BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

                                                                           JANUARY 16, 2007

 

                                        

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors convenes in Regular Session at 9:32 a.m.  Chairman Dahle asks for public comment and no comments are received.  Present:  Supervisors Robert Pyle, Lloyd Keefer, and Brian Dahle; County Counsel Craig Settlemire, County Administrative Officer (CAO) John Ketelsen and Deputy Clerk Susan Osgood. Supervisors Jim Chapman and Jack Hanson arrive at 9:33 a.m.   Following the flag salute, the invocation is offered by Supervisor Dahle.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF ITEMS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION

Chairman Dahle announces that no closed session was held.

 

AGENDA APPROVAL, ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS

CAO Ketelsen makes note of the Late Agenda item for 10:05 a.m. time certain regarding the Lassen County Arts Council.  Supervisor Keefer requests the meeting be adjourned in memory of Ken Austin.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Pyle and carried to approve the agenda with the noted changes.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Chairman Dahle asks for public comment and no comments are received.

 

UNAGENDIZED BOARD REPORTS

1.                   Supervisor Chapman reports he has received a lot of calls regarding comments he made at the December 12, 2006 Board meeting concerning a 911 ambulance call and the article in the Lassen County Times.  He does not dispute any quotations in the paper but states that he does not, under any circumstances, advocate anyone call other than 911 in an emergency.  When he made the comments he was relaying information the woman told him regarding the incident.  He states some districts provide full service and other districts do not; does feel the system is less than perfect.  He previously requested a discussion be scheduled regarding fire districts, emergency aid and other related matters and hopes it will happen in the near future.

2.      Supervisor Keefer agrees that the fire district issues need to be discussed soon; believes Susan River Fire District is the only one that does not respond to medical aid.  Tom Esgate will be holding his annual Fire Safe Plan update meeting January 17th, 1:00 p.m. at the Susanville Interagency Fire Center (SIFC).  There were representatives from private industry, federal and state agencies at last year’s meeting.  Projects for the coming year will be reviewed and priorities set for next year’s plan.  Focus will be around communities at risk.

3.      Supervisor Chapman reports the retirement party held January 12th for Theresa Nagel was outstanding – Mike Smith did a wonderful job as the emcee. States it was a wonderful evening and program.  It was really nice that Theresa was honored in the manner in which she was – well deserved.

4.     Supervisor Hanson reports on a Mental Health Advisory Board meeting; Mental Health Services Act income is going to be substantially higher and the Advisory Board continues to discuss what should be done with that.  They continue to look for new members on the Mental Health Board. 

5.       Supervisor Hanson reports some deadlines of USDA Rural Development loan and grant obligations have been extended until September 30, 2007; notes there is still a lot to do. 

6.     Supervisor Hanson reports, as information to the board, that there will be an extended meeting among the Honey Lake Valley Resources Conservation District (RCD), Farm Bureau representatives and water users January 17th; it looks like service will move from Department of Water Resources to RCD.

7.     Supervisor Dahle attended the Fair Advisory Board meeting; the 2007 Fair theme was selected.  The Fair Board works well together; Jim Wolcott is doing a great job.  Reports he saw some plans and drawings for the arena and RV park; states questions were asked regarding the Skyline project and how the fairgrounds might be affected. Supervisors hold further discussion.  Supervisor Dahle still has a vacancy on the Fair Board.

8.      Supervisor Dahle asks for a “white paper” or a draft on how the local fire departments in outlying areas can set up a billing system so they may be able to recover some costs for being first responder.

9.      Supervisor Dahle will be attending an RCRC executive committee meeting January 17th.

10.    Supervisor Chapman announces Poet Laureate Violet Stout is still suffering from the flu; today is her birthday.  It is also Mike and Judy Smith’s third anniversary and Ken Bunch and his wife’s anniversary as well.

