MINUTES

JANUARY 22, 2007 at The Timbers, Goleta

President Jim Raggio called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. He thanked Susan Warnstrom for serving as President. The attendees were introduced. All present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States.

Approval of Minutes: Motion, second, unanimous, to approve the Minutes of October 30, 2006 as presented.

Presentation of Awards: George Emerson presented lifetime achievement awards to Elbert Trantow and Carey Rogers for their many years of service in local government.

Treasurer’s Report: Chuck Arnold said the checking account has $3,592.23 and the savings account has $3,397.98 for a total of $6,990.21. It was noted that most special districts have paid their 2007 dues.

Guest Speaker: Brenda Powell, Santa Barbara County Federal Credit Union: Ms. Powell said any special district employee is eligible to join, and she summarized the benefits of membership in the credit union. A branch is being planned for Santa Maria with others to follow in the north county.

Chapter Meetings: President Raggio said he will contact the Executive Board about the scheduling of their meetings. It was noted the Chumash have purchased the Royal Scandinavian and we are meeting here due to their remodeling. The February speaker will be Rob Almy on the County’s Integrated Water Manager Plan, to be followed by Bob Braitman for the March meeting. Ralph Heim will be the speaker at our annual meeting which will be October 29, 2007.

CSDA: John Fox said there are five people from our County involved with CSDA tasks at the state level.

Legislative Report: George Emerson distributed information on the Governor’s proposed budget from the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

Guest Speaker: Thomas F. Stone on Proposition 218: Mr. Stone reviewed fees and charges from the case Richmond v. Shasta CSD; if more that the cost of providing the service is charged, then it is a tax and not a fee. In Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency v. Amrhen, the court validated a groundwater augmentation fee that is based on actual use is not a tax but a charge for a service. The case Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association v. Santa Clara Open Space Authority is currently before the California Supreme Court... From Bighorn-Desert View Water Agency v. Verjil, a fee for ongoing services like water and wastewater is subject to the procedures of Proposition 218 but not the requirement for a vote. Mr. Stone’s summary of these Proposition 218 cases is available on our chapter website.

Old Business: None.

New Business: None.

Adjournment President Raggio adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The next monthly Chapter meeting will be Monday, February 26, 2007.

Cathy Schlottmann