The 2002 Annual Meeting of the CWPOA was held on Saturday, September 28th. Present were directors Joanna Fuchs, Marie Iden and John White. Directors Richard Johnson, Karen Balog, Jerry Scharton and Shevy Schindler were absent.

Call to Order

Treasurer Joanna Fuchs called the meeting to order at 10:28am. There was no quorum and questions were raised about what business could be conducted at the meeting. It was agreed to hear the guest speaker for the CSA #21 portion of the meeting.

CSA Business

Speaker

Madera County Counsel David Prentiss was present, at the request of supervisor Gary Gilbert, to answer specific questions concerning County Service Area #21 and of how CSA's operate. He explained that he could not offer legal advice for the CWPOA, but could advise on the CSA portion of the meeting. He went on to explain how the CSA is set up, noting that the county contracts with the CWPOA to serve as an advisory board to the Board of Supervisors to oversee the daily operation of the service area. It was noted that the residents of the CSA pay for the operating expenses of the CSA property and title to it is held by the county, and by placing the assessment on the tax bill it ensures payment.

Comments were made about open space being a positive for property values, and comments were made about the cost to maintain the area. Mr. Prentiss was asked if the maintenance of the roads could be placed under the CSA. He explained that it is possible, but it would not be a quick process. He also indicated that he believes it would be possible to deed ownership of the CSA land over to the CWPOA, but that property taxes would then be assessed on the land.

He was asked why the Board of Supervisors did not approve a reduction of the $100 fee this past year and explained he was not at the special districts funding meeting. He explained that the supervisors are reluctant to approve reductions as most CSA's are underfunded, and it is difficult to raise fees due to Prop 218. He was asked if the $100 cap in fees would remain if the roads were rolled into the CSA and indicated that it would until a vote could be taken to change it, adding that it would be expensive and the county cannot maintain the roads.

Adjournment of CSA Business

Marie Iden moved to adjourn the CSA meeting, Mark Stamas seconded the motion and it carried with no opposition.

Elections

Marie moved to conduct the election. Mark seconded. Motion carried with no one opposed. Candidates were asked to introduce themselves and give a short statement. (Note: Candidate statements were included in the mailing of the meeting notice.) The candidates were Steve Sims, Bob Begley, Mark Stamas, Ann Kennedy, Ron Smith and Oscar (O.J.) Hefner.

The floor was opened for nominations. There were none and nominations were closed on a motion from Brian Curtis, seconded by Leonard Kubiak and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned while votes were counted.

Election Results

The meeting reconvened and election results were read. Elected for two-year terms were Bob Begley, O.J. Hefner, Ann Kennedy and Ron Smith. Letters of resignation from board members Karen Balog and Shevy Schindler were then read and the meeting was turned over to the new board. Discussion followed on how to fill the two new one-year term vacancies.

Mark moved to have John White, as the only continuing board member, be appointed as the defacto chair for the meeting. Chris Iden seconded and the motion carried.

Public Comment

The board then agreed to hear comments from the membership. There was some discussion on whether the board could legally seat seven members. It was noted that the attorney had indicated it could be done. The general membership recommended that Mark and Steve be appointed by the new board to fill the two vacancies. Ann moved to ask Mark and Steve, as recommended by the membership, to attend the next board meeting set to elect officers. Ron seconded. Carried unanimously. Bob Begley then moved to immediately accept the resignations of Karen and Shevy. Ron seconded and the motion carried with no objections.

Sandy Johnson spoke about receiving anonymous verbal and written death threats. Bob Begley stated that he, and certainly the whole board, felt this was appalling and no one would want anything to happen to her family. There was more disscussion about unsigned, anonymous letters.

John White noted that he would like to see the board members pledge to work together.

Jean Richter inquired about the ownership of the Cascadel web site and Marie Iden indicated that it was registered in her name.

Adjournment

Bob Begley then moved to adjourn the meeting, set up the agenda and set up public comment for the next meeting. Ann seconded and the motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 12:48pm.

Submitted by,

Cynthia Curtis
Assistant Secretary