2/2/2024 Letter from the General Manager

Dear Cambrians,

I hope this message finds you well. We have had a great start to the year, with several milestones within reach. This next week, we will be holding a public hearing to discuss, review, and take community input on our draft Project Description for the Water Reclamation Facility Coastal Development Permit Application.

We are getting closer to breaking ground on the Stuart Street tanks. A site inspection with MKN and their consultants has been scheduled for February 6, 2024 (more details below).

Stay safe and dry out there!!

Administration & Finance Departments

Administration Office Closure

The CCSD administration office will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2024, in observance of President's Day. For all Water and Wastewater emergency services, please contact the CCSD's 24-hour main line at (805) 927-6223. The office will reopen on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Technician II - Front Desk Recruitment

The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for the Administrative Technician II - Front Desk position. This recruitment is open until the needs of the District are met. To apply, please visit https://www.cambriacsd.org/administrative-technician-ii-front-desk-recruitment.

Update on San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority Outreach & Education Efforts in Cambria

The IWMA education and outreach visits in Cambria are complete.

Incorporation

As stated in my January 25, 2024, Letter from the General Manager, I wanted to clear up some misconceptions surrounding the recent discussions of incorporation during our Finance Committee meeting on January 23, 2024. Several months ago, an Ad Hoc Committee was formed under the Finance Committee and was tasked with researching how to enhance, generate, or discover new sources of revenue for the District. Specifically, the task was to investigate strategies to increase General Fund revenues. The ad hoc was formed on April 25, 2023, during the Finance Committee meeting. The original Ad Hoc Committee members were David Pierson and the late Cindy Steidel. Mr. Scott McCann has subsequently stepped in to fill that void.

Throughout that assignment (which is ongoing), several avenues were researched, one of which was incorporation. Most recently, a brief report on the initial pros and cons of incorporation was presented before the Finance Committee. However, that was just a small piece of the overall research completed by the Ad Hoc Committee. The full report on their entire research isn't complete, and no action was taken. The Finance Committee will meet again in February and have a final draft of the Ad Hoc Committee report with supporting documents.

To be clear, the Finance Committee is merely an advisory committee that can research and recommend items to the Board for consideration; that has yet to happen.

Furthermore, the Board has yet to direct staff or the committee to pursue incorporation. The Ad Hoc Committee is strictly in an exploratory phase of looking into how the District can increase revenues. Cambrian's, I know discussions on such topics of incorporation can generate questions and stir up emotions and anxiety; rest assured, this was only one of several areas in which they are looking for revenue enhancement. However, anything of this magnitude would be brought before the Board for a lengthy discussion that would include several opportunities for public input. Please feel free to contact me with any other questions.

Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program - Adaptation Planning Grant Program Round 2

The General Manager and Confidential Administrative Assistant have met multiple times to review the Adaptation Planning Grant Program Round 2 grant application.

Information Technology

Website Management

The Confidential Administrative Assistant moved the Board of Director and Standing Committee archives to their respective pages, and the community can now search the archives via the tabs below.

Facilities & Resources Department

Contact Facilities & Resources Manager

To submit general inquiries, or to report any issues on the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, public restrooms, Cambria Dog Park, or to schedule a meeting with Facilities and Resources Manager Aguirre, please submit your inquiries or concerns here: https://www.cambriacsd.org/contact-facilities-resources-c617054.

New Employee

The District is excited to welcome Oscar Mora as our new Maintenance Technician for the Facilities and Resources department. However, we are recruiting for one more position; see below.

Maintenance Technician Recruitment

The Cambria Community Services District is currently accepting applications for the Maintenance Technician position. This recruitment is open until the needs of the District are met. To apply, please visit https://www.cambriacsd.org/maintenance-technician-recruitment.

