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CONEJO RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT <br />BOARD OF DIRECTORS <br />SPECIAL MEETING <br />November 10, 2022 <br />6:00 PM <br />HILLCREST CENTER <br />MINUTES <br />1. CALL TO ORDER AND FLAG SALUTE <br />Cusworth called the meeting to order at 6:OOpm and she led the flag salute. <br />2. ROLL CALL <br />Directors Present: Cusworth, Huffer, Lange and Nickles <br />Directors Absent: Holt <br />Staff Present: General Manager Friedl, Administrators Callis and Smith, and Executive Assistant Reynders <br />Also Present: Doug Johnson, Chris Skinnell (via zoom) <br />3. ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC <br />4. RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO TRANSITION TO "BY -DIRECTOR DIVISION" ELECTIONS <br />Friedl introduced Doug Johnson, Demographer, National Demographics Corporation and Chris Skinnell, Partner, <br />Nielsen Merksamer, both of whom joined the meeting via zoom. Smith introduced the item and reviewed the <br />background of "by district" vs. "at large" elections. She noted that the resolution presented for adoption contains the <br />word "division" rather than "district" to avoid confusion with the District's name. She explained that a number of public <br />agencies in California have been sued under the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA.) She also explained the "safe <br />harbor" legislation the California Legislature established in 2016 to protect public agencies from CVRA litigation. <br />The District received a letter, on September 29th, from attorney Kevin Shenkman threatening to sue the District for <br />alleged violations of CVRA unless the District voluntarily converts to a by -division election system. Smith outlined the <br />various options available and the specific steps necessary should the Board decide to move ahead with the staff <br />recommendation. The recommendation is not based on any admission or concession that the District would ultimately <br />be found to have violated the CVRA; rather, the risks and costs associated with protracted CVRA litigation cannot be <br />ignored. <br />Discussion ensued and Board member's questions were answered by staff, Johnson and Skinnell. <br />It was moved by Huffer, seconded by Lange, and carried 4-0 to adopt Resolution 111022-A declaring intent to <br />transition from "at -large" to "by -director division" elections and outlining the specific steps to facilitate the <br />transition, that it be read in title only and all future readings be waived. <br />5. ADJOURN <br />Cusworth adjourned the meeting at 6:45pm to the next Regular Meeting on November 17, 2022. <br />Date: I���� Z � <br />Attest: <br />Aline Reynders, Executive Assistant <br />Approved by: <br />Nellie Cusworth, Chair <br />