 

BOARD AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

Discussion is held on the committee appointments for 2007 with the following agreed upon:       

1) LASSEN COUNTY POET LAUREATE - Violet Stout; 

2) CAL‑NEVA RC&D - Supervisor Hanson with Supervisor Dahle as alternate; 

3) CSAC - Supervisor Pyle with Supervisor Keefer as alternate; 

4) CSAC EXCESS INSURANCE AUTHORITY - Auditor Karen Fouch with Ron Vossler as alternate;

5) LAFCO - Supervisor Hanson and Supervisor Keefer with Supervisor Chapman as alternate (Todd Eid - public member with Andrew Wellborn as public alternate);

6) LAND CONSERVATION COMMITTEE - Assessor Ken Bunch, Extension Officer David Lile, Supervisor Bob Pyle, Agricultural Commissioner Ken Smith and Community Development Director;

7)  LASSEN COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COUNCIL -Supervisor Hanson;

8) NORTEC - Supervisor Chapman, with Supervisor Keefer as alternate;

9)  NORTEC WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD - Ken Theobald, Sophie Wages, Connie Bergin;

10) NORTHEAST AIR PLATEAU BASIN ‑ Vacant;

11) PSA II EXECUTIVE BOARD - Supervisor Chapman and Kay White with Supervisor Hanson as alternate along with county representatives - Joleen Anderson, Jack Kessler, Rebecca "Sam" Evans and Arlene Friend. 

12) RCRC BOARD OF DIRECTORS - Supervisor Dahle, with Supervisor Keefer as alternate;

13) RCRC RURAL HOME MORTGAGE FINANCE AUTHORITY (CRHMFA) - Supervisor Dahle, with Joe Bertotti as alternate;

14) RCRC ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY (ESJPA) - Supervisor Dahle, with Supervisor Keefer as alternate;

15) RCRC GOVERNMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY (LGFA) - Supervisor Dahle with Supervisor Keefer as alternate;

16)  SMALL COUNTIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SCAC)/SCAC ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CMSP ‑ Director of Health and Human Services, and Supervisor Hanson;

17) TRINDEL INSURANCE FUND -  Auditor Karen Fouch, with Ron Vossler as alternate;

18) EAST LASSEN DEER HERD TASK FORCE ‑ Supervisor Hanson;

19) EAGLE LAKE INTERAGENCY BOARD - Supervisor Pyle, with Supervisor Dahle as alternate;

20) ABANDONED VEHICLE ABATEMENT APPEALS BOARD – Inactive;  

21) ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDING APPEALS BOARD - Inactive;

22) AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION ‑ Supervisor Hanson and Supervisor Pyle;

23) BIG VALLEY PEST ABATEMENT DISTRICT - Michael Babcock, Charles Kramer, Robert Nelson, Dr. Tom Vestal, Roger Cruikshank;

24) CONSERVATION ELEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE - Inactive;

 

25) DOYLE PARKS COMMITTEE - Loney Sharp, June Wood, Pauline Danner, Rick Giese, Mary Dixon, Lee Danner, Frank Serna, Viola Smith, Pat Sharp;

26) LASSEN-PLUMAS-SIERRA COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY - Public members - Jim Chapman and Joe Bertotti; Community Members: Melody Brawley and one vacancy; Low Income: Rose Mecham and Carla Barclay.

27) LASSEN REGIONAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY - Supervisor Keefer and Supervisor Hanson, with Supervisor Pyle as alternate;

28) LAW LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES - Rhea Giannotti, Supervisor Jack Hanson, Michele Verderosa;

29) LONG VALLEY GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT ‑ Supervisor Pyle and Supervisor Hanson; Resident of district - Paul Herman and Leonard Thigpin;

30) MENTAL HEALTH BOARD - Supervisor Hanson;

31) TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION ‑ Supervisor Chapman, Supervisor Dahle and Supervisor Hanson, Supervisor Pyle and Supervisor Keefer as alternates;

32) TREASURY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE - Supervisor Dahle (Always current Chairman); public finance representative - Irene Doyle; public - Jim Jeskey; Schools/Special Districts - Debbie Fry; 

33)  VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING TASK FORCE - Jim Chapman, Peter Heimbigner, Rob Hill, Sheldon Merchant, Julie Newton, Larry Rogers, Dennis Sutton, Morris "Jim" Ward, vacancy for public at large; Terry Ferguson; David Rothman; Victoria Rothman; Michael Schneider; Mike Stark;

34) LASSEN COUNTY CHILDRENS AND FAMILIES COMMISSION - Supervisor Pyle; Supervisor Dahle as alternate;

35) LASSEN-MODOC FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD ZONE 2  & ZONE 2-A - Dale Albaugh, Roger Cruikshank, Peter Gerig, Jim Halpenny, Charles Kramer;

36) LASSEN COUNTY AIR POLLUTION CONTROL GOVERNING BOARD - Supervisor Hanson, Supervisor Chapman and Supervisor Keefer;

37) LASSEN TRANSIT SERVICE AGENCY - Supervisor Chapman, Supervisor Dahle and Supervisor Hanson; Supervisor Pyle and Supervisor Keefer as alternates;

38) BUILDING APPEALS BOARD - no members;

39) HISTORIC BUILDING REVIEW COMMITTEE - Janet Corey, Irene Doyle.

