BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

                                                                              MAY 16, 2006

 

                                        

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors convene in Regular Session at 9:16 a.m.  Chairman Pyle asks for public comment and no comments are received.  County Clerk Nagel announces the Closed Session item and the Board recesses to Closed Session at 9:17 a.m. for:  Conference with Legal Counsel:  Existing litigation pursuant to Subdivision (a) of Government Code Section 54956.9: Case Number CPF 06-506171 Joseph Holder, et al. v Bruce McPherson, as California Secretary of State, et al.

 

Present in the Closed Session are Supervisors Robert Pyle, Jim Chapman, Lloyd Keefer, Brian Dahle, and Jack Hanson; County Counsel Craig Settlemire, County Administrative Officer John Ketelsen, Deputy County Counsel Traci Witry, County Personnel Director/Risk Manager Ron Vossler, and County Clerk Theresa Nagel.  Closed Session is recessed at 9:23 a.m.

 

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors reconvenes in Regular Session on Tuesday, May 16, 2006, 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 County Clerk Theresa Nagel.  Following the flag salute, the invocation is offered by Supervisor Dahle.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF ITEMS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION

The County Clerk announces the Closed Session dealt with:  Conference with Legal Counsel:  Existing litigation pursuant to Subdivision (a) of Government Code Section 54956.9: Case Number CPF 06-506171 Joseph Holder, et al. v Bruce McPherson, as California Secretary of State, et al - no reportable action taken.

 

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.         Dennis Hinze addresses the board on the subject of medical marijuana and announces that he has organized a function on June 23, 2006 at the Veterans Hall, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m., entitled "Medical Marijuana Fact or Fiction".  He will invite a medical doctor, the Sheriff and District Attorney to speak and also invites the board members to speak.  He notes that eleven states have approved medical marijuana use and thinks that Lassen County should get with the program regarding a Medical Marijuana Identification Program.

2.         Poet Laureate Violet Stout reads a poem entitled "Mike" in memory of Mike Alosi.

3.         Sheriff Steve Warren reports the Sheriff's Office hosted a 176 hour Adult Correctional Officer Core Course Academy at the Lassen County Adult Detention Facility during April and early May.  Nine correctional officers graduated at a savings of approximately $14,000 over sending officers out of the area for required training.

 

UNAGENDIZED BOARD REPORTS

1.         Supervisor Chapman received a call from Lorraine Forrester-Hansen regarding two items of frustration: long delay in opening the new Assisted Living Facility because the State Licensing Inspector has not visited and it could take several months; and requirement for a pick-up modified to accommodate a physical limitation needing CA #1 license.  He requests that letters to Senator Cox and Assemblyman Keene be placed on the next agenda to request help with the Assisted Living Facility licensing delay.

 

Supervisor Chapman discusses the problem of marauding/harassing dogs that neither the city or county is dealing with - these dogs are crossing from the county into the city; comments on the Personnel Department, noting most evaluations are up-to-date; reports on the Lahontan Water Quality Control Board meeting - sewer spill at Lake Tahoe and approval of Spalding Sewer project.

2.         Supervisor Keefer reports on the RAC and the need to revise the RAC schedule: Final Project Proposals - June 30th; and decisions to be made on July 14th; need for decision on the July 11th Board agenda regarding amount of funding for Title II & III.  Notes there are four or five RAC projects that have not been started by the Forest Service - any project with less than 50% expended will be reviewed to determine if the funds need to be reallocated.

3.         Supervisor Dahle reports on the Western Interstate Region (WIR) of NACO and reports he was elected second vice president - discussions covered PILT and Schools/Roads Funding legislation; there was a panel on conservancy and the Governor spoke on the May Revise Budget.

4.         Supervisor Hanson notes there was a candidate's night held in Doyle and he recognizes the Senior Citizens Group for putting it on; makes the following designations from his discretionary funds: $1000 to Standish-Litchfield Fire District for water tender repair; $500 to Standish 4-H Club for clean-up; $1000 to Ft. Sage Family Resource Center for the Fun Family Friday's Program; $500 to Herlong Library through West Patton Village CSD.

5.         Supervisor Pyle reports that he attended the Eagle Lake Interagency Board of Director's meeting and distributes an Analysis of Economic Impact of Eagle Lake as a Visitor Destination along with Eagle Lake fish statistics.

 

PROCLAMATION

It is moved by Supervisor Chapman, seconded by Supervisor Dahle and carried to adopt a Proclamation recognizing Virginia "Ginger" Martinez, Child Support, on her retirement from Lassen County.

