BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

April 10, 2007

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors convenes in Regular Session on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. Present: Supervisors Brian Dahle, Robert Pyle, Jim Chapman and Lloyd Keefer; County Counsel Craig Settlemire, County Administrative Officer (CAO) John Ketelsen and Deputy County Clerk Susan Osgood. Supervisor Hanson is absent. 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 Chapman requests the meeting be adjourned in memory of June Nelson and Supervisor Dahle requests the meeting also be adjourned in memory of Sam Gerig.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

1. Agriculture Commissioner Ken Smith presents an update on Mormon Crickets and the mosquito situation. Last year Lassen County tested about 1100 acres for Mormon Crickets. Federal surveyors were in Lassen County last week and they did not see any crickets; will continue surveying as millions of acres in Nevada are infested. (Supervisor Hanson enters at 9:32 a.m.) Lassen County will not have a permanent State survey crew this year, but the Agriculture Commissioner’s new employee, biologist Tina Hilburn, has experience in surveying and they can do their own. He presents the Board members with bags and pamphlets of information being distributed throughout the County regarding mosquitoes and ticks. More mosquito fish will be put out within two weeks.

2. Deputy CAO for Health & Social Services Kevin Mannel presents update on the Local Public Health Services contract previously discussed with the board. Last year the Department entered into a three-year contract that represents Public Health and Environmental Health positions. Lassen County had the largest contract of the eleven small counties that contract with the state. Lassen discontinued the Public Health portion but continued with the Environmental Health portion of the contract. Lassen is in the second year of the contract and received notice from Dr. Horton, the new Public Health Officer for the State of CA, that there was a deficit in the first and second fiscal year of the new contract. The state was choosing not to abide by the contract; and if the counties wouldn’t pay the arrearages, it was likely that we would receive120 day notice. The counties want to abide by the contracts. After discussions with directors of other counties, Lassen only paid the invoices in 2005 and 2006 according to the contract, which represents a difference of about $127,000 from what was billed by the state. Mr. Mannel has been in contact with Nancy Hayward who works under Dr. Horton and a tentative agreement was reached with Dr. Horton and his staff: the state would “eat” the arrearages for the first two fiscal years and the counties would consider opening up the contracts again for 2007/2008 because of the projected deficit. Mr. Mannel will participate in a conference call on April 11th with the directors of the other counties for further discussion. If the state gives 120-day notice it would create a hardship for Lassen County especially for environmental health. RCRC and CSAC have been active on this issue. Mr. Mannel’s department has already been converting some available positions to county employment, reducing some of the costs and having more local control.

3. Tom Esgate of the Lassen County Fire Safe Council (FSC) presents good news to the Board. He has received notification by the CA State Fire Safe Council clearinghouse that Lassen County received $100,000 additional for the Janesville project and $146,000 for a project in the Stones Landing area; those are committed and on board for 2008 projects. The Cooperative Sagebrush Steppe Restoration Initiative gave three different landowners assistance for some Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) wildlife projects. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service made application for private stewardship grant for $150,000 that has made it out of the state and looks promising. Mr. Esgate states that in each of those projects one of the ranking criteria that put Lassen County over the top was the participation of the Board of Supervisors in backing the Fire Safe Council.

He states they are receiving a good response from the landowners on the Archery/Childrens/Gold Run sign up project. They have completed about 2,000 acres of 3,100 acres of archeological survey. That survey needs to be completed by the end of May. Environmental compliance information should be presented to District Ranger Bob Andrews by June 1 in order to get a decision memo on that project. There are challenges with some of the landowners not understanding the importance of a cultural resource survey. It would not impact their land, but would restrict the FSC if a site was found. If landowners allow the survey it gives the FSC the option of helping the landowner in the future. If the cultural resource survey is not done, the FSC will not be coming back because the cost is substantial and it has to be done at one time.

Supervisor Dahle asks about the Butte Creek project and Mr. Esgate replies that it is also underway and the environmental compliance document will be submitted June 1; there has been excellent response from the landowners. Work in Butte Creek will begin sometime late June or early July and work has already started in Day Lassen Bench for this year. Supervisor Dahle reports that Tom Esgate will give a presentation at the Sierra Nevada Conservancy board meeting on May 2.

