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Time Description 9:01 a.m. Meeting Called to Order at the Mariposa County Government Center Elnora George led in the Pledge of Allegiance Introductions Chair Turpin and Supervisor Bibby; Resolution Recognizing Elnora George Upon her Retirement as CEO/CFO/Administrator of John C. Fremont Health Care District BOARD ACTION: (M)Bibby, (S)Fritz, Res. 08-80 was adopted and presented to Elnora George/Ayes: Unanimous. Elnora George introduced Jimmy Knight, who is taking her place. 9:12 a.m. Recess 9:22 a.m. Chair Turpin; A) Proclaim the Month of March, 2008 as “Women’s History Month” (Connie Waldron); B) Proclaim the Month of March, 2008 as “National Professional Social Worker Month” (Human Services Director); and C) Proclaim the Week of March 1-7, 2008 as “National Weights and Measures Week” (Agriculture Commissioner) BOARD ACTION: (M)Fritz, (S)Aborn, the proclamations were approved/Ayes: Unanimous. Connie Waldron accepted the “Women’s History Month” proclamation on behalf of the Daughters of the American Revolution Merced Chapter and the Women Veterans. Jim Rydingsword/Human Services Director, with several social work staff members, accepted the “National Professional Social Worker Month” proclamation. Cathie Boze/Agricultural Commissioner, accepted the “National Weights and Measures Week” proclamation. Approval of Consent Agenda (See End of Summary of Proceedings) NOTE: The Consent Agenda consists of items that are generally viewed as non-controversial and routine by the department. If the Board wishes to discuss an item, it will be removed from the Consent Agenda and moved to the end of the timed agenda; or at the Chair’s discretion, may be taken in conjunction with another item scheduled by the respective department. Otherwise, the Consent Agenda items are generally approved in one single motion. This is the appropriate time for the public to advise the Chair of any comments to the Consent Agenda or request to have an item removed from the Consent Agenda. BOARD ACTION: Chair Turpin advised of a correction in the Action Form for item 4 to reflect a reduction in the General Fund Contingency by $5,500. Supervisor Bibby provided input on information she obtained on item 4 relative to the salary. (M)Pickard, (S)Aborn, all items were approved/Ayes: Unanimous. Gail Neal, Chief Probation Officer; Authorize the Probation Department Staff to Work Alternate 9/80 Work Hours as Approved by the Chief Probation Officer (Continued from February 26, 2008) MARIPOSA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS March 4, 2008 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 3-4-08 BOARD ACTION: Discussion was held with Gail Neal. Supervisor Aborn requested that the Board receive feedback on how this schedule is working. Input from the public was provided by the following: Dick Hutchinson asked if the teenage community work assignments would be covered on weekends with this change. Gail Neal responded that there would still be coverage for this program. (M)Pickard, (S)Aborn, Res. 08-82 was adopted approving the request/Ayes: Unanimous. Kris Schenk, Planning Director; A) Schedule a Public Hearing for Saturday, April 5, 2008, Beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers (or, as an Alternate Date, April 12 or 19) for the Consideration of the Yosemite West Special Plan BOARD ACTION: Discussion was held with Kris Schenk. Supervisor Aborn advised of input received from the landowners in Yosemite West relative to the scheduling. Input from the public was provided by the following: Dick Hutchinson noted that consideration should be given to scheduling around the upcoming Easter holiday. Eleanor Keuning noted that April 19th is the Safe at Home Family Fair. (M)Aborn, (S)Fritz, the public hearing was scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 10:00 a.m./Ayes: Unanimous. B) Schedule a Public Workshop in April, 2008 for the Board for Supervisors’ Consideration of Agricultural and Nature Tourism BOARD ACTION: Discussion was held with Kris Schenk relative to the scheduling and processing for this. Input from the public was provided by the following: Eleanor Keuning provided input on the scheduling and noted that the orientation for hatching the butterfly eggs is scheduled for April 2nd at 5:30 p.m. Paul Chapman stated he feels the Farm Bureau should be involved in this workshop and the agricultural industry need to be made aware and invited to make comments on this. MaryAnn Huff advised that she attended the workshops, and is concerned about changing this workshop from a Saturday because of the working people. She asked that if the April 2nd turnout is not good, if the Board would hold another workshop on a Saturday. Karen Robb, Farm Advisor, advised that she could change the butterfly hatching orientation so that it doesn’t conflict with the workshop. (M)Pickard, (S)Aborn, the workshop was scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2008, to begin at 4:00 p.m./Ayes: Unanimous. Chair Turpin asked Kris Schenk to provide information on the status of scheduling the workshop for the draft Catheys Valley Community Plan. Kris Schenk advised that a joint meeting is scheduled with the Planning Commission for March 18th for this workshop; and they have a Catheys Valley Planning Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for March 6th at McCay Hall. It was noted that requests have been made by Catheys Valley residents for this workshop to be held in the evening. Consideration of rescheduling the workshop will be calendared for March 11th. Public Presentation: For Items within the Jurisdiction of the Board and not on Today’s Agenda. Kenneth Gosting, Transportation Involves Everyone, TIE, presented the Board with the DVD of Barbie™ Mariposa. He asked for clarification of whether Public Presentation or with the item itself, is the appropriate time to address the Board on the Ferguson rockslide issues. Chair Turpin advised that the Public Presentation time is for items that are not on the agenda; however, he would not refuse any information coming forth on the rockslide at that time if someone could not stay until the item is discussed. But, no additional action would be taken from what is listed on the agenda. Dick Hutchinson referred to the meeting the School Board held on Thursday and stated he felt the members of the Board of Supervisors should have been present and that the County should be working with the School District, especially with this budget situation. Supervisor Bibby advised that she ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 3-4-08 attended the meeting and plans to attend their meeting scheduled for this evening and the Catheys Valley parent meeting. Supervisor Turpin commented on the percentage of the property taxes that goes to the schools from the County. Thomas P. Guarino, County Counsel, advised that his appearance at the School Board meeting was not in his official capacity as County Counsel, but as a parent of three children. Paul Ballard provided input on specifications and issues that he feels should be considered with the purchase of new fire trucks, and he continued to offer his assistance in this matter. He suggested that a committee be appointed to work on these issues and he offered to convert an older pickup to show what can be done. Chair Turpin advised that he will meet with the County Administrative Officer and the Fire Chief to review this matter; and he will ask the Fire Chief to make a presentation to the Board on the status of the purchase of the engines. Paul Ballard asked that photographs of the various types of engines be provided in the status report. Paul Chapman agreed with having a committee to review the fire truck specifications, and he suggested that the fire fighters that have a history here with various types of equipment be consulted. MaryAnn Huff stated she agrees with Paul Ballard relative to the need to have 4-W drive and compact vehicles. On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, she made the following public service announcements: the Lake Don Pedro Golf and Country Club is open and the After Hours event will be held there on March 25, and are necessary; and the Clubs and Organizations dinner is scheduled for March 15th. Board Information Supervisor Fritz noted that the Agri-tourism workshop was held on Saturday; and the Storytelling Festival is scheduled for this weekend. Supervisor Pickard presented a position paper from the California Invasive Weeds Awareness Coalition he attended in Washington, D.C.; and he reviewed the issues. He advised that he attended the County Medical Services Program (CMSP) Governing Board meeting on Thursday and funding issues for programs were discussed. Supervisor Aborn commented that the Interim Grand Jury Report is available and the compost facility was included. He noted that this will be on a future agenda for the Board to address. Supervisor Bibby noted that the School Board will need the community support and input to help deal with the budget problems they are facing. The Storytelling Festival is scheduled to start this Friday. The Catheys Valley Community Planning meeting is scheduled for this Thursday. She plans to attend the Parent-Teacher Improvement Committee meeting in Catheys Valley relative to changes at that school. She complimented the Patron’s Club and Sheriff Muller and his wife, and all of the volunteers for a successful Enchilada Feed. Supervisor Turpin advised that he attended the retirement reception for Elnora George on Wednesday; the Calaveras-Mariposa Community Action Agency meeting in Coulterville on Friday; and the Storytelling Festival is this weekend. He advised of meeting with PG&E in Coulterville relative to the street lights; and of a meeting this week to look at improvements for the Red Cloud Park. He plans to attend the Water Agency Advisory Board meeting on Wednesday. The bids will be opened for the Don Pedro/Hornitos Road chip seal project on Thursday. 10:54 a.m. Recess 11:05 a.m. Report from February 27 Staff Level Meeting Relative to Pursuing Options for the Interim Bridges to Allow Full Access to Traffic (County Administrative Officer/Personnel/Risk Manager) BOARD ACTION: Rick Benson advised of the attendance at the February 27th meeting and of the discussion to try to get full length access in the interim of the permanent solution. He also noted that as a result of the discussion, an increase was made in the fiscal year 2009 appropriations request to Senator Dianne Feinstein for the project. Following the meeting, he took three individuals to the slide area so they could see the impacts firsthand. Discussion was held. Input from the public was provided by the following: Les Marsden questioned whether there will be more meetings and whether there will be a formal written report from the meeting. Rick Benson advised that another meeting was not scheduled, but if needed, another meeting could be scheduled. He also advised that formal minutes were not taken, ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 3-4-08 it was just a brainstorming session. He advised that he had an agenda for the meeting that he can share; however, it