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Share How is the distribution of resident dues between CSD and BVSA decided and maintained (audited)?
To add some detail, I wonder this because since moving here last year, I see a potential pattern of under-funding for the CSD and over-funding of the Bvsa (it may be due to naivety so far, so forgive me if there's some learning I can be pointed to instead) . For example, the new gate and police taxes appear due to under-funding of the CSD. Similar with the recent transfer station related improvements. On the other hand I've seen complaints about projects like the Country Club outdoor dining area and awning (while nice, some feel there are more pressing funding priorities). However, at the point of projects or taxes to fund improvements, it seems like it's already too late, as the dues have been given to the respective organizations (CSD or BVSA) as part of the decided budget / distribution of dues, and options are at that point limited.
I'd like to pose this question to better understand how the initial distribution process works, and be able consider modifications in the distribution rather than (seemingly) regular increases to our rates. For example, I wonder why changing the distribution is not an alternative currently posed to rate increases.
I know this site is primarily CSD related, but I'm not sure there's a better forum for this kind of question. on Facebook
Share How is the distribution of resident dues between CSD and BVSA decided and maintained (audited)?
To add some detail, I wonder this because since moving here last year, I see a potential pattern of under-funding for the CSD and over-funding of the Bvsa (it may be due to naivety so far, so forgive me if there's some learning I can be pointed to instead) . For example, the new gate and police taxes appear due to under-funding of the CSD. Similar with the recent transfer station related improvements. On the other hand I've seen complaints about projects like the Country Club outdoor dining area and awning (while nice, some feel there are more pressing funding priorities). However, at the point of projects or taxes to fund improvements, it seems like it's already too late, as the dues have been given to the respective organizations (CSD or BVSA) as part of the decided budget / distribution of dues, and options are at that point limited.
I'd like to pose this question to better understand how the initial distribution process works, and be able consider modifications in the distribution rather than (seemingly) regular increases to our rates. For example, I wonder why changing the distribution is not an alternative currently posed to rate increases.
I know this site is primarily CSD related, but I'm not sure there's a better forum for this kind of question. on Linkedin
Email How is the distribution of resident dues between CSD and BVSA decided and maintained (audited)?
To add some detail, I wonder this because since moving here last year, I see a potential pattern of under-funding for the CSD and over-funding of the Bvsa (it may be due to naivety so far, so forgive me if there's some learning I can be pointed to instead) . For example, the new gate and police taxes appear due to under-funding of the CSD. Similar with the recent transfer station related improvements. On the other hand I've seen complaints about projects like the Country Club outdoor dining area and awning (while nice, some feel there are more pressing funding priorities). However, at the point of projects or taxes to fund improvements, it seems like it's already too late, as the dues have been given to the respective organizations (CSD or BVSA) as part of the decided budget / distribution of dues, and options are at that point limited.
I'd like to pose this question to better understand how the initial distribution process works, and be able consider modifications in the distribution rather than (seemingly) regular increases to our rates. For example, I wonder why changing the distribution is not an alternative currently posed to rate increases.
I know this site is primarily CSD related, but I'm not sure there's a better forum for this kind of question. link
How is the distribution of resident dues between CSD and BVSA decided and maintained (audited)?
To add some detail, I wonder this because since moving here last year, I see a potential pattern of under-funding for the CSD and over-funding of the Bvsa (it may be due to naivety so far, so forgive me if there's some learning I can be pointed to instead) . For example, the new gate and police taxes appear due to under-funding of the CSD. Similar with the recent transfer station related improvements. On the other hand I've seen complaints about projects like the Country Club outdoor dining area and awning (while nice, some feel there are more pressing funding priorities). However, at the point of projects or taxes to fund improvements, it seems like it's already too late, as the dues have been given to the respective organizations (CSD or BVSA) as part of the decided budget / distribution of dues, and options are at that point limited.
I'd like to pose this question to better understand how the initial distribution process works, and be able consider modifications in the distribution rather than (seemingly) regular increases to our rates. For example, I wonder why changing the distribution is not an alternative currently posed to rate increases.
