Chester Public Utility District
Minutes
Regular Meeting
January 23, 2024 05:30 PM
251 Chester Airport Rd, Chester, CA 96020
https://chesterpud.org

1. Call to Order
   The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Chair Kimberly Green.
   
   
   1. Pledge of Allegiance
      Led by Chair Kimberly Green
      
      
   2. Roll Call
      

      Present: Stephen Graffweg, Chair Kimberly Green, Royce Raker, Arthur Tharpe, Vice Chair Stephen Voboril

      Staff Present: 5

      
      
2. Agenda Approval

   Director Graffweg asked to move the "Public Comment Non-Agenda" item to the spot before Closed Session tonight and meetings going forward.  So moved.

3. Public Comments

   none 

4. Approval of Meeting Minutes

   The motion was made for all 4 sets of the meeting minutes presented.

   Arthur Tharpe motioned to approve. Stephen Graffweg seconded the motion.
   
   The motion passed with the following vote:
     5   In Favor         Opposed
        Abstained         Absent         Recused
   
   
5. Approve Financials

   GM Cox stated that the December 2023 property taxes have not yet been received.  All Inner Management Team funds have not yet been received. Water Fund is in the black. The Fire Fund is holding with the cost controls that are in place.  The Auditor is good with moving the uncollectible team funds from previous years out of receivables.  Cheryl to work with Mary Cheek on this.

   Director Green asked about deferred outflow. The Finance Committee is to work with Mary Cheek.

   PRA costs to date approximately 10K.

   Vice Chair Stephen Voboril motioned to approve. Arthur Tharpe seconded the motion.
   
   The motion passed with the following vote:
     5   In Favor         Opposed
        Abstained         Absent         Recused
   
   
6. General Manager Report: Adam Cox

   LAFCO letter received, Interest from Special Districts to participate on LAFCO Commission. Currently only Portola and Plumas County participate. Resolution needed by April 1st.

   Many town hall meetings scheduled to educate the public on the tax measures,

7. Fire Chief Report: Matthew Balzarini

   Power Point presentation given explaining the financial history of the Fire Department.

   Cal Fire will charge more than we are asking in our tax measures to  be the fire Service for Chester.

8. Utility Operations Manager: Allan Homme

   Will be out for 1 week for Cross-Connection Class.

   Justin and Coty are studying for their Wastewater Cert.

   4th Ave Lift Station needs headworks fixed.  Pace advising.

   Vision Lake roof Damage. We reshingled.

   16K to 20K to fix 36-year-old backhoe.

9. Appointment of Tax Measure Advisory Committee

   Joe Waterman is only letter of interest received.

   Tabled to see if by the February meeting, more applicants will apply.

10. Local Union Representatives

    1. Local 5317 / Chester Professional Firefighter's Association {CFD Safety}

       no comments

    2. Local 39 / Stationary Engineers (CPUD Misc.)

       no comments

11. Surplus of Equipment 

    Chief Balzarini stated he has a 1992, Type 3 that isn't worth fixing and the blower to the John Deere Tractor.

12. Closed Session
    1. Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 – Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release

    2. Conference with Labor Negotiators - 

       i. IAFF Local 5317 - Agency Negotiator: General Manager Adam Cox

    3. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2) or (3) - 1 potential case

13. Reconvene and Report on Closed Session

    8:10pm: Director Green reported discussion only, no action.

14. Public Comment: Non Agenda Items

    A public member asked if the 3K workshop was put to bid.  General Manager Cox stated that bid is not needed for professional services.

    It was clarified for the public that the law firm of Prentice Long is a month-to-month contract with no retainer. They specialize in Special Districts and have many other Districts they represent.

15. Comments

    Director Raker stated he was glad to be back on the board.

    Town Hall dates are: 2/6,3/12 and 4/9.

    CPUD emails should be dialed by next week.

16. Adjournment

    8:16pm Director Voboril made a motion to adjourn.  Director Tharpe seconded.  All in favor, motion carried.

Posted 3:21 pm on November 3, 2025

This agenda was posted on the front window of the office of the Chester Public Utility District located at 251 Chester Airport Rd., Chester California, at the Chester Post Office, Plumas Sun and at Chesterpud.org on November 3, 2025 3:21 pm by Cheryl Johnson, CPUD Clerk to the Board