BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

                                                                           MARCH 28, 2006

 

                                        

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors convene in Regular Session at 9:00 a.m.  Chairman Pyle asks for public comment and no comments are received.  County Clerk Nagel announces the Closed Session items and the Board recesses to Closed Session at 9:01 a.m. for:   

 

Conference with Legal Counsel:  Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Subdivision (b) of Government Code section 54956.9(b)(3)(C):  Claim of Greene dated February 14, 2006; Claim of Hernandez dated March 6, 2006; Claim of Centeno dated March 13, 2006.

 

As LRA: Conference with real property negotiator:  a)  Location - Sierra Army Depot "North East Shore Parcel" remainder;  b)  Negotiator -  LRA Operations Manager Robert Sorvaag;  c)  Subject - terms of Federal Government transfer to LRA.

 

As LRA: Conference with real property negotiator:  a)  Location - Herlong  APNs: #139-16-70 and 72;  b)  Negotiator -  LRA Operations Manager Robert Sorvaag;  c)  Subject - price and terms of transfer from LRA to Scenic Mountain Development.

 

Present in the Closed Session are Supervisors Robert Pyle, Lloyd Keefer, Brian Dahle, and Jack Hanson; County Counsel Craig Settlemire, Risk Manager Ron Vossler, and County Clerk Theresa Nagel.  Community Development Director Robert Sorvaag and Assistant Community Development Director Joe Bertotti enter at 9:06 a.m.  Supervisor Chapman enters at 9:07 a.m.  Closed Session is recessed at 9:59 a.m.

 

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors reconvenes in Regular Session on Tuesday, March 28, 2006, at 10:03 a.m.   Present:  Supervisors Robert Pyle, Jim Chapman, Lloyd Keefer, Brian Dahle, and Jack Hanson; County Counsel Craig Settlemire, and County Clerk Theresa Nagel.  CAO Ketelsen is absent. Following the flag salute, the invocation is offered by Supervisor Pyle.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF ITEMS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION

The County Clerk announces the Closed Session dealt with:

 

Conference with Legal Counsel:  Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Subdivision (b) of Government Code section 54956.9(b)(3)(C):  Claim of Greene dated February 14, 2006; Claim of Hernandez dated March 6, 2006; Claim of Centeno dated March 13, 2006 - it is moved by Supervisor Dahle, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried, with Supervisor Chapman absent, to reject all claims and direct the Clerk to send notice of rejection.

 

As LRA: Conference with real property negotiator:  a)  Location - Sierra Army Depot "North East Shore Parcel" remainder;  b)  Negotiator -  LRA Operations Manager Robert Sorvaag;  c)  Subject - terms of Federal Government transfer to LRA - no reportable action taken.

 

As LRA: Conference with real property negotiator:  a)  Location - Herlong  APNs: #139-16-70 and 72;  b)  Negotiator -  LRA Operations Manager Robert Sorvaag;  c)  Subject - price and terms of transfer from LRA to Scenic Mountain Development - it is moved by Supervisor Hanson, seconded by Supervisor Dahle and carried, with Supervisor Chapman voting NO, to:  "1)  Direct staff to prepare a "final form" Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) consistent with the staff's recommendations in the table of differences and submit it to Scenic Mountain Development (SMD) for execution and return along with the deposit within 10 business days.  2) Authorize execution by the Commission upon timely receipt and approval by the Commission's Executive Director of the following on or before June 1, 2006:  a)  an infrastructure financing plan;  b) a development financing plan for all phases;  c)  a time schedule for each phase that includes the dates for submission of final plans, evidence of financing, bonds, insurance, and the construction contract;  d)  a fire protection plan; and  e) copies of contracts between SMD and its architect, planner, financial consultant, engineer and construction manager.  3)  In the event SMD does not timely return the signed DDA by June 1, 2006 and fulfill the conditions to the Commission's signing the DDA, direct staff to give notice of termination of negotiations."

 

AGENDA APPROVAL, ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried to approve the agenda as posted. 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

1.         Nick Ceaglio provides an update on Dyer Mountain - the EIR Chapters on Traffic and Air Quality are out for public review.  Project redesign incorporates more open park-type space with more density in the core area. It is anticipated that groundbreaking will occur this summer - things are moving smoothly.

 

2.         Eileen Spencer reads a letter regarding animal control with suggestions and an offer of donations of money, time and people to help.

