Dear Cambrians,

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with joy, gratitude, and cherished moments with family and friends. As we move into the holiday season, we are grateful for your continued support and engagement in the projects and initiatives that make Cambria a vibrant and thriving community.

We are thrilled to share some exciting news regarding the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant for the Cambria Skatepark. The Cambria Community Services District proudly completed LWCF Post-Selection Federal Requirements. This milestone represents a significant step forward in matching the Cambria Community Council and Skate Cambria’s ongoing fundraising. The grant will match dollar for dollar any money raised by the Cambria Community Council and Skate Cambria up to $600,000 towards the skatepark's construction. We expect the grant funds to be ready for allocation in January or February 2025. 

The LWCF Post-Selection Federal Requirements involve a rigorous set of conditions that ensure projects align with federal standards for land conservation and public benefit. These include:

• Environmental Reviews: Comprehensive assessments to ensure the project adheres to federal environmental protection guidelines.
• Compliance with Federal Accessibility Standards: Ensuring the Skatepark will be inclusive and accessible to everyone in the community.
• Cultural and Historical Preservation: Verifying that the project does not negatively impact historical or culturally significant sites in the area.
• Commitment to Public Use: Guaranteeing the land will remain dedicated to public recreation for future generations.

I want to commend our Utilities Staff, consisting of Jim Green (Utilities Manager), Tristan Reaper (Program Manager), and Eric Johnson (Administrative Technician), for all their hard work toward meeting these federal requirements; it was not an easy task. While we are thrilled to have secured the LWCF grant, it is essential to note that these funds only match funds. This means the grant will match the funds we raise locally up to $600,000, but that may only cover part of the construction cost of the Skatepark. We still have the potential to secure additional funding needed to bring this project to life. We are committed to Cambria Community Council and Skate Cambria as they work towards securing additional resources and exploring creative funding opportunities. However, your support as a community will be crucial in helping them bridge the gap. Whether through donations, fundraising efforts, or simply spreading the word, your involvement and support are appreciated.

Administrative & Finance Departments

Notice of Public Hearing Regarding Proposed Solid Waste Rate Adjustment

Property Owners and Tenants - Customers:

This notice is intended to inform you that Cambria Community Services District (“District”) will hold a public hearing regarding rate Adjustments (the “Proposed Rate Adjustment”) proposed by Mission Country Disposal for properties and customers receiving solid waste, recycling, and green waste services within the District. The Proposed Rate Adjustment will be considered by the District Board of Directors (“Board”) at the date, time, and location specified below. Consistent with the requirements of Proposition 218, this notice also provides you with the following information:

• The Date, Time, and Place of the Public Hearing;
• The Reason for the Proposed Rate Adjustment;
• The Effective date of the Proposed Rate Adjustment;
• The Basis for the Proposed Rate Adjustment; and
• The Majority Protest Procedures.

The Public Hearing for the Proposed Rate Adjustment within the District limits will be held on:

Date: January 16, 2025      

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Place: 1000 Main Street Cambria, CA 93428

Or online: https://www.cambriacsd.org/2025-01-16-board-meeting

For more information, please take a moment to review the notice and additional information posted on our website.

Facilities & Resources Department

New Maintenance Technician

We are excited to announce Anthony Deas, our newest member, has joined us as a maintenance technician in the Facilities & Resources Department. We are confident that his skills and dedication will support our district's goals and deliver exceptional service to our staff and the community.

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.

Sand for 24/25 Storm Season

In preparation for the upcoming storm season, SLO County Public Works has generously provided free sand to help protect our community from potential flooding and erosion. This resource is available to all Cambria residents who may need it.

Details:

• Location for Sand Pickup: 2021 Rodeo Grounds Road and Lampton Park at the corner of Lampton and Windsor
• What to Bring: Please bring your own shovel, containers, or bags for transportation. Tractors are not allowed to take sand from the district's sand locations. Sandbags are available at most local hardware stores but not at the Cambria Fire Department. 

We encourage everyone to use this opportunity to help safeguard your properties. 

Cambria Fire Department

Meet the Fire Chief

On Wednesday, December 18, 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

The status of District Project Updates can also be found on the CCSD website.

New Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training

We are excited to announce Ryan Staley, our newest member, will join us as a Wastewater Treatment Plan Operator-In-Training in the Wastewater Department. We are confident that his skills and dedication will support our district's goals and deliver exceptional service to our staff and the community.

Request for Proposals (RFP) for Formal Bid No. 03-2024-12 for Installation of Water Meter Register Replacement and Advanced Metering Infrastructure Upgrade

The Cambria Community Services District is requesting formal, sealed bids from licensed contractors for the Water Meter Register Replacement and Advanced Metering Infrastructure Upgrade Project. The full request package can be accessed here.

No Wipes Down the Pipes

The Cambria Community Services District reminds all residents and visitors to avoid flushing any type of wipes, including those labeled "flushable," down the toilet. These materials do not break down like toilet paper and can cause severe clogs in household plumbing, the public sewer system, and wastewater treatment facilities.

CCSD Board Meetings

November 21, 2024, Regular Board Meeting Update 

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

• The Board of Directors adopted Resolution 33-2024 declaring equipment surplus property and authorized its sale by the General Manager
• The Board of Directors received and filed the Investment Report for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2024
• The Board of Directors denied the Water and Sewer Charges Appeal for Jim and Linda Nelson at 2115 Spencer Street and recommended that staff start a payment plan.
• The Board of Directors received, discussed, and filed the First Quarter Budget Report for FY 2024/25
• The Board of Directors amended and approved the Procurement Policies and Procedures Policy 2135
• The Board of Directors approved the Policy Committee completion of purpose and directed staff and District Counsel to prepare a draft of the new committee's purpose, responsibilities, and membership criteria and update the Standing Committee Bylaws
• The Board of Directors amended and approved the Guidelines for Handling Written Public Comments at Board Meetings
• The Board of Directors approved the Proposition 218 Notice Regarding Mission Country Disposal's Solid Waste Collection and Disposal rate increase request and scheduled a Proposition 218 Hearing for January 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Upcoming January Board Meeting Items (subject to change):

• Swearing in of New Fire Captain and Reserve Firefighter
• Consideration of the adoption of a resolution ratifying the MOU between CCSD and SEIU Local 620
• Consideration of the adoption of a resolution ratifying the MOU between CCSD and IAFF Local 4635
• Consideration of adoption of a resolution approving the updated Management and Confidential Employees (MCE) Group Payment & Compensation Plan
• Discussion and consideration to direct staff and District Counsel to Review the Board and Standing Committee Bylaws
• Discussion and consideration to fill vacant seats on the Standing Committees
• Discussion and consideration to adopt a resolution establishing a new Standing Committee and amending the Standing Committee Bylaws, adopt a resolution amending the list of designated positions subject to the District's Conflict of Interest Code, direct staff to update the Standing Committee application, and advertise for the Standing Committee
• Discussion and consideration regarding the District's Strategic Plan Workshop
• Receive a presentation from Asterra Recovery on Satellite-Based Leak Detection Services for Water and Wastewater
• Discussion and consideration to approve the purchase of an EV tractor and adoption of a Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Final Budget
• Discussion and consideration of approval of a Public Works Contract with a vendor for installation of Water Meter Register Replacement and Advanced Metering Infrastructure Upgrade and authorization for the General Manager to execute the agreement

On Wednesday, December 18, 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, he welcomes 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