Marinwood CSD meeting August 11, 2020

Marinwood CSD Meeting Agenda August 11, 2020

Marinwood CSD board meeting July 14, 2020

Marinwood Man Disrespects BLM and gets Harassed at Home

On June 2, 2020 a Marinwood man unleashes a profanity filled rant against graffiti in chalk at the corner of Marinwood Blvd and Miller Creek Rd.  Violent riots and looting had been happening in the Bay Area after the George Floyd protests.  Vandalism had occurred in the neighborhood. Although he does not use racial language, protesters immediately called him racist for insulting Black Lives Matter by saying "All Lives Matter"

Later,  the protesters intimidate the man outside his home around the corner.  (no sound) Friends and the Sheriff were called to protect his safety.  Protesters took to social media and vowed to destroy his business and reputation and claimed all of his supporters as "white supremacists"



At the June 9th, 2020 Marinwood CSD meeting, Board President Jeff Naylor recommends the Marinwood CSD publish a letter of support for Black Lives Matter to counter the bad publicity.

Marinwood Meeting agenda July 14, 2020

Marinwood CSD June 9, 2020- Damn the Torpedos

Marinwood CSD throws caution to the wind and continues with massive capital spending on the Bill Hansell's White Elephant aka. Marinwood Maintenance Shed.  The necessary major repairs to the Community Pool are being ignored for now, to allow more money to be spent on Hansell's bloated project.   This is corruption in real time.

The Marinwood CSD staff has been idle for months while retaining full salary.  Unlike other government agencies in Marin who have laid off staff due to declining revenue, Marinwood CSD continues to employ idle staff . The Marinwood CSD board voted 5-0 to INCREASE the pay range for our staff.  Jeff Naylor, Leah Green, Izabella Perry, Bill Shea and Sivan Oyserman are clueless and grossly irresponsible with our budgets.

A very limited summer camp is going forward despite concerns over COVID19 community spread and the continued lockdown of businesses and other activities.  While some measures for safety, are being implemented, we need to be aware that it will be up to young teen counselors to maintain the health protocol.  We think this is very unwise but hope that our children will be safe.  I would have rather seen the new health protocol implemented by the schools so that mature adults will be present at all times.  I am guardedly optimistic for our children.

Jeff Naylor and Sivan Oyserman want an official statement of support for "Black Lives Matter" despite their previous racist remarks following last year's attempted rape of a juvenile attending a Mexican Sweet 16 party.   The Marinwood CSD silently banned all quincenaras, weddings and other events booked primarily by the Hispanic community.  Instead of increasing security protocols and guidelines to ensure safety, they simply banned community events.  When we pointed out the racist nature of the policy, they quietly reversed themselves upon the advice of their lawyer.

The Marinwood CSD refused to change their alcohol policy and will not install video security cameras in fear that they will offend "community members" who use the Marinwood Community Center for drinking parties and other "non family" events.

It is appalling that the Marinwood CSD ignores the safety of the community.

Jeff Naylor, Izabela Perry and Leah Green is up for reelection and hope you will not notice.   We encourage you to consider running for a seat on the Marinwood CSD to help clean up the swampy messy before it is too late.  Marinwood CSD insiders are taking unfair advantage of everyone.

This is your community.  What future do YOU want? You can make a difference.  Contact savemarinwood@gmail.com to learn more.

Marinwood CSD meeting June 9, 2020

Assumed Risk of contracting COVID19 at Marinwood Summer Camp

I am appalled that they are opening Marinwood CSD Summer camps while we are still sheltered in place. Do they really think young teen counselors should be given the responsibility of protecting public health?
The Marinwood CSD is not worried. The parents are assuming the risk. What do you think?

Non Essential Marinwood CSD staff threaten to BANKRUPT us during the COVID 19 Crisis

Eric Dreikosen, Marinwood CSD manager was hired in 2015 by Bill Hansell, then CSD politician

Just when you thought it could not get worse at Marinwood CSD, the district is facing its largest financial crisis in history due to COVID 19. At the helm is the controversial director, Eric Dreikosen, who lacked the managerial skills to navigate the district during this difficult time.  He has literally done nothing, while the district's finances are being drained by overhead of cancelled programs.

