UNAPPROVED
MINUTES
BOARD
OF SUPERVISORS
The Lassen County Board of Supervisors convene in Regular Session at
Present in the Closed Session are Supervisors Robert Pyle, Jim Chapman
(enters at 9:11 a.m.), Lloyd Keefer, Brian Dahle, and Jack Hanson; County
Counsel Craig Settlemire, County Administrative Officer John Ketelsen, County
Personnel Director/Risk Manager Ron Vossler, and County Clerk Theresa
Nagel. Closed Session is recessed at
The Lassen County Board of Supervisors reconvenes in Regular Session on
ANNOUNCEMENT OF ITEMS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION
The
AGENDA APPROVAL, ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS
Supervisor Chapman requests the meeting be adjourned in memory of Ron
Stewart (former Chico Mayor and father of Rick Stewart).
It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and
carried to approve the agenda with the noted change.
PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Eileen Spencer
introduces Lassen Animal Rescue Public Relations Director Suzanne Monroe who
will also be the liaison with the Animal Shelter. Suzanne Monroe explains her
experience with Noah's Wish and the animal rescue efforts related to Hurricane
Katrina.
2. Tom Esgate, Lassen Fire
Safe Council, provides an update on the Archery/Children's Road fuel treatment
project. He introduces their new
Education Coordinator Dave Trussell.
Requests an item be placed on the
February agenda for consideration of the Council's request for Title III
funding. There is a need for 45 days
public notice on this item.
3. Henni White wants to be
placed on a future agenda to find out what can be done about trash cans being
left along county roads.
4. Elaine Jacobs and Joe
Ritz, representing the Mid-Management Bargaining Unit, speak about how much
their FLEX benefits are below other bargaining units, and they distribute an
information sheet.
UNAGENDIZED BOARD REPORTS
1. Supervisor Chapman
reports on the RCRC meeting and discussions relating to air quality issues; he
would like the Board to take a look at AB32 relating to carbon diversion into
the atmosphere (may be beneficial to sell carbon credits); notes a meeting is
set up with the Director of Corrections relating to prison placement.
2. Supervisor Hanson
reports on the Fair Advisory Meeting and discussions relating to the design of
the North Arena Expansion; attended a forum re: venture capitalists and funding
of small businesses.
3. Supervisor Keefer
reports the pump test has been completed on the Janesville Park well and the
result is 60 gallons per minute; now looking at a water system for the Park;
discusses the public scoping session held last week for the Ralston Subdivision
- issues seem to be access and zoning for one acre parcels (neighbors want
lower density).
4. Supervisor Chapman
discusses difficulties that have arisen in regard to the Lassen County Fair
Sign - property is owned by CalTrans; expresses his appreciation of the
symphony which is busting at the seams and that brings forth the lack of
facilities for such performances; he wants an item on the next agenda to
establish an Infrastructure Revitalization Task Force to quantify the needs,
determine who the "players" are and what funding sources are
available.
5. Supervisor Pyle reports
on the Almanor Regional Transportation Assessment meeting - the funding issue
is pretty bleak; Supervisor Dahle also
notes the passage of legislation for the Rural Counties/Schools Funding is not
looking very good either.
PROCLAMATION
It is moved by Supervisor Chapman, seconded by Supervisor Dahle and
carried to adopt a Proclamation recognizing Theresa Nagel (County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of
Voters/Clerk to the Board of Supervisors) on her retirement from Lassen County.
RECOGNITION COMMITTEE - PRESENTATION
Chairman Pyle makes the following presentations for years of service:
Fifteen years: a two pen desk set to Kathy W. Oberst (H&SS Alcohol
and Drug).
Ten years: a brass letter opener to Francis Gery Jones (Community
Development) and Kelley Kelley (Community Development) - neither are present.
RETIREMENT: Theresa Nagel
(County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters/Clerk to the Board of Supervisors).
