. I sincerely hope that you will ensure that the practice of the General Manager maintaining no record of electronic correspondence will be terminated immediately. If this same practice is being followed by any other CCSD employees it should be terminated immediately as well.Richard Davega
August 21, 2008 CCSD Meeting Highlights
Last Thursday’s CCSD meeting had a larger than usual crowd of Cambrians, most of whom came to speak and view the outcome of the Rate Protest tabulations - though that was not the only item on the agenda that will affect us all in the next several years. Board President Joan Cobin rearranged the agenda to move the Rates issue to about fifteen minutes into the meeting, instead of after the staff reports, committee reports and consent agenda, as in the published agenda. I applaud her desire to “get right to business”, though the representatives from the League of Women Voters (Sara Horn and President Ann Garfinkel) missed at least half of the report from by General Manager Tammy Rudock on the counting. Ms. Horn and Ms. Garfinkel were only at the meeting very briefly, leaving before the public comments and before the Board officially accepted the League’s report. Watch their report by clicking here:
I also missed the start of item VIII A, having planned my arrival based on the original schedule. Fortunately, the Board meetings are recorded, so I was able to catch up on what I missed later - and Cambrians who had come pretty much only for this item seemed appreciative that it was given priority and moved to the start of the meeting.
Excerpts of that part of the meeting will soon be available at Google video and audio is, as always, available at Slo-span.org. I encourage anyone who couldn’t get to the meeting to watch the conversation and deliberation of the Board that followed the public comments and lead to the unanimous approval of a resolution to raise the rates 12% and revisit the issue next year to determine if an additional 14% is really needed.
The bottom line, as Kathe Tanner notes in the week’s Cambrian, is that the Water and Wastewater enterprise funds will have more money in them to keep the system running and the effect on our pocketbooks won’t be as severe as initially proposed. The Board also directed that staff shouldn’t use any staff time to pursue a loan of any size until getting further direction from the Board.
I applaud the entire Board for the time they all clearly put into considering how to move forward. No matter what the actual number of accounts or valid protest letters, there was a clear and strong message from half of the community, and a pretty loud silence from the other half. Muril Clift’s measured approach showed he had spoken to his constituents and had the best interests of the community and the CCSD at heart when he came up with an alternative most in the community find reasonable.
More excerpts will be available in the next couple of days. Watch some of the public comments made on this item and Art Montandon’s responses to questions raised by Cambrians in their comments.
More valuable than a gallon of gas? Say YES! with a small donation today.Tags: 93428, Cambria, proposition 218, Rates
Rates Committee of CFRCCSD will meet Friday - Perhaps for the Last Time
The Rates Committee of Cambrians for a Fiscally Responsible CCSD will meet tomorrow at Moonstone Beach Bar and Grill at 9:30, instead of the usual time - with tourist season in high gear we need to finish the meeting and be on our way before the restaurant opens and starts seating people. As always, the Rates Committee meeting welcomes anyone interested in attending - no special password needed.
Thank you, once again to the MacKinnons for providing such a comfortable place (and what a view!) for our meetings. You should check out their stylish new website. Looking good!
Don’t forget:
The north end of Moonstone Beach Drive is now closed to through traffic because construction has begun on the replacement of the Leffingwell Bridge.
Tags: 93428, Cambria, cfrc, Rates
Count Certified, Questions Remain for Cambria
Yesterday’s CCSD meeting was packed with Cambrians who showed up to see what the Board would do about the proposed rate increase. The short version: the Board passed a resolution to implement an increase of 12% for a year, at which time they would evaluate the situation and determine whether an additional increase was needed. They also directed staff to not spend any staff time (for now) on getting that proposed $8.1 Million loan. The long version is available on slo-span today and tomorrow when the district’s meeting is broadcast, and here, on AboutCambria.com as soon as I come home from Portland. (My brother is getting married tomorrow…to a super-awesome woman, so I’m taking a day or two off to enjoy some family time.)
Tags: 93428, Cambria, proposition 218
CCSD Candidate Muril Clift Shares his Vision for Cambria
CONTROLLING GROWTH
Like most Cambrians, I chose to live here because of the uniqueness of our small village, nestled in the pines, beside the sea. Most of us have escaped from urban congestion, and do not want Cambria’s beauty and lifestyle to deteriorate from overpopulation.
In the past, lack of water has been the means to regulate, or stop growth. Many Cambrians thought that by denying new water sources, they could prevent increased density. However, during the past 20 years we have grown to the point of straining our water resources, just to provide for those already here. To control future growth, we must place legislative and administrative limits on growth potential, and reduce the land available for growth.
