County of Inyo

Public Comment

The Chairperson announced the public comment period and Mr. Bob Lavagnino the Developer of Lava Lake Estates in Olancha addressed the Board to identify his concerns with the Excel Sheet Metal Operations near his home.  Mr. Lavagnino read into the record a letter he had written to the Board detailing his concerns and asked why he had received no response.  The Chairperson referred this item to the Planning Department for a response asking that a report be provided to the Board.

Introductions

Mr. Charles Broten, Director of the Inyo-Mono Senior Program, introduced Dena Merrell a new  IMAAA employee, to the Board.  

 Dr. Gail Zwier, Director of the Behavioral Health Program in the Health and Human Services Department, introduced the December 2001 Graduates of the Human Services Certificated Program at Cerro Coso Community College, to the Board.  The Graduates recognized were Debbie Brazil, Debbie Connally, Linda Durbin, Cindy Furlong, Kathy Lammiman, Monica Lewis and Deo Santos.  The Chairperson suggested that the Department may want to evaluate the College Certificated Program for inclusion in the CSAC Challenge Award Program.

Senior Prgrm./ Butte County MAA/TCM Agreement

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the MAA/TCM Host Entity Agreement between the County of Inyo and Butte County; authorize the Director of the Senior Program to sign on behalf of the County and approve the FY 2001/2002 participation fee payment to Butte County in the amount of $54.  Motion carried unanimously.

Motor Pool/ Weight Truck Repairs

Supervisor Lent asked about the County’s self-insurance deductibles with the County Administrator indicating that he thought the per incident rate of deductible was $10,000 and he would confirm this later in the meeting.  Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the purchase order for the repair of the Agriculture Weights and Measures Boom truck to Sierra Auto Body Works in an amount not to exceed $5,971.99.  Motion carried unanimously.   Later in the meeting, the County Administrator, Mr. Mendez, confirmed that the deductible for the County’s self-insurance policy was $10,000 per incident.

County Counsel/ Indy CSD Conflict

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the Conflict of Interest Code for the Independence Community Services District.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-Health Serv./Clark and Vinatieri Contracts

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve A) the Contract between the County of Inyo and Mara Clark, FNP for nurse practitioner services for the period of February 1, 2002, through June 30, 2002, in an amount not to exceed $3,834, and authorize the Chairperson to sign; and B) the Contract between the County of Inyo and Shelly Vinatieri, FNP for nurse practitioner services for the period of February 1, 2002, through June 30, 2002, in an amount not to exceed $3,550, and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

Resol. #2002-04/ Master Agrmnt. Transit Projects

On a motion by Supervisor Dorame and a second by Supervisor Bear, Resolution No. 2002-04 was adopted, establishing the authorization for the execution of a Master Agreement and Program Supplements for State funded transit projects: motion unanimously passed and adopted.

Water Dept./ Budget Amendment

Mr. Doug Daniels of the Water Department responded to questions from the Board.  He explained that the equipment to be purchased was for scientific data collection.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to amend the FY 2001/2002 County Budget by increasing estimated revenue in the Local Groundwater Assistance Act Budget Unit (number to be assigned by the Auditor), State Grant (Revenue Code #4498) by $142,613 and increasing appropriations by $142,613 as recommended by Staff.  Motion carried unanimously.

P.W./CSA #2 Forest Service Contract Amend.

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to approve Amendment No. 1 to the Collection Agreement between the County of Inyo and the U.S. Forest Service for services provided to the County Service Area #2; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

Road Dept./ Borrow Pits Lease Agreement

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to approve the Lease Agreement between the County of Inyo and the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power for the Diaz, Big Pine, Independence, Underwood and Sunland Borrow Pits, for the basic rent amount of $360 per year for each pit and increasing to $500 per year on July 1, 2002 and a special rent amount of $.40 per ton for material removed from the sites; and authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.   Motion carried unanimously.

