BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

JUNE 26, 2007

 

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors convenes in Regular Session at 9:05 a.m.  Chairman Dahle asks for public comment and no comments are received.  Deputy Clerk of the Board Susan Osgood announces the Closed Session items and the Board recesses to Closed Session at 9:05 a.m. to discuss:  Conference with Legal Counsel:  Existing litigation pursuant to Subdivision (a) of Government Code Section 54956.9: Citizens for a Healthy Rural Environment, Richard & Mary Morgan vs. Lassen County, Lassen County Board of Supervisors; Larry and Lise Wosick.  Superior Case #36349.

 

Present in the Closed Session are Supervisors Brian Dahle, Bob Pyle, Lloyd Keefer and Jack Hanson; County Counsel Craig Settlemire, Treasurer/Tax Collector Richard Egan, and Deputy Clerk of the Board Osgood.  Acting County Administrative Officer Ron Vossler enters at 9:28 a.m.  Supervisor Jim Chapman enters at 9:35 a.m.  Closed Session is recessed at 9:48 a.m. 

 

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors reconvenes in Regular Session on Tuesday, June 26, 2007, at 9:51 a.m.  Present are Supervisors Brian Dahle, Robert Pyle, Jim Chapman, Lloyd Keefer and Jack Hanson; County Counsel Craig Settlemire, Acting County Administrative Officer Ron Vossler, Treasurer/Tax Collector Richard Egan, and Deputy Clerk of the Board Susan Osgood.  Following the flag salute, the invocation is offered by Supervisor Dahle.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF ITEMS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION

Deputy Clerk of the Board Osgood announces the Closed Session dealt with discussion on Conference with Legal Counsel:  Existing litigation pursuant to Subdivision (a) of Government Code Section 54956.9: Citizens for a Healthy Rural Environment, Richard & Mary Morgan vs. Lassen County, Lassen County Board of Supervisors; Larry and Lise Wosick.  Superior Case #36349 – No reportable action taken.

 

AGENDA APPROVAL, ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS

Acting CAO Ron Vossler states a letter was received from Attorney William Abbott requesting the discussion on Agenda Item H2 Dyer Mountain Project be delayed until later today when they can be in attendance.  Supervisor Keefer requests the meeting be adjourned in the memory of David A. Pingree.  Supervisor Chapman requests the meeting also be adjourned in the memory of Bob Roe and William “Bill” Reed.  

 

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

1.         Todd Swickard states he is speaking for the Eagle Lake Regional Preservation Coalition (ELRPC).  Supervisor Hanson steps down and leaves the board room.  Mr. Swickard states the Coalition is a group of citizens concerned about the industrial wind generation facilities planned for Lassen County.  He presents a letter of information and request to the County which he reads.   Members of the Coalition attended a special Lassen Municipal Utilities District (LMUD) board meeting on June 21, 2007 to express their concerns and gain information.  Information received indicates there are nine wind generation areas being examined at this time that have the potential to encompass hundreds of thousands of acres and drastically change the landscape of Lassen County.  These sites do not include the ongoing surveying on the escarpment all the way from Diamond Mountain to Hallelujah Junction. 

            An “Information Item” on the LMUD meeting agenda of great concern to the Coalition was the discussion of who should be the Lead Agency for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process to examine the environmental impacts of the proposed electrical transmission corridors and electrical generation facilities within Lassen County.  The LMUD Board Members voted that LMUD should be the lead agency for the CEQA analysis for these projects.  Members of ELRPC protested and suggested the LMUD board enter into a dialogue with the Lassen County Board of Supervisors before voting on the issue of who should be the CEQA lead agency for these industrial projects.  There are several areas of concern to the members of the Coalition who believe they will have a significant impact on the atmosphere and on the County.  They suggest the Lassen County Board of Supervisors represent their constituents by becoming immediately involved in this process.

