Ramona Water Board Takes No Action About AWOL Director, Suggests Recall

Ramona water board director Christopher “Kit” Kesinger missed his eighth consecutive board meeting Tuesday afternoon, an issue that took up a majority of the board's time at the meeting.

The Ramona Municipal Water District board signaled at the last meeting that it would send Kesinger a letter of reprimand after frequently missing regular board meetings—going back more than four months. Kesinger replied to the board before the letter could be sent, and said he wouldn't voluntarily resign, according to board director Darrell Beck.

Beck requested information be presented to the board about alternative options for boardmember participation in meetings, such as teleconference calls he could participate in from work. The board agreed that such exceptions for Kesinger would not be allowed due to restrictions in the Municipal Water Code and the Brown Act.

According to posted minutes, Kesinger last attended a board meeting on April 23. He missed previous meetings last fall as well—and apparently forfeited the $100-a –meeting pay for attendance.

"It appeared to me he abandoned his seat," said Beck.

He said the board can't force him to resign or attend meetings. But the board said that they are getting along fine without him.

"His big issue is recycled water and the board is making those moves without him," said board director Joe Zenovic.

"If Division Two wants to be represented, they have a few choices," said Zenovic.  
He said one of those choices was a recall.

The board asked Water District staff if it had any power to vacate the seat and allow another director to represent Division 2. Staff said the board can rule a vacancy, but the legal challenge could be very expensive.

The board voted 4-0 against sending the letter to Kesinger, as it was a "moot point."