East Ranch Restroom

On December 7, 2023, the Board of Directors approved the Intent to Serve Letter for the public bathroom facility at the East Fiscalini Ranch Park and approved a change to the Community Park Master Plan to allow the Board-approved water-serving restroom design. The project is in process at the planning level with the County. The staff anticipates the resolution of all planning issues and SLO County's response by the end of January. Once the planning portion of the permit is completed, the prefabricated building will be ordered. As quoted by the vendor, the building and delivery lead time is 240 days.

Cambria Skatepark

The Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services contacted the District and indicated that Section 106 is required for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) application. District staff is currently in the process of completing the LWCF Program's Section 106 requirements. On January 19, 2024, the staff contacted the Native American Tribes, and we are awaiting responses. District staff attended the LWCF Federal Requirements Workshop on January 31, 2024.

Cambria Rotary Peace Garden Project Proposal

The General Manager, Confidential Administrative Assistant, and Facilities & Resources Manager met with the Cambria Rotary group to discuss their proposal for a peace garden next to the Cambria Veterans' Memorial building parking lot. This proposal will be reviewed by the American Legion and brought forward to the Board of Directors for consideration.

Cambria Fire Department

Contact Fire Chief

To submit general inquiries or to schedule a meeting with Chief Burkey, please submit your inquiries or concerns here: https://www.cambriacsd.org/contact-fire-chief.

Meet Fire Chief

On Friday, February 23, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Fire Chief Michael Burkey will be working out of the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall and would love to meet you and hear your thoughts on anything related to the Cambria Fire Department.

Storm Preparation

As we prepare for the upcoming storms, here are some reminders to stay storm-safe!

What to expect:

Prepare for high winds with gusts up to 30+ MPH. We are expecting 2-3 inches of rain in the Cambria area from now until Friday morning, with possible flooding and hazardous driving conditions. Drive cautiously and do not cross flooded roadways.
Avoid creeks and rivers.
A high surf advisory is in effect from now until Thursday morning as well, so expect strong ocean rip currents and avoid the beach areas if possible.
Stay tuned for weather updates and evacuation notices if necessary.

How to prepare:

Emergency Numbers: In case of emergency, dial 911.
Electrical Outage: Report electrical outages to PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
Sandbag locations: Fill sandbags at the Cambria Dog Park (2021 Rodeo Grounds Rd.) or Lampton Park (Corner of Lampton and Windsor). Remember to bring your sandbags and shovels!
Sandbags and Shovels: Purchase these essentials at your local hardware store.
Charge Electronics: Ensure that your phones, laptops, and other essential devices are fully charged in case of power outages.
Stay informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and emergency alerts. Follow official instructions and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

As always, your Cambria Fire Department stands ready to respond and ensure the safety of our community. Your safety is our priority, so please take these steps seriously and help us keep you and our community safe!

AFG Grant

The General Manager, Confidential Administrative Assistant, and Fire Chief have met multiple times to review the grant funding available for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG). Both departments will work collaboratively together on applying for grants.

Genasys Protect

Know Your Zone magnets have arrived, and the Cambria Fire Department crews will hand out magnets to citizens when appropriate on calls, etc. The public is encouraged to stop by the fire station to pick up a magnet or come to the "Meet the Fire Chief" on Friday, February 23, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Be prepared for the next natural disaster by KNOWING YOUR ZONE. Know Your Zone in 5 Easy Steps:

Visit protect.genasys.com – type your address in the search bar or use your current address.
Click on the highlighted zone and locate the number listed in the zone description panel.
Write your zone down and place it somewhere easily accessible by everyone in your house.
Click on Subscribe to Alerts to stay updated in case of an emergency.
Explore the information provided in your zone's description panel and bookmark any useful links provided.

Cambrians are encouraged to download the Genasys Protect application on your smartphone, enter your address, and save your zone. If you need more information, or if you are having trouble downloading the application or need assistance locating your Zone, please contact Fire Chief Burkey or come to the "Meet the Fire Chief" on Friday, February 23, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and we would be happy to assist you.

