Full Text
Time Description 9:00 a.m. Meeting Called to Order at the Mariposa County Government Center Pledge of Allegiance Introductions Chair Bibby advised of an addendum to the agenda to add a closed session matter. Approval of Consent Agenda (See End of Minutes) 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: Input from the public was provided by the following: Mark Lamb referred to item 5, a claim he filed against the County for damages to his vehicle. He presented photographs of Dogtown Road to show his concerns with the brush. Paul Chapman referred to item 9, and expressed concern with what he feels is a high cost for the Greeley Hill and the Mariposa Town walkway projects. 9:06 a.m. Recess for the Board members to have an opportunity to review the photographs presented by Mr. Lamb. 9:10 a.m. Supervisor Bibby pulled item 11, and action was taken on this item later in the meeting. (M)Aborn, (S)Fritz, the balance of the items was approved/Ayes: Unanimous. Dr. Mosher, Health Officer, provided an update on the meningitis case involving a student at Catheys Valley Elementary School – the child is home and doing quite well and tests showed that this was not the contagious kind of meningitis; and he advised of their meeting with the parents at the School on April 3rd. Public Presentation: For Items within the Jurisdiction of the Board and not on Today’s Agenda. Paul Chapman presented a recent news story on a plasma gasification facility in Japan; and he stated he does not feel that our compost facility is working. Dick Hutchinson asked what the County’s lobbyist (Advocation) is doing for the County and whether they are helping with the rockslide. Supervisor Pickard responded under Board Information. Eleanor Keuning stated she is happy that Leonard Road is graded. She advised of her efforts to reach the Visitors’ Bureau; and she suggested that the changes and the locations of the Visitor’s Bureau and the Economic Development functions be publicized so that the public is aware. Kenneth Gosting, TIE (Transportation Involves Everyone), presented a copy of a CalTrans’ brochure for Amtrak California – Making Tracks. He advised that he feels that distribution of this brochure was supposed to be in November 2006, but it was held until it was determined whether MARIPOSA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CONFORMED AGENDA April 10, 2007 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 4-10-07 Mariposa County would be a member of the San Joaquin Valley Rail Committee and would be keeping the bus connection in Merced. He presented a copy of the YARTS bus schedule showing there are more connection opportunities between Amtrak and the bus to Yosemite than what is reflected in the brochure. Board Information Supervisor Turpin advised of his meeting on Monday with the Stanislaus National Forest Service in Buck Meadows relative to the OHV (off-highway vehicle) issues and proposed routes. He advised that it was noted that the maps need to be corrected to reflect residential accesses. He also noted the proposal by the Forest Service to restrict vehicles to one-car length for being able to pull off of the roads in the forests. He plans to attend the Red Cloud Library meeting and the Airport Advisory Committee meeting on Thursday. Supervisor Aborn advised that he plans to attend the San Joaquin Valley Rail Committee meeting being held in Oakland. He plans to look at a couple of community safety issues in El Portal this week; and later in the week the 4-H group will be going to the Cow Palace. Supervisor Pickard advised that he plans to attend the California Bio-Diversity Council meeting on Wednesday and Thursday; and their spring conference will focus on the OHV uses and issues. He plans to attend a meeting in Sacramento to work on the allocation formula for the noxious weed funding. He addressed Dick Hutchinson’s questions relative to work done by Advocation in Sacramento on the County’s behalf – he advised that Wes Lujan works for Advocation, Inc., and he is working on SB 277, introduced by Senator Cogdill, to reauthorize vehicle and gas tax funding for the three counties without incorporated cities. He noted that the company screens other legislation that could be of impact or affect the County, including legislation sponsored by Senator Denham for the six counties that have a consequence due to a negative bailout formula as a result of Proposition 13, and he is working on other legislation. Supervisor Fritz advised that the Civil War Reenactment planning is progressing; and about 700 students from the County will be participating. Her District IV meeting is scheduled at the Government Center this evening. On Thursday, she plans to attend the Gateway Communities meeting in Yosemite; and she plans to attend the San Joaquin Valley Rail Committee meeting in Oakland. She noted that the Gem and Mineral Show is scheduled for this weekend at the Fairgrounds, and the San Joaquin Valley Regional Association of California Counties conference is scheduled for next week in