Marinwood CSD has an overabundance of office staff that in good years no one noticed due to the success of its recreation and summer camp programs.  These programs bring in roughly one third of the district budget or $2,000,000.  Now all of these programs have been cancelled due to health concerns from COVID19

The Marinwood CSD was warned by Marin County and the public that a terrible financial crisis was about to unfold at the March 8, 2020 meeting.  The warnings were ignored and all of the Marinwood CSD Boardmembers hoped it would be a "normal year".   It was naive and frankly revealed the lack of business judgement of not only Eric Dreikosen but the entire Marinwood CSD board.  (Jeff Naylor. Izabela Perry and Leah Green hoped to be re-elected in November 2020. Be sure to voice your displeasure at the ballot box).

Understandably they did not want to layoff staff needlessly but it has long been clear that both the pool and the Summer Camps will at the very least be money losing propositions in 2020 and staff adjustments are needed.  No contingency plans have been made.

For the last three months there has been almost no regular maintenance or office work done.  The entire staff appears to be idle, save for emptying trash cans in the park. (They did not want to do this either but were ordered to by the Marin County Health Department).  Marin County Parks and Recreation staff has been working for weeks in their parks.  County employees who have not been able to return to their normal jobs have been providing extra help for social service needs of the county, getting food and outreach to people in need. Why didn't Marinwood CSD help our community in similar ways?

Marinwood CSD staff has been idle but being paid a full salary, benefits without interruption. A simple request that Marinwood CSD coordinate community volunteers was turned down by Eric Dreikosen,  because "they did not have the budget" so the staff has done nothing to help the community.

The Marinwood CSD Community Pool needs major repairs which will require the shut down of the pool for months. It will disrupt a pool season.  This year is the IDEAL year to make pool repairs because the disruption is already happening.   The Marinwood CSD CANCELLED pool repairs to allow them to have cash for the Bill Hansell designed Maintenance Shed Compound at an astronomical cost.

The Maintenance Shed Project is TEN TIMES the cost of the initial estimates and former Marinwood CSD politician Bill Hansell is the architect.   He has been paid $50k just for initial drawings.  The original project, a simplified structure suitable for a landscaping operation could have been built for $50k and installed by now.  But Bill Hansell could not have made money that way.  He increased the size of the project up to include unneeded work areas and a shower for our employees.  Hansell, a part time architect, is using the project to restart his troubled architecture practice.  Foolishly the Marinwood CSD Board agreed to fund this white elephant with YOUR tax dollars.  Instead of an appropriate utilitian structure, Hansell has created an over the top project with expensive unnecessary details like custom steel work, glass and surfaces normally found in multi million dollar custom homes. 

But Bill Hansell is not the only former Marinwood CSD politician to benefit.  Another former Marinwood CSD politician Irv Schwartz is doing the engineering with his firm ILS Associates.  Other locals are involved landscaping and consulting and legal work.  These are NO BID contracts given to political insiders and smell to high hell. It reeks of cronyism, and political corruption.

Why should you care?

The Marinwood CSD will be asking for more taxes in the Fall.  I expect they will try to vote on a bond issue to make pool repairs.  Marinwood CSD citizens have never been watchful of their politicians which has allowed corruption to run rampant.  Eric Dreikosen, Marinwood CSD politician was hired to look the other way while the corruption continues.  He had no previous government or general management experience.  He was allowed to hire an assistant to help with the bookkeeping. ( He now has TWO full time administrative assistants).  

The Marinwood CSD will soon be bankrupt unless an outside agency puts an end to this fiasco.  If Marinwood CSD goes belly up, Marin County will need to bail them out.  A very sad end to the most beautiful neighborhood CSD in Marin.

Marinwood CSD Meeting May 12, 2020 Zoom meeting.

