Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Kimberly Green.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
  Led by Stephen Graffweg
2. Roll Call
  
  Present: Stephen Graffweg, Kimberly Green, Arthur Tharpe, Stephen Voboril
  
  Absent: Royce Raker
  
  Staff Present: 6
Agenda Approval
Director Green explained that the Committee that is presenting the White Paper, (Agenda item #6) got on today's agenda by going through the proper channels and submitting their presentation materials prior to the meeting for the GM and Board Chair to consider for agenda.
Stephen Voboril motioned to approve. Arthur Tharpe seconded the motion.

The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
Public Comments
Approval of Meeting Minutes
1. February 27, 2024 Regular Meeting
  
  A typo was pointed out and a motion was made to approve the minutes with said change.
  Stephen Voboril motioned to approve. Stephen Graffweg seconded the motion.
  
  The motion passed with the following vote:
  4 In Favor Opposed
  Abstained 1 Absent Recused
2. March 12, 2024 Special Meeting
  
  Director Green stated that when she called for Closed Session in the heat of the moment, that she had misspoke. She meant to call for recess to allow for emotions to calm down. She apologized. Director Voboril's motion was made to accept the minutes as written.
  Stephen Voboril motioned to approve. Arthur Tharpe seconded the motion.
  
  The motion passed with the following vote:
  4 In Favor Opposed
  Abstained 1 Absent Recused
Approve Financials
GM Cox stated that the funds and cash look similar to last month. Next month will look differently as we have received taxes from Plumas County in March.
Fire fund is doing better. We have 354K in receivables still due to us from last summer's wild land incidents.
Director Voboril stated he has been approached by community members regarding the OPEB Liability and the Fire Deficit.
GM Cox stated that a streetlight tax is needed, otherwise it is paid from the water ad valorem tax. Clerk Johnson added that the deficit in the streetlight fund is cleared out every June with a journal entry. GM Cox stated that solar may be an option through our water grant. That research part of the Grant hasn't begun yet. Main St. streetlights are not paid by CPUD.
GM Cox explained that the sewer grant project is still 2 to 3 years away. The water grant has had a legislature set back regarding funding.
Stephen Graffweg motioned to approve. Arthur Tharpe seconded the motion.

The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
Presentation: White Paper regarding Measures B and C
One of the 6 members of the officially formed, through the state, (PAC) Political Action Committee stated that they are a committee to advocate for voting yes on the 2 tax measures for the Fire Department. They have prepared the "White Paper" which consists of an unbiased deep dive of facts which are backed up with evidence as well as recommendations to the board. Director Tharpe suggested giving the board more time to review the document and would like to see this on next month's agenda. Director Green asked the board to be prepared to discuss the committee's recommendations.
General Manager Report: Adam Cox
2 Education pieces will be sent out before the election. The county will be mailing ballots out on April 8th.
Working with consultants regarding OPEB. Information for the board regarding retiree health at the next meeting.
Recommendation to the board to create and Ad Hoc committee to research the Cross Connection Ordinance and state mandates. Staff has targeted July 1, 2024 for ordinance approval.
EMCC meetings are be held without Chester's involvement. It was understood that NorCal EMS and all Basin providers would all be invited to those conversations per the Plumas County Board of Supervisor.
Chief Balzarini was not present as he is on vacation. GM Cox presented the Chief's report to the board. Chief Balzarini is resigning. Discussions on if the position will be contracted out or filled are in the works. No confirmed date on Chief Balzarini's last day.
Fire Chief Report: Matthew Balzarini
This report was covered in the General Manager's report, as Chief Balzarini was not in attendance.
Utility Operations Manager: Allan Homme
UOM Homme stated:
He will be testing for his D3 Certificate in April.
Coty Pettit will be attending the Expo in April
2017 over heating issues are fixed.
2003 charging issues are fixed.
Title 17 sunsets July 2025 and we will need to have a cross connection control policy and ordinance in place before then.
Director Green recognized Director Voboril and Director Graffweg as the Ad Hoc Committee to research the Cross Connection/Back Flow Program. Operator Pettit gave some examples of how the system could get contaminated without a back flow devise installed: Hose to a swimming pool, and flushing hydrants. The public was asked by Director Green to bring their concerns regarding cost to the homeowner, opting out options etc. to the Ad Hoc Committee meeting for the committee to research.
Update from Board Policy Ad Hoc Committee
Director Tharpe stated he has gone through all the CSDA policy templates, some did not pertain to this district. He will get them loaded on a flash drive next.
Local Union Representatives
1. Local 5317 / Chester Professional Firefighter's Association (CFD Safety)
2. Local 39 / Stationary Engineers (CPUD Misc.)
  
  none
Update Resolution #410 Credit Card Holders and Limits
GM Cox stated this is a housekeeping item. The updates include removing previous employees and increasing the $500.00 limit to $1000.00. There is policy in place on how items are purchased, approved, and verified by receipt.
Stephen Voboril motioned to approve. Arthur Tharpe seconded the motion.

The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
Public Comment: Non Agenda Items
Ms. Montandon stated she was misquoted from several meetings. That she was not on the board during the Grand Jury report. That the board violated the Brown Act when they called to go to Closed Session 3-12-2024.
Mr. Waterman stated he was on the Board during the Grand Jury report.
Mr. Dewitt stated that the Cedar St. pipe issue that was discussed at the meeting was not included in the minutes.
Mrs. Tharpe read a letter to the board from her brother, (not present) regarding his concerns of losing a fire department.
Closed Session
1. Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 – Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release
2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2) or (3) - 1 potential case
Reconvene and Report on Closed Session
The board went to closed session: 6:55pm
The Board reconvened: 7:30pm
Director Green stated that it was information only, and no action was needed.
Correspondence
None
Comments
Director Green shared her gratitude for the Lieutenant on duty who responded to 21 calls in 27 days himself.
Adjournment
Director Voboril made a motion to adjourn at 7:42pm. Director Graffweg seconded the motion. All in favor, motion adjourned.

Posted 3:18 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 3:18 pm by Cheryl Johnson, CPUD Clerk to the Board