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Time Description 9:09 a.m. Meeting Called to Order at the Mariposa County Government Center Pledge of Allegiance led by members of Boy Scouts Troop 97. Introductions Chair Bibby advised of an addendum to the agenda to add a closed session. Board Information Supervisor Fritz advised that historic downtown merchants are meeting this evening and planning for the town lighting for Christmas. Supervisor Pickard advised that he plans to attend the RCRC (Regional Council of Rural Counties) meeting on Wednesday and the Environmental Services JPA meeting on Thursday in Sacramento. Supervisor Aborn advised that there will be a High Speed Rail meeting on August 30th in Merced to receive public input on the proposed routes. Supervisor Turpin advised that the Sultry Summer Shindig event was held in Coulterville a week earlier. He attended the meeting with the Forest Service and the SWIFT meeting on Wednesday. He noted that there was a small fire in Don Pedro the previous week. Supervisor Bibby advised that a letter was received from Senator Cogdill supporting continuation of the Williamson Act subvention funding. Public Presentation: For Items within the Jurisdiction of the Board and not on Today’s Agenda – none. 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: Following discussion, (M)Turpin, (S)Pickard, Res. 07-396 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. 9:19 a.m. CLOSED SESSION: Conference with Legal Counsel: Existing Litigation: California Government Code Section 54956.9(a); Name of Claimant or Case Number and Name of Adverse Parties: Michael & Jennifer Starr v. County of Mariposa; Case No. 9068 (County Counsel) BOARD ACTION: (M)Aborn, (S)Fritz, the closed session was held/Ayes: Unanimous. 9:30 a.m. RESULTS OF CLOSED SESSION: Chair Bibby announced that action was taken by unanimous vote to authorize County Counsel to retain outside counsel. Chair Bibby announced that the Board is in recess to reconvene in Fish Camp for the public hearing on the SDA Camp Wawona. 11:32 a.m. The Board reconvened at Camp Green Meadows located at: 7794 White Chief Mountain Road, Fish Camp, CA MARIPOSA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS August 14, 2007 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 8-14-07 Kris Schenk, Planning Director; PUBLIC HEARING for the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Camp Wawona Redevelopment Project NOTE: The Board of Supervisors may complete the public testimony portion of the public hearing process and may commence deliberations. It is expected that the public hearing will be continued to a date and time certain for final action on the project, which will consist of: A) Specific Plan/Zoning Text Amendment No. 2002-345: A text amendment to change the Wawona Town Specific Plan, to create a new conditional use designation for “Organizational Recreation Camp”, a new conditional use in the Mountain Residential Land Use and Zone: “An area containing one or more permanent buildings and or developed campsites that are used for recreational purposes, for the transitory accommodation of members and invitees of private organizations or groups, and is not open to the general public. The recreational activities and camping are provided as part of an organized program that is owned, managed, controlled and maintained by the private not-for-profit organization or group.” The Board of Supervisors will also consider a recommended amendment to the Specific Plan lot coverage standards for the Mountain Residential Land Use and Zone to clarify applicability to this project. B) Conditional Use Permit No. 2002-246: A proposed permit to conditionally approve the proposed phased redevelopment plan for the Seventh Day Adventists’ organizational recreation camp, which includes demolition of existing camp buildings and facilities and construction of new buildings and facilities and associated site work on the camp’s existing property. Note that the land exchange with the National Park Service has been abandoned and is no longer a part of the project. All redevelopment activities will occur on existing SDA owned property. The applicant has proposed architectural design guidelines, elevations, a site plan, a phasing plan, and a preliminary grading plan. C) Environmental Impact Report No. 2002-292: The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) must be certified with mitigation measures to approve the project as recommended. There are several mitigation measures resulting from the environmental review of the project, one of which includes limits on occupancy of the facility based upon the condition of Forest Drive. The project applicant is the Central California Conference of Seventh Day Adventists Camp Wawona, an existing camp facility, is located on two parcels of privately owned land in the southeastern corner of Section 35 of Township 4 South, Range 21 East Mount Diablo Base & Meridian, inside Yosemite National Park, within the community of Wawona in Mariposa County. APN 010-280-009, a 30.45 acre parcel is the last privately owned parcel at the southeastern end of Forest Drive (8110 Forest Drive) and the parcel on which the redevelopment activity is proposed. APN 010-280-010, a 1.768 acre parcel is located on the north side of Forest Drive, between Forest Drive and the South Fork of the Merced River. Access to the site is from Forest Drive. BOARD ACTION: Chair Bibby introduced the Board members and staff, and she advised of the hearing process. Following discussion, (M)Aborn, the Board accepted the following timelines for the hearing: applicant and opponent to be allowed fifteen minutes each for their presentation; three minutes will be allowed to each person wishing to provide input; and ten minutes will be allowed for rebuttal. The motion was amended, following further discussion, to allow thirty minutes for the applicant and the opponent’s formal presentations; and the motion was seconded by Pickard/Ayes: Unanimous. Kris Schenk advised that the correspondence that was received for this project has been copied to each of the Board members, and the Planning has posted documents for this project to their website. He advised that this project began in 1991 when Camp Wawona made application for a permit to reconstruct a demolished building. He advised that the use has existed for at least 75 years. He advised that the following were present for the hearing to respond to questions: Attorney Bill Abbott/Abbott & Kindermann; Steve Heipel/development of the EIR (Environmental Impact Report); and Ken Anderson/traffic consultant; Jim Wilson/Fire Chief; and Linda Dahl/Chief of Planning for Yosemite National Park. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 8-14-07 Sarah Williams, Deputy Planning Director, presented the staff report for the project; and she advised that the project consists of a Specific Plan/Zoning Text Amendment, a Conditional Use Permit, and an EIR. Chair Bibby advised that sign-in sheets were available for persons wishing to speak, and she advised that it is not necessary to sign-in or to provide your name in order to speak. She also advised that written comments will be entered into and become a part of the record. The public portion of the hearing was opened and input was provided by the following: Applicant’s Presentation: Jerry Page, President of the SDA Camp Central Valley Conference, reviewed the history of their project, he reviewed their mission and efforts to be good neighbors in the community. He reviewed their programs and activities held at Camp Wawona. He referred to a letter from Pastor Wells in support of the Camp. He advised that they are trying to comply with the property line/boundary issues and ADA requirements, etc. Michelle Coats, Coats Consulting/planning consultant, advised that the project is compliant with the General Plan, planning and zoning; it will eliminate/minimize impacts to the environment; and they want to work with the neighboring communities. She reviewed their history and relationship in working with the community of Wawona; and she advised of their efforts to address the concerns that have been expressed. David Lee, Fletemeyer and Lee Architect, advised that the existing structures do not meet codes or accreditation standards; and they need to be ADA accessible. There is a need to increase the square footage and quality of the buildings. He addressed occupancy issues. Ramiro Cano asked members of the audience to stand that were in support of this project. David Lee responded to questions from the Board relative to meeting the new building code changes that are being proposed by the State Fire Marshal. Presentation on Behalf of the National Park Service: Linda Dahl reviewed the history of the involvement of the National Park Service in this project, including the original proposal to exchange land. She advised that they are happy with the compliance on the conditions that have been asked, and with the modifications to the project that have been made. She reviewed the issues that have been raised, including the following: they believe that the issue of water supply has been studied and no impact has been found; they do not find any detrimental impact relative to the issue of the sewage treatment facility; they agree with the transportation report relative to the traffic concerns for Forest Drive; and they agree with allowing for pullouts and handling them with a categorical exclusion. She referred to the letter from Attorney Stephan Volker in opposition to the project and reiterated the Park Service’s involvement in this project and the process. She advised that in regard to the noise issue, they do not want the public address system to be heard beyond the Camp’s boundary. She responded to questions from the Board relative to the changes with process in the Merced River Plan and relative to addressing reduction of fuel loads in the area. Opponent’s Presentation: Diana Watson, Wawona landowner, referred to a letter submitted by an attorney the people in the area retained to protect the area. She advised that the attorney did not appear to make a presentation because it was felt that their time would be limited to three minutes. She advised that should the Board vote to proceed with this project, they plan to proceed with the Court process. Supervisor Pickard clarified that the letter she referred to was received from Attorney Volker on August 13, 2007. 