Re: District response to Covid19

To all Ponderosa property owners:

We hope this letter finds you well. The Ponderosa CSD board wants to inform you how they will move forward for the best interest of the Ponderosa Community in light of Federal directives, State proclamations, and County declarations. This situation is new for everyone!

The California Governor’s Executive Order N-34-20 lists types of “essential critical infrastructure workers” who are permitted to go to work despite the Governor’s ‘stay at home’ command in Executive Order N-33-20. This list includes employees that perform public safety, water and other utilities, public health and welfare, and others. All construction workers are considered essential.

Per this order, water and snow removal are considered essential services. As such, our water technician, Tim Harness and any necessary short term laborers are able to continue working to operate and maintain the PCSD water system. Our contracted water manager, Kirk Klemcke, is continuing to take water samples for testing, monitor water issues, and is available to help Mr. Harness. Obviously any water problem is also an essential matter and must be repaired as quickly and efficiently as possible. PCSD workers will take whatever steps are necessary to protect themselves during their work, including wearing additional protective gear and taking additional sanitary measures. High Sierra Snow Removal continues to clear snow as the weather dictates, while ensuring the safety of his employees.

Although continued operation of the Ponderosa CSD services are essential, the social distancing guidelines and the Governor’s ‘stay at home’ order make public board meetings difficult to accomplish. After discussing the following information with Mrs. Robertson, Mr. Doty decided to act with an abundance of caution, and cancel the regular April board meeting rather than expose board members, staff, contractors, and the Ponderosa public to an increased risk.

Several factors were considered.

• The Ponderosa community is, by its very nature, remote and therefore likely to not have any Covid infection cases.
• Any individuals entering the Ponderosa community from outside locations increase the risk to Ponderosa residents.
• The majority of Ponderosa residents fall into defined ‘at risk’ groups.
• Mrs. Robertson was herself ill at the time of the telephone call.
• Ms. Landers is still caring for her elderly mother whose immune system is still recovering. Ms. Lander’s own health issues define her as ‘at risk’.
• The district does not currently have the proper technology to host a video meeting.
• There has been a fatality Porterville’s Sierra View Hospital due to this virus, with other confirmed cases in its ICU.

While the board president has made the decision to cancel the regular April business meeting and possibly the May business meeting, this in no way means the district is not still doing business. The board secretary, Jennifer Robertson, and the district treasurer, Julie Landers, normally work from home and will continue to pay bills, maintain records and communications. What it does mean for our district is any projects that are not absolutely essential to sustain operations will be postponed until such time as restrictions are lifted.

The board wants to assure you that if an issue needing immediate action arises, the board will hold a properly noticed, special meeting and every effort will be made to include the public in the safest manner possible.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. You may contact board members directly or through the board secretary, district treasurer or general manager. If you have a water problem in your Ponderosa property you may contact Tim Harness, or any board member. Please check the website for contact information. www.ponderosacsd.com

During this unprecedented time in our history, we hope that you are taking all necessary precautions to stay safe and remain healthy.

On behalf of the Ponderosa CSD board,

Jennifer Robertson