BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

FEBRUARY 20, 2007

 

 

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors convenes in Regular Session on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, at 9:30 a.m.   Present:  Supervisors Robert Pyle, Jim Chapman, Lloyd Keefer, Brian Dahle and Jack Hanson; County Counsel Craig Settlemire, County Administrative Officer (CAO) John Ketelsen and Deputy County Clerk Susan Osgood.    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

Supervisor Hanson requests the meeting be adjourned in memory of Charles Townsend.  Deputy County Clerk Osgood requests Item G1, minutes of February 13, 2007 be removed from agenda.  Chairman Dahle states the Board will adjourn the meeting around 10:00 a.m. to attend Congressman John Doolittle’s Town Hall Meeting at the Fairgrounds.  The Board of Supervisors meeting will reconvene at 2:00 p.m. back at 707 Nevada Street.

 

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Deputy CAO for Health and Social Services Kevin Mannel reports to the board on:

1)  The Local Public Health Services (LPHS) contract.   Eleven counties have worked together to try to re-format a payment requirement on their contract; would likely receive a bill in excess of what was expected.  Should have more information after March 21st.

2)  Family Resource Centers.  He will not be able to attend the afternoon session of the Board; will be meeting with Assistant Community Development Director Joe Bertotti, Fort Sage Family Resource Center Director Rod Colvin in Westwood.  Going on-site to see about sharing some of Westwood’s county facilities; maybe lend some funding.  Will try and do the same in Herlong.  He will be working on an Option Paper that will discuss funding at the existing level, funding at a reduced level, or no funding at all.   

 

UNAGENDIZED BOARD REPORTS

1.         Supervisor Pyle reports on Almanor Regional Transportation Assessment meeting he attended February 15th.  He presents a handout titled Financial Analysis - Potential Funding Strategies that suggests revenue plans to “spread the impact on the ‘appropriate’ transportation users, i.e. using a combination of existing funding sources, sales tax and development impact fees”.   He suggests holding a workshop in July or August.

2.         Supervisor Hanson met with Larry Millar, Peter Heimbigner, Joel Rathje (Public Works Department), and Jim Dobbas and Pete Compton of Jim Dobbas Inc. regarding bridges on existing right of way from Wendel to Susanville, predicated on the ability to find a way to retain the corridor.  He received correspondence that Senator Cox was successful in obtaining reimbursement for prison trial costs for Lassen County; would like to recognize Senator Cox for his assistance.

3.         Supervisor Keefer states he was supposed to be out of town today.  He also thanks Senator Cox for his help in getting some movement on prison issue.

4.                  Supervisor Chapman attended Lahontan Water Quality Control Board meeting; biggest issue dealt with timber waiver which has a lot of ramifications.  The existing timber waiver program has a year to go.   Concerned about fuel reduction projects.  They are very happy with Tom Esgate and the Fire Safe Council; Lassen is way ahead of other counties.   Water quality issues are not something people see so people don’t really appreciate it; fire projects get publicity and a lot of money

5.                  Supervisor Chapman donates $1,000 of his discretionary money to the Lassen Library District to help fund their Childrens Technology Program. 

6.                  Supervisor Dahle reports on the Intermountain Cattlemen’s Association meeting – talked about Central Valley; doesn’t affect Lahontan.   Resource Conservation District (RCD) met; discussed water quality issues affecting surface water run off. 

 

(Supervisor Chapman leaves at 9:47 a.m.)

 

RECOGNITION COMMITTEE

Chairman Dahle makes the following presentations for years of service:

 

Fifteen years:  a single pen desk set to Dawn Marks (Sheriff/Jail) and Craig Stokes (Sheriff/Jail) - not present.

 

Twenty years: a desk clock to Denise Stelzer (District Attorney).

 

PROBATION DEPARTMENT

Deputy CAO for Health and Social Services Kevin Mannel states he will not be able to attend the afternoon session of the Board meeting to speak on the Group Home Remodel Construction Project being considered.  He informs the board that he is in support of the project.  Feels the building will have structural integrity so if a decision is made later that this request is not viable, the building could have other uses.  The project fits from a program standpoint.  Will help PACE program where attendance has been struggling.  This will allow participants usually placed outside County to be placed within the County.

 

This item will continue to be discussed after 2:00 p.m.

 

ADJOURN 9:56 a.m.reconvene  2:00 p.m.

 

COUNTY COUNSEL

It is moved by Supervisor Chapman and seconded by Supervisor Pyle to adopt, by title only, Ordinance 531-A repealing Chapter 2.07 of the County of Lassen Ordinance code No. 531 relating to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.   The motion carries on a roll call vote with Supervisors Keefer and Dahle voting NO.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - PLANNING DIVISION

Assistant Community Development Director Joe Bertotti announces the adoption of the Lassen County Groundwater Management Plan public hearing will be postponed to March 13, 2007 at 10:45 a.m.

