County of Inyo

Public Comment

The Chairperson announced the public comment period.  Ms. Andrea Clark, Resource Management Coordinator, informed the Board that the County has been notified of a proposed land exchange of 25 acres in Mammoth known as Shady Rest for 981 acres of private property in Orange, Inyo, Mono and Tulare Counties.  Ms. Clarke indicated that Inyo County has responded to this proposal in the past and it appears the County’s concerns were not addressed in the Environmental Assessment.  She also informed the Board that Staff will be preparing a response to again address the County’s concerns with this exchange.  Mr. Von Riesen, Independence Resident, informed the Board that he has observed children playing on the weekends on the Road Equipment stored at the Road Yard, saying that he felt the County needed to be aware of this situation.

CAO-Purchasing/ Mosquito Abatement ATV Purchase

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Bear to award Bid No. 2001-17 for and approve the purchase of one (1) All Terrain Vehicle for the Mosquito Abatement District from Mammoth Polaris, in an amount not to exceed $6,099 plus tax.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Lent and Dorame absent.

CAO-Purchasing/ Ammunition Purchase

Parks & Rec./ Well Pump Replacement Diaz Lake

H&H-Children’s Serv. Council-D.A./By Laws

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the amendments to the Inyo County Children’s Services Council Bylaws as recommended by Staff.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Lent and Dorame absent.

E. Health/Truck Purchase

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Bear to award the bid for and approve the purchase of one (1) 2002 Ford F150 Regular Cab 4x4 short bed pickup to the low bidder Eastern Sierra Motors in an amount not to exceed $22,574,38.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Lent and Dorame absent.

H&H-Behavioral Hlth./NNA Contract Amendment

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve Amendment No. 1 to the Negotiated Net Amount Contract between the County of Inyo and the State of California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, reducing the Contract by $18,542; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Lent and Dorame absent.

Resol. #2002-38/ Subs. Abuse & Crime Prev. Act 

On a motion by Supervisor Hambleton and a second by Supervisor Bear, Resolution No. 2002-38 was adopted, approving the FY 2002-03 Plan for implementation of the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act: motion unanimously passed and adopted, with Supervisors Lent and Dorame absent. 

H&H-Soc. Serv./ Special Care Rate Plan 

Staff provided additional information, further explanation and responded to questions regarding the request for approval of the Special Care Rate Plan for increased reimbursement for local foster parents for the placement of foster children with special needs.  Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the Special Care Rate Plan for Inyo County foster children with special needs, allowing increased payment to local foster parents, based on child needs, in an effort to reduce out-of-the-area placements of those same children in more costly group homes.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Lent and Dorame absent.

P.W./Old Jail Asbestos Removal Plans and Specs.

The Public Works Director provided additional information and further justification for the project to remove asbestos from the Old Jail prior to demolition.  In response to questions, Mr. Jewett explained that asbestos had been removed from the Jail several years ago which involved the removal of insulation from around the duct work.  He went on to explain that the current asbestos removal project would remove asbestos from the roof area.  Mr. Jewett informed the Board that the asbestos currently being required to be removed was discovered while preparing the facility for demolition.  Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the Plans and Specifications for the Old Inyo County Jail Asbestos Abatement Project and authorize the Public Works Director to advertise for bids for the project.  Motion

P.W./Nine Mile Canyon Rd. Plans & Specs

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the Plans, Special Provisions, and bid documents for the Nine Mile Canyon Road Reconstruction Project and authorize the Public Works Director to advertise for bids for the project.   Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Lent and Dorame absent.

Sheriff’s Dept./ Carpet Replace- ment 

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the purchase of carpet and pad, removal of existing carpet and pad, installation of new carpet and pad and travel from Carpet & Tile Warehouse, Inc., of Pahrump, NV in an amount not to exceed $4,388 for the replacement of the carpet in the mobile homes used by the Resident Deputies in Shoshone.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Lent and Dorame absent.