4. Business Development Manager Aimee Leatherman presents information on Invenergy LLC, which is a wind energy development company, a power generation company focused on long term ownership, operation, and construction of wind farms. They have been in the area the past six months. She introduces Doug Carter, Sr. Vice president of the Western United States and Mike Logsdon, construction manager for Western US who built three of the major projects that went on line last year. They have projects in Montana, Colorado, and Idaho; have built a wind farm in Greece and Poland. The team has 20 years of experience; president and CEO Michael Polsky founded Sky Gen and Indeck and right now they are the largest power producers in this field.

Ms. Leatherman states Invenergy has been interested in this area for about a year; they are in the early stages of development. The Horse Lake Project is approximately ten miles north of Susanville; it is about 94,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and an additional 10,000 acres of private land. They have submitted applications for a Right of Way grant for site testing, monitoring and will be submitting an additional amendment for actual meteorological tower locations in about a month. They are hoping to put four towers up this spring on BLM land and some on private land. The wind in Lassen County is looking good from the preliminary data.

Supervisor Hanson states he thinks it is very good Lassen County is continuing the effort to update our energy element. He will be looking for two things from these types of projects: they will have to be good for the local ratepayers in some fashion and they will have to be good for the taxpayers in Lassen County. Supervisor Pyle asks for an idea of when this project could be in operation and Ms. Leatherman replies they would like to have the commercial operation by December 31, 2008, but there is a lot of work to be done.

5. Poet Laureate Violet Stout asks Aimee Leatherman to read her poem titled “Lassen County Happy Birthday”. Supervisor Chapman states he would like to have the poem incorporated in the changes to the county’s display in Sacramento that the board has previously talked about making.

LASSEN COUNTY CHILDREN AND FAMILIES COMMISSION
It is moved by Supervisor Pyle, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried to appoint Amiee Osborn as Section 3 Commissioner and Linda Tangenberg as Section 3 Alternate Commissioner to the Lassen County Children and Families Commission.

UNAGENDIZED BOARD REPORTS

1. Supervisor Keefer states he attended the CSAC legislative conference the last week of March. Legislative Analyst Elizabeth Hill was at the opening session and one item she talked about was the difference of opinion with the Governors office in terms of revenue for the coming year for the state budget. The Governor’s estimate was about $3B higher than Ms. Hill’s estimate. Supervisor Keefer attended the Criminal Justice meeting; an item of concern to a lot of county members was the Governor’s prison reform initiative; CA Sheriffs Association is involved in some of the negotiations. Supervisor Keefer suggests CAO Ketelsen meet with the Sheriff and Juvenile staff to get an idea of what is going on and make sure Lassen County’s interests are being taken care of.

2. Supervisor Keefer states he met with Senator Cox; thanked him for sponsoring SB 634 which will try and get the state to reimburse counties 10% over bills that are overdue beyond two months. Senator Cox said to notify his office if the state is in arrears again. The Sierra Nevada Conservancy meeting will be held April 11th 6:00 p.m. at the Depot, but Supervisor Keefer will not be able to attend.

3. Supervisor Keefer attended Solid Waste Board meeting about two weeks ago and reports there are a number of bills that have been introduced in the legislature that are a concern. One bill that probably should be supported will increase fines for illegal dumping.

One bill puts a cap on the amount of solid waste that can be disposed of and that could create a serious problem for Lassen County. States that the Board of Supervisors have in the past discussed putting a recycling center at Bass Hill as one way of reducing the amount of garbage going into the landfill; but probably couldn’t break even on that type of operation without passing some cost on to local users. Further discussion is held among Supervisors.

4. Supervisor Pyle reports he attended the CSAC Board of Directors meeting; the most important issue was the administrative corrections reform proposal. He distributes information regarding that issue and a report from CSAC Administration of Justice Committee on Administration of Justice (AOJ) policy recommendations.

