Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Kimberly Green.
Director Green moved the Fire Meeting Update agenda item to the top of the agenda.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
  Led by Kimberly Green
2. Roll Call
  
  Present: Stephen Graffweg, Kimberly Green, Arthur Tharpe, Stephen Voboril, Royce Raker
  
  Staff Present: Staff: 10 members, Public: 9+ members
Chester Fire and Peninsula Fire Meetings Update
GM Cox stated that he, Interim Chief Sonsteng, Directors Green and Tharpe met with the Peninsula Fire Chief Gray as well as 2 Peninsula Fire Board Members. The conversation was positive with the discussion of the future of Fire Service and EMS service in Chester, immediate and long term. The next meeting will be June 26th, hopeful LAFCo will be present. GM Cox introduced Interim Chief Rich Sonsteng (present). He was a current employee in the IMT program. He has been with us since 2019.
Cross Connection Control Policy
GM Cox stated that the state has had this in the works since 2021. The program will go into effect July 2025. We need to have our policy and procedures in place by then. A video was shown on how the district's water could be compromised without backflow devices in place. This program will affect every property in California. If we don't have the policy in place, there will be fines. UOM Homme stated existing devices, as well, will be made sure they are in compliance with the new standard.
New Policy Handbook
GM Cox stated that the policy packet should be voted on at the next board meeting. Director Graffweg asked about policy number 4200 regarding quorums and board decisions; the differences between needing 2/3 or 4/5 vote. GM Cox and Director Green explained that legal counsel confirmed that an "Abstain" vote is considered a "yes" vote in the scenario Mr. Graffweg described. It also is based on how many boards seats there are, not how many seats are filled that day.
2 board members stated they needed more time to review the policies.
Declare and Authorize a Public Works Emergency for the 4th Street Lift Station
GM Cox stated that experts gave their opinion on whether to rebuild or replace the pumps at 4th avenue lift station. The failing pumps are from 1998. The 2017 back up pump doesn't fit. An emergency fix is needed to replace the main pump.
Arthur Tharpe motioned to approve. Stephen Graffweg seconded the motion.

The motion passed with the following vote:
  5   In Favor         Opposed
     Abstained         Absent         Recused
Adjournment
Director Tharpe made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:20pm. Director Graffweg seconded the motion. 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