BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

                           SEPTEMBER 17, 2002

 

                                        

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors convenes in Regular Session on Tuesday, September 17, 2002, at 9:30 a.m.   Present:  Supervisors Robert Pyle, Jim Chapman, Lloyd Keefer, Brian Dahle, and Everd McCain; County Counsel John Ketelsen, County Administrative Officer (CAO) Andy Whiteman and County Clerk Theresa Nagel.  Following the flag salute, the invocation is offered by Supervisor Chapman.  Supervisor Pyle is not present at the beginning of the meeting.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF ITEMS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION

Chairman Dahle announces that no closed session was held.

 

AGENDA APPROVAL, ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor McCain and carried, with Supervisor Pyle absent, to approve the agenda as posted.  (Supervisor Pyle enters at 9:33 a.m.)

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Poet Laureate Violet Stout reads a poem entitled "America".

 

UNAGENDIZED BOARD REPORTS

1.   Supervisor Pyle reports that a town hall meeting was held in Westwood last week to discuss the proposed asphalt plant.  The appeal public hearing is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. on September 24th.  He states there are several people that cannot make a daytime meeting and therefore he wants to continue the hearing to 6:00 p.m. at the Lassen Career Network building.  Board consensus is to do so.

2.   Supervisor Keefer reports on the Economic Development Council meeting held last week.  A presentation was made on the "All American Road" and will be presented to the Board of Supervisors at a future date.  CAO Whiteman informs the board members that an idea has come up to have a joint exhibit at the State Fair by all the counties included in the "All American Road".  He will be contacting the other counties.

3.   Supervisor Keefer reports on the first meeting of the Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) held last week.  He announces that he was elected chairman of the committee and the majority of the meeting was dedicated to orientation.  He extensively discusses the action needed to designate funding for Title II and Title III Projects, and informs the board members the RAC consensus is to have a higher share of the funding for Title II Projects.  The RAC is also interested in knowing what types of the projects the Board of Supervisors is interested in.

    

LASSEN COUNTY FAIR BOARD

The Board of Supervisors recess and convene as the Lassen County Fair Board.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Pyle, seconded by Supervisor McCain and carried to accept the letter from Robert Taylor submitting his resignation from the Lassen County Fair Advisory Board; and direct County Clerk to advertise the vacancy.

         

The Lassen County Fair Board adjourns and the Board of Supervisors reconvene.

 

CONSENT CALENDAR

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

 

COUNTY CLERK ITEM

Approve minutes of September 10, 2002.

       

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - PERSONNEL ITEM

Receive and file Personnel Movement report for August, 2002.

         

COUNTY COUNSEL ITEM

Reject claim of Jonna Stults, in its entirety, and direct County Clerk to send Notice of Rejection.

 

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES ITEM

Ratify continuation of Declaration of State of Disaster / Emergency in Lassen County.

         

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - SURVEYOR DIVISION ITEM

Adopt Resolution No. 02-062, approving Parcel Map #2002-01, Steven and Kendra Bierman.

         

MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS

Receive and file the following correspondence:

a.   Mental Health Board meeting agenda for September 10, 2002, and minutes of August 13, 2002. 

b.   Air Pollution Control District Governing Board meeting agenda for September 17, 2002, and minutes of August 13, 2002. 

c.   Lassen County Fair Advisory Board meeting minutes of September 10, 2002.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Counties QLG Forester:

It is moved by Supervisor Chapman, seconded by Supervisor Pyle and carried to approve Amendment No. 1 to the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for the "Counties QLG Forester", Frank Stewart; and authorize the chairman to sign.

 

Fish & Game Wardens:

It is moved by Supervisor Chapman, seconded by Supervisor McCain and carried to adopt Resolution No. 02-063, to Director of California Department of Fish and Game requesting an increase in the number of game wardens in Lassen County.

 

RECOGNITION COMMITTEE - PRESENTATION

Chairman Dahle makes the following presentations for years of service:

 

Twenty-five years: a desk clock/calculator to Annita Davis (Sheriff's Department); and Fifteen years: a two pen desk set to Michael Beard (Health & Human Services).

 

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Supervisor Dahle states that in regard to using the Westwood Visitor's Center as a polling location there should be no question - it should be used for elections.  (Supervisor Chapman departs at 10:04 a.m.)

         

Westwood Chamber of Commerce President Elta Silva expresses the Chamber's concerns about who would protect the exhibits, displays and merchandise from damage or theft during the election and about unattended children causing damage to displays.  They are also concerned about the disruption the election would cause to their operations.  They want to completely fill the building with displays and are not sure there would be room for voting booths.  (Supervisor Chapman returns at 10:07 a.m.)

 

Supervisor Keefer feels the pollworkers conducting the election would have an interest in protecting the property.  (Supervisor Chapman absent 10:14 - 10:16 a.m.)

 

Community Development Director Robert Sorvaag notes the building was constructed using transportation funds and there are some use restrictions for the building, which he is still looking into.

 

Supervisor Chapman feels there is a happy medium for use by the Chamber and others and notes the building was not built for the exclusive use of the Chamber of Commerce.  He states they need to maximize the use of the building for the county and the community.  He states elections should be held there on a permanent basis and asks the County Clerk if there have ever been any claims for damage from the use of various facilities for elections.

 

County Clerk Nagel responds that schools, churches, stores, community buildings in Doyle and Herlong and private residences have been used over the years and there have never been any claims for damage.  She also notes that six to eight responsible adult members of the community man the polls and maintain order. 

 

Supervisor Dahle directs that elections be held at the Westwood Visitor's Center on a permanent basis and the maintenance and custodial agreement be revisited.

 

Supervisor Chapman absent 10:25 - 10:28 a.m.

 

PUBLIC HEARING - MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The Public Hearing held pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code 17600.20, which allows counties to transfer up to 10% of the funds received in a fiscal year between the Social Services, Public Health and Mental Health realignment trust accounts, is opened at 10:25 a.m..  This request is to transfer $180,000 from the Public Health Realignment Trust to the Mental Health Realignment Trust.

 

Fiscal Officer Jerry Abts presents the staff report. 

 

Supervisor McCain believes that only 10% of funds on hand can be transferred which is $150,000.

 

No one speaks in favor or in opposition to the fund transfer and the hearing is closed at 10:28 a.m.

 

It is moved by Supervisor McCain, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried on a roll call vote, with Supervisor Chapman voting NO, to approve transfer of $150,000 from the Public Health Realignment Trust to the Mental Health Realignment Trust.

 

Recess 10:35 - 10:41 a.m.

 

BUDGET ADOPTION

Assistant to the CAO Chris Beard reviews the changes that have been made to the budget.

 

In regard to the $300,000 for Community Resource Center, Supervisor Dahle wants a budget submitted with expectations set-forth.  Supervisor McCain wants the funds placed in a trust fund.

 

Discussion is held on how departments will be charged for potential retiree health expenses in regard to exposure and experience - an equitable formula will be developed.

 

Supervisor Chapman strongly expresses his opinion on how the pass-through funds need to be shown on the summary page.  Chris Beard agrees to add a line to the summary page to show these transfers.

 

A motion to approve Items (a) through (f) under budget adoption is made by Supervisor Keefer and seconded by Supervisor Pyle.  Following discussion the motion is withdrawn.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Pyle and carried unanimously, on a roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 02-060, establishing the appropriations limit in the amount of $19,961,419, for Fiscal Year 2002/2003, pursuant to California Constitution Article XIII-B and Government Code Section 7910.