 

CONSENT CALENDAR

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

 

HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES ITEM
FAMILY & CHILDREN PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Review and approve the release of the Request for Proposal for the Independent Living Program.

MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION

Approve State Department of Mental Health Agreement for Use of State Hospital Beds and Services #06-76290-000 for FY 2006/2007, and authorize the CAO to execute the contract documents.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ITEMS
ROAD DIVISION

Award bid to Susanville Ford, Susanville, the lowest bidder meeting specifications, in the amount of $29,706.28 for the purchase of one (1) new 2008 3/4 Ton Standard Cab 4x4 Truck.

ROAD DIVISION

Award bid to Susanville Ford, Susanville, the lowest bidder meeting specifications, in the amount of $99,705.15 for the purchase of three (3) new 2008 One Ton Standard Cab 4x4 Trucks.

ROAD DIVISION

Approve the $12,249 apportionment of County's share of the FY 2005/2006 Local Transportation Funds (LTF) Apportionment (Street and Road Funds), and direct staff to submit claim to Lassen County Transportation Commission (LCTC).

MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE
Receive and file the following correspondence:

a.   Susanville City Council meeting minutes of January 3, 2007.

b.   Technical Advisory Committee meeting agenda for February 14, 2007.

c.  Alcohol & Drug Advisory Board meeting agenda for February 20, 2007 and minutes of January 16, 2007.

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
It is moved by Supervisor Chapman, seconded by Supervisor Pyle and carries to appoint Diane Tackett to the Far Northern Coordinating Council on Developmental Disabilities Board of Directors, as recommended by the Council.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT / HOUSING

It is moved by Supervisor Pyle and seconded by Supervisor Keefer to adopt Resolution No. 07-005 making an application for funds from the California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) Grant Program under the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002, for the Lassen County Visitors Center at the Westwood Depot.

 

Discussion is held on the availability of staff for this project.  Assistant Community Development Director Bertotti assures the board that the economic development/ housing staff will be able to the project.  The motion carries unanimously.

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
The Board of Supervisors recess and convene as the Community Development Commission.

HERLONG MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Assistant Community Development Director Bertotti presents background information on the selection of a land development team for the Herlong Mixed-use Development project and recommends naming Towne Development of Sacramento, Inc. as the successful respondent.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Hanson and seconded by Supervisor Pyle to offer an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement to Towne Development of Sacramento, Inc., for the development of a portion of Offering A, as described in the Local Reuse Authority Request for Proposal dated September 15, 2006.

 

Discussion is held among the Supervisors.  Supervisor Chapman states he is not enthusiastic about the proposal; is concerned about potential litigation; acknowledges the two current respondents to the RFP have a different track record than the previous company.  He questions whether staff can get their “act together to undertake and accomplish this project”.   Supervisor Keefer states he will be supporting the motion; feels this should be staff’s #1 priority and is optimistic they will be able to make it happen.  Supervisor Pyle agrees with Supervisor Keefer; states although the project did not work last time, the County needs to move ahead.

 

The motion carries on a roll call vote with Supervisor Chapman voting NO.

 

The Community Development Commission adjourns and the Board of Supervisors reconvene.

 

PLANNING DIVISION

CAO Ketelsen presents the Contract amendment for Lassen County Groundwater Management Plan.   This item was presented to the board previously but the wrong fund was identified in the agenda.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carries unanimously on a roll call vote to approve the amended Scope of Work and budget with Brown and Caldwell in the amount of $16,150; authorize increase in appropriation in the Planning Division professional services line (100-0681-3002300) in the amount of $13,673 and an operating transfer from Tobacco Settlement Fund 169 to General Fund in the same amount.

 

PROBATION DEPARTMENT - Continued

Chief Probation Officer Roy Thiels presents report on the proposed Group Home Remodel Construction Project that would remodel the older Juvenile Hall Building.  The remodel would allow for up to six wards to live in the group home and which would assist in keeping these youths in the community and allow for continuity of services.  This would also potentially benefit the PACE program.

 

Mr. Thiels introduces representatives of Environmental Alternatives:  Executive Director Jim Hardy; Co-director Tim Wilkinson and Business Manager Vivian Wilkinson.  Environmental Alternatives was selected to operate a group home when constructed.

 

Lassen Superior Court Judicial Assistant/Analyst Nancy Holsey, is present representing the courts who are very interested in the program.   Supervisor Keefer states the idea is a good one.

