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Time Description 9:02 a.m. Meeting Called to Order at the Mariposa County Government Center Pledge of Allegiance Introductions Public Presentation: For Non-Timed Agenda Items including Attention, Information, and Consent Agenda, and for Items Not on the Agenda Paul Chapman referred to the presentation by Envirepel that is scheduled on the agenda, and he stated the presentation material was not available until this morning and he questioned whether that is a violation of the Brown Act. Eleanor Keuning referred to a story in the Fresno Bee that listed the top ten destinations for 2006, and she noted that Amador County was listed as number one. She advised that she has requested information from Amador County to share with our Visitors’ Bureau as she does not feel that we are getting our “bang for our buck” with tourism promotion. As Chair of the Historic Sites and Records Preservation Commission, she referred to a recent situation in the Bay Area where a purchaser of a historic residence found that he could not renovate it without input from the historic group. She noted that people purchase property here and need to be made aware of the rules. Board Information Supervisor Fritz announced that the Chili Cook-off is this Saturday at the Courthouse. Supervisor Turpin advised of the annual meeting he attended with the United States Forest Service, and he advised that the MOU for Bower Cave is in the hands of their legal staff. He commented on the ridership on the late bus for the School District; and he noted that the small buses are being used. He advised of the flood control issues that were discussed at the CSAC meeting, and he noted the need to pay attention to the financing of these issues. Supervisor Bibby advised that she attended the joint meeting of the Mother Lode Job Training Governing Board and the Workforce Investment Group on Thursday in Sonora, and options are being reviewed for budget savings. On Saturday, she attended the SCOPE recognition lunch, and she provided information on the statistics of services provided by the SCOPE volunteers – the services are equivalent to seven full-time deputies. She noted that she has been receiving calls relative to rooster and poultry activities clashing with residential areas. Over the weekend, there was a neighborhood dispute relative to the walkway at 6th Street, and she advised that all of the agencies are involved to review the County’s interest, duty, and right in this matter. Supervisor Stetson provided a status report on the misinformation and situation with CalTrans and their sanding operations; and he advised that he has been assured that their safety activities will continue. Supervisor Bibby advised that the public has been invited to share any comments or concerns on the CalTrans’ website and they will address it. Kris Schenk, Planning Director; Presentation and Discussion with the Board of Supervisors Regarding the Amortization Period for Non- conforming Signs in Mariposa County. Mariposa County Code Section 17.108.190.C, the Amortization Period for Non-conforming Signs Ends on May 1, 2006. BOARD ACTION: Discussion was held with Kris Schenk and Sarah Williams, Deputy Planning Director, regarding the amortization period for non-conforming signs in Mariposa County. Supervisor Turpin commented on the situation with off-site advertising signs, and the need to address this. MARIPOSA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CONFORMED AGENDA January 17, 2006 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 1-17-06 Supervisor Bibby commented on the impact the enforcement of the ordinance will have on staff, and she asked that information be provided to the Board on what is needed to address this impact. Discussion was held relative to provisions for temporary advertising signs and community-type signs. Supervisor Bibby noted that there is a separate process for signage in the CalTrans right-of-way. Supervisor Pickard asked about developing an inventory of the signs. Kris Schenk advised that they have an inventory; however, it needs to be reviewed with the regulations to determine where there are violations. Supervisor Pickard asked that staff work with the County Administrative Officer to include goals for this in the mid-year budget process. Discussion was held relative to the status of signs that have gone through the variance process, and it was noted that those signs are legal conforming signs. Supervisor Stetson noted the need to address signs that are not taken down when a business ceases to exist. Input from the public