County of Inyo

Board of Supervisors

The Chairperson announced the public comment period.  Mr. Rich White, Independence Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board to thank the Public Works Department for cleaning up the area where the old Jail used to be in preparation for the Forth of July festivities in Independence.  Supervisor Bilyeu echoed Mr. White’s thanks to the Public Works Staff and specifically, Mr. Mike Conklin for his assistance. 

The Chairperson announced the County Department report period.  Mr. Ron Juliff, County Administrator, informed the Board that the County had received two PERB claims in conjunction with the Board’s actions regarding the Correction Officer pay scale and the handling of the grievance in that matter.  Mr. Juliff also informed the Board that the County has received a letter from the DOE indicating that this year’s Yucca Mountain Funding is in the mail. 

Supervisor Cash identified a conflict with the Grants-in-Support portion of the rollover budget, explaining that as an employee of Wild Iris she had received monetary compensation in the past 12 months, and requested that the item be considered individually.  The County Administrator briefly reviewed the recommendations contained in the Preliminary Budget, explaining that this was a rollover of last year’s Board Approved Budget and should provide the departments with sufficient funds to maintain services until the final budget adoption in September.  Mr. Juliff presented the Board with an addition to the recommended rollover to provide funding for the Lone Pine Park, which had been inadvertently omitted.  He also noted that this year the recommendation was to provide preliminary funding to the Chambers of Commerce at 50% of last year’s allocation.  Mr. Juliff also noted that the request by the Clerk-Recorder for the purchase of the new voting system would need to be added to the rollover budget.  Ms. Beverly Harry, Clerk-Recorder, reviewed the recommendation to purchase the Sequoia Voting Systems’ Direct Recording Electronic and Optical Scan voting system.  

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bilyeu to A) adopt the Fiscal Year 2004-05 Board Approved Budget as the Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2005-06 as amended, B) approve the Contract between the county of Inyo and Sequoia Voting Systems for the purchase of Direct Recording Electronic and Optical Scan voting machines as required by State and Federal law, in addition to the Integrity voter registration system, in an amount not to exceed $566,843.18, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2005-06 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained; C) authorize a loan from the General Fund in the amount of $196,000 for the initial payment to the vendor, authorize a new budget unit be established for this project according to the Auditor-Controller’s policy and reflect the following in the FY  2005-06 Preliminary Budget: (a) an increase in estimated revenues in State Grants, (Revenue Code #4498) of $158,388 and Federal Grants (Revenue Code #4555) of $257,347, and an increase in appropriations in Fixed Assets (Object Code #5669) by $566,843; D) authorize the County Elections Official to apply to the California Secretary of State for Proposition 41 (Voting Modernization Bond Act of 2002) funds and Help America Vote Act of 2002 funds to partially offset the price of the voting systems; and E) authorize the County Administrator or his designee(s), to execute any agreements for Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Grant Program funds that may be forthcoming to offset General Fund costs associated with eligible applications received for the Grants-in-Support Program and other County programs as may be appropriate; and authorize the County Administrator and Auditor to make related adjustments to revenue codes in budgets which receive the grants funds. Motion carried unanimously. 

Supervisor Cash declared a conflict and left the meeting.  Moved by Supervisor Bilyeu and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to include in the roll-over budget the funding identified by Staff for the Grants-in-Support Agencies and approve the Contracts between the County of Inyo and the Grants-in-Support agencies and authorize the County Administrator to sign the contracts, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained and upon adoption of a FY 2005-06 County Budget.  Motion carried unanimously, on a four-to-zero vote, with Supervisors Arcularius, Williams, Bilyeu and Cervantes voting yes, and with Supervisor Cash absent.   Supervisor Cash rejoined the meeting.

Rd. Dept./Wye Road Closure

P.W./Lone Pine Airport Lease Modification

P.W./Child Support and Probation Office Lease Amendment

Moved by Supervisor Cash and seconded by Supervisor Bilyeu to approve the Amendment #1 to the Sub-Lease with Maudsley Enterprises Inc., for office space at 787 North Main Street for Child Support Services and Probation, amending and revising the language from payment due in arrears to payable in advance; and authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.  Motion carried unanimously.