2.         Tom Esgate of the Lassen County Fire Safe Council (FSC) presents an update on projects.  The FSC received environmental clearance last week for the Susanville Fuel Reduction Project which structures across the base of Diamond Mountain for 6,800 acres; the FSC Board has awarded a contract to start that work which should begin within the next 30 days.  The FSC currently has funding to do close to 1,500 acres so the clearance will allow the same kind of model as was done in Day Lassen Bench; it is hoped the FSC will get additional funds in the future as additional projects come up.  About 400 acres have been firmly signed up and the FSC is ready to go in Susanville.  Environmental clearances were also received last week for the Butte Creek project southeast of Adin.  That project covers 3,100 acres in the environmental document and there is currently funding for 300 to 400 acres with a contract awarded for that project.   Mr. Esgate states Chairman Dahle has an item on the agenda for later this morning for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the Sagebrush Steppe Restoration project.  The planning documents were completed on May 31 for this project and there is $2.2 million ready to go and committed.  They are now looking at $5 million over 3 years.  The FSC has started to successfully cross boundary treatments with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service and this MOU will help streamline and formalize that effort.  Mr. Esgate thanks the Board for their support.

3.         Doyle resident Dennis Hinze speaks as a medical marijuana user as well as speaking for other medical marijuana patients from South Lassen County who were unable to attend today’s meeting.  (Supervisor Hanson returns at 10:07 a.m.)  Mr. Hinze urges the Board to take whatever steps are necessary to enable the County Health Department to initiate the medical marijuana I.D. program which is mandated by State law.  Both Shasta and Plumas Counties have approved the I.D. program.  The State of Nevada has had a medical marijuana program available with physician’s recommendation for several years.  Mr. Hinze states that considering the amount of time spent and the tough decisions Supervisors have to make, they all deserve a raise and should get as much as the law allows.

4.         Eagle Lake Regional Preservation Coalition member Jon Kegg states that he does not feel it is a conflict of interest for Supervisor Hanson to listen to discussions regarding the BLM

meteorological tower projects because they are in the study process and there is not an application with BLM right now.   (Supervisor Hanson again departs the room at 10:09 a.m.)   Mr. Kegg also attended the LMUD meeting previously mentioned and felt LMUD’s first consideration was the amount of dollars they could make through the implementation of the process.  He grew up in Amador County and saw it change from a pristine rural environment through poor planning practices, greed and the pursuit of dollars in development projects.  He moved his family to Lassen County because it seemed similar to how Amador County was when he was a child.   Mr. Kegg feels the Board of Supervisors is best qualified for lead agency status and feels LMUD is a poor choice as it appears to be “fraught with ethical issues”.  He strongly urges the Supervisors to consider lead agency status and taking charge of this program because the impacts on the County could be worth a lot of money and it would change the County forever.  Mr. Kegg asks what would happen to wind turbines when they become obsolete because of newer technology and do companies abandon them and just leave the towers.   He also asks who would be responsible for removing them and returning the areas and roads back to a pristine wilderness.  

            Supervisor Pyle asks how a lead agency in a project is determined and County Counsel Settlemire responds the lead agency would be the public agency with the greater need to be involved with an affected project.  Chairman Dahle suggests the matter be agendized for discussion during the July 10 meeting.  Supervisor Chapman requests a discussion of local historical aspects (such as the College incinerator) be part of the discussion.   (Supervisor Hanson enters at 10:19 a.m.)

 

PUBLIC HEARING - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - PLANNING DIVISION

Chairman Dahle opens the Public Hearing at 10:19 a.m. on proposed General Plan Amendment #765.01.18, Rezone #2006-093, Parcel Map #2006-093 (Pacific Holt).

 

Community Development Director Conrad Montgomery states that Pacific Holt representative Mark Herman requests the agenda item be continued.   Mr. Herman apologizes and states that because of a misunderstanding on what was being done here today, he is not prepared. He will need to get Pacific Holt’s approval to make a presentation and asks this item be continued to July 24, 2007.

