SUMMARY MINUTES
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
707 NEVADA STREET, SUSANVILLE
NOVEMBER 9, 2010
8:31 A.M. CALL TO ORDER
PRESENT: Supervisors Bob Pyle, Lloyd Keefer and Brian Dahle; County Counsel Rick Crabtree, Interim County Administrative Officer (CAO) Richard Egan, Personnel Director/Risk Manager Nicole Berry and Deputy Clerk of the Board Susan Osgood. Supervisor Jim Chapman enters at 8:37 a.m. and is absent 8:59 a.m. – 9:08 a.m. Supervisor Jack Hanson arrives at 8:34 a.m. and is absent 9:25 a.m. – 9:28 a.m.) Deputy CAO for Health and Social Services Kevin Mannel is present 8:31 a.m. – 9:27 a.m. Closed session is recessed at 9:31 a.m. to be continued to the end of the regular meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION: 1) Conference with Legal Counsel: Significant exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Subdivision (b) of Government Code Section 54956.9 (if needed).
2) Conference with Legal Counsel: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Subdivision (b) of Government Code section 54956.9: one case.
3) Conference with Interim Labor Negotiator Richard Egan: May include the following bargaining units - a) Lassen County Peace Officers Assn. (LCPOA), b) United Public Employees of California (UPEC) c) Lassen County Road Workers Assn. (LCRWA), d) Management and Professional Association, e) Lassen County Peace Officers Assn. Supervisors Unit (LCPOASU), f) Lassen County Peace Officers Assn. Management Unit (LCPOAMU), g) Lassen County Deputy Sheriffs Association (LCDSA), h) Lassen County Management Association (LCMA).
4) Public Employee Appointment, pursuant to Subdivision (b) of Government Code Section 54954.5: County Administrative Officer.
5) Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release.
9:36 A.M. OPENING CEREMONIES: Following the flag salute, the invocation is offered by Supervisor Chapman.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF ITEMS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION: 1) Conference with Legal Counsel: Significant exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Subdivision (b) of Government Code Section 54956.9 (if needed).
2) Conference with Legal Counsel: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Subdivision (b) of Government Code section 54956.9: one case.
3) Conference with Interim Labor Negotiator Richard Egan: May include the following bargaining units - a) Lassen County Peace Officers Assn. (LCPOA), b) United Public Employees of California (UPEC) c) Lassen County Road Workers Assn. (LCRWA), d) Management and Professional Association, e) Lassen County Peace Officers Assn. Supervisors Unit (LCPOASU), f) Lassen County Peace Officers Assn. Management Unit (LCPOAMU), g) Lassen County Deputy Sheriffs Association (LCDSA), h) Lassen County Management Association (LCMA).
4) Public Employee Appointment, pursuant to Subdivision (b) of Government Code Section 54954.5: County Administrative Officer.
5) Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release.
CLOSED SESSION: Chairman Pyle announces that the Closed Session is being continued to the end of the regular meeting.
AGENDA APPROVAL, ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS
ACTION: Approve agenda as posted.
AMEND MOTION: Supervisor Chapman requests the meeting be adjourned in memory of Marino “Buzz” Giannotti and Marie Beterbide.
MOVED BY: Chapman SECONDED BY: Keefer UNANIMOUS: Yes
PUBLIC COMMENT: Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Field Manager (Eagle Lake) Dayne Barron: Announces he has accepted a position with BLM in Medford, Oregon and will move in July. He recalls many of the important and good things he and the County have been involved in; thanks the Supervisors for their support. The Board wishes him well and thanks him for his work for Lassen County.
UNAGENDIZED BOARD REPORTS: Supervisor Keefer: 1) Attended meeting in Beckwourth with Plumas National Forest Ranger District staff. Reports on record of decision and travel management plan. 2) Presents details on a phone call received by Greg Thompson (Pine Needle Lane, Janesville) regarding restrictions to his parcel map. Requests a staff report on this issue for the next meeting.
Supervisor Dahle: Reports on Park Bonds time frame; would like the Board with the help of Regional Council of Rural Counties (RCRC) and California State Association of Counties (CSAC), to try and get legislation passed to extend the deadline since the State took money away from counties and did not allow them to build.
Supervisor Hanson: 1) Reports Board Members received copy of notification from State of California to support the request for designation as a disaster area for drought. 2) November 3 participated in a workshop on the Williamson Act sponsored by RCRC and CSAC with more than 200 people in attendance or on phone including Assessor Ken Bunch and Gaylon Norwood from Planning; discussed how some counties are implementing SB 863 and AB 2530 (Williamson Act). 3) Reports on Lassen County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) and Lassen County Transportation Commission (LCTC) meetings attended November 8. Notes the Federal Highway Administration awarded Caltrans and Lassen County Transportation Commission an Excellence in Highway Design Award for the Town Hill Project. 4) Attended the Lassen County Farm Bureau Annual Dinner November 5 where Supervisor Lloyd Keefer was recognized for his support of the agricultural community and his outstanding services to the citizens of Lassen County; congratulates Lloyd and Carol Keefer. 5) Request to designate $500 to the Doyle Fire Protection District to upgrade their communication system.
