The Calaveras Board of Supervisors meetings are much more important than you may realize.  One of our members, Janet, has generously been taking detailed notes which gives you a chance to follow along.

This link is from the 3/23/21 meeting.  If you’d like to see the actual meeting, a video is available through the County’s website.  If you’d like to download Janet’s notes, they can be found here: 20210413-Calaveras-BOS.

We’ve mainly included the detailed notes here from the Public Health Updates.  We’ve mentioned other items but refer you to Janet’s notes and the video for additional information.  Watching the whole video will give you complete information and an appreciation for Janet’s willingness to take these notes.

Pubic meeting called to order at 9:08 a.m.

Staff Announcements

• Lisa Medina – Environmental Management Agency – rabies clinic at Government Center is going well and are continuing throughout the upcoming months. Check their website for dates and times.

Public Health Update

2. Public Health Services (ID # 5964) Receive an update presentation from staff on
COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)

• Sam Leach – 38,064 tests completed, 2,041 positive, 14 active cases, 1,976 recovered, 1 active hospitalization, 51 fatalities.
• Last week received 2,400 doses of vaccines, administered 25,837 doses to date. Clinics on Tuesday and Thursdays at Frogtown. 16 and over are eligible. 16-17-year-olds can only get Pfizer. Go to MyTurn for scheduling appointments.
• Free covid testing today at Ironstone; Friday at West Point Community Hall – 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• County remains in the red tier. Seen some improvement, could move into the orange tier as soon as next week if it continues to go well.
• J&J is paused right now while they research 6 cases out of 6 million where blood clots occurred. Will wait for direction from Feds. This is a normal process of vaccines; assumes it will probably come back. Believes we have received less than 1,000 J&J in our County. We have been doing Pfizer and Moderna. County has been doing both as well, primarily Moderna. Should get an update in about a week or so.
• Doug Archer – Mark Twain Hospital
• Don’t have any patients in-house; one patient must be out of town. Plenty of ICU beds available; things looking good; have been busy. ER has seen increase in visits; non-covid related.
• Started covid vaccines last Saturday. This Saturday has 700 vaccines available. Hoping to continue until we reach a good vaccination for the county.
• Sign up at MyTurn.
Public Comments – None

Recognition and Acknowledgments

3. Library (ID # 5981) Adopt a proclamation recognizing the week of April 12-17, 2021 as National Library Week and April 17th as National Bookmobile Day in Calaveras County

• Supervisor Garamendi – Read proclamation. Appreciates all the libraries do for our County.
• Nancy Giddens – County Librarian – this year’s theme is “Welcome to your libraries.” All closed but developed safe protocols for curbside delivers. Delivered 17,934 items to patrons; offered new digital resources; 2,166 reading packets were delivered to children to help bridge the learning gap; 2,619 grab-and-go lunches to children who were suffering over June and July. Served 42 children in West Point in addition to San Andreas children. Increased library users; 26,600 registered users in Calaveras County. Had 25,600 digital users and wi-fi users as well. Served 6,500 in person. Delivered nearly 800 packets to literary programs to jail staff. Happy to have offered curbside services during the pandemic. The first library to open doors but 2 of 6 are still closed but doing very well overall. Have an amazing staff and volunteers. Also, celebrating national bookmobile day. Expect delivery in September and look forward to servicing the underserved in our community via the bookmobile branch of the library.
Public Comments – None
Motion to approve proclamation – Passed – 5-0

General Public Comments

• Tabitha Davis – need more funding for Sheriff Department and Narcotics division. Our community will feel safer. Will collect signature for petition herself. She is a concerned citizen and asking for help to point her in the right direction to get the petition started before she starts signature gathering.

Consent Agenda

4. Minutes of Board of Supervisors – Regular Meeting – Mar 9, 2021 8:00 AM

5. Minutes of Board of Supervisors – Special Meeting – Mar 16, 2021 8:00 AM

6. Minutes of Board of Supervisors – Regular Meeting – Mar 23, 2021 9:00 AM

7. Behavioral Health Services – Mental Health Program (ID # 5987) Adopt a Resolution too opt-out of Assembly Bill 1976 – Assisted Outpatient Treatment.

8. District 3 (ID # 5974) Adopt a Resolution Pursuant to County Code 12.20.030 Authorizing the White Pines Park Committee To Adopt and Post Certain Ordinance Sections As Enforceable Park Rules.

9. Economic & Community Development (ID # 5960) Authorize the Board Chair to execute an Agreement with Aspen Street Architects, Inc. for the completion of various Capital Improvement Projects with a total not to exceed amount of $100,000 and a two-year term.

10. Economic & Community Development (ID # 5955) Approve a five-year as needed agreement with Mead & Hunt, Inc., in a not to exceed amount of $230,000 for airport master planning services including FAA grant reimbursement assistance and allow the County Administrative Office to administer the contract and any subsequent documents for a period beginning April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2026.