was provided by the following: Eleanor Keuning stated she does not feel that people know that the community sign exists that is located at the Chevron Station. She stated she would like to see a uniformity of signs throughout the County so that they are easily recognizable by the tourists. Further discussion was held. Supervisor Stetson stated he hopes that more notice of this matter can be given, so that feedback can be provided and so that the people will be aware when enforcement begins. Supervisor Bibby commented on the wayfaring sign project and suggested that consideration be given to revisiting the Mariposa Task Force and the Parking District for recommendations on sign issues. Supervisor Turpin asked about scheduling more discussion on future Board agendas on this matter for the public to provide input to the Board. It was noted that there is a request for an item to be scheduled to discuss the impacts this will have on staff. 9:48 a.m. Recess 10:06 a.m. Bob Pickard, Supervisor; Presentation by Envirepel regarding Energy BOARD ACTION: Anthony Arand, President of Envirepel; and Glenn Cunningham, Managing Director of Nexcore Capital, Inc., gave a presentation on the background on their companies. Anthony presented information on the Fallbrook Renewable Energy facility and the biomass combustion technology they use. Discussion was held relative to their process, the potential of applying this technology to our operation, the availability of funding for these programs, and use of the material that is left once the processing is complete. Supervisor Pickard asked that he and Supervisor Turpin be given ad hoc ability to keep the Board informed of the progress that Envirepel is making. Input from the public was provided by the following: Ruth Sellers asked if their technology includes processing all of the solid waste materials or just the bio-degradable materials; and she asked how this process relates to the plasma gasification process. Anthony Arand responded to the questions. Supervisor Bibby asked about the current tonnage of waste that is received at our facility and about the proposed treatment process for controlling emissions by using urea in the fuel supply instead of ammonia. Steve Engfer, PWD/Solid Waste and Recycling Manager, advised that the tonnage is about 12,000 tons a year; and that he will look into the proposed treatment process. 11:15 a.m. Recess 11:23 a.m. Rick Peresan, Technical Services Director; Presentation from the Technical Services Director and Great Valley Center on the Efforts to Improve Telecommunication Infrastructure in the AT&T (formerly SBC) Service Areas BOARD ACTION: Rick Peresan introduced Richard Jantz, consultant for the Great Valley Center. Richard Jantz gave a presentation on the efforts to improve telecommunication infrastructure and on a grant application. Discussion was held. Supervisor Bibby asked that the use of the term of connecting all elements of all communities for the portal in the grant application be clarified. Discussion was held relative to future maintenance of the portal. Supervisor Stetson asked for clarification of whether a cell tower is involved in this. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 1-17-06 Input from the public was provided by the following: MaryAnn Huff stated she lives in Coulterville and operates businesses and needs to have good internet access. Dwight Mueller, President of the Lake Don Pedro Homeowners Association, commented on the potential growth in the area to 12,000 people and of the importance of getting good internet access. Discussion was held relative to the timeline for submitting the grant application and when supporting letters are needed. Supervisor Pickard noted the importance of bringing this service to Wawona. Rick Peresan provided input relative to working with all of the communities in the County. Cherylann Schimmelfenning, owner of the Hotel Jeffery, noted that this is the oldest operating saloon in California and they have the potential to house a lot of people. She noted that a barrier has been the lack of high-speed internet access. Further discussion was held. Supervisor Bibby stated she would like to encourage the telephone companies that service the County to have the proper infrastructure in place; and she encouraged citizens to write letters to the providers letting them know what they need and expect. (M)Turpin, (S)Pickard, to endorse the efforts of the Great Valley Center to pursue this project, was withdrawn following further discussion. Direction was given for the Technical Services Director to bring back a letter for