 

Chairman Dahle asks for any public input regarding this matter; no public comments received.  The Public Hearing will be continued until July 24, 2007.

 

TITLE III REQUEST

Assistant to the CAO Julie Morgan presents the Title III request for funding from the Lassen County Office of Education for the 2006/2007 Outdoor Education/Youth Camp Program in the amount of $78,394.59.   This request is to approve the public posting so it can be brought back to the Board for Public Comment.  Assistant Superintendent Judd Jensen states the youth camp acquired in 1987 is a 67 acre facility on the shores of Eagle Lake that has been held in trust for the youth of Lassen County.  Major repairs and renovations are being made to the facilities; cabins are being sided with fiber cement siding to make them more fire resistant and maintenance has been done to lessen the use of water.  The Lassen County Office of Education appreciates the support of the Board of Supervisors.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Pyle and carried unanimously to approve the request for Title III funds from the Lassen County Office of Education for the 2006/2007 Outdoor Education/Youth Camp Program. 

 

LASSEN COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD

It is moved by Supervisor Hanson, seconded by Supervisor Pyle and carries unanimously to appoint Tammie Vial to fill a vacancy on the Lassen County Mental Health Advisory Board.

 

CONSENT CALENDAR

The Deputy Clerk of the Board requests the minutes of May 29, 2007 be removed from the agenda.

 

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

 

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ITEM - PERSONNEL DIVISION

Receive and file Personnel Movement report for May, 2007.

 

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ITEM - PROCLAMATION

Adopt Proclamation honoring Eagle Lake District Ranger Bob Andrews on his retirement after many years of service with the U S Forest Service.

 

DISTRICT ATTORNEY ITEM - SPOUSAL ABUSER PROSECUTION (S.A.P.P.) PROGRAM

Adopt Resolution No. 07-028 approving the continuation of the Lassen County District Attorney's Spousal Abuser Prosecution (S.A.P.P.) Program, funded from funds available through the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General.

 

HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES ITEM

ADMINISTRATION

Approve listed Agreement Modifications for Health and Social Services for FY 2006/2007 and authorize the CAO to sign the agreement documentation on their behalf.

 

PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION

Approve Amendment to State of California Department of Health Services Agreement #04-35095 for Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (MAA) for performing services in Years 1 through 3 and extend the contract term through June 30, 2009, in the amount of $940,000, and authorize the CAO to sign agreement documents.

 

PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION

Approve State Provider Participation Agreement for Targeted Case Management (TCM) for Medi-Cal Beneficiaries for the period of July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2012, and authorize the CAO to execute the contract documents.

 

PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION

Approve the “Declaration of Intent Not to Apply” (Option #3) for Rural Health Services Funds for FY 2007/2008, and authorize the CAO to execute the "Declaration of Intent Not to Apply" document on their behalf.

 

MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS

Receive and file the following correspondence:

a.    Big Valley Community Alliance, Inc. Big Valley Family Resource Center May 2007 Report.

b.   PSA 2 Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council meeting agenda for June 29, 2007.

 

UNAGENDIZED BOARD REPORTS

1.         Supervisor Chapman is working on a letter to Mr. Dimitrios Fylaktos regarding his property on McDow Street.  He would like this as an item on the July 10, 2007 agenda after it is reviewed by Counsel and the CAO.

2.         Supervisor Keefer states that as a result of discussion last week on allocation of Title II and Title III funds, the media is being notified that RAC proposals will be accepted; with a cut off date of August 2, then RAC is scheduled to meet August 8 and 9.

3.         Supervisor Dahle makes note of a letter from Chris Noda regarding what % will be set aside for Title II - Title III funds; he will distribute it to the Board members.

4.         Supervisor Hanson donates $500 from his discretionary fund to the Doyle Historical Society for some work they are doing there prior to getting Park Bond money; and he donates his remaining balance to West Patton Village CSD in support of getting the fire department started there.

