Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/15/2008 10:34 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 07/17/2008 05:44 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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This Mornings BOS Meeting Summary and Meeting Video ~By John Hamilton
San Andreas, CA....The Regular BOS meeting has concluded and are now moving onto other items including a Closed Session. All of the Consent Agenda Items Passed. The gallery was not as packed as last week. Public Comment was also pretty tame this morning regarding CDA issues. Chamber Executive Director Diane Gray gave a follow up on last weeks Economic Development Summit and The bulk of public comments were from the Wallace area regarding a ballot item for the November Ballot. Results of the Closed Session will be made to the public in Press Release form or otherwise if need be. It is doubtful that the results of this Closed Session, which is open to rampant speculation, that it will be pertaining to the employment status if CDA Director, Stephanie Moreno could be held private until next weeks meeting. We will keep you posted as soon as we know more. Video enclosed....
SUMMARY OF THE MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF CALAVERAS, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
HELD ON JULY 15, 2008
PRESENT: Steve Wilensky, Chair; Russ Thomas, Vice-Chair; Bill Claudino,
Thomas Tryon and Merita Callaway, Supervisors; David Sirias,
Assistant County Counsel; Robert Lawton, County Administrative
Officer; and Carol Gates, Supervising Board Clerk
ABSENT: James Jones, County Counsel
A moment of silence was observed in the memory of John Peterson, former publisher/owner of the Calaveras Prospect.
C O N S E N T A G E N D A
1. Minutes of a regular Board of Supervisors meeting held on July 1, 2008 - Board action: approved 5-0
2.CORRESPONDENCE: June 27- July 3, 2008 - Board action: approved, as processed, 5-0
3.RESOLUTION authorizing the Technology Services Department to dispose of surplus equipment; Technology Services - Board action: approved 5-0
4.RESOLUTION authorizing release of a portion of the security and amending Subdivision Agreement for Red Apple Ranch, Tract 93-536; Public Works - Board action: approved 5-0
5.MINUTE ORDER authorizing the Director of the Health Services Agency to sign the Acceptance of Allocation Agreement from the Tobacco Control Section, California Department of Health Services for tobacco use and prevention education funds in the amount of one hundred fifty thousand dollars($150,000) for the period July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009; The Prospective Payment Invoices for the tobacco education allocation in the amount of $37,500 each quarter for the period July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009; Public Health - Board action: approved 5-0
6.MINUTE ORDER approving a 20 year lease with CCWD(Calaveras County Water District)for the existing White Pines Park area to be used as a County of Calaveras playground and recreation area. The park is to be managed under an MOU(memorandum of understanding)agreement with the White Pines Park Committee; Administration - Board action: approved 5-0
R E G U L A R A G E N D A
7.PUBLIC COMMENTS: Randy Metzger, Calaveras County Assessor, announced the 2008 assessment roll total at $7,043,528,544. This represents an increase of $55,301,762 over the 2007 assessment roll total of $6,988,266,782. The difference results in an increase of 0.79%. Metzger announced the mailing of approximately 5,000 value notice cards and the review of approximately 11,000 parcels, due to the down-turn in the economy, with approximately 5,200 of the parcels being reduced. Notifications will be sent to property owners informing of the reductions.
Lawrence Howen, a resident of Wallace Lake Estates, Wallace, CA read into the record, a letter dated July 15, 2008, expressing concern of an initiative petition regarding the Wallace Community Services District (WCSD) that he, and 2 other proponents, filed with the County Clerk Recorder on April 30, 2008. He informed that the petition was circulated following the guidelines of the CA election Code, Sections 9300 and 9323; certified as qualified on May 8, 2008; sent to the WCSD on May 15, 2008; and he was notified, the following week, by the Office of the County Clerk-Recorder, that the initiative would not be placed on the ballot. Mr. Howen questioned why the initiative would not be allowed on the ballot.
David Sirias, Assistant County Counsel, stated that the Wallace Board had a decision to make, as to whether to adopt the ordinance or whether to place it on the ballot. The Wallace Board, on the advice of their own private outside obtained counsel, did neither, for reasons we are not aware of. Sirias stated that the petitions remedy is to go to court. Sirias further informed that the matter is not within the jurisdiction of this Board.
Cathryn Jackson, Wallace Community Services District, referred to the petition containing 122 verified taxpayer signatures. She stated that it makes no logical sense that a counsel, of a community service district, can call a county and cancel out the voice of the people by a mere phone call.
Karen Varni, County Clerk-Recorder, clarified that today was the deadline given to districts for submitting information to the Clerk’s Office for placement on the Board’s agenda for consolidation. The Board has on the July 22, 2008 agenda, a resolution consolidating various special district elections for placement on the November 2008 ballot.