COUNTY COUNSEL
County Counsel Craig Settlemire states that staff was directed to bring
back for consideration the request from Susan River Fire Protection District
for refund of $7,199.02 paid for Building Department plan check and inspection
fees. He states such a refund from the
General Fund of legitimately collected fees would benefit only the taxpayers of
the Susan River Fire Protection District, as opposed to the County as a whole,
and would constitute an impermissible gift of County public funds. However, a transfer of money from the County
to a fire protection district that serves a public purpose of the County and a
public purpose of the district is permissible. While every fire district in
Lassen County has experienced difficulties, Susan River Fire District was
uniquely affected by the short-lived implementation of Ordinance No. 561 in a
way that no other fire district experienced.
If the purpose of paying $7,199.02 from Lassen County to Susan River
Fire District is to alleviate the impact of said ordinance, and to promote the
ability of the District to make capital improvements that will preserve and
enhance the District's ability to provide fire protection not only to its
inhabitants, but also to other inhabitants of Lassen County through various
mutual aid agreements, the payment for those purposes (and not as a refund of
lawfully charged fees) will stand a better chance of prevailing against a claim
of an unlawful gift of public funds.
It is moved by Supervisor Chapman and seconded by Supervisor Keefer
that because Susan River Fire District was uniquely impacted by the short-lived
implementation of Ordinance No. 561 that the Board accommodate the request and
refund the District, not as a refund of a legally charged fee but as an
adjustment to accommodate the fact that they wound up being in some respects
victimized by this program versus the other districts that were not, that we
provide them financial relief in the amount of $7,199.02.
Supervisor Keefer and Supervisor Pyle comment on the nice new fire
hall. Jim McCarthy thanks the board
members and staff for all their help during the construction process for the
new fire hall.
The motion carries unanimously.
WILLIAMSON ACT CONTRACT #2006-042, JOSEPH P. AND DAWN E. EGAN AND EGAN
FAMILY TRUST
Supervisor Hanson and Supervisor Pyle step down and sit in the audience
due to a conflict of interest as each does business with the Egans.
Community Development Director Robert Sorvaag presents information on
Williamson Act Contract #2006-042, Joseph P. and Dawn E. Egan and Egan Family
Trust, to rescind and enter into new Williamson Act contracts on resultant
parcels of Lot Line Adjustment #2006-042.
The property is located approximately two miles south of Standish, between
Alexander Lane and Capezzoli Lane.
A.P.N.(s) 119-370-24 & 25; 119-470-25.
It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Chapman and
carried unanimously on a roll call vote, with Supervisor Hanson and Supervisor
Pyle absent, to adopt Resolution No. 06-088, adopting the Land Conservation
Committee findings, rescinding portions of Williamson Act contracts AA-41 &
AA-58 and authorizing the execution of three new Williamson Act contracts on
the adjusted parcel resulting from Lot Line Adjustment #2006-042.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Supervisor Chapman requests that Item G-3, Cramer Ranch Road, be
removed 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 December 12, 2006.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ITEMS
Adopt Resolution No. 06-084, approving Subdivision Map #2005-020,
Cramer Ranch Estates.
Approve Animal Shelter Volunteer Application and Agreement and Release
of Liability for Voluntary Participation to Work at the Lassen County Animal
Shelter; and direct development of policies and procedures for volunteers at
animal shelter.
MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS
Receive and file the following correspondence:
a. Lassen County Technical
Advisory Committee Amended meeting agenda for December 13, 2006.
b. Lassen County Mental Health
Advisory Board meeting agenda for December 12, 2006 and unapproved minutes from
November 14, 2006.
COUNTY MAINTAINED ROAD SYSTEM
Supervisor Chapman states he is not in favor of accepting any roads
into the county maintained system without a funding mechanism for
maintenance. Supervisor Keefer feels
this Cramer Ranch Road serves a public purpose as an important tie between two
county roads and provides access when Travis Lane floods. Supervisor Pyle agrees with Supervisor
Keefer. Supervisor Hanson understands
the concerns of Supervisor Chapman and feels the policy of accepting roads
needs to be revisited. Supervisor Dahle
will not support this due to the cost of upkeep in the future. Supervisor Keefer feels we do need to review
the roads county-wide and notes there are several county roads that serve only
one residence and have not been removed from the county system. Supervisor Hanson states we cannot have a
policy of not taking in roads if we expect to have growth. Supervisor Dahle - we need to set a policy. Supervisor Chapman - when the subdivision was
created this issue should have been addressed.