5.         Supervisor Hanson states petitioners went before Judge Bradbury June 25 for the Change in Water Master Service from the Department of Water Resources to the Resource Conservation District (RCD); it was a favorable hearing.  One item is being continued until July 23.  He thanks County staff, specifically County Counsel acting on behalf of the RCD for all the hard work put in, also Richard Egan and Karen Fouch.

6.         Supervisor Hanson states that he left the room during the wind energy discussion because the Invenergy project could possibly cross his property at some point.  He reminds the Board that the President has suggested a goal of by 2030 of 20% of our energy should come from wind energy; that’s taking it from 12,000 megawatts on a national basis to about 326,000 and feels there should be a public debate at some point.  Chairman Dahle informs him of the July 10 agenda item.

7.         Supervisor Dahle donates $250 of his discretionary fund to the Stones-Bengard Community Service District and donates the remaining amount to the “Let Us Remember” Committee for the Vietnam Wall.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH    
Present:  Environmental Health Director
Doug Ames, Plumas County Director of Environmental Health Jerry Sipe, Lassen County Solid Waste Authority Director Tom Valentino and local enforcement agent Ernie Genter.  Mr. Ames presents detailed information on local septage issues:  What it is, Where it Goes, and What to do with it in the Future.

 

Septage comes from septic tanks, portable toilets and vault toilets and must be pumped by a licensed hauler and taken to an authorized facility.  State law requires a permit for anyone pumping or transporting septage.  Lassen County generates about 1 million gallons each year; California generates over 233 million gallons each year.  AB 885 Septic System regulations may be on track next spring; part of that law will require evaluation of pumping of tanks every five years.  It is voluntary on the owner’s part; County will not enforce that but it will increase the amount of septage that we are now responsible for. 

 

Almost all current Septage Receiving Facilities are municipal Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP) - Delleker takes 200,000 gallons, Quincy +200,000 gallons, Bieber 100,000 gallons, Susanville doesn’t take any, Westwood Sanitation (private) dewaters about 300,000 gallons of septage every year.  Many WWTP’s are shutting their doors to septage which creates operational and regulatory problems for them.  Immediate options are limited, many are costly.  Reasonable, reliable, cost effective alternatives are being looked at; the problem needs to be solved locally or regionally.

 

Septage Treatment/Disposal options are discussed.  Temporarily, Truckee Meadows Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility in Reno is accepting septage from California but the rate is 16 cents per gallon more than in Quincy.  There are local ranchers interested in receiving septage. 

 

Mr. Ames suggests a workshop to study and discuss options in greater detail and suggests a working group to develop alternatives.  Supervisor Chapman suggests any meeting include a representative from the Lahontan Water Quality Control Board to find out what requirements will be necessary.   He also suggests a quad county meeting with Modoc, Sierra and Plumas Counties.

 

Supervisor Chapman suggests Supervisors Keefer and Hanson be on the committee along with Mr. Ames, Mr. Sipe, Mr. Valentino and Mr. Genter.  This agenda item is posted as being for discussion only but will be brought back for the July 10 meeting.

 

COUNTY COUNSEL

County Counsel Craig Settlemire states that Lassen County Superior Court Executive Officer Rosemari Reed is present as they have a great interest in what is happening with regard to the courthouse transfer.   The Trial Court Facilities Act of 2002 mandated that the counties transfer existing court facilities to the State by June 30, 2007.  

 

Mr. Settlemire states that negotiations with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) have been going on for the last year.  Initial agreement documents from AOC required extensive editing and negotiation over some of the terms to get them to reflect the local situation.   There was also a responsibility to determine the amount of a court facilities payment which is based on what the County had been paying for the support of those physical facilities and then that money would be paid to AOC and the counties would be relieved of the responsibilities to provide court facilities to the trial courts.   The courthouse annex property would continue to be available to the courts in the same area that they’re occupying now until such time as a new facility is built which could occur in  2010 – 2011.