was only followed about half-way through. Les Marsden urged that if meetings like this are scheduled in the future, that they be open to the public. Chair Turpin referred to Dick Hutchinson’s challenge for the Board members to continue to work on this matter; and he advised that this meeting was to get everyone on the same track. Dick Hutchinson stated he feels that there should have been a decision made at the meeting for scheduling the next meeting and for getting a commitment with timeframes from CalTrans and he feels we need to keep the pressure on them and know where the funding is. Ruth Catalan questioned whether any of the ideas from the meeting were written down. Kenneth Gosting, TIE, provided information on discussions and expressed concern that the meeting was not open to the public; and he commented on a CalTrans meeting held on February 13th in Yosemite. He referred to the Farkie award on the Laugh-In show, and he presented the Board with TIE’s first Farkie award for the meeting which they felt was a farce. Chair Turpin noted that direction was given to the County Administrative Officer for this meeting. Ken Gosting provided input on the CEQA and NEPA process and stated he feels the Board should put pressure on the State Director for CalTrans to move this project along. Paul Chapman expressed concern with the meeting being closed to the public, and he feels the public needs to be involved. Chair Turpin assured the public that the number one priority before the Board is to obtain access for full length vehicles. Supervisor Bibby asked about inviting Kome Ajise/CalTrans to come to the Board to hear from the citizens and to provide a status report. Rick Benson advised that he will follow- up on this. Supervisor Turpin asked the County Administrative Officer to check with the CalTrans District Engineer on the permanent fix and to bring information to the Board on anything that develops for fixing the temporary bridges. Discussion and Possible Further Action Regarding Continuation of the Local Emergency Due to Landslides on Highway 140 Enroute to Yosemite National Park (County Administrative Officer/ Personnel/Risk Manager) BOARD ACTION: Rick Benson recommended that the local emergency be continued. Input from the public was provided by the following: Ken Gosting, TIE, stated he feels that any bad news should be brought to the Board, as well as any good news. (M)Aborn, (S)Bibby, Res. 08-83 was adopted finding the local emergency due to the landslides on Highway 140 enroute to Yosemite National Park continues to exist, and continuing the local emergency based on the findings/Ayes: Unanimous. Approve Budget Action Accepting Donation and Increasing Appropriations Accordingly in the Fish Camp Fire Auxiliary Fund for Planning Expenses Related to the New Fish Camp Fire Station ($10,000) (4/5ths Vote Required) (Supervisor Pickard) BOARD ACTION: Supervisor Pickard initiated discussion. Kris Schenk responded to questions relative to Planning’s work on this project and the funding. (M)Pickard, (S)Fritz, Res. 08-84 was adopted approving the request/Ayes: Unanimous. Approval of Summary of Proceedings of February 26, 2008, Regular Meeting (Clerk of the Board) BOARD ACTION: Supervisor Turpin advised of a correction to reflect Mariposa-Calaveras Community Action Agency. (M)Fritz, (S)Aborn, the Summary of Proceedings was approved with the correction/Ayes: Aborn, Turpin, Bibby, Fritz; Abstained: Pickard. 11:52 a.m. CLOSED SESSION: Conference with Legal Counsel: Anticipated Litigation: Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Subdivision of Government Code Section 54956.9; Name of Case to be Discussed: Hazel Green Ranch, LLC v. United States Department of the Interior, et al., Case No. 1:07-CV-00414-OWW-SWS (County Counsel) BOARD ACTION: Supervisor Bibby advised that she is planning to attend the Mental Health Board meeting at noon. Input from the public was provided by the following: ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 3-4-08 Dick Hutchinson stated he was disappointed in the Board’s decision relative to the Hazel Green matter; and he referred to the “threats” that were discussed. He stated he does not feel that the County should voluntarily join the lawsuit; and he feels the Assistant Superintendent for Yosemite was stating the facts. (M)Bibby, (S)Fritz, the closed session was held/Ayes: Unanimous. 12:12 p.m. Supervisor Aborn was present, and Chair Turpin announced that information was received as a result of the closed session. CONSENT AGENDA CA-1 Re-appoint Rick Roesch and Magnum Godfrey to the Coulterville Planning Advisory Committee for a Term Expiring February 28, 2010 (Chair Turpin) CA-2 Re-appoint Rob Jensen, Sharon Tucker and Ken Pulvino to the Greeley Hill Planning Advisory Committee for a Term Expiring February 28, 2010 (Chair Turpin) CA-3 Accept the Resignation of Barry Smith from the In Home Supportive Services Advisory Committee (Supervisor Fritz) CA-4 Approve an Agreement with University of California Regents to Support the Master Gardener Program and Authorize the Board of Supervisors Chair to Sign the Agreement; Approve Budget Action Reducing General Funds Contingency by $5,500 and Transferring $3,000 within the Cooperative Extension Budget to Fund the Program ($8,500) (4/5ths Vote Required) (Farm Advisor) (Continued from February 26th, 2008); Res. 08-81 12:13 p.m. Adjournment in memory of Dorothy L. Converse, Hazel Marion Bailie, Jeffrey Len Taylor, and Frances Shilling Weir. Respectfully submitted, MARGIE WILLIAMS, Clerk of the Board LYLE TURPIN, Chair, Board of Supervisors