P.W./Plans and Specs. ESRA Access Rd. Project

P.W./ESRA Fire Suppression Well Project

HHS-Hlth. Serv./ Dwayne’s Pharmacy Contract Amendment

Moved by Supervisor Cash and seconded by Supervisor Bilyeu to approve Amendment #1 to the Contract between the County of Inyo and Dwayne’s Friendly Pharmacy to include changes as follows: (a) extend the term of the contract to July 31, 2005, and (b) increase the sum of the Contract by $22,500 to an amount not to exceed $87,500, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2005-06 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

HHS-Behavioral Hlth./Charis Youth Center Contract

HHS-Behavioral Hlth./Crestwood

Behavioral Hlth Contract

HHS-Hlth. Serv./ Clinica Sierra Vista Contract

HHS-Mental Hlth./IDEA Consulting Contract

HHS-Mental Hlth./Hallis Contract Amendment

Moved by Supervisor Cash and seconded by Supervisor Bilyeu to approve the Amendment to the Contract between the County of Inyo and  Hallis, LLC for the provision of professional accounting, reporting and consultation services increasing the contract by $3,000 for a total not to exceed $10,000, for the period of July 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005; and authorize the Chairperson to sign.  Motion carried unanimously.

HHS-Behavioral Hlth./Symons Emergency

HHS-IHSS/ Panaboard System P.O.

Moved by Supervisor Cash and seconded by Supervisor Bilyeu to approve A) the purchase of one Panaboard, one printer and one laptop for Panaboard System, and videoconferencing equipment for up to three sites (Bishop One-Stop Career Center, Lone Pine Office and Tecopa) from vendor(s) to be identified, in an amount not to exceed $51,000; B) in the event that there are no responses to the quotes that have been solicited through the quote process and a sole-source is the only option, approve the purchase of this equipment from a sole-source vendor; and C) authorize the Inyo County Purchasing Agent to sign and to purchase this equipment either through a purchase order or through a contract, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.  Motion carried unanimously.

County Counsel/ Conflict Codes

CAO-Emerg. Serv./Enviroguide Contract Amend.

Moved by Supervisor Cash and seconded by Supervisor Bilyeu to approve Amendment #1 to the Contract between the County of Inyo and Enviorguide, for emergency management consulting services, extending the term of the Contract from an ending date of June 30, 2005 to December 31, 2005, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2005-06 Budget; and authorize the County Administrator to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.  Motion carried unanimously.

Resol. #2005-33/ Big Pine D.V. Road

HHS-Hlth. Serv./ Richardson Contract

Supervisor Cash declared a conflict, explaining that she had received monetary payment from this Contractor in the past 12 months, and left the meeting.  Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Cervantes to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and  James Richardson, M.D., for Health Officer services, in an amount not to exceed $97,585, for the period of July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2006, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2005-06 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign. Motion carried unanimously, with Supervisor Cash absent.  Supervisor Cash rejoined the meeting.

Org./Coalition of Chambers

The Board and representatives of the various Chambers of Commerce discussed the future of the CalExpo Exhibit.  Ms. Leann Fields, President of the Coalition of Chambers of Commerce, provided further information and justification for the recommendation by the Chamber to not participate in this year’s CalExpo.  She explained that because of the timing of the Bishop Chamber’s notification of not being able to be the lead organization this year, it had left insufficient time for another chamber to step in and take over; and rather than go and be poorly represented it was being recommended that this year’s participation be cancelled. The Board and the Chamber representatives discussed the pros and cons of attending CalExpo, especially in light of the fact that the fair had been extended from two weeks to three weeks.  The discussions included (a) funding the County’s exhibit at a higher cost; (b) seeking professional assistance for the design, (c) the ability to partner with the private sector; (d) participating at a greater level every other year; (e) setting up a separate budget unit to accumulate funds for the exhibit; (f) the process to cancel this year’s participation and (g) the County’s continued participation in a State sponsored event.  The Board and Staff discussed the options available for retaining the remaining $4,700 set aside in the FY 2004-05 budget for future CalExpo Exhibits, in addition to the $5,000 identified in the roll-over budget. Additionally, the Board indicated their desire to discuss the future of the County’s participation in the Expo in greater detail in the future and requested that the Chambers participate in the discussions.  Moved by Supervisor Cervantes and seconded by Supervisor Cash to decline the County’s participation in this year’s CalExpo Exhibit.  Motion carried unanimously.