 

When a new court facility is built and the courts relocate to the new facility and they no longer need this facility then at that point the county would buy out, according to the draft agreement proposed today, the AOC’s interest in this property.  That would be about 24% of the area of the building or a little over 3,000 square feet.  There would be a purchase of that property by the County based on an appraisal that is made within 180 days after entering into this agreement and then that appraisal will be adjusted, according to this draft, by the consumer price index for the Bay Area until such time as they actually move to the new facility occurs.  The County could be looking at 3-4 years with adjustments based on the Bay Area CPI which tends to rise at a faster rate than some other areas, which is a concern.  Mr. Settlemire states there was also a provision that he feels is a typographical error; it overstates the amount of parking that would be made available to the courts.  If the agreement is entered into today as drafted, the County would have a period of time to accumulate funds in order to purchase the State’s interest in that building.   This would meet the June 30 deadline.  There is legislation pending to extend that June 30 deadline to December 31, 2008, giving another 18 months to work out the details. 

 

Mr. Chapman questions the idea of the County having to buy back a building that was built by the County and provided to the courts and asks if that relieves the County of any maintenance of effort toward expense of the new court facility operation.  Mr. Settlemire states it will fix the amount of obligation to be provided.  Staff has been working on this and there have been disagreements with the AOC over what the amount should be.  The County will pay an amount in proportion to the total square footage of the facility.  Further discussion is held.  Mr. Settlemire agrees it is a difficult concept to have to buy back our own facility but states he is working with the legislation as enacted and what it requires.  The County does not have to buy back the historical courthouse facility once the courts move out so the only obligation that will remain with regard to the historic courthouse is that it be used occasionally for ceremonial purposes.  The annex was recently remodeled and it cannot be called historic. 

 

Mr. Settlemire states he has sent an email to AOC suggesting that an appraisal be done closer to the time when the new facility is actually taken over to get a true value of the property at that time, rather than using the Bay Area CPI for four years prior to taking it over.  The draft provides the County pay that amount within five days of the courts moving into the new facility; Mr. Settlemire has suggested a greater period of time to pay the amount of the buyout but has not received a response.  Further discussion is held.

 

Mrs. Reed thanks Mr. Settlemire and Mr. Ketelsen for working so diligently on this matter.  The minor changes to the agreement, such as the number of parking spaces, should be resolved very quickly. 

 

It is moved by Supervisor Chapman to adopt Resolution No. 07-030, with County Counsel’s suggested changes, authorizing the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors to execute contract transferring courthouse annex facility to the Administrative Office of the Courts.   County Counsel asks if the motion includes going with an appraisal within six months and then the CPI adjustment or to seek an appraisal closer in time to the actual move into the new facility.  Supervisor Chapman states he prefers the appraisal closer in time to the move.  The motion is seconded by Supervisor Pyle and carried unanimously. 

 

Recess 11:11 – 11:16 a.m.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT – ROAD DIVISION
Public Works Director Larry Millar presents information on the request for contract change orders to the Skyline East construction project; asking for additional funding not to exceed $517,735.

It is moved by Supervisor Pyle and seconded by Supervisor Hanson to authorize the Public Works Director to sign Contract Change Orders with Miller’s Custom Work, Inc. for the
Skyline East construction project in an additional amount of not-to-exceed $517,735.

Supervisor Chapman asks for further information.  Mr. Millar states they are adding several items such as:  new Caltrans requirements require a flatter slope along the roadways affecting drainage; some drainage revisions required the road to be raised to cover drainage; some chain link fence requirements; transition ramps going to advance warning lights to be posted before the traffic signal at the intersection.  Lassen Municipal Utilities District needed to relocate some power lines that required extra trenching.   Mr. Millar feels confident these will be the last expenses requested.   Supervisor Chapman asks when the project is expected to be finished.  Miller Construction representative Tony Ardito states they are looking at around the middle of September or October. 

