Minutes:
Three Rivers Community Services District
Minutes for meetings:
Minutes for meeting held May 7th, 2008
The meeting was called to order by President Andrus at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present. A quorum was established. Also present were Melanie Keeley/Park Horticulturist, Redbud Garden Club members Marcia Goldstein and Linda Franson, and Liz van Mantgen/Playground Committee. The claims and minutes of the April 2nd meeting were accepted unanimously.
First item on the agenda was a presentation by Keeley and the Garden Club members outlining a proposed landscaping plan for the pre-school playground and surrounding areas. Since the Redbud Garden Club encourages the use of native plants wherever possible, the Board was presented with a list of several regional native plant options. Once a final landscaping and irrigation plan has been completed, it will be presented to the CSD Board and County for approval. Special thanks to Liz van Mangten for all her efforts in putting this landscaping partnership together.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file. Randy Nickel’s/CPA memo of engagement to conduct the CSD 07-08 audit was accepted by the Board.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then reviewed. Negotiations are continuing with the Kaweah and St. Johns River Association and the Lakeside Ditch Company over ID #1’s river use application. The ditch companies want to charge ID #1 a fee for every acre- foot pumped from the river. An amount has yet to be determined. Deadline to reach a settlement is May 20th.
It was also noted that water service termination notices have been sent out to those customers who have failed to keep their accounts in good standing.
There was no new progress to report on the proposed Three Rivers Transit Center. Director Mills did, however, inform the Board of a Transit Center meeting to be held May 13th at an undisclosed location. Director Black will attend on behalf of the Board.
Director Black then gave a brief update on efforts to have several private roads within Three Rivers covered by the 911 system. After meeting with several County officials in mid April, he reported that cost seems to be the major holdup in updated the system and that the County had no idea when funds would be available.
Under new business, the 2008-09 CSD budget was presented to the Board for review and approval. The new budget was approved by a vote of 5-0.
Last item on the agenda was a vote on Resolution 050708-1, authorizing the Tulare County Auditor/Controller to collect annual parcel fees on behalf of the Three Rivers Community Service District. This resolution was passed by a vote of 5-0.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 4th, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held April 2nd, 2008
The meeting was called to order by President Andrus at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present. A quorum was established. Also present was Leah Catherine Launey. The claims and minutes of the March meeting were accepted unanimously.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
Directors Dennis and David Mills, along with the General Manager, will make up this year’s budget committee. The 2008-09 CSD budget will be presented to the Board for approval at the May 7th meeting.
Leah Catherine Launey was then given time to address the Board on a proposed neighborhood reservoir system. She also updated the Board on the status of the Three Rivers entrance sign.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then reviewed. Negotiations have begun with the Kaweah and St. Johns River Association and the Lakeside Ditch Company over ID #1’s river use application. They are asking ID #1 to pay $25.00 per acre foot for any water pumped from the river. The ID #1 committee is still considering their options. Deadline to reach a settlement is May 20th.
There was no new progress to report on the proposed Three Rivers Transit Center.
Further discussion on the South Fork Estates annexation process was also scheduled, but was postponed due to lack of attendance by S.F.E. representatives.
Director Black then gave a brief update on efforts to have several private roads within Three Rivers covered by the 911 system. He will meet with Supervisor Ishida and several other County officials on April 14th to work on a solution to this problem.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 7th, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held March 5th, 2008
The meeting was called to order by President Andrus at 7:05 p.m. All Board members were present. A quorum was established. Also present were Rod Simonian, Liz van Mantgen/Playground Committee, Dennis Villavicencio/ID #1, and Tom Sparks. The claims and minutes of the February meeting were accepted unanimously.
First item on the agenda was further discussion on the Pre-school Playground landscaping plan. While van Mantgen, playground committee member, would like to see native trees planted for shade, Director Cannarozzi believes that faster growing non-natives might be more suited for this purpose. More research is needed before a determination can be made on what species will eventually be planted.
The question was then raised as to how future playground donations should be handled. After brief discussion, it was decided that a petty cash account would be established at the CSD office and available for use, when needed, by the Playground Committee.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then reviewed. First issue of concern were the protests filed by the Kaweah and St. Johns River Association and the Lakeside Ditch Company over ID #1’s river use application. The SWRCB has suggested a meeting between ID #1 and the protesters to resolve this issue. CSD Director Rex Black and ID #1 representative Dennis Villavicencio will meet with the protesters to try and negotiate a settlement prior to the May 20 deadline.
Also scheduled is a meeting with Jim Wegley to discuss the ID #1 system rehabilitation project timeline. The meeting will take place Saturday, March 8th, at the CSD office.
