County of Inyo

Public Comment

The Chairperson announced the public comment period.  Dr. Susan Holgate, Director of Health & Human Services, updated the Board on the In-Home Supportive Services Employer of Record issue and discussed the plans for the IHSS Advisory Board.  Mr. Ed Pittman, Project Manager for the Interagency Visitor Center Remodeling Project, updated the Board on the project and provided clarification on an news article which indicates a five-year extension in the completion of certain EEM Projects, including the Remodeling Project.  He reviewed the Project’s current schedule indicating that completion should be sometime in June of 2004.  The Chairperson thanked Mr. Pittman for his timely appearance before the Board.

Rd. Dept./Road Closures

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to authorize the closure of Webster Street between Payne Street and Pavilion Street in Independence, from 3:00 p.m., to 12:00 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2002.  Motion carried unanimously.

Rd. Dept./Home-

Wood Canyon Rd. Rehab Project Contract

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to A) award the bid and approve the Contract for the Homewood Canyon Road Rehabilitation Project to K&H Smith, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $534,690, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 Budget; authorize the Chairperson to sign,  contingent upon appropriate signatures being obtained; and authorize the Public Works Director to execute all other contract documents, including contract change orders to the extent permitted by Public Contract Code Section 20142 and other applicable law.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-Children & Families Comm./ Supt. Of Schools Prof. Devel. Pgrm. Contract

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and the Inyo County Superintendent of Schools program administration for the Professional Development Program for an amount not to exceed $67,500, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-Hlth Serv./ Dr. Richardson Contract Amendment

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve Amendment No. 2 to the Contract between the County of Inyo and James Richardson, M.D., for Health Officer services, increasing the Contract by $20,402, to an amount not to exceed $102,010 and extending the term three months to September 20, 2002, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-Hlth Serv./ Vinatieri Contract

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Shelly Vinatieri, FNP for the provision of nurse practitioner services, for the period of July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2003, in an amount not to exceed $4,260, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-Hlth Serv./ Alexander Contract

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Lois Alexander for nurse practitioner services for the period of July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2003, in an amount not to exceed $3,692, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-Hlth Serv./ Clinica Sierra Vista Contract

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Clinica Sierra Vista for the provision of medical services for the period of July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2003, in an amount not to exceed $5,000, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-Hlth Serv./ Dwayne’s Friendly Pharmacy

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Dwayne’s Friendly Pharmacy for provision of pharmaceutical services for the period of July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2003, in an amount not to exceed $50,000, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-HIV/Applied Research Center Contract

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Applied Research Center (ARC), California State University Bakersfield for the provision of project evaluation services in an amount not to exceed $1,630 for the period of June 1, 2002, through June 30, 2002; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

Coroner/Medtox Labs Contract

With regard to the Coroner contracts and the Integrated Waste contracts on this weeks agenda, Supervisor Hambleton reiterated his concern with approving contracts for next year without having the amounts of the current contracts.  He asked that in the future when contracts are presented that the Agenda Request Item include the total amount of the prior contract, including any amendments and an explanation of the services which were provided and/or are going to be provided.  The County Administrator explained that generally if there is a change in the amount of a contract it is noted in the Agenda Item.  He indicated that he would work with the Department Heads to ensure that this information is presented in a consistent manner.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Medtox Laboratories for toxicology services for the period of July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2002, in an amount not to exceed $3,600, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

Coroner/Deputy Coroner Franke Contract

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Bob Franke for Deputy Coroner services for the period beginning July 1, 2002, at the rate of $780 per month,  contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

Coroner/Deputy Coroner Buck Contract

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and David Buck for Deputy Coroner services for the period beginning July 1, 2002, at the rate of $800 per month,  contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

Coroner/Dr. Jones Contract

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Milton R. Jones, Jr., M.D., for autopsy services for the period beginning July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2003, in an amount not to exceed $25,000, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

Integ. Waste/ Bishop Waste Disposal - Waste Transfer Olancha & Keeler

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Bishop Waste Disposal for the transfer of solid waste from the Olancha and Keeler Transfer Stations to the Lone Pine landfill for the period of July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2003, in an amount not to exceed $24,435, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