Supervisor Claudino questioned Mr. Howen as to conservations he had with the WCSD Board and the issue at hand. Mr. Howen stated this is a domestic water rate control issue and the Board has taken the position to basically ignore the issue. Claudino will meet with counsel, the WCSD Board, and Mr. Howen regarding this matter.
Chris Williams, San Andreas, CA spoke of the procedure, under the Brown Act, allowing public comment on closed session items. Chair Wilensky stated that the time to comment would be under public comments. Mr. Williams referred to a discussion last week regarding the CDA Director and stated that now is the time to listen to the voice of the people.
Jackie Niell, Wallace, CA asked that this Board, and those in attendance today, to keep politics out of decisions.
David Studley, Mountain Ranch, CA spoke of the WCSD issue and consideration of an extension of time to file the petition. He stated that the authority, for a time extension, could be that the failure of the previous Board to act within its time limits, extended the time for this Board to act.
Pat Bailey, Wallace, CA voiced displeasure in not being able to vote regarding the WCSD petition. She then referred to the CDA Director as having an unrealistic load for one person.
Louis Boitano, Copperopolis, CA expressed dismay over the behavior of some members of the Board at last week’s meeting. He asked that the Board not engage in accusations.
Jeff Davidson, Valley Springs, CA expressed concern of continuing to bring capital investment to the County.
Carlos Stoughton, Valley Springs, CA thanked Supervisor Claudino for his service to the County.
Dean Borgedalen, Mountain Ranch, CA voiced concern of not being able to pull a building permit to roof him home.
Frank Ginger spoke regarding public transit blocking red zone handicap zones.
Diane Gray, Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce, gave a report on last week’s Economic Summit. She referred to receiving many positive comments and discussions on developing a strategy on how to move forward.
Darryl Rusk, Burson, CA referred to public comments and discussion as the closest level of Government to the people. He referred to inter-action, arguments, and debate. He thanked and complimented this Board for their patience in listening. Mr. Rusk emphasized that this is the way government should work.
8. Discussion and possible action re: a resolution authorizing a Professional Agreement with PSOMAS for Professional Engineering Services associated with the Mountain Ranch Road Safety Improvement Projects; Public Works - Board Action: continued for 1 week, to the meeting of July 22, 2008
9.Review of correspondence, reports and various matters of concern.
Supervisor Tryon had nothing to bring before the Board at this time.
Supervisor Thomas announced Prop 8 orientation sessions for August 6, 2008 at the Jenny Lind Fire House and on August 13, 2008 at the Copperopolis Fire House. Will attend a legal access session this afternoon.
Supervisor Callaway will attend a Calaveras Public Power Authority meeting on Wednesday and a Calaveras Visitor’s Bureau function at the Black Bear Inn in Arnold on Thursday.
Supervisor Claudino announced his attendance at a meeting yesterday, along with Public Works staff, to review the status of the Beal Ranch/Central Hill Road issue, a previously visited item. The question is will the roads remain on the County maintained road system or will the County allow their
abandonment. More meetings will be held regarding this issue in the near future. This evening will attend a Calaveras County Historical Society Board of Directors meeting; tomorrow evening. at 6:30 p.m., Music in the Park in San Andreas at Turner Park; Thursday evening an Emergency Medical Services Oversight Committee meeting.
Chair Wilensky referenced yesterday’s meeting with Public Works regarding the Beal/Central Hill Road issue. He spoke of the roads, as not legally abandoned, causing mayhem and significant problems for cattle ranchers. He spoke of dealing with the right to farm and being able to successfully sustain cattle operations within the County. The issue will come before the Board following further review. This week will attend a Mother Lode Job Training meeting in Sonora followed by a meeting with the Stanislaus National Forest to discuss fire safety issues in the northern and eastern part of the County. Friday, July 18th, will attend a Blue Mountain Committee Renewal Council Board meeting. Wilensky referenced his attendance at an uplifting Economic Summit Conference last week.
CAO Robert Lawton and Assistant County Council David Sirias had nothing to report.
Supervisor Tryon suggested that today’s closed session be continued to follow the Board of Equalization hearings, in order to announce any action taken. Chair Wilensky polled the Board. A majority of the Board was in favor of following the usual protocol.
The meeting was adjourned to the following closed session at 10:45 a.m.
10.CLOSED SESSION; public employee discipline/dismissal/release, pursuant to Government Code section 54957; Administration - Board action: continued to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 and 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2008.
_____/s/ Karen Varni_________
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
to the Board of Supervisors of the
County of Calaveras, State of Calif.
PUBLISH: July 22, 2008