5. Supervisor Pyle reports that legislators are really pushing universal health care. CAO Ketelsen states there are five proposals on the table but it is not expected they will be acted on fully this year. Supervisor Pyle reports that some of the other issues discussed were mobile home park conversions, emergency management corrections and eminent domain.

6. Supervisor Hanson attended the LAFCO meeting April 9, 2007 with Supervisor Keefer. The sphere of influence for Clear Creek CSD and the Municipal Services Review (MSR) on Stones-Bengard CSD were approved. He states they are documents both districts will be able to use in the future to their benefits and both districts were happy with Mr. Benoit’s work. The LAFCO budget was approved with Lassen County’s contribution slightly less because of a carryover. Herlong Utilities General Manager Pat Williams was at the meeting in reference to their seeking public utility district status. West Patton Village continues to work on the fire issues. There is a meeting April 11, 2007 in South County involving a number of parties involved in water issues.

7. Supervisor Hanson agrees with Supervisor Keefer on the corrections issue; feels the County should be a bigger player; feels RCRC and CSAC are doing an excellent job for the County.

8. Supervisor Dahle states that if the Sheriff or Sheriff’s Association is lobbying for anything that affects the County budget, such as AB 151, they or any other department doing that needs to notify the Board or it will have to come out of their own budget. This could have a critical impact and was discussed at a Budget Committee meeting. Supervisor Dahle suggests the Sheriff and Chief Probation Officer Roy Thiels brief the Budget and Legislative Committee, before Roy leaves, on what is actually happening in the back rooms of the unions and CAO Ketelsen agrees to arrange that. Further discussion is held.

9. Supervisor Pyle states a bill was introduced for all mail ballots; believes County Clerk Julie Bustamante sent an email regarding that. CAO Ketelsen reports that many of the smaller counties are lobbying for the all mail ballot as a way of mitigating the costs of the earlier Presidential primary; at the present time there is not an actual commitment from the State to pay for the election.

10. Supervisor Dahle reports on the emergency funding for the war that the President has said he will veto which will affect the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. He states there is a lot of dialogue going on between NACo, RCRC and the counties and he states there is a need to talk with Congressman Doolittle and other legislators to make sure something gets on whatever the vehicle is that goes back on the funding of the war. CAO Ketelsen states

there is a letter in the passaround file from Senator Boxer in reaction to Lassen County’s letter regarding the PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) issue.

11. Supervisor Dahle reports on Sierra Nevada Conservancy outreach meetings April 10th in Modoc County, April 11th 6:00 p.m. at the Depot in Susanville and in Burney April 12th. States he will be at the Modoc meeting so will not be attending the joint Fair Board meeting. The Susanville meeting is a working and outreach-type meeting talking about grants. The full board will meet on May 2nd and 3rd, probably at Lassen County Fairgrounds. Tom Esgate will give a power point presentation, a tour is planned for the Bizz Johnson Trail to talk about Rails to Trails and the Wendel Line, would like to get to look at a fuel break maybe around Janesville, possibly a trip to Susanville Ranch. In the evening the Cattlemen will have a barbeque at the Fairgrounds. May 2nd will be the actual board meeting, tentatively from 9:00 a.m. to noon, but it may last longer depending on how many members of the public want to make comments.

CONSENT CALENDAR

CAO Ketelsen states the minutes of March 27, 2007 will be discussed under Department Reports – County Clerk for clarification of action that was taken on the Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) Waiver for 2007-2008.

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

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ITEMS

Receive and file Personnel Movement Report for February, 2007.

Approve new job description for the position of Academic Teacher - Adult Detention Facility (ADF).

AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER ITEM
Approve Agreement #06-0686 with California Department of Food and Agriculture for noxious weed management for May 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008 in the amount of $16,995.99, and authorize the Chairman to sign the agreement and the Certification.

AUDITOR ITEMS

Approve Capital Asset Policy.

Approve amendment to Agreement 93-88 with Yolo County to establish a new hourly rate from $48.50 to $65 per hour, and authorize the Chairman to sign.

