Phelan Piñon Hills Community Services District Announces Cancellation of Board Meeting & Rate Hearing, & Closure of Office & Other Facilities for Remainder of March

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Don Bartz, General Manager
(760) 868-1212

PHELAN, Calif. (March 17, 2020) – On March 16, 2020, out of an abundance of caution due to recent public health concerns and recommendations by the State of California, the Phelan Piñon Hills Community Services District (“District”) has cancelled its Board meeting scheduled for March 18, 2020. As a result, the Public Hearing on the proposed water rate increase has also been cancelled. A new notification will be mailed out and the Public Hearing will be scheduled for May 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
 
In addition to the Board meeting and hearing cancellation, the special Finance Committee meeting on March 24, 2020, will be cancelled. Effective March 17, 2020, until April 1, 2020, all District community centers and senior centers will be closed for use and the District office will close to the public. Customers can still call the District office during normal business hours and can still access their accounts online. The District will waive any late fees and will not disconnect customers for nonpayment during this time. Additionally, the $2 credit card convenience fee will be waived for payments made online or over the phone for the remainder of March. A drop box is available for customers in the District parking lot and payments can still be mailed in. New customers will be allowed to set up their accounts by phone and email. Field staff will still be addressing any leaks and proceeding with field operations to continue to provide safe, reliable drinking water to our customers.
 
Don Bartz, the District’s General Manager stated, “District staff has been monitoring the Covid-19/Coronavirus situation. Out of an abundance of caution, the District is taking steps to ensure the safety of the public and our employees during this unprecedented time. The decision to cancel District events and close the District office was not taken lightly. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our response accordingly.”
 
The following is a list of cancelled events and closures:

• Board Meeting/Public Hearing on March 18, 2020
• Special Finance Committee Meeting on March 24, 2020
• Tri-Community Senior Health Fair
• District Office
• Phelan Community Center
• Phelan Senior Center
• Pinon Hills Community Center
• Pinon Hills Senior Center

 
​As of March 17, 2020, the Farmers Market will continue to operate and the parks will remain open. The District determined it is in the best interest of the public to provide access to fresh produce at this time.
 
“Given the impact of Covid-19 on grocery stores at the moment, we have determined it is in the best interest of our residents to continue to have access to fresh produce and other goods.” Mr. Bartz continued, “Our market is operated outdoors so the exposure risk was determined to be less severe than that of a grocery store. Additionally, we will be enhancing cleaning of equipment and public restrooms.”
 
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For more information, contact PPHCSD staff at 760-868-1212