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MARIPOSA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CONFORMED AGENDA March 29, 2005 Special Meeting Time Description 9:11 a.m. The Special Meeting was called to order at the Mariposa County Government Center, with Supervisor Stetson excused. Chairman Pickard noted that this meeting was called and noticed in compliance with the Brown Act requirements for public meetings. Pledge of Allegiance Public Presentation for Matters Pertaining to the March 22, 2005, Flooding that Occurred throughout the County: Charles McGuirk stated he lives on Detwiler Road, and that he came before the Board seven years ago with a petition urging improvements to the road. He noted that the road is in the same condition today, and not just damaged because of the flooding. He stated that over the course of the years, the road has deteriorated to a point that he does not feel that two vehicles, particularly fire trucks, can pass safely. Given the heavy winter rains and the growth of the grass, he feels that we could be in for the worse fire season yet. He commented on the increased development in the area, and he noted that the road condition leaves several residents with a long, one-way access. He stated that a section of the road was built in a stream bed, and he presented photographs showing the condition of Hunters Valley and Detwiler Roads. Chairman Pickard noted that Public Works is continuing to look at these roads and other areas affected by the flooding. Supervisor Bob Pickard, Chairman; Discussion and Necessary Actions Regarding the Flooding that Recently Occurred throughout the County; and Adoption of Resolution Declaring Local Emergency BOARD ACTION: Jim Middleton, Deputy Fire Chief, reviewed the storm activity that occurred on March 22, 2005, and the resulting damage. He advised of damages to the bridges at Hornitos Road and Merced Falls and White Rock Road; damages to homes and businesses; and to several roads. He advised that they are still working on the damage assessment, and that they are working with Office of Emergency Services (OES) on this. He noted that the California Department of Corrections (CDC) crews from Mt. Bullion assisted with the sandbags. He also commented on rescues that occurred on Highway 140 at Chase Ranch due to the flooded highway. Dana Hertfelder, Public Works Director, noted that the current cost estimate for the damage is 1.5 million dollars; however, they are still doing assessments and repairs, and he expects that number to climb. He noted that they will need the water levels to drop to complete their assessment of the bridges. Jim Middleton reviewed the declaration of a local emergency procedures, and requests for financial assistance from the State and Federal government. He also advised that citizens should be referred to their insurance carriers for possible coverage, and that the Small Business Administration is available to assist small businesses with loans. Chairman Pickard advised that he contacted Cogdill and Senator Poochigian’s offices, and they hope to have representatives from each office assist with the survey work. Discussion was held. Supervisor Turpin commented on the repairs and the need to look at repairs to avoid these types of damages in the future. Supervisor Bibby complimented Public Works and all of the safety and law enforcement personnel for their response during this disaster. Discussion was held relative to providing additional information, photographs and costs information, for the emergency. Tom Guarino, ---PAGE BREAK--- 3-29-05 2 County Counsel, advised that an item relative to this local emergency will be placed on the agenda each week until it completes itself, so additional information could be submitted beyond what have been presented to the Board for this meeting, and for submittal to the Governor and OES. He further noted that the Board could direct that the photographs that Mr. McGuirk presented this morning and those of the home that flooded be included at this time in the exhibit. Supervisor Bibby noted that the law enforcement officers and SCOPE officers have been taking photographs. Supervisor Fritz extended her compliments to all of the emergency services, including CDF and CDC, for their amazing teamwork in this disaster. Jerry Progner, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, advised of his contact with the Farm Services Office in Merced for assistance, and he stated he will keep the Board informed of the status. Chairman Pickard introduced and welcomed Karen Robb, the new County Director/Farm Advisor. Karen commented on the impact the storm had to the agriculture industry. She stated she feels the current estimates they have received for damages are low and will be much higher once infrastructure damage is known. She advised that she is reviewing options for assistance. (M)Fritz, (S)Bibby, Res. 05-111 was adopted proclaiming the existence of a local emergency and requesting the Governor to proclaim a State of Emergency; with direction that the photographs presented this morning of the Hunters Valley Road area and the house that flooded, be included in the Exhibit to the resolution/Ayes: Turpin, Bibby, Fritz, Pickard; Excused: Stetson. 9:42 a.m. Adjournment Respectfully submitted, MARGIE WILLIAMS Clerk of the Board