Winter Storm Preparation

Cambria residents can fill up sandbags at the Cambria Dog Park parking lot at 2021 Rodeo Grounds Road and Lampton Park at the corner of Lampton and Windsor. Bring your sandbags and a shovel. Tractors are not allowed to take sand from the district's sand locations. Sandbags are available at most local hardware stores but not at the Cambria Fire Department. For additional information about emergency preparedness in Cambria, click here.

Water & Wastewater Departments

Water Treatment Operator OIT, I or II Recruitment

The Cambria Community Services District is accepting applications for the Water Treatment Operator OIT, I or II positions. This recruitment is open until the needs of the District are met. To apply, please visit https://www.cambriacsd.org/water-treatment-operator-oit-i-or-ii-recruitment.

Public Hearing to Receive Community Input on the Draft Project Description for the Water Reclamation Facility Coastal Development Permit Application and Direct Staff to Release the Draft Project Description to the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Planning and Building Staff for Preliminary Evaluation, Input, and Direction

The Board of Directors will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Veterans' Memorial Hall located at 1000 Main Street Cambria, CA 93428, and via Zoom Webinar to receive community input on the draft Project Description for the Water Reclamation Facility Coastal Development Permit Application and consider directing CCSD staff to release the draft Project Description to the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Planning and Building staff for preliminary evaluation, input, and direction. The agenda packet and public hearing staff report, which includes the draft Project Description for the Water Reclamation Facility Coastal Development Permit Application, are posted below.

2/8 Board Meeting Agenda Packet

2/8 Public Hearing Staff Report 4A

Stuart Street Tank Construction

On January 11, 2024, the Board of Directors approved an Agreement for Consultant Services with MKN & Associates, Inc., for engineering design and bid/construction phase services to replace the Stuart Street Tanks. The contract has been executed, and work can now commence. Environmental reporting requirements are the tasks being initially addressed to expedite the awarding of EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) grant funds. The contract language referencing “bolted” throughout the sub-contractor proposals has been updated to include a “no-cost scope amendment stating the foundation and welded steel installation changes. Once received, a Notice to Proceed will be issued to MKN.

A site inspection with MKN and their consultants has been scheduled for February 6, 2024, where they will discuss Geotechnical and structural surveys, additional evaluation of underground plumbing to the tanks, upgrading infrastructure to Booster Station, seismic expansion joints, couplings, hydrostatic mixing manifold in the interior of the tank, and appurtenances to be installed on top of tank surface (i.e... Antennae and communication devices).

Our consultants have proposed an aggressive timeline for deliverables as follows.

-30% Engineering at week 16 (four months)

-90% Engineering an additional eight weeks (two months) to design from 30% - 90%.

-100% Design Engineering Plans an additional four weeks (one month) for completed drawings.

In total, the engineering process will take from seven to eight months to complete, with bids for installation being sought in the final month of plan rendering.

San Simeon Well 3

The contractor awarded the contract to perform the San Simeon Well 3 replacement has withdrawn due to the inability to meet contractual obligations. Utility staff sought proposals from other contractors and requested an updated proposal from the previous two contractors who submitted bids but were not awarded. One vendor has submitted an updated proposal, and another is working collaboratively with staff on pump design and installation specifications.

San Simeon Water Line & Effluent Line Well Field Transmission Lines

A review of the Preliminary Design Report occurred on January 22, 2024, to discuss the alternatives for alignment and consider the most feasible for construction. The Resources and Infrastructure Committee will review the alignments and potential installations at their meeting on February 12, 2024.

Instream Flow Study (IFS) & Adaptive Management Plan (AMP)

IFS work has been concentrating lately on Coastal Development Permit (CDP) and TAC (Technical Advisory Committee) comment response. They have addressed the TAC comments received in their report and are awaiting a few follow-up items, one of which is from the County, which wanted more fish rescue details that were not completed initially.

