Posted by: thepinetree on 01/15/2010 01:04 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 01/28/2010 07:27 PM
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Board of Supervisors Summary & Complete Meeting Video for 1/12/10
San Andreas, CA...It was another busy Calaveras County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday. Tyler Summerset from the Calaveras Conty Council of Governments was on hand with an update on the controversial Valley Springs Plan. Jim Bergantz spoke during public comments on "Kindness Week", Karen Pekarcik, Director First Five Calaveras Commission, introduced members of her staff and presented a plaque to Calaveras CAO, Jeanne Boyce for her time on the First Five board. Penny West from the Arts Council was happy that their doors have been returned..
Video Enclosed...
The video below and most of the Board of Supervisors Videos are provided by The Calaveras County Public Access Televison Studio
SUMMARY OF THE MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF CALAVERAS, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
HELD ON JANUARY 12, 2010
PRESENT: Merita Callaway, Chair; Gary Tofanelli, Steve Wilensky and Russ Thomas, Supervisors; James Jones, County Counsel; Jeanne Boyce, Interim County Administrative Officer; and Madaline Krska, Deputy Clerk
ABSENT: Tom Tryon, Supervisor District IV, Vice-Chair
ANNOUNCEMENT: The Board of Supervisors meeting for January 19, 2010 has been cancelled.
C O N S E N T A G E N D A
1.MINUTES of a regular Board of Supervisors meeting held on December 15, 2009 – Board action: approved 4-0-1, ABSENT: Tryon
2.CORRESPONDENCE: December 24, 2009 thru January 7, 2010 – Board action: approved as processed, 4-0-1, ABSENT: Tryon
3.RESOLUTION authorizing the disability retirement of Eric Lamb; Human Resources – Board action: continued
4.RESOLUTION authorizing the County Administrative Officer to sign amendments to joint use agreements adopted by the Board in accordance with the Per Capita Grant Program; Administration – Board action: approved 4-0-1, ABSENT: Tryon
5.RESOLUTION accepting as complete all road improvements and authorizing release of security for Saddle Creek Unit 5, TSTM 94-545; Public Works – Board action: approved 4-0-1, ABSENT: Tryon
R E G U L A R A G E N D A
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Karen Pekarcik, Director First Five Calaveras Commission, introduced the following members staff to the Board; Robin Davis, Dorothy Smith, Shannon Crawford, Joyce Peek, and Board of Supervisors representative on the commission, Supervisor Wilensky. All of the commission members are appointed by Board of Supervisors. Jeanne Boyce served as a First Five Calaveras Commissioner during the establishment of various programs.
Ms. Pekarcik recognized and thanked Jeanne Boyce for her eight years on the commission. Supervisor Wilensky presented and read into the record a plaque for Ms. Boyce’s service from 2002-2010. Jeanne thanked the commissioners for their endeavors and accomplishments for the children of the County.
SUMMARY 01/12/2010
Ms. Pekarcik referenced a letter received regarding the governor’s recycled proposition for another ballot attempt affecting First Five. The proposal is for a ballot measure in the June Primary Election for half of all First Five revenues to be accessed by the state.
Ms. Pekarcik spoke regarding programs utilized for children, birth to five years of age, including assistance from the food bank, a nutritious food program for children and matching funds to be used at CalWORKS. Ms. Pekarcik referenced a previous program, Mother-infant- Child Harvest(MICH) and Dental services funded by First 5 literacy program. A one time change is actually a five year loss for this fund from the Tobacco Tax fund that has been decreasing.
The $40,000 funded to the Resource Connection Food Bank has the potential to leverage $120,000 in federal stimulus dollars. The Governor’s State budget proposal of 53% of First Five equates to nearly $500,000 per year in cigarette tax disbursements. This would result in nearly a $5 million loss including leverage over five years. Ms. Pekarcik asked the Board to write to the Governor discouraging this potential loss to the County.
Supervisor Wilensky felt the voters were wise to recognize a child’s first five years being important for their entire lives. Wilensky expressed concerns for compromised local funding impacting the promotion of children’s health, children’s health and wellbeing. The dental program is very important for a child to be able to concentrate and learn. Wilensky stated this is an important time to take a position on a true County need and would like the Board to support opposition to the Governor’s proposal.
Bonnie Newman, asked what the amount of the funds being discussed.
Ms. Pekarcik stated the current funds are $280,000.
Ingrid Brown, Wallace, asked about law in Calaveras County and used the requirement for a license to drive as an example. Ms. Brown feels some people are above the law, expressing concerns for criminals in the county and wants safe roads.
Penny West, Deputy Director, Calaveras county Arts, referenced the theft of iron doors at the County Building on Main Street in San Andreas. Ms. West expressed appreciation for the diligence of the County Sheriffs Department, County Building and Grounds staff, Herd Machine shop and Calaveras Enterprise for the safe return of the doors.