 

Supervisor Chapman feels there are some good suggestions and requests the CAO place this matter on a future agenda.

 

3.         Poet Laureate Violet Stout notes that Emma Freeman has worked for the County in the Recorder's Office for almost 60 years and then reads a poem entitled "Emma - 80th Birthday".

 

PUBLIC HEARING - DEOCA/MILLER REZONE

The public hearing is opened at 10:24 a.m. and continued until April 18, 2006, to consider General Plan Amendment #765.01.16 Rezone and Parcel Map applications #2005-122, DeOca/Miller, to change the land use designation on the proposed residential parcels from Resort to Rural Residential; rezone the property from R-S (Resort) to A-2-B-20 (Agricultural Residential, Building Site Combining District with a 20 acre average parcel size); and divide the 149 acre parcel into a 30 acre parcel, a 22 acre parcel, two 15 acre parcels, and a 60 acre remainder.  The 60 acre remainder is not included in the General Plan Amendment or rezoning, and would continue to be used as an RV park.  The project site is located at 548-335 Old Highway Road, approximately 4 miles northeast of Pittville.  A.P.N.: 013-020-18.

 

CONSENT CALENDAR

Personnel Director Ron Vossler requests that Item G-3, prosecutorial services contract, be removed for separate consideration.  Supervisor Chapman requests that Item G-6, Independent Living Skills Agreement, also be removed for separate consideration.

 

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

 

COUNTY CLERK ITEM

Approve Minutes of March 21, 2006.

 

ELECTIONS DIVISION ITEM

Approve and authorize Chairman to sign a letter of support for Assembly Bill 2627 (Koretz) Political Reform Act of 1974.

 

DISTRICT ATTORNEY ITEM

Adopt Resolution No. 06-019, approving the undertaking of the Lassen County District Attorney's Victim/Witness Assistance Program to be funded from funds available through the State of California administered by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

 

HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES ITEM

Approve and authorize the CAO to execute an agreement with Lassen Family Services for Child Abuse Prevention Intervention and Treatment (CAPIT) and Community Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) Programs for FY 2005/2006.

 

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES ITEM

Ratify continuation of a Declaration of State of Disaster - Flood/Emergency in Lassen County.

 

MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS

Receive and file the following correspondence:

a.   Lassen County Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board meeting agenda for March 28, 2006, and minutes of February 21, 2006.

b.   Application for Alcoholic Beverage License - Anthony's Mountain Market, 324 Ash Street, Westwood. 

c.   Lassen County Fair Advisory Board and Lassen County Board of Supervisors Joint Meeting agenda minutes for February 14, 2006.

d.   Susanville City Council regular adjourned meeting agendas for March 22, 2006 and for March 23, 2006.

 

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Risk Manager Ron Vossler recommends approving the contract for prosecutorial services with Dan A. Howe but with Item #9 removed and return to the signatories for approval.  Item #9 reads:  "County agrees to indemnify and defend Contractor against any claim, suit or cause of action lodged by a third party arising out of the duties undertaken by Contractor under the terms of this Agreement".  He notes the county insurance would not cover the county if Mr. Howe were sued and also notes this is a portal to portal provision, meaning if Mr. Howe were in an accident traveling to the prison and was sued this indemnification would apply.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Chapman, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried to approve, and authorize the District Attorney to formally sign, a contract for prosecutorial services with  Dan A. Howe as the Special Prosecutor for the District Attorney's Prison Prosecution Program, for period of January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007, with Item #9, County indemnification, removed.

 

HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES

Supervisor Chapman points out a correction needed to the agreement with Lassen Community College - Section A.1.4 - second reference to number of hours needs to be changed from 85 hours to 45 hours.

 

He also wants to know what the college will collect in ADA from these students and also wants the in-kind and financial college support quantified.

It is moved by Supervisor Chapman, seconded by Supervisor Dahle and carried to approve and authorize the CAO to sign an agreement with Lassen Community College for Independent Living Skills Training for 2006, with the provision the above information is provided to the Board.

 

QUINCY LIBRARY GROUP FORESTER

QLG Forester Frank Stewart presents a request to extend Quincy Library Group Forester contract with Frank Stewart through December, 2009.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Dahle, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried to approve, and authorize the Chairman to sign, Amendment #2 to the Joint Powers Agreement for "Counties QLG /Forester" extending existing JPA through December 31, 2009.