Recorded at SaveMarinwood studio (audio problems)

Recorded by Marinwood CSD with content removed by the CSD

This meeting was recorded at two different locations but is the same meeting. The first video was rec recording from my studio,. It contains video from the entire video feed but unfortunately, the audio of me speaking was not picked up.  When I joined the ZOOM audio conference room, Eric Dreikosen refused to acknowledge me or unmute my phone to verify a connection.  I frantically tried using the chat function which was ignored.  Finally after trying twenty times, I typed an obscenity that was seen by Bill Shea.  I was unsure why they were ignoring the chat and was not sure that chat was active at all despite the comment that Eric was managing them.  I typed away my running commentary for my own notes but low and behold at the end of the call Bill Shea asked that my chat be preserved presumably to play "gotcha" as "evidence of disruptive behavior".   I was not kind to their lies and deception in my notes.  It is an amusing sidenote to the evening.


The Marinwood CSD is completely out of control.  They have cancelled major repairs for the Marinwood CSD pool so they can build Bill Hansell's Maintenance Compound at ten times expense of similar maintenance sheds.  Irv Schwartz, former CSD director has done engineering and survey work for the project.  These CSD directors are LOOTING the Marinwood CSD and may well plunge it into bankruptcy.

I do not yet know why these two videos do not synch.  Is it because, the Marinwood CSD doctored their video or is it due to another technical reason?  As all Marinwood CSD watchers know, the Marinwood CSD REGULARLY doctors documents and agendas and minutes to avoid embarrassment.

Time for "Wait and See" is over at the CSD. An Open Letter

Are you convinced yet that we won't have "business as usual" this Summer?

Since I last wrote you 

1.) School has been canceled for the remainder of the year

2.) Marin County Fair has been cancelled.

3.) Fourth of July parade in Novato has been cancelled

4.) The Assistant Medical Officer at MHHS has warned us that we will not return to "normal" for the rest of the year or several years in the future.https://www.marinij.com/2020/04/14/marin-county-to-extend-coronavirus-stay-at-home-order/

5.) Marin orders mandatory masks for everyone.

All is not lost. There is much positive news too.  The curve is flattening, Marin has far fewer cases than expected , new drugs will be coming to market and a vaccine may be ready in 2021. Coronavirus often disappears during the warm weather and returns in the Fall.

Good news but far from normal.

Everywhere cities are revising their budgets but we have still haven't heard a peep from Marinwood CSD.  You didn't meet Tuesday, April 14th because you had "nothing to discuss".

It seems like there is much to discuss and fast.   

Will the Marinwood CSD 1.) postpone the pool season 2.) mothball summer programs and 3) postpone the Maintenance Facility project ?  

All will be necessary to weather the storm of a $2 million dollar loss.  At some point, we will return to normal but it is obviously time to "trim the sails".  A hurricane is upon us.  Let's do the right things now to protect "the ship" and know that better days are ahead.

I look forward to hearing from you.  I expect you must meet soon.  Please let the public know what the CSD is doing to preserve our future.

Hope all is well with you and your family during this shut down.

All the best, 

Stephen Nestel

P.S.  Keep in mind that any sacrifices made by the CSD at this time are just a fraction of the catastrophic losses suffered by workers and owners of small businesses.  Many of the decisions will be tough for the CSD but nothing to compare to the totality of the losses experienced by some.

“No Essential Items to Consider” for Marinwood CSD?

Did we hear this right? The Marinwood CSD has “no essential items to consider” during a financial crisis?  Maybe they have no PUBLIC items they wish to discuss but there are plenty of items to discuss like the 2020 budget. Sorry, problems don’t simply disappear.

Sent to us at 5:15 pm April 10th, 2020:

Hello,

On behalf of Marinwood CSD, we all hope this finds you and your loved ones managing through these challenging times as well as possible.

As there are currently no immediate and essential action items for the Board of Directors consideration, it has been decided that the board meeting originally scheduled for April 14, 2020 will be cancelled.  The next regular board meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2020.

