There were 37 people in attendance for this annual meeting of the chapter, including the special guest speaker, Ralph Heim.

Immediate Past President Susan Warnstrom called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States. Attendees introduced themselves.

Treasurer’s Report: Chuck Arnold reported the checking account balance is $2,841.84 and the savings balance is $3,406.47, for a total of $6,248.31.

Approval of Minutes: Motion, second, unanimous, to approve the Minutes of September 24, 2007 as presented.

Annual Recognition Awards: Annual Chapter recognition awards were presented as follows:

Dana McGrew of Bartlett, Pringle & Wolf, LLC, for CPA of the Year

Thomas F. Stone, for Attorney of the Year

Joe Barget of Vandenberg Village CSD for District Manager of the Year

Additional recognition awards included:

John Fox presented a plaque to Susan Warnstrom for service as President and Immediate Past President

Jack Cunningham acknowledged the work of Susie Paxton and presented her a bouquet of roses.

George Emerson presented plaques to Jim Raggio for his service as President, and to Chuck Arnold acknowledging his 7 years service as Chapter Treasurer.

Old Business: None.

New Business: None.

Guest Speaker: Ralph Heim, Legislative Advocate for CSDA plus other local governmental organizations: George Emerson introduced Ralph Heim, who has worked with special district for more than 22 years. Mr. Heim noted the legislative session ended September 7, 2007. He said there will be 3 elections during 2008, the Presidential primary during February, plus the June and November ballots. The California legislature has two year sessions, with the next session reconvening January 2, 2008 and adjourning August 31, 2008. From this past session, 964 bills were sent to the governor. He signed 750 bills into law and vetoed 214. Special sessions are being held on both water issues and health care, but few results are expected from either one.

AB32 is concerned with global warning. It will be implemented by the Air Resources Control Board. In the special session, there are competing health care proposals, which if passed would increase total payroll costs by up to 4%. The State budget is a $2-3 billion deficit, which by the end of the fiscal year could reach $5 billion, with another $5 billion possible next year. Proposition 1A can be suspended if the Governor declares an economic emergency. Mr. Heim said term limits have caused the two extremes in Sacramento to move farther apart, more conservative and more liberal. The February 2008 ballot will include a proposition revising term limits to a total of 12 years total for any combination in the senate and the assembly. The Indian gaming compacts will also be on an upcoming ballot.

SB 343 will take effect January 1, 2008. It mandates that once an agenda is posted, any information given to the board must also be available to the public simultaneously. It was suggested the information be available on a district’s website.

SB 503 has been made a 2 year study bill. It would have required 8 hours written notice prior to employee overtime.

AB 1222 concerns reimbursements of State mandates. Mr. Heim said it is a good process and urges all districts to submit their reimbursement claims.

Ralph thanked all districts that wrote letters to oppose SB 619. It would have reduced the retention on public contracts from 10% to 5%. Over 500 letters were received from various local agencies and this proposal was stopped dead thanks to our efforts.

Mr. Heim urged all of us to get to know our legislators and for more of us to attend our annual Legislative Days. He noted that during the League of Cities annual legislative days, the legislature hallways are jammed to overflowing with city officials.

Propositions on the June 2008 ballot include 2 eminent domain proposals, one by the Jarvis group and one by the League of Cities. It was noted the Jarvis proposal could potentially stop any water project in the State.

 

Next Meeting: Susan Warnstrom noted out next meeting will be Monday, December 3, 2007. It will include our annual elections. Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee will be our guest speaker.

 

Adjournment: Susan Warnstrom adjourned the meeting at 8:44 p.m. The next monthly Chapter meeting will be held at The Meadows Restaurant, Solvang, California. .