 

Board members express their appreciation of the great work that Mr. Stewart is doing.  Supervisor Dahle notes Lassen and Plumas Counties are way ahead of the rest of the State in doing things for the environment and credits much of that to Mr. Stewart's efforts.

 

PUBLIC HEARING - PLANNING DIVISION

The public hearing is opened at 10:45 a.m. to consider a resolution of Intent to prepare a Groundwater Management Plan pursuant to State Water Code Section 10750 et seq., and the Local Groundwater Management Assistance Act.

 

Community Development Director Robert Sorvaag presents the staff report and introduces Consultant Bob Vince. He also notes that some members of the working group are present today.

 

Consultant Bob Vince of Brown and Caldwell, provides more information on the proposed preparation of a groundwater management plan which will set-up proactive local management of the groundwater resource.  The plan will not be addressing interstate water issues.  Public meetings will be held to receive residents and water users input.  He explains how the groundwater management plan will be used.  It is noted that information on grant funding availability to put programs on the ground will be provided.  Will be looking at water levels and water quality.

 

No one speaks in favor of or in opposition to the resolution and the hearing is closed at 11:12 a.m.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Chapman and seconded by Supervisor Dahle to adopt Resolution No. 06-018, Intent to prepare a Groundwater Management Plan pursuant to State Water Code Section 10750 et seq., and the Local Groundwater Management Assistance Act.

 

Supervisor Chapman wants staff to understand he wants to see something specific and meaningful come from the study - not just another report sitting on the shelf.  Supervisor Dahle wants everyone to understand this is currently voluntary, but at sometime, if we do not have enough water to go around it may no longer be voluntary.

 

The motion carries unanimously on a roll call vote.

 

Recess 11:17 - 11:24 a.m. Supervisor Chapman is not present.

 

JANESVILLE PARK EQUESTRIAN ARENA

Supervisor Keefer states there are representatives present from the Janesville Town Council and the Honey Lake Valley Riders (HLVR) to discuss plans for relocating the Main Equestrian Arena at Janesville Park. 

 

Janesville Town Council Representative Bob Semon uses a diagram of the park to show the current layout of the park and the suggestion for moving the arena.  Supervisor Chapman enters at 11:27 a.m.

Supervisor Keefer states there have been further negotiations since his last report to the Board, but there are some conditions submitted by HLVR that he was not comfortable with and that is why he brought this to the Board.  He reviews background information on the development of the arena and correspondence (June 1, 2005) from HLVR which seemed to show a willingness to move the arena.  He states that last fall it came forth that there was an unwillingness to move the arena.  He states a letter was received from The Hayburner Society (Feb. 1, 2006) that also supports moving the arena.  Following a couple of heated meetings involving both groups, Cameron Adams offered to act as a mediator. Subsequently a draft MOU from HLVR was faxed to Supervisor Keefer from Cameron Adams.  Supervisor Keefer states that he has dedicated $10,000 of Janesville Park Trust Funds over the next two years to this project and lists other donations and funding that are available.

 

On behalf of HLVR Russ Collier thanks Supervisor Keefer and the Board of Supervisors for the expansion of Janesville Park and states HLVR has voted, in the best interest of all, that the arena be moved to the six acres on the west side of the park.  He states everyone needs to work together and most importantly communicate with each other.  Lack of communication was the biggest problem.  States the HLVR has been working in good faith with the community since 1993.  He asks that HLVR be allowed to remain the "good stewards" of the park as in the past years.

 

Chris Geffre, representing HLVR, points out the letter from The Hayburners Society actually states "Hayburner Society feel that we should not try to influence the Board regarding the location of the arenas.  However, if it is deemed in the best interest of a multi-use park to move the arenas, we will support that decision through volunteer effort."   She notes the big problem has been miscommunication and hopefully all of the arguing is over.  She provides information on the discussions, disagreements and negotiations that have taken place, and presents the actual MOU from HLVR that is a little different than the Draft MOU contained in the Board packet.  The Draft MOU was faxed to Supervisor Keefer by Cameron Adams as a courtesy prior to their meeting last Wednesday.  She states that HLVR would really like the Board of Supervisor's blessing to continue doing what they have been doing and the County's help in moving the arena.

 

Donna Anton-Spaan, a member of the Janesville Town Advisory Council which is a volunteer group, discusses the development of the Janesville Park stating they are looking at a multi-use park and they do support the equestrian use of the park - all they ask is the movement of the arena to address parking and safety issues.  She talks about the fervor this has brought up and asks for guidance.