1:08 p.m. Lunch ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 8-14-07 1:58 p.m. The Board reconvened. Persons Speaking in Support of the Project: Leslie Escola, family has been in the Wawona area for 60 years; and she provided input of her memories of Camp Wawona being a wonderful neighbor. She served on the WAPOA (Wawona Area Property Owners Association) Board. She stated she feels the opposition is based on erroneous facts. She supports the project and feels the community needs Camp Wawona. Cecyl Rentfro has been involved with several organizations that have used the Camp; and he referred to an event where they hosted blind children including his daughter and the impact it had on the children’s lives. William Poft has been an Adventist member for 72 years; as a parent and church member, the Camp has been a wonderful opportunity for children. As a member of the Executive Committee, he feels the Conference has done everything possible to address the concerns that have been raised about the project. Kathy provided input on her experience as a young teenager at the Camp. Maria Moenc signed the sheet in support of the project, but did not wish to speak. Elden Ramirez provided input on his experiences at the Camp, and now he is Camp Director. He advised that they charter buses in the summer to reduce traffic on Forest Road. He advised that Indian Camp is an important part of their program. He provided input on the strong medical team that they have available at the Camp. Steve Horton, President of Ministries for the Central Valley Conference, advised that the Camp has been a part of his life for over 40 years and he commented on the retreats that are offered. He advised that they carpool as much as possible to reduce traffic. He is concerned that the proposed limits on occupancy will affect the number of people that will be able to experience this Camp. Ted Seybold came to the Camp 73 years ago and provided input on his memories. He advised that the Camp does not make enough money to cover the costs of this project; funds are being donated. Kathleen Lutz provided input on her attendance at the Camp as a youth and the opportunity to learn cooking skills that she has continued to use. Her children and grandchildren benefit from attending the Camp. She noted she has seen deterioration of the buildings, and noted that they existed when she attended Camp. Jackie Bragaw, representing Yosemite Ridge, advised that they hold camps for children with life threatening diseases at Camp Wawona and this opportunity provides benefits for the children and the parents. She referred to a recent camp for epileptic children. Delight Winterberg, lives in Fish Camp, provided input on how much the Camp and the area means to her. She noted that her mother was active in starting the Camp, and her family has continued to attend the Camp. Dennis Seaton signed the sheet in support of the project, but did not wish to speak. Gene Spindler, resident of the area, stated he has been a member of WAPOA since 1984 and he works with the SDA Conference and with Camp Wawona. He commended staff on the report; and he provided input on the Conference’s processes, including the land exchange proposal until the National Park Service withdrew that requirement, and on their efforts to accommodate requests. He feels that they have been more than accommodating in agreeing to reduce the occupancy from their current high peak levels. Zachary Page provided input on the impacts Camp Wawona has had on his life, and he advised that the Indian Camp program holds a special place in his heart and has taught him the importance of living in harmony with the environment. Tom Sheldon provided on his experience at Camp Wawona after serving in the military in 1946; and he advised that he became a teacher and has worked at the Camp. Harry Van Pelt advised that he grew up in San Francisco and he found his attendance at Camp Wawona to be very educational and directive, and his grandson has attended the Camp. He feels the Camp meets so many needs in a responsible and productive way, and he feels it should be allowed to continue. He noted that the present cafeteria was in existence when he attended camp. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 8-14-07 Milly Brieno advised that her family has attended Camp Wawona for over 50 years and she hopes that they can continue to do so in the future. Bonnie Villegas, cousin to Milly Brieno, provided input on her experiences at Camp Wawona; and she advised that it is a special place for them. Irvin Curtis advised that his family began coming to Camp Wawona in 1946 and they are still involved in the activities. He commented on the educational opportunities and the importance of protecting the environment. Antonio Romero stated he has been enjoying Camp Wawona since he came from Europe in 1974. He commented on the social benefits of the Camp and the nature setting. Abel Langan provided input on his experiences at Camp Wawona, and later as a speaker on the American culture at the Camp for Asian ethnic groups - Hmongs, Laotians, and Thais, etc. This provided them an opportunity to learn about the environment. Ken Lockwood advised that he dated his wife at Camp Wawona, and he and his family members have been employees at the Camp off and on. Richard Wilson stated he is a “happy camper” and he and his wife have been attending Camp Wawona for a number of years. Tom Krazan stated he hopes there will be no winners and losers in this process; that everyone is good neighbors. He advised that Camp Wawona provides opportunities for children and families of all faiths. Robert Cross stated his family has owned a cabin in Wawona since 1929, and they have always considered Camp Wawona to be good neighbors. He has been a member of the WAPOA Board; and the Yosemite Institute Board, and he commented on the Institute’s temporary use of the Camp facilities during the 1997 flood in Yosemite. He is concerned that the SDA’s continued operation of the facilities is important to the viability of the Wawona community, especially if the situation should ever change with the Park Service again relative to the private properties. Ramiro Cano, Executive Secretary for the Central Valley Conference and Project Manager for the project, advised that Camp Wawona wants to be a good neighbor. He advised that they want to be made aware if there is ever a tragedy in the Wawona community so that they can assist. He also advised that with the recent water shortage situation in the community, that they offer their assistance. He noted that they currently operate with a larger number of guests than is proposed in the project, so the impacts with this project will be reduced. They want to be environmentally sensitive with all of the facilities, and they use buses, vans, and carpool to reduce transportation impacts. He noted that they had 299 guests in March 2007, and only 80 vehicles were used, and travel during the camp events is discouraged and nearly eliminated. He stressed that they are not a lodging facility for the public; their use is restricted to groups of the Conference and to non-profit organizations. They feel this piece of land is a gift from God to fulfill their ministry. Persons Speaking in Opposition of the Project: Diana Watson stated she feels the plan for Camp Wawona was a different plan during the time her Mother, Marie Escola, worked to help create the Wawona Specific Plan than what it is today. She addressed deficiencies that she feels exist in the EIR relative to roads; General Plan/Zoning Code and the Wawona Specific Plan and violation of the minimum width and adequate water and sewer facilities; failure to engage the National Park Service in the project relative to impacts on the Merced River. She urged the Board to disapprove the project and requested that there be compliance with all laws. Frances Taylor advised that she is 74 years old and her family has been residents in Wawona since 1881; and the paved Forest Road is no wider now than before. She noted that Camp Wawona has great value as a children’s camp; however, this is a residential family community. She feels that allowing a commercial resort will change the nature of the area and increase the traffic on Forest Drive, a one-mile road. She expressed concerns with water impacts, and she stated she does not feel that visitors have a vested interest in the community. Lowell Taylor, speaking on behalf of Cherie Hall, referred to battles with the National Park Service that occurred several years earlier, and advised that she does not support this project and she does not feel that it is appropriate for Wawona. She is concerned with water impacts. She referred ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 8-14-07 to the number of businesses that used to be in Wawona; and she noted that as a former member of WAPOA, they are not of one-mind in support of this project. Carolyn Corn, landowner on the Northside of Wawona, presented a letter; and she expressed concern with the infrastructure and stated she does not feel it is addressed in the EIR. She feels the occupancy and parking should be reduced for environmental reasons. As a botanist, she is concerned with the impact on the plants. She is concerned with the road impacts and steepness of grade; and she questioned