Dear Cambrians,

I hope this letter finds you well. Once again, I want to address some concerns and comments in the news and on social media regarding the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) project description and its eventual submission to the County of San Luis Obispo. This project is as controversial as any in Cambria's history. As mentioned in my last letter, Staff cannot and has no desire to enter debates about how the project came to be circa 2014. We can’t speak for past actions, let alone speak for those who authorized the project. However, the Board of Directors, both past and present, guides and directs Staff through many mechanisms, such as the strategic plan.  As such, permanently permitting the facility is one of those strategic goals. Staff has taken that directive seriously and will bring the project description before the Board on the 20th of June. The latest iteration of the draft has taken some time; we cannot argue that. However, there is a reason for the delay. We met with the County of San Luis Obispo and reviewed the description. As some of you know, we also sent it to the California Coastal Commission for review. We received feedback from both and, in good faith, tried to address some of those comments in the draft. That has been the only reason this draft has not come before the Board sooner.  After we apply for the permit, we will work with the County and the Coastal Commission in parallel to address some of the outstanding mitigation in the affected ESHA. However, the project description is merely an operational document in which mitigation measures are not a part. Yet, it will be in later supporting documentation after the appropriate mitigation measures are defined by the County and Coastal Commission. 

With that comes the wave of questions on the WRF’s purpose, operational scope, growth, etc. The WRF is not a mechanism for growth and is not considered a new sustainable water source, which is one of the criteria for ending the moratorium; there is no way around this. Nevertheless, it is well-documented that Cambria has historically been subject to prolonged droughts despite our good fortune during the past two years and is likely to continue to experience such droughts in the future.

The County of San Luis Obispo has asked the CCSD to explicitly define the plant’s purpose, and we have. Despite our efforts, some continue to make unfounded assumptions about the Board and Staff’s intent with the facility. 

So, to be clear:

The WRF was designed and constructed to improve the reliability of the CCSD’s potable water supply during drought conditions and other dry periods. The facility is designed to provide a reliable water supply to the CCSD’s service connections. The CCSD water system currently serves 4,034 service connections (commercial and residential) while delivering an average of 520 AFY of water to its customers. The WRF would initially serve to satisfy existing connections[1], but during future operations, impact assessments would be determined based on research studies, biological assessments, and impacts on other stakeholders to determine whether this mechanism would be adequate to serve existing commitments.

1. Per the CCSD Municipal Code (Title 8), “existing commitments” means service commitments made to CCSD customers, including active service commitments, non-active service commitments (commonly known as "grandfathers"), and parks/landscape/irrigation commitments, as established by Section 8.04.030 of the CCSD Municipal Code. It does not include waitlist properties.

We have established a meeting with the Coastal Commission in the third week of June to discuss their most recent comments on the Draft Project Description.  I will have an update for the community shortly after. 

Should you have any further questions about the definitions of our District’s Utilities water and sewer allocation, please refer to Title 8 of the CCSD- Municipal Code - Utility Service Systems Administration here: https://library.municode.com/ca/cambria_community_services_district/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT8UTSESYAD.

Administration & Finance Departments

Utility Billing Customer Portal

The CCSD launched our brand-new Utility Billing Customer Portal, designed to make managing your utility account online more convenient and efficient. It’s important to remember that signing up to use the new utility billing customer portal is free. However, customers who wish to make credit or debit card payments on the portal will be charged a flat 3.70% fee. Residents already enrolled in our Autopay Program (Direct Debit) via their bank account do not need to re-enroll on this site. They will still have all the other great benefits of creating a utility billing customer portal, and their Autopay will continue to be automatically drafted on the due date.

Here’s what you can expect from our portal:

1. Easy Online Payments: Pay your water and sewer bill quickly and securely from the comfort of your home.
2. Account Management: You can easily view your billing history, track your usage, and update your account information. 
3. Paperless Billing: Sign up for paperless billing and help us make our efforts to go green.
4. Notifications and Reminders: Set up alerts for due dates, payment confirmations, and other important notifications.
5. User-Friendly Interface: Our portal is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, ensuring a seamless experience.