Recess/

Reconvene

The Chairperson recessed the regular meeting at 10:35 a.m., reconvening at 10:45 a.m., with all Board Members present. 

CAO-Econ. Dev./ CDBG Planning/ Technical Assistance Grant Closeout

The Chairperson took the following actions regarding the final product of the CDBG Planning/Technical Assistance Grant:  

A)                              he instructed that anyone wishing to address this item during the public hearing sign the sign-in roster which the Assistant Clerk has;  

B)                              announced that the hearing has been advertised in advance for 10 days, the notice contains the instructions for the submission of written comments in the event someone wishing to comment is unable to attend the hearing, the County through its agenda publication process provides assistance to those with disabilities or to people needing translation to participate; and the information has been available at the Clerk of the Board’s Office located in the County Administrative Center, in Independence;  

C)                              stated the following with regard to the purpose of the public hearing:   

“The Public Hearing is a required step in the process of closing out the County’s obligations associated with State Housing and Community Development Block Grant funds, Grant #02-STBG-1781.  This procedure is to allow interested parties to comment on the grant performance and outcome of the project and is part of the citizen participation requirement associated with CDBG funds.  A copy of the Eastern Sierra Housing Needs Assessment is available for public review at the Clerk of the Board’s Office at 224 N. Edwards, in Independence.    

CDBG Planning and Technical Assistance Grant #02-STBG-1781 for $34,968 provided funding for conducting an Eastern Sierra Housing Needs Assessment.  The Grant provided $10,286.00 for the Income Survey, $22,932.00 for the Housing Needs/Conditions Survey, and $1,750 for grant administration.”                                                                                              

The Chairperson opened the public hearing at 10:46 a.m., on the final product, the Eastern Sierra Housing Needs Assessment, detailing the study conducted by McCormick and Associates, prepared to provide the Eastern Sierra Region (Inyo and Mono Counties) with baseline information that would be useful in evaluating and targeting affordable housing efforts.  The County Administrator briefly reviewed the report on the Housing Needs Assessment.  There was no one from the public wishing to comment on this item.  The Chairperson closed the public hearing at 10:52 a.m.

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Cash to accept the final product, the Eastern Sierra Housing Needs Assessment, funded by the 2003 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning and Technical Assistance Grant and direct Staff to take the appropriate steps to successfully closeout this grant.   Motion carried unanimously.

Water Dept./ Budget Adjustment

Mr. Arden Wallum, Acting Water Director, briefly reviewed the Staff Report and recommendation to loan Saltcedar funding to balance the FY 2004-05 Water Department Budget.  County Counsel, Mr. Paul Bruce, provided an explanation and further clarification on the Board’s ability to authorize the Auditor and County Administrator to make minor year-end corrections to the Water Department Budget.  Moved by Supervisor Bilyeu and seconded by Supervisor Cash to amend the FY 2004-05 County Budget as follows:  A) approve an increase to the Water Department Budget Unit 024102 in the amount totaling $15,255 for salaries and benefit codes as recommended by Staff;  B) approve a loan in the amount of $15,255 from the Saltcedar Trust 504101 and direct repayment of the loan upon receipt of Water Department funding from City of Los Angeles, Department of Water and Power; and C) authorize the Auditor-Controller and the County Administrator to, in concert, make any further corrections for FY 2004-05 to the Water Department Budget Unit 024102 with funding from the Saltcedar Trust 504101 also to be repaid upon receipt of LADWP funding for the Water Department and inform the Board and the department of any action taken.  Motion carried unanimously.  At the conclusion of this item, the Board conveyed their thanks and commendation to Mr. Wallum for his help in heading the Department.  The Board wished Mr. Wallum and his family the best in their future endeavors.  The Board also took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank Mr. Phil McDowell for his willingness to help the County by becoming the Acting Water Director while the Board continues its recruitment efforts to fill the position.