CAO-Budget/ State Budget Update

The County Administrator provided a detailed and in-depth report on the proposed State Budget based on the latest information provided during his recent CAO’s meeting in Sacramento.  Mr. Mendez reviewed briefly some of the potential impacts of this Budget on Inyo County.  He indicated that he would not be addressing the impacts to health and human services, saying he had asked Dr. Holgate to address those issues.  Mr. Mendez said that at the present time the information being provided was preliminary and would, more than likely, be changing as the State budget process continues.  Mr. Mendez informed the Board that he would be discussing recommendations for specific actions by the County in response to the proposed budget cuts during his third-quarter review next week.  Dr. Holgate went on to provide and read into the record a prepared statement addressing her concerns with the proposed budget cuts on health and human services.  The Board, Dr. Holgate and Mr. Mendez discussed the information provided in Dr. Holgate’s letter, including concurring with her recommendation that vacant positions not be filled in the Health and Human Services Department  until the final State Budget is adopted and the impacts are assessed.  In response to a question about action to put in place a hiring freeze, Mr. Mendez said that he would bring back a specific recommendation regarding a Countywide hiring freeze during the third-quarter review.  The County Administrator went on to explain that the recruitment processes will continue through the establishment of  eligibility lists, clarifying that while the County may continue to recruit,  we are under no obligation to hire as a result of a recruitment.  Mr. Mendez reiterated his position that the County should proceed with great caution until all of the ramifications to the final State Budget are determined.  The Board informed the CAO that they would be looking forward to next week’s third-quarter discussions and would anticipate addressing the potential impacts to the County as the result of the State Budget at that time.  

CAO-Info Serv./ Property Tax System Integration Project

H&H-Children & Families/Comm. Appointment

At the beginning of the discussion regarding an appointment to the Children and Families Commission, the County Administrator, Mr. René Mendez, left the meeting.  Supervisor Bear informed the Board that the Commission is in the process of changing the Ordinance to increase the membership of the Commission because of the increased interest.  She explained that the issue of Conflict in Inyo County is still very real with regard to Prop 10 funding and that these requests for appointment had been reviewed by County Counsel and potential conflicts addressed with the Applicants.  She went on to thank all of the applicants for their interest in serving and nominated Martha Mendez to the vacancy.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to appoint Ms. Martha Mendez to the Children and Families Commission to complete an unexpired three-year term ending December 5, 2003.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Lent and Dorame absent.  The County Administrator rejoined the meeting at the conclusion of this action.

P.W./Application for Safe Routes to Schools Grant for Sidewalk at New Jill Kinmont Boothe School

The Board and Staff discussed the request to approve an application for a “Safe Routes to Schools” Program grant to install a sidewalk in front of the new Jill Kinmont Boothe School. The Public Works Director reviewed the scores this project received through the Outside Projects Evaluation Criteria process, explaining that while the project scored a low 67, the Department decided to bring the project forward for Board consideration because it had some merit.  Mr. Jewett informed the Board that the LTC discussed the need to expand the project to extend the sidewalks into the Manor Market Area and chose not to support the project because it did not extend beyond the boundaries of the school. 

Mr. Jewett also informed the Board that in a prior conversation with the County Superintendent of Schools regarding expanding the project, Mr. George Lozito had indicated that the Office of Education was not willing to provide the required match funds for an expanded project.  Mr. Lozito addressed the Board to provide further explanation on the matching requirement for an expanded project, explaining that because of the Office of Education’s budget cycle it would have been impossible to increase the amount set aside for this project in order to cover increased costs for an expanded project.  He indicated that he would be willing to explore the possibility of expanding the sidewalks in the surrounding areas in a future budget.  Mr. Lozito and the Board discussed the needs of other schools for “safe routes to schools” and how local school districts could apply for this funding also.  The Board and Mr. Jewett discussed the impact this project will have on other Road Department Projects, with the Public Works Director informing the Board that this project will take a priority status because of the grant requirements. 

The County Administrator and the Board of Supervisors went on to discuss the Outside Projects Evaluation Criteria which resulted in this project being rated low.  The Board asked the County Administrator to review the Criteria procedure and bring back recommendations to amend the process to allow these types of projects to be given consideration in a more equitable manner. 

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to approve the application for Safe Routes to Schools Program submitted by the Inyo County Office of Education for construction of a sidewalk in front of the new Jill Kinmont Boothe School and direct Staff to proceed with this application and the project.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Lent and Dorame absent.  Additionally the Board provided direction to the County Administrator to review the Outside Projects Evaluation Criteria Procedure and bring back recommendations to change the Procedure to allow the Board to take into consideration these types of projects.

P.W.-Town Water Systems/Indy Upgrade Phase III, IV & V Plans & Specs.

