County of Inyo

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.  Supervisor Arcularius provided the Board with a copy of a letter from RCRC supporting AB 2280 (Cogdill).

BofS/Wild & Scenic River Designation

Amargosa River

Mr. Brian Brown, Shoshone Museum Association, made a presentation on the proposed wild and scenic river designation for a portion of the Amargosa River near Tecopa.  At the conclusion of Mr. Brown’s presentation, he asked for the Board’s support of the designation through a resolution.   Supervisor Arcularius suggested that this wait until the release of the EIS on the project, in order for the County’s offical response to address either a recommendation or an alternative.   The Board asked Mr. Brown to work with Fifth District Supervisor, Michael Dorame, to bring this item back for further consideration at the appropriate time. 

HHS-EMS/Trust Fund Awards.

Ms. Jean Dickinson, Director of Health and Human Services provided a brief history of the EMS Trust Fund, from what sources the money is accumulated and how the money is divided.  Representatives from the various Fire Departments’ receiving the funding addressed the Board to thank the County for their continued to support.  Moved by Supervisor Williams and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to authorize the $88,883 funding for the following projects from the Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund in the amounts designated as follows; approve the Contracts between the County of Inyo and the organizations in the stated amounts and authorize the Director of Health and Human Services to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained: A) $13,600 to Southern Inyo Fire Protection District for ambulance-related repairs and equipment; B) $5,164 to Olancha Cartago Fire Department for training-related equipment; C) $15,717 to Lone Pine Fire Department for ambulance-related equipment; D) $20,523 to Independence Volunteer Fire Department for ambulance-related equipment; and E) $33,879 to Big Pine Volunteer Fire Department for ambulance-related equipment and a deposit towards an ambulance purchase.  Motion carried unanimously.

Motor Pool/Van Repair P. O.

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve a purchase order for the repair of one Juvenile Institutions van to Sierra Auto Body Works in an amount not to exceed $3,540.77.   Motion carried unanimously.

HHS-Behavioral Hlth/Substance Abuse Crime Prevention Plan

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the FY 2004-05 Substance Abuse Crime Prevention Act Plan and projections for 2005-2006 for the implementation of the Substance Abuse Crime Prevention Act; and authorize the Health and Human Services Director to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

HHS-Tobacco Pgrm./Tri-County Fair Contract

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fair (18^th DAA) for the period of June 1, 2004, through September 30, 2004, in an amount not to exceed $5,000 and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

Rd. Dept./Starlite Stop Signs

The Chairperson announced that the Board would take comment regarding the recommendation to place two stop signs at the intersection of Starlite Drive and Polaris Circle and at the conclusion of the discussion the Board would continue the item to next week for action.  The Board and Mr. Jewett discussed the Staff recommendation.  There was no one from the public wishing to address this item.  The Chairperson directed that the request for approval to install two stop signs at the intersection of Starlite Drive and Polaris Circle in Starlite Estates, be agendized for the May 18, 2004, Board of Supervisors Meeting.

Ord. #1078/Mos-

Quito Abatement to Ag Commissioner

The Chairperson clarified that the Board had conducted a public hearing on the recommendation to transfer the Mosquito Abatement Program to the Agricultural Commissioner last week and asked for further comments.  Supervisor Dorame clarified his position that California State statute gives the authority to make these consolidations to the Boards of Supervisors and strongly objected to the Clerk/Recorder’s comments which were reported on in an Inyo Register Article on Saturday, wherein Ms. Harry was attributed to saying that while the transfers of the Mosquito Program and the Animal Control Program technically met the requirements under Measure A, she did not feel they rose to the level of importance that the Veterans Service Office consolidation did.  Supervisor Dorame questioned whether Ms. Harry’s opinions were anymore valid then that of the Board of Supervisors and wondered why and if the Board of Supervisors were going to have to seek the approval of Ms. Harry, the Clerk/Recorder, to ascertain what she felt was appropriate under Measure A before taking action.  The remaining Board Members concurred with Supervisor Dorame’s sentiments and provided brief comments regarding the importance of both Programs.  On a motion by Supervisor Arcularius and a second by Supervisor Williams, Ordinance No. 1078, “An Ordinance of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Inyo, State of California, Adding Chapter 2.98 of the Inyo County Code and Amending Various Provisions of Chapters 2.97 and 7.30 of the Inyo County Code, to Provide for the Transfer of Mosquito Abatement and Control Functions, Assets and Personnel to the Office of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures,” was adopted: motion unanimously passed and adopted.

