EDH Community Services District Activities

By Norb Witt

I was appointed to the CSD Board in March 2000 and elected to another 4 year term in November 2000, and I have worked diligently to improve CSD operations and park facilities.

I strongly support fair, reasonable and consistent CC&R enforcement. Many of the over 100 different CC&Rs are vague or do not address certain issues. I feel the CSD DRC should not be forced to make subjective decisions, and if a resident is unhappy with a DRC decision the CSD should assist them in attempting to modify the CC&Rs to specifically address that issue - such as a composition roof or type of fencing. CC&Rs are a legal contract, and they can and should be modified according to the desires of the residents to which they apply. Unfortunately the issue of what is legal in some villages, but is specifically forbidden in other villages (even across the street) can only be handled by modifying the CC&Rs.

Oak tree preservation is another of my main issues. I was instrumental in negotiating a $100,000 oak tree mitigation penalty payment from one of the major developers, and I spent many hours working with the EDH DRC revising their Oak Tree Policy. Unfortunately many of the CC&Rs do not mention oak tree preservation. There have been instances where over 60 oak trees were cut down on a single lot. There is also the case of the 70 inch diameter heritage oak tree that had all of its branches cut off - but the tree was not cut down according to the CC&Rs. The beautiful oak trees are one of the reasons EDH is the place to live in the Sacramento area, and why the home values are appreciating.

EDH is becoming a haven for retirees and the overall population is growing older. The seniors need more services and a senior Center - including day care facilities. I also strongly support the skateboard park, more sports fields, tennis courts, and the teen center.

I support the EDH library, better police protection and less traffic - although the CSD is not involved in those issues.

El Dorado Hills is growing rapidly, with a current population of approximately 31,300 and a projected buildout at approximately 55-60,000. Many difficult decisions need to be made to balance the needs of the community and the available funds. My 45 years of business and construction experience and 8 1/2 years building and maintaining parks will aid the CSD in overall operations and the development of these new facilities. I have the time to fully evaluate the various options and work with the community to get the most for our dollar.