I know this site is primarily CSD related, but I'm not sure there's a better forum for this kind of question.
joeshmoe57
asked
over 2 years ago
Hi! The CSD and the BVSA are wholly separate entities. The CSD is our local government agency responsible for water, wastewater, solid waste, roads, parks & rec, and public safety. As a government agency, it is funded through property tax (19% of what you pay comes back to the CSD) and through special assessments/parcel taxes for Roads, Gate, and Police. The Utilities (water, sewer, solid waste) are funded through user fees - what you pay each month.
The BVSA is funded through the yearly homeowner's association fee. They were created to manage the "parks & recreation," including the amenities. This is where the line gets a little blurry. They are the CSD's tenants and subcontractors. All amenities are owned by the CSD but managed and maintained by the BVSA. The CSD allocates 7% of the property taxes received for parks & recreation, which is used to offset the cost of non-potable "lake fill" and irrigation water. The rest of the BVSA's activities are funded through the homeowner's association fees we pay each year.
The funding disparity you've noticed is due to the nature of the funding. The BVSA does not require voter or resident approval to raise fees yearly. Instead, they can scale the HoA fee to match expenses, although they are a non-profit entity, so those funds must go back into the amenities (the kitchen upgrade, the new dining patio, new signs, etc.).
The CSD cannot increase the amount of property taxes they receive and can only adjust rates with the residents' approval. In the case of utility rates, those follow the Proposition 218 law, and parcel taxes go onto the general election ballot requiring a 2/3 (supermajority) vote. Because resident approval is required for any funding increase, decades can pass without an increase. Although we were recently able to raise water, sewer, and solid waste rates, it had been 11, 12, and 14 years respectively. As of this writing, the roads and police taxes have not been increased since 1996, and the gate tax hasn't been increased since it was set in 2006. That is the core of the lack of funding for the CSD and the root cause of the infrastructure issues. Money doesn't go as far as it did in 1996, so we moved from a state of regular and routine maintenance to triage and spot treating the most urgent needs with limited funds.
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Share I could not find an obvious place to post a question on this site. I looked until I found this box. It seems, the CSD topics are in a list above. Then I assume that is the subject matter of limit to engage in . This is the "General questions" section and even other subject matter could be discussed? The ease of login does seem more complex compared to the ND site and the topics there seem to be able to leave "open" and when I reply to a post there any reply to mine goes into my email box. When I open that email and select reply, it automatically takes me to a signed in place on ND. Is that doable here on this site?
Don't get me wrong, my wish is not to start a "Dumpster fire" here, just get a better thread on the topic of BVSCSD election and board mtgs. in an easy login and post and reply to thing here instead of ND.
One improvement here is when enter is taped, a new PP is started instead of entering the post in a closed box. That is an example of what I want to understand so I may engage. on Facebook
Share I could not find an obvious place to post a question on this site. I looked until I found this box. It seems, the CSD topics are in a list above. Then I assume that is the subject matter of limit to engage in . This is the "General questions" section and even other subject matter could be discussed? The ease of login does seem more complex compared to the ND site and the topics there seem to be able to leave "open" and when I reply to a post there any reply to mine goes into my email box. When I open that email and select reply, it automatically takes me to a signed in place on ND. Is that doable here on this site?
Don't get me wrong, my wish is not to start a "Dumpster fire" here, just get a better thread on the topic of BVSCSD election and board mtgs. in an easy login and post and reply to thing here instead of ND.
One improvement here is when enter is taped, a new PP is started instead of entering the post in a closed box. That is an example of what I want to understand so I may engage. on Linkedin
Email I could not find an obvious place to post a question on this site. I looked until I found this box. It seems, the CSD topics are in a list above. Then I assume that is the subject matter of limit to engage in . This is the "General questions" section and even other subject matter could be discussed? The ease of login does seem more complex compared to the ND site and the topics there seem to be able to leave "open" and when I reply to a post there any reply to mine goes into my email box. When I open that email and select reply, it automatically takes me to a signed in place on ND. Is that doable here on this site?
Don't get me wrong, my wish is not to start a "Dumpster fire" here, just get a better thread on the topic of BVSCSD election and board mtgs. in an easy login and post and reply to thing here instead of ND.
