Minutes:
Three Rivers Community Services District
Minutes for meetings:
Minutes for Special meeting held Wed. January 13th, 2010
The meeting was called to order by President Black at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present with the exception of Director David Mills. A quorum was established. Director Dennis Mills then left the meeting when it was learned that he would be one of the applicants for the General Manager position.
Item 1
The purpose of this meeting was to review hiring procedures and the application process pertaining to the replacement of the current General Manager. The Board drafted an updated application, discussed advertising options, and set an application deadline of February 1.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held January 6th, 2010
The meeting was called to order by President Black at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present. A quorum was established. Sue Sherwood, TRUS Superintendant, arrived later. The claims and minutes of the December 2nd and December 16th special meeting were accepted unanimously.
Continuing Business
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then reviewed. The ID #1rehabilitation project will begin soon. A pre-bid meeting will be held at the Three Rivers Memorial Building on January 20th for all contractors interested in submitting bids. Project engineer, Jim Wegley, will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. Bids for this project must be submitted by February 2nd.
A progress report on the purchase of a new light engine for Three Rivers was then briefly discussed. There has been no reply to the letter sent to Chief Sunderland requesting a price quote for the new cab and chassis. The CSD Board decided that copies of this letter, along with a memo stating that there has been no reply as yet, should be forwarded along to all donating parties to keep them apprised on the status of this purchase.
The last item under continuing business was a final discussion and determination on whether or not further action should be taken with regards to the Sunset Waste proposal. The Board voted 5-0 to drop this issue from any further discussion.
New Business
The Three Rivers Union School water system and its non-compliance status was then discussed. The school system was chlorinated over the holiday break and due to lingering chlorine residual, has yet to be re-tested for coliform bacteria. If the system continues to test positive for coliform bacteria, fulltime chlorination will be the next step in bringing this system back into compliance.
President Black then advised the CSD Board that the North Kaweah Mutual Water system was considering the prospect of becoming an Improvement District. Their hope is that funding for a water system rehab will be more readily available to them if secured through the CSD as an Improvement District. This item will be included on the February agenda for further discussion.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 3rd at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for Special meeting held December 16th, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Black at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present. A quorum was established.
Item 1
With the hope of avoiding any further ID #1 rehab project delays, a list of alternatives regarding the Northcott property “right of way” were submitted to the Board for a review and vote. They were as follows:
1) Condemnation proceedings (expense and delay!)
2) Delete from the project the piping replacement through the Northcott property, just tie in the new piping at each end, and use the existing piping through his property “as-is” under our prescriptive right (Bill Hart says that piping is thin wall and prone to failing)
3) Delete the piping through the Northcott property and supply the upper Skyline area with a hydro tank system and by adding a pipeline from the existing Booster Pump adjacent to the Fox property up Skyline to the current end of the line at the Ballew lot.
4) Assume Northcott will eventually sign and Bid the job as it is now designed. If it turns out he will not sign, then issue a change order after the award to the successful contractor employing one of the above alternatives.
The previous night, the ID #1 Board had voted unanimously for alternative #4. After discussion, the CSD Board approved a motion (5-0) to also adopt alternative #4. Assume Northcott will eventually sign and Bid the job as it is now designed.
Item 2
A review of current donation status and further procedure pertaining to the purchase of a new light engine for Three Rivers was discussed. The Board felt that before the CSD’s donation of a maximum of $15,000 could be released, the following information should be provided:
1)A copy of the quotation for the cab and chassis showing the total out the door cost per unit for the cab and chassis units to be purchased.
2)A copy of the quotations from or any estimates for vendors to transfer the body and other equipment on the existing two wheel drive truck to the new chassis, plus an estimate of the cost for any county personnel to complete that transfer, plus the estimated cost for adding or replacing with new any equipment, and finally an estimate of any other costs needed to make the new unit ready for service.
3)The approximate value you would assign to a similar unit had you simply purchased it all new and complete with a new cab and chassis, new body, new equipment, and all ready to work.