where the 40 horses will be lodged. Mindy Rauch stated she is not an opponent to Camp Wawona, she is an opponent to the scope and duration of the project. She agrees that some renovation is necessary. She feels that the different uses and kinds of buildings being proposed are not in character with the community of Wawona. As a homeowner and member of WAPOA, she feels that 20 years is daunting for a project. Jane Winward, long-time seasonal resident of the area, stated her family has a history of 90 years with Forest Drive and their cabin is close to the road. She feels the Camp does good things and she does not want to see them go away. However, she is concerned with the project; impacts on the road and vehicle traffic; and she is opposed to expansion. Pat Sischo, Wawona property owner, feels the area is understaffed for law enforcement, fire, and medical coverage. She referred to recent accidents and incidents in the area and the lack of responders. She continued, using her husband’s input time, and stated she feels there should be more law enforcement coverage for the area before expansion occurs. Supervisor Pickard provided input on discussions concerning law enforcement coverage for the area. Chuck Jones stated he supports the project and his family has been members of the SDA church for years. He is against super-sizing the Camp. He has been a member of WAPOA and WTPAC (Wawona Town Planning Advisory Committee). He presented a table/chart comparing occupancy to show his “super-sizing” concern; and a page of photographs relative to the impacts the Camp has on the area. He continued, using a portion of Carol Coyle’s input time, and stated he feels that using an average yearly occupancy of 29 percent would remove the opposition to the project and perhaps stop the lawsuit that was mentioned. Carol Coyle stated she supports the church camp, but is not for the expansion. She questioned when the “mini” lodges that are being proposed become a “mega” lodge. She referred to a plan where it is stated that the waste water system is marginal, and she expressed concern with impacts to the Merced River and to the water. 3:30 p.m. Recess 3:48 p.m. The Board reconvened. Persons Providing General Comments Relative to the Project: Ed Hardy, former President of Yosemite Park and Curry Company, provided information on the history and development of Wawona and Camp Wawona and Yosemite National Park. He also provided input on the Wawona Hotel area and its history and original intended uses. He advised that narrow roads were an accepted Park Service design to keep the speed down. He advised that Camp Wawona was never a controversy – they have always been friends and friends to the visitors. David Leggett, Civil Engineer, stated he does work for the SDA Conference; and he advised that the proposed road for the site will be wider than the existing road and pull-outs will be added. The proposed road grade on the site will be reduced from what currently exists. To address sewer concerns, they will use low-flow fixtures and that will result in the same or less discharge rate. He advised of discussions with Fire Chief Jim Wilson and advised that he is happy with the hydrants, pumps, and storage tank system; and the Fire Department will be able to use the excess water off-site. Don Crisp, retired lay pastor living in Oakhurst, referred to his experiences at Camp Wawona, first as a youth and then he said he lost his way; came back to the Camp in 1984 and God made a change in his life. He shared Jeremiah 29:11 and stated he feels that this talks about what Camp Wawona is about. ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 8-14-07 Dan Escamilla, member of the Conference, shared information on the men’s and youth retreats held at Camp Wawona and the numbers they recently hosted. He advised that they are concerned with traffic impacts on the neighbors and ask that their guests request permission to leave the facilities for any reason during an event. He noted that the expansion is to provide more room, and he feels that families are strengthened by experiences at Camp Wawona. John Smith stated he has been a teacher for many decades in public and private schools and he provided input on the importance of having this type of facility given all of the broken homes and problems in our society. He feels that the family that prays together, stays together, and that is what Camp Wawona does and he feels that it will have a ripple affect. Eric (missed his last name) stated he came to this country in 1983 and subsequently to Camp Wawona and he works with the church. He advised that there are set programs and they include preservation of the environment. He feels that the benefits of this Camp for young people out weighs any adverse affects. Leo Lutz provided input on his experiences at Camp Wawona. Rebuttal by Applicant: Michelle Coats honors the comments received as genuine concerns; however, she feels that