County of Inyo

Public Comment

Mr. Paul Freedham, Independence Resident, addressed the Board to support the current language in the General Plan regarding development of areas which require connection to a community water system, which the Board has instructed be amended.  Mr. Freedham explained that he felt the language as it is written controls development.

CAO-Purchasing/ Copier Leases

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to award the bid for and approve the lease of three (3) each copy machines, including the trade-in of copy machines per Staff recommendations.  Motion carried unanimously.

Resol. #2002-14/ Bishop Terminal Project

On a motion by Supervisor Bear and a second by Supervisor Lent, Resolution No. 2002-14 was adopted, accepting the improvements and authorizing the recording of a Notice of Completion for the Bishop Airport Terminal Project;  motion unanimously passed and adopted.

P.W./D.V. Road Overlay

The request to approve the Plans and Specifications for the 2002 Death Valley Road Overlay and Reconstruction Project was pulled at the request of the Department.

P.W./Ft. Indy Rd. Resurfacing Prjct.

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the Plans, Special Provisions and Bid Documents for the Fort Independence Road Resurfacing Project; and authorize the Public Works Director to advertise for bids for the project.   Motion carried unanimously.

BofS/State Rt. 127 Crosswalks

The Board discussed the notice from Caltrans that the resurfacing project on State Route 127 in the Shoshone area is going to result in the crosswalks being removed and not replaced.  The Board discussed the portion of the notification which referred to the removal of the crosswalks as a Department Policy which has and will be implemented in the Bishop Area.  The Board expressed concern with the ramifications to this policy and requested Staff to invite Caltrans to update the Board on this policy.  

Planning Dept/ NIH Redistricting Contract

Mr. Chuck Thistlethwaite, Planning Director, provided additional information and further justification for the request for the County to enter into a contract with Northern Inyo Hospital District to provide redistricting services.  Mr. Thistlethwaite responded to questions from the Board explaining that the District could obtain these services through other avenues.  The Board expressed concern that Inyo County Planning Projects would be delayed further if Staff time were devoted to this contract.  The Board, the County Administrator and Staff continued to discuss the ramifications to the Planning Department workload should this contract be approved.  Moved by Supervisor Lent and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to deny approval of the Contract between the County of Inyo and Northern Inyo Hospital District to provide redistricting services.  Motion carried unanimously.

P.W./Courthouse Annex Water Line Relocation

Mr. Jeff Jewett, Public Works Director, explained that during the preparations for the demolition of the old Jail, a Courthouse Annex water line had been discovered.  He explained that the water line had to be relocated prior to demolition in order to maintain water service to the Annex Building.  Supervisor Dorame queried Mr. Jewett on the relocation of the telephone cabling for the Annex Building which he believed was “run through” the old Jail facility also.  Mr. Jewett explained that he was unaware of that possibility and assured the Board that he would make certain that the telephone cabling to the Annex Building was installed properly prior to proceeding with the demolition.  Mr. Jewett reviewed the bids received for the Water Line Relocation Project explaining that the low bid came in over the Engineer’s Estimate, but that he was recommending awarding the contract to the low bidder at the higher rate.  He said that because of the need to proceed with the contract for the demolition work within the timeframe identified in that Contract there was a need to get the water line relocated as quickly as possible.  Mr. Jewett also explained that the cost for the demolition of the Jail came in significantly under the Engineer’s Estimate and that he felt there was sufficient project funding to cover the increased amount for the Water Line Relocation Project.  Mr. Jewett recommended the Board award the contract for the Courthouse Annex Water Line Relocation Project to the low bidder, Hickman Construction, in an amount not to exceed $14,400.  Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to award the bid to and approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Hickman Construction for  the Courthouse Annex Water Line Relocation Project in an amount not to exceed $14,400; and authorize the Chairperson to sign contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained and authorize the Public Works Director to sign all other contract documents including change orders to the extent permitted pursuant to Section 20141 of the Public Contract Code and other applicable law.  Motion carried unanimously.

Resol. #2002-15/ Ambulance Rates

Dr. Susan Holgate, Director of Inyo County Health & Human Services, introduced Chuck Stewart, Judd Symons and Steve Davis of the Emergency Medical Care Committee.  Mr. Steve Davis addressed the Board to provide additional information and explanation on the request to increase maximum ambulance rates for Inyo County.  Mr. Davis explained that in order for the ambulance providers to receive the maximum amount of Medicare reimbursement the County must set the maximum rates.  The Board and Mr. Davis discussed the “State-of-the-Ambulance Providers” with Mr. Davis relaying that the industry is suffering the same ill effects as all of the other health care provider industries.  He explained that Medicare reimbursements are not in line with the actual costs of doing business and in some instances even the volunteer agencies which provide volunteer ambulance services in Inyo County are being forced to charge for services.  The Supervisors explained that should the voters pass Measure A, the Countywide Health Grant Program, funding would be available to assist the providers.   In response to a question regarding the rate of increase, Mr. Davis indicated the proposed increases are about 10%.  On a motion by Supervisor Dorame and a second by Supervisor Lent, Resolution No. 2002-15 was adopted, setting the maximum ambulance rates for Inyo County, which also rescinds Resolution No. 91-67; motion unanimously passed and adopted. 

