County of Inyo

Board of Supervisors

Public Comment

The Chairperson announced the public comment period.  Mr. Robert Hurd, Director of Environmental Health, announced that tickets for the Annual ICARE Dinner to be held Saturday, April 13, 2002 at the Fairgrounds, have gone on sale and that the proceeds will benefit ICARE projects.  Ms. Sophia Merck, Ridgecrest Resident, addressed the Board to ask the County to become more involved with BLM and federal land issues, especially those which adversely affect the people in the southern end of the County.  Mr. Mike Schlafmann, Deputy District Ranger, for the Inyo National Forest, introduced himself to the Board.  Mr. Schlafmann explained that the Forest Service has been asked to provide an analysis of six points addressed in the Sierra Nevada Framework and Amended Forest Plan.  He also indicated that he was providing the Board with advance notification that the County will be receiving a letter requesting the County’s input on these 6 points and that the County will have two weeks from the date of the receipt of the letter in which to provide a response.  Supervisor Butch Hambleton addressed the Board to commend the community efforts of Dick and JoAnn Lotito, Big Pine Residents who recently passed away.  Supervisor Hambleton offered his condolences to the Lotito family for their loss.  The Chairperson acknowledged the presence of past Supervisors Paul Payne, Robert Gracey and “Lefty” Irwin, welcomed them to the meeting, and thanked them for their continued interest in County issues.  The Chairperson also offered the County’s condolences to our English Allies who are suffering the loss of the “Queen Mother.” 

Introduction

Mr. Phil McDowell, District Attorney, introduced Ms. Mykala Brewer, Victim Witness Assistant Advocate in the District Attorney’s Office, to the Board.

Planning/AAPL Alternate Wilderness 

Proposal

The Chairperson recessed open session at 9:40 a.m., to convene in a workshop with the Advocates for Access to Public Land (AAPL) who presented their Alternate Wilderness Proposal. Members of the public representing support and opposition for legislation placing large areas of Inyo and Mono Counties into wilderness designation presented their arguments to the Board.  The Board, Staff and members of the public discussed the Wilderness Plans which have been presented to the Board by the Wilderness Society in August, 2001 and the AAPL Proposal presented today, with the Board questioning what the legislation says and the total acreage being proposed to be designated wilderness.  The consensus of the participants was that the legislation is still being drafted and Senator Boxer should be contacted to get the most current version of the legislation.  The Chairperson recessed the workshop at 12:15 p.m., to convene in open session.  The Chairperson announced that the Board would recess and that during the recess she, the County Administrator, and Planning Staff would meet to formulate recommendations for Board direction regarding the information obtained during this workshop.  The Chairperson announced that the Board would reconvene in the workshop at the conclusion of the recess.  Additionally, the Chairperson asked if the presentations by Dick Noles on the Catch and Release Study results and by Mr. Hallenbeck, Caltrans District Director on crosswalks could be postponed.

Fish & Game/ Fish Study Results

Mr. Dick Noles addressed the Board to concur with the request for postponement on the presentation of the results of the study on the release of “bait caught” trout for the purpose of reducing mortality,  and the viewing of the “How to Release” video which is a part of this study.  Mr. Noles indicated that he would make the presentation during the May 7, 2002, meeting. 

Road/Caltrans Crosswalk Policy

Mr. Tom Hallenbeck, Caltrans District Director, addressed the Board.  Mr. Hallenbeck concurred with the request to postpone the discussion on Caltrans’ Crosswalk Policy to May 7, 2002.  Mr. Hallenbeck took the opportunity to acknowledge the Orange Ribbon he was wearing explaining that the ribbon was being worn by Caltrans Employees to honor the 2^nd Highway Worker Memorial Service being conducted at the Capitol in Sacramento in memory of the highway workers who have died in the lineof duty.  He explained that the local Caltrans Employees will be driving with their headlights on also in memory of their fallen co-workers and to remind motorists to drive safely.  Mr. Hallenbeck invited the public to join with them in this remembrance.  Mr. Hallenbeck also informed that Board that this week is National Highway Worker Safety Week.  
Mr. Hallenbeck announced that State Route 190 in Inyo County from the west boundary of Death Valley National Park to the east boundary has been designated an Official State Scenic Highway and presented the Chairperson with the official plaque commemorating this designation.

