County of Inyo

Board of Supervisors

Public Comment

The Chairperson announced the public comment period and there was no one from the public wishing to address the Board.

County Dept. Reports

The Chairperson announced the County Department report period and there were no reports forthcoming.

Integ. Waste./ Wheel P.O.

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to approve the purchase of four (4) used Caron wheels for the 826 Caterpillar Compactor from Quinn Shepherd Machinery in an amount not to exceed $12,930.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Hambleton absent.

Child Support Services./ Computer P.O.

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to approve the purchase and for the configuration of two HP Compaq d530 personal computers, monitors and related software from Informatix, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $3,500.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Hambleton absent.

Resol. #2004-12/ Multiagency Juvenile Justice Plan

On a motion by Supervisor Arcularius and a second by Supervisor Dorame, the County’s Comprehensive Multiagency Juvenile Justice Plan Modification was approved and Resolution No. 2004-12 entitled “Resolution of the Board of Supervisors, County of Inyo, State of California, Authorizing the Chief Probation Officer to Sign and Submit the County Comprehensive Multiagency Juvenile Justice Plan Modification, was adopted: motion unanimously passed and adopted, with Supervisor Hambleton absent.

Rd. Dept./Tree Removal

Supervisor Bear questioned the justification for removal of the two large walnut trees and asked for an explanation on the difference between removal of trees that are nuisances vs. those that are safety hazards.  Mr. Jewett, Public Works Director, explained that in the past the County has removed trees in the County’s right of way at the request of nearby residents and they were not associated with a safety hazards.  The Board and Mr. Jewett discussed the ramifications to removing trees, which did not pose a safety hazard.  Supervisor Arcularius noted that Supervisor Hambleton the District Supervisor for Independence was absent and requested that the item be continued to next week.  The Chairperson directed Mr. Jewett to agendize  the request for approval for County Road Department Personnel to remove two large walnut trees in the road right of way at 351 E. Market Street and 341 E. Market Street, in Independence to next week.

Resol. #2004-13/ Support for

AB 2280

The County Administrator provided a brief history and update on AB 2280.  Supervisor Arcularius passed out copies of the Staff Analysis on the bill, which the Assembly Committee would be receiving prior to the hearing.  She informed the Board that at her request Kathy Mannion of RCRC would be monitoring the committee hearing and would let her know what happens.  Supervisor Arcularius also reviewed the legislative process for the adoption of “bills,” explaining that that the bill may have an uphill battle because it is limiting the Department of Fish and Game’s discretionary revenue, and as such may not have the support of the Department.  The County Administrator informed the Board that he had contacted Mono County regarding Inyo County’s proposed actions and had not, as yet received a response.  The Board and Staff discussed the amended language of the bill, the proposal to identify 20% or $9-million and the ramifications of locking in a dollar amount.  Supervisor Williams asked that the last sentence of the last “whereas” in the Resolution be changed to eliminate the reference to a minimum of 20% because that reference was made in the “now therefore” paragraph of the resolution.    The Board and Staff continued to discuss the resolution and its potential for success, with Supervisor Arcularius requesting that whatever action the Board takes be relayed to Assemblyman Cogdill as soon as possible so that he would have it to help him garner support for AB 2280.  In response to a question from the County Administrator the Board agreed that should Assemblyman Cogdill ask for support for a different percentage or minimum dollar amount the County Administrator could use his judgment to amend the percentage and the minimum amount without seeking Board approval.  On a motion by Supervisor Williams and a second by Supervisor Arcularius, Resolution No. 2004-13, as amended to delete the reference to 20% in the last sentence of the last “whereas” was adopted supporting AB 2280, and further to support the amended language for AB 2280 concerning dedicating a portion of the fishing license fees to the Hatchery Program and direct Staff to forward this information to CSAC, RCRC and Assemblyman Cogdill: motion unanimously passed and adopted.

Integ. Waste/Tire Amnesty Event

Mr. Chuck Hamilton, Deputy County Administrator, provided additional information and responded to questions regarding the Waste Tire Amnesty Event.  Mr. Hamilton confirmed that the event is publicized. In response to a question regarding the disposal of paint products Mr. Hamilton provided information regarding the Household Hazardous Waste Program, which is another disposal program sponsored by the County at the Landfill’s and which is conducted four times a year.  Mr. Hamilton said that he would provide the schedule for that event to the Board.  Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Williams to A) authorize Integrated Waste Management to conduct a two-day Waste Tire Amnesty Event on Friday, April 30, 2004, and Saturday, May 1, 2004, and B) waive the fees associated with the disposal/recycling of waste automotive tires for the two-day event.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Hambleton absent.

Resol #2004-14 BofS/CSAC Discussion

The County Administrator provided a synopsis of the CSAC request for County support of a resolution supporting CSAC’s alternative budget proposal.  Mr. Mendez highlighted the differences between the CSAC proposal and the Governor’s budget.  The Board and Mr. Mendez discussed the proposed resolution, with the Board requesting that additional information be included which reflects the total amount that California Counties have paid in ERAF since its inception.  On a motion by Supervisor Arcularius and a second by Supervisor Dorame to adopt Resolution No. 2004-14 entitled “A Resolution of the Board of Supervisors, County of Inyo, State of California, In Support of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Alternative Budget Proposal for FY2004-05” as submitted and amended to include the total amount of ERAF payments made by California counties:  motion unanimously passed and adopted, with Supervisor Hambleton absent. 