11. First 5 Calaveras (ID # 5988) Authorize the Board Chair to sign the Agreement with SRI International for the provision of training and consultation in the amount of $160,000 over the period of January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.

12. Human Services (ID # 5985) Adopt a Resolution authorizing the application for and acceptance of the Calaveras County Allocation Award (Round 2) under the Transitional Housing Program resulting in revenue of $10,400 to be expended by June 30, 2022.

13. Human Services (ID # 5986) 1) Authorize, by a 4/5th vote, a Budget Transfer to increase revenue under org. key 10940030 object code 4505 by $267,500 and adjust expenditures under object code(s) 5271 by $17,500 and 5301 by $250,000; and 2) Authorize, by a 4/5th vote, a Budget Transfer to increase revenue under org. key 10940040 object code 4505 by $535,000 and adjust expenditures under object code(s) 5271 by $35,000 and 5301 by $500,000, and 3) Direct the Auditor-Controller’s Office to post said Budget Transfers.

14. Human Resources (ID # 5991) Adopt a Resolution authorizing changes to the Integrated Waste Management Operations Supervisor Job Description and updating the title and duties of Plans Examiner Engineer to Supervising Plans Examiner.

15. Human Resources (ID # 5995) Adopt a Resolution approving the Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Policy with the effective dates of January 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021.

16. Public Works (ID # 5971) 1) Award RFP 19-1200-68-925 for On-Call Engineering, Construction Management, and Inspection Services; and 2) Authorize the Board Chair to execute Agreements with Dokken Engineering, Inc., Dewberry Engineers, Inc., and Nichols Consulting Engineers, CHTD for On-Call Engineering Services each in an amount not to exceed $320,000 with a term ending January 31, 2026.

17. Public Works (ID # 5982) Adopt a Resolution accepting improvements as complete and authorizing the release of security for the Copper Hills Subdivision.

18. Public Works (ID # 5983) Adopt a Resolution to vacate a 50-foot wide “Future Street” off Ponderosa Way in Lilac Park, Unit 3.

19. Public Works (ID # 5969) 1) Award Invitation to Bid 20-1200-09-912 for the 2021-22 Annual Striping Program; and 2) Authorize the Board Chair to execute an Agreement for construction of the 2021-22 Annual Striping Program with Central Striping Service, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $200,000 for the period of April 13, 2021 through April 12, 2022.

20. Public Works (ID # 5970) 1) Accept the work of VSS International, Inc. for the construction of the Butte Fire Road Rehabilitation Project – Jesus Maria Road as complete; 2) Authorize the Board Chair to sign and record the associated Notice of Completion; and 3) Authorize the Department of Public Works to release all retained funds.

21. Public Works (ID # 5972) 1) Award RFP 19-1200-68-925 for On-Call Engineering, Construction Management, and Inspection Services; and 2) Authorize the Board Chair to execute Agreements with Quincy Engineering, Inc., and NV5, Inc. for On Call Construction Management and Inspection Services in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 per Agreement with terms ending March 31, 2026.

22. Probation (ID # 5706) Approve Electronic Monitoring Policy Revision.

23. Sheriff (ID # 5973) 1) Authorize the Sheriff or Undersheriff to execute Order Number 140R2021P0016 (the Agreement) with the Bureau of Reclamation to provide law enforcement services at New Melones Lake from March 1, 2021 through February 28, 2026 for a combined award amount of $908,263.20 over the 5-year term; and 2) Delegate to the Sheriff and/or Undersheriff the authority to execute Option Years 2-5, amendments, and other award-related documents within the Agreement’s aforementioned term and not exceeding the combined award amount.

24. Clerk of the Board of Supervisors (ID # 5966) Approve amendments to the Conflict of Interest Code for Calaveras County Water District, Calaveras Public Utility District, Calaveras Unified School District, and Utica Power Authority.

25. Clerk of the Board of Supervisors (ID # 5962) Remove Stephen Sullivan from the
Mental Health Advisory Board due to significant non-attendance. Regular Agenda

• Chair Stopper – pull item #14 per person from the public.
• Motion to approve consent agenda items (with exception of item 14), Passed – 5- 0.
• Judy Hawkins – minor change made to item 14 – supervisor – removing the requirement to have commercial driver’s license, not a responsibility in this position to drive; enabled them to have a larger candidate pool.
Public Comments – None
• Motion to approve consent agenda item 14 – Passed – 5- 0.

Regular Agenda

26. Administrative Office (ID # 5994) Approve Board letter of support to Congressman Tom McClintock regarding the Eastern Segment of the State Route 4 Wagon Trail Realignment Project for Congressionally directed project funding.