Under new business, Tom Sparks updated the Board on the proposed Transit Center, to be located just west of the Three Rivers Post Office. Plans call for approximately 30 parking spaces and public restrooms. The Center will be paid for with Measure R funds. Project planners have suggested the possibility of the CSD maintaining the proposed Center. Directors Dennis and David Mills will attend the next project meeting.
Also discussed was the 911 system status with regards to answering calls on private roads within Three Rivers. It was noted that unless these private roads are “officially adopted”, it may not show on responders maps. The County has also informed residents of Washburn and Kaweah River Drives that in order to “officially adopt” these private roads, that a petition process must take place and fees must be paid in order for this to happen. Director Black asked the Board’s approval to draft a letter to Supervisor Ishida asking his help in clarifying these lengthy and costly procedures, and if they are, indeed, necessary. The Board approved said letter, 5-0.
The General Manager also reported that he had been contacted by Michael Tharp, representing South Fork Estates, seeking information regarding services provided by the Three Rivers Community Services District. Mr. Tharp also indicated that he and another representative from South Fork Estates would like to meet with the CSD at a later date to further discuss the advantages of becoming part of the District. No date was set.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held February 6th, 2008
The meeting was called to order by Vice President Black at 7:05 p.m. Directors Andrus and Cannarozzi were absent. A quorum was established. Also present was Rod Simonian. The claims and minutes of the January meeting were accepted unanimously.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
There was further discussion on the playground landscaping plan. Liz van Mantgen, playground committee member, presented much evidence supporting her stand on native plant landscaping. Because of Director absence, this matter will be carried over to the March meeting.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then reviewed. Director Black reported that the additional $241,000 requested from the RCAC was now available to help finance the engineering design phase of the ID #1 system rehabilitation project. This money will also be used to pay off the existing RCAC loan.
He also updated the Board on the status of those protests filed by downstream water users with regards to the ID #1 application for Kaweah River water use. The SWRCB recommends negotiation between the parties involved with the hope of reaching an amicable settlement. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the SWRCB will make a determination.
Due to Director Andrus’s illness, an update on the proposed transit center was tabled until the March 5th meeting.
Last item on the agenda was a presentation by local resident, Rod Simonian, on the current status of the “Three Rivers Welcome Sign”. He expressed his concern over the current movement to have the sign removed and replaced with a different design. The old sign would then be moved to the Historical Museum property. It is his hope that the CSD will assist him in trying to keep the original sign in place. He will update the Board further on this issue at the next meeting.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 5th, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held January 2nd, 2007
The meeting was called to order by President Andrus at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present. A quorum was established. The General Manager was absent due to illness.
First order of business was the swearing in of the three newly appointed Board members. This would normally have been done in December. But because the necessary documents were late in arriving, Directors Dennis Mills, Vince Andrus, and David Mills were sworn in by Director Black at this, the January meeting. Director Rex Black was elected the new Board Vice President, while Director Andrus will remain President.
The Closed Session which was to take place at this time, was postponed due to the lack of attendance by ID #1 Committee members. It was rescheduled and held on Saturday, January 5th.
The claims and minutes for the December 5th meeting were accepted unanimously.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
There was further discussion on the playground landscaping plan.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then reviewed.
There was no new business to discuss.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 6th, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held December 5th, 2007
The meeting was called to order by President Andrus at 7:05 p.m. All Board members were present. A quorum was established. The claims and minutes for both the regular November 7th and Special November 13th meetings were accepted unanimously.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
There was further discussion on playground landscaping and what type of trees should be planted for shade. Director Cannarozzi has volunteered to help the Playground Committee with this project. Liz van Mantgen, Playground Committee member, has submitted a grant to First 5 to cover the cost of a retaining wall and landscaping.
Also given was a status report on the progress towards getting the Indian Restaurant property cleaned up. Beyond filing a formal complaint, progress is slow in coming. The property will be inspected next week and hopefully the County will take further action soon after.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then discussed. The Sheltzer parcel merger and proposed sale of their second water assessment were addressed. The process needed to achieve this sale will be handled by Richard Bambl/ ID #1 attorney and Jim Wegley/Engineer. It is hoped that the sale of the extra assessment can be done without any further delay with regards to the ID #1 system rehab project.
Directors Black and Sparks then gave a brief update on the proposed Lemon Cove gravel pit expansion.
Since this was Director Sparks last meeting as a CSD Board member, he was presented a Certificate of Appreciation for his many years of volunteer service to the community. Also, because the paperwork needed to swear in those directors that were to begin new terms was late in arriving, this process will be completed at the regular January meeting.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for Special Meeting held November 13 th, 2007
The meeting was called to order by President Andrus at 7:40 p.m. All Board members were present, with the exception of Director Mills. A quorum was established. Since this was a joint meeting with the Improvement District #1 Board of Directors, also present were Paula Bayard, Dennis Villavicencio, Jana Botkin, David Fireman, Bob Yahne, and Bill Hart/ID #1 resident.
