Montara Water and Sanitary District Begins the “Ham-fisted” Re-Districting Process, Required by Law, but not Nuanced for Small Jurisdictions

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VIDEO and MINUTES. Video from the Montara Water and Sanitary District (MWSD) meeting on Thursday, March 2nd, 2023 at 7:30pm as a hybrid meeting.

Minutes for the 3/2/23 meeting are from the Agenda for April 6th, 2023 Director’s meeting.

 

 

Minutes from the MWSD March 2nd, 2023 Director’s meeting

Review and Possible Action Concerning Transition from At-large to By-division Based Elections.

Director Boyd said this item is the first step in preparation for the district’s transition from an at large to a by-division election system pursuant to the Stipulated Judgment entered by the San Mateo County Superior Court on March 29, 2022. He read the stat report and said the resolution allows them to hire a demographer, and it will cost approximately $30,000 dollars.

Director Young asked if the demographer is local. Director Boyd replied that they have worked with the demographer already and they are from the East Bay area.

Director Young asked what by-division means. Director Boyd replied it means by district, one per district.

Director Sottky commented he is concerned about the mathematical consequence of subdividing too small an area further into districts, and he wants to make sure he is able to talk to the demographer and that the recommendations of the courts that is implemented is not one that has the County Board of Supervisors appointing out ot a jar directors.

Director Boyd said that others have brought that up. The California Voters Right Act is well intentioned and is needed in many places. However, for a small district it is like a hand fisted hammer and not well tuned. They need to get some people together to got to Sacramento and tell them it needs to be nuanced. The point you make is exactly right.

The Election Academy sessions they had is part of a process they need to continue to encourage participation. It is going to take a lot when they break down by district. It is up to them to encourage members of the community to seek opportunities to step up. They also raised the meeting stipend.

Director Young asked if they must accept the consultant’s recommendations.

Director Slater-Carter replied they can ask for more than one map.

 

Director Slater-Carter made a motion to adopt the Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Montara Water and Sanitary District declaring its intention to initiate procedures to transition from at-large to by-division elections pursuant to California elections code section 10010(e)(3)(A) and taking related actions. Director Dekker seconded the motion. A roll-call vote was taken and passed
unanimously 5-0.

 

 

The MWSD Election Academies

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Montara Water & Sanitary District (MWSD) Offers 2nd of 3 Elected Community Service Academy Workshops

 

Run for Office! Montara Water and Sewer District (MWSD) Offers 3rd of 3 Elected Community Service Academy Workshops

 

 


 

Watch remotely. Comments and questions by email.

 

Agendas and Zoom Live Meeting Links

If you experience technical difficulties or have technical questions prior to or during the meeting, please contact MWSD’s IT support at (650) 728-7843.

Meeting Videos

 


Meeting Schedule:

Regular meetings are 7:30pm on the first and third Thursday of each month. They used to held at the District office at 8888 Cabrillo Hwy, next to Pt Montara Lighthouse and Hostel.

To receive agendas by email, send a request to [email protected]

In addition to email, we post agendas before each board meeting:

  • On the District website here
  • Montara post office
  • Moss Beach post office
  • the bulletin board in front of the MWSD office

 


Who is on the Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors manages the affairs of the District. Through their bi-monthly meetings they set policy, enact appropriate resolutions or ordinances, approve all payments to vendors, review and approve the budget, set Sewer Service Charge rates, establish connection charges, hire staff, approve contracts and other necessary actions needed to carry out the business of the District.

 

DIRECTOR TERM
Scott Boyd — President Term 2020-2024
Ric Lohman — President Pro Tem Term 2022-2026
Peter Dekker — Treasurer Term 2020-2026
Kathryn Slater-Carter — Secretary Term 2020-2024
Bill Softky — Director Term 2022-2026

 

All Board members may be reached by sending an email to [email protected].

Or writing the District office at: Montara Water and Sanitary District, P.O. Box 370131, Montara, CA 94037. Telephone: (650)728-3545; FAX (650)728-8556.

General Manager

Clemens Heldmaier (650)728-3545 email

 

 

MSWD General Manager Clemens Heldmaier showing a creek filtration system.

 

 

 

Coastside Buzz
Author: Coastside Buzz

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