One improvement here is when enter is taped, a new PP is started instead of entering the post in a closed box. That is an example of what I want to understand so I may engage. link
I could not find an obvious place to post a question on this site. I looked until I found this box. It seems, the CSD topics are in a list above. Then I assume that is the subject matter of limit to engage in . This is the "General questions" section and even other subject matter could be discussed? The ease of login does seem more complex compared to the ND site and the topics there seem to be able to leave "open" and when I reply to a post there any reply to mine goes into my email box. When I open that email and select reply, it automatically takes me to a signed in place on ND. Is that doable here on this site?
Don't get me wrong, my wish is not to start a "Dumpster fire" here, just get a better thread on the topic of BVSCSD election and board mtgs. in an easy login and post and reply to thing here instead of ND.
One improvement here is when enter is taped, a new PP is started instead of entering the post in a closed box. That is an example of what I want to understand so I may engage.
Greg Chick
asked
over 2 years ago
Hi Greg,
Yes, this is the right spot for general questions
We ask a few specific questions for signup on this site:
- User Name
- Email address
- Password
- How you are connected to BVS (renter, owner, visitor, employee)
- If you're a property owner we ask for your name, tract & lot
- If you're an employee, we ask whether you work for the CSD, BVSA, Market or are a private contractor/service provider
Those are the only *required* questions. When people ask questions, respond to polls and surveys, etc, knowing how they interact with our community gives us some context to answer those questions and consider their unique viewpoints. All other questions are voluntary, although they are used for the same purpose.
When you post here, you will get an email confirmation of your post. I and any other project managers also get an email. This lets you know that your submission was successful and immediately lets us know that you have asked for our help/attention. For example, when you report a water leak here, the public works administrative staff and the water supervisor get an immediate email letting them know that a leak has been reported.
Unfortunately, unlike the BVCSD website which I designed and built, we have very little control over this site. What you are actually interacting with is a brilliant and complex piece of software designed to help the government collect, measure, and respond to public input. However, you can provide your feedback to Bang the Table/EngagementHQ and they can incorporate it into their frequent design updates. They are very interested in making their platform easier to use and removing barriers to engagement.
Just in case you are interested in what we see, here is the reporting on the most recent project that began just last week. Things like this let me see what people are interested in, what could use more information, how people are feeling, where they are coming from, etc...
I hope this helps!
Megan Clark, Communications Specialist
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Share Why do the BVS police need Tasers? on Facebook
Share Why do the BVS police need Tasers? on Linkedin
Email Why do the BVS police need Tasers? link
Why do the BVS police need Tasers?
Ed
asked
almost 3 years ago
This is not only a Bear Valley Police Department question; this is a question that every agency nationwide has had to ask themselves. What are the advantages of having the taser and is it worth the cost?
The taser made an appearance with police officers about thirty years ago. Since that time more and more agency have adopted them and now carry them. As a matter of fact, I believe it is hard to find an agency that doesn’t use tasers in some capacity. The reason for their success and popularity is the fact they provide multiple advantages. I will attempt to cover a few in this response.
The first thing that comes to mind is that the taser provides another option in the Use of Force Continuum. In other words, officers have many options when it comes to resolving an issue; however, there are times that a level of force is called for. It is the goal, and responsibility, of all police officers to use the minimum amount of force reasonable to solve the problem. The taser has proven to be a huge asset in this area.
The taser has been so successful because it is extremely reliable and effective. Simply put, it does what it is supposed to do. Additionally, it does so with minimum risk of injury, both to the subject and to the officer. It is my opinion that the greatest risk of injury to a subject is that which may occur when, and if, they fall to the ground. Officers are trained to consider this. Risk of injury is reduced to the officer simply because an officer can control a subject without ever having to physically overpower them. This includes subjects that may be much larger and stronger than the officer.
The taser acts as a de-escalation tool. In today’s policing de-escalation is a hot topic with many legislative entities mandating de-escalation techniques be used by police. The taser is widely recognizable and its' presence alone has an impact on the behavior of those that otherwise may consider violence an option. As mentioned before, if deployed, the taser is highly effective with minimal risk of injury. For obvious reason this is favorable over use of force methods that may be more prone to injury.
