Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:32 pm by Kimberly Green.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
  Led by Arthur Tharpe
2. Roll Call
  
  Present: Stephen Graffweg, Kimberly Green, Arthur Tharpe, Stephen Voboril
  
  Absent: Royce Raker
  
  Staff Present: 5 staff. 20+ public members.
Agenda Approval 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. March 26, 2024 Regular Meeting
  Arthur Tharpe motioned to approve. Stephen Voboril seconded the motion.
  
  The motion passed with the following vote:
  4 In Favor Opposed
  Abstained 1 Absent Recused
Approve Financials
GM Cox stated that all funds are holding steady.
The water fund should increase with spring meter readings.
Might be able to move funds to the investment account soon.
Stephen Graffweg motioned to approve. Stephen Voboril seconded the motion.

The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
General Manager Report: Adam Cox
GM Cox stated that a new insurance group is picking up our general liability insurance which will save us 43K approx.. The same group is looking at taking on our vehicle insurance and possibly other portions. No pools are entertaining employer liability currently.
The board and he watched a webinar on AB1935 which is going on the state ballot in November. If passed, it will invalidate every tax revenue and fee that has been put in place retro to 2022. Director Green stated that our regional representative with CSDA suggested that we, as a board, send a letter against AB1935.
Agenda Item #8: GM Cox stated that Operation Utility Manager, Homme is not available to give a report, so GM Cox gave some highlights:
State Water Board was in town to do a site visit. They will get us a report on their findings supported with suggestions.
Still recruiting for a full-time maintenance worker.
A cross connection ad hoc meeting needs to be scheduled.
Fire Chief Report: Matthew Balzarini
Chief Balzarini shared a power point to show the fire department's history and financial needs.
He is asking SIFC for a report to show how many calls come into dispatch for Chester when we are out of service.
His last day is May 31, 2024.
Utility Operations Manager: Allan Homme
See GM Report, Agenda Item #6.
Plumas County Emergency Medical Care Committee (EMCC) Update regarding Basin EMS
Director Tharpe shared that the EMCC are searching for a better solution for ambulance coverage for Chester. The question was asked if CPUD/Chester Fire would house a Peninsula ambulance and crew at no charge.
It was decided that the board has a fiscal responsibility, legal due diligence to follow and would need a written proposal to begin those conversations with Peninsula Fire. Direction was given to staff to begin said conversations and to research the rules on such an idea.
Mr. Brady, a Seneca Hospital Rep. stated that a similar agreement is in place between Hamilton Branch Fire and Peninsula Fire and advised using that as a template. GAAP analysis was explained regarding having a physical staffed ambulance in the district.
Mr. Waterman stated that the committee is hoping to have a long-term solution by July 1st for ambulance services in Chester.
Board Policy Ad Hoc Committee Update
Director Tharpe stated he was 95% of the way finished with converting the CSDA policy templates to conform to CPUD/CFD.
Discussion on White Paper for Measures B and C
Director Green asked the board for thoughts on the recommendations made to the board within the White Paper.
She pointed out that parcel taxation was our only avenue for revenue for fire as the measures read. Prop.13 doesn't allow for taxing parcels based on assessment values; it was looked into.
She reiterated that tax revenue oversite committees were approved at a previous board meeting.
Director Voboril stated that the insurance issues have been resolved.
Director Green proposed having a static planning, special meeting in July, after the budget process.
Local Union Representatives
1. Local 5317 / Chester Professional Firefighter's Association (CFD Safety)
  
  no one present.
2. Local 39 / Stationary Engineers (CPUD Misc.)
  
  none at this time.
Public Comment: Non Agenda Items
Ms. Montandon stated again that she was misquoted at a round table discussion.
Ms. Kassebaum with the Chester Chamber thanked the Fire Department for helping take down the Christmas Tree at the park on such short notice.
Ms. Gray stated that 1600 signatures were collected and submitted to Plumas County to recall the 4 board members. She and another public member asked the board to resign ahead of the recall potentially going on the November Ballot.
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 of Directors went to Closed Session at 7:20pm and reconvened at 8:05pm. Director Green reported that no action was taken as it was informational only.
Correspondence
none.
Comments
Chief Balzarini thanked the board and the General Manager for all they try to do for the district and the community.
Adjournment
Director Voboril made a motion to adjourn at 8:08pm. Director Tharpe seconded the motion. All in favor, motion adjourned.

Posted 3:19 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 3:19 pm by Cheryl Johnson, CPUD Clerk to the Board