Dear Cambria,

I was going to start this letter with some of Cambria’s accomplishments over the last two weeks. Yet, starting my letter without acknowledging that Memorial Day is upon us felt wrong. Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the men and women who have died while serving in the military. Servicemen and servicewomen have made immeasurable sacrifices in the line of duty throughout history and today. Their dedication, bravery, and selflessness deserve deep reflection and gratitude from society. One of the most significant sacrifices servicemen and servicewomen make is their willingness to defend and protect our freedoms. They often leave behind their families and put their lives on the line, facing the inherent risks and dangers of military service. They willingly enter conflict zones, endure harsh conditions, and confront the possibility of injury or death. Their sacrifice ensures that others can live in safety and security. Thank you to those service members who laid their life down so that we can live free in the greatest country in the world. 

On May 11th, the Board of Directors approved a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Mission Country Disposal (“MCD”) to provide reduced solid waste collection rates for low-income customers through a Solid Waste Rebate Program. Additionally, we gave an update on the water meter replacement project. While the project is moving forward, the decision was made to change the RFP process to split some of the needed tasks. The project is running behind schedule, yet we should have further updates over the next month. During the May 11th Board meeting, an update was given regarding the Stuart Street tank construction; we have completed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as well as the Categorical Exclusion (CATEX), which determines whether a detailed environmental analysis is necessary when the federal action usually does not have a significant effect on the human environment. As we await a response from the grant officer, we are getting ready to prepare for the Request for Proposal (RFP).

On May 18th, the Board of Directors considered the third quarter budget report for FY 2022/23. The Board approved budget adjustments for authorizing an Installment Sale Agreement and budget adjustment for the Chief Command SSV vehicle, Sustainable Solution Turnkey Projects (SST Projects), General Fund reserve purchase of Fire Department equipment, and General Fund reserve purchase of a fire engine. Additionally, the Board of Directors appointed Shannon Sutherland to fill the vacant seat on the PROS Commission and John Nixon to fill the vacant Alternate seat on the PROS Commission.

During the May 25th Special Board meeting, the Board of Directors considered and directed the General Manager to submit the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant application for the Cambria Skate Park Project. The District has committed $178,000 towards the preliminary costs of the Skate Park project. The costs are shared with Cambria Community Council, documented in an MOU last updated and approved by the Board on May 11, 2023.  We will be submitting the grant for approval by June 1, 2023.

I wanted to share with you that in an effort to serve you better, I will be attending the General Manager Leadership Summit in June, which provides professional development opportunities for special district general managers and other management staff from districts of all types and sizes throughout California. It offers the ability to meet with other managers facing the same challenges and opportunities. 

Lastly, a friendly reminder, I invite you to meet me on May 31, 2023, from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Cambria Veterans' Memorial Hall. We will provide coffee, snacks, and the ability to engage in dialogue about everything Cambria. We will have several sessions to accommodate the different schedules of our community. 9-12 pm, 1-4 pm, and 4-7 pm. 

The Cambria Community Services District administrative office will be open Monday - Thursday and every other Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment only. The administrative office is closed for lunch daily from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, please contact our administrative office.

As always, I 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, and I look forward to serving you. 

Matthew McElhenie

May 11, 2023 Board Meeting Documents

May 18, 2023 Board Meeting Documents

May 25, 2023 Board Meeting Documents