Planning Dept./ G.P. Amendment

Mr. Chuck Thistlethwaite, Planning Director, addressed the Board to provide additional information on the request for direction regarding a General Plan Amendment.  He explained that certain language used in the recently adopted General Plan Update  regarding “Net Acreage” and “Residential Low (RL)” and “Residential Very Low (RVL)” designations were erroneous.  He explained that a strict interpretation of the current language could have countywide implications and virtually place a moratorium on development in every area of the county.  He also explained that the current language is inconsistent with the language in the previous General Plan, with the County’s development plans and with the 2020 goals.  Mr. Thistlethwaite provided additional information regarding the effects of this language on the Laverty Lot Split issue, explaining that he did not believe that the current language provides clear and consistent standards to evaluate the project.  Additionally, Mr. Thistlethwaite questioned the ability to make adequate findings and conclusions concerning a decision based on the current language.   The Board and Staff discussed the far reaching ramifications to the County should this language not be corrected.  Mr. Harry Peterson and Mr. Lefty Irwin, McLaren Area Residents, addressed the Board to argue for leaving the language in place until after the Laverty Lot Split issue is resolved.  The Board, Staff and Messrs. Peterson and Irwin discussed the details of this argument.  During the discussions, the Planning Director explained that if the General Plan were not changed and the Laverty Application for a lot split was denied the Applicants could not reapply for a period of one year.  Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Lent to direct Staff to initiate an amendment of Section 4.2, Land Use, of the Inyo County General Plan Goals and Policies Report to reflect existing definitions for “Net Acreage” and policies for the “Residential Low (RL)” and “Residential Very Low (RVL)” land use designations pursuant to Government Code Section 65350 et seq.  Motion carried unanimously.

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed the special meeting at 11:15 a.m., to reconvene at 11:25 a.m., with all Board Members present. 

Workshop/Fixed Asset Inventory

The Chairperson recessed open session at 11:25 a.m., to convene in a workshop to receive a presentation on the Inyo County Fixed Asset Inventory Policy and Equipment Management Policy.

Recess/

Reconvene

At the conclusion of the workshop, the Chairperson recessed the special meeting at 12:35 p.m., to reconvene in open session at 1:35 p.m., with all Board Members present.

CAO-Personnel-E. Health-CSSD/ Hurd and Anisman Contract Approval

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Linda Anisman for provision of services as Child Support Services Department Head at the rate of $6,200 per month, and authorize the Chairperson to sign, and approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Robert Hurd for provision of services as Environmental Health Department Head at the rate of $6,000 per month, and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Resol. #2002-05/ Appointed Officials Compensation

On a motion by Supervisor Bear and a second by Supervisor Lent, Resolution No. 2002-05, entitled “A Resolution of the Board of Supervisors, County of Inyo, State of California, Rescinding Resolution No. 2001-44 and Fixing the Compensation and/or Terms and Conditions of Employment for the Appointed Officials Employed in the Several Offices or Institutions of the County of Inyo” was adopted: motion unanimously passed and adopted.

BofS/Proposal by MAMBO

The Chairperson recessed the open session at 1:40 p.m., to convene in a workshop to receive a presentation by Mark Davis of the Mammoth Area Mountain Bike Organization (MAMBO) on the organization’s Wilderness Proposal.  The Chairperson reconvened in open session at 2:45 p.m., with all Board Members present.

BofS-CAO/Re-

port Strategic Plan

The County Administrator reviewed the Strategic Planning Workshop Report.  Ms. Jaque Hickman, Mr. Doug Thompson and Mr. Gayle Holbrook, attendees of the Workshop, addressed the Board to provide positive feedback on the forum.  Additionally, Mr. Mendez indicated that he was asking the Board to officially accept the Inyo 2020 Goals as a part of this action.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to adopt the Inyo 2020 Goals.  Motion carried unanimously.

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed the special meeting at 3:25 p.m., to reconvene in open session at 3:40 p.m., with all Board Members present

Workshop/Hot Springs

The Chairperson recessed open session at 3:40 p.m., to convene in a workshop to discuss the status of items relating to the Tecopa Hot Springs and the Death Valley/Tecopa/Shoshone areas.  The Chairperson recessed the workshop at 5:35 p.m., to reconvene in open session with all Board Members present.

Parks/Improve- ment Plan Update

The Chairperson announced that the request for a review and discussion of the Park Improvement Plan Project Status Report and Usage and Revenue Analysis was being rescheduled to February 5, 2002.

Parks/Dehy Park TEA Grant Application

The Board and Staff discussed the ramifications of the change in the TEA Grant Application for Dehy Park, including the balance in the TEA funding, and the expectation of the Board to have funding available for other projects. The Board and Staff also discussed the following request for an Application for the Sierra Cascade Grant Program also for Dehy Park.  At the conclusion of the discussion, the County Administrator suggested that the Board adopt the resolutions approving the grant applications and authorize him to adjust the amount of the applications to facilitate an adequate balance in the TEA funding to fund future projects which may include the Owens Valley Railroad Project. 