The over all use of the taser is low frequency; however, the protection it provides, both physically and in regards to risk management, is immeasurable. The taser has lasted the test of time and has proven to be one of the most valuable assets carried by any given police officer.
Respectfully,
Chief Dan Suttles
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Share Just a comment, Yesterday I saw a young deer hit at the base of Cummings Valley rd. hill on the San Juan side. The truck did not stop, I did and called the CSD and chose opt. 3. The lady said she would get someone on it now. Before 5 min. a BVPD officer was there, then a second one. This is a best scenario result. Because the other deer were looking to see if the hit deer was ok, this put distracted deer in the roadway. Road safety is a major part of the BVPD and they did it well.
There is no way that Kern County Sheriff could ever respond this fast. Doubtful they would ever even respond to such a hazard at all.
Thank you BVPD and CSD. on Facebook
Share Just a comment, Yesterday I saw a young deer hit at the base of Cummings Valley rd. hill on the San Juan side. The truck did not stop, I did and called the CSD and chose opt. 3. The lady said she would get someone on it now. Before 5 min. a BVPD officer was there, then a second one. This is a best scenario result. Because the other deer were looking to see if the hit deer was ok, this put distracted deer in the roadway. Road safety is a major part of the BVPD and they did it well.
There is no way that Kern County Sheriff could ever respond this fast. Doubtful they would ever even respond to such a hazard at all.
Thank you BVPD and CSD. on Linkedin
Email Just a comment, Yesterday I saw a young deer hit at the base of Cummings Valley rd. hill on the San Juan side. The truck did not stop, I did and called the CSD and chose opt. 3. The lady said she would get someone on it now. Before 5 min. a BVPD officer was there, then a second one. This is a best scenario result. Because the other deer were looking to see if the hit deer was ok, this put distracted deer in the roadway. Road safety is a major part of the BVPD and they did it well.
There is no way that Kern County Sheriff could ever respond this fast. Doubtful they would ever even respond to such a hazard at all.
Thank you BVPD and CSD. link
Just a comment, Yesterday I saw a young deer hit at the base of Cummings Valley rd. hill on the San Juan side. The truck did not stop, I did and called the CSD and chose opt. 3. The lady said she would get someone on it now. Before 5 min. a BVPD officer was there, then a second one. This is a best scenario result. Because the other deer were looking to see if the hit deer was ok, this put distracted deer in the roadway. Road safety is a major part of the BVPD and they did it well.
There is no way that Kern County Sheriff could ever respond this fast. Doubtful they would ever even respond to such a hazard at all.
Thank you BVPD and CSD.
Greg Chick
asked
almost 3 years ago
Thank you Greg. I know our staff appreciate the support
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Share I'm trying to get things in order for the man is the designee on my advance care directive and also my executor when I die. He asked how he would get in if I'm not able to call in a pass for him and I didn't know, so I'm asking here.
He will be in charge of me if I'm in a bad accident or something but am still alive, and in charge of all the business end of things when I die. He's also the successor trustee of the trust the house is held in.
In case he needs to bring me something from my house, or take care of something at my house, what should he do to get in without a pass? If I'm conscious, I can still call one in for him, but if not, he's still in charge of me. And of course, I'm pretty sure I can't call him in a pass once I've passed.
I suggested he bring his photo ID, and a copy of the Advance Care Directive, and a copy of my will and trust showing him as the successor trustee and executor, just in case any of this becomes necessary before we find out what will be official and so best for BVS and for him.
I know it would be worked out regardless because we have people who are so helpful -- and I'd like it to go as smoothly for everyone as possible. So thank you very much for this! on Facebook
Share I'm trying to get things in order for the man is the designee on my advance care directive and also my executor when I die. He asked how he would get in if I'm not able to call in a pass for him and I didn't know, so I'm asking here.
He will be in charge of me if I'm in a bad accident or something but am still alive, and in charge of all the business end of things when I die. He's also the successor trustee of the trust the house is held in.
In case he needs to bring me something from my house, or take care of something at my house, what should he do to get in without a pass? If I'm conscious, I can still call one in for him, but if not, he's still in charge of me. And of course, I'm pretty sure I can't call him in a pass once I've passed.
