County of Inyo

Public Comment

The Chairperson announced the public comment period.  Ms. Annette Denning, representing the Owens Valley School Board, announced that 10 students would be graduating this year from the Owens Valley High School.  Ms. Denning proceeded to identify some of the places throughout the Country where these students will be attending college.  Additionally, Ms. Denning, now addressing the Board as a County employee and an Owens Valley School Booster Club Member, went on to request permission to use the County logo to have a company in Mammoth monogram clothing with the Inyo County Seal, which could be sold to County employees.  The Chairperson thanked Ms. Denning for her comments and reminded the audience that no action could be taken during the public comment period.   Mr. Andrew Morin of Lone Pine, identified potential problems with the expansion of the China Lake operations which is being proposed, and asked the Board of Supervisors and the County to take a position opposing the expansion and to have the Planning Department look into potential impacts.

County Dept. Reports

Ms. Leslie Chapman, Inyo County Auditor-Controller, informed the Board that the Auditor’s Office is in the final stages of the development of an electronic funds transfer process for payment to vendors.  She explained how this new process would benefit the vendors, especially the small local vendors, by expediting payment.  She went on to thank her Staff for their help in putting this system in place.  Mr. George Milovich, Agricultural Commissioner, updated the Board on the Noxious Weed Abatement Program.

D.A./Introduction

Mr. Art Maillet, District Attorney, introduced Ms. Alissa Burns, Criminal Investigator, in the District Attorney’s Office, to the Board.

BLM/Update

Mr. Bill Dunkelberger, Field Manager for the BLM Bishop Office, introduced himself to the Board, providing a brief history of his background and experience.  He went on to provide an update on BLM activities.

CAO-Info Serv./ Antivirus Software

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the annual maintenance renewal of the Symantec Antivirus computer software for the County from GovConnection in an amount not to exceed $3,890.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

DA/Lab Equipment Purchase

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to declare Brenton Safety of Rancho Cordova a sole-source provider of lab equipment and authorize the purchase of lab equipment as recommended by Staff from Brenton Safety in an amount not to exceed $8,290, plus tax and shipping.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

H&H-Behavioral Hlth./Substance Abuse Plan

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the FY 2003-04 Plan for Implementation of the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act; and authorize the Alcohol and Drug Administrator to sign.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

H&H-Hlth Serv./ Pharmaceutical Serv. Contract Amendment

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve Amendment Number One to the Contract between the County of Inyo and Dwayne’s Friendly Pharmacy for the provision of pharmaceutical services by increasing the contract amount by $15,000 to an amount not to exceed $65,000; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

H&H-Misc./Lone Pine Office Lease

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the Lease Agreement between the County of Inyo and Donald Christenson, M.D. for the property at 380 North Mt. Whitney Drive, in Lone Pine, for the period of July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2004, in an amount not to exceed $2,300 per month contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2003/04 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

H&H-Misc./Grove Street Office Lease

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the Lease Agreement between the County of Inyo and Connie and Michael Layne Trust for the property at 162 Grove Street, in Bishop, for the period of July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2004, in an amount not to exceed $5,187 per month contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2003/04 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

H&H-Children & Families Comm./ Outreach Prgm. Materials

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the Agreement between the County of Inyo and Rogers and Associates for Community Based Outreach Program materials; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

P.W.-Bishop A/P Adv. Comm./ Appointments

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to appoint Arnie Peterson to the Northern Inyo Airport Advisory Committee to complete a four-year term ending February 1, 2007 and Paul Baldwin to the alternate position on the Committee to complete an unexpired term ending June 30, 2004.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Rd. Dept./Tree Removal

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to authorize County Road Department Personnel to remove a large sycamore tree in the road right-of-way at 314 N. Clay Street, in Independence.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Sheriff/El Paso Peak Site Lease

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the Antenna Site Lease Agreement with Western Summit Enterprises, Inc., dba, Mountain Investments for the installation of Sheriff’s communication equipment on El Paso peak, for the period of five years beginning June 1, 2003, at the rate of $425 per month, with a 4% increase in consecutive years, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of future budgets; and authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Sheriff/Mazourka Peak Site Lease

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the License Agreement with City of Los Angeles, Department of Water and Power, for the installation of Sheriff’s communication equipment on Mazourka Peak, for the period of five years beginning July 1, 2003, at the rate of $500 per year, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of future budgets; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Water Dept./ Monitoring Equipment P.O.