A motion was passed (5-0) to send a letter to Chief Sunderland, Tulare County Fire Department, requesting the above information.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held December 2nd, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Black at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present. A quorum was established. Also in attendance, representing the Tulare County fire department, were Steven Sunderland/Chief, Kim Penniston, Mike Hand, and David Vasquez. The claims and minutes of the November 4th meeting were accepted unanimously.
Continuing Business
The first item on the agenda was an update from Vasquez and Hand on how local efforts were proceeding with regards to raising the necessary funds to purchase a new light engine for Three Rivers. Chief Sunderland was on hand to update the CSD Board on cost and procedure for purchasing a new cab and chassis. He indicated that a cost estimate of approximately $35,000 would be needed from the community of Three Rivers in order to include a 5th chassis in an order of 4 which was already in the works and were to be funded by the County. All retrofitting of additional equipment to the Three Rivers cab and chassis would be paid for by the County. Vasquez reported that he thought an estimated $20,000 could be raised from other community organizations. After further discussion and based on that figure, the CSD Board voted 3-2 to donate an additional amount of up to $15,000 maximum, depending upon the final total raised and what shortfall still existed. As all Tulare County Fire Department representatives had left the meeting before the donation vote had been taken, Ted Mendoza/ TCFD was contacted the following day and informed of the decision and donation amount.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
Unfortunately, the day after it was reported that the Three Rivers Union School water system was back in compliance, 4 out of a final set of 5 samples taken 12/2 came back positive for coliform bacteria. See December General Manager’s report for more info.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then reviewed. It was reported that the Northcott property “right of way” issues have yet to be resolved and other options are being considered in order to keep from delaying the rehab project any longer.
There is still no formal resolution to the Kaweah and St. Johns River Association water rights issue.
And due to continuing setbacks, it looks as though another RCAC loan extension will be needed.
New Business
Fee increases for services provided outside district boundaries was then discussed. It was decided, by the Board, that homeowners outside district boundaries requesting a septic inspection would now be charged $25. It will continue to be free of charge to those within district boundaries. The charge for potable water testing will not change. It will remain at $15.
Next on the agenda was a discussion on a written waste collection proposal submitted by Sunset Waste. Because this proposal has the potential to save residents on collection costs, the Board decided that further consideration and more information was needed before a final determination could be made. Representatives from both Sunset Waste and Waste Connections will be invited to attend the January Board meeting.
The meeting then concluded with the swearing in of newly re-elected Board members Rex Black and Mike Cannarozzi. Their new terms will run to December 2013.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 6th at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held November 4th, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Black at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present with the exception of Director David Mills. A quorum was established. Also present was Brian Rothhammer, representing the Kaweah Commonwealth. The claims and minutes of the October 7th meeting were accepted unanimously.
Continuing Business
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
It was noted that the Three Rivers Union School water system is still out of compliance. The system will be chlorinated for a third time and testing will resume again once the chlorine has dissipated. Also, as of this date, the Riverview is also under a boil order.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then reviewed. It was reported that there has been no progress with regards to a proposal from the Kaweah and St. Johns River Association/ Larry Dotson. Also noted was the re-evaluation of the Northcutt Right of Way. He has requested a reroute. Director Black has estimated that it could now be another 4 months before the project goes out to bid.
An update on efforts to secure donations for a new light engine for Three Rivers was the next scheduled agenda item, but due to lack of new information at this time, it will be continued to the December CSD Board meeting.
New Business
The audit report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2009 was submitted for review. It was accepted unanimously by the Board.
Under “new ideas”, there was a brief discussion on a written trash collection proposal submitted by Sunset Waste. It was decided that more information was needed and that this issue would also be tabled until the next Board meeting.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 2nd at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held October 7th, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Black at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present with the exception of Director David Mills. A quorum was established. Mike Hand, David Vasquez, Shaun O’Dell, John Hanggi, Jeff Newton, and Kim Penniston representing Tulare County Fire, were also in attendance. The claims and minutes of the September 2nd meeting were accepted unanimously.