The purpose of this special meeting was to hear final comments on the formation of the ID #1 Assessment District and to review and vote on two resolutions, both pertaining to the Assessment District formation.
After hearing opinions expressed by Bill Hart and others concerning the Sheltzer parcel merger and number of assessments they should now be charged, the public meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
A Closed Session was then opened and continued until adjourned at 8:14, at which time the public meeting was then reopened.
At that time, a resolution for the formation of Assessment District No. 2007-1 and ordering construction of the improvements was then discussed and approved by a CSD Board vote of 4-0. Also approved was a resolution to borrow from the Rural Community Assistance Corporation. This one was also passed by a vote of 4-0.
The meeting was then adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held November 7th, 2007
The meeting was called to order by President Andrus at 7:03 p.m. All Board members were present. A quorum was established. Also present were Richard Bambl/Attorney and Paula Bayard/ID #1 Committee Chairwoman.
A Closed Session began at 7:05 and was adjourned at 8:10.
At 8:11 the Public Meeting began. The claims and minutes of the October 3rd meeting were accepted unanimously.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
There was discussion as to the condition and future of the Village Center septic system. Recent repairs seem to have temporarily slowed down the urgent need for a replacement system. A newer, larger system is being engineered to help relieve the existing one.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then discussed. Two resolutions were scheduled for review and vote at this time, but the Board felt further review was needed for both. A “Resolution for the Formation of an Assessment District” and a Resolution to Borrow from the Rural Community Assistance District” will be shelved until the Joint Special Meeting (CSD/ID #1) of November 13th.
It should also be noted that on October 20th the residents of Improvement District #1/Alta Acres voted to become an Assessment District by a vote of 53 to 9.
There was no new business to discuss.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 5th, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held October 3rd, 2007
The meeting was called to order by President Andrus at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present with the exception of Director Cannarozzi. A quorum was established. The claims for August/September and minutes for meetings held August 1st and 15th were accepted unanimously.
The General Manager reports for both August and September were reviewed. Copies of these reports are on file.
The Playground Committee submitted a landscape and retaining wall plan for the Board to review. There are differing opinions on tree selection. More research is needed as well as estimates for the retaining wall. Once estimates are collected, a request for grant funding will be submitted to Janet Hogan/First 5.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then discussed. Several issues were addressed. The Board was advised of a last minute attempt by the Sheltzers to merge their two ID #1 properties before the assessment vote of October 20th. They have been informed that such a merge would not be possible this late in the assessment process. They have hired an attorney and will dispute that decision.
Also discussed was the assessment district public hearing and vote process. The assessment ballots will be counted by the CSD Board following the public hearing. Members of the CSD Board will attend the next ID #1 Committee meeting, October 16th, to assist them in planning the public hearing format.
Concerns over Board member liability insurance and whether or not this coverage included the ID #1 Committee members as well, was further discussed. After reviewing correspondence from SDRMA, the Board was satisfied that coverage was indeed extended to the ID #1Board.
Under new business, Director Mills reported on the current status of the Three Rivers Recreation Committee and the difficulty they are having with recruiting new members. The feasibility of the CSD regaining control of the Recreation Committee was, once again, tossed around. Director Mills will look into the matter further.
Lastly, Director Sparks updated the CSD Board on efforts to convince the Tulare County Board of Supervisors that a single county wide ambulance service is what is needed for Three Rivers and other outlying areas. A letter of support suggesting such will be drafted by Director Sparks for approval by the Board, and submitted to the Board of Supervisors.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 7th, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for Special meeting held August 15th, 2007
The special meeting was called to order by President Andrus at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present. A quorum was established. Also in attendance were ID #1 representatives Katie Kelly and Bob Yahne.
The purpose of this special meeting was to review and approve two resolutions
pertaining to the establishment of Improvement District #1 as an assessment
district.
Resolution #081507-1/ Resolution of intent to establish ID #1 as an assessment
district was approved by a vote of 5-0.
Resolution #081507-2/ Resolution to set date for ID #1 public hearing and vote
on assessment district was also approved by a vote of 5-0. The public hearing
will take place October 20th, 2007.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 5th, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held August 1st, 2007
The meeting was called to order by President Andrus at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present. A quorum was established. The claims and minutes of the July 11 meeting were accepted unanimously.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then discussed. Director
Black first addressed receipt of a summons from Greg Lovern’s attorney,
sighting breach of contract and non-payment for services rendered in 2004
as reasons for the complaint. The summons was dated January 20, 2006. Director
Black will meet with a CSD/ ID #1 attorney to determine what course of
action need be taken.
Next order of business was a review and vote on Resolution 080107-2/ a
resolution asking the Board of Supervisors of the County of Tulare to approve
the formation of an ID #1 assessment district. This resolution was passed by
a vote of 5-0.