the Board Chair’s signature for the Board to adopt to support this project. It was agreed that Mr. Jantz could indicate in his grant application that there is a high degree of interest on the part of each Supervisor for this project. Approval of Consent Agenda (See End of Minutes) BOARD ACTION: All items were pulled for individual action. Supervisor Bibby pulled items 4, 7, and 8. Supervisor Turpin pulled items 3, 6, and 7. Supervisor Pickard pulled items 1, 2, and 5. Consent Agenda item 1 – Certification of Appreciation for Skip Skyrud. Supervisor Pickard commended Skip for his service. (M)Pickard, (S)Fritz, item 1 was approved/Ayes: Unanimous. Consent Agenda item 2 – Appointment of Lee Hanna and acceptance of resignation of Bill Bondshu from the Medical Services Program Appeal Board. Supervisor Pickard commended Bill for his service. (M)Pickard, (S)Fritz, item 2 was approved/Ayes: Unanimous. Consent Agenda item 3 – Second amendment to grant agreement with the Mariposa County Fire Safe Council. Supervisor Pickard suggested that the agreement be extended for another sixty days beyond the February 28th date to allow sufficient time. Discussion was held. (M)Turpin, (S)Pickard, item 3 was approved, including approval to extend the agreement for another sixty days beyond the February 28th date providing this does not conflict with the grant agreement; and with direction for the County Administrative Officer to check to see if the extension is okay/Ayes: Unanimous. Consent Agenda item 4 – Amendment to the Mental Health Clinician job description. Supervisor Bibby asked that the job description be corrected to include the position as receiving supervision from the Human Services Director. (M)Bibby, (S)Turpin, item 4 was approved, with the correction/Ayes: Unanimous. Consent Agenda item 5 – Establishment of tax rate on the Yosemite High School Bond. Supervisor Pickard asked if the tax rate for the Wawona School is included in this item; and he asked the County Administrative Officer to obtain clarification. (M)Pickard, (S)Bibby, item 5 was approved. Supervisor Bibby noted that our School District loses ADA funds if students from Mariposa County attend schools in the surrounding counties that have better facilities. Ayes: Unanimous. Consent Agenda item 6 – Road Division budget action for Engineering Technician position. Supervisor Turpin asked if this action will help to move projects forward. Carl Casey/PWD-Fiscal Officer, responded in the affirmative. (M)Turpin, (S)Pickard, item 6 was approved/Ayes: Unanimous. Consent Agenda item 7 – Agreement with Advocation. Supervisor Turpin asked for clarification of the contract amount and expenses. Supervisor Bibby asked whether the task to work with officials on dam permit issues included fees for ponds. She suggested that language be added to include all water issues affecting the County. Rich Inman, County Administrative Officer, advised that the six- month contract may not allow enough time to address the broad water issues. Supervisor Bibby asked for clarification relative to representation of the County’s interest in the Park Bond issue. (M)Pickard, (S)Fritz, item 7 was approved/Ayes: Unanimous. ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 1-17-06 Consent Agenda item 8 – Approve annual Chili Cook-off as a County sponsored event. Supervisor Bibby initiated discussion and asked for clarification of whether alcohol is being provided and whether there is any County cost for this event. Supervisor Fritz advised that the expenses would be for the porta-potties and should be minimal as she is hoping that the revenue will off-set the expenses, plus there will be expenses for advertising that was done by the Visitors’ Bureau for the event. The Lions’ Club will be the vendor for the beer and that will be separate from the County. She also advised that the SCOPE volunteers will assist with security around the Courthouse. (M)Bibby, (S)Fritz, item 8 was approved/Ayes: Unanimous. 12:43 p.m. – Lunch 2:06 p.m. Blaine Schultz, Fire Chief; Workshop to Review the Mariposa County Emergency Operations Plan BOARD ACTION: Blaine Shultz advised that the Department of Homeland Security has taken over the Office of Emergency Services as far as disaster planning is concerned. He gave a presentation on the Mariposa County Emergency Operations Plan; and he presented pocket guides of the Plan. Discussion was held. Supervisor Bibby asked if the School District’s planning was a part of this. Supervisor Pickard suggested that the titles of the positions be shown without specific names in the future in the pocket guide. Blaine advised that he needs to come back for the Board to adopt the Plan and for the Board to adopt the NIMS (National Incident Management System) as our Incident Management System. Further discussion was held. Supervisor Bibby noted that the proper spelling of “McCay” Hall should be used throughout the document. 