Ord. 1051 Mental Health Fees

On a motion by Supervisor Hambleton and a second by Supervisor Bear, Ordinance No. 1051,  entitled “An Ordinance of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Inyo, State of California, Revising Inyo County Community Mental Health Service Fees" was enacted;  motion unanimously passed and adopted. 

Org./Coalition of Chambers Sunset Ad Funding

Ms. Toni Jepson, Death Valley Chamber of Commerce Representing the Coalition of Chambers, addressed the Board.  Ms. Jepson updated the Board on the status of the SUV Map promotion and introduced the Coalition’s request for funding for the Sunset Magazine Ad Campaign.  She reviewed the request in detail and in-depth, explaining that the reason for advertising in Sunset is because it is a “coffee table” magazine which is kept around and read over and over.  She also explained that the key to a good public relations campaign is repetitiveness the same types of ads year-after-year.  Dr. Craig London, Bishop Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board to support the project and respond to questions regarding the ability to track the results of advertisements.  The County Administrator reviewed the current Chamber budgets, suggesting the Board request a survey of the current advertising projects by Chamber in order to ascertain the extent of duplication of ads.  The Board expressed a desire to support the Coalition’s efforts but expressed concern with tracking the results.  The Board requested that the Coalition conduct a survey of the Chambers on their current advertising programs and re-evaluate their current request for a 12 insert Sunset Ad Campaign and reduce the campaign to 6 ads.  The Board asked that the Coalition present their revised proposal along with their ad survey at the March 12, 2002, Board of Supervisors Meeting, at which time the Board would consider the Coalition’s request for funding.  

P.W./Feasibility Study Alt 395 Rt. in Bishop

The Public Works Director reviewed the request for support of a Caltrans feasibility study for an alternate route for Highway 395 in the Bishop Area.  The Board and Staff discussed the request with Mr. Jewett explaining that the same request was to be placed before the Bishop City Council during yesterday’s Council Meeting, but that the item was not on the Agenda.  The Board indicated that they were unwilling to proceed with support for this item until they knew what the Bishop City Council was recommending.  The Board and Staff continued to discuss the “alternate route concept” with the Board Members commenting on the length of time it takes to complete a project of this magnitude.  The Board also discussed a desire to have a clearer picture of Caltran’s plans for the entire 395 corridor through Inyo County prior to discussing “by-passes.”  Mr. Stan Smith, Bishop Resident, addressed the Board to encourage long-term traffic planning through Inyo and Mono Counties, in light of development in the Mammoth area. 

The Board took no action on the request to support the submittal of a Project Proposal Form to Caltrans requesting a feasibility study regarding an alternate route for Highway 395 in the Bishop area, asking Staff to bring this item back once the City of Bishop’s recommendations are known.

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed the regular meeting at 12:30 p.m., reconvening at 1:45 p.m., with all Board Members present.

Board Members and Staff Reports

The Board Members reported on their activities during the preceding week, including a CSAC Meeting, an Interagency Visitors Center Meeting, upcoming meetings with DWP on the Big Pine Ditch Project and the Independence Regreening Project, Inyo-Mono Fish and Game Advisory Commission Meeting and an RCRC Meeting.

Closed Session

The Chairperson recessed open session at 2:20 p.m., to convene in closed session, with all Board Members present to discuss Agenda Items No. 13.  CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING/ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a)(c) – One Case - 2002-2003 Pumping Plan Dispute between LADWP and County of Inyo, Adjudication of Dispute Pursuant to the Long Term Water Agreement entered June 1997 as Stipulation and Order for Judgement, Inyo County Superior Court, Case No. 12908; No. 14. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING/ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a)(c) – One Case - Drought Recovery Policy Dispute between LADWP and County of Inyo, Adjudication of Dispute Pursuant to the Long Term Water Agreement entered June 1997 as Stipulation and Order for Judgement, Inyo County Superior Court, Case No. 12908; No. 15. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING/ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a)(c) – One Case - Sierra Club v. City of Los Angeles, Department of Water and Power, Inyo County Superior Court Case No. SICVCV01-29768; No. 16. PERSONNEL (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957)– Public Employee Performance Evaluation – Title:  County Counsel; and No. 17. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6)-Instructions to Negotiators re: wages, salaries and benefits – Title: ICEA – Negotiator – County Administrator and Personnel Analyst.

Report on Closed Session

The Chairperson recessed closed session at 5:30 p.m., to convene in open session to receive a report on closed session.  County Counsel reported that with regard to Agenda Item No. 15. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING/ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a)(c) – One Case - Sierra Club v. City of Los Angeles, Department of Water and Power, Inyo County Superior Court Case No. SICVCV01-29768, which is an action brought against the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the County of Inyo alleging that the defendants breached the MOU by failing to prepare and release the LORP EIR/EIS by the date required, and whereby the Plaintiffs are seeking declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and attorney fees and the Board, in a unanimous vote with Supervisors Arcularius, Bear, Lent, Hambleton and Dorame voting yes, directed County Counsel to defend the County in this matter.

Adjournment

The Chairperson adjourned the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m., to 9:00 a.m., March 12, 2002, in the Board of Supervisors Room, at the County Administrative Center, in Independence.