 

Supervisor Keefer feels we are close to an agreement - seems HLVR is agreeing in concept on moving the arena and the details will need to be worked out.

 

Supervisor Chapman feels the following needs to be part of the record - it is distressing to see the failure of county government to live up to their agreements - agreements made one year are not lived up to in following years.  He talks about HLVR's participation in the development of the North Arena at the Fairgrounds with an agreement in the 1970's for HLVR to use it.  In the mid 1980's the agreement disappeared and HLVR's only choice was to find a new place to go.  They located Janesville Park which was not being utilized and this led to the 1993 Agreement between HLVR and the County.  HLVR became the stimulus for revitalizing the park.  He feels whatever decision is made it has to respect what HLVR has done.  Notes there is no master plan for Janesville Park and it is vital to have a plan before moving forward (Supervisor Keefer notes a master plan is being worked on).  He states the County has to underwrite the cost of moving the arena; wants an agreement recorded so it does not get lost; is necessary to have the interaction of surrounding landowners to be sure their concerns are addressed. 

 

Supervisor Keefer notes neighbors have been contacted and have no problem with the placement of the arena.  He states the current agreement will stay in place until a new agreement is reached.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer and seconded by Supervisor Dahle to approve relocation of the Main Equestrian Arena at Janesville Park to the recently acquired six acres on the West side of the Park.  This relocation would coincide with the completion of the baseball/soccer field within one to two years.

 

Chris Geffre asks why a new agreement is needed - states the only change that HLVR has requested is a designated amount of time for notification of termination of the operating agreement.  The agreement she spoke of earlier is an agreement on moving the arena.

 

Supervisor Chapman wants it made clear the intent of the Board is to only modify the Operating Agreement by including a 1 - 5 year notification prior to terminating the agreement; and that an arena relocation agreement be finalized and brought back to the Board; also that a master plan be developed for Janesville Park.

 

The motion carries unanimously on a roll call vote.

 

Noon recess 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Supervisor Chapman is not present.

 

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Milford Old Highway Road:

Public Works Director Larry Millar presents a request from Scott Humphrey to remove Milford Old Highway Road from the County Maintained Road System. 

 

Supervisor Keefer discusses the Humphrey's desire to have the road removed and also the desire of certain people to keep the road in the maintained system. 

 

Karen Humphrey talks of excessive speed, dust, dumping of large quantities of beer cans, drug deals, spotlighting deer and shooting being the reason they desire to close the road or have limited access.  Supervisor Chapman enters at 1:40 p.m.

 

Supervisor Dahle points out drawbacks of removing the road from the County Maintained System. 

 

Scott Humphrey states the County only grades the road three or four times a year and he is willing to maintain the road and also states he has to keep it open for use on the ranch.  Supervisor Keefer has a concern because the ranch is for sale and he questions what a future owner would want.

 

Larry Millar states this is a road that does not meet the criteria for being removed from the County Maintained System.

 

Supervisor Dahle feels if the process is begun the Board will hear from folks how they feel about the removal.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Dahle and carried to authorize the Road Department to begin proceedings for the removal of Milford Old Highway Road, County Road 326, from the County Maintained Road System.

 

LOCAL REUSE AUTHORITY

(Convene as the Local Reuse Authority)

 

County Counsel Craig Settlemire sent an email to the Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) requesting additional information as to their administration expenses that would be reimbursable by the owner of the North East Shore and West Airfield parcels at Sierra Army Depot.  Subsequently a conference call was held with DTSC staff to review the questions.  As a result of that conversation DTSC will consider modifying the language of the Covenant in the following manner:

 

 

1.         The owner will not be responsible in changes of the surface of the property as a result of erosion by wind or water, earthquake, animals or other natural causes.

2.         The owner will not be required to fence the property as a part of compliance with the Covenant.  Instead, if use of the property changes (such as frequent digging activity by trespassers) DTSC will revisit the adequacy of the remedy under CERCLA and look to require the Army to more thoroughly clean up the property.

3.         In a March 27, 2006 telephone conversation with Mike Baine of the Army Corps of Engineers, he agreed to a modification of the Deed to clarify that there is no waiver of the Army's duty to indemnify under the 1997 Defense Appropriations Act.

