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10/19/2024 Letter from the General Manager

Dear Cambrians,

We are pleased to provide an update regarding the progress of our Coastal Development Permit (CDP) application for the Water Reclamation Facility. As you may know, this project is an important step toward addressing critical infrastructure needs for our community, and we are committed to keeping you informed throughout the process.

We recently submitted the permit application to the County of San Luis Obispo. The County of San Luis Obispo has notified us that it has been referred to the following agencies for their review and input:

  • Agricultural Commissioner’s Office
  • Air Pollution Control District (APCD)
  • Building Department
  • Cal Fire
  • Environmental Health Department
  • County Parks Department
  • County Public Works
  • North Coast Advisory Council
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
  • California Coastal Commission
  • Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)
  • California State Parks
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Each agency will have the opportunity to review the project, provide feedback, or request additional information. We will be notified upon receipt of any such requests, and we are prepared to respond in a timely manner to ensure the project moves forward as efficiently as possible. This multi-agency review is a standard part of the permit process and is essential to thoroughly addressing all environmental, safety, and regulatory concerns. We value the input from these agencies as we work toward a project that benefits the community while meeting all legal and environmental standards.

As we await responses from the various agencies, we will continue to monitor the application’s progress and provide updates on any significant developments. Should additional information or revisions be required, we will address them promptly and keep the community informed. We thank you for your continued support and patience as we work through this important project stage. Please feel free to contact me or the Cambria Community Services District office with any questions or concerns about the project or the permitting process.

Administrative & Finance Departments

Effective October 31, 2024, the CCSD administrative office's new address will be:

2150 Main Street #1-A

Cambria, CA 93428

Current Office Closure Dates at 1316 Tamsen Street, Suite 201: October 21, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., through October 30, 2024

New Office Opening Date at 2150 Main Street, Suite #1-A: October 31, 2024

New Administrative Office Address: 2150 Main Street, #1-A, Cambria, CA 93428

Mailing Address: PO Box 65 Cambria, CA 93428 (no change)

During the transition period of October 22, 2024, through October 30, 2024, there might be brief interruptions in our services. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and patience. Our phone numbers and email addresses will remain the same, and you can continue to reach us at (805) 927-6223. We look forward to welcoming you to our new office and continuing to serve you with the same dedication and care. 

Facilities & Resources Department

PROS Community Park Phase 3 Feedback Form

The PROS Community Park ad hoc committee is conducting a series of community engagements to gather input and build momentum toward adopting the Phase 3 Plan. Please review the PROS Committee East Ranch Community Park Phase 3 Presentation document below before completing the feedback form. Please click here for more information.

Fiscalini Ranch Linking Boardwalk Project

We are happy to announce that the Fiscalini Ranch linking boardwalk project has been completed thanks to all the hard work of the Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch and all of their private donors.

ProjectDescriptionStatus
Cambria Skatepark Design and construction of a new skatepark facility at the old skatepark location on Main St across from the Vets Hall.The minor use permitting for SLO County Planning is complete, and the project is almost ready for submission to SLO County for a building permit. Staff submitted some of the last few regulatory documents needed, which, should bring us closer to completion of the federal review process for grant funding. Staff anticipates receiving funding in January 2025.
East Ranch RestroomDesign and construct a restroom facility near the Dog Park on the East Ranch.The Public Restroom Company has provided an anticipated delivery date in early January for the prefabricated bathroom delivery.

Cambria Fire Department

Meet the Fire Chief

On Monday, October 21, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Fire Chief Michael Burkey will be working out of the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall and would love to meet you and hear your thoughts on anything related to the Cambria Fire Department. 

