SUMMARY MINUTES
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
707 NEVADA STREET, SUSANVILLE
NOVEMBER 8, 2011
9:06 A.M. CALL TO ORDER
PRESENT: Supervisors Jim Chapman, Bob Pyle, Larry Wosick, Brian Dahle and Jack Hanson; County Counsel Rick Crabtree, Interim County Administrative Officer (CAO) John Blacklock and Deputy Clerk of the Board Susan Osgood. Recesses: 11:40 a.m. – 11:44 a.m.; 1:20 p.m. – 2:12 p.m. Absences: Supervisor Wosick absent 11:40 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.; County Counsel Crabtree 3:45 p.m. – 3:48 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Tamara Mallery: Thanks all who have helped on issue previously presented to the Board and presents further information regarding the on-going Child Protective Services (CPS) matter.
9:17 A.M. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION: Public Employee Employment, pursuant to Subdivision (b) of Government Code Section 54954.5: 1) County Administrative Officer; 2) Director of Family and Children Protective Services.
9:58 A.M. OPENING CEREMONIES: Following the flag salute, the invocation is offered by Supervisor Hanson.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF ITEMS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION: Deputy Clerk of the Board Osgood reports: Public Employee Employment, pursuant to Subdivision (b) of Government Code Section 54954.5: 1) County Administrative Officer – No reportable action taken. 2) Director of Family and Children Protective Services – No reportable action taken.
AGENDA APPROVAL, ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS
Supervisor Wosick requests the meeting be adjourned in memory of Helen Nunes. Supervisor Chapman requests the meeting also be adjourned in memory of Evan Chappuis and Jack Buescher.
ACTION: Approve agenda with correction.
MOVED BY: Hanson SECONDED BY: Dahle UNANIMOUS: Yes
PUBLIC COMMENT: 1) Sheriff Dean Growdon: Introduces Deputy Sheriff Rajheim Hunt, Lassen County’s newest and the first Deputy hired by Sheriff Growdon. Deputy Hunt grew up in Lassen County and graduated from Lassen High School.
2) Tamara Mallery: Again, thanks everyone for the quick work on the Child Protective Services (CPS) issue. Asks about the hiring of a CPS Director. Chairman Chapman: States it is hoped the issue will be resolved in the next one or two weeks. This item is on the Board agenda for November 15 and November 22 for closed session discussion. County Counsel Crabtree: Reports the State has indicated they will bring up four or five staff members to review the file requested and six or eight others to get an overview of how the process is working in Lassen County. Attorney Mallery: Reiterates what was said earlier in the meeting: clarifies for the media that she has not been before Judge Verderosa yet.
UNAGENDIZED BOARD REPORTS: Supervisor Wosick: 1) Was out of town on family matter and could not attend Coordinating Committee meeting. The committee is still evolving; they reaching out to others in the community. Chairperson Jo Marie Miller will bring information to the Board at later date. Chairman Chapman: Notes California Highway Patrol Commander, Lt. Clancy Mitchell is scheduled to attend the November 22 meeting regarding road designations; requests a report from the Coordination Committee at that time.
Supervisor Dahle: 1) Interim CAO Blacklock and County Counsel Crabtree toured the public buildings and ball fields around Big Valley. 2) Discussed the ambulance service; will be meeting with the Chamber and the ambulance provider November 30.
Supervisor Hanson: 1) Requests proclamation for Tim Garrod be moved to the November 22 agenda. Attended a Resource Conservation District (RCD) meeting. 2) Participated in Department of Interior conference call regarding draft programatic Environmental Impact Study (EIS) on solar projects on public lands. 3) Attended PSA 2 meeting November 7 with Supervisor Chapman.
Supervisor Pyle: 1) Has tried to reach Jeff Withroe (U. S. Forest Service) without success regarding Pine Creek watershed. 2) Attended Nor-Cal EMS meeting in Redding November 3. 3) Will attend Air Board meeting today at 3:30 p.m. and the Fair Advisory Board meeting tonight at 5:30 pm.
Supervisor Chapman: 1) Provides information on Eagle Scout Brian Bales request for support. Supervisor Jim Chapman and Supervisor Brian Dahle request to designate $250 to Eagle Scout Brian Bales towards his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project involving the rebuilding of the bridge over upper Bagwell Creek in the Susanville Ranch Park. 2) Attended Veterans Memorial Building Task Force Meeting; will be bringing an agreement back to the Board for use of the building by Best of Broadway. 3) Announces the Veterans Day Parade Friday, November 11, 11:00 a.m.; program to follow at Veterans Memorial Building. Will be presenting Board proclamation. The Rotary Club will have new flags on display on Main Street, weather permitting. Appreciates the work of the Veterans and the Board’s support of Lassen County Veteran program. 4) Presents detailed information on PSA 2 attended last week. A new contract has been signed and they are “officially back in business” with funding; hired new Director, Michelle Latimer. Notes Lillian Arnold has done an excellent job in Big Valley. 5) Asks Supervisor Wosick about an email from Rebecca Walker regarding Eagle Lake. Discussion is held.
