County of Inyo

Public Comment

Mr. Bill Michael, Library/Museum Director, introduced Mr. Frank Hayes, Superintendent of the Manzanar National Historic Site, who provided additional information regarding the donation of two electric cars to the County of Inyo.  The Chairperson thanked Mr. Hayes and the National Parks Service for their continued support.  He recessed the regular meeting, reconvening in the parking lot of the Administrative Center, with all Board Members present, except Supervisor Bear, to accept the keys to the new electronic cars.

Transit/Creative Bus Sales Lease

Moved by Supervisor Williams and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to waive the competitive bidding requirements and declare Creative Bus Sales, Inc., as a sole-source provider for the lease of one 2001 transit bus on a month-to-month basis at the rate of $3,000 per month plus tax, and authorize the Transit Program Director to sign the lease agreement.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Bear absent.

HHS-Misc./ Training Contract

The County Administrator reviewed the Midyear Budget Report in great detail and at length.  He reported that the Departments are doing a great job of estimating their revenues and controlling expenditures.  He highlighted anticipated fund balance figures and reviewed areas where the Board might consider increases in fees and budget reductions.  Mr. Mendez went on to correct a couple of the figures contained in the report, indicating that he would be providing the Board with corrected pages at the conclusion of the meeting.  He went on to explain his suggestion that the Board immediately implement a “hard hiring freeze,” in order to ensure future salary savings.  Mr. Mendez went on to provide further information and justification for scheduling the FY 2004/05 budget hearings in June.  The Board and Mr. Mendez discussed the recommendations contained in the report, with Supervisor Williams suggesting that rather than just discussing the proposed reductions on the 17^th that Mr. Mendez also agendize a budget discussion for the February 10^th agenda.  The remaining Board Members concurred with Supervisor William’s suggestion.  Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to A) accept the 2003-2004 County Midyear Budget Report as presented, B) approve the specific budget amendments as recommended by Staff, including the immediate implementation of a “hard hiring freeze;”; C) direct Staff to schedule an item for the February 10, 2004, and February 17, 2004 Agendas to provide direction on the preparation of the FY 2004-05 County Budget; and D) schedule the FY 2004/05 Budget Hearings to begin June 1, 2004.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Bear absent.

Mr. Rich White, Independence Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board to provide additional information and further justification for the County to continue funding the Cal Expo Exhibit.  Mr. Mendez noted that one of the places he was recommending be cut in next year’s budget was the Cal Expo Exhibit.  Supervisor Arcularius expressed her concern with continuing to provide funding for this event when County services may have to be cut.  She suggested that the County’s funding for the Exhibit be suspended for this year.  Supervisors Dorame and Williams discussed certain aspects of the Exhibit with Mr. White, including how to reduce costs.  Mr. White explained that the Chambers currently utilize volunteers to staff the exhibit and expressed his concern that the Cal Expo Exhibit Budget is already at “bare bones.”  Supervisor Hambleton supported the County’s funding of this year’s Exhibit.  He explained that the promotion of tourism is an Inyo 2020 Goal, that the Inyo 2020 Goals were going to be used to establish budget priorities and as such, the promotion of tourism through the Cal Expo Exhibit is a very worthwhile endeavor to meet that Goal.  Moved by Supervisor Williams and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to take the following actions regarding the 2004 Cal Expo Exhibit: A) designate the Independence Chamber of Commerce as the lead agency for the 2004 Cal Expo Exhibit and designate Rich and Kathy White as the representatives to receive, on behalf of the County, any award money; B) direct Staff to prepare the appropriate budget language for next year, if needed, to provide any award money to the Independence Chamber of Commerce; and C) approve the 2004 California State Fair Cal Expo Exhibit Form; and authorize the County Administrator to sign on behalf of the County.  Motion carried on a three-to-one vote, with Supervisors Williams, Hambleton and Dorame voting yes, with Supervisor Arcularius voting no, and with Supervisor Bear absent.

Moved by Supervisor Williams and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to approve the minutes of the January 13, 2004 Board of Supervisors Meeting.  Motion carried unanimously on a three-to-zero vote, with Supervisors Arcularius, Williams and Hambleton, voting yes, with Supervisor Dorame abstaining and with Supervisor Bear absent. 

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed open session at 2:00 p.m., to convene in closed session, with all Board Members present, except Supervisors Bear and Dorame, to discuss Agenda Item No. 9.  PENDING LITIGATION - Conference with Legal Counsel (Existing Litigation) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) - Jaxon v. County of Inyo, Inyo County Superior Court Case No. 24260.

The Chairperson recessed closed session at 3:10 p.m., to reconvene in open session to receive a report on closed session.  Assistant County Counsel, Mr. Allen Berry, reported there were no items discussed in closed session, which were required by law to be reported on in open session. 

The Chairperson adjourned the regular meeting at 3:10 p.m., to 9:00 a.m., February 10, 2004, in the Board of Supervisors Room, at the County Administrative Center, in Independence.