County of Inyo

Public Comment

The Chairperson announced the public comment period and there was no one wishing to speak.

Dept.  Reports

The Chairperson called for County Department Reports and there were no reports presented.

Presentation

The Chairperson presented the Auditor-Controller, Mr. George Holland, a plaque commemorating his years of service to the County of Inyo.  Mr. Holland remarked on his tenure and thanked his staff and his wife Rennie for their continued support.  Mr. Holland also took the opportunity to update the Board on Auditor Department issues.  The Chairperson went on to present a plaque to out-going Third District Supervisor, Ervin Lent, commemorating his 4-years as a Board Member. 

Resol. #2002-74/ Exam of Sales & Use Tax Records

On a motion by Supervisor Dorame and a second by Supervisor Bear, Resolution No. 2002-74 was adopted, authorizing the “Examination of State Board of Equalization Transactions (Sales) and Use Tax Records:”  motion unanimously passed and adopted.

CAO-Purchasing/ Film P.O.

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to award Bid No. 2002-05 for and approve the purchase of Camera Film for the Sheriff’s Department and Jail as recommended by Staff.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Purchasing/ Fingerprint & Palm Print P.O.

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to award Bid No. 2002-06 for and approve the purchase of 3 each Fingerprint and Palm Print Stations and 2 each Forensic Optical Comparator as recommended by Staff.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Purchasing/ Autoclave P.O.

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to award Bid No. 2002-07 for and approve the purchase of an Autoclave from VWR International, for Environmental Health, in an amount not to exceed $3,977.56, plus tax.  Motion carried unanimously.

Ag. Comm./Weed Mngmt. Donation Budget

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to A) accept the donation of $5,000 from Inyo/Mono Resource Conservation District (IMRCD); and B) authorize the Auditor-Controller to establish a trust fund for the Eastern Sierra Weed Management (ESWMA) titled “IMRCD Donation,” with budget unit to be determined by the Auditor/Controller, and administer as set forth in the IMRCD letter of donation and instruction.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-Hlth Serv./ Rural Hlth Funds Declaration

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the Fiscal Year 2002-03 “Declarations of Intent Not to Apply” for Rural Health Services Funds; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-EMS/ Medical Trust Fund Expenditures

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the purchase through the Emergency Medical Trust Fund of A) (7) Motorola radios and necessary auxiliary equipment from Motorola, Inc. (bidder established as sole-source by Sheriff’s Department for consistency in emergency communications) in an amount not to exceed $18,204.73; and B) programming and installation of radios by High Sierra Communications (only local Motorola Dealer/installer) in an amount not to exceed $1,000.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-EMS/EMS Trust Mobile Phone P.O.

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the purchase through the Emergency Medical Trust of two satellite mobile phones from ComTech Communications, in an amount not to exceed $9,523.42.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-Hlth Serv./ Bioterrorism Application

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the Local Public Health Preparedness & Response to Bioterrorism Program Application; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

P.W./Tract Map Approval

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve Tract Map #235B.  Motion carried unanimously.

P.W.-Bishop A/P/ Fuel Dispensing Unit Contract

Mr. Jeff Jewett, Public Works Director, responded to questions from the Board concerning the purchase of a fuel dispensing unit at the Bishop Airport.  He explained that the hose being utilized currently would be salvaged and used as a backup to the new system.  Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to award and approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Hawkeye Enterprises, Inc. for the sale, delivery and installation of a 100 Low Lead Aviation Fuel Dispensing Unit at the Bishop Airport for the period of December 18, 2002 through June 30, 2003, in an amount not to exceed $13,953.63, including applicable taxes; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

Rd. Dept./STIP Grant Audit

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to award and approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Bartig, Basler & Ray for the provision of STIP Grant Projects Audit in an amount not to exceed $3,000, for the period of November 30, 2002 through December 31, 2002; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

Rd. Dept./Cutting Edge P.O.

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to award the bid for and approve the purchase of 12 Tungsten Overlay Cutting edges from Cutting Edge Supply in an amount not to exceed $2,002.34.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Budget/ Update

The County Administrator updated the Board on the current status of the State Budget and the impact of that budget on the County.  He explained that while the Governor has proposed cuts to address the $10-billion plus budget deficit, the particulars on how those cuts would be applied is virtually non-existent.  He explained that he felt it was premature to address the cuts until more specific information is forthcoming from the State.  He went on to explain that he and the other County Department Heads were analyzing all the information which is provided and working on strategies should program reductions be inevitable.  Mr. Mendez explained that while revenue and expenditure projections for the County budget are on target, several large purchases have not been made.  He informed the Board that he is reviewing the vehicle purchase list to determine where reductions could be made.  He explained that as a result of logistics problems with the placement of a couple of communication facilities for the Sheriff’s Radio Network, there is a possibility that there may be substantial savings should the County decide to contract with another vendor to provide the sites.  Mr. Jeff Jewett and the Board discussed the ramifications to road projects should anticipated State budget cuts impact STIP funding.  Mr. Mendez informed the Board that he would continue to monitor the State budget and keep them informed.

Resol. #2002-75/ Town Water System Notice of Completion

On a motion by Supervisor Dorame and a second by Supervisor Hambleton, Resolution No. 2002-75 was adopted, accepting the improvements and authorizing the recording of a Notice of Completion for the Lone Pine Phase I - Independence Phase II Water Distribution System Improvements Project: motion unanimously passed and adopted.