Stillwater is coordinating with CDFW (California Department of Fish and Wildlife) for more details and recommendations. Stillwater is completing a memo summarizing recommendations for the district. Their report had recommendations for monitoring and District operations, but it was not explicitly spelled out. They are expanding on this in a separate memo for us to review and address how we can manage our operations to protect aquatic resources.

Zero Liquid Discharge

District staff held a progress update meeting with our contractor on January 26, 2024. Construction of a working pilot is underway, pending coordination between our consultant and the accounting manager for the project, Lawrence Livermore Labs. The mobile ZLD unit is partially constructed, but grant financing requirements must be finalized to ensure payment to our contractor before any further work is performed, including meetings with the District and the public. Once financing is finalized, initial steps will include presentations to the Board and standing committees, a piloting agreement between our contractor and the District, and site surveying.

Water Meters

Per CCSD Municipal Code 4.04.130, “It shall be the consumer's duty to keep the space around the water meter free from obstruction that would interfere with access to the same by the district employees. If the consumer fails to provide property access to the meter after twenty-four (24) hours’ notice, the district may perform the necessary work and shall charge the cost to the consumer”.

The District would like to refrain from pursuing action under the municipal code; as such, we appreciate your help keeping your meters free from obstruction.

Regulatory Compliance Reporting

Utility staff completed the annual water loss report. This report requires a third-party validator to confirm and authenticate our water production, consumption and billing, variable cost of production, and total cost of providing service documents before we submit our water loss report to the State of California.

Upcoming March Board Meeting Items (subject to change):

Strategic Planning Workshop on 3/4/2024
Discussion and consideration to adopt the District Strategic Plan update
Discussion and Consideration of an annual review of the Affordable Housing Unit Allocation
Consideration of approval of the Management and Confidential Employees (MCE) Group Payment & Compensation Plan
Consideration to postpone the General Manager's performance evaluation to a date certain
Discussion and consideration of adoption of a Resolution to approve the Records Retention Schedules
Discussion and consideration of adoption of the Fund Balance Cash Reserve Policy revisions recommended by the Staff and Finance Committee
Discussion regarding District vehicle use
Discussion and consideration to approve the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list format
Discussion and consideration of the adoption of Policy 1045 Legal Counsel and Auditor Policy

CCSD Seeking Community Input for Strategic Plan

The CCSD Board of Directors would like to receive community input on key areas for the upcoming Strategic Plan workshop. Please visit https://www.cambriacsd.org/ccsd-seeking-community-input-for-strategic-plan to submit your input. The Board of Directors will utilize this public input in the development of the District’s Strategic Plan goals and objectives, which was last updated in the facilitated workshop on January 31, 2023. Feedback is anonymous and will be submitted to the Confidential Administrative Assistant, and a consolidated list will be forwarded to the Board for consideration. Please submit your feedback by February 8, 2024.

The Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Veterans' Memorial Hall located at 1000 Main Street Cambria, CA 93428, and via Zoom Webinar to receive community input for the Strategic Plan.
The Board of Directors will hold a special meeting on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Veterans' Memorial Hall located at 1000 Main Street Cambria, CA 93428, and via Zoom Webinar to receive any additional community input for the Strategic Plan Workshop. Members of the public can submit written comments to the Confidential Administrative Assistant at boardcomment@cambriacsd.org.
The Board of Directors will hold an adjourned special meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., at the Veterans' Memorial Hall located at 1000 Main Street Cambria, CA 93428, and via Zoom Webinar to facilitate a workshop to update the Cambria Community Services District's Strategic Plan and set a date for the next Strategic Planning workshop. Mr. Dick Clark will facilitate the workshop.

On Friday, February 23, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., I will be working out of the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall and would love to meet you and hear your thoughts on everything Cambria. We will provide coffee, snacks, and the ability to engage in dialogue about everything Cambria.

As always, I welcome your feedback and ideas. If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me or any of our management team.

Thank you again for your support; I am at your service.

Matthew McElhenie