I suggested he bring his photo ID, and a copy of the Advance Care Directive, and a copy of my will and trust showing him as the successor trustee and executor, just in case any of this becomes necessary before we find out what will be official and so best for BVS and for him.
I know it would be worked out regardless because we have people who are so helpful -- and I'd like it to go as smoothly for everyone as possible. So thank you very much for this! on Linkedin
Email I'm trying to get things in order for the man is the designee on my advance care directive and also my executor when I die. He asked how he would get in if I'm not able to call in a pass for him and I didn't know, so I'm asking here.
He will be in charge of me if I'm in a bad accident or something but am still alive, and in charge of all the business end of things when I die. He's also the successor trustee of the trust the house is held in.
In case he needs to bring me something from my house, or take care of something at my house, what should he do to get in without a pass? If I'm conscious, I can still call one in for him, but if not, he's still in charge of me. And of course, I'm pretty sure I can't call him in a pass once I've passed.
I suggested he bring his photo ID, and a copy of the Advance Care Directive, and a copy of my will and trust showing him as the successor trustee and executor, just in case any of this becomes necessary before we find out what will be official and so best for BVS and for him.
I know it would be worked out regardless because we have people who are so helpful -- and I'd like it to go as smoothly for everyone as possible. So thank you very much for this! link
I'm trying to get things in order for the man is the designee on my advance care directive and also my executor when I die. He asked how he would get in if I'm not able to call in a pass for him and I didn't know, so I'm asking here.
He will be in charge of me if I'm in a bad accident or something but am still alive, and in charge of all the business end of things when I die. He's also the successor trustee of the trust the house is held in.
In case he needs to bring me something from my house, or take care of something at my house, what should he do to get in without a pass? If I'm conscious, I can still call one in for him, but if not, he's still in charge of me. And of course, I'm pretty sure I can't call him in a pass once I've passed.
I suggested he bring his photo ID, and a copy of the Advance Care Directive, and a copy of my will and trust showing him as the successor trustee and executor, just in case any of this becomes necessary before we find out what will be official and so best for BVS and for him.
I know it would be worked out regardless because we have people who are so helpful -- and I'd like it to go as smoothly for everyone as possible. So thank you very much for this!
oldgal
asked
almost 3 years ago
This is a great question! Typically the Executor will also have a Power of Attorney. They need to check at the Bear Valley Police Department. We will issue a pass provided they have the necessary documents. In the example above, where the person is a caretaker of a resident who cannot provide a pass, the photo identification and Advance Care Directive would serve the same need.
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Share Who do I contact to report bugs, request enhancements, etc. to the Gatehouse Portal app? on Facebook
Share Who do I contact to report bugs, request enhancements, etc. to the Gatehouse Portal app? on Linkedin
Email Who do I contact to report bugs, request enhancements, etc. to the Gatehouse Portal app? link
Who do I contact to report bugs, request enhancements, etc. to the Gatehouse Portal app?
rjones0604
asked
almost 3 years ago
This is a great question!
If you're having trouble with the software and need help fast, whether you just need a walkthrough for setting it up or need help troubleshooting, contact the CSD Administrative Office at 661-821-4428. Our office staff have been trained to help users install and troubleshoot the software. If it does turn out to be a bug, they will relay that information to the Gatehouse software developers (TEM Systems).
If you have suggestions for enhancements to the software, you should leave feedback in the app store where you downloaded the app. This will get your suggestion directly in front of TEMS staff.
