Indian Valley Community Services District
Minutes
Regular Meeting
April 23, 2025 05:30 PM
127 Crescent St., Suite 1, Greenville, CA 95947
https://www.indianvalleycsd.com/
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Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Chair Kristine Gorbet.
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Roll Call
Present: Director Wanda Carpenter, Chair Kristine Gorbet, Director Mary Cronin, Director Andy Meyers, Director Susan Doran
Staff Present: General Manager, Utilities Manager, Board Clerk
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Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Chair Kristine Gorbet
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Roll Call
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Public Comments
A member of the public encouraged the Board to consider conducting a new nexus study related to water and sewer rates and inquired about when the last study was completed. The GM advised that we are currently in the process of conducting this study.
Appreciation was expressed for the work of the General Manager and Board members, with encouragement to continue collaborating with the County, Recreation District, and the broader community for the benefit of Greenville. David Schramel thanked the Board for its service and emphasized that the Services District functions as the primary local government in the Valley, particularly following the Dixie Fire. He urged the District to broaden its role beyond water, sewer, and fire services, suggesting a need for expansion and innovative thinking. He advocated for Dixie Fire recovery funds to remain in Greenville and expressed concern about the lack of local representation within the school district (PUSD). He also encouraged the Board to consider developing a comprehensive plan for the future of the Valley, if one does not already exist.
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Consent Agenda
motioned to approve. seconded the motion.
The motion failed with the following vote:
In Favor Opposed
Abstained Absent Recused
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Approve of Special Meeting Minutes - March 5, 2025
Director Mary Cronin motioned to approve. Chair Kristine Gorbet seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
3 In Favor Opposed
2 Abstained Absent Recused
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Approval of Minutes for Board Meeting - March 26, 2025
Director Mary Cronin motioned to approve. Chair Kristine Gorbet seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
5 In Favor Opposed
Abstained Absent Recused
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Approval of Special Meeting Minutes, April 3, 2025
Director Mary Cronin motioned to approve. Director Andy Meyers seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
5 In Favor Opposed
Abstained Absent Recused
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Approval of Special Meeting Minutes, April 9, 2025
Director Mary Cronin motioned to approve. Director Andy Meyers seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
5 In Favor Opposed
Abstained Absent Recused
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Finance Committee Report and Financials Review
The General Manager clarified that the financials included in the board packet are standard-format reports, while a simplified version was distributed by staff for easier discussion. The Chair led a department-by-department review, noting that Admin, Lighting, Fire, and Parks are funded by property taxes and settlement interest, as they lack independent revenue streams. Board members requested more information on the financials. The GM suggested Board members submit questions in advance to allow staff to tailor future financial summaries accordingly.
Board Member Andy reviewed the September 30th report, highlighting discrepancies and referencing auditor notes, which the GM addressed by explaining the auditing process. Public comment recalled a prior issue involving undocumented funds flagged by the auditor as an error.
The GM explained how general fund expenses are allocated across departments and emphasized that budgeted deficit spending is intentional, largely tied to deferred maintenance and capital projects. Public comment included calls for clearer line items—such as "professional services"—and questioned how large capital projects (e.g., fire station construction) are budgeted separately from operating funds.
Board members supported holding a special meeting to further review financials, coordinate with the auditor and controller, and prepare for budget adoption by June 30. There was also a request for auditor-led training for Board members. The GM noted that the audit, previously delayed due to tax season, is now expected to be completed within the next month.
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General Manager Report: By Adam Cox
The GM provided an update on the Public Safety Center (PSC) project, noting that a mandatory walkthrough for Phase 1—focused on earthwork, drainage, and new access points—was held with approximately ten contractors in attendance. Since then, additional local contractors expressed interest after missing the initial walkthrough; a second walkthrough is scheduled to allow broader participation. The bid opening, originally scheduled for April 30, has been delayed to allow for this, with a lowest responsible bidder expected to be identified by the May board meeting. The County's financial contribution, structured as a grant rather than a loan, is what enables the project to proceed at this time.
