The Morongo Valley Community Services District Board held its regular meeting at Covington Park’s multi-purpose room last night (3/16) at 6pm.
Covington Park’s multi-purpose room overflowed to standing room only last night, with over 100 Morongo Valley residents in attendance; a large contingent wearing t-shirts with the phrase “Resign Now” directed at the newest three board members who have sparked distrust, making recent meetings particularly embattled.
For full transparency, Board members invited Samuel Martinez, Executive Officer for San Bernardino’s LAFCO, to give a detailed presentation of what LAFCO is, and its effect on Morongo Valley residents. When one resident asked if there was a danger of Morongo Valley becoming incorporated, and if Board members could push that through without the consent of residents, Martinez assured “any type of formation goes to the voters of the area,” debunking the recent rumors.
Vice President Whitney concurred, “Guys, there’s no way this place is ever going to incorporate. We are doing everything in our power to make our fire department as solvent and healthy as possible. A police department on top of that? Never gonna happen.”
A new action item was brought forth to present Fire Chief Brakebill with a proclamation from the district for his past accomplishments related to his duty as Fire Chief. With Brakebill, also the General Manager of the District, suspicions rose why the proclamation was for his Fire Chief duties and not his General Manager duties, addressing past rumors board members planned to fire him as General Manager. Vice President Whitney made a motion to add General Manager to Brakebill’s Fire Chief Proclamation, approved by Brakebill, which Board members voted in favor 4/1.
Due to the turbulent and circular nature of the 4 ½ hour meeting, President Henning adjourned the meeting at approximately 10:30 pm, to be rescheduled tonight at 6 pm, where the remaining agenda items plan to be addressed.