The Public Works Director reviewed the Independence Town Water System Upgrade Project, in detail, with Mr. Jewett providing the Board with a copy of an Independence Town Map which identified the work which has been completed under Phases I and II, the proposed areas for Phases III, IV and V and which delineated the limited upgrades which were identified by the Boyle Report.   Mr. Jewett informed the Board that this Project encompasses 6,000 ft of 6” pipe, 1000 ft. of 8” pipe, 6 fire hydrants and 42 lateral connections.  

Mr. Von Riesen, Independence Resident, addressed the Board to identify some problems he has with the project, which were the replacement of the old laterals and that connections from the main and the laterals are not being installed and inspected properly.  Mr. Riesen said that when he spoke with the Contractor, he observed that galvanized and copper were being connected and was informed that no inspection was being done.  He explained that using two different types of metal without using the proper connection material would allow electrolysis to occur.  He went on to say that he felt it was imperative that the inspection of the connection be done to ensure that no electrolysis is occurring.  Mr. Riesen also expressed his dissatisfaction with the fact that the old laterals are not being replaced and asked the Board to reconsider the project to include the replacement of the laterals. Mr. Frank Loder, Independence Resident,  addressed the Board to concur with Mr. Riesen’s comments and to recommend the replacement of a majority of the older laterals.  Mr. Jewett explained that the laterals are being replaced only if the connection cannot be completed successfully and that the connections are being inspected as required by the Plans and Specifications which were approved for the project. 

Ms. Dean Loder, representing the Independence CSD, informed the Board that the CSD does not feel they are being sufficiently involved or informed about the Independence Town Water System Upgrade Project.  She asked that the CSD be permitted to participate in future meetings involving this project.  The County Administrator addressed Ms. Loder’s concerns, clarifying that because this is a County Project, it is not appropriate to have outside third party involvement at this time.  Mr. Mendez also informed the Board that Staff has made the information regarding the phases of all of the Town Water System Upgrades available to the public.  

Supervisor Bear reviewed the upgrades which were originally proposed by the Boyle Report, explaining that by the County assuming the responsibility for the upgrades the Town Water Systems were being expanded to provide many more upgrades and better systems than was originally anticipated.  

Ms. Loder went on to thank the Board for their support of the CSD and the Independence Town Water System Upgrade Project and ask if perhaps with regard to the replacement of lateral connections, there was a way that the property owners could replace the laterals if they chose and work out some type of financing for this work through the County.  Mr. Jewett explained the process whereby the laterals are being replaced through the Contract, saying that when a lateral is determined to need to be replaced a Project Change Order is issued and approved and the work is done and paid for through the Change Order.  Supervisor Hambleton indicated his desire to have Staff look into the concerns identified with the laterals.  Mr. Jewett indicated he would review the replacement procedure for the laterals and should it be determined additional laterals should to be replaced, he will incorporate those replacements through the Change Order process of the Contract.  The County Administrator cautioned the Board about the possible impacts and liabilities associated with financing the homeowners replacement of laterals through the County.  The Board and Staff discussed the project including the limitations of having a fixed amount in order to perform the upgrades, what the priorities of upgrades are in relationship to a limited budget,  and the priorities which were set when the projects were originally formulated. 

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the Plans and Specifications for the Phase III, IV and V Independence Water System Upgrade and authorize the Public Works Director to advertise for bids for the project and direct Staff to bring back a report on the concerns with the lateral replacements.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Lent and Dorame absent.

BofS/Minute Order

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to approve the minutes of the May 7, 2002, Board of Supervisors Meeting.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Lent and Dorame absent.

Board Members and Staff Reports

The Board Members briefly reported on their activities during the preceding week, including an Independence Civic Club Meeting, the LTC Meeting, the LAFCO Meeting, the RCRC Meeting held in Bishop on Wednesday and Thursday, and an IMAAA Board Meeting.  The County Administrator reminded the Board that Monday, May 27, 2002, is a County holiday and that other than the 24 hour, 7 day a week Operations, the County Offices will be closed. 

Closed Session

County Counsel notified the Board that Closed Session Agenda Item No. 18. 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, was pulled from the Agenda and would not be discussed. 

Adjournment

The Chairperson announced that today’s meetings was being adjourned in memory of Bill Hastings who was a retired Inyo County Veterans Service Officer.  She offered the Board’s condolences to the Hastings family and offer the County’s thanks for his year’s of dedicated service and his service as a Veteran.  The Chairperson adjourned the regular meeting, in memory of Bill Hastings,  at 2:15 p.m., to 9:00 a.m., May 28, 2002, in the Board of Supervisors Room, at the County Administrative Center, in Independence.