Approve the creation of a new special revenue fund for Mental Health Service Act activity and move the existing appropriation from H&SS Fund to the new fund.

HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES ITEM - PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION

Review and approve the release of the Request for Proposal for the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES ITEM
Authorize the Chairman to sign the Letter of Understanding (LOU) for renewal of Shasta Cascade Hazardous Materials Response Team (SCHMRT) , and authorize the payment of this year’s membership in the amount of $3,420 from 100-0101-3002000 (Professional Memberships).

MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS
Receive and file the following correspondence:

a. Application for Alcoholic Beverage License - White House, 463-795 Main Street, Janesville.

b. PSA 2 Area Agency on Aging Executive Board meeting agenda for April 2, 2007.

c. Lassen County Planning Commission meeting agenda for April 4, 2007.

d. Lassen County Technical Advisory Committee meeting agenda for April 11, 2007.

e. Susanville City Council meeting agenda for April 4, 2007, and minutes of January 24, 2007.

f. Local Agency Formation Commission of Lassen County (LAFCO) meeting agenda for April 9, 2007.

g. Lassen County Fair Joint Meeting agenda for April 10, 2007.

COUNTY CLERK

CAO Ketelsen calls attention to pages 4 and 5 of the unapproved minutes of March 27, 2007. Board discussion was held March 27, 2007 on the Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) Waiver for 2007-2008 and CAO Ketelsen asks the Board to clarify if the action they took was to maximize the food stamp availability in this county.

The Board agrees that was their intended action.

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson, and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of March 27, 2007.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT / HOUSING

Chief of Economic Development Monica Cochran presents request for proposal for a feasibility analysis of alley improvements in Westwood. Supervisor Chapman states he will not be supporting this action; he states the community was not in support of previous redevelopment ideas or suggestions.

Supervisor Keefer states that back in the 1980’s when he was with CDF there was community concern for access for fire equipment and junk in the alleyways. Supervisor Pyle states he hopes something good will come out of the proposal but doesn’t know if there is a lot of community support; some people want to be left alone.

It is moved by Supervisor Pyle, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried on a roll call vote with Supervisors Chapman and Dahle voting NO, to approve contract for services with Quad Knopf, in an amount not to exceed $31,000, and authorize the CAO or designee to execute. Funds provided by California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning and Technical Allocation.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - FEES

Public Works Director Larry Millar presents request to adopt Resolution revising the fees for "Sale of Prints" (for photocopies, mylars, copies of maps, etc.) for the Lassen County Department of Public Works. These fees were last increased in the 1980’s.

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried on a roll call vote with Supervisors Chapman and Pyle voting NO, to adopt Resolution #07-017 revising the fees for “Sale of Prints”.

UNAGENDIZED REPORTS, Continued

Supervisor Pyle requests the following information items be put on the next agenda for discussion: what is being done on the swimming pool Joint Powers Agreement (JPA), information update on Dyer Mountain EIR, information update on 2002 Parks Bond money – the different projects we have going; and LC display at the Capital that CAO Ketelsen said would be a budget item.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - ANIMAL CONTROL

Public Works Director Larry Millar presents a progress report on Animal Control. Department of Public Works Director for Facilities Peter Heimbigner has been involved with several people in audience Mary Morphis with Lassen Humane Society, Suzanne Monroe from Lassen Animal Rescue and Jackie Earnshaw from the Sit Spot Canine Center.

There are three main projects:

Lassen Humane Society – Pups on Parole program – Mary Morphis and the Correctional Center have put a program together. People at the Center have started construction of the on-site pens. Jackie Earnshaw will help the inmates train 5 dogs, get them socialized and ready for adoption.

Lassen Animal Rescue – Suzanne Monroe and others will set up an agreement with the County for turning over some animals and get them ready for adoption and some that might need more medical treatment than we can provide at the shelter. Peter has been working with Jackie who has volunteered to be the coordinator for the volunteer program; agreements and guidelines for using the volunteers are being worked out.

Mr. Millar states Peter has also been developing new policies and procedures for use at the shelter. The new half time employee is working on record keeping at the shelter. The two Animal Control Officers are trying to get at least 40 hours total in the field between them.

