Joseph M. Huston

The agenda for this Regular Board Meeting included discussions and potential actions on the approval of minutes from the January 14, 2026 meeting. Reports were scheduled from the Board Chairman and committees (Parks & Rec, Treasurer). Key action items involved approving invoices, receiving operational reports from the Manager and Operations staff, and addressing new business items such as considering a customer letter requesting a delayed shutoff and reviewing new service agreement documentation. The February 11, 2026 meeting agenda also noted that security cameras would be installed next month at Two Rivers Park parking area, restroom, and pavilion, and that the Green Infrastructure Grant was nearing completion.

The agenda for the meeting included committee reports covering Parks & Recreation and Treasurer updates, approval of invoices, and operational reports from staff. New business focused on considering new committee members for Finance, Policies and Procedures, and Parks. The content also documents minutes from a prior Regular Board Meeting held in December 2025, which included the approval of invoices, comprehensive reports on engineering projects like McArthur Wells #1 and #2, park maintenance updates, a treasurer's report showing strong financial health, and staff reports detailing ongoing projects and staff changes, such as the departure of the Staff Engineer. Furthermore, the December meeting included approval for a $200,000 Grant Advance Loan MOU with Golden State Finance Authority, secured by the Wastewater Project.

The meeting served as a Town Hall regarding the potential transition from septic systems to sewer service in the MacArthur area. Although titled a Special Meeting, it was conducted as a Regular Meeting due to the number of elected board members present. Key discussion centered on an unprecedented funding opportunity through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which offers 100% grant funding for septic-to-sewer projects for small, disadvantaged communities, with no grant cap. The presentation outlined the required steps, including updating the scope, cost estimate, and environmental document, noting that a critical 12-month environmental review period must begin soon to meet the June 2024 funding agreement deadline. Preliminary project scope included serving MacArthur, the Highway 299 corridor, the Fairgrounds (excluding the RV park), the Sierra Center subdivision, and the Fall River golf course. Infrastructure upgrades, particularly to lift stations, were noted as necessary. A question and answer session addressed project costs (estimated at $33 million), the elimination of leach fields, the process for funding private property work (lateral connection and septic tank abandonment), and the requirement for property owners to connect to the new system, which is governed by Shasta County code, typically triggered upon septic system failure.

The board meeting included reports on parks, finances, and operations. Parks updates covered construction schedules, electrical work, and a quote for picnic tables funded by a Green Infrastructure grant. The Treasurer's Report detailed revenue, expenses, and grant activity, noting significant funds allocated for reimbursement. The Operations Report mentioned DOT inspections, fire protection backflow testing, and road repairs. A grant for equipment was submitted. Updates were provided on water loss, bacterial samples, and report submissions. The Manager's Report included updates on the Wastewater Expansion Project, Test Well Project, Water System Improvement Project, McArthur Well improvements, and the Pine Grove Mobile Home Park project. The board considered and approved a resolution for the Pine Grove Mobile Home Park System Consolidation Project.

The meeting included reports on parks, including the annual monitoring scheduled for Two Rivers Park, and updates on the PG&E Use Agreement. The Treasurer's Report indicated that total revenue was around the budgeted amount for the year, and total expenses were just under budget. The Operations Report discussed fixing a blockage issue at the elementary school, installing a pressure transmitter at the booster station, completing the EAR, and installing DCVA units at the fairgrounds. The Manager's Report covered the Wastewater System Expansion and Water Improvement Construction Grant application, the Test Well Project, and the Fall River Valley Well Infrastructure Project. The board considered and approved a 2.75% increase in COLA for 2026.