Getting Started is Simple:

1. Visit our Utility Billing Customer Portal.
2. Register Your Account: Follow the instructions for your new portal account.
3. Explore Features: Once registered, you can explore all the new features available to you.

This portal will significantly enhance your experience and provide the tools you need to manage your utility billing services efficiently. The CCSD Administrative Office also accepts debit and credit card payments for your utility bill. Tyler Technologies charges the customer a flat 3.70% fee with no maximum transaction amount.

Should you have any questions or need assistance with the portal, our customer service team is here to help. You can reach us at (805) 927-6223 or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Need Assistance with Registering for the Portal? 

On June 24, 2024, the Administrative Department Manager Denise Fritz and Confidential Administrative Assistant Haley Dodson will be at the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall, located at 1000 Main Street, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to assist with account registration. In an effort to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of our records, we kindly request that you bring the following information:

1. Your Utility Billing Account Number 
2. Amount of Your Last Utility Bill

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.

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 the Fire Chief

On Wednesday, June 19, 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. 

Fire Captain Recruitment

The Cambria Community Services District is accepting applications to create a qualifying employment list for the Fire Captain position. We are preparing for staff retirement over the next year. For more information, please visit our website.

Each year, the Cambria CSD Fire Department conducts a Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) to abate vegetation and hazardous wildland fire fuels. The FHFRP is carried out pursuant to the authority contained in Government Code Sections 61100(d) and (t) and Health and Safety Code Sections 14875 et seq. and is initiated by the CCSD Board of Directors adoption of a resolution declaring the vegetation and hazardous wildland fire fuels on the identified properties to be a public nuisance. In this respect, it should be noted that the definition of “weeds” in Health and Safety Code Section 14875 includes “Dry grass, stubble, brush, litter, or other flammable material which endangers the public safety by creating a fire hazard.”  

This annual requirement is an effort to reduce the fire hazard caused by the accumulation of combustible materials on vacant parcels. Keep in mind that the forest helps define Cambria, and it is important that we reduce the fire hazard without destroying its ability to regenerate. Make every effort to protect seedlings, young native trees, ferns, and bushes by marking them prior to cutting. Property owners are required to clear all combustible vegetation and/or debris from their property by the deadline of July 15, 2024.

To receive updates from the Cambria CSD Fire Department on the 2024 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) or any Fire Department-related news, click the "join our mailing list" icon at the bottom of any page and subscribe to Cambria CSD Fire Department News & Updates and follow the Cambria CSD Fire Department on Instagram and Facebook.

On April 11, 2024, the Cambria Community Services District (“CCSD”) Board of Directors adopted Resolution 04-2024 declaring that noxious, dangerous, seasonal, and/or recurring weeds were growing upon or in front of your property and, more particularly described in said Resolution and that the same constitute a public nuisance which must be abated by the removal of said noxious, dangerous, seasonal and/or recurring weeds; otherwise, they will be removed and the nuisance abated by the CCSD Fire Department authorities, in which case the cost of such removal shall be assessed upon the lots and lands from which or in front of which such weeds are removed and such cost will constitute a lien upon such lots or lands until paid. Reference is hereby made to said Resolution for further particulars.

On May 9, 2024, the Cambria Community Services District (“CCSD”) Board of Directors awarded the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program Agreement to Paradise Tree Service.

On July 25, 2024, the Cambria Community Services District (“CCSD”) Board of Directors will hold a Public Hearing ordering the abatement of Public Nuisance for the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program.

