Dane Downing

The board meeting addressed various administrative and operational issues, including correspondence regarding banking, training, and facility usage. Key project discussions centered on the fire hydrant project, updates on DWR, EPA, and Waterboards grants, and the resolution of solar system and inverter issues. The board voted to approve budget amendments for single-family dwellings, administrative salary adjustments, and vehicle fuel and mileage allocations. Additionally, the board awarded a contract for office parking area repairs and addressed human resources matters, including a resignation agreement and employee agreement updates.

The meeting included the nomination and voting for Board Officers, resulting in Joe Gauder as Chair, Sherrie Lee as Vice-Chair, and Dane Downing as Treasurer and Secretary. Key discussions involved Grant Updates across various programs, including the DWR Grant disbursement, EPA WaterTA Grant collaboration, and the Waterboards Technical Assistance Grant 2024 application process. The Board addressed a report of flooding near the pump house requiring pipe repairs. Furthermore, the Board discussed monitoring well elevation surveys conducted by Waterboard staff. Financially, the Board unanimously approved transferring $10,000 each into the Capital Reserve Account and the Maintenance Reserve Account due to a robust checking account balance. Policy updates were unanimously approved for Policy 2340 (Utility Worker) and Policy 2316 (Wastewater Treatment Operator). A discussion was held regarding Policy 2110 (Health and Welfare Benefit), agreeing that staff should research Air Ambulance services costs, as offering health insurance premiums is fiscally infeasible. During Closed Session, a Utility Worker performance evaluation was reviewed.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered the November 2025 Financial Reports, District Manager Report, Plant Operator Report, and the Minutes for the November 12, 2025, Regular meeting. Correspondence covered ongoing technical support inquiries for the plant alarm system, updates on account signers, roster information updates for CSDA, a planned estate bequest to CCSD, and an update that the State approved the proposed county resolution exempting CCSD's building as property. Key discussion points included the Fire Hydrant Project, where funding was allocated, and updates on various grants. For the DWR Grant, Humboldt confirmed receipt of the final payment, with CCSD's check expected soon. For the EPA WaterTA Grant, engineering details are being reviewed for the CA Waterboards Influent Well Project application. The Waterboards Technical Assistance Grant 2024 application process is continuing. A follow-up site visit for the Waterboard inspection is scheduled for December 12th to access monitoring well and pond outlet box elevations. Research results for employee benefits through SDRMA indicated that CCSD does not currently meet SDRMA qualifications for coverage. The Closed Session involved an informational review of the Utility Worker's monthly performance evaluation.

The emergency board meeting addressed the discussion and approval of end-of-year employee bonuses due to the item not being included in the preceding regular meeting agenda. The Board unanimously approved bonuses for staff based on their positions: $3000 for the General Manager, $1500 for the Bookkeeper, and $500 for the Plant Operator, acknowledging staff dedication and efficient District operations.

The key discussion items for this Regular Board Meeting included the nomination and vote for Board Officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary). Under agenda content, topics covered included stakeholder collaborations for the Fire Hydrant Project, grant updates for DWR, EPA (WaterTA Grant), and Waterboards Grant 2025, as well as discussions regarding a Waterboard site visit. The board planned to discuss and vote on checking account balance review and reserve account disbursements, and updates to Policy 2340 (Utility Worker), Policy 2316 (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator), and Policy 2110 (Health and Welfare Benefit). A closed session was scheduled for the performance evaluation of the Plant Operator.