BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

                                                                             JULY 18, 2006

 

                                        

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors convene in Regular Session at 9:07 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 9:08 a.m. for a 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, 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 9:19 a.m.  Supervisor Dahle is absent.  Closed Session is recessed at 9:27 a.m.

 

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors reconvenes in Regular Session on Tuesday, July 18, 2006, at 9:31 a.m.   Present:  Supervisors Robert Pyle, Jim Chapman, Lloyd Keefer, and Jack Hanson; County Counsel Craig Settlemire, County Administrative Officer (CAO) John Ketelsen and County Clerk Theresa Nagel.  Supervisor Dahle is absent.  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

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried to approve the agenda as posted.  Supervisor Chapman requests the meeting be adjourned in memory of Mary Porta, former employee of the Lassen County Assessor's Office.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

1.         Sheriff Steve Warren reports on the train derailment in Nubieber that resulted in a mandatory evacuation because the train was carrying liquid propane and it was unknown if there was a leak.  After testing was performed it was determined there was no leak and the evacuation was lifted.  There were no injuries.

2.         Linda Engeln states there is a good thing going at Janesville Park and notes there were 20 kids this past weekend at the youth arena for an HLVR event.  She hates to see this small arena lost for the remainder of the year as it is needed for the young riders.  The big arena is too large for the young riders.  She hopes the board uses wisdom in regard to this arena.

3.         HLVR Co-Chairman Bill Nolen states he and his wife Marlene are in charge of the Playday Gymkhanas and he hates to see the loss of this arena before the end of the season.  He provides information on the number of young riders participating this past weekend.  States the small arena is needed for these young riders as the parents have to lead and run with the horses. 

4.         Anthony Scarbrough (youth, 11 years old), President of the Echo Squad, reads a statement - he won a first place this weekend - states Miss Marlene goes out of her way to help the riders - asks the arena be kept because this is Cowboy Country.

5.         Heather Schmitt (youth), Vice-President of Echo Squad, asks to keep the small arena and states this is the only place she is allowed to ride because it is safe.

6.         Sara Schmitt (youth, 7 years old) - first time rider but she is not ready to speak.

7.         Lynda Joseph comments on the poor maintenance of the ballfield.  Asks that the arenas be left in place for the remainder of the season.

8.         Dan Hutton states both his boys have been involved in the Playdays and they were looking forward to the entire family earning buckles this year - very upset that the arena is being taken out in the middle of the season. Asks that it be left for the remainder of the year so the season can conclude and have a plan for the movement of the arenas.

9.         Leslie Hutton, member of HLVR, asks for compassion for the persons using the arena.

10.       Grace McCullough is new to the community and is very impressed with HLVR - states the areas of the Janesville Park maintained by them are in much better shape than other areas of the park.  She doesn't have all the background information on what is going on, but doesn't know why all can't work together.  States that HLVR are a great group of people and hopes this is taken into consideration.

11.       Susanne Scarbrough is new to the area and loves to ride.  She asks where she can take her kids to ride if the arena is moved.  Offers to mow the lawns and clean-up the baseball field and notes in its current condition it is not safe.  Does not see the issue where all groups can't share the facilities.

12.       Poet Laureate Violet Stout reads a poem entitled "Skunked".

 

UNAGENDIZED BOARD REPORTS

1.         Supervisor Keefer shares discussions he has had with those he thought were representing HLVR.  He states the small arena has to be taken down as that is where the new big arena is going to be placed.  The decision as to the location for the big arena was made by HLVR.  He has a contractor that is donating his time and equipment and will not be available this fall.  He does understand the importance of the small arena and notes that one individual proposed taking down the small arena Thursday and setting it up on a temporary basis.  Announces that he plans to move a substantial amount of Park Bond funds from another project to the Janesville Park, and notes there is 100 yards of material on County Road A3 waiting to go to the park.  He really has found it confusing in regard to who to talk to at HLVR.  Some individuals are talking to the CAO and Larry Millar and by-passing him - others are talking to him.  States there may be some need for some sacrifice in order to have a better facility.  Notes that someone filed a complaint with Lahontan Water Quality Control indicating the arenas and parking are being built on vernal pools.  States he has knowledge of what constitute vernal pools and there are not any on this site.  He states if someone filed this complaint to stop the project it was very poor judgement and is causing undue delays.  A biologist will have to inspect the property.  The problems with the ballfields has been created by a non-functioning well - a new well will be drilled in a week or so.  Hopes to have a sprinkler system on the ballfield this fall with grass next spring.  In regard to a comment that ballfields do not need to have grass, he states the fields will also be used for soccer.  He feels that internal communication in HLVR is lacking and would like to have one person to speak on behalf of HLVR.

 

Supervisor Chapman feels we need to have a plan before work is performed.  He supports the relocation but disrupting the current use is not acceptable.  It appears the temporary setup of the small arena will accommodate continued usage.

