Shelter Cove Board Navigates Public Complaint, Fire Abatement Progress, and Water Well Success

The Shelter Cove Resort Improvement District (RID) board meeting on Thursday, October 16, featured a tense public hearing over a complaint against a director, alongside major updates on infrastructure and public safety initiatives impacting thousands of residents.

In an unusual open session, the board addressed a formal complaint filed by a member of the public against Director Wes Bonheim. The complaint stemmed from the previous month's meeting, where Bonheim changed his vote on a proposal to extend a Verizon communications tower. The citizen alleged the vote change was a personal decision and sought the director's removal. Both parties had agreed to the public discussion.

General Manager Chris detailed that legal counsel found the director was free to change his vote before the motion passed and that the citizen's comments, which the director had perceived as a threat, were protected speech. Director Bonheim defended his decision, stating it was based on community input and safety concerns, not a personal grudge. "We are here by local board members to make decisions based on input from the public," Bonheim said. "It's our job to make those decisions... to do what we think is best for the community."

The citizen who filed the complaint stated he felt attacked and that the vote was meant to "intimidate." The discussion revealed differing perspectives among the board, with some directors stating they did not perceive the citizen's original comments as a threat, while another said she did. The issue was resolved with an agreement for Director Bonheim and the citizen to meet with the General Manager for mediation.

Shifting to public safety, Fire Chief Nick updated the board on the district's large-scale fire abatement program for vacant lots, funded by a more than $3 million USDA grant. The program aims to treat properties to minimum public safety standards to mitigate the community-wide wildfire threat. Nearly 4,000 notice letters were sent to property owners, and over 1,500 have already voluntarily enrolled. The chief noted the program is critical for community safety and for residents' ability to maintain homeowner's insurance.

However, the chief warned that a potential federal government shutdown poses a significant threat to the project. "If we can't get reimbursed through the government, it makes it really hard. We're gonna have to do work stops on that project," he explained, noting the impact on local contractors. The board unanimously approved a motion to proceed with the abatement process for properties with owner consent or for those who have not objected.

On a positive note, the General Manager announced the successful completion of the Lot W3 well project. A strategic decision to drill a new well instead of installing a costly treatment system has resulted in an 80-gallon-per-minute well, increasing groundwater production at the site by 60%. Through proactive grant management, the district secured additional funding, reducing its final cost to just $24,250 for a project valued at over $155,000. Wells can now supply approximately 40% of the district's water, enhancing resilience, especially during summer months.

Other key discussions included:

• **Parks & Recreation:** The Parks and Rec committee is exploring leasing out the golf course to reduce the district's financial burden and is evaluating an alternate site for the proposed sports court due to FAA regulations.
• **Facility Rental Fees:** The board reviewed proposed updates to its facility rental policy. A discussion on balancing affordability for community groups with the rising costs of maintenance led the board to table the item for a second reading, pending a staff report on the clubhouse's annual operating costs.
• **Staffing:** The district is currently hiring for three positions: a Water and Wastewater Treatment Operator, a General Laborer, and an Accounting Administrator. Applications are available on the district's website.
• **Director Training:** Three board members recently attended a California Special District Association (CSDA) leadership academy, which they described as highly valuable for learning about budgeting, strategic planning, and governance.