The motion carries unanimously.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT -
DYER MOUNTAIN PROJECT
Assistant Community Development Director Joe Bertotti presents a draft of a Development Agreement (DA) for the
Dyer Mountain project.  The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is being printed and should be distributed in about a week.   Mr. Bertotti asks for direction in terms of additional provisions that should be in the DA or the handling of any of the provisions in a different way.

 

Supervisor Keefer states the process needs to keep moving and Supervisor Chapman agrees with that statement.  Supervisor Chapman states there is an inaccurate description on page 10, section 2.13 regarding the zip code.  Discussion is held on future meetings; the Planning Commission has rescheduled their meeting to July 11.    The Boards Public Hearing would be held at 10:00 a.m. on July 31, 2007, which will allow the Planning Commission additional time to review information.  Supervisor Chapman suggests inviting Plumas County to send a representative to any meeting.

 

Dyer Mountain Associates Counsel Bill Abbott thanks the Board for arranging the schedule this morning so the managers could attend.  He states there are some technical questions about some of the requested changes but he feels everyone is pointed in the right direction so it will be ready for presentation to the Planning Commission.   

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - SUSANVILLE AREA POOL JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY (JPA)
It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried unanimously to appoint Supervisor Pyle as the County’s representative to negotiate final terms of the pool JPA.

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT / PUBLIC WORKS
Community Development Director Conrad Montgomery presents information on a project in Susanville that will impact some County residents, as requested by the Board at the last meeting.   The City of
Susanville approved a zoning change for Danco Communities located on the east side of Grove Street, south of Riverside Drive.  Residents in the area of the project that are represented by the County have expressed concerns about lack of information being given to them.  Supervisor Chapman requests that communications received by Departments on matters such as these be forwarded to the Board so they are kept up to date. 

Mr. Montgomery states the project is for 76 units of affordable housing.  Lassen County’s Public Works Department submitted a letter with recommended changes to the City on August 4, 2006. 

Supervisor Chapman reports there were concerns about the ingress and egress onto Grove Street and the project failed to meet a deadline for funding.  He states that another issue is a proposed City trail project along the North side of Susan River which could impact traffic in the area.

Mr. Montgomery states a community meeting was held in May but he does not have any notes from that.  The City has started sending packets to the County’s Community Development Department. 

 

Jim McCarthy of Gold Run Realty states he is the broker of record for the developers and for the current land owners on the Grove Street project.  He states there probably was confusion because the developers like to get input from neighbors ahead of time to see if a project has a chance of being approved.  The only thing done is a zoning change from CM to C2 so now the project can move forward as a multi family project with a use permit. The current project does not use Grove Street except for emergency use and there will be a controlled gate.

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT / HOUSING
Community Development Director Conrad Montgomery states this agenda item was presented at the June 19 meeting under the Community Development Commission but it needs to be acted on by the Board of Supervisors.    

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried on a roll call vote with Supervisor Chapman voting NO, to introduce, by title only, Ordinance No. 560-A, containing a description of the Lassen County Community Development Commission's (CDC) Program to acquire real property by eminent domain in the boundaries of the Sierra Army Depot Redevelopment Project Area.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - PLANNING DIVISION
Community Development Director
Conrad Montgomery states that the recent loss of key staff people in the Planning Division is affecting production in this department.  They are trying to hire new people.  The agenda request is for emergency assistance for the Department of Community Development (Planning Division).   Many major projects were being held in abeyance up until a few weeks ago.  Discussions were held with CAO Ketelsen and the contract with Pacific Municipal Consultants (PMC) will give the capability of getting the projects back on line.   The contract is for six months and Mr. Montgomery is hopeful to get everything back on line and the department up and running within that time.  There are funds to pay for this contract.

Supervisor Keefer asks about qualifications of the people from PMC doing the work.  Mr. Montgomery states they have already been working on projects for the last month and a half and have had no problems. 
County Counsel states there were some minor changes to the contract and would like approval of this to be subject to those revisions.