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed the regular meeting at 12:20 p.m., reconvening the workshop at 1:40 p.m., with all Board Members present.

Planning/AAPL Alternate Wilderness 

Proposal

The Chairperson reconvened the workshop at 1:40 p.m., with the Advocates for Access to Public Land (AAPL) who had presented their Alternate Wilderness Proposal.  The Chairperson announced the results of the brief meeting with Staff which she had during the recess, saying that the recommendation is for the Board to direct the Planning Department Staff to return on May 7, 2002, with a draft recommendation for Board consideration addressing the two Wilderness Proposals which have been presented to the Board.  Supervisor Arcularius explained that the recommendation should incorporate the mutual points of acceptance on the two differing proposals, and some of the historic positions Inyo County has taken in the past regarding wilderness and resource management issues.  She explained that this will give the Board a beginning point for discussions on how to proceed.  Additionally the Chairperson asked that further public input which has not been presented to the Board be submitted in writing by May 1^st in order for it to be incorporated into Staff’s recommendation.  The Chairperson also asked that duplication of information from the public be kept to a minimum.  Supervisor Hambleton asked that Senator Boxer be invited to come to Inyo County on the 7^th to participate in the discussion, explaining that he felt it was imperative Senator Boxer participate in the local discussions on this legislation which effects local land use designations.   The Board asked that the invitation letter to Senator Boxer include a request that the most current and up-to-date information regarding the proposed legislation be available no later than May 1^st for review at the May 7^th Board Meeting and a request that the Senator conduct public hearings during the Congressional  Memorial Day recess at the end of May in the Eastern Sierra Communities that will be effected by an expansion of wilderness designations.  The Chairperson asked Planning Staff to prepare a letter for her signature, inviting Senator Boxer to the May 7, 2002, Board of Supervisors Meeting and incorporating the request for information and public hearings.  The Chairperson recessed the workshop at 1:45 p.m., to reconvene in open session with all Board Members present. 

CAO-Purchasing/

Paper P.O.

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to award Bid No. 2001-15 for and authorize the purchase of 300 cartons of 8-1/2” x 11” copier paper from Sierra Office Supply in the amount of $23 per carton plus tax.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Purchasing/ Office Furniture P.O.

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to award the quotation for and approve the purchase of office furniture for the Health & Human Services Department as recommended by Staff.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Purchasing/ Parkas P.O.

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to award Bid No. 2001-14 for and approve the purchase of 21 ea. Parkas for the Sheriff’s Department from Long Beach Uniform Co., Inc., in an amount not to exceed $5,609.50 plus tax.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Purchasing/ Ammunition P. O.

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to A) reject the quotation received from L.C. Action Police Supply as non-responsive and B) award the quotation for and approve the purchase of Winchester ammunition for the Probation Department from Adamson Industries, of Costa Mesa, in an amount not to exceed $2,569.95 plus tax.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Purchasing/ Crime Scene Investigation Supplies

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to award Bid No. 2001-16 for and approve the purchase of Crime Scene Investigation Supplies for the Sheriff’s Department from Sirchie Finger Print Laboratories, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $3,330.50 plus tax.  Motion carried unanimously.

Parks/Taboose Creek Lease

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the Lease between the County of Inyo and the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power for the Taboose Creek Campground property at the rate of $360 per year for the period of July 1, 2001, through June 30, 2006, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of future budgets; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

P.W./Resurfacing Project Fish Springs Road

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

Rd. Dept./ Cinders P.O.

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to declare Twin Mountain Rock Company of Huntington Beach as the sole-source provider of cinders for use in the maintenance of County roads and authorize the purchase of cinders at $6.00 per ton not including sales tax, from Twin Mountain Rock Company in an amount not to exceed $25,000.  Motion carried unanimously.