 

RECOGNITION COMMITTEE - PRESENTATION

Chairman Pyle makes the following presentations for years of service:

 

Ten years: a brass letter opener to Shelly Michaels (H&SS Mental Health) - not present.

 

Supervisor Pyle reads and presents the retirement proclamation to Virginia "Ginger" Martinez (Child Support).

 

Irene Doyle Excellence in County Service Award:

Persons nominated for this award: 

 

Nominee                                                        Nominated by

 

Yvonne Smith (LassenWorks)                     Sonjia Edwards        

Melody Brawley (LassenWorks)                 Loel S. Griffith

Sheri Tripp (Sheriff)                          Si Bollinger

Karen DelCarlo (Public Works)                   Sonjia Edwards

 

The recipient is Karen DelCarlo and the nomination letter from Sonjia Edwards is read by Public Works Director Larry Millar.

 

Retired Auditor Irene Doyle and Chairman Pyle present the "Irene Doyle Excellence in County Service Award" to Karen DelCarlo (Administrative Assistant - Public Works/Road Department).

 

Chairman Pyle reminds everyone of the County Picnic on May 23, 2006 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

 

CONSENT CALENDAR

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

 

COUNTY CLERK ITEM

Approve Minutes of May 9, 2006.

 

HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES - MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT ITEM

Approve and authorize the County Administrative Officer to sign the Agreement with Sutter-Yuba Mental Health Services for Psychiatric Outpatient Services.

 

PROBATION DEPARTMENT ITEM

Adopt Resolution No. 06-038, authorizing submittal of Juvenile Accountability Block Grant (JABG) Set-Aside Allocation, Contract Number CSA 131-05, as well as related amendments or extensions with the State of California; and authorize the Chief Probation Officer or assigned designee to sign Grant Agreement, including any amendments.  Allocated funds would be used to fund a remodeling project at the Lassen County Juvenile Detention Facility so the older building could be used as a group home.

 

SURVEYOR DIVISION - PARCEL MAP, PUSETJOVSKY

Adopt Resolution No. 06-039, approving Parcel Map #2005-153, Pusetjovsky.

 

SUSANVILLE RANCH GRAZING

Confirm grazing lease to Mapes Ranch Incorporated for use of Susanville Ranch Park for Spring 2006 grazing.

 

MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS

Receive and file the following correspondence:

a.   Susanville City Council regular meeting agenda for May 10, 2006.

b.   Lassen County Air Pollution Control District Governing Board meeting agenda for May 16, 2006.

 

INFORMATION FOR THE BOARD

1.         CAO Ketelsen notes the Lassen County Fair Board is requesting nominations for County Fair Parade Grand Marshall.

2.         Assistant to the CAO Julie Morgan informs the board members that Fund 130 - Local Public Safety Jail Hospital has expended 100% of their budget and there may be need for a transfer of funds.

SUSAN RIVER FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

John Wilczynski presents a request for financial support for payment of dispatch fees for Lassen County Special Districts.  He notes that Little Valley has been cut-off for radio usage as they have not been able to pay their dispatch dues for the last three years.  He reviews the Firenet Lassen 2005 Billing; the Susanville Interagency Fire Center (SIFC) Fire District Responses for 2005 for Lassen County; and the Firenet Lassen Dispatch Fee Schedule using 2005 Stats. Also addresses the ERAF Legislation which has taken big money from the districts.  Feels it might be worthwhile to pass a resolution asking the State to end the ERAF Program. Notes another big cost to districts has been the requirement following September 11th to replace their radios.

 

Supervisor Keefer states he planned to bring this to the budget sessions and notes the Amador Plan rates are used for establishing dispatch rates and he has heard these rates may go down which would change the picture.

 

Supervisor Hanson also wants this addressed at the budget sessions.

 

Supervisor Dahle asks if there are other options to provide dispatch services rather than using SIFC.  Supervisor Keefer responds the districts do not have to use SIFC but the coordination of all the emergency agencies is a great benefit. 

 

CAO Ketelsen considers this as a budget request to be considered with all others - he also wonders if a county-wide fire district may be needed if the overall general fund will be impacted to help special districts that do not cover the entire county.

 

Supervisor Pyle would rather see small districts survive rather than going to a county-wide district.

 

Jim McCarthy notes we do have a real issue at Little Valley because there are people at risk and our main job is to protect life and property.

 

Supervisor Dahle states we need to look at the whole county - there is a real problem of having people to operate the fire trucks and funding to fuel the trucks and heat the buildings.  We need a study session to involve all involved parties.

 

Milford Fire District director Irene Doyle notes that all fire districts provide mutual aid and that adds to their costs.