Ms. Monroe speaks about Lassen Animal Rescue (LAR). They are trying to establish a protocol in transferring the animals with Lassen Animal Rescue within 24 hours, dogs are medically seen and spayed or neutered, some need socialization. States Judy Walesch has been great about calling and letting LAR know what dogs are up for euthanization that are adoptable. New website will be up soon: lassenanimalrescue.com. They have been working with Public Works, the Humane Society and other rescue agencies.

Supervisor Keefer asks about the timeliness in dealing with complaints, which had been a problem in the past. Mr. Millar states that is improving just by having additional staff. They are working to tie down policy and procedure timelines. He states that in regard to a letter over an incident in Westwood reported by Judy Robinson, Animal Control was not notified until the day after the incident. The Animal Control Officer will give further details.

Animal Control Officer (ACO) Judy Walesch reports that the shelter has a new phone system with answering machine to pick up calls if the phone is in use; calls are being logged into computer system for follow-up and tracking. The shelter phone number is 257-9200. Calls to 911 go directly to the Sheriff’s Department who has the ACO cell numbers and the shelter number to forward calls. Human safety calls are a priority, then calls are answered as they come in.

With regard to the Westwood issue, the dogs in question have been surrendered to Animal Control and will be put up for adoption. These are not the dogs from the original complaint. Further discussion is held.

Supervisor Chapman suggests having a standard form for the reporting party to complete and sign under the penalty of perjury. Ms. Witry states she and Peter Heimbigner are developing a form of that type. County Counsel Craig Settlemire states that the subject of dangerous or vicious animals has been discussed previously before the Board. That is a different offense and there is a different process for dealing with a threatening or dangerous animal under the Food and Agriculture Code, which does require a higher standard or more involved due process.

Mrs. Judy Robinson of Westwood presents update of problem dogs. States the ACO has picked up the two problem dogs and thanks Mr. Allen Jones from the Health Department for coming to look at the problems with the house where the dogs had been living; the landlord has been notified, the yard is being cleaned up and the dog owners may be evicted. She thanks Mr. Millar for his help. Mrs. Robinson had called the state regarding the health problem; felt matters brought to the Board should have been taken care of sooner.

Deputy CAO for Health and Social Services Kevin Mannel responds to Supervisor Keefer’s questions regarding timeliness in dealing with complaints and Bite Cards and the previous breakdown of communications between Environmental Health and some of the health care providers and Animal Control. H&SS employee Tiffany Armstrong has been doing quality improvement working with those entities as well as law enforcement, meeting on a quarterly basis and making sure everyone knows the proper information to give to callers. Information is referred back to Animal Control for entry in their computer system.

Supervisor Dahle states this matter has taken a long time but the Board did react during the budget process and added employees to the shelter. He feels the communication problem has been corrected and the people running the shelter will be able to work things out.

Certified pet dog trainer and certified pet care technician, Jackie Earnshaw speaks on the volunteer program. She states she has been a professional dog trainer with her own company since 1986 and is currently the proprietor with her partner of the Sit Spot Canine Center in Susanville. She reports current statistics from the U.S. Humane Society: approximately 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters annually with 3 to 4 million eventually euthanized; approximately 25% are adopted out and around 15% of strays are returned to owners. Most animals, particularly dogs, that are surrendered or abandoned, are 6 months to 2 years of age and are surrendered due to behavioral, temperament or training problems, all of which are preventable. Shelter animals deteriorate quickly and they are then not adoptable. Volunteers can be trained to clean the animals and train them. She is working with Peter on designing the volunteer program at the shelter and the volunteer training curriculum. Local groomers have been contacted to see if they will volunteer their time to train volunteers to properly brush out and bathe a dog. Ms. Earnshaw thanks the Board for giving the opportunity to improve the adoptability of the shelter animals.

COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
CAO Ketelsen presents information on the railroad right of way from Susanville to Wendel. Jim Dobbas, Inc. made an offer to turn over their interest in the 35 bridges to the county if the county would remove the tracks in the county roadway right of way. Public Works Director Larry Millar has prepared a list of ten places where the tracks cross roads. Lassen County would then acquire the right to the bridges. Lassen Municipal Utility District (LMUD) has been approached to see if they are interested in the right of way for their high tension lines and maintenance of lines; the informal indication is they are interested. States if the Board is satisfied with the enclosed draft letter, it will be formally sent to LMUD which will probably result in a Letter of Intent to both Dobbas and LMUD from the County. Extensive discussion is held.

It is moved by Supervisor Chapman to approve Mr. Ketelsen sending the letter in the form presented, preserving all options and opportunities for consideration at a future date by the appropriate people in the appropriate fashion. The motion is seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried unanimously on a roll call vote.

LOAN

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried with Supervisors Dahle and Chapman voting NO, to authorize the execution of a Note in the amount of $100,000 to loan monies from Prison Mitigation Funds to the LRA; and authorize the execution of the Note by John Ketelsen as Executive Director of the LRA and as CAO of the County.

CORRESPONDENCE

Receive and file correspondence from Time Warner Cable reporting on the expiration of TV Japan.

RECESS 11:45 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. JOINT MEETING WITH FAIR ADVISORY BOARD

JOINT MEETING WITH THE FAIR ADVISORY BOARD

The Board of Supervisors reconvenes at 6:30 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There is no public comment.

The Board of Supervisors recesses and convenes as the Lassen County Fair Board.

Present: Supervisors Jack Hanson as Vice-Chairman, Bob Pyle, Jim Chapman and Lloyd Keefer, County Administrative Officer John Ketelsen, County Counsel Craig Settlemire and Deputy County Clerk Susan Osgood. Supervisor Dahle is absent.

Fair Advisory Board members: Henry Bietz, Tim Bruce, Jerry Hitchings, Jose Pena, Mike Ratkey and Dena Wemple and Fair Manager Jim Wolcott. Rick Wilburn enters at 6:32 p.m. Rebecca Albaugh and Dan Douglas are absent.

Vice-Chairman Hanson turns the meeting over to Fair Advisory Board President Dena Wemple.

Flag salute is led by Vice-Chairman Hanson and President Dena Wemple conducts the meeting.

AGENDA APPROVAL, ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS

It is moved by Jerry Hitchings, seconded by Rick Wilburn and carried to approve the Fair Advisory Board agenda.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There is no public comment.

CONSENT CALENDAR

Corrections need to be made to the Minutes of March 14, 2007 as follows: in two places “Michele Roberts” should be replaced with “Laura Roberts”; in one place the word “spit” should be replaced with “split” and “consortium” instead of “contortion”.

It is moved by Henry Bietz, seconded by Jerry Hitchings and carried to approve the consent agenda with noted corrections to minutes.

CORRESPONDENCE

Fair Manager Jim Wolcott reports on an email he received from Rebecca Desmond of the Siskiyou Fair regarding money for corporate fair sponsors that will be shared among all nine Cascade county fairs. A grant was written in 2003 or 2004 for $40,000 to get large corporate sponsors, such as Cabela’s, who would supply advertising banners or some type of exhibit. He hopes to have this ready for 2008.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

President Dena Wemple asks for nominations for the office of President.

It is moved by Tim Bruce to nominate Dena Wemple. Jose Pena seconds the nominations. President Wemple does not accept the nomination.

It is moved by Dena Wemple and seconded by Ric Wilburn nominate Tim Bruce as President. It is moved by Henry Beitz, seconded by Jerry Hitchings and carried to close nominations. The motion carries unanimously to elect Tim Bruce as President.

It is moved by Jerry Hitchings, seconded by Jose Pena to nominate Mike Ratkey as Vice President. It is moved by Ric Wilburn, seconded by Jerry Hitchings and carried to close the nominations. The motion carries unanimously to elect Mike Ratkey as Vice President.

Both Boards extend their appreciation to President Wemple for her service.