Under continuing business, agenda item ‘C’ was moved ahead to accommodate the schedules and travel time of the firemen present.
Chief Penniston and others informed the Board as to what their needs were with regards to obtaining a new light engine for Three Rivers. It’s not clear at this time what commitment the County of Tulare is willing to make, but with the existing funds already raised, they believe that another $25,000 will still be needed. The CSD is willing to help in the pursuit of funding, as well as a possible donation. Director Mills will also look into the availability of outside funding and grants. A more detailed plan for raising the needed funds will be presented at the November Board meeting.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
It was noted that the Three Rivers Union School water system, which was thought to have been cleared of all bacteria present, once again fell out of compliance with 5 positive tests on October 5th. The system was inspected and the source of the problem was located and corrected. Testing will continue throughout the month of October.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then reviewed.The signing of property easements, which seemed to be the latest in a long list of delays, has now been completed.
ID #1 is still waiting on a written proposal from Larry Dotson, Kaweah and St. Johns River Association, pertaining to the sale of permanent downstream water rights. See ID #1 meeting minutes for more info.
Lastly, the ongoing dispute between ID #1 and Kaweah Pump concerning previous billing issues has yet to be resolved.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 4th at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held September 2nd, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Black at 7:10 p.m. All Board members were present with the exception of Director Dennis Mills. A quorum was established. Mike Hand and David Vasquez, representing the local fire station, were also in attendance. The claims and minutes of the August 5th 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 reviewed.
Property easements are still in the process of being reviewed and notarized by those parcel owners affected by the rehab project. At last count, eight remained to be signed.
ID #1 is still waiting on a written proposal from the Kaweah and St. Johns River Association pertaining to the sale of permanent downstream water rights. See ID #1 minutes of August 18 for more info.
The ID #1/ USDA loan resolution was reviewed and approved by a vote of 4-0-1.
The Board also approved a motion (4-0-1) to have ID #1’s meeting minutes posted on the CSD website. It is hoped that this will help get information about the rehab project to the residents of Alta Acres.
Guests Hand and Vasquez then gave a brief update on behalf of local firefighters regarding their fund raising efforts to purchase a new light engine for Three Rivers. Original numbers have now been lowered to an estimate of $80,000. It is hoped that along with the CSD, other local organizations will help with fund raising efforts. Directors Mills will work on locating grant possibilities. Hand and Vasquez will return for the October CSD meeting with written cost estimates for the new engine.
Lastly, the Board discussed the possibility of hiring part-time office help. After weighing the potential costs of hiring a part-time employee and the degree of need for help at this time, the Board decided to hold off on hiring until the ID #1 rehab project is underway. At that time, more accounting help will be needed.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 7th at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held August 5th, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Black at 7:07 p.m. All Board members were present. A quorum was established. The claims and minutes of the July 1st meeting were accepted unanimously.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
A request for a two year parcel assessment refund due to a pending parcel merge, submitted by Mike and Sharon Seltzer, was put on hold until an official merge date can be obtained from the county. A determination as to whether or not a refund is warranted will be made at that time.
The Board also requested that the GM contact SCE management and inquire as to the feasibility of placing porti-potties at the SCE swim area.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then reviewed.
Property easements are in the process of being reviewed and notarized by those parcel owners affected by the rehab project. Once completed, project bids should soon follow. ID #1 and the Kaweah and St. Johns River Association are still working on a compromise that would allow ID #1 to continue pumping water from the Kaweah River. See ID #1 minutes from July 21st for further information.
The next item under continuing business was a discussion on whether or not the Board felt there was enough interest in conducting another community survey, similar to the one done in 2000. It was decided that not enough new information would be gained at this time to merit the time and expense involved with such a project.
The Board then discussed the possibility of hiring part-time office help. They feel it important that someone else be familiar with office routine and protocols, especially with regards to CSD financials, budgeting, and billings. A job description will be drafted and submitted for review by the Board at the September meeting.