Planning/Vacant Position

Mr. Chuck Thistlethwaite, Planning Director, provided additional information and further justification to fill a vacant Planner position.  The County Administrator concurred that this is a critical position for the Department because of work product expectations.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Lent to authorize the filling of one vacant, budgeted Planner position at either a Senior or Associate step.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-Vacant Positions

Representatives of the Health and Human Services Department addressed the Board to provide additional information and further justification for the request to fill a part-time Registered Nurse/Public Health Nurse and a full-time Perinatal Case Manager.  During the discussion Supervisor Dorame asked if a method could be developed whereby when the Board analyzes the requests to fill vacant positions, it could be put into context on a countywide basis.   The County Administrator indicated that he is in the process of identifying the method to provide the information so that it is meaningful and can be used in the decision making process.  During this portion of the discussion the conversation branched out to encompass other aspects of budget prioritization and the possibility of redirecting outside project funds such as TEA funding.

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Lent to authorize filling one part-time Registered Nurse/Public Health Nurse position.  Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to authorize the filling of one full-time Perinatal Case Manager I position.  Motion carried unanimously.

Sheriff/Arts Council Contract for After School Program

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed the regular meeting at 11:20 a.m., to reconvene at 1:30 p.m., with all Board Members present except Supervisor Lent who excused himself from the rest of the meeting immediately after the recess was called.

IMAAA/Sr. Serv. Counselor IV Additional

Mr. Charles Broten, Inyo Mono Senior Program Coordinator, provided additional information and further justification for the request to add a Level IV Range to the Senior Services Counselor Series Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to authorize the addition of a Level IV at Range 69 ($3,079-$3,739) to the Senior Services Counselor Series I, II, and III tracks in IMAAA/IMSP.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Lent absent.

CAO-Risk/Hallett & McCormick Contract

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to ratify and approve the Agreement between the County of Inyo and Hallett & McCormick for the provision of legal services, for the period of August 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003, in an amount not to exceed $7,500; and authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Lent absent.

H&H-Hlth Serv./ High Speed Internet Connections

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Bear to A) amend the FY 2002/03 Health Budget Unit 045100 by increasing appropriations in Federal Other (Revenue Code #4552) by $10,238 and increasing appropriations in various object codes by $10,238, as recommended by Staff; B) approve the Agreement between the County of Inyo and the State of California for the provision of attaining a continuous high speed internet connection to meet the Public Health Preparedness and Response for bioterrorism guidelines; and authorize the Chairperson to sign; and C) authorize $3,000 for the purchase of two computers as recommended by Staff.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Lent absent.

H&H-Hlth Serv./ Small County Initiative

Dr. Susan Holgate, Director of Health & Human Services, Ms. Jean Dickinson, Assistant Director of Health and Human Services, and Andrea Durocher-Cortez, Program Coordinator, provided additional information and further justification for extending the Small County Initiative Grant.  During the discussion the Board and Staff discussed the need in the future to address the sustainability of funding when evaluating grants.  Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to ratify the Amendment to the Small County Initiative Grant, extending the agreement to encompass the period of February 1, 2000 through December 31, 2002, and increasing the Contract amount by $37,500 to a total amount of $207,500; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Lent absent.

Planning/Hydro-

Dynamics Group Contract

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to ratify and approve the Agreement between the County of Inyo and the Hydrodynamics Group L.L.C. for CEQA-related hydrologic support services for the period of April 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003, in an amount not to exceed $293,763, contingent upon adoption of future budgets and continued U.S. Department of Energy funding of the Death Valley Regional Groundwater Monitoring Program; and authorized the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon obtaining the appropriate signatures.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Lent absent.

Probation/Simplex Grunnell Time Recorder Contract

BofS/Minute Approval

The request for approval of the minutes of the December 3, 2002, Board of Supervisors Meeting was pulled from consideration.

Board Members and Staff Reports

The County Administrator requested the Board provide dates for the Death Valley Meeting, explaining that he was asking for three days in order to conduct the Meeting and an extra day in order to conduct a “retreat” for the Board and Department Heads.  Supervisor Arcularius queried the County Administrator on the possibility of having the “retreat” portion of the meeting held closer to the County seat, expressing her concern with the additional travel costs to the County in having all of the Department Heads attend the D.V. Meeting.  Mr. Mendez explained that he would schedule the meeting at the Board’s pleasure.  The remaining Board Members indicated the concurrence with having the “retreat” in conjunction with the D. V. Meeting.  The Board calendared the dates of March 24, 25, and 26 as the dates for the 2003 Annual Death Valley Meeting.

Closed Session

County Counsel reported that the following closed session Agenda Items had been pulled from the Agenda and as a result no closed session would be conducted:  No. 27.  CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR [Pursuant to Government Code Section 4957.6] - Instructions to Negotiators re: wages, salaries and benefits - Employee Organization: ICEA - Negotiators: County Administrator and Personnel Analyst and No. 28.  CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR [Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6] -  Instructions to Negotiators re:  wages, salaries and benefits- Employee Organization: Elective Officials Assistant Association (EOAA) - Negotiators: County Administrative Officer & Personnel Analyst.

Adjournment

The Chairperson adjourned the regular meeting at 2:40 p.m., to 9:00 a.m., January 7, 2003, in the Board of Supervisors Room, at the County Administrative Center, in Independence.