Sheriff’s Dept./ Simplex Repair

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to ratify the purchase order to Simplex for the emergency repair of the Jail Simplex System Node 6, in an amount not to exceed $11,990.  Motion carried unanimously.

BofS/SB2070 Support Letter

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to approve the letter of support for Senate Bill 2070 (Johannessen) Water Supply Security and Water Supply Reliability and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

Auditor/Tobacco Settlement Budget Amendment

The County Administrator explained that the County will transfer Tobacco Settlement money to the Hospital Districts when it is received, saying that the County will act a pass-through agent for the funds.  Mr. Mendez also informed the Board that the General Reserve balance after the Tobacco Settlement money is paid will be a little more than $700,000.  Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to amend the FY 2001-02 County Budget as follows: A) increase the Auditor-Controller, General Reserve Budget Unit 010405, Operating Transfers Out (Object Code #5801) by $498,821 and increase Auditor-Controller, Tobacco Settlement Funds Budget Unit 010409, Operating Transfers In (Object Code #4998) by $498,821 and B) increase Auditor-Controller, Tobacco Settlement Fund Budget Unit 010409, Non Operating Expense (Object Code #5322) by $498,821.  Motion carried unanimously.

D.A./Budget Amendment

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to amend the FY 2001-02 District Attorney Budget Unit 022400 as follows:  increase estimated revenue in Citizens Option for Public Safety – COPS (Revenue Code #4488) by $3,203.87 plus any additional interest and increase appropriations in Part-time Employees (Object Code #5012) by $3,203.87 plus any additional interest.  Motion carried unanimously.

E. Health/Budget Adjustment

Moved by Supervisor Lent and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to A) amend the FY 2001-02 OVMAP Budget 154101 as follows:  increase estimated revenue in Services & Fees (Revenue Code #4819) by $3,000 and increase appropriations in Vehicles (Object Code #5674) by $12,300 of which $9,300 is from undesignated reserves; and B) authorize the acquisition of one (1) 4WD Pickup Truck and one (1) All Terrain Vehicle.  Motion carried unanimously.

E. Health/New Well Permit

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve a new well permit for the domestic uses of the Cal Tech Radio Observatory.  Motion carried unanimously.

P.W-L.P. Airport/ Budget Amendment  SECOR Contract

The County Administrator provided additional information regarding the request to use Special Aviation funds from Independence and Shoshone Airports for the groundwater testing at the Lone Pine Airport, explaining that the FAA has informed the County that utilization of the funds for this purpose is an allowable expense.  Mr. Mendez also explained that the process being used for the transfer of the money is different than the process used in the past.  He said that usually the revenue is recognized in the budget and the appropriations are increased.  He said that in this budget amendment the revenue is not being recognized.  Mr. Mendez explained that either process is correct but that this change means that he will provide the Board with fund information instead of budget information.   Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to A) amend the FY 2001-02 County Budget as follows: (a) authorize the transfer of $20,000 in prior year funds from Independence Airport Special Aviation Budget 150400 to Lone Pine Airport Special Aviation Budget 150600; (b) authorize the transfer of $5,000 in prior year funds from Shoshone Airport Special Aviation Budget 150800 to the Lone Pine Airport Special Aviation Budget Unit 150600; C) amend the FY 2001-2002 Lone Pine Airport Special Aviation Budget Unit 150600 by increasing appropriation in Professional Services (Object Code #5265) by $25,000; (4/5’s vote required); and B) approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and SECOR International, Inc., for soil and groundwater testing at the Lone Pine Airport in an amount not to exceed $24,507.50 for the period of April 9, 2002 through June 30, 2002; and authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-Hlth Serv./ WIC Contract and Budget Amendments

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Bear to A) approve Amendment No. 4 to the Contract between the County of Inyo and the Department of Health Services, Women, Infants and Children Program increasing the Grant by $7,166 for a total not to exceed $562,668 for the period of October 1, 1999, through September 30, 2002, and authorize the Chairperson to sign; B) amend the FY 2001-02 Women, Infants and Children Program Budget 641901 as follows: (a) increase estimated revenue in State Grants (Revenue Code #4498) by $7,166 and increase appropriations in Office and Other Equipment (Object Code #5232) by $1,500, General Operating (Object Code #5311) by $2,166, Travel (Object Code #5331) by $1,500 and Office Equipment (Object Code #5669) by $2,000; and C) authorize the purchase of a computer and printer in compliance with State and County requirements.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-Hlth Serv./ HIV Pgrm Budget Amendment

