El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board meeting erupts in chaos

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors meeting on Feb. 13 "devolved" into chaos, with members leaving and the Sheriff Department called to restore order, authorities said. Trouble was apparently afoot before the meeting started, as Director Chuck King previously resigned his seat via email. He later changed his mind, "un-resigned" and took his former seat as the board gathered. Meanwhile, CSD General Manager Mark Hornstra resigned a day earlier. Board President Steve Ferry would not even lift the gavel to convene the meeting with King there. "We're not going to start this meeting until the unelected person sitting up here at the dais leaves," Ferry opened. King laughed, "I am not leaving, so it's up to him to decide what to do. I'm a member in good standing, and no action has been taken." District Counsel Derek Cole said there might be a legal question about King's resignation, which could be resolved by a judge in Superior Court. He also explained protocol, which could validate the proceedings if King participates, even if he is later found not to have a right to occupy the office. The meeting was "characterized by a lack of decorum" with emotional arguments and a "standoff" between board members, angry citizens and King contesting his removal, officials said. "I think this is really disappointing for this board, and this organization to devolve to this," lamented Director Noelle Mattock. After a half-hour of heated exchanges, the taped gathering ended with the board members and staff unable to take any action until a publicly noticed meeting was held to discuss the issue. The EDHCSD Board scheduled a special meeting Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m. at the Norm Rowett Pavilion on Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills.