County of Inyo

Board of Supervisors

Public Comment

The Chairperson announced the public comment period.  Ms. Mary Lou Priest, Field Representative for Assemblyman Bill Maze, provided a brief update on the Assemblyman’s scheduled, notifying the Board that Assemblyman Maze will be conducting a “Town Hall Meeting” in Bishop on May 15, 2003 and prior to that, on May 13 - 15, Ms. Priest will be introducing the Assemblyman’s Chief of Staff to the area. 

County Dept. Reports

The Chairperson announced the County Department Report period.  Mr. Brandon Shults, Information Services Director, updated the Board on the Property Tax Integration System, highlighting the benefits of the system.

Senior Program/ Office Space Lease Extension

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to approve the extension of the Lease between the County of Inyo, IMAAA and Timothy and/or Allison Fillmore for rental of office space located at 568 W. Line Street, to cover the period of April 1, 2003, through March 31, 2004, and increasing the rent to $1,155 per month; and authorize the Chairperson to sign the Extension Agreement.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Info Serv./ Tape Backup System

In response to a question from the Board, the Information Services Director, explained that identical bids had been received for the low bid and the deciding factor for the recommendation to award was based on the past history and good working relationship with  CDW-G.  Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to approve the purchase of computer tape backup system hardware from CDW-G in an amount not to exceed $14,365 and computer tape backup system software from Insight Public Sector in an amount not to exceed $3,691.  Motion carried unanimously.

Integ. Waste/ Keeler Landfill Closure Project

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to reject the bids received on January 31, 2003, for the Keeler Landfill Remediation and Final Closure Project and direct Staff to work with the appropriate State agencies to effect project design changes to facilitate project completion.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Purchasing/ Copier Paper P.O.

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to award Bid No. 2002-14 for and authorize the purchase of 300 cartons of 8-1/2 x 11” copier paper from Sierra Office Supply in an amount not to exceed $23.85 per carton, plus tax.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Purchasing/ OES Supplies and Equipment P.O.

In response to a question from Supervisor Williams, the County Administrator explained that the supplies and equipment to be purchased were allowed under the grant criteria and he would provide the Board with a list.  Supervisor Williams indicated that the verbal explanation was sufficient and the list was not necessary.  Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to award Bid No. 2002-09 for and approve the purchase of safety supplies and equipment for the Office of Disaster Services as recommended by Staff, from Fisher Scientific in an amount not to exceed $53,866.30, plus tax.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-Hlth Serv./ Kern Center  Video Confer-encing MOU

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Inyo and the Kern Regional Center for the use of telemedicine/videoconferencing equipment; and authorize the Director of Health and Human Services to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-Tobacco/ Mule Days Smoke Free Zones

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and the Mule Days Celebration for “smoke-free” zones at the Tri-County Fair Grounds during the 2003 Mule Day Celebration, in an amount not to exceed $3,500; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.   Motion carried unanimously.

DA/Lexis Nexis Agreement

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to approve the Subscription Agreement between the County of Inyo and Lexis Nexis and the order form for online legal services for the period of April 1, 2003, through March 31, 2004, at the rate of $192 per month; and authorize the District Attorney to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

Probation/ Training Contract

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to approve the purchase training and development services from Maril O’Shaughnessy, in an amount not to exceed $4,000.  Motion carried unanimously.

Org./Cal Expo Exhibit and Coalition Projects

Mr. Rich White representing the Coalition of Chambers addressed the Board to provide additional information and further justification for the continuation of the County’s support for the CalExpo Exhibit and the change in use of Coalition funds.  Mr. White provided the Board with a sketch of the proposed changes to the trade show exhibit, which will enhance the use of the 10’ sections of the exhibit.  Mr. White encouraged the Board to continue the County’s participation in CalExpo.  Supervisor Arcularius explained that while she has been a staunch supporter of the exhibit in the past, she felt that perhaps this year, in light of expected impacts to the County’s budget as a result of the State budget crisis, it was an opportune time to take a recess for a year.  She went on to explain that she could not justify the expenditure of $10,000 of totally discretionary funds at this time.  The Board and Mr. White, discussed the proposed changes in use of Coalition funded projects, with the individual Board Members expressing support for all of the recommendations, except the up to $950 per Chamber for the development of individual Chamber press kits.  The Board conveyed to Mr. White their desire to have the Coalition develop a “countywide” press kit to be returned for Board consideration   Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Williams to take action on the 2003 Cal Expo Exhibit and Coalition of Chambers’ requests as follows:  A) designate the Big Pine Chamber of Commerce as the lead agency for the 2003 CalExpo and authorize Mr. Mike Valenzuela as the representative to receive, on behalf of the County, any award money; B) direct Staff to prepare the appropriate budget language next year, if needed, to provide any award money to the Big Pine Chamber of Commerce;  C) approve the 2003 California State Fair CalExpo Exhibit Form; and authorize the County Administrator to sign on behalf of the County;  D) approve the Coalition of Chambers’ request to change the use of $6,000 in funds provided for the Sunset ad campaign to other designated uses as recommended except for the $950 per Chamber for the establishment of individual Chamber press kits; supporting the development of a countywide press kit and/or other projects to be returned for Board consideration for use of the remaining Coalition funds; E) authorize the expenditure of the remaining Coalition funds ($3,778) to refurbish the trade show exhibit; and F) authorize the County Administrator to sign all contract documents which may be required to facilitate the Board’s actions, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.  Motion carried unanimously.

Senior Program/ Reduce Authorized Strength

Mr. Charles Broten, IMAAA-Senior Program Director, provided additional information and further explanation on the request to reduce Staff.  He explained that the reduction is in response to proposed program budget cuts and confirmed that the reduced staffing level would, for the time being, be sufficient to maintain services.  He provided the Board with a brief overview of programs targeted for reduction and/or elimination, which included the foster grandparent program, the brown bag program and the senior companion program.  The Board and Mr. Broten discussed the large number of seniors in Inyo County receiving services, with the Board recognizing the value of the Senior Program and supporting Mr. Broten in his efforts to address budget concerns in a proactive manner.  Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to change authorized strength by deleting one full-time Linkages/MSSP Senior Services Counselor (SSC) position and adding one B-PAR SSC position; and authorize the filling of the B-Par position at a II Step at Range 64 ($15.78 - $19.18 per hour).  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Info Serv.- HIPAA/

Implementation Team

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to A) accept the findings of the County of Inyo HIPAA Implementation Project Team that the HIPAA Covered Component of the County of Inyo is comprised of the following departments/divisions:  County Counsel, Health and Human Services - Behavioral Health - Child Protective Services - Eligibility and Employment Services that administers the County Medical Service Plan - Health Services and HHS Fiscal Services, Inyo-Mono Area Agency on Aging, Personnel, and Risk Management; and B) designate authority to the County Administrator and/or the Privacy Officer to modify the composition of the Covered Component as may be required in the future. Motion carried unanimously.

Transit/Seasonal Driver

Ms. Monika Watterson, Transit Program Director, provided additional information and further justification for hiring a seasonal driver for the Inyo-Mono Transit Program.  Ms. Watterson explained that the seasonal position helps with increased demand in the spring and summer months and also with coverage for vacation schedules.  Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to authorize the filling of one Seasonal Driver position in the Inyo-Mono Transit Program.  Motion carried unanimously.

Probation/Deputy Position

Mr. Toby Dickinson, Chief Probation Officer, provided additional information and further justification for the filling of one Deputy Probation Officer.  Mr. Dickinson explained that while juvenile probation workload has decreased, adult probation has increased.  He went on to explain that several adult Probation Officers are out on some-type of leave, reminding the Board of the need to contract for an Adult Probation Supervisor a couple of weeks ago to help with coverage and workload issues.    Mr. Dickinson also announced his upcoming retirement in June.  Moved by Supervisor Williams and seconded by Supervisor Hambleton to authorize filling one full-time vacant budgeted Deputy Probation Officer position in the Probation Department.  Motion carried unanimously.

Senior Prg./Part- Time Positions

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to authorize the filling of the following vacant budgeted positions in the IMAAA Program: one part-time Cook’s Assistant position; one part-time Homemaker Aide position; one part-time Driver I position; and one part-time Site Coordinator in the IMAAA Program.  Motion carried unanimously.