40)ABANDONED VEHICLE ABATEMENT SERVICE AUTHORITY – Supervisor Chapman and Supervisor Pyle. 

 

It is moved by Supervisor Pyle, seconded by Supervisor Chapman and carried to ratify changes to the Board and Committee appointments.

 

PROCLAMATION

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried to adopt a Proclamation recognizing Mike Beard (Health and Social Services - Director of Alcohol and Other Drugs) on his retirement from Lassen County.

 

RECOGNITION COMMITTEE - PRESENTATION

Vice-Chairman Hanson makes the following presentation for years of service:

 

Ten Years:   a brass letter opener to Brian Dahle (District 4 Supervisor).

 

Chairman Dahle makes the following presentations for years of service:

 

Ten years:    a brass letter opener to Judy Walesch (Animal Control); and Linda Hickenlooper (Probation).

 

RETIREMENT:  Mike Beard (Health and Social Services - Director of Alcohol and Other Drugs).

 

Recess 10:11 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

 

LASSEN COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

Lassen County Arts Council Treasurer Sharron Watkins presents resolution requesting approval for their participation in the 2006 – 2007 State/Local Partnership Program.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Chapman, seconded by Supervisor Pyle and carried to adopt Resolution No. 07-002, approving participation in the 2006-2007 State/Local Partnership Program and the local priorities of the California Arts Council, and authorizing execution of grant contracts with the California Arts Council.  (There is no matching monies request attached to this resolution of support.)

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

The Board of Supervisors recesses and convenes as the Community Development Commission.

 

Assistant Community Development Director Joe Bertotti reports that two responses were received to the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) that the Local Reuse Authority and the CDC had circulated.  Each of the respondents will present their proposals with a question period after presentation. 

 

Leader Construction Chairman of the Board Jack Dolan introduces Director of Business Development Ken Battson who presents information on the proposed Herlong Residential and Mixed Use Development Project.

The RFQ was composed of three different phases:  residential, commercial and industrial. 

 

Phase 1 of Leader’s plan meets RFQ residential requirement with a total of 106 housing units (single family, duplexes and townhouses) to meet existing housing demand.   Phase 2 residential would continue with the same mix and diversity for a total of 587 units to support growing job base (projecting 500 to 1500 jobs in the industrial park).   Plan calls green open spaces to tie development together.

 

Future Commercial goal would be revitalization of downtown area; support service for area; office space.  The RFQ identified approximately 300 acres for industrial park usage.  Leader added an additional 160 acres and propose an eco-industrial park (a sustainable “green energy” industrial park) that could offer reduced energy costs for tenants through a Co-Generation Power Plant (14 MW).   Phase 2 of Eco-Industrial Park – plan would be to meet demand for industrial space; additional MW Power Plant (28 MW); strengthen job base; stabilize tax revenue; collaborate for community services.  Could expect first phase of housing and industrial park to be complete within 12-18 months of obtaining permit; feels it would be a 3-5 year project.  It would be an aggressive marketing campaign.

 

The Community Development Commission recesses and the Board of Supervisors reconvenes.

 

NORTHWEST LASSEN FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Pyle and carried to appoint Brent Cassity to fill a vacancy on the Northwest Lassen Fire Protection District Advisory Board.

 

LASSEN COUNTY CHILDREN & FAMILIES COMMISSION

It is moved by Supervisor Pyle, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried to accept letter from Shannon Gerig resigning from the Lassen County Children & Families Commission, and direct County Clerk to advertise vacancy.

 

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADVISORY BOARD

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Pyle and carried to accept Eric Rennert’s resignation and appoint Thomas R. Wasson to fill a vacancy on the Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board.

 

CONSENT CALENDAR

It is moved by Supervisor Pyle, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried to take the noted action on the following Consent Calendar items:

MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS
Receive and file the following correspondence:

a.   Lassen County Mental Health Advisory Board meeting agenda for January 9, 2007 and unapproved minutes of November 14, 2006.

b.   In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Board meeting agenda for January 17, 2007, and unapproved minutes of November 15, 2006.

c.   Lassen County Technical Advisory Committee meeting agenda for January 10, 2007.

d.   Susanville City Council meeting minutes of November 1, 2006.

e.   Lassen County Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board meeting agenda for January 16, 2007, and minutes of October 17, 2006..