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Pyle and carried, to authorize the CAO to execute a contract with Pacific Municipal Consultants (PMC) to provide planning assistance (not to exceed $12,800/month) for a term of six months, subject to revisions requested by County Counsel.

Mr. Montgomery states the fee schedule analysis/revision item will be brought back to the Board at a later date.

HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES - PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION
Deputy CAO of Health and Social Services Kevin Mannel presents information on the request to adopt a resolution implementing the California Statewide Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program and fee which has been previously discussed by the Board.  Staff recommendation is to approve the identification card and the fee schedule as presented.   He states that adopting this resolution does not approve the use of marijuana but is approving the intent of Prop 215 which is State law; as noted it does conflict with federal law.   The Public Health Department is currently fully staffed with six public health nurses and should have the capacity to process the identification cards and implement the fee scale. 

Supervisor Keefer asks about pending court cases.  Senior Deputy County Counsel Traci Witry replies that the counties of San Diego and Santa Barbara are appealing; San Diego’s County Counsel has stipulated to get a continuance that is due 90 days out and then the respondents have another 90 days to respond.  County Counsel Settlemire states it could be from 9 months to a year before there is actually a decision rendered on it.  Ms. Witry states the Board of Supervisors’ approval is needed because there is a fee involved for the card.  

Supervisor Keefer asks Sheriff Warren what might occur if someone was driving under the influence of marijuana.  Sheriff Warren responds that a quantity of marijuana in a person’s system is hard to measure.  However the objective symptoms of being under the influence are not hard to measure; it would be as done with a DUI.  What is being done today looks like a compliance issue and the law is calling for the identification cards.  It will have no impact at all on how his department does their job.  When there is a violation of the law, it will be enforced.  Further discussion is held.

Supervisor Chapman asks about the fees and Mr. Mannel explains the resolution establishes the fee at $150 ($66 to the State) and $117 for MediCal participants ($33 to the State).  Mr. Chapman states his concern that the State law requires implementation of this program is in conflict with Federal law.  He also states he will support the process if the resolution includes another paragraph stating “Be it further resolved that the front of the identification card will have stamped in red print “Not valid under federal law”.  Mr. Mannel states they will check to see if it is within their authority to do that.  Further discussion is held.

It is moved by Supervisor Chapman, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution 07-029 implementing the California Statewide Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program and fee, with the wording “Be it further resolved that the words “Not valid under federal law” shall be stamped on the front of the card in red ink.” be added to the resolution.

SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT – INVOICE
It is moved by Supervisor Pyle, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried to approve  payment to Miles Plumbing in the amount of approximately $14,227 for installation of the G3 sewage grinder. This amount includes all sub-contractor's fees.

 

COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

BUDGET/AUDIT, LEGISLATIVE AND FACILITIES PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Information is presented on Budget & Legislative Committee Minutes for May 29, 2007 and June 12, 2007.

 

BUDGET

Assistant to CAO Julie Morgan presents report on 2007/2008 Preliminary Budget Tabulations.

 

SUPERVISOR KEEFER

It is moved by Supervisor Hanson, seconded by Supervisor Keefer, and carried unanimously to authorize the Chairman to sign letters to Senators Boxer, Feinstein and Reid and Congressman Doolittle opposing the proposal by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to eliminate the Ravendale Initial Attack Helicopter in the 2007-2008 budget.

 

SUPERVISOR DAHLE

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson, and carried unanimously to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding Sagebrush Steppe Restoration project, and authorize Chairman to sign.

 

AGENDA APPROVAL, ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS – Continued

Supervisor Chapman states he was just advised that Public Works employee Jon Michaels passed away and would like to include his name in the Adjournment of the meeting.

 

ADJOURNMENT IN MEMORY
There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned at
12:20 p.m. in memory of David

A. Pingree, Bob Roe, William “Bill” Reed and Jon Michaels.

 

 

                                                                 _____________________________________

                                                                  CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

ATTEST:

 

____________________________________

SUSAN OSGOOD, DEPUTY CLERK OF THE BOARD