Integ. Waste/ Bishop Waste Disposal - Waste Hauling Big Pine

Integ. Waste/ Bishop Waste Disposal - Chem. Toilet Services

Integ. Waste/ Bishop Waste Disposal - Waste Hauling Darwin

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Bishop Waste Disposal for the transfer of solid waste from the community of Darwin to the Lone Pine landfill for the period of July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2003, in an amount not to exceed $7,349, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Purchasing/ Computer Bids

Supervisor Dorame asked what happens to the request from the Road Department for the purchase of computers if the only action the Board takes is to declare the bids received non-responsive.  The County Administrator explained that the department will resubmit the specifications and the item will be re-bid.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to declare all bids received for Bid No. 2001-20 for computers and monitors for the Road Department as non-responsive because they did not meet the minimum specifications or the specifications were not verifiable.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Info Serv./ Revolution Consulting Contract

The County Administrator addressed the request to contract for consulting services for Information Services.  Mr. Brandon Shults, Information Services Director, echoed the CAO’s sentiments that the Contract with Revolution Consulting, a firm he has worked with in the past, will provide the additional technical support for specific projects which Staff does not currently have.  He explained that this support will ensure that the projects proceed in a timely manner.  Mr. Schultz indicated that this additional technical support will also be a benefit to the County in reducing the amount of training time which would be required to bring the Staff up to the same level of expertise for certain technology.  Mr. Shults explained that the main area of expertise and assistance this contract will provide is in the area of security.  He and the County Administrator explained the need to provide appropriate security measures for the County’s infrastructure, if the County is going to proceed with the upgrades of the systems and to provide to the public data through the internet.  Supervisor Hambleton questioned whether this contract could wait until Budget Hearings.  The County Administrator responded that it was an option and explained that a delay in this contract would result in delays to project deadlines and moving forward with the system upgrades and implementation of the necessary system security.  Moved by Supervisor Lent and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Revolution Consulting for technical consulting services for the period of June 18, 2002, through December 31, 2002, in an amount not to exceed $7,500, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 Budget; and authorize the County Administrator to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.  Motion carried unanimously.

P.W.-L.P. Airport/ Budget Transfers and SECOR Contract for Groundwater Testing

The Public Works Director, Mr. Jeff Jewett, provided additional information and further justification for the request to utilize Independence Airport Special Aviation funds to complete the required groundwater testing at the Lone Pine Airport.  Mr. Jewett confirmed that this is an authorized expenditure and explained that the Department would be investigating the possibility of obtaining EPA grant funds to reimburse for this work.  Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to A) amend the FY 2001/2002 County Budget as follows: authorize the transfer of prior year funds from Independence Airport Special Aviation Budget Unit 150400 to Lone Pine Airport Special Aviation Budget Unit 150600 in the amount of $4,000; and increase appropriations in Lone Pine Airport Special Aviation Budget Unit 150600, Professional Services (Object Code #5265) by $4,000;  and B)  approve Amendment No. 1 to the Contract between the County of Inyo and SECOR International Inc., for the provision of solid and groundwater testing services for the Lone Pine Airport, increasing the amount by $4,000 to an amount not to exceed $28,507.50 and extending the contract from April 9, 2002, to September 30, 2002, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 Budget, and authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.  Motion carried unanimously.

Resol. #2002-43/ Big Pine Care Facility RFP

On a motion by Supervisor Hambleton and a second by Supervisor Bear, Resolution No. 2002-42 was adopted, approving the issuance and advertisement of Request for Proposal (RFP) for the lease of the former Big Pine Care facility, pursuant to Government Code Section 25515.2(f); and schedule 10:05 a.m., August 27, 2002, in the Board of Supervisors Room, at the County Administrative Center, Independence, as the time, date and place for a public meeting at which the Board will receive and consider timely responses to the RFP for the lease and development of the former Big Pine Care facility:  motion unanimously passed and adopted.