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to declare In-Situ Inc. as a sole-source provider of monitoring equipment and approve the purchase of three In-Situ Mini-Troll Water Level Loggers for the monitoring of Owens Valley wells in conjunction with a grant from the Department of Water Resources, from In-Situ, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $4,776.50, plus shipping, tax and insurance.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Integ. Waste/ Waiver of Fees for So. Inyo Hospital

Mr. Chuck Hamilton, Deputy County Administrator, reviewed the request by the Southern Inyo Hospital for waiver of construction fees.  Mr. Hamilton responded to questions from the Board explaining that these types of requests are infrequent and are presented to the Board for approval.  Supervisors Arcularius and Bear expressed their concern with setting a precedent, citing that other small districts and non-profit groups presently bear the burden of paying these costs.  Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to deny the request by the Southern Inyo Hospital to waive disposal fees for the disposal of construction/demolition debris at the Lone Pine landfill in the amount of $120.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Transit Program/ Town of Mammoth Agreement

Ms. Monika Watterson, Transit Program Director, provided additional information and further justification for the Agreement with the Town of Mammoth Lakes to expand transit operations in the community.  Mr. Steve Black, Public Works Director for the Town of Mammoth Lakes, provided additional clarification on the types of transit services to be rendered now and in the future.  He confirmed that the Town intends to pay the farebox from revenue derived from developer fees, which have been designated the funding source for this transit use.  The Board, the County Administrator, Ms. Watterson and Mr. Black discussed the regional approach to transit services in the Eastern Sierra, including the variety of models available for providing transit services, the need to reevaluate the program, and to identify the best method for the delivery of services.  Mr. Black indicated that the Town of Mammoth Lakes was going to be providing the Mono County LTC with a comprehensive study on the present and future requirements for transit services and suggested that they include Inyo County in that Study.  The Board and the County Administrator concurred with the suggestion, with the County Administrator indicating that the information would be brought forward in the future for a discussion on the findings.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to approve the Amendment to the Agreement between the County of Inyo and the Town of Mammoth Lakes setting forth the duties and responsibilities with respect to the addition of operation by Inyo County of a deviated fixed route service in the Town of Mammoth Lakes and the payment of the farebox minimum by the Town of Mammoth Lakes to Inyo County; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Planning/ZR 2002-6/Jasper

The Chairperson opened the public hearing, at 10:17 a.m., to consider a proposed ordinance entitled “An Ordinance of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Inyo, State of California, Approving Zone Reclassification No. 2002-6/Jasper (Uncle Bud’s Restaurant) and Amending Ordinance No. 943, the Inyo County Zoning Ordinance, by Reclassifying a 7,253 Square Foot Piece of Property Located at 120 South Main Street in the Community of Big Pine from C-1-10,000 (General Commercial and Retail - 10,000 Square Feet Minimum) to C-1-10,000-MH (General Commercial and Retail - 10,000 Square Feet Minimum - Mobilehome Overlay).”   Ms. Adena Fansler, Inyo County Planning Department, reviewed the Staff Report and recommendations.  At the conclusion of her remarks Ms. Fansler asked that the Staff Report be entered as an Exhibit and it was Marked Exhibit A.   There was no one from the public wishing to comment on this item, and the Chairperson closed the public hearing at 10:20 a.m.  Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to waive the first reading of the ordinance and schedule 10:05 a.m., May 13, 2003, in the Board of Supervisors Room, at the County Administrative Center, in Independence, as the time, date and place for the enactment.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Parks/Plans, etc. for Vault Toilet Improvement Project