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Share Our in-house history researcher Dave posted about what was a past controversy of some BVSC people taking their cars home either for work travel or personal business, and that it's all ok now, no problem. I just have a question about it and thought to ask it here instead of on Nextdoor to go right to the source :) Is the value of the car, insurance, gas, tires, maintenance & repairs added in as a part of their salary, or as part of their benefits package? I'm just curious because places where I've worked that I got a car, it's been handled several different ways. I'm wondering if when we see a person's salary in the transparency section, does it include the value of our car for them? on Facebook
Share Our in-house history researcher Dave posted about what was a past controversy of some BVSC people taking their cars home either for work travel or personal business, and that it's all ok now, no problem. I just have a question about it and thought to ask it here instead of on Nextdoor to go right to the source :) Is the value of the car, insurance, gas, tires, maintenance & repairs added in as a part of their salary, or as part of their benefits package? I'm just curious because places where I've worked that I got a car, it's been handled several different ways. I'm wondering if when we see a person's salary in the transparency section, does it include the value of our car for them? on Linkedin
Email Our in-house history researcher Dave posted about what was a past controversy of some BVSC people taking their cars home either for work travel or personal business, and that it's all ok now, no problem. I just have a question about it and thought to ask it here instead of on Nextdoor to go right to the source :) Is the value of the car, insurance, gas, tires, maintenance & repairs added in as a part of their salary, or as part of their benefits package? I'm just curious because places where I've worked that I got a car, it's been handled several different ways. I'm wondering if when we see a person's salary in the transparency section, does it include the value of our car for them? link
Our in-house history researcher Dave posted about what was a past controversy of some BVSC people taking their cars home either for work travel or personal business, and that it's all ok now, no problem. I just have a question about it and thought to ask it here instead of on Nextdoor to go right to the source :) Is the value of the car, insurance, gas, tires, maintenance & repairs added in as a part of their salary, or as part of their benefits package? I'm just curious because places where I've worked that I got a car, it's been handled several different ways. I'm wondering if when we see a person's salary in the transparency section, does it include the value of our car for them?
oldgal
asked
almost 3 years ago
Thank you for asking The short answer is that our staff no longer have personal use of District vehicles.
In 2011 The Board of Directors approved a policy allowing the General Manager, Chief of Police, Public Works Director, and department supervisors to be assigned vehicles for personal or business use. That is where the controversy started. This policy was voided in December 2012 when the Vehicle Use Policy was adopted. This Vehicle Use Policy states:
District vehicles may be issued to certain employees whose use of a take-home vehicle serves the needs of the District. The District retains sole discretion in determining whether an employee will be issued a take-home vehicle. When District vehicles are taken home, the following practices are to be followed:
The vehicle may not be used for private purposes
All District vehicles parked at a private residence must be parked off the street and locked. If no off-street parking is available, special permission must be obtained from the General Manager
Vehicles may only be used for the purpose for which they are intended. The exception is for routine, necessary errands which the employee may need to perform while driving the vehicle home or to a work location. (example: stopping to grab some milk on the way home, or coffee on the way to work)
Personnel must keep their District-issued Personal Protective Equipment in the vehicle
Personnel are responsible for the cleanliness and appearance of their assigned vehicle
We have employees who are on a rotating standby/emergency call-out status. They take the vehicles home so that they can quickly respond to an emergency in a vehicle that is equipped for the job. This applies to both police officers and public works staff. These employees are required to respond to a call-out within 30-45 minutes (30 for Police Officers, 45 minutes for Public Works).
The types of emergencies Public Works staff are expected to respond to include sanitary sewer main blockages, major water breaks, hazardous material spills, downed trees across roadways, and emergency support requests from the Police Department or California Department of Fish & Wildlife. Police Officers are required to respond to calls 24 hours a day.
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Share I have not seen the CSD announcement for three BODs vacancies in the news section of the website or Facebook page. Why not? Isn’t this relevant BVCSD news?
Secondly, when does the CSD plan on posting the date, time and location of “ Meet the candidates “? on Facebook
Share I have not seen the CSD announcement for three BODs vacancies in the news section of the website or Facebook page. Why not? Isn’t this relevant BVCSD news?
Secondly, when does the CSD plan on posting the date, time and location of “ Meet the candidates “? on Linkedin
Email I have not seen the CSD announcement for three BODs vacancies in the news section of the website or Facebook page. Why not? Isn’t this relevant BVCSD news?
Secondly, when does the CSD plan on posting the date, time and location of “ Meet the candidates “? link
I have not seen the CSD announcement for three BODs vacancies in the news section of the website or Facebook page. Why not? Isn’t this relevant BVCSD news?
Secondly, when does the CSD plan on posting the date, time and location of “ Meet the candidates “?
Geva
asked
over 2 years ago
Hi Geva,
We do not participate in the election process and will not be hosting a "meet the candidates" gathering.
Megan Clark, Communications Specialist
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