3:33 p.m. Discussion and Possible Further Action Regarding the Local Emergency Due to the Flooding that Occurred throughout the County (County Counsel) BOARD ACTION: Tom Guarino, County Counsel, advised that based on his discussion with the Public Works Director, it is recommended that the Board continue the findings for the local emergency. (M)Bibby, (S)Turpin, Res. 06-27 was adopted continuing the local emergency due to the flooding that occurred/Ayes: Unanimous. Approval of Minutes of December 6, 2005, Regular Meeting (Clerk of the Board) BOARD ACTION: (M)Bibby, (S)Fritz, the minutes were approved/Ayes: Unanimous. CLOSED SESSION: Conference with County Labor Negotiator; Name of Employee Organization: Sheriffs’ Management Association (SMA); Name of County Designated Representative: Rich Inman, County Administrative Officer (County Administrative Officer); and CLOSED SESSION: Conference with County Labor Negotiator; Name of Employee Organization: Mariposa County Managerial/Confidential Organization (MCMCO); Name of County Designated Representative: Rich Inman, County Administrative Officer (County Administrative Officer) BOARD ACTION: Rich Inman, County Administrative Officer, advised that these closed sessions were not needed. CLOSED SESSION: Conference with Legal Counsel Relative to Anticipated Litigation/Significant Exposure to Litigation of One Case Pursuant to Subdivision of the California Government Code Section 54956.9(a) (County Counsel) BOARD ACTION: (M)Fritz, (S)Bibby, the closed session was held/Ayes: Unanimous. 3:34 p.m. Supervisor Bibby excused herself from the following matter due to a potential conflict of interest as her spouse is employed by the Sheriff’s Department. CLOSED SESSION: Conference with County Labor Negotiator; Name of Employee Organization: Deputy Sheriffs’ Association (DSA); Name of Designated Representative: Rich Inman, County Administrative Officer (County Administrative Officer) ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 1-17-06 BOARD ACTION: (M)Fritz, (S)Pickard, the closed session was held with Mary Hodson, Deputy County Administrative Officer, and Sandi Laird, Administrative Analyst-Administration, present/Ayes: Stetson, Turpin, Fritz, Pickard; Excused: Bibby 4:54 p.m. Chairman Stetson announced that direction was given to staff as a result of the closed session items. CONSENT AGENDA: CA-1 Authorize a Certificate of Appreciation to be sent to Skip Skyrud for his Service on the Mental Health Board (Human Services Director) CA-2 Appoint Lee Hanna as Hearing Officer and Accept the Resignation of Bill Bondshu as the Alternate Hearing Officer of the Medical Services Program Appeal Board (Human Services Director) CA-3 Approve the Second Amendment to the Grant Agreement with the Mariposa County Fire Safe Council for the Countywide Fire Safe Education/Chipping Demonstration and Assistance Program, Extending the Term of the Agreement to February 28, 2006 and Authorize the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors to Sign the Amendment (County Administrative Officer); Res. 06-21, with direction to extend the term of the amendment for an additional sixty days CA-4 Approve an Amendment to the Mental Health Clinician Job Description to Appropriately Define the Minimum Qualifications (County Administrative Officer); Res. 06-22, with correction CA-5 Adopt a Resolution Establishing the Tax Rate on the Yosemite High School Bond for the Secured Property Tax Roll of 2005-2006 (Auditor); Res. 06-23, with direction to staff CA-6 Authorize the Road Division to Fund an Engineering Technician Position for the Remainder of the Fiscal Year, and Approve Budget Action Transferring Salary Savings from the Junior Engineer Position to the Engineering Technician Line Item to Cover the Cost of Filling the Position ($18,000) (Public Works Director); Res. 06-24 CA-7 Approve 6 Month Agreement Between County of Mariposa and Advocation for Lobbying Activities for $12,600 and Authorize the Chairman of the Board to Sign (County Administrative Officer); Res. 06-25 CA-8 Affirmation by the Board of Supervisors that the Annual Chili Cook-Off is a County Sponsored Event (County Administrative Officer); Res. 06-26 4:55 p.m. Adjournment in memory of Lloyd Bruce Hansen, Sr. Respectfully submitted, MARGIE WILLIAMS Clerk of the Board