Sequoia National Park. Supervisor Bibby advised that the dedication of the monument by the Clampers at the Mariposa Museum and History Center, recognizing the History Center’s 50th anniversary on Saturday was well attended; and she complimented the Clampers on the beautiful monument. She advised that the Safe at Home event on Saturday was a success, and she helped with the identification/fingerprint cards for the children. Discussion and Possible Further Action Regarding Continuation of the Local Emergency Due to Landslides on Highway 140 Enroute to Yosemite National Park (County Counsel/County Administrative Officer) BOARD ACTION: Rick Benson, County Administrative Officer, advised that he is still pursuing the socio-economic study; and he spoke with a person, referred via Congressman Radanovich, who is an expert with road issues and funding. This person is reviewing the information relative to the rockslide and will advise whether he feels he can provide some assistance. Rick Benson advised that there was another conference call with the affected agencies, and CalTrans is doing everything they can within their constraints to move things along. CalTrans also advised that the cantilever proposal was not a new plan, but had been considered previously. Supervisor Pickard noted that there is another plan for an option of a tunnel with the Sierra National Forest that is being considered. Chair Bibby advised of her request to Julie Dunning, CalTrans, to keep the Board informed of the scheduling of the conference calls and of any new information. Input from the public was provided by the following: Dick Hutchinson asked about the status of a meeting with CalTrans to review the options being proposed. Rick Benson advised that two presentations are being scheduled by CalTrans for the ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 4-10-07 public to review the proposals. The first presentation is scheduled for May 23, 2007, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Government Center. Rick Benson advised that the information that is being compiled relative to the impacts of the rockslide is to keep the legislators and the Governor informed. (M)Aborn, (S)Turpin, Res. 07-133 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. Supervisor Pickard advised of coordination with YARTS to try to identify a way to stage buses to be able to utilize the full-sized buses as much as possible – i.e., use the small buses to cross the bridges and transfer the passengers to the large buses on each side. Supervisor Fritz commented on the recent YARTS meeting and consideration of this proposal. Ayes: Unanimous. Dana Hertfelder, Public Works Director; Presentation of the Landscape Plan for the Don Pedro Wastewater Treatment Facility by Kay Hutmacher, Landscape Architect BOARD ACTION: Dana Hertfelder introduced Kay Hutmacher, and she reviewed the landscape plan for the facility. Discussion was held. There was no public input. Motion by Turpin to approve the plan as presented, was withdrawn following further discussion. County Counsel responded to a question from Chair Bibby, and he advised that this matter was noticed as a presentation, so information could only be received. Public Works will bring back an item for action to approve the plan. 10:05 a.m. Recess 10:13 a.m. Supervisors Pickard; Discussion and Approval of Comments from the Board Concerning the Proposed Increase in the Entrance Rate for Yosemite National Park’s Entrances BOARD ACTION: Supervisor Pickard initiated discussion relative to the letter providing comments on the proposed increase in entrance fees, and he asked that the letter be copied to the Secretary of Interior. There was no public input. Leroy Radanovich, Tourism Director for the Yosemite/Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, was thanked for Bureau’s letter. (M)Pickard, (S)Fritz, Res. 07-134 was adopted approving the letter providing comments, with direction for the Secretary of Interior to be added to the distribution/Ayes: Unanimous. Consider Items Removed from the Consent Agenda Consent Agenda item 11 – PERS health benefit vesting. Discussion was held with Rick Benson relative to this matter and the process with PERS and the effective implementation date. It was clarified that PERS did not accept the Board’s original action to be effective until February 1, 2007, for employees; and the action today will have an effective implementation date of May 1, 2007 for appointed and elected officials. Rick Benson noted that this action does not affect Supervisor Aborn since PERS did not accept the Board’s original action to be effective until February 1st. The Fire Chief was the only appointed official that was affected by the implementation. (M)Turpin, (S)Fritz, item 11 was approved/Ayes: Unanimous. Approve Budget Action Reducing Funds in the Tourism (Economic Development) Budget and Increasing General Contingency ($63,926) (4/5ths Vote Required) (County Administrative Officer/Personnel/Risk Manager) BOARD ACTION: Discussion was held with Rick Benson; and he advised of his recommendation to show two new departments in the budget for the next fiscal year for Economic Development to account for this function separate of the County Administrative Office, and a budget to account for the contributions made to outside organizations, i.e., Arts Council – tentatively being called “Special Services.” Supervisor Bibby asked about being able to track funds/budgets for special events. Input from the public was provided by the following: Dick Hutchinson stated he feels there is a need and a desire to reopen the Visitors’ Center on Saturdays and Sundays, and he suggested that the unused funds be used for that purpose. He advised of tour buses that are planned to come into town until September. ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 4-10-07 Further discussion was held. Supervisor Turpin asked the County Administrative Officer to bring back information on what the costs would be for opening the Visitors’ Center as requested. Supervisor Fritz stated she feels the Chamber of Commerce has it in their budget to open for the summer hours shortly. Supervisor Aborn asked whether the Chamber of Commerce would consider an earlier opening of the summer schedule to coincide with the change in the daylight savings time. (M)Fritz, (S)Aborn, Res. 07-136 was adopted approving the recommended budget action/Ayes: Unanimous. CLOSED SESSION: Liability Claims; Claimant Name: Mark Lamb; Claim Number: C07-6; Name of Agency Sued: County of Mariposa (County Administrative Officer/Personnel/Risk Manager); and CLOSED SESSION: Liability Claims; Claimant Name: Shannon A. Johnson; Claim Number: C07-7; Name of Agency Sued: County of Mariposa (County Administrative Officer/Personnel/Risk Manager) BOARD ACTION: These closed sessions were not held. 10:38 a.m. CLOSED SESSION: Conference with Real Property Negotiator; Description of Real Property: 4988 11th Street; Agency Negotiator: Thomas P. Guarino; Name of party who will Negotiate with County (Not Party’s Agent): Barbara Jean Spear and Thompson/Spear Family Trust; Closed Session will Concern Price and Terms of Lease/Purchase (County Counsel) BOARD ACTION: (M)Fritz, (S)Aborn, the closed session was held. There was no public input. Ayes: Unanimous. 11:28 a.m. Chair Bibby announced that information was received and direction was given to the negotiator and staff as a result of the closed session. CONSENT AGENDA: CA-1 Approve an Agreement with 35-District Fair for Sheriff’s Community Organized Policing Effort (SCOPE) to Participate in an Authorize the Board of Supervisors Chair to Sign the Agreement (Sheriff); Res. 07-125 CA-2 Approve Budget Action Transferring Funds within the Sheriff’s Budget to Cover Increased Utilities Created by the Addition of the Public Works Road Personnel and Installation of a Temporary Storage for the Lake Don Pedro Subdivision Fire Truck ($2,000) (Sheriff); Res. 07-126 CA-3 Approve Budget Action Increasing Revenue and Corresponding Appropriations in the Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) Accounts ($5,330) (4/5ths Vote Required) (Sheriff); Res. 07-127 CA-4 Approve Agreement with Forensic Nurse Specialists of Central California, Inc. for Sexual Assault Examination Services and Authorize the Board of Supervisors Chair to Sign the Agreement (Sheriff); Res. 07-128 CA-5 Recommend the Rejection of Claim No. C07-6 Filed by Mark Lamb for $3,000 and Authorize the Board of Supervisors chair to Sign Notice of Rejection (County Administrative Officer/Personnel/Risk Manager); Res. 07-129 CA-6 Recommend the Rejection of Claim No. C07-7 Filed by Shannon A. Johnson for an Undetermined Amount and Authorize the Board of Supervisors Chair to Sign Notice of Rejection (County Administrative Officer/Personnel/Risk Manager); Res. 07-130 CA-7 Accept the Resignation of Sue Peterson from the Mental Health Board (Human Services Director) ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 4-10-07 CA-8 Approve an Amendment to Agreement with RRM Design for Master Plan Services for the Regional Recreation Complex and Authorize the Board of Supervisors Chair to Sign the Amendment (Public Works Director); Res. 07-131 CA-9 Authorize the Public Works Director to Apply for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Funds for the Greeley Hill Walkway Project and the Mariposa Town Walkway Project (Public Works Director); Res. 07-132 CA-10 Approval of Minutes of March 13, 2007, Regular Meeting (Clerk of the Board) CA-11 Adopt a Resolution Clarifying the Intent that all New County Employees, Including Appointed and Elected Officials, Will be Subject to the Health Benefit Vesting Requirement as a Future Retiree Under the Public Employees’ Medical and Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA) to be Effective May 1, 2007 (County Administrative Officer/Personnel/Risk Manager); Res. 07-135 11:29 a.m. Adjournment in memory of Diana R. Hubbard, Sylvia J. Larson, Fred Lester, Jr., Maxine Cutter, and Walter R. “Walt” Scott. Respectfully submitted, MARGIE WILLIAMS Clerk of the Board