 

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES – PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT

Supervisor Chapman suggests a copy of the management unit agreement referred to be attached to the Resolution and referred to as Attachment A or incorporate the pertinent portions in the resolution.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Pyle, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried to adopt Resolution No. 07-001 extending benefits to the Lassen County Sheriff for the period of July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2009 commensurate with those of the Lassen County Peace Officers Association – Management Unit with noted change.

 

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

It is moved by Supervisor Pyle, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried to send letters of support for Whitetop Control to Senators Feinstein and Boxer and to Congressman Doolittle.

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – Continued

The Board of Supervisors recesses and convenes as the Community Development Commission.

 

Assistant Community Development Director Joe Bertotti introduces Jeff Pemstein of Towne Development of Sacramento, the second company responding to the Local Reuse Authority and Community Development Commission RFP.  The master plan would be for 154 residential units around a town green, providing some additional housing with duplexes and a retail component.  The RFP asked for more substantial residential and substantial commercial and industrial components but Towne felt it best to provide housing for employees at the penitentiary and depot and then see how the market develops.  States they can  look at a larger component and bring that back.  They looked at existing barracks and thought Towne’s and Lassen County’s resources would best be put in getting the initial housing done.  They provided for retail/commercial component both in support of future residents as well as existing residents; would respond to work force needs.  Did not come in with initial plan to do retail; feel you need more people out there first.  Would provide space as need for retail would grow.   Objectives would be to provide housing using existing facilities; respond to the housing needs of the community.  Initial research shows there are some big challenges, such as sewer and water.  Details of how to finance would need to be looked at further.   Development could get off the ground within the year.

 

The Community Development Commission recesses and the Board of Supervisors reconvenes.

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

CMS Generation Company Executive Director of Development Dan Noble and Hawks, Giffels & Pulli CEO Fred Giffels, present information on Shaffer Mountain Wind Project, a wind farm on BLM property.  Honey Lake Power is partially owned and operated by CMS Generation.  The wind data received to date looks promising.  They have been actively working with BLM; have hired local people to help with various studies and are evaluating the commercial viability of the wind generation project.  A plan of development is being prepared that will be submitted to BLM Eagle Lake Field Office in the spring of 2007.  The public will have an opportunity to comment on the plan.  LMUD has requested the area be designated as an Energy Zone to California Energy Commission.  The current Wind Project construction target is Spring - Fall 2008; commercial operation – Winter 2008/2009.  Goal is to develop clean energy. 

 

U.S. FOREST SERVICE

Community Liaison Heidi Perry presents report on FY 2007 Payments by the USDA Forest Service to the State of California broken down by County for Title I, II and III projects and a chart comparing “Estimate of payments under 25% system vs. actual payments under 106-393”.  There is nothing affirmed out of Congress on the reauthorization of legislation; House has introduced bill (HR17) to reauthorize payments to state and a similar bill may be introduced to the Senate soon.  Last round of funding has come to the State and counties should receive soon.

 

Ms. Perry distributes and discusses 2006 Round 2 Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) Proposals Update and summarizes what occurred last year.  There is $30,000 to be returned from 2006 projects; will need to decide what to do with that money.  Projects at Archery/Childrens,  Pine Creek and Crater Lake Campground SST are going to be done next fuel season.

 

CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

CAO Ketelsen presents his analysis of the Clerk of the Board position and suggests three alternatives:  1)  appoint newly elected Clerk/Recorder who could choose to delegate the function to staff; 2)  transfer the function to the CAO’s office; or 3) appoint a separate Clerk of the Board position, as offered by the former County Clerk/Recorder Theresa Nagel.  Mr. Ketelsen states the offer of the former clerk represents additional costs and some logistics difficulty.  Alternatives 1 and 2 would be a slight additional cost; space would probably be the biggest issue.

 

Discussion is held among the Supervisors.   Supervisor Keefer states this is an opportunity to look at doing things differently and feels he could support option 2.  Supervisor Pyle asks if there would be a “checks and balances” problem if the position was moved to the CAO’s office.   CAO Ketelsen states he feels that is a matter of perception rather than a real problem; feels it could be more efficient to have the position in the CAO’s office, with more space and support staff.  If the Board wants to appoint Theresa they would have the expense of at least a half time person and the new County Clerk would still want to replace her former position.  The board has budgeted  $15,000 in case they want to appoint Theresa Nagel for six months.    

