Indian Valley Community Services District
Minutes
Special Meeting
July 16, 2025 04:00 PM
127 Crescent St., Suite 1, Greenville, CA 95947
https://www.indianvalleycsd.com/
-
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 4:01 pm by Director Wanda Carpenter.
-
Roll Call
Present: Director Wanda Carpenter, Director Andy Meyers, Director Susan Doran, Director Dan Kearns
Absent: Director Roger Cherry
-
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Director Wanda Carpenter
-
Roll Call
-
Approve Agenda
Director Susan Doran motioned to approve. Director Andy Meyers seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
-
BRIC grant workshop - Tracey Ferguson
Planning Director Tracey Ferguson provided an overview of the BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) grant project awarded to Plumas County in partnership with Indian Valley CSD. The $499,950 planning and scoping grant—secured through Cal OES and FEMA—will support feasibility-level work for the Round Valley Reservoir Climate Adaptation and Nature-Based Solutions Project, with no construction funding included at this stage. Ferguson explained that a preferred consultant has already been identified through the County’s procurement process and is ready for Board of Supervisors approval. The District is listed as a partner on the grant and has been included for reimbursable staff time under Task 2 (Project Management) and Task 7 (Community Outreach), with work expected to begin in August and run through December 2026. The grant’s scope focuses on evaluating existing infrastructure, such as repiping from the reservoir and the aging dam, exploring alternative uses including micro-hydroelectric power and non-potable water supply for fire suppression and irrigation, and assessing environmental and community needs through stakeholder engagement. Ferguson emphasized that this is a "plan for a plan"—a feasibility study designed to tee up future shovel-ready projects and prepare the District to seek additional construction funding. Board members raised questions about the dam’s condition, reservoir sedimentation, vegetation overgrowth, and the feasibility of a dual water system. There were concerns about ongoing maintenance responsibilities, potential cost burdens to ratepayers, and long-term staffing needs if infrastructure like hydroelectric systems were implemented. Ferguson clarified that FEMA funding generally supports improvements, not deferred maintenance, and that nature-based solutions—such as watershed improvements and sediment control—are a key part of the grant framework. The study will include cost-benefit analysis and operational considerations. The Board expressed support for continued participation, with several directors noting the opportunity to prioritize dam safety and raw water line upgrades. A motion was made and approved to continue supporting the BRIC grant project and authorize staff involvement. Ferguson will proceed to finalize the consultant agreement and coordinate the project kickoff later this summer.
Director Dan Kearns motioned to approve. Director Susan Doran seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
-
Reinstate Committees & Assign Members
Personnel & Planning Committee - supports the District’s long-term goals and operational effectiveness by focusing on strategic planning and the welfare of District staff. Responsibilities include developing plans to achieve District objectives and reviewing staffing functions such as operations, compensation, and employee well-being.
The Board previously committed to holding a Personnel Committee meeting to finalize the General Manager job description prior to the regular Board meeting scheduled for July 23, 2025.
The Board discussed separating Personnel from Planning functions, noting that personnel matters such as staffing, job descriptions, and compensation reviews are better managed as a focused committee. It was agreed to discontinue the combined “Personnel and Planning” format and operate only a Personnel Committee going forward. The Board agreed to dissolve the Planning part of this Committee, noting that strategic planning functions will instead be addressed during full board planning workshops. Susan Doran and Dan Kearns were assigned.
Director Susan Doran motioned to approve. Director Dan Kearns seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
Finance Committee - financial management of the District, including the preparation of an annual budget and major expenditures.
Finance Committee will lead the initial review of the proposedly FY2025/26 District Budget; with the responsibility to evaluate, revise, and then recommend the draft to the full Board for final consideration and adoption.
The Finance Committee was reinstated to support upcoming budget development and financial oversight. It was noted that the General Manager must participate in the committee until the role is permanently filled. Discussion also covered member availability and the importance of maintaining continuity. Wanda Carpenter and Roger Cherry were assigned
Director Susan Doran motioned to approve. Director Dan Kearns seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
Ad-Hoc Policy Review Committee - reviews, updates, and recommends District policies and procedures to ensure consistency, compliance, and effective governance.
The Board to revisit the previously formed Ad-Hoc Policy Review Committee, which was established to evaluate and update outdated or unclear policies but has not advanced since its inception. The Board may choose to reaffirm its purpose, reassign members, or formally dissolve it if no longer needed.
Dissolved and merged with Ordinance as a standing committee
Director Susan Doran motioned to approve. Director Dan Kearns seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
Public Relations Committee - Ensures information about District affairs is shared appropriately with the public.
Although considered a lower priority at this time, the Public Relations Committee was reinstated to support communication efforts, public updates, and outreach via the website or written materials. Dan Kearns and Susan Doran assigned.
Director Susan Doran motioned to approve. Director Dan Kearns seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
Ordinance Committee– Reviews ordinances, resolutions, and policies (except personnel-related ones).
The Board agreed to combine the Ordinance and Policy Committees due to the interrelated nature of these areas. It was noted that this committee will be responsible for aligning existing policies with current ordinances and ensuring consistency across governance documents. Susan Doran and Wanda Carpenter were assigned.
Director Susan Doran motioned to approve. Director Dan Kearns seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
IVASA Committee - Confirmation of what this Committee's role is Requested as it is not described in Policy 4060.
The Board acknowledged that the IVASA Committee was dissolved years ago and formally agreed to remove it from the policy manual.
Director Susan Doran motioned to approve. Director Dan Kearns seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
-
Ordinance Update
The Board held a detailed discussion on a proposed ordinance amendment to establish a formal policy for voluntary shutoff and reconnection of water and sewer utility services. The goal of the ordinance is to offer property owners a consistent and equitable method for temporarily pausing service—particularly during vacancy, rebuilding, or short-term financial hardship—without sacrificing their connection or capacity rights. While the Board recognized the urgency of enacting a policy that relieves ongoing monthly minimum charges for vacant or unoccupied properties, concerns were raised about fairness, outstanding balances, and legal defensibility. Some members noted that several property owners have accumulated significant unpaid balances and may never bring their accounts current under current rules, while others have continued to pay their bills consistently throughout the post-fire period. Directors acknowledged the complexity of retroactive fairness and stressed that this ordinance should not attempt to rewrite past billing decisions but rather set a clear, forward-moving policy. There was consensus that legal review is essential due to the financial and legal implications of the ordinance. Additional research will also be conducted by contacting other fire-impacted jurisdictions such as Paradise to learn how they addressed similar challenges. Staff and the newly reformed Ordinance & Policy Committee will work together to refine the draft, incorporate legal counsel’s input, and explore options such as repayment plans or reduced balances for qualifying customers. The Board unanimously agreed to table the item pending further legal and policy review.
Director Susan Doran motioned to approve. Director Dan Kearns seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
-
2025-002 PSC Reimbursement Resolution
The Board reviewed Resolution No. 2025-002, known as the PSC Reimbursement Resolution, which would allow the District to seek reimbursement for prior expenditures related to the Public Safety Center project if future financing, such as a USDA loan, were secured. However, before discussion could proceed, the District received confirmation that Indian Valley CSD’s federal appropriations requests—$2.2 million and $4 million submitted through Senators Feinstein and Padilla’s offices—were not selected for funding. Only four California projects were awarded under this appropriations cycle, and IVCSD’s requests were not among them. In light of this development, the Board unanimously agreed to table Resolution 2025-002 until such time as new funding sources are identified or the Board elects to pursue financing independently. Staff will retain the resolution language for potential use at a later date.
-
Adjournment
Susan motioned, Andy seconded. Unanimous vote to adjourn at 5:20pm