• Mia O’Connell – McClintock opposed to this specific project funding; significant issue but working closely with Senators’ Offices; will turn on Senate Appropriation Committee, not sure if they are going with earmarks or not. Feels like Senate will want to earmark it but will put together strict rules. Working to lay ground work to move quickly once rules are formalized. Noticed Senators’ Feinstein and Padilla they have funding request to make; have letters of support, will also put together similar letters to them that they did for McClintock. Will request folding funding into senate transportation bill for funding request. A personal conversation from a Supervisor with McClintock may be helpful to explain the health and safety request from the County.
• Supervisor Tofanelli – the project has been going on for the last 15 years and still not fully funded for Copper to the city of Angels; requesting funding for the final leg of the project; in support of this personally and going to write a letter to McClintock. Need to get his attention so we can finish this project. Cog is in support of this project as well.
• Supervisor Folendorf – CalTrans through Cog has also given a letter of support.
Public Comments – None
Supervisor Tofanelli – Motion to move the item forward with addition to expand letters to any other elected officials it needs to go to – Supervisor Callaway opposes as amended but agrees with the concept. Would like to amend the letter to the Senators before approving. Supervisor Tofanelli will amend his motion to include Callaway’s concerns. Will go to McClintock as written and amended letters will go to Senate.
• Motion to approve as amended – Passed – 5- 0.

27. Division of Cannabis Control (ID # 5993) Approve Board letter of support to State Senator Anna Caballero regarding SB-59, extending the sunset date for provisional licensing under the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA).

• Chair Stopper – senate changed SB 59 last night; letter as put forward currently does not apply in the same way with the supposed amendment. Will get brief changes and will propose to bring them back at a later meeting.
• Greg Waylan – important because it impacts permitting process and licensing processes. Changes introduced yesterday; we want to take pause and analyze further before bringing back to board; especially licensing dates. Recommend bringing back at later date as well.
Public Comments –  None
Motion to pull item #27 to BOS Meeting on April 20, 2021 – passed – 5-0

28. Human Resources (ID # 6004) Adopt a Resolution appointing Robert Pachinger to the
position of Public Works & Transportation Director effective April 13, 2021.

• Chair Stopper – well earned, congratulations.
Public Comments
• Kathy Gallino – congratulations to Robert, he is a great asset to County.
• Judy Hawkins – Human Resources Director – congratulations and look forward to working with Robert.
• Robert Pachinger – thanked BOS and County partners for support and hopes to continue to merit your support.
Motion to approve – passed – 5-0

29. Library (ID # 5989) Approve the MOU with Amador Unified School District for providing grab-and-go lunches to the Calaveras County Library for curbside delivery of lunches for the County’s school children June 14, 2021 through August 6, 2021.

• Chair Stopper – great program.
Public Comments
• Nancy Giddens – County Librarian – 2,619 lunches served last summer; feel service is very much needed; hope to reach out to Moke Hill and Railroad Flats to deliver closer to home; have in place all safe and sanitary delivery outside, cold and safely packed and prepared; have had an inspection by Environmental Health and passed; masks are worn and social distancing is occurring; also will include reading packets which folks said last year were just as valuable. They will get eight books this year; last year we gave six books. Amador School Board is on board as well and will approve tomorrow night at their meeting.
• Brianna Lierman – would like to work with children in need and collaborate with you/County.
Motion to approve – passed – 5-0

30. Assessor (ID # 5979) Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Proration of Taxes Resulting From Escape Assessments.

• Leslie Davis – County Assessor – authorizes proration of taxes from escape assessment which is getting taxes from reassessed properties. Need to prorate taxes so when the property has sold. (531.2.c tax code). If reassessing property and have to do corrections, it matters who owns property on January 1st and bona fide transfer after July 1st, after correction. Example: If the transfer in March it is secured to real property; if they don’t pay it the new owner is responsible for the bill. This would allow us to pro-rate to the owner based on the number of days they owned property. Only pay increase in taxes based on when they owned property. Resolution is good in perpetuity; no sunset in law.
• Chair Stopper – will be fairer to buyers and sellers.
Public Comments – None
Motion to approve – passed – 5-0

31. Health and Human Services Agency (ID # 5984) Informational presentation and discussion regarding Calaveras County potentially signing a Letter of Intent with Health Plan of San Joaquin, altering the County’s managed health care model.