The County Administrator and the Deputy County Administrator provided additional information and further justification for the construction of vault toilets at Tinnemaha and Taboose Creek.  The Deputy CAO explained that the recommendation is to demolish four toilets and install three new vault toilets.  The Board and Staff reviewed the costs associated with this project, as well as the impact to the Parks and Campground Improvement Plan.  The County Administrator indicating that Staff would provide updated information on the effects of this change and an overall update on the status of the Inyo County Parks and Campground Improvement Plan.  Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the plans, special provisions, and bid documents for the Inyo County Parks and Recreation Vault Toilet Improvement Project and authorize the Parks and Recreation Department to advertise for bids for the project; and further to note, the Board is looking forward, in the near future, to an update on the Parks and Campgrounds Improvement Plan.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Auditor/Bartig Basler and Ray Auditing Contract

The Auditor provided additional information and further justification for her recommendation to utilize the services of Bartig, Basler and Ray for auditing services through 2005.  She provided additional information on the magnitude of the requirements of GASB and how the historical memory of this firm would assist the County in meeting the GASB requirements.  She asked the Board to support her choice to continue the relationship with these auditors, indicating that her experience in auditing services will provide her the ability to control the audit process to ensure its effectiveness. 

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and Bartig, Basler & Ray, CPA’s, for the provision of audit services for a) the County, Children and Families Commission, LAFCO, Inyo Transportation Development Act Funds, Great Basin Air Pollution Control District and Inyo County STIP Programs for fiscal years ending June 30, 2003, 2004, and 2005, in the amount of $195,000; b) Special Districts for fiscal years ending June 30, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 in the amount of $38,000, for a total contract price not to exceed $233,000, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of future budgets; and authorize the Chairperson to sign. Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

County Counsel/ Reappointment of Paul Bruce

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to re-appoint Mr. Paul N. Bruce as County Counsel for a four (4) year statutory term commencing May 1, 2003, through April 20, 2007, and request that he meet with the Board in six (6) months for further review and evaluation of his performance and compensation.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed the regular meeting at 10:50 a.m., reconvening at 10:57 a.m., with all Board Members present, except Supervisors Williams and Dorame.

E. Health/ Enviroguide Contract

Mr. Bob Hurd, Director of Environmental Health, provided additional information and further explanation on the request to approve the Contract with Enviroguide for completion of the Area Plan.  The Board thanked Mr. Hurd for his forthrightness in explaining that the reason the Contract was being ratified was because it had taken him longer to review the document than originally anticipated, indicating that the document was voluminous.  Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to ratify the Contract between the County of Inyo and Enviroguide to complete the remaining steps to complete the update and amendment of the “Inyo County Area Operations Plan for Hazardous Materials Incidents” (Area Plan), for the period of October 31, 2002, through June 6, 2003, in an amount not to exceed $2,722.50; and authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

H&H-Children and Families Comm./ Appointments

Supervisor Bear acknowledged the need to identify the length of terms for the candidates, suggesting that the terms be assigned in the respective order in which they are listed in the Board Item.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to appoint Lara Andersen, to the Children and Families Commission to complete a term ending December 1, 2003 and appoint Michele Dossey and Dolly Manuelito to the Children and Families Commission to complete terms ending February 1, 2006.   Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Rd. Dept./Gerkin Road Bicycle Lane Contract

The Public Works Director, provided additional information and further explanation on the Gerkin Bicycle Lane Project, explaining that the bid for the Project received from Steve Manning Construction was below the Engineer’s Estimate for the project.  Mr. Jewett and the Board discussed the recently approved Bicycle Master Plan.  Supervisor Bear requested a brief written update on the status of the Plan and the various projects identified in the Plan.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to award and approve the Contract for the Gerkin Road Bicycle Lane Project, to Steve Manning Construction, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $556,140; authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the 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 laws.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Rd. Dept./Tecopa Hot Springs Rd. Resurfacing Contract