Water & Wastewater Departments

Project DescriptionStatus
Adaptive Management Plan (AMP)The AMP is a surface water, groundwater, and biological monitoring program designed to detect potential impacts to sensitive biological resources, requiring groundwater modeling and monitoring while the WRF is in operation.AMP monitoring is ongoing. Per methods described in the AMP, quarterly surveys are conducted at eight (8) survey sites to collect data, and to describe survey conditions, habitats, stream flows, surface water quality, 9P7 (9P7 is a District Water Well) soil moisture, and observed species. Our biologist is preparing the second & third quarter AMP environmental monitoring report. With a hopeful submission towards the end of October.
San Simeon Water Line & Effluent Line Well Field Transmission Lines Developing a permanent repair of the San Simeon Water Main. This project will also include resolutions for the Sewer Effluent Main.The lead time for permitting a project of this scale of project ranges from 4 months to 1 year. Even with a 1-year lead time for permit issuance, the District is well positioned to proceed with the installation by late summer to early fall of 2025. The CCSD’s consultant is in the process of obtaining encroachment permits for geotechnical analysis needed for the project.
Water Meter Replacement Project – AMIUpgrades system to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) with new meters and real-time water analytics.Staff began self-installing registers in the community's north end. Be aware, Water department staff continue to install water meters, so look for staff replacing devices in your front yards, so please keep the area around the meter box clear of obstructions three feet in all directions.
Zero Liquid Discharge Program ProjectPilot study project to test innovative technology for brine reduction with the goal of zero liquid discharge.Staff has submitted to County Planning for a Substantial Conformance Determination concerning the temporary pilot run. Staff are working collaboratively with the Regional Waterboards and the Division of Drinking Water to establish, if necessary, any monitoring or analysis of the ZLD permeate. Global Water Innovations, working collaboratively with the NAWI Grant, are in the process of approving the production of the temporary treatment plant and completion is expected by December. However, the delayed arrival of the treatment plant pilot equipment, and if Board approved, will postpone the pilot test until the summer of 2025.
Stuart Street Tank ProjectCritical water infrastructure project to rebuild the Stuart Street tanks, which have reached their useful operational life.The Coastal Development Permit (CDP) application was successfully submitted to SLO County Planning on 8/27/2024. We anticipate a 2–3-month review period prior to permit issuance. The CDP application number is P-APP2024-00206.

Wastewater Operator OIT, I or II Recruitment 

The Cambria Community Services District is accepting applications for the Wastewater Operator OIT, I or II positions. This recruitment will remain open until the district's needs are met. For more information, please visit our website.

Wastewater SST Projects

The Wastewater SST project updates are posted on our website.

CCSD Board Meetings

October 10, 2024, Regular Board Meeting Update 

For a more detailed Board meeting transcript, visit our website.

  • General Manager McElhenie provided an Excellence Award to Mrs. Haley Dodson
  • General Manager McElhenie provided an Appreciation Award to Mr. Oscar Mora
  • The Board of Directors received a presentation from Stillwater Sciences and filed the Instream Flow Study
  • The Board of Directors received, reviewed, and filed the Watershed Sanitary Survey
  • The Board of Directors approved a Public Works Contract with Alpha Electrical Service for the construction of the Rodeo Grounds pump station backup power system replacement project and authorized the General Manager to execute the agreement
  • The Board of Directors directed the Policy Committee to develop a Policy for Streetlights and Lights at Other Facilities under CCSD's Jurisdiction
  • The Board of Directors directed the staff and legal counsel to create guidelines for how to handle written public comments during meetings

October 17, 2024, Regular Board Meeting Update 

For a more detailed Board meeting transcript, visit our website.

  • The Board of Directors adopted the September 2024 Expenditure Report
  • The Board of Directors adopted the September 12, 2024, and September 19, 2024, regular meeting minutes
  • The Board of Directors revised and approved the CCSD's Climate Adaptation Policy Number 1060

Upcoming November Board Meeting Items (subject to change):

  • Discussion regarding Cambria Skatepark maintenance cost and funding
  • Discussion and Consideration of approval of a Public Works Contract with a vendor for the construction of the East Ranch Community Park public restroom building installation project
  • Discussion and consideration of approval of an Agreement for Consultant Services with a vendor for the environmental monitoring of the East Ranch Community Park restroom installation project
  • Discussion and consideration regarding the District's Strategic Plan Workshop
  • Receive, discuss, and file the First Quarter Budget Report for FY 2024/25
  • Discussion and consideration of adoption of the Procurement Policies and Procedures Policy 2135
  • Discussion and consideration of proposed guidelines for handling written public comments at Board meetings
  • Consideration of adoption of a Resolution declaring equipment surplus property and authorizing sale by the General Manager

On Monday, October 21, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., I will be working out of the Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall and would love to meet you and hear your thoughts on everything, Cambria. We will provide coffee and snacks, and as always, we welcome your feedback and ideas.

If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me or any of our management team.

Thank you again for your support; I am at your service. 

Matthew McElhenie

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