PUBLIC HEARING - LOCAL REUSE AUTHORITY
The Board convenes as the Local Reuse Authority.
SUBJECT: Proposed Sale/Transfer of C-MART Property.
ACTION REQUESTED: 1) Conduct public hearing.
2) Consider sale of the subject property to Mr. Thomas Hammond and agree on sales price/terms.
3) Consider adoption of the proposed Resolution Approving Transfer of the C-MART, BUILDING 1003, located at 1003 Sierra Street, Herlong, California to Mr. Thomas Hammond.
The Public Hearing is opened at 11:45 a.m. and closed at 12:42 p.m.
County Counsel Rick Crabtree: Presents information on and advises of proper procedure regarding the transfer of the C-Mart property to the current lessee Thomas Hammond, if that is the Board’s decision. A proposed resolution is presented and includes findings that the property is consistent with the General Plan with the adopted Reuse Plan and that it benefits the local economy in Herlong.
Notes the Board held extensive discussion on August 9, 2011; according to the recording of that meeting, at least three of the Board members indicated a desire to waive $10,000 back rent, based on representation that there was a deal between Tom Hammond and former Lassen County employee Joe Bertotti. It was thought by several people that action was taken to waive that back rent, however, there was no actual motion or vote taken. That remains an open issue; the Board may choose to resolve that today as part of their action.
Extensive discussion is held.
SPEAKERS: Pat Williams (Herlong Public Utility District) ; Interim Economic Development Director George Robson.
ACTION: Correct what the Board thought was done at a previous meeting and waive all past due rent that has been in dispute, in the amount of $10,000.
MOVED BY: Wosick SECONDED BY: Pyle UNANIMOUS: Yes
ACTION: 2) Consider sale of the subject property to Mr. Thomas Hammond and agree on sales price/terms.
3) Consider adoption of the proposed Resolution Approving Transfer of the C-MART, BUILDING 1003, located at 1003 Sierra Street, Herlong, California to Mr. Thomas Hammond.
No one speaks in opposition to the sale of this property.
SPEAKERS: In favor of the sale of this property: Tim Holabird; Felix Flores; John Everett; Tom Hammond (distributes a petition and pamphlet); Jo Marie Miller; Mickey Matthews; Lise Wosick; Lassen County Tax Collector Richard Egan; Jean Hodge.
Discussion is held.
Chairman Chapman: Feels there needs to be more information on the properties before taking action.
Supervisor Dahle: Feels the County needs to have a sale and auction off all the properties; does not feel it is good public policy to give it away; will vote to oppose this. Requests information on all the properties.
ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 11-051 approving the transfer of the C-MART, BUILDING 1003, located at 1003 Sierra Street, Herlong, CA, adding the purchase price of $10,000.
MOVED BY: Pyle SECONDED BY: Wosick UNANIMOUS: No
AYES: Pyle, Hanson, Wosick ABSTENTIONS: None
NOES: Chapman, Dahle ABSENTEES: None
The Local Reuse Authority adjourns and the Board of Supervisors reconvenes.
BANNER LASSEN CEO BOB EDWARDS
Chairman Chapman: Introduces Banner Lassen Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Bob Edwards.
Mr. Edwards: Presents past experience, education and business history. Notes Banner is an award winning hospital. Presents further information; discussion is held.
AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER - PREDATORY ANIMAL CONTROL CONTRACT
SUBJECT: Annual work plan for Predatory Animal Control with U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services for FY 2011/2012 in the amount of $75,528.
Craig Hemphill, Agricultural Commissioner’s office: Presents Federal Trapper George Affonso and District Supervisor Jim Shuler (United States Department of Agriculture – [USDA – APHIS]) who provides a detailed power point presentation regarding FY 2010/2011. Report includes information on service visits, types of damage done by different species and animals taken.
SPEAKERS: In support of the Predatory Animal Control Contract: District Supervisor Jim Shuler (United States Department of Agriculture – [USDA – APHIS]); Tom Hammond; Acting Agricultural Commissioner Joe Moreo; Auditor Karen Fouch; John Garrity (Janesville); Tom Swickard; Maria Nye (Plumas Bank); Vicki Lozano (Mt. Lassen Properties); Fish & Game Captain Lisa Stone; Wayne Dersch (Dersch Aviaries); Jeffrey Lang; Joe Comino; Pam Cherney (Fish & Game, State Wildlife); Dan Mankins (Janesville); Lassen County Fair Manager Jim Wolcott; Fish & Game Lt. Carol Growdon; Felix Flores (Herlong).
ACTION: Approve Annual Work Plan and authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to sign.
MOVED BY: Hanson SECONDED BY: Wosick UNANIMOUS: Yes
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STUDY SESSION
SUBJECT: Study session on the Economic Development Department.