In the meantime, we continue to work diligently while remaining committed to the District and the community.

Thank you,

Eric Dreikosen

District Manager

Three steps that will save Marinwood CSD in 2020: An Open Letter

Public meetings in times of COVID 19/ Three steps that will save Marinwood CSD in 2020

I understand that the Brown Act public meeting requirements are still in effect excepting the in person requirement. This means that meetings must be noticed and there needs to be a way for public to participate.   

I wrote to you recently offering to help with video streaming and setting up web conferencing but received no detail on how you plan to move forward during this time of COVID 19 crisis. The next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Undoubtedly, there has been discussion among the staff and the Marinwood CSD board members but the public has been left in the dark.  This is a vital moment for our community and the public should be participating during these times.

According to the latest Marinwood CSD budget submitted March 10, 2020 the Marinwood CSD could LOSE $2,000,000 in lost revenue from recreation programs this year.   We still are employing a full staff and nothing has been said about cancellations except that Jeff Naylor CSD President "hopes that we have a normal summer" in his April 3, 2020 letter.

As of April 7th we know that Marin schools will not resume for the remainder of this year.   How likely is it that suddenly, the aquatic and summer camp will return to "normal levels" with 500 children a day running around our park "maintaining social distancing" after being prohibited from social interaction for months?

Not very likely.

It is imperative that the Marinwood CSD take the following three steps to minimize the financial havoc to our bottom line.  If nothing is done, insolvency may be in our future.

1.) Suspend the 2020 Pool Season.  Hire no seasonal staff, layoff existing support staff until 2021.  Use this time to upgrade the facility, resurface the pool, conduct major maintenance.  What better time to do this anticipated maintenance that a year where demand will be light.  

2.) Postpone all summer camps.  This seems very obvious. There will be no way to protect children and staff from being vectors for COVID19 transmission.  The liability is enormous.  Craft alternate "coronavirus safe" activities that will not endanger our population.  I have no doubt that camps will return once more information and treatment of COVID 19 is available. In the meantime it is an unacceptable risk to host a summer camp.

3.) Postpone the Maintenance Facility project.  This also seems obvious in light of a major financial crisis.  As you know I have been a critic of the project and most especially the inflated and unnecessary costs.  If you move ahead with this project now, you will risk plunging the Marinwood CSD into insolvency.  Use this time instead to maintain existing park structures upgrade trails, install safety equipment etc.

Action steps taken today will save Marinwood CSD for the future.  Are you up to the task?

Please let me know how you plan to conduct public meetings as required by law.

Stephen Nestel

P.S. If you think these steps are difficult for the Marinwood CSD, consider that approximately 1/3 of our workforce in private business are suffering catastrophic financial losses.  Many businesses will simply not return.  It may be years before the economy returns to normalcy.   The Marinwood CSD can avoid MAJOR LOSSES by acting now to preserve capital and redirect assets. In the long run this will be best for the employees of the district and the public alike.

Marinwood CSD faces a $2 Million dollar LOSS in Revenue in 2020

Jeff Naylor's "happy talk" is too little too late.  The Marinwood CSD only increased disinfection routine AFTER a public complaint to the Marin County Health Department.  It took them TWO WEEKS to lock up the filthy public restrooms and empty trash bins daily.  The Marinwood Fire Department however, was up to task immediately under the leadership of San Rafael Fire Department.

Marinwood CSD faces a $2 Million dollar LOSS in Revenue in 2020

As most people know, all schools in Marin County will be closed for the rest of the school year as a result of COVID 19.   As a result it is absurd to think that Marinwood CSD programs will "return to normal" in June as suggested by Jeff Naylor, Marinwood CSD board president on April 3, 2020.

At the March 10, 20120 meeting, the public was met with the typical arrogance of the CSD Board when we implored them to take immediate action in preparing contingency plans for our budget in the face of a global pandemic.  They told us "wait and see"

In this letter from several days ago, Jeff Naylor Marinwood CSD president and Eric Dreikosen, CSD Manager  is still taking a "wait and see" approach as if magically everything will return to normal and suddenly in a few weeks, we will return to normal life.  