Ag. Comm./2001 Annual Crop Report

Mr. George Milovich, the “Minister of Agriculture”, presented the 2001 Annual Crop and Livestock Report to the Board.  Mr. Milovich and the Board discussed the various items addressed in the Report and talked about the agricultural trends and the importance and historical value of agriculture.

P.W.-Town Water System.

The Public Works Director, Mr. Jeff Jewett, presented the request to renew, for one-year, the Contract with Owenyo Services for the operation and maintenance of the town water systems.  Mr. Jewett reviewed the cancellation clause explaining that there is a 30 day written notification required by either side in order to cancel the Contract.  Ms. Arlene Grider, Independence CSD, addressed the Board to commend Mr. Jewett’s willingness to keep the CSD informed as to what is happening with the town water systems. 

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to renew the one-year contract between the County of Inyo and Owenyo Services for the operation and maintenance of the Independence, Laws and Lone Pine Town Water System for the period of July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2003, in an amount not to exceed $151,536, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.  Motion carried unanimously.

Planning Dept.- Yucca Mnt./ Budget Amend.

Mr. Andrew Remus, Yucca Mountain Project Coordinator, provided additional information, further justification and responded to questions regarding the budget amendment for the Yucca Mountain Budget.  Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Lent to amend the FY 2001-2002 Yucca Mountain Oversight Budget Unit 620695 by increasing appropriations in Professional Services (Object Code #5265) by $94,425 from unappropriated reserves.  Motion carried unanimously.

Planning Dept.-Yucca Mountain/ Budget Amendment and Hydrodynamics Contract Amendment

Mr. Andrew Remus, provided an amended copy of the scope of work for the Hydrodynamics Contract for the Board’s consideration.  He explained that the new scope of work provides for further clarification of the work to be performed under this Contract this year.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to  amend the FY 2001-2002 Yucca Mountain Hydrology Budget Unit 620696 by increasing appropriations in Professional Services (Object Code #5265) by $49,700 from unappropriated reserves; (4/5’s vote required) and B) approve the amendment to the Contract between the County of Inyo and Hydrodynamics Group for the period of October 1, 1998, through June 30, 2002 increasing the amount of the Contract by $49,700 to an amount not to exceed $464,366, and amending the scope of work to provide for activities related to the completion of the Contract and authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.  Motion carried unanimously.

Planning Dept.- Yucca Mountain/ Budget Amendment and Hydrodynamics Group Contract

Mr. Andrew Remus, provided an amended copy of the scope of work for the Hydrodynamics Contract for the Board’s consideration.  The Board and Planning Department Staff discussed the duties and services to be performed through this Contract. Staff explained that this contract and the use of oversight money is to support on-going Board approved over-sight activities.  Mr. Remus also explained that the contract covers the cost of preparing the grant application for the $5-million DOE Grant which was not an allowable expense under the Grant. The Board requested that Staff make sure that full disclosure of the County’s costs associated with grants be provided prior to the Board’s consideration of such grants.  Moved by Supervisor Lent and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to A) amend the FY 2001/2002 Yucca Mountain Oversight Budget Unit 620695 by increasing appropriations in Professional Services (Object Code #5265) by $230,000 from unappropriated reserves; (4/5’s vote required) and B) ratify the Contract between the County of Inyo and the Hydrodynamics Group L.L.C., for hydrologic oversight services for the period of January 1, 2002, through June 30, 2003, in an amount not to exceed $230,000, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2002/2003 budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.  Motion carried unanimously.

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed open session at 11:25 a.m., reconvening at 1:15 p.m., with all Board Members present.

COA-Preliminary Budget

The County Administrator introduced the FY 2002/2003 Preliminary Budget, highlighting the specific budget items being requested and asking the Board to take each recommendation individually.