ACTION REQUESTED: 1) Hold a study session on the Economic Development Department to have an in-depth discussion of suggested action items as shown in the Department's report; and 2) provide direction to staff to pursue actions as the Board deems appropriate.
Chairman Chapman: This study session was requested by the Board in order to get an update on economic development and what to look for in the future.
Interim Economic Development Director George Robson: Previously presented a report on October 8, 2011. Notes the Treasurer / Tax Collector uses “bid4assets” to auction properties and he recommends using them to dispose of all the Local Reuse Authority (LRA) properties.
ACTION: Direct County Treasurer / Tax Collector put all the Local Reuse Authority (LRA) properties up for auction with “bid4assets”, as he does with properties where taxes have not been collected. Direct County Counsel to define parcel numbers and bring a resolution, with a list of all affected properties, to the Board for final approval on November 22, 2011.
MOVED BY: Dahle SECONDED BY: Pyle UNANIMOUS Yes
Discussion is held regarding insurance. Chairman Chapman: Directs CAO Blacklock to bring information back to the Board after he meets with the insurer.
Interim Economic Development Director Robson: Reports on Johnstonville Water System: The City of Susanville Public Works Director is preparing a study for a City Council report by the end of November, or beginning of December.
Presents information on housing rehabilitation grant funds; Lassen County has an obligation to the State to expend funds under those grant proposals. States there needs to be more qualified people to put loan money out on the street; reports on current projects. Presents further details.
Suggests one new full time employee, one half time employee and a division head for additional staff.
Discussion is held.
Chairman Chapman: Directs Interim CAO Blacklock to work on management structure and bring a status report back to the Board. Should have information by the December 13 meeting.
SPEAKERS: Theresa Phillips (Lassen Municipal Utility District); Michael Kirack; Executive Director Traci Holt (Alliance for Workforce Development); Manager Maria Nye (Plumas Bank); Penny Artz (County Cleaners); Richard Sorem (Roseberry House); Planner Jared Hancock (City of Susanville); John Shaw; Jenna Aguilerra (Associate Planner, Lassen County Economic Development Department)
ACTION: Direct Interim CAO Blacklock to fill the vacancies recommended by staff to hire 2 ½ positions and get this going as soon as possible.
MOVED BY: Dahle SECONDED BY: Wosick UNANIMOUS: Yes
LOCAL REUSE AUTHORITY - TRANSFER
The Board convenes as the Local Reuse Authority.
SUBJECT: Possible transfer of kitchen equipment from Herlong Building 165, Dining Facility (Mess Hall) to Fort Sage Unified School District.
ACTION REQUESTED: 1) Receive information relative to Fort Sage Unified School District's (FSUSD) request for the kitchen equipment to be transferred from the Building 165, Herlong (Mess Hall) to FSUSD; and 2) direct staff to initiate the transfer process for future Lassen County Local Reuse Authority (LRA) Board of Director's action.
Interim Economic Development Director George Robson: Presents Fort Sage Unified School District request for transfer of kitchen equipment from Herlong Building 165 (Mess Hall).
ACTION: Transfer kitchen equipment from the Mess Hall (Building 165, Herlong) to Fort Sage Unified School District (FSUSD).
MOVED BY: Hanson SECONDED BY: Pyle
Extensive discussion is held.
Supervisor Dahle: Is not in favor of the transfer; feels everything should be auctioned off.
SPEAKERS: Tom Hammond.
UNANIMOUS: No
AYES: Pyle, Wosick, Hanson ABSTENTIONS: None
NOES: Chapman, Dahle ABSENTEES: None
The Local Reuse Authority adjourns and the Board of Supervisors reconvenes.
CONSENT CALENDAR
ACTION: Take the noted action on the following Consent Calendar items:
MOVED BY: Hanson SECONDED BY: Pyle UNANIMOUS: Yes
COUNTY CLERK ITEMS - MINUTES
ACTION: Approve Minutes of October 25, 2011.
PROPOSITION 65 REPORT - NOTIFICATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RELEASE
ACTION: Receive and file report #11-02, filed by Environmental Health Specialist Mike Smith, R.E.H.S., on October 21, 2011.
PROPOSITION 65 REPORT - NOTIFICATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RELEASE
ACTION: Receive and file report #11-03, filed by Environmental /health Specialist Mike Smith, R.E.H.S., on October 21, 2011.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ITEMS
ADMINISTRATION
ACTION: Approve joint implementation with the Lassen Superior Court of the optional Statewide Amnesty Misdemeanor Program.
ADMINISTRATION
ACTION: Approve the purchase of a Hewlett-Packard Network Storage System in the amount of $10,248, including tax, to increase network data backup and storage capacity.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ITEMS
PUBLIC WORKS
ACTION: Authorize the Public Works Animal Control Division to purchase animal control/animal shelter management software from HLP, Inc. in the total amount of $12,569.70.