 

Discussion is held regarding staffing and rates.  Mr. Thiels states he would like an idea from the Board if he should calendar a request to authorize going to bid for the remodel of the old Juvenile Hall Building.  Supervisor Chapman would like more years of statistics; what month to month trends are.  

 

Supervisor Keefer would like to know the actual costs today; Supervisor Chapman requests today’s costs be projected out 5 years.  CAO Ketelsen commends Roy Thiels for the work done on this.

COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
FIRE-NET LASSEN

CAO Ketelsen presents request for expenditure of $38,446 from the Special Department Expense Line 100-0661-3002800 of the Emergency Services Budget to Fire-Net Lassen to help the local Lassen County Fire Districts with dispatch costs.  He requests that if the Supervisors agree, that they “incorporate the findings in the motion”.  

 

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Chapman and carries unanimously to approve expenditure of $38,446 from the Special Department Expense Line 100-0661-3002800 of the Emergency Services Budget to Fire-Net Lassen to help the local Lassen County Fire Districts with dispatch costs.  The board determines that payment is a proper expenditure in that it finds that:

 

1.       Lassen County has a general interest in providing for the health, safety and welfare of all its citizens including promoting the provision of emergency services within the county such as ambulance and fire protection. 

2.      The County has the authority to establish a county fire department for fire protection and emergency medical response.  Unlike some other counties that have a county fire department to provide such services in unincorporated areas, Lassen County has historically relied on local fire protection districts, most of whom have interlocking mutual aid agreements with each other as well as state and federal agencies within the County. 

3.      Lassen County shares a common public purpose with fire protection districts when it comes to the provision of fire protection services.  It is in the interest of Lassen County government that fire protection districts in Lassen County continue as viable providers of emergency services.  

4.      Lassen County has considered factors that affect the viability of fire districts within the county and considered ways to meet or alleviate those factors. Many developments over the last 25 years threaten the very survival of local fire districts, including, but not limited to, the following:  Proposition 13 limits on ad valorum tax revenue; ERAF transfers; rising worker’s compensation costs; new safety equipment requirements; new training standards for volunteer firefighters; and super majority requirements for special tax measures.  

5.      Fire-Net Lassen fees to fire districts are based in part on call volume and include charges for events occurring within the individual district and for mutual aid calls outside the district being charged. 

 

Conclusion:  The one time payment of the various fire districts Fire-Net fees will provide temporary assistance to fire districts while other sources of direct revenue to the districts are identified and implemented.

LEGISLATION

ASSEMBLY BILL 151 "Peace Officers"

CAO Ketelsen presents information on AB151 which would add Lassen County as one of the counties where the custodial officers would become peace officers.  Sheriff Steve Warren had reported at a previous Board meeting that he was in support of this bill.  He answers questions and states the officers could be used in any local emergency and feels it would be beneficial.  Discussion is held regarding the need for additional training; purpose of making the change to peace officers; and possible ramifications.  CAO Ketelsen would like to have further discussion on questions raised.  Supervisor Chapman asks what the impacts have been on counties that have made this change and Sheriff Warren states it has been very positive.  Mr. Ketelsen states the legislators will not go forward with this unless the Board agrees and asks if the Board wants to give their support or to study more.  Supervisor Chapman states he would like to have questions answered and information brought back as an agenda discussion.  CAO Ketelsen will work with the Sheriff and bring the item back.

 

SENATE BILL 113 Presidential Primary  

CAO Ketelsen states this legislation would move the California Presidential

Primary  Election to February as an additional election with costs of around $116,000.  Supervisor Chapman states there is nothing to be done to stop it – the Senate voted and it is on the Assembly side.  Feels the County needs to state strongly to our legislators that legislation needs to clearly state reimbursement will be guaranteed.

 

PRISON REFORM

CAO Ketelsen reports a lot of things are happening on prison reform.   Prisons should be at maximum capacity by June 2007.  The State is trying to partner with Counties to solve the overcrowding issue.  Several programs are being proposed; might have to release inmates or ship them out.  Lassen County’s problems are unique – there is State money to increase juvenile capacity; would keep more inmates in the County than is presently the practice; women inmates would be kept in the County.  Senator Cox has offered his help any time the state is behind in their reimbursement.  CAO will try to develop some data and statistics on keeping inmates with less than three years to serve in county; will meet with the Sheriff Warren, Chief of Probation Thiels and the Legislative Committee.     State health programs would have implications for counties as well.

 

ADJOURNMENT IN MEMORY

There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned at 3:21 p.m. in memory of Charles Townsend.

 

 

                                                                 _____________________________________

                                                                  CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

ATTEST:

 

____________________________________

JULIE BUSTAMANTE, CLERK OF THE BOARD