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Approve the reappointments of H.E. (Gene) Robben and Mort L. Triplett with terms expiring December 6, 2030, and the appointment of David J. Horrigan to fill an unexpired term of Ryan Mahoney, expiring December 1, 2028, as Directors for the Maine Prairie Water District
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Clerk of the Board recommends the Board approve the reappointments of H.E. (Gene) Robben and Mort L. Triplett with terms expiring December 6, 2030, and the appointment of David J. Horrigan to fill the unexpired term of Ryan Mahoney, expiring December 1, 2028, as Directors for the Maine Prairie Water District
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Uniform District Election Law (“UDEL”) establishes a body of election laws used by various special districts throughout the State to govern the election of officers. UDEL applies to the election of the board of directors of a water agency, which is a landowner voting district. The county registrar of voters is the election official.
If the number of persons who have filed a declaration of candidacy for director does not exceed the number of directors to be elected and if the election official is not presented with a petition signed by 10 percent or more of the voters requesting a general district election, no election is held.
The Maine Prairie Water District (“District”) has a five-member Board of Directors, and the terms of two of the five Directors will expire on December 4, 2026. The District published a notice of an all-mail ballot election and received valid declarations of candidacy from incumbent Directors H.E. (Gene) Robben and Mort L. Triplett. Additionally, the District received a valid declaration of candidacy from David J. Horigan to fill the unexpired term of former Director Ryan Mahoney, which expires December 1, 2028. The District did not receive a petition requesting a general district election.
Because the number of nominations is equal to the number of seats available, the District requests that the Board of Supervisors appoint the nominated individuals in lieu of holding an election pursuant to California Elections Code § 10515.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2026/27 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to make these appointments. This option is not recommended because the proposed Directors were validly nominated and California Elections Code §10515 requires their appointment.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION