BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

                                                                               MAY 9, 2006

 

                                        

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors convene in Regular Session at 9:03 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 9:04 a.m. for:  Conference with Labor Negotiator John Ketelsen:  May include the following bargaining units - a) Lassen County Peace Officers Assn. (LCPOA),  b)  United Public Employees of California (UPEC) c) Lassen County Road Workers Assn. (LCRWA), d) Mid-Management, e) Lassen County Peace Officers Assn. Management Unit (LCPOAMU), and f) Management.

 

Present in the Closed Session are Supervisors Robert Pyle, Lloyd Keefer, Brian Dahle, and Jack Hanson; County Counsel Craig Settlemire, County Administrative Officer John Ketelsen, Personnel Director Ron Vossler and County Clerk Theresa Nagel.  Supervisor Chapman enters at 9:06 a.m.  Closed Session is recessed at 9:26 a.m.

 

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors reconvenes in Regular Session on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, at 9:32 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 County Clerk Theresa Nagel.  Following the flag salute, the invocation is offered by Supervisor Hanson.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF ITEMS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION

The County Clerk announces the Closed Session dealt with:  Conference with Labor Negotiator John Ketelsen:  May include the following bargaining units - a) Lassen County Peace Officers Assn. (LCPOA),  b)  United Public Employees of California (UPEC) c) Lassen County Road Workers Assn. (LCRWA), d) Mid-Management, e) Lassen County Peace Officers Assn. Management Unit (LCPOAMU), and f) Management - no reportable action taken.

 

AGENDA APPROVAL, ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS

CAO Ketelsen requests that Item G-5, Rabies Control MOU, be pulled from the consent calendar for discussion.

 

Requests for adjournment in memory:

Supervisor Keefer - Gene Marsh.

Supervisor Chapman - Lamar Prince, Ruth Ceaglio, Lavina Chittock, Clint Nielson. 

Supervisor Dahle - Floyd "Smokey" Dowell.

 

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

1.         Rocky Deal compliments the County on the Veteran's Service Office Program and states the current Veteran's Service Officer Larry Rogers has done an excellent job.  He notes this office has the highest overall returns for the money invested to operate.  Discusses the number of veterans in the County and the need to expand the operation by adding a half-time veteran's representative - one person is not enough.

2.         Morris "Jim" Ward reads a letter to the editor that he recently wrote regarding the Veteran's Service Office (VSO) and discusses the importance of having a person with experience, dedication and contacts.

3.         Severely injured Korean War Veteran Andrew Jackson speaks of the help he receives from the VSO and how important it is for evaluation of his injuries.

4.         Henri Sanchez reads a poem relating to the subject of veterans service entitled "Do Not Infringe".

5.         Lisa Liband wants information on the progress of the Recreation District.  CAO Ketelsen responds a group meeting of the entities will be held the week of May 22nd to discuss forming a Joint Powers Authority (JPA).  Ms. Liband asks about the status of the tax ordinance and board members respond it will be held until the JPA is formed and discussions are held on how to proceed.  Ms. Liband asks if research has been done on the availability of obtaining grants. The CAO responds not to his knowledge.

6.         Public Health Representative Julie Terrill reports the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator is working on the preparation of a formal plan for dealing with an avian flu pandemic. 

 

UNAGENDIZED BOARD REPORTS

1.         Supervisor Chapman will be attending the Lahontan Water Quality Control Board meeting this week and notes the Spalding Sewer System is on the agenda.

2.         Supervisor Keefer reports on the CalTrans Memorial Dedication that he attended last week; reports he talked to CalTrans representatives about the drainage problem on the Johnstonville Park Site and they have a plan; attended a meeting relating to establishing better communication between the Community Development Department and the County Fire Warden in regard to land developments; announces a reception will be held for Senator Cox at Diamond Mt. Golf Course on May 27th at 7:00 p.m.

3.         Supervisor Dahle reports on the successful Big Valley Farm Auction (450-500 items, 200 bidders) which resulted in a profit for the Non-Profit Family Resource Center of $5,000-$6,000; announces he will be attending the Western Interstate Region (WIR) meeting this week and he has been asked to run as a delegate to WIR - there will be no expense to the county; asks board members how they feel about him serving as a delegate to WIR and board consensus is supportive.

4.         Supervisor Hanson attended a planning meeting for the Secretary of Agriculture Tour in July; announces he will attend the BLM Resource Management Plan meeting on May 30th; designates $700 of his discretionary funds to Doyle Fire District for upgrading communications and other equipment.

5.         Supervisor Pyle makes the following designations from his discretionary funds: $2000 to Clear Creek Homeowners Assn. for radar signs; $500 to Westwood FFA.

6.         Supervisor Chapman makes the following designations from his discretionary funds: $100 to BLM Tunnel Project from 2005/2006 funds; and another $1000 from 2006/2007 funds.

 

PUBLIC HEARING -- COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HOUSING

The public hearing is opened at 10:06 a.m. to consider 2004/2005 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning and Technical Assistance (P/TA) General Allocation Public Hearing, Sewer and Water Line Feasibility Study Final Product and Closeout - Community of Herlong.

 

Community Development Director Robert Sorvaag presents the staff report.  No one speaks in opposition to or in favor of the study and the hearing is closed at 10:07 a.m.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Hanson, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried unanimously, on a roll call vote, to accept the Sewer and Water Line Feasibility Study Final Product and Closeout - Community of Herlong.

 

STANDISH 4-H BUILDING

Supervisor Hanson states this is a momentous occasion for District Five - finally getting the ownership of Standish 4-H Hall transferred from the Trustee for Standish 4-H to Lassen County.  Lassen County will take over responsibility for maintaining the building which will result in Standish 4-H being able to use their funds for activities and to support the club rather than going to taxes and building maintenance.  The building will also be used for many community events.  He notes that one of the trustees - the late Bernard McCallister, was a real benefactor to Standish 4-H.  He reads a list of involved community members and thanks them for their service: Susan Harwell, Donna Melander, Sandy Raffleson, Becky Neely and Cindy Weimer.

 

Standish 4-H President Kyle Neely along with members Brent Lindsey, Kylie Faure and Victor Melander thank the Board of Supervisors and Bev Lane for accomplishing the property transfer.  They also distribute cupcakes.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Hanson, seconded by Supervisor Chapman and carried to adopt Resolution No. 06-037, authorizing acceptance of the deed on behalf of the County of Lassen for the Standish 4-H Building located in Standish, and entering into an "Agreement for use, maintenance and custodial services for the Standish 4-Hall, Standish, CA".

 

Recess 10:22 - 10:27 a.m.

 

UNAGENDIZED BOARD REPORTS

Supervisor Chapman notes it is CAO Ketelsen's birthday today.

 

PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL OF #2005-0020 CRAMER RANCH ESTATES UNIT 2, CRAMER FAMILY TRUST AND SKIP JONES

The public hearing is opened at 10:28 a.m. to consider an appeal of Planning Commission approval of the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Tentative Subdivision Map #2005-020, Cramer Ranch Estates Unit 2, Cramer Family Trust and Skip Jones. The project is to subdivide three parcels totaling one hundred thirty-nine acres into thirteen parcels using the density option provision of County Code Section 18.84.060, with eleven parcels ranging in size from 1.85 to 3.83 acres intended for future residential use, and two parcels of 48 and 64 acres remaining in agricultural use.  The appeal was filed by a group of neighboring property owners.

 

Planner Rick Simon presents a detailed staff report. 

 

John Nickey asks if FEMA can revise their maps and Planner Simon responds they can but the standards for development would not change - homes would still have to be built above the floodplain.

 

Jack Kaylor asks about the confusion regarding the floodplain maps and Planner Simon responds the FEMA map clearly shows the project site is not in the floodplain, but when staff overlaid the project map to the FEMA map it was not correctly aligned. 

 

Harold Staggs talks about traffic on Travis Lane from Correctional Center staff and asks about septic system failure.  Planner Simon responds there are no plans to connect Travis Lane to Center Road. In regard to septic disposal it has been addressed by the Environmental Health Department and the final map will not be approved until the Health Officer is satisfied with the adequacy of the soils for septic systems.

 

Speaking in favor of the appeal:

1.         John Nickey talks about the airport and shows a video relating to the air traffic and the flight pattern being directly over the Susan River Fire Department fire hall - states what he is getting at is the Airport Master Plan needs to be looked at.  Talks about the slough and river in the area and asks if the Travis Lane bridge can handle floods.  Has concerns with increased traffic.

2.         Jack Kaylor has photos of Travis Lane bridge debris and back up of water.  States flooding is of little concern to him - his concern is the groundwater draw down and sewage. 

 

Speaking in opposition of the appeal:

1.         In response to questions about the bridges being able to handle flood water, Civil Engineer Fred Nagel states his flood plain analysis was based on worst case conditions which means flood water overtopping the roads and bridges.  This analysis determined the base line of a 100 year floodplain and the project site is not within that floodplain.

