Middle River Community Service District

MRCSD Community Report - July 2024 

Dear Community Members, 

We are pleased to present an update on the ongoing efforts and initiatives undertaken by the Middle River Community Services District (MRCSD). This report outlines the current status of our key projects and financial arrangements aimed at improving our community’s infrastructure and safety. 

1. FEMA Report and Barney Way Restoration 

Following the landslide incident on Upper Barney Way in February of last year, significant progress has been made to address the impact on our community: 

• Geological Assessments: Weatherby - Reynolds – Fritson Engineering and Design, along with their Geological Engineer, have completed thorough geological surveys. These surveys are critical in determining the scope of the necessary repairs to ensure both stability and safety in the affected areas. 

• Repair Efforts: We have been actively collaborating with FEMA and Cal OES to finalize repair plans. Volunteers from MRCSD have been instrumental in these efforts. The focus remains on restoring access and ensuring the emergency fire exit is unblocked. 

• Contract Finalization: A contract for the repairs and maintenance of Barney Way has been signed by all relevant authorities. This contract is essential for moving forward with the repair work to restore safety and accessibility. 

2. Resolution to Raise Tax 

To support our road maintenance initiatives, the Board has proposed a new special tax, which will be put to a vote on November 5, 2024: 

• Tax Rates: The proposed tax rates are $200 per improved lot and $150 per unimproved lot, replacing the current rates. This adjustment aims to generate approximately $13,000 annually specifically for road maintenance. The Service District on the other side of the river already voted in favor of this same increase to their tax two years ago and it has improved their roads significantly. 

• Voting Requirement: For this measure to pass, it requires the approval of two-thirds of the voters. Election services will be provided by the Calaveras County Elections Department, with MRCSD covering the costs. Please vote yes! Our community depends on it. 

4. Fire Safety 

As we enter the dry season, fire safety becomes an increasingly critical concern for our community. MRCSD is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all residents by implementing and promoting fire safety measures: 

• Dry Grass and Brush Removal: It is essential to regularly remove dry grass, brush, and debris from your property to prevent potential fire hazards. The recommended time for this activity is early morning or late evening when the temperatures are cooler and humidity is higher, reducing the risk of igniting a fire. 

• Safe Disposal: When removing dry vegetation, ensure that it is disposed of safely. As we do not have designated green waste bins, please take the debris to an authorized disposal site or compost it appropriately. Do not burn dry grass or brush without proper permits and precautions. 

• Necessary Equipment: Always have a shovel, fire extinguisher, and a hose nearby when working on clearing dry grass and brush. These tools are vital for quickly addressing any accidental fires that may start during the removal process. Additionally, these items should be kept nearby as a precaution when using gas-powered equipment, as such equipment can generate sparks that might ignite dry vegetation. 

• Community Preparedness: We encourage all residents to maintain a defensible space around their properties. This involves clearing away dead vegetation, pruning trees and shrubs, and creating a buffer zone that can slow the spread of fire and protect your home. 

• Fire Safety Workshops: MRCSD plans to organize fire safety workshops to educate residents on best practices for fire prevention and preparedness. These workshops will provide valuable information on how to protect your property and what to do in case of a fire emergency. 

5. Community Involvement and Volunteer Opportunities 

We encourage all community members to participate in our quarterly meetings and provide their valuable input. The next meeting is scheduled for August 3, 2024, where we will discuss further details about the tax resolution, ongoing projects, and address any community concerns. The meetings are held in person at the Benefit Club, 311 Main St. The meeting date and agenda are posted on the information board on Barney Way and at the Post Office bulletin board, 10 days prior to each meeting. 

Additionally, we are in urgent need of more volunteers to assist with various projects, including: 

• Road Maintenance: Helping with regular upkeep and repair tasks. 

• Event Planning: Assisting with organizing community events and meetings. 

• Emergency Response: Joining our team to aid in emergency situations and disaster recovery. 

• Fire Safety: Contributing to fire safety efforts as detailed above. 

Your involvement is crucial to the success of our initiatives. Volunteering not only helps the community but also provides an opportunity to meet neighbors and make a tangible difference in our district. 

Conclusion 

The MRCSD Board of Directors remains committed to enhancing the infrastructure and safety of our community. We appreciate your ongoing support and involvement in these efforts. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Thank you for your attention and cooperation. 

Sincerely, 

Dustin Boyle 

President, Middle River Community Services District (MRCSD) 

(510)282-4646 

Dustinboyle1@gmail.com 

This report is crafted to ensure transparency and keep our community well-informed about the critical projects and financial strategies in place. Your engagement and support are vital to the success of our collective efforts. 

FMA Report - May 2024

Subject: Important Update Regarding FEMA Report – Middle River Community Service District

Dear residents of the Middle River Community Service District,

We hope this message finds you well. I wanted to provide you with an important update regarding the FEMA report for our community, specifically related to the landslide incident on Upper Barney Way in February of last year. This incident has resulted in the displacement of residents and has blocked our emergency fire exit, which is a significant concern for the safety of our community.

After over a year of paperwork and due diligence, we are pleased to announce that our community service district volunteers have been diligently working with FEMA and Cal OES to proceed with the necessary repairs. 

During a recent meeting held on February 22nd, we were able to discuss the project with Weatherby Engineering and their Geological Engineer at the slide site. While we have made progress in assessing the situation and estimating the potential engineering costs, we are still in the process of finalizing timelines and the overall duration of the project. This is due to the complex nature of the repairs and the need for further evaluation.

We understand the urgency and importance of resolving this matter as soon as possible, and we assure you that we are actively working towards finding the most efficient and timely solutions. Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of our community.

We kindly ask for your patience and support during this ongoing process. We will continue to keep you informed about any significant updates or developments.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work towards improving the infrastructure and safety of our community. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us for further clarification.

Best regards,

Dustin Boyle (510)282-4646
President, Middle River Community Service District