CAO-Budget-IMAAA/Budget Amendment

The County Administrator explained that the request to fund a $42,011 appropriation from Contingencies to the IMAAA Budget was a result of a personnel matter.  Mr. Mendez explained that Step increases for A and B Par employees had been applied differently than what was called for in the personnel rules and regulations and as a result of this oversight being brought to the attention of the County adjustments were made to bring A and B Par employees step increases into compliance and to pay the retroactive reimbursement.  Mr. Mendez explained that all other departments had the ability of absorbing the increases within the existing budgets with the exception of the Senior Program.  With regard to the recommendation that the “cash flow” loan be paid back in succeeding years, Mr. Mendez and the Board discussed how loans made by the General Fund to other funds are tracked and paid back, with Mr. Mendez explaining that this was a function of the Auditor.  The Treasurer, Mr. John Treacy, in response to a question from Supervisor Hambleton, explained that the County Treasury does not fund the loans.

 Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to amend the FY 2001/2002 County Budget as follows:  (a) increase appropriations in Contingencies Budget Unit  087100, Contingencies (Object Code #5901) by $42,011; (b) increase appropriations in General Revenues and Expenditures Budget 011900, Operating Transfers Out (Object Code #5801) by $42,011; and (c) in IMAAA Budget Unit 612500 increase estimated revenue in Operating Transfers In (Revenue Code #4998) by $42,011 and appropriations in the  Part-Time Employees (Object Code #5012) by $42,011.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Personnel/ Hiring Freeze Criteria

The County Administrator reviewed the staff report and recommendations regarding the modification of the existing hiring freeze to be a “selective” hiring freeze.  Mr. Mendez reviewed the proposed criteria for rating those positions being requested to be filled.  He explained that he would be combining the position requests to be agendized in a consistent manner on a monthly basis.  He also said he would provide a recap of the Board’s previous position actions in order to provide a forum whereby the new position requests could be evaluated and compared to prior requests. The Board and Staff discussed the proposed scoring points for the various criteria items, with Supervisor Arcularius requesting that the total points for a fully non-general fund position be adjusted from a 5 to 4 in order to adjust the disparity between non-general fund positions and general fund positions.  She explained that she did not want it to be perceived that non-general fund positions were of greater importance than a general fund position.  The Board and Staff discussed the disparity of definitions for mandated in regard to many County programs, with the County Administrator providing specific examples of how a service and/or program may be mandated but the staff to provide the service and/or program may not be defined nor mandated.  Supervisor Lent expressed his concern with decreasing the point value for non-general fund positions, indicating his desire to see the total remain at five.  The County Administrator also provided further clarification that the “selective” hiring freeze would mean that he is suspending delegation of authority to fill not only permanent positions, but also part-time, temporary, and seasonal without Board approval.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to modify the existing hiring freeze to be a “selective” hiring freeze and accept the criteria for evaluating position requests as amended to reflect a total of 4 points for fully funded non-general fund positions.  Motion carried on a four-to-one vote, with Supervisors Arcularius, Bear, Hambleton and Dorame voting yes, and with Supervisor Lent voting no.

CAO-Personnel/ Equity Study

The County Administrator provided additional information and rational and further justification for the recommendation to conduct a countywide job classification study.  Mr. Mendez explained that most jurisdictions perform classification studies every five to seven years and that it has been over ten years since Inyo County has done a study of this type.  Mr. Mendez explained that the reason for recommending a countywide study as opposed to the request for only the fiscal and accounting positions was because the price per position for the small study was almost three times more than the cost per position of the countywide study.   Mr. Mendez also explained that the general rule of the results of classification studies is that one-third move up, one-third stay the same, and one-third are higher than they should be.  The County Administrator and the Board discussed the ramifications of postponing this item until after Budget Hearings, with Mr. Mendez, explaining that it would just mean that the study would begin later, and that there is a possibility that the cost may increase slightly because the Contract price is only locked in through the end of June.  The Board and Mr. Mendez also discussed the County’s ability to implement any changes identified by the Study, with Mr. Mendez explaining the implementation process and saying that he would envision that it would take a year or more to implement changes.  Mr. Mendez also explained that just because there is a study done, there is no obligation to implement the changes.  The County Administrator also informed the Board that the Union concurs with the recommendation for a countywide classification study.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to approve the concept of a countywide job classification study, and directed the County Administrator to bring this item back during the Budget Hearings for further consideration of a contract that would begin the study.  Motion carried unanimously.