2.         Project Owner Skip Jones feels all issues have been addressed.  He notes that CCR's will include that homes will be single story and have a minimum square footage.

 

The hearing is closed at 11:29 a.m.

 

Supervisor Keefer states there needs to be significant information presented to overturn the Planning Commission decision and the nine issues stated in the appeal have all been adequately addressed, mitigated or do not even apply.  He feels this project will be a benefit to Travis Lane residents as it will provide another way out of the area during flooding; he does not see how this project will increase traffic on Travis Lane as the street serving the subdivision comes off of Center Road; notes the septic tank concerns will be addressed by the Health Department; does not see any evidence to support overturning the Planning Commission.

 

Supervisor Chapman feels that Travis Lane should be opened up to connect with Center Road; talks about traffic and feels it will increase on Travis Lane; notes if septic systems fail the home is shut down and therefore contamination of waterways does not occur.

 

Supervisor Dahle notes according to Environmental Health Officer Doug Ames, septic tank failures are not a problem in Lassen County.

 

Supervisor Hanson likes the density option being used and feels Doug Ames has done a really good job and he has no concerns over the septic tanks.

 

Supervisor Pyle also has confidence in Doug Ames. 

 

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried on a roll call vote, with Supervisor Chapman voting NO, to adopt Resolution No. 06-035, adopting Mitigated Negative Declaration #2005-020 and approving Tentative Subdivision Map Application #2005-020, "Cramer Ranch Estates Unit #2", Cramer Family Trust, subject to conditions.

 

LASSEN COUNTY FISH AND GAME COMMISSION

Auditor Fouch presents a request from the Lassen County Fish and Game Commission for a budget increase for Special Department Expense Fund 118-1181-3002800 for FY 2005/2006 in the amount of $1,200.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Dahle, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried unanimously, on a roll call vote, to approve Lassen County Fish and Game Commission request for budget increase for Special Department Expense Fund 118-1181-3002800 for FY 2005/2006 in the amount of $1,200.

 

CONSENT CALENDAR

Supervisor Chapman requests that Item G-1, Board of Supervisor's Minutes, be pulled for separate consideration.

 

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

 

AUDITOR & TREASURER DEPARTMENTS ITEM

Receive and file Treasurer's Fund Balance Report and Auditor's verification for the month of April, 2006.

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT ITEM

1)   Rescind the Board's action of March 28, 2006 which declared the Goodrich House property as surplus.

2)   Accept the offer from W. M. Beatty & Associates, Inc., the original owners of the Goodrich House, to rescind the donation.

 

 

 

HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES ITEMS

COMMUNITY SOCIAL SERVICES

Authorize Community Social Services to purchase two vehicles:  one new van through CMAS in the approximate amount of $15,636.55, and one used Ford 500 sedan through Salt Lake County Fleet Sales in the approximate amount of $18,125.25.

 

MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Approve and authorize the County Administrative Officer to sign amendment to Agreement with Catholic Healthcare West d.b.a. Woodland Healthcare for Mental Health Services in FY 2005/2006.

 

MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Approve and authorize the County Administrative Officer to sign amendment to agreement with William Graf, M.A. for emergency on-call (crisis) mental health services in FY 2005/2006.

 

MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Approve and authorize the County Administrative Officer to sign amendment to agreement with Martin A. Winston for the provision of Certified Unified Program Agency Services in 2006.

 

PROBATION DEPARTMENT ITEM

Adopt Resolution No. 06-031, authorizing the Chief Probation Officer to sign the application for FY 2006/2007 Comprehensive Multi-agency Juvenile Justice Plan Modification Application as well as related contracts, amendments, or extensions with the State of California.

 

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ITEMS

Award bid to Eric Nelson, Alturas, the lowest bidder meeting specifications, in the amount of $30,000 for the purchase of one (1) used 5000 gallon water truck.

 

Award bid to Susanville Ford, the lowest bidder while considering the local

purchase preference, and meeting the specifications, in the amount of $21,980.89, for the purchase of one (1) new 4x4 SUV.

 

Adopt Resolution No. 06-032, certifying County Maintained Mileage for 2006.

 

Adopt Resolution No. 06-033, approving Parcel Map #2005-46, Leiding.

 

Adopt Resolution No. 06-034, approving Parcel Map #2005-100, Nolen.