 

The Army maintains the property was adequately cleaned but since the DTSC is not 100% certain of that, the Covenant must remain in place.

 

Supervisor Keefer asks if this property is any different than other properties already accepted.  Assistant Community Development Director Bertotti responds the other properties did not have remnant munitions.

 

Supervisor Chapman points out the heavy concentration of remnant munitions that were found during the process of clearing the property to a one foot depth and also notes the property is in the airfield clear zone.  For these reasons he would not expect any use of the property.  His concern is not about the land, but it is about the regulatory power of the DTSC.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Hanson, seconded by Supervisor Chapman and carried to authorize acceptance of transfer pursuant to BRAC of approximately 135 acres consisting of the remainders of the North East Shore and West Airfield parcels at Sierra Army Depot conditioned upon the understanding that:

1.         The owner will not be responsible in changes of the surface of the property as a result of erosion by wind or water, earthquake, animals or other natural causes.

2.         The owner will not be required to fence the property as a part of compliance with the Covenant.  Instead, if use of the property changes (such as frequent digging activity by trespassers) DTSC will revisit the adequacy of the remedy under CERCLA and look to require the Army to more thoroughly clean up the property.

3.         A modification of the Deed will clarify there is no waiver of the Army's duty to indemnify under the 1997 Defense Appropriations Act.

 

(Adjourn and reconvene as Board of Supervisors)

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - BUILDING DIVISION

It is moved by Supervisor Dahle, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried to designate the Goodrich House as surplus property.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Hanson, seconded by Supervisor Chapman and carried to adopt Resolution No. 06-020, placing the structure known as the Constantia Church on the Lassen County/City of Susanville Historic Building Registry.

 

 

HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried unanimously, on a roll call vote, to authorize increase in the 2005/2006 budget revenues and appropriation for Welfare Administration of $168,452.

 

The following increases are requested to Revenue:

Welfare Administration Federal Public Assistance Administration - $53,279;  State Public Assistance Administration - $98,863; Social Services Realignment Sales Tax - $16,310.

 

The following increases are requested to Appropriation:

Social Services Administration Equipment 120-0852-3006200 - $59,720 (Vehicle Purchases);  Protective Services Office Expense 120-0853-3002200 - $3,750;  Protective Services Professional and Specialized Services 120-0853-3002300 - $66,982; Protective Services Transportation and Travel 120-0853-3002900 - $10,000; Protective Services Conferences and Training 120-0853-3002901 - $28,000.

 

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Rail Banking:

It is moved by Supervisor Chapman, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried to adopt Resolution No. 06-021, authorizing the County Administrative Officer to submit an application or applications to the Surface Transportation Board to rail bank the Susanville, CA to Wendel, CA and the Wendel, CA to Flanigan, NV rail corridors.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

1.         A report from U. S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Field Supervisor stating the Vernal Pool Ecosystems Recovery Plan has been completed, is received and filed.

2.         A letter from Lassen Sportsmens Club inviting the County to co-sponsor the 17th Annual Junior Fishing Derby on Saturday, April 22, 2006; and requesting the County extend its insurance coverage for the activity along the Susan River outside of the city limits, is received.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Dahle and seconded by Supervisor Keefer to approve extending county insurance coverage for the Annual Junior Fishing Derby, and direct that a letter of support be sent to the Lassen Sportsmens Club.

 

Risk Manager Ron Vossler expresses his concern over extending the insurance when we have no control over the event.  Supervisor Chapman states that he is a member of the Sportsmens Club and is involved in the event.  Mr. Vossler wants the board members to understand that special event insurance coverage could be obtained for $1000-$2000.

 

The motion carries.

 

RAILROAD CORRIDORS

It is moved by Supervisor Hanson, seconded by Supervisor Chapman and carried to approve, and authorize the Chairman to sign, letters requesting help from Congressman Doolittle and Senator Feinstein in securing funding to preserve the Wendel-Alturas segment of the Modoc rail corridor.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Hanson, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried to approve, and authorize the Chairman to sign, letters requesting help from Congressman Doolittle and Senator Feinstein in securing funding to preserve the Flanigan-Wendel segment of the Union Pacific Railroad.

 

HERLONG FIRE PROTECTION

It is moved by Supervisor Hanson, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried to approve, and authorize the Chairman to sign, a letter of support for Sierra Army Depot to continue fire response service for West Patton Village Community Service District until annexation is complete.