 The County Administrator clarified that the request to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Inyo and the Inyo County Employees Association for an Equity Study of All County Positions in the event of the Board’s conceptual approval of the countywide job classification study, would also be returned for consideration during the Budget Hearings.  He went on to clarify that because the Board has approved the concept of the countywide classification study, the request for authorization to prepare a contract that would begin the study of the fiscal and accounting positions was a moot item.

CAO-Info Serv. - Hercules Technologies Contract

The County Administrator provided additional information and further justification for the request to approve, in concept, the continuation of a contract with Hercules Technologies.  He explained that there are ongoing projects which require the continued expertise of Mr. Walt Boyle of Hercules Technologies, which include Sheriff’s Radio Network Upgrade and the CAD/RMS Project.  Mr. Mendez highlighted some of the problems which have been encountered with the Sheriff’s Radio Network explaining that because of roadblocks in the County’s ability to obtain and pay for microwave technology the entire system is being redesigned.  Mr. Mendez reviewed the funding sources for the Contract explaining that a healthy portion of this contract is covered by the Sheriff’s AB443 money.  Mr. Mendez clarified that the bottom line is the work must be completed and if the County does not have the assistance of Hercules Technologies than the work would have to be performed in-house, thereby delaying the critical projects Information Services is currently working on.  The Board and Mr. Mendez discussed the potential of postponing this contract until after the Budget Hearings, with the County Administrator explaining that all work would be suspended on the projects until the Contract is in place.  He expressed his concern with loss of coverage and the need to provide continuity for the projects.  Mr. Mendez indicated that should the Board approve the concept of this contract and/or the contract for airport marketing strategies, either one or both Contracts would be returned next week for the Board’s consideration.  Moved by Supervisor Lent and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to approve in concept the continuation of the Contract with Hercules Technologies and direct the County Administrator to return a Contract for Board consideration.  Motion carried unanimously.

P.W.-Bishop A/P/ Boyd Contract

The Board and the County Administrator discussed the recommendation for approval of a consultant services contract with the Boyd Group for airport marketing strategies.  Mr. Mendez explained that in the County’s efforts to attract a carrier to this area it has become apparent that the County needs the assistance of industry insiders to help prepare a suitable presentation.  Mr. Mendez also explained that because of the interest of many residents a special committee to the County Administrator has been formed to help him move the search for an airline at the Bishop Airport forward.  Ms. Joy Melgard, Mr. Gary Bailey and Mr. Martin Luther of the committee addressed the Board to support the Contract.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to approve in concept staff’s pursuit of consultant services with the Boyd Group for airport marketing strategies; and direct the County Administrator to return the contract, as appropriate, for future Board action.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Budget/ FY 2002-2003 Preliminary Budget

The County Administrator presented additional recommendations for the Board’s consideration of a Preliminary FY 2002/03 Budget.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to   adopt the Fiscal Year 2001/2002 Board Approved Budget as the Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2002/2003, per Staff’s recommendations and amendments, and approve the fixed assets as recommended by Staff.  Motion carried unanimously.

Closed Session

The Chairperson recessed open session at 4:30 p.m., to convene in closed session, with all Board Members present, to discuss Agenda Item No. 29.  CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING/ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a)(c) – One Case - LORP Pumpback Station Dispute between LADWP and County of Inyo, Adjudication of Dispute Pursuant to the Long Term Water Agreement entered June 1997 as Stipulation and Order of Judgment, Inyo County Superior Court, Case 12908; and No. 30.  CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6) - Instructions to Negotiators re: wages, salaries and benefits – Employee Organization: ICEA - Negotiators - County Administrator and Personnel Analyst.

Report on Closed Session

The Chairperson recessed closed session at 5:40 p.m., reconvening 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 5:40 p.m., to 9:00 a.m., June 25, 2002, in the Board of Supervisors Room, at the County Administrative Center, in Independence.