Despite the sudden prospect of losing all of our recreation revenue for Summer 2020, no actions have been taken to preserve our financial reserves and to take financial precautions immediately.   Several weeks ago I suggested that we eliminate our 2020 pool season and mothball the Summer camp programs.  This will be difficult but completely a rational business decision in light of the current reality.  If circumstances change, we can create a partial camp and swim season.   

This has not been done, however, and CSD has a full load of employees who's only 

role is to provide support for our summer recreation season. Despite the opportunity to create alternative recreational programs, there is no evidence they are doing anything during the shutdown excepting "waiting and seeing".

On top of all of this Dreikosen and the CSD announced they are continuing to fund Bill Hansell's  White Elephant Maintenance Shed which will may be the most expensive project in Marinwood CSD history.  Hansell was hired to do the entire project for $13.800 but the project has only gotten to the blueprint stage for FIVE TIMES THE COST.  It is very expensive because the architect is insisting on customized features unheard of for a landscaping shed.  

The Marinwood CSD  is destined to be driven into bankruptcy and dissolution if competent leadership is not found soon.  The Marinwood CSD is "waiting and seeing" in the time of extreme financial crisis. Both the Marinwood CSD board and staff are to blame.

Its Do or Die Time at the Marinwood CSD. A letter.

Marinwood CSD Staff and Board Members

Next Tuesday is the Fire Commission meeting but we have not received notice of cancellation. Of course today was the opening of the Pool season which we were notified on Late Saturday.

While the cancellations are understandable given the fact that Marin County will now be closed until May 1st, it would be preferable to have adequate notice of change of plans.

I believe now more than ever that Marinwood CSD needs to formulate a 2020 Action Plan that will reduce our exposure to negative economic fallout from the COVID 19 crisis.  

Clearly, we are going to take a huge financial hit of potentially over $2 million dollars according to the budget presented at the March 10th Marinwood CSD meeting.  That is 1/3 of our total budget. Ouch.

Even if life gets back to "normal" in May, the financial effects of the shut down will last for many months and the psychological impact to the community cannot be understated.  I believe many parents will be reluctant to enroll kids in summer camps and pool programs until the risk from Covid19 is known.  It could be several years before residual fear abates.

I can only guess what the future holds and  listen to experts. There is no question that we are living in extraordinary times.  This is a time to set plans in place that will minimize our financial hit.

Here are items that should be under consideration for 2020 and decisions made in the coming weeks:

1.) Close the 2020 Pool season.  Do not hire additional staff. Instead consider using this year to resurface the pool.  I believe pool demand will be low and the fixed cost of operation may put us deeper in the hole.  As a daily swimmer, I find this a difficult decision but understandable given the circumstance

2.) Consider mothballing the Camp Season and replacing with "Covid 19" safe activities.  I don't exactly know what this will be.  I would contact the Miller Creek Superintendent to see if they are planning a Summer session that will impact camp attendance. These are unusual times and parents will still want their kids in school and/or need day care.  If school is in session, obviously few children will be attending camp.

Inexpensive carports can be upgraded.

3.) Postpone the Maintenance Facility project.  It is undeniably a very expensive proposition and likely to have strong opposition and possible legal challenges.  I know that Bill Hansell will be disappointed but if the CSD were to push it forward now, it risks bankruptcy and dissolution of the Marinwood CSD district. It is an unconscionable risk at present. I suggest that Bill rework the design for a community hall or other project but not expect anything for the near future.  A simple carport and shipping container storage can address the immediate needs for less than $10k . This will buy the district time for a permanent solution in the future.

Shipping containers  for tool storage can be disguised 

4.) EXPAND social media and community outreach.  Concentrate small improvements to our parks that do not require vast resources such as restoring park benches, installing handrails, bulletin boards, etc.