Ms. West clarified she is not leaving the Calaveras County Arts Council and enjoys her part time position as a deputy director. Ms. West reported on the Arts Councils Ovations Performing Art Series stating all three Nutcracker and Sundays Russian Folk Festival performances were sell out. On February 6th, Mary Youngblood will be performing and on January 30th, the second annual “Chairs for Charity” will be held featuring Chair Callaway as a celebrity judge.
Ms. West addressed the Board as a citizen the Rail Road Flat School District, stating opposition for the proposed closure of the school. Ms. West feels this would be deep loss to county and the community. Ms. West stated concerns regarding bussing to West Point School. Ms. West encouraged community members to attend a meeting with Calaveras Unifed School District regarding this on Thursday at the Rail Road Flat School.
Supervisor Wilensky invited members of the public to attend the meeting regarding Rail Road Flat School.
Tyler Summerset, Project Manager, COG, addressed the Board and read into the record documentation regarding the Valley Springs Community Plan Update. Fifty-nine hundred questionnaires were sent to residents of the Valley Springs proper and adjacent developments and neighborhoods. The initial feelings on how to define the Valley Springs area were sought and after a tremendous outreach effort workshops were held. Summerset itemized the various means of contacting residents.
Summerset outlined some of the benefits of community planning for northwestern Calaveras. Tentative dates are being set in February for more community meetings. A visioning session, proposed draft boundaries, land use and circulation plans will be discussed. An open house will be scheduled for people to drop by to ask questions and submit comments.
Supervisor Tofanelli asked about boundaries for those not wanting the boundaries. Tofanelli asked for the advertising and noticing plan.
Summerset responded stating the noticing plan includes: direct mailing, e-mail, public announcements, media noticing, flyers, business owners will have information, banners will be placed on highways 12 and 26, notification to community groups and information at the post office.
Supervisor Thomas referenced response from Rancho Calaveras residents. Thomas would like more focus on the ultimate outcome of the plan and vision with no intent to change any of land use in some of the communities, boundaries can change at any time prior to submission to the Board of Supervisors. Thomas asked for consideration to use the reverse 911 method as it has been very effective in the past.
Summerset a firm that will be utilized for this service.
Les Martin, Valley Springs, feels the money being spent on this plan is not a wise use of funds. Martin referenced past history of Valley Springs losing the opportunity to be developed as a hub. This will not happen now as people shop out of County. In the September meeting concerns were expressed as many residents in Rancho Calaveras are only here on week-ends and are unable to vote regarding their second homes.
SUMMARY January 12, 2010
Karen Pekarcik, Valley Springs Rancho Calaveras resident, stated part of the grant development process is for diversity, bringing the opportunity for visioning and to connect with community. Ms. Pekarcik feels there is no sense of community and it is difficult to bring people to the table for consensus. Ms. Pekarcik has concerns about future build out and the impact on water, traffic, stores. Support was given for the grant and the planning process.
Bonnie Newman, Valley Springs, thanked Supervisor Thomas for chairing the Board of Supervisors meetings in 2009. Ms. Newman felt comfortable to participate in the process during the Board of Supervisors meetings. Ms. Newman appreciates the appointment of the first female CAO, Jeanne Boyce. Ms. Newman thanked the Board for their efforts and referenced her campaign for a Board of Supervisor in 1980’s.
Lakhmir Grewal, Air Pollution Control Officer, addressed the Board advising them of his health status. Grewal informed the Board of his two options concerning employment with the County. Grewal requested a waiver for a two week notice for retirement. Grewal expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the County and will address the Board in the future to assist with his knowledge of air pollution issues.
Bonnie Newman, Valley Springs addressed the Board with concerns regarding the In Home Supportive Services(IHSS), Public Authority, wanting to get information on the program and services. Ms. Newman feels she is not able to get IHHS information regarding funds collected to run this authority, 260 health care workers in county with 230 not on the registry and seeking information on the advisory board members.
Chair Callaway requested CAO and the Director of CalWORKS meet with Ms. Newman to resolve these issues.
7.Discussion and possible action re: RESOLUTION of the Board of Supervisors of Calaveras County establishing Random Acts of Kindness Zone; Administration - Board action: approved 4-0-1, ABSENT: Tryon
8. Discussion and possible action re: appointment of applicants to various committees and commissions to serve under the jurisdiction of the Board of Supervisors; Board action: approved 4-0-1, ABSENT: Tryon
9. Review of correspondence, reports and various matters of concern.
Supervisor Thomas, tomorrow will drive to Sacramento for the RCRC installation.
Supervisor Tofanelli had nothing to report.
SUMAMRY January 12, 2010
Supervisor Wilensky, tomorrow will attend the Mental Health Job Club; on Wednesday will attend a CHIPS meeting and on Thursday the meeting regarding the Rail Road Flat School at 5:30; On January 20th will attend an Amador Calaveras Consensus meeting and a Sierra Nevada regional meeting; January 21st a Central Sierra Child Support meeting on January 21st will attend with Chair Callaway a Central Sierra Child Support meeting.
Supervisor Tryon will be attending RCRC meetings this week.