Starting in 2006, we have put into motion the controls that will limit growth directly, rather than using a secondary issue like water as the growth limiting method. Cambrians approved Measure P-06 to limit the ability of the CCSD to provide water to customers outside the current service area. The Water Master Plan has designated 4,650 homes as the maximum. That would be an increase of about 700 homes, built over approximately 22 years, at a rate of no more than 1% per year. An aggressive program of lot consolidation and retirement is under way, and will ultimately reduce the number of buildable lots to match the maximum number of homes allowed. These measures mean that, although a small amount of growth will be allowed over several years, Cambria will always remain “Cambria - Pines by the Sea.”
I support this effort to retain Cambria as a charming village in the pines, with ocean views. As a CCSD Director, I will do my best not to allow Cambria to become like many coastal communities, which have removed all vegetation toward densely stacked homes with windows facing the ocean.
SECURING ADDITIONAL WATER SOURCES
For 30 years, Cambrians have battled over how to provide more water to the community. For most of those years, the issue was actually stopping or controlling growth. Now that a plan for controlling, and ultimately limiting growth has begun, developing a sufficient and reliable water source should be a CCSD priority.
These additional water sources have been proposed:
- Increased conservation
- Increased well production, or additional wells
- Wastewater recycling
- Surface storage reservoir
- Water importation
- Desalination of seawater
Here are the realities of each alternative:
Increased conservation: Conservation is the most cost effective means of finding additional water, as it requires only small investments in retrofits, and since reducing usage costs nothing. However, for Cambria, an insignificant amount of additional water is possible here. The average Cambrian already uses less than half the water that other Californians use. Most homes have been retrofitted or built with low-flow plumbing fixtures. Additionally, a large proportion of homeowners have installed drought tolerant landscaping. Businesses have also taken measures to reduce their water usage. Certainly, continued conservation is vital for maintaining Cambrians’ low usage, but increased conservation can no longer provide sufficient additional water to meet our needs. Most important, conservation cannot meet our needs during an extended drought.
Increased well production, or additional wells: The CCSD does not have superior rights to the ground water from the San Simeon Creek, or Santa Rosa Creek well fields. We are thus limited in the amount of water that can be taken from these wells. Additionally, the San Simeon wells must always contain sufficient water to prevent seawater intrusion. Landowners upstream from CCSD wells have superior rights to the water, and could take legal action against us if we overdraft it. These restrictions mean that little source of additional water is available from these well fields. Furthermore, the wells are subject to reduced production through drought, and have historically been shut down by MTBE pollution.
Recycled Water: Water recycling should be expanded to the extent possible. It is also the best immediate, short-term source of additional water while a permanent source is developed. However, water recycling has some inherent restrictions, and the amount of new water that can be delivered is ultimately limited by the amount of water used in the recharge basin. It could also be limited by a reduction in overall usage of potable water during a severe drought. Implementing an area wide recycling program would require a complete, second pipeline delivery service to all areas of the community. I perceive that the cost of this extensive system could not be justified based on the amount of water available. Recycled water can be mandated to certain high volume users, and voluntary user programs can be established. I would support early implementation of this technology (without constructing a second pipeline delivery service), as it faces fewer environmental and regulatory problems inherent in other options.
Surface storage - reservoir: Surface water storage was probably a viable option several years ago, when an offer was made to provide land for a reservoir. Today, with land and construction costs at an all time high, and with regulations for developing a large, multi-acre facility near the coast so restrictive, completing a project in any foreseeable future would be difficult. Even if such a project could be completed, the amount of water available for storage would be subject to the forces of nature. This year, we have seen many reservoirs, nationwide, dry up. Furthermore, all water placed in the reservoir would be subtracted from the natural flow that recharges our wells, and prevents saltwater intrusion.
Water importation: This is an available source of additional water; however, unlike all the above sources, we would be relying on contracts with other water providers. These may sell water available today, but tomorrow’s water could become unavailable when we most need it, for several reasons. Again, natural forces like drought can affect the total amount available, and thus reduce supplies. Obviously, relying on importation removes our primary control over the water. Importation also means both construction and maintenance costs of pipelines, pumping stations and right-of way-purchases that could be make this a very expensive alternative with unpredictable supplies over time.
Desalination: This presents the best long-term solution for a dependable water source. The Pacific Ocean is an unlimited water source not subject to natural forces like drought. It is close at hand, and does not require extensive pipelines, or right-of-way expenses. Although pollution is possible, it is highly unlikely to disable the system at length, as was the case in the Santa Rosa well field pollution. As system owners, we would have complete independence from outside forces controlling any imported water. The allocated Federal grant makes plant construction more than competitive with the other alternatives, and new ideas in solar and wind power generation may greatly reduce the operational energy costs.