 

TREASURER/TAX COLLECTOR ITEM

Receive and file Treasurer's Investment Report for April, 2006.

 

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES ITEM

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

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS

Receive and file the following correspondence:

a.    Lassen County Land Conservation Committee meeting agenda for April 24, 2006.

b.   Susanville City Council notice of call of special meeting for April 25, 2006.

c.   Lassen County Planning Commission meeting agenda for May 3, 2006.

d.   Local Agency Formation Commission of Lassen County (LAFCO) notice of meeting cancellation for May 8, 2006.

e.   Lassen County Technical Advisory Committee meeting agenda for May 10, 2006.

f.   Susanville City Council meeting agenda for May 3, 2006.

g.   Eagle Lake Interagency Board of Directors meeting agenda for May 11, 2006.

h.   Lassen Transit Service Agency meeting agenda for May 8, 2006.

i.    Lassen County Transportation Commission meeting agenda for May 8, 2006.

 

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES

It is moved by Supervisor Dahle, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried, with Supervisor Chapman abstaining, to approve Minutes of April 25, 2006.

 

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

Deputy CAO for Health and Social Services Kevin Mannel provides background on the reporting process for dog bites.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Dahle and seconded by Supervisor Keefer to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Lassen County Public Health Department, Lassen County Public Works Department/Animal Control, City of Susanville, Banner Lassen Medical Center, Northeastern Rural Health Clinics and Lassen County Sheriffs Department, and authorize the Deputy County Administrative Officer for Health & Social Services, the Lassen County Sheriff and the Director of Public Works to sign the document.

 

Eileen Spencer asks the Board to consider her offer to develop a website and also consider hiring another animal control officer.  Supervisor Chapman states the request for another animal control officer can be considered during the budget process.

 

The motion carries.

 

Noon recess 11:59 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  Supervisor Chapman is absent.

 

AUDITOR DEPARTMENT

It is moved by Supervisor Dahle, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried, with Supervisor Chapman absent, to approve the recommendation to upgrade the current financial system software and hardware at a cost of approximately $100,000.

 

COUNTY COUNSEL - ABANDONED VEHICLE ABATEMENT SERVICE AUTHORITY

It is moved by Supervisor Dahle, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried, with Supervisor Chapman absent, to appoint Supervisor Chapman and Supervisor Pyle to the Board of Directors for the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Service Authority.

 

Supervisor Chapman enters at 1:37 p.m.

 

SHERIFF DEPARTMENT

It is moved by Supervisor Dahle, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried to authorize the purchase of three 4-wheel drive Dodge Durango sport utility vehicles for Sheriff's Patrol through CMAS State Bid. Vehicles would be purchased with "Rural and Small County Law Enforcement Assistance Funds" (131-1312-3002800) for a total price of approximately $69,618.

 

COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE - ADVISORY COMMITTEE

CAO Ketelsen presents information on his suggestion to establish an advisory committee to assist the staff in formulating the annual budget, select legislation on which to take County positions and assist in reviewing the details of plans for future facilities.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried to adopt Resolution No. 06-036, establishing the creation of an advisory committee for the purpose of reviewing and recommending action on the budget, pending legislation and facilities planning.

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - WILLIAMSON ACT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Community Development Director Robert Sorvaag presents proposed Williamson Act policies and procedures and requests guidance from the board members.

 

Supervisor Pyle addresses the minimum acreage for Williamson Act contracts - wants Soil Class III (160 acre minimum) & Class IV (320 acre minimum), that can meet the definition of prime agriculture land and are approved by the Land Conservation Committee, to have the same minimum acreage as Class I (40 acre minimum) soils. 

 

Supervisor Keefer wants to know if a house could be built on the land under contract. Response: if requirements of both zoning and the contract are met a house could be built.

 

Supervisor Pyle asks about enforcement of breach of contract.  Response: this matter has been referred to the CAO and County Counsel.

 

Supervisor Pyle asks about small parcels under contract and the home burns.  Response:  use would become non-conforming and contract would need to be dealt with so the home could be rebuilt.

 

Staff is directed to: 1)  make the changes relating to Class III & IV soils;  2) coordinate with the County Farm Advisor to distribute the Summary for Public Review, and invite input from agricultural organizations and operators; and 3)  proceed in developing a resolution establishing the County's Williamson Act Policies and Procedures, and an ordinance amending the "A-P" combining District for Board consideration.

 

 

INFORMATION FOR THE BOARD

CAO Ketelsen announces the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) wants to begin discussions regarding court facilities.