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to A) approve Amendment No. 1 to the Contract between the County of Inyo and the Department of Health Services, HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention Program, decreasing the Grant by $18,000 ($6,000 per Fiscal Year) to a total not to exceed $208,500 for the period of July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2004, and authorize the Chairperson to sign; and B) amend the FY 2001-02 HIV Master Grant Program Budget 641801 as follows: (a) decrease estimated revenue in State Grants (Revenue Code #4498) by $6,000; and (b) decrease appropriations in Professional and Special Services (Object Code #5265) by $6,000.  Motion carried unanimously.

P.W.-Bldg & Mnt./ Admin. Center Heating & AC Unit

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to authorize a change in purpose in the Deferred Maintenance Budget 011501 by allocating funding from the Bishop County Services Re-roof Project to the proposed replacement of the heating and air conditioning unit at the County Administrative Center in Independence.  Motion carried unanimously.

BofS/Minute Approval

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to approve the minutes of the March 26, 2002, Board of Supervisors Meeting.  Motion carried unanimously, on a four-to-zero vote, with Supervisors Arcularius, Lent, Hambleton and Dorame voting yes and with Supervisor Bear abstaining.

Fish & Game/ EMS Letter of Support

Moved by Supervisor Lent and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to authorize the Chairperson to send a letter to Caltrans District Director, Tom Hallenbeck, asking that the use of electronic message signs (EMS) be provided to warn motorists of deer/elk along Highway 395 during migration and other high impact periods.  Motion carried unanimously.

Org/L.P. CofC/ Event Approval

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to support the 24^th Annual Wild Wild West Marathon to be held Sunday, May 5, 2002 and the 29^th Annual Death Valley to Mt. Whitney Bicycle Race to be held Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, 2002 and direct the Public Works Director to issue all necessary permits.  Motion carried unanimously.

Board Members and Staff Reports

The Board suspended their complete Board Members and Staff Reports except for briefly reporting on constituent meetings and a Big Pine Civic Club Meeting.  The County Administrator announced that the April 16, 2002, Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting was cancelled because of a lack of a quorum and asked the Board to schedule another date for a Special Board Meeting for on-going County business.  The Board Members reviewed their calendars and asked the County Administrator to schedule a Special Meeting for Wednesday, May 1, 2002.  Mr. Mendez updated that Board on a COG Meeting at which the Town of Mammoth Lakes indicated that they would be setting the record straight regarding their erroneous reporting that Inyo County concurred that the Mammoth Airport should be the airport designated for large jet traffic and the Bishop Airport would be the regional airport.  Mr. Mendez explained that at no time did any representative of Inyo County concur with these designations.

Closed Session

The Chairperson recessed open session at 3:05 p.m., to convene in closed session with all Board Members present to discuss Agenda Items No. 27.  CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) - Sierra Club v. City of Los Angeles, Department of Water and Power, Inyo County Superior Court Case No. SICVCV01-29768; No. 28. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING/ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a)(c) – One Case – Laws/McNally Canals 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,No. Case 12908; No. 29. 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; No. 30. PERSONNEL (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957)– Public Employee Performance Evaluation – Title:  Director of Planning; and No. 31. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6) - Instructions to Negotiators re: wages, salaries and benefits – Title: Director of Planning – Negotiator – Member of Board of Supervisors as designated

Report on Closed Session

The Chairperson recessed closed session at 5:15 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 regular meeting at 5:15 p.m., in memory of Dick and JoAnn Lotito of Big Pine, offering the Board’s sympathy and condolences to the Lotito Family.  The Chairperson adjourned the meeting to 9:00 a.m., May 7, 2002, in the Board of Supervisors Room, at the County Administrative Center, in Independence.