5.) With this restructuring, staffing roles need to be redefined.  Fewer seasonal employees are needed this year and full time staff may need to be downsized. Budget priorities should be reconsidered.

6.) The Brown Act is still in effect except for the physical presence requirement.  You still need public meetings and should communicate regularly with the public. Zoom, go to meeting. livestreaming all are possible.  Please utilize email, bulletin boards, signage etc to reach out to people.

As you know the CSD Board will have an election this year.  Much of what you do in the next few months will be scrutinized by the public. This is a time to embrace opportunity for growth.

Bay Area’s coronavirus stay-at-home extended through end of April, officials confirm

Bay Area’s coronavirus stay-at-home extended through end of April, officials confirmSeven Bay Area jurisdictions to sign onto extension

By FIONA KELLIHER | fkelliher@bayareanewsgroup.com and ROBERT SALONGA | Bay Area News Group
PUBLISHED: March 30, 2020 at 11:53 a.m. | UPDATED: March 30, 2020 at 2:39 p.m.



This story is available to all readers in the interest of public safety. Please consider supporting our coverage of the coronavirus outbreak by subscribing to the Marin Independent Journal.

Support local journalism


The Bay Area will continue living under shelter-in-place rules through the end of April, officials confirmed Monday morning.

Discussions surrounding an extension of the first regional order had been expected for several days, this news organization first reported Sunday, as public health departments race to contain the spread of COVID-19.

“The Public Health Order for people to shelter-in-place safely in their homes will soon be extended until at least May 1,” read a joint statement from seven jurisdictions, provided to this news organization Monday. “We have said an extension might be expected as we work together to slow the spread of the COVID-19 disease.”

Six counties that signed onto the first order — Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Francisco and Marin — will co-sign the extension, alongside the city of Berkeley, which has its own public health department.

Cindy Chavez, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, had said Sunday that an extension would come out early this week.

Even though California is already under a blanket shelter-in-place order under the direction of Gov. Gavin Newsom, local jurisdictions are allowed to have more restrictive rules than the state. Revisions include proposed modifications to allowable outdoor activities and classifications of non-essential businesses.

Response to Marinwood CSD B.S.

Mr Dreikosen and CSD Board Members,

I don't know who you think you are fooling.  You have not returned my calls, emails and only responded when I published my criticism of your lack of communication and initiative in www.savemarinwood.org yesterday.

When I ask simple direct questions I expect simple direct responses.  Your letter was not direct.

The entire CSD board ignored warnings at the March 10, 2020 CSD meeting about the coming  "COVID19 Hurricane" by the public and our fire chief.  Foolishly, it took a "wait and see" approach when ACTION was needed to protect public health.  Maybe it was more concerned with hiding the settlement the Miller lawsuit than addressing public needs.

  Now two weeks later after I appealled to the Marin County Health Officer, Matt Willis, MD to give the Marinwood CSD a directive to CLEAN THE PUBLIC Bathrooms, Fountains,  Portapotties and Empty trash the CSD has only taken partial action?  

How was I to know that this was the very day our Health Officer discovered that he had Coronavirus too?   Common sense should have been enough to address this but clearly the Marinwood CSD has other priorities than the safety of our seniors and vulnerable population.  The CSD has done too little, too late.

So the portipotty has not been cleaned for two weeks?  How many people do you think have been infected?  You are relying on a contractor during a pandemic to protect our community? Shame on you.

Likewise your response to the financial challenge shows that you have no active strategy to address what is likely to be a loss of a significant portion of our revenue.  You can't even make the call to delay the Maintenance Facility project that is already a  HUGE COST that you dare not mention?

The Marinwood CSD desperately needs to manage the crisis with bold leadership and tough choices.  Is it up to the task?

Dreikosen responds FINALLY (with More BS).

Eric Dreikosen Responds FINALLY.  