Ord. 1077 Zoning Ordinance Floor Area Ratio

On a motion by Supervisor Williams and a second by Supervisor Arcularius, Ordinance 1077 entitled “An Ordinance of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Inyo, State of California, Amending Section 4 of County Ordinance #943, Sections 4, 6, and 8 of County Ordinance #555, Sections 22, 29, and 30 of County Ordinance #1007, and Sections 18.49.040, 18.49.050, 18.56.040, 18.56.059, and 18.57.120 to the Inyo County Code,” was adopted: motion unanimously passed and adopted, with Supervisor Hambleton absent.

DA/Budget Amendment

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Williams to amend the FY 2003-04 District Attorney Budget Unit 22400 by increasing estimated revenue in Restitutions (Revenue Code #4676) by $20,000 and increasing appropriations in Special Appropriations (Object Code #5321) by $20,000. Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Hambleton absent.

E. Health/Well Permit Applications

Mr. Greg James, Water Director, provided a brief background on monitoring wells and their protocols.  He provided additional information and further explanation on the well permit applications submitted by DWP for three monitoring wells to be located in the Reinhackle Springs area.  At the conclusion of his remarks Mr. James requested that the request for approval of three well permit applications submitted by the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power for three monitoring wells located near the LA Aqueduct and Highway 395 in the vicinity of Reinhackle Springs, six miles north of Lone Pine, be continued to next week to facilitate discussions on the placement and protocols of these wells. 

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed the regular meeting at 10:20 a.m., reconvening at 10:55 a.m., with all Board Members present, except Supervisor Hambleton.

E. Health/Status of Dept.

Mr. Dave Oldenburg, Interim Environmental Health Director, provided additional information and further justification for his recommendation to maintain the Environmental Health Department as a stand alone department.  He supported the relocation of the Mosquito Program to the Agricultural Commissioner and Animal Control to the Sheriff’s Department, explaining that the transfer of these programs would facilitate tax dollar savings while improving the delivery of service.  The Board, Mr. Oldenburg and the County Administrator discussed the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining the core Environmental Health Services as a stand alone department vs. consolidating the activities with another County Department.   The Board and Staff discussed the staffing levels and organization structure of the smaller Environmental Health Department, with the County Administrator and Mr. Oldenburg explaining that the authorized strength for the Environmental Health Department will be reflected in the Manpower Report as (4) four Environmental Health Specialists, (1) one Lab Technician, (1) one clerical/administrative support position; and (1) one Director.  The Board discussed the savings associated with a revamped department.  Moved by Supervisor Williams and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to direct that the Environmental Health Department remain a stand alone department, with the staff levels to be set at four Environmental Health Specialists, one Lab Technician, one clerical/administrative support position and one Director.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Hambleton absent.

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed the regular meeting at 12:00 p.m., reconvening at 1:10 p.m., with all Board Members present, except Supervisor Hambleton.

Planning-Yucca Mnt./Update

Mr. John Gervers, Consultant, updated the Board on issues pertaining to the proposed Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository.

Probation/Juvenile Center Position

Mr. Jim Moffett, Chief Probation Officer, provided additional information and further justification for the filling of Juvenile Center positions.  Mr. Moffett and the County Administrator explained that since the Center is a 24/7 operation there is a need for both the protection of the juveniles housed in the facility and for the safety of the public to ensure that the Juvenile Center is adequately staffed.  The Board concurred that the burden of proof for meeting the hiring freeze criteria for consideration of positions had been met.   Moved by Supervisor Williams and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to waive the hiring freeze and authorize filling one Supervising Group Counselor position and one Group Counselor position at the Juvenile Center.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Hambleton absent.

P.W./Lone Pine Park Rehab Project

The Public Works Director provided additional information on the Lone Pine Park Rehabilitation Project and responded to questions from the Board.  Mr. Jewett explained that the first round of bid responses for the project had exceeded the Engineer’s Estimate and it was his hope that the second round will result in a successful bid.  He explained that should the second round also be unsuccessful at that point the work could be performed with County personnel.  The Board and Staff discussed the feasibility of County Staff being available for this project and funding alternatives to cover the higher bid price.  Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to reject all bids received for the Lone Pine Park Rehabilitation Project and authorize the Director of Public Works to readvertise for bids for the project.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Hambleton absent.

BofS/Minute Approval

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Williams to approve the minutes of the March 23, 2004, Board of Supervisors Meeting.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Hambleton absent.

Closed Session

County Counsel announced the Agenda Items No. 19. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6) - Instructions to Negotiators re: wages, salaries and benefits - Employee Organization - Elected Officials Assistant Association (EOAA) - Negotiators - County Administrator and Personnel Analyst and No. 20. PERSONNEL (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957)– Public Employee Performance Evaluation – Title:  Planning Director had been continued to the April 20, 2004, Board of Supervisors Meeting and would not be considered in closed session.  The Chairperson recessed open session at 2:20 p.m., to convene in closed session to discuss Agenda Item No. 18.  CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) - Sierra Club v. City of Los Angeles, Department of Water and Power and County of Inyo, Inyo County Superior Court Case No. SICVCV01-29768.

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 4:10 p.m., to 9:00 a.m., April 20, 2004, in the Board of Supervisors Room, at the County Administrative Center, in Independence.