 

Supervisor Keefer states this group can help by taking this proposal to HLVR leaders and tell them this is what is wanted.  Following further discussion he agrees to put the proposal in writing and give it to Bill Nolen.  States we need to take advantage of the opportunity we have to get the work performed. 

 

Further discussion is held between Bill Nolen and Supervisor Keefer regarding the best organization of the various uses.  Mr. Nolen notes that HLVR purchased materials and did work to build the arenas and he asks about the future plans for the arenas.  Supervisor Keefer indicates the plan is for the county to own all the facilities and any user group will have equal opportunity to use them.

 

Supervisor Hanson states we have to be very careful and apply more assets to parks.  Feels this will be a premiere park when finished.  Notes there is a piece of property at Chappuis Lane and Highway 395 where an equestrian center could be built. 

 

Supervisor Keefer challenged his peers to divvy up funds to build such an equestrian park.

 

Supervisor Chapman again states disrupting youth groups is not acceptable.

 

RECOGNITION COMMITTEE - PRESENTATION

Chairman Pyle makes the following presentations for years of service:

 

Twenty years: a desk clock to Ken Smith, Agricultural Commissioner.

Twenty-five years: a desk clock/calculator to Linda Hancock, (Sheriffs Department).

 

PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER

Public Health Officer Ken Korver presents a request for development of better system of communication during emergencies.  Dr. Korver referred to the Cheney Creek fire and the fact he was aware of a building containing specific important medical equipment adjacent to the vacant old hospital buildings that were in the path of the fire.  He was concerned these vacant buildings might not be saved and if they burned it would be almost impossible to save the adjacent building.  He did not know how to communicate to appropriate authorities the importance of this vital equipment and as County Health Officer he took steps to bring attention to the building.  He acknowledges the events did not go as well as they could have.  Felt there was a breakdown in communication and hopes to find a way to involve the Health Department better in the future.  Feels his agenda as County Health Officer is very different than peace officers and fire department staff.

 

Supervisor Chapman suggests the CAO find a way to better integrate the County Health Officer with other emergency personnel.  Hopefully we can learn from this experience.

 

Supervisor Keefer states the Sheriff's Department has the responsibility of making decisions on the safety of persons during emergencies and has always done an outstanding job.  He would not second-guess the Sheriff on making these decisions.

 

CAO Ketelsen notes that integrating communication between Public Health and the Office of Emergency Services (OES) has been worked out.

 

Supervisor Chapman suggests providing the County Health Officer with the Sheriff's Cel Phone number.

 

Sheriff Steve Warren notes at the time of this occurrence there was a mandatory evacuation of the subject area - there were roadblocks set up and any vital information could have been given to persons at either the roadblock or to officers at the building.  He states the breakdown in communication resulted from the person with the knowledge not conveying that knowledge.

 

Deputy CAO for Health and Social Services Kevin Mannel notes that Environmental Health Officer Doug Ames was at OES during the emergency.  He states all the work being performed in the area of emergency response matters and communication with Dr. Korver will also be included in the planning.

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - PLANNING DIVISION

Community Development Director Robert Sorvaag provides information on the need for response to the BLM Draft Resource Management Plans and EIS.  He summarizes eight points to be addressed.

 

Discussions are held on certain issues to be addressed.

 

Staff is directed to prepare a response and bring it back to the Board on July 25th.

 

Recess 11:05 - 11:09 a.m.

 

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - ROAD DIVISION

It is moved by Supervisor Chapman, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried to:  1)  award contract for Construction of Skyline Road East, from Johnstonville Road to State Road 139 to Miller's Custom Works, Inc., Susanville, the lowest bidder meeting specifications, in the amount of $4,939,849.25;  2)   authorize the Director of Public Works to sign agreement following approval by County Counsel;  3)   authorize the Director of Public Works to authorize Change Orders (with prior approval from Caltrans) up to an amount "not-to-exceed"  10% or $493,985.00.

 

 

CONSENT CALENDAR

Supervisor Hanson requests that Item G-2, resolution requesting election, be pulled from the consent calendar for separate consideration.

 

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 July 11, 2006.

 

HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES - PUBLIC HEALTH ITEM

Approve Amendment to agreement with California Department of Public Health for  FY 2005/2006 Emergency Preparedness Funding Grant Agreement.

 

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ITEM

Adopt Resolution No. 06-050, approving Parcel Map #2005-141, Armetta.

 

PRISON TRIALS COST REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM ITEMS

Receive and file Recaps of CCC Prison Trials Cost Reimbursement Billing and High Desert State Prison Trial Costs Billing for the months of July 2005 through June 2006.