Dear Stephen,

As stated in a previous response to you, (ERIC DREIKOSEN IGNORED US since this crisis began. HE NEVER SENT US A RESPONSE. THIS IS A TOTAL UNTRUTHFUL STATEMENT) our efforts are focused on essential priorities and continuously changing response and impacts associated with the COVID-19 situation.  All non-essential items and requests will be responded to and/or addressed as time and circumstances allow.  Your understanding remains appreciated.

The District does have a page on our website containing updates in response to the current COVID-19 situation.  It can be found at http://marinwood.org/about-us/covid-19-updates.  The public is encouraged to check this page often for updates.  Furthermore, updates are also posted on our various social media platforms.  Many of your questions and/or suggestions from this and your other prior correspondences have already been addressed via these platforms.  THERE HAVE BEEN NO POSTED NOTES or Email blasts except to announce closure.  Posts to Facebook and Nextdoor are insufficient to reach majority of people.  Where is the bulletin board / signage ?

In brief response to your current questions…

Yes, our sanitation efforts have increased as was indicated in a prior release.  Additionally, our facilities have been closed throughout the duration of the shelter in place order.  This includes our playgrounds and park bathroom which does indeed lock and is currently closed.  We have been attempting to coordinate with the company from whom the porta potty is leased to arrange a full service.  This is now anticipated to occur tomorrow at which time that too will be closed and locked.  These actions are consistent with the efforts of other park providers throughout the County.

District staff are analyzing a wide variety of potential financial impacts due to current situation.  The summer camp and pool revenue contribute $1mm+ each year and the CSD has no plan?!!

District staff have researched a wide variety of potential virtual meeting platforms in addition to current exceptions granted within the Brown Act by the State due to the current situation.  At this time no decisions have been made.

Capital projects have not been suspended at this time.  DREIKOSEN hired former CSD politician, Bill Hansell as architect for an estimated cost of $13,500 for the ENTIRE MAINTENANCE FACILITY PROJECT but has paid him FIVE TIMES the amount for an initial drawing.  THE CSD REFUSES to discuss the project COST.  It is estimated that it will be $500,000 or more making it the most expensive landscaping garage in the history of Marin County.  A perfectly acceptable alternative can be built for $50-$100k.   CLEARLY the Marinwood CSD is willing to risk BANKRUPTCY on this project. WHY ARE THEY HIDING THE COST?

The District does not have the resources to coordinate a community volunteer effort, not to mention the need to conduct the required background screening and quite possibly medical screening given the current circumstances.  However, there are several agencies in Marin County that already do perform this type of work and coordination.  Should you wish to volunteer or are in need of volunteer services you are encouraged to contact agencies such as the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership, Marin VOAD, the County of Marin, etc.

THE MARINWOOD CSD just settled a lawsuit for $150,000 with an elderly couple.  They spent an estimated another $50,000 on legal fees. The couple was willing to settle for $50k in 2017 but the CSD foolishly pursued a legal case costing the district an estimated $200,000.  It is is this type of FECKLESS management is the heart of Marinwood CSD's financial woes not the cost time effort by a staff member during the shut down. The program will cost nothing since most staff are idol.  FECKLESS management has cost the district HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of Dollars

Regards,

Eric

Marinwood CSD is Missing in Action while Coronavirus Pandemic Spreads

Eric Dreikosen, Marinwood CSD manager has disappeared since the Coronavirus shut down March 13, 2019. Below is the latest of several letters to the Marinwood CSD that have gone unanswered.  The staff is on full salary and benefits but has yet to ensure that Marinwood CSD Community Facilities will be cleaned or maintained.  It is clear that Dreikosen is unprepared to cope with the crisis.

Letter the Marinwood CSD Staff/Board March 25, 2020:

Will you please answer these questions?

1.) Have you increased the disinfection of public restrooms, fountains and public use areas in Marinwood CSD district?  Please advise immediately.

2.) Are you planning for the worst case scenario for the economy and loss of Marinwood CSD revenue?   As you know Governor Newsom is predicting 12 week shut down and schools may not resume this year at all. Even if it does, parents may drastically alter their plans for the children to attend summer camp.  You need to prepare for this now.