Planning-Yucca/ DOE Presentation

Ms. Jean Dickinson, Director of Health and Human Services, reviewed the request to waive the hiring freeze and reclassify the existing vacant Administrative Analyst II position, at Range 68 ($3,130 - $3,802) to a Program Director at Range 74 ($3,606 -$4,383); and authorize the recruitment and hiring of the position at the new range.  The Board and Staff discussed (a) the job description for the Analyst position vs. the Director position; (b) the Commission’s desire to explore other governance structures; (c) the ability to maintain services while governance structures are being explored; (d) what effect the reclassification of this position will have on other positions throughout the County; and (e) the ability to hire the Analyst II position at the E Step.  Moved by Supervisor Cash and seconded by Supervisor Bilyeu to provide the Administrative Analyst II job description to the First Five Commission for their review and opportunity to make the case for not proceeding with filling the position at that salary range and authorize the recruitment and filling of the Administrative Analyst II position at a Range 68E.  Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Supervisor Cervantes and seconded by Supervisor Bilyeu to approve the Amendment No. 1 to the Contract between the County of Inyo and Hydrodynamics Group L.L.C., for hydrologic support services, for the period of February 1, 2003, through August 31, 2005; and authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.   Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Supervisor Cervantes and seconded by Supervisor Bilyeu to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and  Radioactive Waste Management Associates for a nuclear waste transportation risk assessment for southeastern Inyo County, in an amount not to exceed $300,000, for the period of July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2006, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2005-06 Budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.   Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Supervisor Cash and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to A) amend the FY 2004-05 Deferred Maintenance Budget Unit 011501 by increasing appropriations in Other Professional Services (Object Code 5264) by $5,000 from unappropriated reserves; and B) ratify the payment to Maranatha Drilling and Pump service in an amount not to exceed $5,000 for the repair of the water well pump at the Eastern Sierra Regional Airport.  Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bilyeu to approve Amendment No. #2 to the Contract between the County of Inyo and Owenyo Services for the operation and maintenance of the Independence, Laws, and Lone Pine Town Water Systems, extending the term of the Contract to the period of July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2006, authorizing Staff to negotiate for no more than a 20% increase ($30,307.20) for the 2005-06 Contract amount for a total of $181,843.20 and for a total contract amount not to exceed $484,915.20, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a FY 2005/06 budget; and authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon the appropriate signatures being obtained.  Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Supervisor Arcularius and seconded by Supervisor Bilyeu to authorize the submittal of a 2005 Federal Transportation Administration 5311(f) Grant for funds totaling $246,340 to operate the CREST Bus Route between Reno, Nevada, Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, along the Highway 395 corridor (CREST Route); and authorize the Transit Program Director to sign related contracts and reimbursement requests on behalf of the County of Inyo.  Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Supervisor Bilyeu and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to approve the minutes of the Board of Supervisors Meetings as follows: A) the Special Meting of June 13, 2005; and B) the Regular Meeting of June 14, 2005.  Motion carried unanimously, on a four-to-zero vote, with Supervisors Arcularius, Williams, Bilyeu and Cervantes voting yes, and with Supervisor Cash abstaining.   

The Clerk requested that the minutes of June 21, 2005 be amended as follows:   page 4, paragraph 1, second sentence: “Mr. Bruce explained that the contract amount in excess of the County’s self insured retention on a case is reimbursed and…” and the following statement be added “Sheriff Dan Lucas addressed the Board to support Mr. Kirby and this contract.”  Moved by Supervisor Cash and seconded by Supervisor Bilyeu to approve the minutes of the June 21, 2005, Board of Supervisors Meeting as amended.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Arden Wallum, Acting Water Director, reviewed the Staff Report and recommendations regarding the contract between the County and LADWP providing that the two entities will share the cost of the preparation of the EIS for the LORP.  Moved by Supervisor Bilyeu and seconded by Supervisor Arcularius to approve the Contract between the County of Inyo and  the City of Los Angeles, Department of Water and Power (LADWP), providing that LADWP and the County will share the costs of the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that addresses the Lower Owens River Project (LORP), in an amount not to exceed $81,271 as the County’s share, which will be due in FY 2006-07 or later, 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.  The Board reiterated their previous comments in offering Mr. Wallum and his family best wishes in their future endeavors. 

County Counsel announced that closed session items No. 33.  PERSONNEL   [Pursuant to Government Code § 54957] - Public Employee Appointment - Title:  Director of Water Department; and No. 34.  CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR  [Pursuant to Government Code § 54957.6] - Instructions to Negotiators re: wages, salaries and benefits - Title:  Director of Water Department – Negotiators: Members of the Board of Supervisors as designated had been pulled from consideration and the Board would not be conducting a closed session.

The Chairperson adjourned the regular meeting at 1:45 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., July 5, 2005, in the Board of Supervisors Room, at the County Administrative Center, in Independence.