Supervisor Pyle - what he expects to happen to address road maintenance
is developer impact fees. Public Works
Director Larry Millar notes a consultant has been hired to look at funding
issues.
It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and
carried on a roll call vote, with Supervisor Chapman and Supervisor Dahle
voting NO, to adopt Resolution No. 06-085, adding Cramer Ranch Road into the
County Maintained Road System.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HOUSING
Economic Development/Housing Chief Monica Cochran introduces Carl
Ribaudo, President of Strategic Marketing Group. Mr. Ribaudo reviews his experience and the
company's approach to tourism.
Supervisor Chapman is skeptical as he has seen these studies before and
nothing happens after the study.
Mr. Ribaudo agrees with the skepticism and notes lots of plans remain
on a shelf - dollars will have to be allocated to make it work. In response to a question he responds the
main budget of a visitor's bureau varies from $100,000 to $5.5 million. Notes he is very supportive of the internet
for rural communities.
Supervisor Chapman is not convinced that spending $27,000 on a study is
something he can support. Supervisor
Dahle wants to see who actually benefits from tourism. It is noted the grant funds can only be used
for a study.
It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Dahle and
carried on a roll call vote, with Supervisor Chapman voting NO, to authorize
the CAO or designee to execute a contract for professional services with
Strategic Marketing Group in an amount not to exceed $27,000, for a tourism
bureau strategic marketing plan.
Recess 11:09 - 11:16 a.m.
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONE & AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE #2006-105, DAVID
CHAIDEZ
The public hearing is opened at 11:17 a.m. to consider Rezone &
Agricultural Preserve #2006-105, David Chaidez, application to establish an
agricultural preserve on approximately 551 acres of land, enter said land into
a Williamson Act Contract and to rezone the land from A-1 (General Agricultural
District) to U-C-A-P (Upland Conservation, Agricultural Preserve Combining
District). The subject land is located
at 669-105 Susanville Road, approximately 8 miles east of Bieber.
Planner Maurice Anderson presents the staff report. No one speaks in opposition to or in favor of
the rezone and the hearing is closed at 11:18 a.m.
It is moved by Supervisor Dahle, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and
carried unanimously, on a roll call vote, to: introduce and adopt, by title
only, Ordinance No. 467A-351, implementing the rezone of the 551 acres of
property from A-1 to U-C-A-P; 2) receive Land Conservation Committee
recommendation on the establishment of an agricultural preserve; 3)
adopt Land Conservation Committee findings; 4) adopt Resolution No. 06-086, establishing an
agricultural preserve and authorize the execution of a Williamson Act Contract.
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONE #2006-059(A), SIERRA PACIFIC INDUSTRIES
The public hearing is opened at 11:19 a.m. and continued until further
notice, due to the continuance of the Planning Commission hearing, on Sierra
Pacific Industries, proposal to rezone 865.9 acres of land from T-P-Z (Timber
Production Zone) to A-F (Agricultural Forest).
The project site is located near Pike's Point on the south end of Eagle
Lake. APN(s): 089-100-21 & 23;
089-090-03.
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONE #2006-059(B), SIERRA PACIFIC INDUSTRIES
The public hearing is opened at 11:21 a.m. and continued until further
notice, due to the continuance of the Planning Commission hearing, on Sierra
Pacific Industries, proposal to rezone 1723 acres of land from T-P-Z (Timber
Production Zone) to A-F (Agricultural Forest).
The project site is located 3.5 miles east of the town of Westwood,
approximately one mile east of Goodrich Creek and approximately two miles
northeast of Mountain Meadows Reservoir. APN(s): 113-100-16, 113-100-23
(portion), 123-130-10, 123-100-25 (portion), 127-050-12 (portion).