Summary:
We must use a comprehensive strategy to meet both our current and future water needs. To do that, we must build on the success of our collective conservation efforts, and expand all possible uses of recycled water, while planning for the long-term solution - desalination.
REESTABLISHING TRUST
The recent 218 votes centered on a theme of mistrust of board actions, especially in the financial management area. The protesters questioned:
- The advisability of borrowing funds for improvement projects.
- The salary and benefits programs provided to district personnel.
- The lack of published monthly or quarterly accounting reports on both general and enterprise funds.
The CCSD Board countered with the belief that the protesters misunderstood the Board’s actions, and that all the material requested by the protesters was readily visible and available. Currently, I see the issue to be not who is right, but more importantly, the need to reestablish a connection between all Cambrians and the Board. I also perceive that it is the Board’s responsibility to lead in the effort toward reestablishing trust between all parties. This does not mean we must all agree on all points, which is highly unlikely. We should, however, honor each other’s viewpoints by recognizing that they are sincere positions.
I believe trust can be re-established in the CCSD by:
- Providing clear and frequent financial reports.
- Clearly detailing the needs for any project, including its funding details.
- Issuing frequent progress reports on all projects.
- Establishing liaisons or advisory groups on large projects, and on continuing issues within the community. These include growth management, additional water sources, and personnel policies.
- Providing the public with access opportunities to Board members and staff, plus easy access to question and answer forums, perhaps online.
Since my appointment in March 2008, I have endeavored to:
- Attend as many formal and informal community group meetings as possible, including those held to protest rate increases.
- Answer all questions asked of me, even when I knew my response would be met with disfavor.
- Demand clearer financial reporting.
While these are positive steps, they represent only a good start. If elected, I will work diligently to implement all feasible ideas for an improved CCSD. I feel that the current Board, plus any new Board members, must now go the extra mile to create a trusting, transparent relationship with all constituents.
-Muril Clift
Tags: 93428, Cambria, CCSD, Clift
CCSD Meeting Agenda now Available
This Thursday the CCSD will hold its regular meeting 12:30 at the Vets Hall.
I. OPENING
A. Call to Order
B. Pledge of Allegiance
C. Establishment of Quorum
D. Report from Closed Session
II. AGENDA REVIEW: ADDITIONS/DELETIONS AND PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
(Estimated Time: 5 minutes)
III. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS/PRESENTATIONS
Honorary Mayor Max Stuczynski Proclamation
IV. SPECIAL REPORTS
A. SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT REPORT
(Estimated Time: 5 minutes)
V. MANAGER’S AND BOARD REPORTS
A. MANAGER’S REPORT
(Estimated Time: 10 minutes)
B. MEMBER AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Executive Ad Hoc Committee
2. Utilities Ad Hoc Committee
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
All matters on the consent calendar are to be approved by one motion. If Directors wish to discuss a consent item other than simple clarifying questions, arequest for removal may be made. Such items are pulled for separate discussion and action after the consent calendar as a whole is acted upon.
A. Approve Expenditures for Month of July 2008
B. Approve Minutes of Board of Directors Meeting, July 14, July 21, and July 24, 2008
C. Adopt Resolution 27-2008 Approving 2008 Conflict of Interest Local Agency Biennial Amendments
D. Adopt Resolution 26-2008 Ratifying Fire Benefit Assessment for Fiscal Year 2008-2009
E. Adopt Resolution 32-2008 Awarding Financial Auditing Contract
(Estimated Time: 10 minutes)
VII. REGULAR BUSINESS
None
VIII. HEARINGS AND APPEALS
A. Report Results of Proposition 218 Rates Protest Validation and Adopt Resolution 31-2008 per Government Code §61115 to Establish Water and Sewer Rates for Fiscal Years 2008/2009 and 2009/2010
B. Adopt Resolution 28-2008 Certifying Final PEIR (Program Environmental Impact Report) for Water Master Plan
C. Conduct Public Hearing to Approve the Appropriation Limit for Fiscal Year 2008/09; Adopt Resolution 29-2008 Establishing the Appropriation Limit for the CCSD
D. Conduct Public Hearing on Parcels Subject to Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction; Authorize and Approve Resolution 30-2008 Confirming Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Itemized Report and Direct Staff to Submit Parcel Numbers and Fees to the County Assessor for Tax Rolls REQUIRES ROLL CALL VOTE
(Estimated Time: 90 minutes)