 

Supervisor Chapman states the problem began in November 1996 when that Board adopted Ordinance 531 making the change to the Clerk of the Board position.  He feels the solution would be to repeal Ordinance 531 so the function of the Clerk of the Board would devolve to the County Clerk, which had been the practice of the County for 132 years prior to 1996.  Feels staff is capable and suggests that County Clerk Julie Bustamante could possibly contract with someone such as Theresa to help for a time; would not object to augmenting the budget for that.

 

County Clerk/Recorder Julie Bustamante requests the Board make a decision on this matter today.  She states she is willing to take on the Clerk of the Board position without additional compensation but would like to see the acting Deputy Clerk of the Board position be changed from Administrative Secretary, Range 17 to Administrative Assistant, Range 20.  She would like to move forward with advertising for an Assistant who could complement this position.  Maintaining the position in the Clerk’s office would be the least disruptive to staff. 

 

Supervisor Dahle doesn’t feel repealing the Ordinance is necessary; feels option 2 makes more sense; wants discussion of pay increases brought back through Administration in the appropriate manner.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Chapman and seconded by Supervisor Pyle to appoint, under the terms of Ordinance 531, County Clerk Julie Bustamante as Clerk of the Board, and as part of that motion would give direction to the CAO to bring back to the Board appropriate documents for repealing of Ordinance 531 and to bring back for discussion and consideration the salary adjustment requested by the County Clerk/Clerk of the Board. 

 

The motion carries on a roll call vote with Supervisors Keefer and Dahle voting NO.  

 

COUNTY COUNSEL

County Counsel Craig Settlemire states Lassen County Ordinance No. 532-C, Section 2.36.030 provides that when the salaries of other elected officials are adjusted, the Auditor is to take a look at the salary of the superior court judge and provide calculations if each supervisor were to receive 25% of the salary of the superior court judge.  The Auditor has provided that information; Counsel has provided a draft of an Ordinance which could be introduced today which would adjust the Supervisors’ salary.  Calculations show twenty-five percent of a superior court judge’s salary would be $42,912.02.  The last time the Lassen County Board of Supervisors salary was changed was effective January 1, 2002; current salary is $33,263.  There have recently been significant increases to superior court judge salaries.   Discussion is held among Supervisors.

 

Supervisor Dahle feels the increases are too high and as the Board is still negotiating with bargaining units, feels this would be premature.  Supervisor Keefer suggests looking at what increases have been given to employees during the five years since the Supervisors received an increase; would also like to see what comparable counties are paying; thinks half the amount would be a more reasonable option. 

 

The Supervisors agree the increase seems too large, the formula may need to be looked at further, and they agree to table this discussion until negotiations with bargaining units have been settled.

 

COUNTY CLERK/COUNTY COUNSEL

STONES-BENGARD COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Pyle and carried to approve new Conflict of Interest Code for Stones-Bengard Community Services District which has been reviewed by County Counsel.

 

SPALDING  COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT

It is moved by Supervisor Pyle, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried to approve new Conflict of Interest Code for Spalding Community Services District which has been reviewed by County Counsel.

 

JANESVILLE UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried to approve new Conflict of Interest Code for Janesville Union Elementary School District which has been reviewed by County Counsel.

 

Supervisor Chapman requests the Clerk’s office present a status report on Conflict of Interest Codes for School and Special Districts.

 

SUPERVISOR CHAPMAN - INFRASTRUCTURE REVITALIZATION TASK FORCE

Supervisor Chapman reports what he feels an Infrastructure Revitalization Task Force could do.  He would like to work with CAO Ketelsen and bring back a formal study of assets and a long range plan for the community.  Feels it could be similar to how the Town Hill Task Force was run; would like to do a comprehensive assessment county-wide to identify the strengths (new hospital) and weaknesses (failure of pool, closing of golf course) of the community.  Would like to have a JPA formed if necessary before a project is started.  Notes the task force could parallel county-wide the Municipal Services Reviews that LAFCO is doing.  The JPA for the pool that CAO Ketelsen is working on could be a good starting point.   Chairman Dahle requests Supervisor Chapman and CAO Ketelsen put something together and bring it back to the Board for further discussion.

 

There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned at 12:37 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                    __________________________________________

                                                                                      CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

ATTEST:

 

_______________________________________

JULIE BUSTAMANTE, CLERK OF THE BOARD