The GM reported that the Fire Department is in a transition period, with training progressing well. Staff are pursuing a 50/50 matching grant through CAL OES that would allow for up to $40,000 in equipment purchases, half of which would be reimbursed, similar to prior grants used for volunteer turnout gear.
Staff has also been working to resolve issues related to a COVID arrearage grant awarded last June. An error in the formula used led to credits being mistakenly applied to many water/sewer accounts; as a result, funds must be returned to the state. Customers with significant credit reversals will be contacted proactively, with payment plans available. Staff will return to the Board to address write-offs for closed accounts. No penalties or interest will be assessed.
The General Manager also reiterated that the water and sewer rate study is underway, with results expected to help determine whether rates must increase to achieve revenue neutrality.
Additional updates included the discovery that the surface of the Taylorsville pool is beyond repair. IVRPD has approved funding for resurfacing and tiling. IVCSD will pay for the resurfacing and be fully reimbursed by IVRPD.
The GM noted that a mediation session with PG&E was scheduled for April 24, with hopes that settlement offers will continue to improve.
Lastly, the new Utilities Operations Manager is set to begin work on May 19.
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Utility Operations Manager Report: By Mike Sundby
See Report. The Utility Manager provided a detailed report on recent and ongoing utility projects. Staff measured piping to verify billing accuracy from Dig IT, working closely with the District’s engineer. A new lift station installation in Calais is nearing completion, with PG&E finalizing electrical service and generator work; construction has proceeded smoothly and is expected to be complete by Friday. A one-year warranty is in place for all newly installed pits. PG&E also returned to pull wire through buried conduit. The District received a new backhoe and lawnmower, and a new connex office was installed to better support field operations.
The Utility Manager also updated the Board on the Taylorsville pool: although a solar system has been installed, the existing plaster is in poor condition. Staff advised against filling the pool prior to resurfacing. Additionally, the generator for the lift station on Highway 89, purchased in 1999, needs replacement.
Long-term project goals include painting water storage tanks, completing perimeter fencing at the Greenville and Crescent Mills plants (not yet done due to high costs), and improving access to the water plant. The District is also working toward a full meter upgrade and Christie box replacements to allow efficient meter reading. Other priorities include exploring an early warning system for the dam. While Plumas County had secured a $400,000 FEMA grant for the Round Valley Reservoir, the BRIC program that funded it has since been canceled. Lastly, the Utility Manager emphasized the need for a comprehensive backflow prevention program, acknowledging that it will be a significant undertaking.
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Greenville Park Renovation Plan and Budget
The General Manager is requesting approval from the board for the following:
-General Project Approval
-Budget of $750,000 pending funds raised
-IVCSD contribution of $100,000
During public comment, support was voiced for a broader scope that includes basketball courts and additional amenities, emphasizing that this would be a valuable win for the community, with enthusiasm for the idea of hosting night games with functioning lights. Separately, the GM noted that staff is currently exploring several solutions to address an ongoing rodent problem.
Director Andy Meyers motioned to approve. Director Mary Cronin seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
5 In Favor Opposed
Abstained Absent Recused
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Swimming Pool Manager Job Description and Pay Range
The board is required to adopt job descriptions and set pay rates for all public employees. IVRPD has requested that a new classification be added—a full-time but seasonal Pool Manager position. The Pool Manager will be responsible for overseeing operations and supporting pool revenue during the season. Staff recommends adopting the job description and setting the pay range at $20.18 to $24.53 per hour.
Director Wanda Carpenter motioned to approve. Director Andy Meyers seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
5 In Favor Opposed
Abstained Absent Recused
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Closed Session
- Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 – Public Employee
Discipline/Dismissal/Release
No notes
- Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2) or (3)
No notes
- Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 – Public Employee
Discipline/Dismissal/Release
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Board Member Comments/Requests
No comments
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Adjournment
8:30pm