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONE #2006-059(C), SIERRA PACIFIC INDUSTRIES
The public hearing is opened at 11:22 a.m. and continued until further
notice, due to the continuance of the Planning Commission hearing, on Sierra
Pacific Industries, proposal to rezone 638 acres of land from T-P-Z (Timber
Production Zone) to U-C-2-NH (Upland Conservation/Resource Management with a
Natural Habitat Combining District). The
project site is located 1/2 mile northeast of Silver Lake. APN: 085-120-07.
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONE #2006-059(D), SIERRA PACIFIC INDUSTRIES
The public hearing is opened at 11:22 a.m. and continued until further
notice, due to the continuance of the Planning Commission hearing, on Sierra
Pacific Industries, proposal to rezone 2271 acres of land from T-P-Z (Timber
Production Zone) to A-F (Agricultural Forest).
The project site is located adjacent to Highway 36 at its intersection
with Highway 44 and Eagle Lake Road.
APN(s): 099-120-26 (portion), 27 (portion), 28 (portion) & 29; 099-170-07; 099-260-01, 22, 25 & 59;
115-200-54 (portion).
AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER
It is moved by Supervisor Chapman, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and
carried to approve, and authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to sign,
Cooperative agreement with the California Department of Health Services (CDHS)
for Mosquito Control for local public health protection.
LASSEN COUNTY FAIR BOARD
It is moved by Supervisor Dahle, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and
carried to adopt Resolution No. 06-083, modifying the Lassen County Fair
financial reporting period from a calendar year to a fiscal year.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Melody Brawley provides a report to the Board on Addendum to Lassen
County CalWORKs Plan as required by California Department of Social Services,
along with their plans for enhancing participation. Extensive discussion is held.
PUBLIC HEARING - ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION ON PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT #765.01.18, REZONE #2006-093, SUBDIVISION MAP #2006-093, PACIFIC HOLT
CORPORATION
The public hearing is opened at 11:56 a.m. and continued until further
notice, due to the Planning Commission granting the applicant's request to
continue the hearing to a later date, on an Environmental Determination on
proposed General Plan Amendment #765.01.18, Rezone #2006-093, Subdivision Map
#2006-093, Pacific Holt Corporation. The
proposed General Plan Amendment involves a change in the land use designation
from "Extensive Agriculture" to "Rural Residential" on the
120 acre property. In conjunction with
the change in the land use designation, the applicant is proposing to change
the zoning from A-1 (General Agriculture District) to A-2-B-10 (Agricultural
Residential, Building Site Combining District with a 10 acre minimum parcel
size) and a subdivision of the property into 12 parcels being 10 acres in
size. The project site is located close
to the Honey Lake shoreline and along the north side of Highway 395,
approximately 1/2 mile northwest of the intersection of Highway 395 and Herlong
Access Road (County Road 395). A.P.N.:
139-040-38.
ADMINISTRATION B PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Hanson and
carried to adopt Resolution No. 06-087, extending benefits to Elected
Officials, with the exception of the Lassen County Board of Supervisors and the
Lassen County Sheriff, and Confidential Employees for the period of July 1,
2006 through June 30, 2009 commensurate with those of the Lassen County
Management Association.
INFORMATION FOR THE BOARD
1. Joe Bertotti informs
the board members that the Local Reuse Authority Property Development proposals
are scheduled for review at the January 16th meeting.
2. CAO Ketelsen indicates
his interest in attending the meeting with the Director of Prisons on Thursday
- Board consensus is that he should attend.
3. CAO Ketelsen wishes
everyone a Merry Christmas.
4. In response to a
question, CAO Ketelsen reports on the current status of the Recreation District
JPA.
ADJOURNMENT IN MEMORY
There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned at 12:01 p.m.
in memory of Ron Stewart (former Chico Mayor and father of Rick Stewart).
__________________________________________
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
ATTEST:
_______________________________________
CLERK OF THE BOARD