 

It is moved by Supervisor McCain, seconded by Supervisor Pyle and carried unanimously, on a roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 02-061, establishing the Bieber Lighting District appropriations limit in the amount of $12,525 and approving the 2002/2003 Bieber Lighting District Budget in the amount of $12,000.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Pyle and carried on a roll call vote, with Supervisor Chapman voting NO, to adopt the Final 2002/2003 Budget; and authorize the CAO and Auditor to make appropriate changes prior to publication.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Pyle, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried unanimously, on a roll call vote, to adopt the Lassen-Modoc Flood Control Budget in the amount of $235,500.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Pyle, seconded by Supervisor Keefer and carried on a roll call vote, with Supervisor Chapman voting NO, to adopt the County Service Area #1 (Honey Lake TV) budget in the amount of $170,735; and adopt 2002/2003 TV User Fee in the amount of $25.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer and seconded by Supervisor Pyle to set the Social Worker IV salary range to Range 22, and the Social Worker III classification be comparable to the Mental Health Case Worker (Range 18 without a degree, Range 19 with a Bachelors Degree and Range 20 for enrollment in a Masters Program).  Both positions eligible for a 10% premium if they receive licensing from a State Registered Board in the field.

 

The motion fails on the following roll call vote:  Supervisor Chapman - NO, Supervisor Pyle - YES, Supervisor Keefer - YES, Supervisor McCain - NO, Supervisor Dahle - NO.

 

UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE

Eagle Lake District Ranger Bob Andrews introduces the new public relations officer and RAC Coordinator Heidi Perry.  He announces that Supervisor Keefer was chosen as Chairman of the RAC and he (Andrews) is the Designated Public Official to the RAC.

 

Mr. Andrews reports on the fencing of Highway 44 along the rebuilt section of roadway.  In regard to the next section to be rebuilt (Poison Lake Project) it has been determined by the Federal Highway Commission that fencing will not be a part of the project.  The Forest Service is not the lead agency on this project because an expedited NEPA process is being followed by the Federal Highway Commission and the Forest Service is just a cooperating agency.  There is no permit to be issued by the Forest Service therefore no ability to respond to the request by the Board of Supervisors to withhold permitting contingent upon fencing be installed. 

 

Supervisor McCain wants to know how to appeal the Federal Highway Commission decision and Andrews responds there is no appeal process, but he will try to find out more information for McCain.

 

CalTrans Representative Shirley Choate confirms that no fencing will be included on this project, but states that CalTrans is committed to work with other agencies and private landowners on the acknowledged need for fencing.  She indicates they are willing to help financially in a partnership with the Forest Service and County.  She also confirms there is no appeal process, but notes the draft environmental documents will be circulated on the project.

 

Supervisor McCain states the improvements to Highway 44 will increase the speed of drivers, and she responds they will work with the Highway Patrol on the enforcement of speed limits.  Supervisor Chapman states that enhancing this highway has created increased potential for car/cow collisions.

 

(Supervisor Chapman is absent 11:56 - 11:59 a.m.)

 

TITLE II & TITLE III PROJECTS

Following a presentation by Assistant to the CAO Chris Beard it is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Chapman and carried to adopt Resolution No. 02-064, allocating 15% Safety Net Payment to Title II or Title III Projects.

 

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Chapman and carried to adopt Resolution No. 02-065, making the following allocations of the 15% Safety Net Payment: Title II Projects - 50% and Title III Projects - 50%.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - PERSONNEL DIVISION

It is moved by Supervisor Keefer, seconded by Supervisor Pyle and carried to authorize hiring positions approved in the 2002-03 Road Department budget:  New position (No. 2201) Engineering Tech I/II, Range 17/19: and reclassify one Road Equipment Operator position in each district to Senior Road Equipment Operator, from Range 13 to 15.

 

COUNTY CLERK - ELECTIONS DIVISION

At the request of the County Clerk this item (need for pollworkers) is continued to a future meeting.

 

INFORMATION FOR THE BOARD

1.  CAO Whiteman informs the board members that moving costs for County Counsel are more than was estimated and he will be authorizing payment.

2.  CAO Whiteman announces that he will be on vacation for two weeks and Bob Sorvaag will be acting CAO.

 

There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned at 12:17 p.m.

 

 

 

                                __________________________________________

                                  CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

ATTEST:

 

_______________________________________

THERESA NAGEL, CLERK OF THE BOARD