some of the comments were based on misinformation. She addressed the issue of fire safety and advised that the Camp has a fire truck onsite and they have a fire suppression system and people with training. Their staff has even been called out to help in the area. An additional fire suppression system will be in put in place with this project and the Camp will become one of the safest places in Wawona. Elder Ramirez addressed the issue of medical services, and he advised of the medical staffing that they have available onsite – a physician and two nurses during high peak occupancy, and trained EMTs and first responders. David Lee addressed the occupancy issue and he referred to the percentage of the total number of beds filled over a year. He advised that they can not live with an average or less than what is proposed in the project. He noted that currently the Camp can be filled with 338 occupancy, 365 days of the year. The applicant has agreed to a restriction that is less in the non-summer season, and in some cases is less than the peak groups that they have had. By nature of the industry, Camp Wawona will not be filled all of the time. Supervisor Pickard asked whether he has calculated the occupancy percentages up until now, and he advised that he has not. Jerry Page advised that they need the weekend maximum peaks and they are asking for historical occupancy levels. He noted that since 2001, camps have faced a decrease in attendance and they would like to build that back up. He advised that they are having to give up some of their occupancy numbers and he asked that that not be further decreased. Jim Hobbs, Sound Engineer, responded to questions from the Board relative to the noise and acoustic issues with the public address system; and the condition that it not be heard beyond their boundary. He advised that he is working with the Camp and designing a system to accommodate the request. Sarah Williams also provided input on the condition. Jerry Page responded to questions from the Board relative to the Camp’s operations and uses. Rebuttal by the Opponents: Chuck Jones referred to his previous input on the occupancy and using averages and peaks in the calculations. He noted that the Camp allows skiing at a reduced rate from Badger Pass and he feels that will increase their occupancy. He stated he feels that the Camp’s information should be based on raw occupancy data. Rebuttal by the Applicant: Jerry Page responded to Chuck Jones’ concerns on occupancy, and he stated he feels that Mr. Jones’ wants them to use averages because he wants less people than they have historically had. He referred to their mission and their rights. ---PAGE BREAK--- 8 8-14-07 The public portion of the hearing was closed. Chair Bibby called for any clarification needed by the Board. Supervisor Pickard asked for clarification that all comments received up to the close of the public portion of the hearing would be accepted as a part of the record; and he initiated discussion relative to the deliberation process. Kris Schenk advised that staff would review all of the comments that have been received up to the close of the public portion of the hearing today; and he advised that it would take staff 30 to 45 days to work on the process before coming back to the Board. He suggested that the hearing be continued to October 16, 2007, for the deliberation phase at the Government Center. Chair Bibby clarified for the record that the public portion of the hearing is closed and that the Board will be in continued deliberations on October 16th, and that information submitted up to the close of the public portion of the hearing will be considered. County Counsel advised that the Board members can ask questions/continue with staff wind-up on information that was submitted prior to the close of the public portion, and then the Board can commence with deliberations. He further advised that if the Board denies the project on October 16th, that no further processing will occur; and that if the Board approved the project, that a resolution of intent could be adopted with direction to staff to prepare the final documents for action by the Board at a subsequent meeting. He commented on the need to coordinate this project with the General Plan amendment process. Chair Bibby thanked everyone who has participated in this process, and she thanked Camp Green Meadows for allowing this meeting to be held at its facilities. (M)Fritz, (S)Aborn, the public hearing was continued to October 16, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. at the Government Center/Ayes: Unanimous. 4:44 p.m. Recess for Adjournment to Occur at the Government Center 6:15 p.m. Chair Bibby adjourned the meeting at the Government Center in memory of Hazel Doris Mason Estel, Jerry Thomas Broyles, Leonard Quinto Brazzi, and William J. “Bill” Reinhardt. Respectfully submitted, MARGIE WILLIAMS, Clerk of the Board JANET BIBBY, Chair, Board of Supervisors