Resol. #2003-18/ FTA Grant Funds

On a motion by Supervisor Williams and a second by Supervisor Hambleton, Resolution No. 2003-18 was adopted, approving the Grant Applications to the Federal Transportation Administration for Section 5311 FY 02/03 Apportionment Funds for Inyo and Mono Counties: motion unanimously passed and adopted.

Ag. Comm/Weight Truck - Mule Days

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Williams to approve the use of the weight truck for the Mule Pulling Contest, Sunday, May 25, 2003, during the Mule Days events at the Tri-County Fairgrounds.  Motion carried unanimously.

P.W./Bishop Airport Demo Project

Moved by Supervisor Williams and seconded by Supervisor Bear to award and approve the Contract for the Bishop Airport Demolition Project to the apparent low-bidder Concrete Cutting Unlimited in an amount not to exceed $23,350; authorize the Chairperson to sign the Contract, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained; and authorize the Public Works Director to execute all other contract documents, including change orders to the extent permitted by Public Contract Code Section 20142.  Motion carried unanimously.

H&H-Behavioral Hlth/Psychiatrist Salary Increase

Ms. Jean Dickinson, Assistant Director of Health and Human Services, provided additional information and further justification for increasing the salary of the County Psychiatrist.  Ms. Dickinson explained about past recruitment difficulties and emphasized that in order for the County to conduct a Medi-Cal reimbursed mental health program the Psychiatrist is mandated.  She reviewed increased duties and responsibilities of the position, confirmed that the salary being requested was in line with similar positions in other Counties and that the increase was being requested as a result of increased caseload.  Dr. Gail Zwier, Director of Behavioral Health, provided additional information and more detail on caseload numbers and treatment requirements.  Ms. Dickinson also clarified that the salary increase eliminated stand-by pay for this position.  The County Administrator informed the Board that the position was being placed on the non-represented employee list and would now be considered a management position.  Supervisor Arcularius requested that the Department schedule a workshop with the Board to review managed care as it applies to mental health and treatment models that could be incorporated in the future to address caseload.  Moved by Supervisor Williams and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve an increase in salary for the County Psychiatrist from a flat rate of $7,025 per month to a flat rate of $9,000 per month, effective April 1, 2003 and eliminate standby pay for the position.  Motion carried unanimously.

Resol. #2003-19/ Comp for Misc. Employees

On a motion by Supervisor Williams and a second by Supervisor Bear, Resolution No. 2003-19, was adopted rescinding Resolution No. 2000-07 and fixing the compensation and terms of condition for the miscellaneous employees of the County of Inyo: motion unanimously passed and adopted.

BofS/Minute Approval

Moved by Supervisor Hambleton and seconded by Supervisor Williams to approve the minutes of the Board of Supervisors Meetings of A) March 18, 2003; and B) March 24-25, 2003 in Death Valley/Tecopa.  Motion carried unanimously.

Closed Session

The Chairperson recessed open session at 12:20 p.m., to convene in closed session, with all Board Members present to discuss Agenda Items No. 22.  CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) – County of Inyo v. Bishop Paiute Tribe, United States Supreme Court Docket No. 02-281 (United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Docket No. 01-15007; United States District Court for the Eastern District Case No. CIV F-00 6153 REC LJO);  No. 23.  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 Analysts;  No. 24.  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 Administrator and Personnel Analyst; and No. 25.  PERSONNEL   [Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957] - Public Employee Appointment - Title: Director of Planning.  Supervisor Dorame left the meeting at 3:10 p.m.

Workshop/CAO Budget

The Vice-Chairperson Supervisor Hambleton, residing as Chairperson, recessed closed session at 3:20 p.m., to immediately convene in a workshop with the County Administrator on the Budget, with all Board Members present, except for Supervisor Dorame.

Report on Closed Session

The Chairperson reconvened in open session at 4:45 p.m., 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 4:45 p.m., to 9:00 a.m., April 15, 2003, in the Board of Supervisors Room, at the County Administrative Center, in Independence.