Indian Valley Community Services District
Minutes
Regular Meeting
May 28, 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: Chair Kristine Gorbet, Director Wanda Carpenter, Director Mary Cronin, Director Andy Meyers, Director Susan Doran
Staff Present: Coordinator, 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
During public comment, community members expressed a wide range of views, highlighting both strong support for and significant concerns about the current leadership and legal representation of the Indian Valley Community Services District.
Crystal Lanager raised concerns about rising legal fees and the financial impact on staffing.
Dave Schrammel noted the clear division within the community and board, emphasizing longstanding community ties and support for General Manager from residents who vouched for his integrity and contributions. Several commenters defended Sue Weber and Tyler Pew against accusations, citing their personal and professional reputations.
Karen questioned financial transparency, particularly regarding IVRPD funds, while Sue Weber responded that all related financial records are publicly available and invited anyone to review them.
Laura Wheeler presented documents, including a grand jury report from Trinity County involving the district’s current legal counsel, and raised potential Brown Act concerns. She urged the board to consider these issues and possibly agendize them for future meetings. Tensions arose over meeting procedures, including perceived favoritism in speaker recognition, time limits for public comments, and whether the meeting was being run as a public board meeting or a town hall.
Cindy questioned the appropriateness of a board member resigning mid-meeting at a previous meeting and returning later, emphasizing the need for consistent leadership. The chairperson clarified meeting procedures, reaffirming the intent to allow all speakers a chance to be heard while also moving forward with agenda items.
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Agenda Approval
A request was made to amend the agenda to include a closed session under Government Code 54957 regarding a potential contract termination related to the general manager. However, it was noted that such an amendment requires 24-hour notice and could not be added without proper procedure. Board members were reminded that future agenda items must be requested in writing or by email and require board agreement for inclusion. A separate motion was made by to adjust the order of items 15 and 16, though some members preferred not to reschedule them due to the presence of individuals prepared to report. Board approved 3-2 to move closed session items to below item 4. Approval of Meeting Minutes.
Director Susan Doran motioned to approve. Director Wanda Carpenter seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
3 In Favor 2 Opposed
0 Abstained 0 Absent 0 Recused
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Approval of Meeting Minutes
Andy motioned, Wanda seconded to approve April 23 minutes.
Mary motioned, Krisi seconded to approve May 21 minutes.
Director Andy Meyers motioned to approve. Director Wanda Carpenter seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
5 In Favor 0 Opposed
0 Abstained 0 Absent 0 Recused
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Closed Session
- Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 – Public Employee Appointment
General ManagerBefore moving into closed session, several community members spoke. A former CSD employee said that during her time there, operations were transparent and well-documented. She felt the general manager hadn’t been treated fairly and that the board should have worked with him more directly if there were performance concerns. She also expressed disappointment that years of rebuilding public trust were being undone.
Another speaker questioned whether the district's legal counsel was acting in the best interest of the CSD or the general manager and raised concerns about how a recent meeting was handled. One person expressed frustration over a lack of clear financial information. Another said it appeared some board members and the public were being silenced or treated unfairly, and that had raised red flags.
One speaker supported removing the general manager, citing ethical concerns and irregularities. A long-time resident and former school board member urged the board to work together respectfully and transparently to avoid repeating past mistakes seen in other local institutions.
The board entered closed session at 6:13 p.m.
- Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 – Public Employee Appointment
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Closed Session
- Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2) or (3)
Official Statement out of closed session: We have given direction to staff
- Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2) or (3)
- General Manager Report
Public Safety Center – Phase 1:
Bids were received, with the lowest bid coming in well below the $1.5 million budget. Contracts need to be signed and bonding secured. To access the grant funds from Plumas County, the bid package, construction drawings, and project budget must be submitted.Project Financing:
A loan will be needed to complete construction of the Public Safety Center. This can move forward once the 2023–24 budget is finalized and approved. The auditor expects the budget to be ready in about four weeks (as of the May 21 meeting).Budget Deadline:
The board must adopt a new budget by June 30 to legally continue district spending beyond that date.Park Renovation Grant:
A funding request was submitted to the Dixie Fire Collaborative for the park renovation project. No response has been received yet. This request was for $100,000, to be combined with additional funds from the North Valley Community Foundation, Indian Valley Recreation and Park District (IVRP), and Little League.Rate Study:
A draft of the rate study has been received. It needs to be reviewed and feedback provided to the consultant.FEMA BRIC Grant – Round Valley Reservoir:
Plumas County has confirmed that its BRIC grant (for studying nature-based hazard mitigation at Round Valley Reservoir) is still active. Sherwood Consulting has been selected for the study. Sherwood was involved in the Indian Valley Conceptual Master Infrastructure Plan, which will aid in future grant applications.-
Utilities Manager Report
See report. Charles Slagter has joined as the new Utilities Manager and is off to a strong start. Major construction continues along Highway 89, including culvert replacements and electrical work, which has required careful coordination as it impacts the District’s water main. A planned water main shutdown on May 20 was delayed due to incorrect materials, and a second shutdown on May 22 required a wider area of Greenville to be affected, followed by a boil water notice. The pipeline had to be relocated to meet Caltrans requirements. Plumas County, which is under contract to maintain the Greenville Streetscape until September 2025, has failed to meet obligations, resulting in dead landscaping; the District is now taking over and requesting compensation. The solar project at the pool is complete, with testing to follow once the pool is filled. New playground equipment is being installed and looks great. Personnel updates include the resignation of one staff member, the hiring of Lucas Montoya, and the promotion of Sommer Cunningham to Field Supervisor. Staff expressed pride in their work and commitment to the community.