First item under new business was a review and vote on a USDA loan resolution authorizing the incurrence of debt for the purpose of financing the ID #1 rehab project. It was determined that more information was needed before this resolution could be passed. Lisa Butler/USDA will be contacted for the needed information and the resolution will be reintroduced for approval at the September meeting.
Resolution #080509-1/Funds Forward 2009-10 Fiscal Year was reviewed and approved by the Board by a vote of 5-0.
Lastly, Director David Mills gave a brief status update on behalf of local firefighters with regards to funds being raised to purchase a new light engine. He reported that they are about a third of the way to their $150,000 goal. He then asked the Board for ideas that might help them to achieve this goal. The Board is willing to help in any way they can and Director Dennis Mills will make some inquiries into possible funding possibilities.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 2nd at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held July 1st, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Black at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present with the exception of Director Andrus. A quorum was established. Also present was local resident Tony Moreno. The claims and minutes of the June 3rd meeting were accepted unanimously.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
The Board approved the purchase of a maintenance shed for the playground. The purchase price is not to exceed $500.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then reviewed.
Rehab project engineer, Jim Wegley, has finally submitted the project plans to USDA for review and approval. Provided no major changes are required, the project could go to bid around August 1st. There was no further business to report.
Under new business, the Board discussed the need for part-time office help. They felt the need is there, but no decision will be made until all Board members are present for further discussion.
The last item on the agenda was a short discussion on whether or not the Board felt another community survey should be conducted, solely on the part of the CSD. This item will also be held over to the August Board meeting.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 5th at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held June 3rd, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Black at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present with the exception of Director David Mills. A quorum was established. Also present was Tom Sparks. The claims and minutes of the May 6th 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 reviewed. President Black gave another brief ID #1 rehab project update. Project engineer, Jim Wegley, is still working on locations for several water services within the district. Once this is completed and the drawings have been updated, he will submit them to the USDA for approval. The latest target date for project bids is now August 1st. ID #1 board member Dennis Villavicencio will meet with downstream water agencies on July 9th to try and resolve their protest issues as well as securing future water sources for the district. President Black will attend the meeting with Mr. Villavicencio.
First item under new business was a discussion to determine whether or not there was enough interest by the CSD Board to conduct another local survey, similar to the one that was done in 2000. Tom Sparks informed the Board that the County would be interested in the results of such a survey and would hope to include some questions of their own. The Board would like to know what the County is willing to do to help defray the cost of a survey should their questions be included. Tom Sparks will contact the County to get an idea of what questions they would like to see on the survey. Further consideration on the matter will be taken up once this information has been received.
The final agenda item was the election of a new Board President and Vice President. Because of ID #1’s impending rehab project and the amount of paperwork involved in changing authorized signatures, it was decided to leave the current President and Vice President (Black/Mills) in office for an additional term.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 1st at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held May 6th, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Black at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present with the exception of Director Andrus. A quorum was established. Also present was Tom Sparks. The claims and minutes of the April 1st meeting were accepted unanimously.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
The Board approved the hiring of Randy Nickel/CPA to once again conduct the CSD’s annual audit.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then reviewed. Rehab project engineer, Jim Wegley, attended the ID #1 April Board meeting to gave a progress report and list those items still needing to be resolved. A detailed list of those items, along with the meeting minutes is available in this office. Also, negotiations for available ditch rights continue.
First item under new business was the review and subsequent approval of the CSD 2009-2010 fiscal year budget. After discussion, the budget was approved 4 ayes - 0 noes - 1 absent.
Next up was approval of Resolution #050609-1, authorizing the Tulare County Auditor/Controller to collect annual parcel fees on behalf of the CSD. This resolution was passed 4-0-1.
The final resolution submitted for approval was #050609-2, ordering an odd year Board of Directors election. This resolution was also passed,4-0-1.
Lastly, Tom Sparks asked the Board if they would be interested in conducting another community survey, similar to the one done in November of 2000. This item will be added to the June agenda for discussion.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 3rd at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held April 1st, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Black at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present. A quorum was established. The claims and minutes of the March 4th meeting were accepted unanimously.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file.
