MVCSD approve audit draft and make progress on partnership with Arrowbear Lake Fire Department
Last night, the Morongo Valley Community Services District Board of Directors held their regular April meeting in Covington Park’s Mesquite Room, where a serial firestarter was discussed, along with discussions on the district’s audit draft, and progress with collaboration with a nearby fire district. Reporter Gabriel Hart was in attendance and has this recap.
For the Fire Chief’s report, Chief Caltabiano said out of fifty-two calls this past month, eight calls were made to a specific residence where a man had been consistently starting unlawful fires. Recognizing the frequent occurrence, one attendee stated an hour before the meeting, he witnessed a Sheriff’s deputy approach the same resident outside his house, who was then handcuffed and taken in. Chief Caltabiano confirmed the man was in police custody but could not comment further on the incident.
The CSD’s audit draft was reviewed and discussed among the Board, which Finance Director Johnny Tolbert said he saw “no major issues with the audit.” With President Christina Gorke absent for the meeting, the Board approved the audit draft 4/0.
There were multiple reports of progress on the recent partnership between the Morongo Valley Fire Department and the Arrowbear Lake Fire Department. Regarding the problematic Type 1 Fire Engine that continues to evade diagnosis, Arrowbear Lake Fire Chief Paul Lindley gave multiple suggestions, one of which would be to sell it or trade it in for a Type 2 that would be better overall for the rougher terrain of Morongo Valley.
Overall, Chief Lindley reported he and Chief Caltabiano have “hit the ground running,” recently meeting with Justin Merino of the Desert Region Fire Safe to discuss grant qualifications and availability, including discussions with Copper Mountain College for the instructional services program.