Ord. #1079/ Animal Control to Sheriff’s Dept.

The Board Members echoed their remarks on the Mosquito Abatement Program transfer when they addressed the transfer of the Animal Control Program to the Sheriff’s Department.  Mr. Tim Profitt, Supervising Animal Control Officer, provided additional information on the types of weapons and training the Animal Control Officers must have.  The Sheriff informed the Board that the administration of the Animal Control Program was being assigned to Lt. Baycock.  On a motion by Supervisor Williams and a second by Supervisor Dorame, Ordinance No. 1079 entitled “An Ordinance of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Inyo, State of California, Adding Chapter 2.31 to the Inyo County Code, and Amending Various Provisions of Title 8 of the Inyo County Code to Provide for the Transfer of Animal Control Functions, Assets, and Personnel to the Sheriff’s Department,” was adopted: motion unanimously passed and adopted. 

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed the regular meeting at 10:35 a.m., reconvening at 10:50 a.m., with all Board Members present.

HHS-AODS/DUI Fees

The Chairperson opened the public hearing at 10:50 a.m., to consider an ordinance entitled “An Ordinance of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Inyo, State of California, Revising Inyo County Driving-Under-the-Influence Program Fees.”  Ms. Jean Dickinson, Director of Health and Human Services reviewed the Staff report and recommendations regarding the increase of fees.  In response to a question regarding what amount the fees were being raised from, Ms. Dickinson indicated that she would have that information when the enactment is considered.  The Chairperson closed the public hearing at 11:00 a.m.  Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Williams to waive the first reading of an ordinance entitled “An Ordinance of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Inyo, State of California, Revising Inyo County Driving-Under-the-Influence Program Fees,”  and schedule the enactment for 10:05 a.m., May 25, 2004, in the Board of Supervisors Room, at the County Administrative Center, in Independence.  Motion carried unanimously.

BofS/CSAC

The County Administrator reviewed this weeks CSAC topic of discussion, which was voting systems and the different legislation proposals being considered.  Mr. Mendez explained that at the current time, Ms. Harry, our Clerk/Recorder was reluctant to make any recommendations concerning the County’s voting system until more information is made available about the systems being considered.  Mr. Mendez went on to talk to the Board about Third-quarter budget, explaining that rather than reviewing third quarter in the traditional manner, he was contemplating a workshop setting. 

Mr. Mendez also queried the Board regarding their availability to reschedule the Budget Hearings.  Mr. Mendez explained that in light of the on-going State budget situation, constant fluctuations in the fund balance and the unknown impacts of the State’s budget actions on the County’s budget, he wanted to have budget hearings later rather than sooner.  Mr. Mendez requested and the Board concurred to consider rescheduling Budget Hearings to begin sometime in late July.

CAO-Econ. Dev./ Small Community Air Serv. Dev. Grant.

The Deputy County Administrator, Mr. Ron Juliff, provided additional information and further clarification on the Small Community Air Service Development Grant.  Moved by Supervisor Bear and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to A) authorize the submittal of the grant application for the Small Community Air Service Development Program for $1,000,000 with a match up to $100,000 for a total of $1,100,000; B) authorize the County Administrator to approve and sign all documents; and C) direct that the match requirement of up to $100,000 be reflected in the FY 2004-05 County Budget for consideration from the Economic Stabilization Fund if the grant is awarded.  Motion carried unanimously.

CAO-Risk/CSAC Excess JPA Amendment

The County Administrator and Risk Manager provided further explanation on Staff’s recommendation to not approve the Amendment to the CSAC Excess Insurance Authority JPA.  Ms. Baker explained that should the appropriate majority of the JPA membership approve the amendment, Inyo County would then also be governed by it.  Moved by Supervisor Williams and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to not approve the Amendment to the CSAC Excess Insurance Authority Joint Powers Agreement.  Motion carried unanimously.

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed the regular meeting at 12:05 p.m., reconvening at 1:15 p.m., with all Board Members present.

Emergency Serv./ EMPG Grant

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to approve the submittal of the application requesting Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG) funding under the Federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Federal Fiscal Year 2004 and authorize the County Administrator to sign the application and related documents.  Motion carried unanimously.

Emergency Serv./

Homeland Sec. Grant.