Keeping the TRUS water system in compliance was discussed. The possibility of continuous chlorination may be the only viable solution if the system continues to test positive for coliform bacteria.
A $100 donation from the Church at Kaweah was also acknowledged and appreciated.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then reviewed. It’s now looking like the ID #1 rehabilitation project will not go out for bid until June. But on a positive note, it looks like their water source problems could be relieved somewhat by purchasing downstream ditch rights. ID #1 Board member Villavicencio is working with the SWRCB to locate these sources, which according to them, are available. See ID #1 minutes from March 2009 for more information.
There was no new business to discuss.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held March 4th, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Black at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present with the exception of Director Dennis Mills. A quorum was established. The claims and minutes of the February 4th meeting and February 19th special 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 reviewed. It was reported that the ID #1 rehab project will be allowed to proceed as planned without the additional water sources originally included as part of the project. A decision on whether or not drilling will be allowed on the Proctor property is still pending. Permission has been given, however, to test the well on the Gessell property for flow and water quality. The project is now expected to go out to bid around the middle March.
The Board then discussed financial options for ID #1 rehab assessment funds collected by the County and delivered to the CSD. It was decided that those funds sitting in the rehab checking account would be moved to another CD account until needed for either RCAC or USDA loan repayment.
There was no new business to discuss.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 1st, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held February 4th, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Black at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present. A quorum was established. The General Manager was absent. Also present was Three Rivers resident Tom Sparks. The claims and minutes of the January 7th 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 reviewed. There was little progress to report with regards to the ID #1 rehab project. Difficulty in securing additional water sources has prompted the engineer and attorneys to request consent from USDA to continue on with the bid process without the additional wells. For more information, please reference the ID #1 meeting minutes of January 20, 2009, on file in this office.
A brief update on the status of the Scenic Highway Designation was then given by Tom Sparks. He reported that aside from the County awaiting comments from CalTrans, the proposed designation was still on hold. Comments from the community are also being accepted.
There was no new business to discuss.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 4th, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager
Minutes for meeting held January 7th, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Black at 7:00 p.m. All Board members were present with the exception of Director Vince Andrus. A quorum was established. Also present was Three Rivers resident Carol Clum. The claims and minutes of the December 3rd meeting were accepted unanimously.
The General Manager’s report was read. A copy of this report is on file. Also discussed during the G.M. report was the possibility of participating in a “white tag” program the County of Tulare may be implementing in the future. The program would require anyone seeking a permit for a water connection or additional water connections through the County to first gain approval through the CSD. The CSD would then present the applicant with a white tag, stating system information and approval. The applicant would then submit the white tag to the County along with any other required paperwork. The purpose of this program, according to the County, is to get the Special Districts and CSD’s more involved in the permit process in their communities. After review of the program, it was decided by the CSD Board that it would not be feasible to implement such a program in Three Rivers. It was determined that permission to connect to any privately owned water system should only be given by the governing board of that particular water system.
Improvement District #1 minutes and business was then reviewed. Director Black informed the Board that there has been no further progress to report concerning ID #1’s river rights dispute with downstream ditch owners. Finding locations for additional wells is not proving too successful at this point either. More information pertaining to the ID #1 rehab project can be found in the ID #1 meeting minutes on file in this office.
The next item discussed was a brief review of a proposed special use permit being applied for by the Rio Sierra Riverhouse. Because of Director Andrus’s absence and the Board’s lack of finding any pressing issues with the permit where the CSD would be involved, there was no determination on whether or not any objections should be filed with the County at this time.
Last item on the agenda was a presentation by local resident, Carol Clum, describing an Earth Day 2009 celebration/event she is organizing for May 2nd. Mrs. Clum informed the Board of all those participating, activities, and demonstrations planned. She then asked the Board for a donation to help defray the costs of putting on the event. The Board unanimously approved a $200 donation.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 4th, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
_______________________ President
________________________ General Manager