The following are guidelines to help you comply:

• Remove combustible construction materials and trash from the property.
• Trim weeds and annual grasses to 4 inches in height. Avoid exposing bare soil or creating a situation that would encourage erosion.
• All downed trees and rounds or dead limbs within 30 feet of any structure must be removed. Tree stumps fallen over shall be cut and retain no more than six feet of the log within this 30-foot zone.
• All downed trees beyond 30 feet from any structure 12 inches in diameter or greater may remain on the parcel. However, the entire trunk must be completely on the ground. Materials less than 12 inches in diameter shall be cut and removed from the property.
• All standing dead trees that pose a safety risk to improved property and/or infrastructure shall be removed.
• Remove ladder vegetation from under trees and shrubs, maintaining 6 feet of vertical clearance for trees greater than 20 feet in height.
• All Poison Oak, Scotch/Irish/French or other broom-type plants, Pampas grass, Jubata grass, and (Crocosmia) also known as Fire Weed, shall be removed. Isolated specimens may be left with greater than ten (10) feet separation, and all dead material removed. 

The owner of record of the property at the time of notification is responsible for the clearance of the parcel. Property owners having clearance done by local contractors will need to work closely with their contractor to ensure your parcel gets inspected by the CCSD Fire Department. Those parcels not in compliance by the July 15, 2024, deadline will be placed on a list to be abated by the CCSD’s contractor. The cost for abatement for each parcel includes the contractor’s charge for services, plus a $100.00 administrative charge if paid within 90 days of receiving a bill or a $200.00 administrative charge if paid later. The CCSD is not responsible for the contractor’s charges. 

The Cambria CSD and the Cambria Fire Department do not endorse any specific contractor or agency, are not responsible for the work performed or the fees charged by these contractors, and assume no responsibility or liability for both satisfactory and/or non-satisfactory work conducted by these contractors. Below is a list of contractors provided to the property owners of Cambria as a public service for their convenience.

The Cambria CSD Fire Department will inspect your parcel(s) to ensure compliance with the FHFRP ordinance. Parcels not cleared by the deadline will be placed on the CCSD contract list, and all associated costs and fees will be billed directly to you.   

For more information on the 2024 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP), please click here.

Water & Wastewater Departments

New Water Department Employee

We are excited to welcome Clint Conroy to the CCSD Water Department. Clint has his Grade T2 Water Treatment Operator and Grade D2 Water Distribution Operator licenses, and he’s currently attending Woodland Community College.

San Simeon Well 3

Installation is tentatively scheduled for late June.

Stuart Street Tank Project

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. 30% of design plans have been received and are being reviewed by staff.  The staff coordinated with Rincon to revise the initial CATEX submission, including Biological and Cultural Resources TMs, which has taken place and is under evaluation. 

Updates to the geotechnical engineering report regarding scope amendment, retaining wall design, and setback criteria are scheduled for a pre-application meeting with SLO County Planning on June 18, 2024. 

Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Program

The construction of the mobile unit for the ZLD pilot is well underway. The initial target for completion of the mobile unit is October 2024. During the month, staff met with Global Water Innovations and a consultant from Trevi Water Systems. Site evaluation detailing the location of the unit's components, including electrical and water plumbing, was determined. The staff is working with County Planning for the Substantial Conformance Determination concerning the temporary pilot run.

Water Meter Replacement Program

Procurement for the initial purchase of 1,700-meter register endpoints has occurred, with a delivery date targeted for June 10, 2024. Installation will begin in-house while an RFP for installation is circulated. Lead & Copper Rule inventory will commence during endpoint installation.

Upcoming July Board Meeting Items (subject to change):

• Discussion and consideration of approval of the Zero Liquid Discharge Pilot Testing Program
• Discussion and consideration of Cambria Skatepark maintenance cost and funding
• Discussion and consideration to fill the vacant seat on the Resources & Infrastructure Committee
• Consideration of adoption of a Resolution declaring equipment surplus and authorizing sale by the General Manager
• Consideration of adoption of Policy 1055: Legislative Advocacy Policy recommended by the staff and Policy Committee
• Discussion and consideration of accepting the transfer station for the San Simeon Creek Stream gage at Palmer Flats from the San Luis Obispo Flood Control District
• Public Hearing to discuss and consider adoption of a Resolution ordering abatement of Public Nuisance for the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP)

On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., General Manager Matthew McElhenie 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 and snacks and the ability to engage in dialogue about everything in 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