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Fire Department Report
No report.
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Financial Report Review
For public transparency, only board members are authorized to sign checks. The QuickBooks entry in question (QB-19476) reflects payroll via direct deposit. The District uses Plumas Bank for paying bills, Umpqua Bank for customer online payments and employee credit cards, and a CLASS investment account to hold most reserve funds, including post-fire recovery funds (approx. $6 million). Grants written for Tehama County are held by Plumas County under IRWM (Integrated Regional Water Management), and those funds are reimbursable. The smaller grant was administered by the county and is now complete; the larger one, from the Department of Water Resources, is ongoing with Adam managing the project. Sauer’s Engineering provides engineering services but is not the project manager. In response to recent public statements, Adam has secured $12 million in funding to date, with the total expected to exceed $20 million once the PG&E settlement is finalized. The District is tracking public records requests and will assist requestors as needed.
Director Andy Meyers motioned to approve. Director Mary Cronin seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
5 In Favor 0 Opposed
0 Abstained 0 Absent 0 Recused
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IRWM Project - Notice of Completion and acceptance of the project as complete
Susan confirmed that the IRWM Water Efficiency Improvement Project is 100% complete, with a question of the final cost matching the original estimate. A final retention invoice is ready to be submitted, along with the request for reimbursement. The Board also unanimously approved the Notice of Completion for the project and authorized finance staff to proceed with final documentation. This housekeeping action formally closes out the project and allows the District to receive the remaining grant funds.
Director Susan Doran motioned to approve. Director Andy Meyers seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
5 In Favor 0 Opposed
0 Abstained 0 Absent 0 Recused
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Public Safety Center (PSC) Bid Opening
Staff notified the Board that bids for the Public Safety Center were opened on May 22nd, and an apparent low bidder was identified. Board members expressed concern over the significant difference in bid. While this item was listed as a possible action, no decision was made during the meeting. Staff confirmed that no action is required at this time. The Board agreed to table the decision and add the item to a special meeting agenda on Monday for further discussion and possible action.
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2025-002 PSC Reimbursement Resolution
The Board discussed the PSD Reimbursement Resolution 2025-002, which declares the District’s intent to seek reimbursement for eligible expenses related to the issuance of tax-exempt financing for the Public Safety Center project. Staff clarified that the resolution does not commit the District to a loan but preserves the option to reimburse itself from future financing, if secured. Board members expressed uncertainty about loan terms, with some recalling discussions of low-interest USDA loans that may not be realistic. A question was also raised about whether the District is earning interest on federal funds, which it is not. Due to a desire for further review, the Board voted to table the item and place it on the agenda for the upcoming special meeting on Monday.
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Dissolution & Consolidation of CMFPD - Response Discussion
The Board briefly discussed the dissolution of the Crescent Mills Fire Department and its consolidation under Indian Valley CSD. It was noted that the CMFD has been effectively declared defunct, with LAFCo having initiated the dissolution process. Board members remarked that the official LAFCo correspondence lacked specific details, but it was understood that the District is assuming responsibility for CMFD's service area. No action was taken, as the matter was informational. It was reaffirmed for the public that IVCSD supports the consolidation and will continue fire service in Crescent Mills.
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Vehicles to be Declared Surplus
The Board reviewed a request to declare two vehicles—a 1997 Dodge 3500 and a 1997 Dodge 5000—as surplus, based on the Utility Manager’s determination that they are beyond repair. The intent is to remove them from service, with disposal options including donation or sale. The Board unanimously approved the motion to declare the vehicles surplus and proceed with their removal.
Director Mary Cronin motioned to approve. Director Susan Doran seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
5 In Favor 0 Opposed
0 Abstained 0 Absent 0 Recused
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Consider delegation of Greenville Park Renovation Project Management to IVRPD
Kaley emphasized the importance of both the Greenville Park Renovation and the Wolf Creek projects. The Greenville Park project, valued around $600,000–$750,000, involves multiple community partners and aims to enhance a key recreational site hosting major events. IVRPD requested delegation to manage this project to ensure progress and coordination. The Wolf Creek project is a proposed $2 million effort with grant deadlines later this year but requires further discussion. The Board approved delegating management authority to IVRPD for the Greenville Park Renovation only, while tabling the Wolf Creek project for consideration at the special meeting on Monday.
Chair Kristine Gorbet motioned to approve. Director Wanda Carpenter seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
5 In Favor 0 Opposed
0 Abstained 0 Absent 0 Recused
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Adjournment
Susan motioned, Mary seconded. All in favor. Adjournment at 8:11pm