Supervisor Chapman: 1) Reports in detail on a two day Northern Rural Training and Employment Consortium (NoRTEC) meeting in Mt. Shasta. 2) Was unable to attend PSA 2 meeting; has not received any feedback. 3) Attended November 4 Community Action Agency Joint Powers Board meeting in Loyalton; they ratified various county reviews and allocations for next year. 4) Thursday November 11 is Veterans Day; will attend. 5) Reports on Blue Star Banner Program; have 114 banners made to date. 5) Reports on salary data reports previously requested; requests the Supervisors information be added to the report. Thanks Nicole Berry, the Auditors office staff, Karen Fouch and Julie Morgan. 6) Did not attend Transportation meeting. Attended the Superior Court hearing on the writ of mandate regarding Loren Herzog. City and County staff should be commended for the work they did.
Supervisor Pyle: 1) Asks who will attend the Fair Board meeting tonight; Supervisor Dahle will attend. 2) Reports on the Susan River Watershed meeting attended November 1; Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PGE) spoke on cloud seeding.
PUBLIC COMMENT - Continued: 1) Lassen Land and Trails Trust Executive Director Louise Jensen: Introduces herself as the new Executive Director. Invites Supervisors to participate in the Management Planning Process for the Modoc Line Rail Trail; there will be an open house December 1, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Susanville Train Depot. Presents history on the Rail Trail. Requests the Board complete a survey in terms of the purpose and use of the trail.
2) Dennis Hinze: Distributes a handout regarding the marijuana and hemp industry; presents information to the Board.
3) Mike Smith (KSUE/JDX News Director): Reports the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2 to 1 to support a District Court decision supporting the Plumas National Forest against the Earth Island Institute who sued to block salvage operations from the Moonlight Fire.
REGISTRAR OF VOTERS
SUBJECT: Discussion on January 4, 2011 Senate District 1 Special Election.
ACTION REQUESTED: Discussion and possible direction to staff.
County Clerk/Registrar of Voters Julie Bustamante: Reports on problems that have arisen with the upcoming January 4 election. Presents information: not allowed to do all mail election; there is one race on ballot; low turnout is expected; difficult time getting pollworkers close to holidays; could cost about $115,000 that has not been budgeted. Notes everything is behind schedule already as certified candidates are not yet known. A suggestion is to notify voters by mail, offering vote by mail option and then having one central polling place, such as Jensen Hall, as well as the Election Office in the courthouse for people to come in and vote. That could save $10,000 to $20,000 and a lot of extra work. There is no money in the budget for this election.
Supervisor Keefer: Not inclined to do that as it could prevent a lot of people from going to the polls and only save $10,000 to $20,000.
Supervisor Dahle: Agrees with Supervisor Keefer; does not want to possibly disenfranchise voters. Understands the problems and costs but feels there should be a polling place in Bieber for this election.
Discussion is held.
Supervisor Chapman: Feels it is not fiscally feasible to operate most of Lassen County precincts. Other states have been voting by mail for years. Would like to see Lassen County make the shift but until the whole county can be shifted over, after having dialogue with the community, need to remain as is for now. There needs to be a lot of education to the public. Commends County Clerk Bustamante and her crew of volunteers, paid help and staff on doing a tremendous job.
Chairman Pyle: Suggests the matter be brought back to the Board to look at different policies.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - ROAD
SUBJECT: Acquisition of Right of Way for Skyline Road Extension.
ACTION REQUESTED: 1) Hold a Public Hearing to receive comments on the acquisition of right of way for the Skyline Road Extension project. 2) Approve Right of Way Contract with William and Raelene Waltman; and authorize the Public Works Director to sign.
The Public Hearing is opened at 10:29 a.m.
Public Works Director Larry Millar: Presents staff report on request to acquire right of way (0.57 acres) from the Waltmans for the Skyline Road Extension project in the amount of $62,000.
The public hearing is closed at 10:34 a.m.
ACTION: Approve Right of Way Contract with William and Raelene Waltman; and authorize the Public Works Director to sign.
MOVED BY: Chapman SECONDED BY: Hanson UNANIMOUS: No
AYES: Chapman, Keefer, Dahle, Hanson ABSTENTIONS: Pyle
NOES: None ABSENTEES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
Supervisor Chapman requests Item G8 Williamson Act be pulled for separate consideration.