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Dorame to approve the submittal of the application requesting FY 2004 Homeland Security Grant Program funding for Federal Fiscal Year 2004 in the amount of $228,312; and authorize the County Administrator to sign the application and related documents.  Motion carried unanimously.

P.W./L.P. & Indy Airport Master Grant Budget Amendment

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Williams to amend the FY 2003/04 County Budget by A) establishing the Lone Pine Airport Master Plan Budget Unit 631500; increasing estimated revenue in Federal Grants (Revenue Code #4555) by $150,000 and Intra County Charges (Revenue Code #4821) by $15,000 and increasing appropriations in Professional and Special Services (Object Code #5265) by $150,000 and Internal Charges (Object Code #5121) by $15,000; and B) establishing the Independence Airport Master Plan Budget Unit 631600 and increasing estimated revenue in Federal Grants (Revenue Code #4555) by $150,000 and Intra County Charges (Revenue Code #4821) by $15,000 and increasing appropriations in Professional and Special Services (Object Code #5265) by $150,000 and Internal Charges (Object Code #5121) by $15,000.  Motion carried unanimously.

P.W./Heat Pump P.O. L.P. Substation

Moved by Supervisor Dorame and seconded by Supervisor Bear to A) ratify the purchase order for the emergency purchase of a two and one-half ton split system heat pump to be installed in the Lone Pine Sheriff’s Substation, to Air Cold Supply in an amount not to exceed $650; and B) amend the FY 2003/04 Deferred Maintenance Budget Unit 011501 by increasing appropriations in Maintenance of Structures (Object Code #5199) by $650 from unappropriated reserves.  Motion carried unanimously.

E. Health/DWP Well Permit Apps.

Mr. Greg James, Water Director provided additional information and further justification for approving DWP Well Permit Applications.  Mr. James clarified that the number of applications and monitoring wells to be drilled had changed from three to four and that there would be three shallow monitoring wells and one deep monitoring well drilled.  Mr. James confirmed that the development of well protocols for these wells should be concluded in the very near future, and recommended approval of the applications.  Moved by Supervisor Williams and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to approve four well permit applications submitted by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Water and Power, for four monitoring wells located near the L.A. Aqueduct and Highway 395, in the vicinity of Reinhackle Springs, six miles north of Lone Pine.  Motion carried unanimously.

Water Dept./3-yr. Interim Agreement

The County Administrator presented the Board with the report on the 2004-05 Operations (Pumping) Program and Interim Three Year Agreement, explaining that the document was the result of nearly a full year of discussion, including the mutual gains process, between the County of Inyo and the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.  Mr. Mendez explained that the draft was presented for the Board’s review and that while the Agreement addressed some areas of concern it was deficient in many areas.  Mr. Mendez went on to say that while the lengthy discussions and mutual gains process had not resulted in resolution of many of the issues, it was a valuable and beneficial tool to begin meaningful communications between the parties.  The Board, the County Administrator, County Counsel and the Water Director briefly discussed the agreement, including the dispute resolution process should either party not approve the agreement.  Mr. Mendez suggested and the Board agreed in order to facilitate the public’s participation in the process that this agreement be agendized for further discussion during the May 18, 2004, Board of Supervisors Meeting.   

Closed Session

County Counsel announced that Agenda Items No. 21.  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, and No. 22. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING/ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a)(c) - One Case - 2004-2005 Annual Operations Plan Dispute between LADWP and County Inyo, Adjudication of Dispute Pursuant to the Long Term Water Agreement entered June 1997 as Stipulation and Order for Judgment, Inyo County Superior Court, Case No. 12908 had been pulled from the agenda and would not be discussed in closed session.

The Chairperson recessed open session at 4:05 p.m., to convene in closed session, with all Board Members present to discuss Agenda Items 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 Analyst; No. 24.   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; No. 25.  CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6) - Instructions to Negotiators re: wages, salaries and benefits - Employee Organization - Deputy Sheriff’s Association (DSA) - Negotiators - County Administrator and Personnel Analyst: and No. 26.  CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6) - Instructions to Negotiators re: wages, salaries and benefits - Employee Organization - Law Enforcement Administrators’ Association (LEAA) - Negotiators - County Administrator and Personnel Analyst.

Report on Closed Session

The Chairperson recessed closed session at 6:10 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. 

Adjournment

The Chairperson adjourned the regular meeting at 6:10 p.m., to 9:00 a.m., May 18, 2004, in the Board of Supervisors Room, at the County Administrative Center, in Independence.