 

MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS

Receive and file the following correspondence:

a.   Lassen Transit Service Agency meeting agenda for July 10, 2006.

b.   Lassen County Transportation Commission meeting agenda for July 10, 2006.

c.   Susanville City Council meeting agenda for July 12, 2006.

d.   Lassen County Air Pollution Control District Governing Board meeting agenda for July 18, 2006, and minutes of June 20, 2006.

e.   Lassen County Fair Advisory Board meeting minutes for June 13, 2006.

 

ELECTION DIVISION

Supervisor Hanson notes that West Patton Village CSD (WPVCSD) Board Member Arnold Young wishes to discuss the resolution requesting consolidation of election for special tax.

 

Arnold Young reads from a letter relating to the county assisting with the establishment of a fire district and states now the CSD is faced with attorney fees and pending election costs.  The water and sewer fees collected by the CSD cannot be spent on any of these items.  States they will be looking to the Board for financial support.  Provides information on grants and USDA loans they will be looking into.  Notes the special tax will not be permanent - when development provides adequate funding the tax will decrease.  He feels this is very important information to be used in support of the tax election. 

 

Supervisor Hanson recognizes Arnold Young for all the contributions that he has made to the Herlong Community.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Hanson, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried to grant request from West Patton Village Community Services District to consolidate a special election to be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2006, with the statewide general election authorizing and imposing a special tax against real property for the purpose of providing fire suppression, prevention and emergency medical services and approving an increase in the District's spending limit.

 

U.S. FOREST SERVICE

Information Officer Heidi Perry McCourt presents information from the Resource Advisory Committee on 2007 Grant Cycle.  For the Lassen RAC 2006 & 2007 there are fourteen proposals with four projects indicated as ready to go forward.  There are five projects recommended for 2007 funding and the applications for those are provided to the board members.

 

Supervisor Keefer states the RAC feels fairly strongly about these five projects and he offers options on funding these projects from Title II or Title III.

 

AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER

Agriculture Commissioner Ken Smith presents a request to establish a Tall Whitetop Control Funding Ad Hoc Committee.  It is suggested that an informal ad hoc committee is probably what is desired but if the committee is appointed by the Board it will be a formal advisory committee and will have to meet all the requirements of the Brown Act.  Mr. Smith thought an ad hoc committee was what should be requested but does want a committee appointed by the Board.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Chapman, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried to:  1)  establish a Tall Whitetop (TWT) Control Funding Committee;  2) committee to consist of two Board of Supervisors, County Counsel, Lassen County Farm Bureau President, Lassen County Cattlemen's President, Local Farm Advisor, Agriculture Commissioner, staff from the Farm Service Agency, Chairman of Lassen SWAT, a local Fish and Game employee and two local agricultural producers, to said committee; 3)  appoint Supervisor Pyle and Supervisor Hanson to fill the Board of Supervisor positions; and  4)  charge the committee with seeking and obtaining large-scale grant funding for the control of TWT and exploring creative strategies for controlling TWT.

 

COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and carried to adopt Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Proposed Budget.

 

INFORMATION FOR THE BOARD

CAO Ketelsen states the Grand Jury Report is out and staff is pleased with the comments.  Staff will be preparing responses for the Board approval at a future meeting.

 

UNAGENDIZED BOARD REPORTS CONT.

2.         Supervisor Chapman attended the Fair Advisory Board meeting last week and provides various information on Fair events and drawings of a changeable message sign for the Fair along with information on the proposed location.

3.         Supervisor Keefer comments on some entries in the Grand Jury Report specifically page 12 relating to Janesville Town Council - he feels it is a biased report - he will work with Janesville Town Council on a response; addresses the Janesville Park well issue in the Grand Jury Report and suggests an independent expert look at the well logs for an analysis.

4.         Supervisor Chapman announces the Veteran's Organizations will be holding a celebration for the 80th Anniversary of the building of the Veteran's Memorial Building.

5.         Supervisor Hanson discusses a conference call relating to prison conditions and the Department of Corrections; notes the Pyramid Lake Indian Tribe appealed the Dry Valley Water Project; notes the abandonment of the railroad between Wendel and Flanagan is proceeding; need a major effort to control Tall White Top; on behalf of Tony Jonas he asks about putting the pool facility tax measure on the November ballot.

6.         CAO Ketelsen responds the potential participants in a pool facility JPA held a meeting in May and a follow-up meeting in June just before school summer vacation.  The next possible meeting date is July 27th.  There may be some funding sources available.  County Counsel Craig Settlemire notes the tax ordinance requires two readings and will have to be placed on the next agenda to meet the election deadline.

 

ADJOURNMENT IN MEMORY

There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned at 12:05 p.m. in memory of Mary Porta, former employee of the Lassen County Assessor's Office.

 

 

 

                                                                                    __________________________________________

                                                                                      CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

ATTEST:

 

_______________________________________

THERESA NAGEL, CLERK OF THE BOARD