Mr. Jewett highlighted that the bid for the Tecopa Hot Springs Road Resurfacing Project, like the previous item, came in under the Engineer’s Estimate.  Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to award and approve the Contract for the Tecopa Hot Springs Road Resurfacing and Rehabilitation Project, to RVC Roadway Construction, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $264,619.80; authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the 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 laws.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Rd. Dept./ Furnace Creek Road Resurfacing Contract

Mr. Jewett, highlighted that the bid for the Furnace Creek Road Resurfacing project also came in under the Engineer’s Estimate.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to award and approve the Contract for the Furnace Creek Road Resurfacing and Rehabilitation Project, to RVC Roadway Construction, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $353,040.75; authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the 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 laws.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Sheriff/Donation of Portable Radios

The Undersheriff, Jack Goodrich, provided additional information on the request to declare obsolete radios surplus and to donate them to other agencies.  He explained that as a result of the new Sheriff’s Radio Network, the old radios were no longer required and there are several agencies in Inyo County that would like to acquire the obsolete models for spare parts.  Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to state its intent to, at the May 20, 2003, Meeting a) declare  Sheriff’s mobile and portable radios of various makes and associated equipment, as defined by Staff, are no longer used and are surplus; b) waive the requirements of Sections 3.08.080 and 3.080.090 of the Inyo County Code and authorize the transfer of these radios and associated equipment to law enforcement agencies, fire departments and other public agencies, as identified in CGC 25365, at no cost; and c) authorize the Sheriff to destroy any remaining radios which are not transferred to other County Department or as authorized above.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Sheriff/Night Vision Scopes Contract

The Undersheriff explained that due to other pressing priorities by the U.S. Military in the Middle East, the contract for the night vision scopes had been reprioritized, and as such a ratification of the contract was being requested.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to ratify the Contract between the County of Inyo and the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NAVSURFWARCENDIV) for the lease of eleven (11) AN/PVS-5 (or equivalent) night vision scopes for the period of November 29, 2002, through November 29, 2003, in an amount not to exceed 3,300; and authorize the Sheriff to sign.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Treasurer/TRANs Notification

The Treasurer, Mr. John Treacy explained that by taking the action requested the County would expedite the ability of the school districts to proceed with the issuance of their own TRANs.  Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bear to issue the order pursuant to Section 53853(b) of the California Government Code notifying six (6) local school districts that the Inyo County Board of Supervisors will not authorize, by resolution, the issuance of the school districts’ Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes (TRANs) for the 2003-04 fiscal year on their behalf.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

BofS/Minute Approval

Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to approve the minutes of the Board of Supervisors Meetings of A) April 8, 2003; and B) April 15, 2003.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisors Williams and Dorame absent.

Board Members and Staff Reports

The Board members suspended their reports until the full Board is present.  The County Administrator reported as a result of the Public Health Officers Association taking an opposing stance on legislation to that of CSAC’s position, he had suspended the County’s membership in the Association.  He clarified that it has always been his position that the individual associations, which represent the various departments in the counties, should take their direction from the Board’s of Supervisors and not take opposing positions on issues.  Supervisor Bear requested that today’s Board Meeting be adjourned in honor of the City of Bishop’s 100^th Birthday.

Closed Session

Report on Closed Session

The Chairperson recessed closed session at 12:25 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.

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed the regular meeting at 12:25 p.m., reconvening in a workshop at 1:40 p.m., with all Board Members present, except Supervisors Williams and Dorame.

BofS/Packers Wilderness W/S

The Board met in a workshop with representatives of the Eastern Sierra Packers Association to discuss wilderness issues and concerns.

Adjournment

The Chairperson announced that the meeting was being adjourned in honor of the City of Bishop’s 100^th Birthday, and proceeded to adjourn the regular meeting at 3:10 p.m., to 9:00 a.m., on May 13, 2003, in the Board of Supervisors Room, at the County Administrative Center, in Independence.