ACTION: Take the noted action on the following Consent Calendar items:
MOVED BY: Dahle SECONDED BY: Hanson UNANIMOUS: Yes
COUNTY CLERK ITEM - MINUTES
ACTION: Approve Minutes of October 25, 2010 Special Meeting and October 26, 2010.
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BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ITEM - EXPENDITURE APPROVAL
ACTION: Approve 1) Request by Supervisor Keefer to designate $600 to Janesville Park Trust and $1,400 to the Milford Community Association (October 26, 2010).
2) Request by Supervisor Pyle to designate $200 to the Westwood Museum (October 26, 2010).
HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES ITEM - PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION
ACTION: Approve the Amendment to State Department of Health Services for HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program Agreement for contract period July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013 in the amount of $20,127, and authorize the CAO to execute agreement documents.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ITEMS
ROAD
ACTION: Approve the project to construct an outdoor socialization area at the Lassen County Animal Shelter with a project budget of $6,500.
ROAD
SUBJECT: Bid Award: Tires.
ACTION: Award bid for tires for the period of November 1, 2010 through October 31, 2011 for the Public Works Department (Road Division) to Lassen Tires, Susanville, CA, the lowest bidder meeting specifications.
PRISON TRIAL COSTS ITEMS - PRISON TRIAL COSTS REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM ITEMS
ACTION: Receive and file Recap of CCC Prison and High Desert State Prison Trials Cost Reimbursement Billing for July through September, 2010.
PLANNING AND BUILDING SERVICES - PLANNING
ACTION: Approve letter of support to the Eagle Lake Ranger District, Lassen National Forest to re-establish the Pine Creek gauging station at Eagle Lake, and authorize the Chairman to sign.
PLANNING AND BUILDING SERVICES - PLANNING
SUBJECT: Resolution designating either the County Administrative Officer or the Director of Planning and Building Services as the Authorized Representative(s) for Open Space Subventions on behalf of the Lassen County Board of Supervisors pursuant to the Open Space Subvention Act (Section 14111[a] Administrative Code).
ACTION REQUESTED: Adopt resolution.
(Supervisor Dahle absent 10:39 a.m. – 10:41 a.m.)
Supervisor Chapman: Understands this is an administrative type item but he will be voting no on it; has been unhappy with how Lassen County manages the program.
County Counsel Crabtree: Advises Supervisor Pyle he can vote on this matter.
Discussion is held.
ACTION: The item is postponed to a December meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: Information Services Department (ISD) Equipment Upgrade Purchase and Project.
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve the purchase of equipment necessary for completion and implementation of the switch project benefiting all departments in an amount not to exceed $56,000, including equipment and labor.
Assistant to the CAO Julie Morgan and Child Support Services Director Maria Carlomagno-Brice: Present information to the Board on the need to purchase equipment. Feel it is a critical time to move forward with the second phase of the switching project to keep services local, especially for child support services; would provide better service, security and capacity for all of the County departments.
MOVED BY: Dahle SECONDED BY: Hanson UNANIMOUS: Yes
SHERIFF - GRANT
ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 10-157 authorizing the Sheriff or designees to take any actions necessary for the purpose of obtaining federal financial assistance provided by the Federal Department of Homeland Security and sub-granted through the State of California. The grant funds are intended to aid public safety and public health agencies in improving response capabilities. Lassen County is eligible for $170,517 during the 2010 grant year.
MOVED BY: Chapman SECONDED BY: Hanson UNANIMOUS: Yes
INFORMATION TO THE BOARD
Interim CAO Egan: Reports County Counsel, CAO, Personnel and non-departmental budgets have been stretched because of various transition costs experienced over the last couple of months. Plans to come back to the Board in early December to address those overages. Reminds the Board he is spending a lot more time in the CAO’s office than in the Treasurer / Tax Collector’s office; staff is doing a fantastic job.
The regular meeting recesses at 10:57 a.m. and Closed Session reconvenes.
PRESENT:
Supervisors Pyle, Chapman, Dahle, Keefer and Hanson; County Counsel Rick Crabtree, Interim County Administrative Officer (CAO) Richard Egan, Personnel Director/Risk Manager Nicole Berry and Deputy Clerk of the Board Susan Osgood. Sheriff-elect Dean Growdon is present 10:57 a.m. – 11:14 a.m. County Counsel Crabtree, Interim CAO Egan and Deputy Clerk of the Board Osgood are absent 11:14 a.m. - 11:16 a.m. Closed session ends at 11:55 a.m. Supervisor Chapman absent 3:38 p.m. – 3:41 p.m.