Chair Callaway asked for support to write a letter on behalf of the Board regarding Monte Wolfe’s cabin. The letter would be sent to the various agencies supporting the fact that the cabin should exist and return to the previous condition prior to the alterations. Chair would like to have a study session on the January 26, 2010 meeting to discuss AB 811 as cites or counties will be the front money for energy funds for property owners. Board support was asked to work with adjoining counties in February concerning this matter.
Chair Callaway referenced a newspaper article regarding radon gasses. Chair stated the need for a press release to be issued. Chair addressed the following aspects of radon gasses: if there is problem for this in the County, information regarding tests, wants to prepare for these concerns and availability of kits.
Brian Moss, Director Environmental Health Management, stated a press release will be issued. CAO Boyce will discuss the issue with Moss.
Chair Callaway will attend an Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway Strategic session this evening; on Thursday will attend an AAUW meeting and is a speaker at the Calaveras Humane society; in the absence of the Board of Supervisors meeting on January 19th Chair will attend the Alpine Board of Supervisors meeting to hear discussion for the Bear Valley project. Tom Garcia, Director Public Works, will also be in attendance; January 20th will be in Sacramento to attend a meeting regarding the State Water Plan; January 21st will attend with Supervisor Wilensky a Central Sierra Child Support meeting.
Supervisor Wilensky referenced a letter the Board received from Alan Roberts concerning a prior Board of Supervisors assessment appeal hearing. At this meeting only four Board members were in attendance and he was told he could have a hearing with 5 members present to prevent a deadlock. Roberts is asking to be heard on February 9, 2010.
Jim Jones, County Counsel, has spoken with Mr. Roberts and suggested he write the letter. Jones has done legal research on the issue and in most instances the Board of Supervisors decision is final. Roberts had a hearing with due process under the Revenue and Taxation Code. Jones stated being heard by a full Board, is at the discretion of the Board. Russ referenced a statement by David Sirias, Assistant County Counsel,
SUMMARY January 12, 2010
saying Roberts had no standing. Supervisor Thomas, who was not in attendance at the previous hearing, has no opposition for this matter to return to the Board of Supervisors.
Chair asked the pleasure of Board; Supervisors Tofanelli and Wilensky have no objections to hear this matter again. Chair expressed concerns for a future agenda items resulting in a 2-2 vote. Chair supports scheduling a new hearing and for a confirmation with the Assessors Office for their availability on February 9, 2010.
Jones stated the hearing is procedural based and based on the applicant’s desires.
Jeanne Boyce, CAO, submitted to the Board, an itemized study session schedule.
Supervisor Thomas announced a potential meeting with the Emergency Medical Services Oversight Committee(EMSOC) regarding an ambulance provider contract renewal. A request by American Legion for another five year period has been received. The meeting will be held on January 21, 2010 at 6:00 P.M. in the Board of Supervisors chambers. Discussion will include a performance review of a twenty minute response time for calls and how to evaluate.
CAO feels it is valuable to attend meetings to hear information and urges Board members to attend.
Supervisor Wilensky referred to the stationing of response teams four years ago. The provider entered stationing of the cars for some of the areas in the calculation of response times. The policy goal was to have a fair and reasonable response time to be more equitable. Ebbetts Pass Ambulance has a special tax for their services. Discussions need to come back for an overall policy goal and source of resources. The potential for Stanislaus to leave the JPA will affect the efficiency of the Mountain Valley Emergency Medical Services(MVEMS) with the reduction of funds.
Supervisor Tofanelli feels the meeting of January 21st will determine answers to questions and then to present findings to the MVEMS. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting. Without Stanislaus, MVEMS will need to provide Options.
CAO referenced notification regarding federal projects in the next fiscal year. The projects must be a federal nexus and a regional approach. Garcia is pursuing funds for O’Byrnes Ferry Road. The Governor referenced the deficit state budget for 2010/11, with the Governor relying on federal funds to help bailout the state creating drastic results in human services. Cuts could occur if funding does not occur before July. A shift to counties re: law enforcement and an impact on Probation, Sheriff, District Attorney gas taxes and Williamson Act funding. The Legislature is in emergency session regarding the budget
SUMMARY January 12, 2010
deficit and how county services will impacted. Reference was made to ballot propositions for June election. Ms. Boyce spoke of Proposition 63 regarding back filling for managed care funding.
Jim Jones, County Counsel, will discuss with Brian Moss, Environmental Health, regarding radon information and obtaining additional kits.
Chair Callaway expressed the need to know how to interpret results for tests.
10. CLOSED SESSION: pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9: conference with legal counsel re: existing litigation – (two cases); Michael Nemee and Michelle Nemee v. County of Calaveras, Calaveras Superior Court Case No. CV35775; Michael Nemee and Michelle Nemee v. County of Calaveras, Calaveras Superior Court Case No. CV35721 – County Counsel – Board action: no action taken
___s/s Karen Varni _____________
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
to the Board of Supervisors of the
County of Calaveras, State of Calif.
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