An update on the status of the South Fork Estates annexation process was then given. Directors Andrus and Black attended a S.F. Estates Water Board meeting in Visalia hoping to better help them understand the advantages of becoming part of the District. They did receive some positive feedback concerning an annexation, but it was suggested that members of the CSD Board attend their annual Water Board meeting in January to more fully explain to the S.F. Estates water users the benefits the District could provide them.
Next item on the agenda was a review of the 2006-07 Grand Jury Report response drafted by Directors Mills and Cannarozzi. The Board made several changes to the wording of the draft. Director Mills will rewrite and resubmit to the Board for approval via email. Once approved, he will then send to the Tulare County Grand Jury.
Under new business, Resolution 080107-1/Funds Forward 2007-08 Fiscal Year, an annual resolution, was then submitted for approval. The Board approved this resolution by a vote of 5-0
The final agenda item was brief discussion on the future of the Three Rivers Ambulance Service. The County is, once again, considering the possibility of a single county contracted ambulance service. If implemented, the nearest ambulance would be stationed in Lemon Cove. The Board will continue to monitor this situation and will hopefully be able to offer an alternate solution should one be needed.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 5th, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held July 11th, 2007
The meeting was called to order by President Andrus at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present. A quorum was established. The claims and minutes of the June 6 meeting were accepted unanimously.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then discussed. Directors Black and Andrus met with USDA loan officers on July 10th to sign a “letter of intent” for Improvement District #1’s forthcoming water system rehab loan. They were informed, at that time, that an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and a Vulnerability Assessment (VA) would also need to be done. It was also noted that the ID #1 public hearing and vote to form an assessment district would be held on October 20th at the Three Rivers Memorial Building.
An update on the status of the South Fork Estates annexation process was then given. Directors Andrus and Black are planning to attend the next South Fork Estates Water Board meeting on July 26th in Visalia. Also, Director Black drafted a letter to George Finney/ Resource Management requesting that a process be put in place to automatically include all new subdivisions within the CSD boundaries. The letter was reviewed and approved by the Board.
First item under new business was a discussion on AB 817/ Mutual Water Companies bill submitted by Assemblyman Maze. After brief discussion, it was decided that no action would be taken concerning this matter.
Next, the proposed Rock Creek Properties plan amendment was briefly discussed. There was some concern as to what type of use a portion of the property (river bank) involved might be approved for. It was decided that no further review would be needed until the next phase of the application process was completed and received by the Board.
Last item on the agenda was a review of the 2006-07 Grand Jury Report with regards to their findings concerning the Three Rivers Community Services District. The CSD Board was in disagreement with several of the Grand Jury findings and recommendations. The Board was given 90 days to respond to the report. Director Mills will draft a written response and present it to the Board at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 1st, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held June 6th, 2007
The meeting was called to order by Vice President Sparks at 7:00 p.m. Directors Black and Cannarozzi were also present. A quorum was established. Directors Andrus and Mills were late arrivals. The claims and minutes of the May 9th meeting were accepted unanimously.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
Playground maintenance was discussed. The Board believes that for safety reasons, the area between the concrete retaining wall and the slope should be backfilled with sand to match the height of the wall. Director Cannarozzi will research quantities and cost. It was also decided, by the Board, that no add would be purchased this time around for the Chamber of Commerce 2007 Brochure/ Map.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then discussed. Director Black reported that the first $500,000 of the USDA loan had been approved and should be available following the assessment district vote scheduled to take place within the next 30-45 days. Kabot will be retained as assessment district formation council. Bond council will be handled by a different firm. See ID #1 minutes for updated project progress. It was also noted that ID #1 is continuing to seek alternate well sites.
An update on the status of Phase II/ South Fork Estates was then given by Director Sparks. There has been no response thus far to numerous attempts at making contact with members of that systems water company. Sparks suggested that two CSD Board members (Andrus and Black) attend their next meeting. It is hoped that an exchange of information will help them better understand why inclusion into the District would be advantageous to all involved.
There was then brief discussion on the status of the North Kaweah Mutual Water Co. and the Washburn Mutual Water Co. with regards to future compliance of their existing water systems. Director Black reported that both companies are considering the possibility of becoming an Improvement District. This move could help them in obtaining funding for future system improvements as well as lowering insurance costs.
Next item, under new business, was review and approval of Resolution #060607-1/ Ordering an odd year Board of Directors election. This resolution must be filed with the County whether or not an election is needed for that year. The Board approved the resolution, 5-0
Last item on the agenda was the election of a new Board President and Vice President. It was decided unanimously by the Board to leave the existing officers in place for another year. This was done with the hope of keeping existing and future paperwork pertaining to RCAC and USDA loans to a minimum.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 11th, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ Secretary