Resol. #2002-06/ Dehy Park TEA Application

On a motion by Supervisor Hambleton and a second by Supervisor Bear, Resolution No. 2002-06,  requesting TEA funding for the Scenic and Historical Line to the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway and Addition of a Tourist Welcome Center Facility Project at Dehy Park; authorize the County Administrator to sign the Assurance Certification Signature Authority, and all other pertinent documents; authorize the submittal of a TEA-21 Program Application requesting funding for the next funding cycle, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained and authorize the County Administrator to adjust the amount of the application to facilitate an adequate balance in the TEA funding to fund future projects which may include the Owens Valley Railroad Project: motion unanimously passed and adopted.

Resol. #2002-07/ Sierra Cascade Grant for Dehy Park

On a motion by Supervisor Hambleton and a second by Supervisor Bear, Resolution No. 2002-07 was adopted approving the application for Grant Funds for the Sierra Cascade Grant Program under the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000; authorize the submittal of the grant application to the State of California Resources Agency for the Dehy Park Improvement Project; authorize the County Administrator to execute and submit all documents which may be necessary for the completion of the project; and authorize the County Administrator to adjust the amount of the application to facilitate an adequate balance in the TEA funding to fund future projects which may include the Owens Valley Railroad Project: motion unanimously passed and adopted. 

Disaster Serv./ Budget Amendment

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to A) amend the FY 2001-2002 Disaster Services Budget 023700 by increasing estimated revenue in State Grants (Revenue Code #4498) by $26,911 and increasing appropriations in the Personal Safety Equipment (Object Code #5112) by $10,600, Other Equipment >$1,000 (Object Code #5670) by $16,311; and B) authorize the fixed asset acquisition of a mobile decontamination shelter.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-BofS/Out- side Project Evaluation Criteria

The Board and Staff discussed the proposed criteria to evaluate outside projects.  Mr. Robert Enis of the Carson and Colorado Railway, Inc., addressed the Board to support the criteria.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to adopt the criteria to evaluate outside projects submitted to the County for a) funding support; b) sponsorship, oversight and funding; and/or c) endorsement as submitted by Staff.  Motion carried unanimously.

Resol. #2002-08/ Valic Retirement Plan

The County Administrator explained that the actions being requested of the Board concerning a “retirement plan” were the result of the DSA negotiations and the subsequent MOU which was approved by the Board.  County Counsel addressed his concerns which were identified in the memo he presented to the Board.  On a motion by Supervisor Bear and a second by Supervisor Hambleton, Resolution No. 2002-08, entitled “Resolution of Inyo County Board of Supervisors, Authorizing Adoption of Retirement Plan with Valic” was adopted:  motion unanimously passed and adopted.

Resol. #2002-09/ Plan Representatives

On a motion by Supervisor Bear and a second by Supervisor Hambleton, Resolution No. 2002-09, entitled “Resolution of the Inyo County Board of Supervisors Authorizing Individuals to Act on Behalf of Plan” was adopted: motion unanimously passed and adopted.

CAO-Personnel/ Retirement Trust Agreement

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to approve the Trust Agreement between the County of Inyo and American General for the Retirement Plan, and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Personnel/ Retirement Service Agrmnt.

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to approve the Service Agreement between the County of Inyo and American General for the Plan, and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

BofS/Minute Approval

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the minutes of the January 8, 2002, Board of Supervisors Meeting.  Motion carried unanimously, on a four-to-zero vote, with Supervisors Arcularius, Bear, Lent and Hambleton voting yes, and with Supervisor Dorame abstaining.

Closed Session

The Chairperson recessed open session at 6:55 p.m., to convene in closed session, with all Board Members present, to discuss Agenda Items No. 24. PERSONNEL [Pursuant to Government Code §54957] - Public Employee Performance Evaluation - Title:  Director of Health and Human Services; No. 25. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR [Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6] - Instructions to Negotiators re:  Wages, salaries and benefits - Title:  Director of Health and Human Services – Negotiator - Member of Board of Supervisors as designated; and No. 26. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR [Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6] – Instructions to Negotiators re:   wages, salaries and benefits - Title:  ICEA - Negotiator:  County Administrative Officer & Personnel Analyst.  

Report on Closed Session

The Chairperson recessed closed session at 7:10 p.m., to reconvene in open session to receive a report on closed session.  County Counsel reported there were no items discussed in closed session which were required by law to be reported on in open session.  

Adjournment

The Chairperson adjourned the special meeting at 7:10 p.m.