 

Chairman Pyle directs the CAO to arrange a study session prior to the budget sessions.

SUSAN RIVER FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

John Wilczynski presents a request for refund of building and plan check fees in the amount of $7,199.

 

County Counsel Craig Settlemire states this is not as simple as it might seem.  The fees were properly collected and the question is if there is a proper way to return the funds - could lead to a gift of public funds issue.

 

Chairman Pyle refers the request to County Counsel for review.  Supervisor Chapman hopes that County Counsel will be very diligent in finding a way to refund the fees.

 

BUILDING DIVISION -  CODE ENFORCEMENT

Community Development Director Robert Sorvaag and Code Enforcement Officer Lewis Dean present information on a proposed ordinance to establish code enforcement citations.  The first citation would have a fine of $100, second - $500 and third - $1000. 

 

Supervisor Dahle does not want this used in a harassing manner - the enforcement officer must use good judgement.  The intent is to get our communities cleaned-up but not use as harassment.

 

Supervisor Keefer feels we need something like this to gain compliance but it has to be used judiciously.  Feels voluntary compliance will improve with the citation ability.

 

Supervisor Chapman notes the reference in the ordinance to Municipal Court needs to be corrected to Superior Court.  He does not feel this is the solution to the problem and states it is not a matter of "if" but of "when" this spins out of control.  He does not have confidence in the equal administration of justice.

 

Supervisor Hanson asks if anyone has a better solution and states what we currently have is not working.  Supervisor Pyle notes we asked staff to come up with a program. 

 

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer and seconded by Supervisor Hanson to introduce, by title only, Ordinance No. 566, adding Chapter 1.20 to the Lassen County Code, establishing administrative citations and fines for violations of Lassen County Code, with the correction to indicate Superior Court rather than Municipal Court.

 

Supervisor Dahle again admonishes staff to use this judiciously.  Community Development Director Robert Sorvaag acknowledges that how the program is administered is critical to the success and continuance of the program.  Supervisor Keefer notes the other property rights issue to keep in mind is the neighbor who wants property cleaned-up.

 

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

 

BUILDING DIVISION - CODE ENFORCEMENT

Code Enforcement Officer Lewis Dean presents the Code Enforcement Program overview report.

 

Recess 11:08 - 11:14 a.m.

 

FIRST 5 - LASSEN COUNTY CHILDREN AND FAMILIES COMMISSION

Lassen County Children & Families Commission Executive Director Laura Roberts

makes a presentation that includes information regarding progress of Children and Families Commission toward their goals and objectives; updated information regarding sustainability of family resource centers, as well as other First 5 Lassen programs such as home visiting and oral health; presentation of family resource center accomplishments, and challenges; summary of First 5 fiscal program allocations for the next four years; and encourages the Board of Supervisors to continue investment in family resource centers and to partner with First 5 in the implementation of future programs.

 

Jennifer West-Lucchesi provides information on the Ft. Sage Family Resource Center and the CORE services the center provides. 

 

Supervisor Hanson commends Ms. West-Lucchesi on the program and notes the resource centers presence in the community has meant families are receiving services that are available, but they were not aware of.

 

Laura Roberts states that Lassen County, with the actions the Board has taken, is on the cutting edge of prevention rather than intervention and this is a great program.

 

Supervisor Dahle states, as a director, he is learning a lot about resource center financing.  He thanks Jennifer and Laura and states the Board will have to step up financially again this year, but he knows the County cannot continue this forever.

 

Deputy CAO for Health and Social Services Kevin Mannel states if the Board likes the programs, there is an additional price tag, and that price is being evaluated.

 

QUINCY LIBRARY GROUP

QLG Forester Frank Stewart presents information on the 2006/2007 QLG Lawsuit Fund request in the amount of $11,000.  During January the QLG and the U.S. Forest Service won a major victory in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals relating to the protection of communities and watersheds from catastrophic forest fires.  Within a very short period of losing this lawsuit the Sierra Nevada Forest Protection Campaign filed another lawsuit against the Creeks Forest Health Restoration Project which is the largest QLG fuel reduction and forest restoration project on the Almanor Ranger District.  The lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District Federal Court in Sacramento and perpetuates the obstructionist strategy of the SNFPC and other environmental organizations while denying fire protection to the citizens and watersheds in Butte, Plumas and Tehama Counties.

 

Chairman Pyle directs CAO Ketelsen to make this request a part of the budget process.

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned at 12:07 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                    __________________________________________

                                                                                      CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

ATTEST:

 

_______________________________________

THERESA NAGEL, CLERK OF THE BOARD