THREE YEAR SMOKE FREE PLAN

Discussion is held regarding the Three Year Smoke Free Plan previously presented by Laura Roberts and the placing of non-smoking signs. A grant that would be applied for that would require having two designated areas for smoking through 2009 and smoke-free by 2010. Jerry Hitchings states that there is already no smoking in the buildings or the grandstand and the carnival has designated places for employees. He thinks this could be stepping on civil liberties too much. Jim Wolcott states that the Board could make changes, they do not have to go exactly by the plan but can tell Laura what the Board wants to do. Henry Bietz states that if the fairgrounds are going to be smoke-free it should be all or none or it would be too hard to enforce. Dena Wemple agrees there should be no smoking in the kiddies area and states the request is to put up signs, not to enforce it. Tim Bruce agrees there should be signs in the kiddies area. Jim Wolcott suggests tabling the matter and asking Laura Roberts to come back for further discussion.

It is moved by Jerry Hitchings, seconded by Tim Bruce and carried to table the discussion until the next meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

EXECUTIVE – No report.

LIVESTOCK – The next meeting will be April 24, 2007.

LONG RANGE PLANNING/SITE – No report.

EXHIBITS – President Wemple states that Becky Albaugh and Nancy Satica went with her to the Super School on Exhibits in Sacramento where they had some really good ideas. May try and implement a lot into the buildings.

COMMERCIAL – No report.

ENTERTAINMENT – Jim Wolcott states that all contracts are signed. They’re all set for ground and grandstand entertainment. The Bekins stage will be mostly for the community and Reno bands.

AUTO RACING – Jim Wolcott states that Bob Rueck has been working on the track and has it almost done. Should be read for first race on April 28^th. He is doing well with sponsorships and should have a good season. A few changes were made to agreement to help him get started. Discussion is held regarding alcohol regulations.

MANAGER’S REPORT

TRACK BETTING - Fair Manager Jim Wolcott presents information to the Board of Supervisors on satellite wagering and how it adversely affects funding of Fairs and Expositions. Fairs get money from track betting but not if people bet using their computers. In 2005 and 2006 F&E was short 2.6 and 2.8 million dollars that was not corrected. 2007 and 2008 could be short another 2.8 million dollars. Mr. Wolcott asks the Supervisors to call representatives in Congress and the Legislature for support. Supervisor Chapman asks CAO Ketelsen if he could talk with Senator Cox about this matter.

JENSEN HALL - Fair Manager Wolcott reports that he would like to have Jensen Hall ready for the Chamber of Commerce mixer on April 19^th.

MESSAGE SIGN – The state has said the sign cannot go on the CalTrans property in front of Walgreens. Supervisor Chapman states he will try to help with that issue. Discussion is held on the best way to proceed.

CATTLEWOMENS MURAL – Mural will be installed April 17^th.

ARENA – LMUD is getting the final electrical path in the North Arena. Presents drawing of the North Arena to the Board with plan for 31 spot RV park. Cost is about $10,000 per spot; but money can be made off of the park. F&E grant information will be back sometime this month. Supervisor Chapman asks the CAO if it would be possible to get allocations from housing or Community Development to put up grant money. CAO Ketelsen replies he has not yet talked with Jim Wolcott regarding this matter; states it is an entrepreneurial effort. He will look into Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money. Supervisor Keefer states prison mitigation funds have been loaned to the LRA, could make a payback loan.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE (CDFA) MEETING – Mr. Wolcott attended the meeting in Sacramento regarding setting up money for fairs to borrow without paying it back; trying to get some improvements.

BUDGET – County Counsel Craig Settlemire advises against discussing the budget. Jim Wolcott states the budget needs to be done by May 20th and will set up a special meeting.

States the budget is not looking good right now.

Members of the Fair Advisory Board thank Dena for all of her work as President. Supervisor Chapman would like to have information at the fair so the community can learn more about the fair such as how it is funded. Supervisor Hanson states the Fair Board will be working on letters of support, the CalTrans advertising issue and will take a look at grant opportunities.

Adjourn and reconvene as Board of Supervisors.

ADJOURNMENT IN MEMORY

There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned at 7:55 p.m. in memory of June