McKinleyville district approves audited FY24-25 statements, funds tank design and seismic equipment deposits; adopts memorial for former director

The McKinleyville Community Services District board met Feb. 4 at Azalea Hall and approved a slate of financial and capital actions while recognizing local community contributions.

President Dennis Mayo opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m.; all five directors (Scott Binder, James Biteman, David Couch, Dennis Mayo and Greg Orsini) and district staff were present. The board approved the meeting agenda unanimously.

Finance and audit: Finance Director Howard introduced the FY24-25 audited financial statements. Representatives Chris Brown and Jeff Palmer of C.J. Brown & Company CPAs presented the audit and answered directors’ questions. The board voted to accept the audited financial statements on the recommendation of the Audit and Finance Committee.

Capital and project authorizations: The board authorized payment of up to $15,000 to California Aquastore to prepare design drawings for the McCluski Tanks and approved proceeding with a 10% deposit for a Motor Control Center and variable frequency drives tied to the Fischer Lift Station seismic upgrade. As part of the seismic-equipment motion, the board also directed staff to work with the district’s lobbyists to contact relevant federal offices for updates on pending FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant funding for district projects.

Agreements and governance: The board authorized the general manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Redwood Empire Endurance Riders (REER) for use of community forest resources and adopted Resolution 2026-03 revising Appendix A of the Board Policy Manual to reflect committee assignment edits, including removing a specified dollar amount from the MMAC description and designating Director Greg Orsini as primary liaison to the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission.

Community recognitions and memorials: Human Resources Director Lesley Frisbee presented the Community Builder Award to Six Rivers Brewery; owner Talia Nachshon Clare accepted and thanked the board. Frisbee also presented the district’s Employee of the Year award to Seth Meynell. The board approved a resolution in memoriam of former Director John Corbett, directing installation of a memorial plaque at the Baduwat Estuary Overlook and asking staff to explore creating a John Corbett Memorial Grove in the McKinleyville Community Forest.

Reports and next steps: Directors and staff provided committee updates. Parks & Recreation Director Kirsten Messmer said applications will be solicited to fill a vacancy on the McKinleyville Community Forest Committee. General Manager Pat Kaspari reported that staff from U.S. Senator Adam Schiff will visit the district in coordination with the North Coast Resource Partnership; Planning and Building Director John Ford plans to present upcoming RHNA numbers at a future board meeting. The board adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Agenda approval (motion by Greg Orsini, second David Couch) — approved 5-0 (Binder, Biteman, Couch, Mayo, Orsini). Consent calendar approval (motion by Greg Orsini, second David Couch) — approved 5-0. Resolution 2026-02 (memorial for John Corbett) — approved 5-0 (motion by Greg Orsini, second David Couch). FY24-25 audited financial statements (motion by James Biteman, second Greg Orsini) — approved 5-0. Authorization to execute MOU with REER (motion by David Couch, second Scott Binder) — approved 5-0. Resolution 2026-03 (committee assignments and Appendix A edits) — approved 5-0 (motion by Greg Orsini, second James Biteman). Authorize 10% deposit for Motor Control Center/VFDs and direction to lobbyists (motion by Greg Orsini, second Scott Binder) — approved 5-0. Approve payment up to $15,000 for McCluski Tanks design drawings (motion by Greg Orsini, second Scott Binder) — approved 5-0.

The board’s formal actions included adoption of audit documents, several governance motions, authorization for capital expenditures, and direction to pursue grant-related federal contacts; no public comments were received during the meeting.