3.) Have you planned how to conduct public business?  I can offer technical assistance in video streaming meetings during this period.  Just let me know.  I believe the Brown Act still is in effect but may not have the requirement of physical presence.  A meeting in Zoom may be allowed.     

4.)  Have you suspended capital projects until the financial situation stabilizes?  Obviously the Maintenance Facility project will be a major investment and could easily topple Marinwood CSD finances in this unstable period. It is irresponsible not to discuss this major investment with the community.   You are a public agency.  Please be public.

5.) Have you created a "volunteer matching" program like Fairfax? It may save lives.  Surely one of our paid staff can coordinate this.  Are they busy with other tasks?

As one of the few members of the public that regular attends Marinwood CSD meetings,  we are frequently told,  "please ask the staff" or "we will address this outside the meeting".   It is rare that we actually hear from you.   I assume no one has resigned their post or been dismissed from their job duties.   I expect that Marinwood CSD business is moving forward.  Please engage the public. It is your duty.

 Your leadership is more important than ever.  The very future of the district depends on it.

P.S. Hopefully, the malaria pills will treat the virus soon but the ensuing financial effects may have major consequences for years to come.

Marinwood CSD blows $200,000 to sue an elderly couple and loses.

Marinwood family and district settle landslide lawsuit

Marinwood residents Barbara and Alan Miller in their back yard on Sept. 20, 2017. They have lived there for more than half a century. (Robert Tong/Marin Independent Journal)

By KERI BRENNER | kbrenner@marinij.com | Marin Independent Journal
March 21, 2020 at 2:11 p.m.


The Marinwood Community Services District has reached a $142,500 settlement with a couple whose home was almost destroyed by a landslide.

The deal closes a three-year dispute over who should pay for repairs to the hillside behind the residence of Barbara and Alan Miller.

“They are grateful that the slope is fixed and they are able to continue living in their home of 55 years,” said the couple’s daughter, Wendy Miller. “They bear no grudge toward the district — they just wish there had been some compassion and sense of responsibility, and we had not been forced to take legal action.”

The landslide happened on Jan. 10, 2017, when a district-owned fire road atop the hillside collapsed during heavy rains, sending mud and debris in piles up to the back door of the couple’s home.

Wendy Miller said the district declined to help pay for the repairs to the hillside and fire road, prompting Miller to hire her own contractor to do the work — rather than wait for the rainy season to come again and do further damage or endanger her parents’ lives.

Attorneys for the Miller family and the district battled it out in a lawsuit and counter-lawsuit. They settled just before a trial was scheduled to start in Marin County Superior Court.

Wendy Miller said between the repair costs and legal fees, the family spent at least $200,000 over the three years.

Eric Dreikosen, the Marinwood district manager, said the settlement does not assign blame for the slide. He declined to elaborate on specifics.

“The Millers filed suit against the district based on a landslide that occurred during heavy rains in early 2017, which they claimed was caused by emergency drainage work the district performed on district-owned property,” Dreikosen said in an emailed statement. “The district denied, and continues to deny, any liability for causing the slide. However, in an effort to avoid further litigation that would have been costly for both sides, the Millers and the district agreed to a settlement of $142,500.”

“This settlement represents a compromise for both sides — especially since the Millers were seeking to recover significantly more than that amount at trial,” Dreikosen added.

Editor's Note:  The Millers initially requested that the district pay 50% of repairs which in 2017 amounted to around $50k.  The Millers are 90 years old and did not want the hassle.  The landslide was always going to end in a settlement but the Marinwood CSD decided to roll the dice and tried to use legal intimidation to get the Millers to drop their claim.  So now,  Marinwood CSD pays all of the repairs and both sides legal expense.  It really is unconscionable.  The Millers have lived in the district for over fifty years and did not deserve this.  All of the current Marinwood CSD board approved this tactic.  The lawyer was provided through Marin County Attorney's office.  ALL of our recent tax increase will be needed pay for this.  Where are the adults?