• Laura Larsen – Deputy Director of Social Services – presented a PowerPoint presentation.
• Medical covers 1/3 of the population and moved to managed care back in 20212. 10.6 million receive managed care; 12,064 in Calaveras County.
• Currently, we are a regional model; would move to a two-plan model; one commercial plan and one local plan.
• Contracts are expiring in 2024 and want to give Counties a voice. The audit took place in 2018. The audit found enrollment to care was the same in rural counties. Access to specialty care to those in the regional model which is Calaveras County is not as good as in two-plan model.
• Harder to find specialty health care; not as many healthy people to offset costs.
• Our providers – Anthem and Health & Wellness – their response is they are trying to make improvements.
• Rural counties can look to opportunities to partner with another plan to see if it would meet our residents.
• Health Plan of San Joaquin would like to expand to Calaveras County, Alpine & El Dorado County.
• Can transition to two plan model – establish own local initiative or join the current initiative.
• Prefer to join a local plan. Governed by a commission; subject to Brown Act. Developed by community citizens.
• It is an ideal time to transition to two plan model if we wish to go that route.
• Next steps – changing health care model to include commercial and health care plan. If we don’t choose this option; we won’t know who our two plan providers would be. Would have to wait for RFPs. Staff will continue to meet with the Health Plan of San Joaquin. Would need to submit a letter of intent. Will have the draft by end of next week for BOS to review. The state would need to confirm San Joaquin could meet our County’s needs.
• San Joaquin has contracts with Sutter and Dignity Health so it won’t affect Mark Twain.
• Although not going through the RFP process; is being vetted per the State. Not sure why State is not requiring the same process.
• There was a lot of information provided and the PowerPoint was too small to see but will be posted. Please refer to PowerPoint for complete information.
• Sam Leach – was supposed to be an informational item today not seeking action today. Wanted to bring clarity to a complex topic and be able to answer any questions and discuss prior to being moving to agendized item on April 27th. LOI is due on April 30th which is why it is agendized on April 27th. Can add for a discussion item on April 20th.
• Supervisor Garamendi – tried to do a deep dive on this over the past several weeks; is more confused than when he started his research. Concerned about continuity. Amador and Tuolumne have passed on this so concerned about how it will impact us and Mark Twain Hospital. Concerned because people seek medical care in Amador, Calaveras, and Tuolumne. Have a concern about competition in care, what happens if unable to get a deal with San Joaquin. Has many more questions and does not feel he has a lot of clarity on this issue. Not saying it is bad just has many questions that need to be answered. Doesn’t understand why this is being dropped on them during a pandemic. Will continue to work with staff to get his detailed questions answered offline.
• Chair Stopper – concerned with signing an LOI because it is binding to a certain degree; appreciates homework Supervisor Garamendi has put into this and he also has concerns; more discussion is needed.
• Supervisor Callaway – seems Supervisor Garamendi has the same concerns as she does. She too will get her questions answered offline.
• Supervisor Tofanelli – a lot of questions need to be answered but if we join San Joaquin it would be more beneficial to people who have medical because it would expand where they can go and treatment they would receive. Would potentially help reduce travel time as well.
Public Comments
• Brianna Lierman – California Health and Wellness – confusing because this is not a normal process; questions can be answered during the procurement process that is coming up; want to continue to partner with this County and evaluate our options.
Motion not required at this time. Will bring it back on April 27, 2021, and make a decision at that time.

32. Planning (ID # 5975) Conduct a public hearing, approve the Third Addendum to the Medical Cannabis Cultivation and Commerce Ordinance Environmental Impact Report, adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 17.95 of the Calaveras County Code relating to Cannabis Cultivation and Commerce adding a sunset date for submittal of cultivation applications and adding well testing in the seventh year of cultivation, and authorize publication of the summary ordinance.

• Greg Waylan – Director of Cannabis Control – changes are narrow in scope; two provisions to Code, would create a sunset date and a well test requirement after seven years. Recommend to approve the third amendment as presented in the addendum attached, and staff report and addendum.
• Supervisor Garamendi – thinks adding 7 years for the well test is not necessary; if any interest would drop that.
• Supervisor Foldendor agrees with Supervisor Garamendi.
Public Comments – None
Motion to approve – passed – 5-0

Supervisor Announcements

• Supervisor Tofanelli – tomorrow morning important meeting held at Angels Fire Department. Will report out next Tuesday at the outcome of the meeting.
• Supervisor Garamendi – would agree to get the public back in here to participate as allowed by the County. Rail Road Flat Elementary was shut down suddenly during the pandemic. The School board made a snap decision to close it. That is a big vacant hole in the community. The community wants to turn it into a community center with a gym and outreach activities; computer classes currently being taught there and a garden is attached; the Sheriff is in support to help. School District will be taking up soon the disposal of the property. Working with Park & Rec to look to see how we can turn it into something very successful; similar to what Mountain Ranch did when their school closed. Will bring it to the BOS over the next several months. Want to give everyone a heads up because this is a big deal for that community. Want to work together with the BOS on this matter.
• Supervisor Callaway – consider the extreme drop in the public, wanting to know if the public can come back to the BoS meeting when we go into the Orange tier.
• Supervisor Folendorf – attended a call last week working with Mia O’Connell to lobby for a wagon trail project to allow Mia to keep her doing the work she is doing.
• Chair Stopper – Fish & Game will have an event on May 2, 2021, at Murphy’s Community Park – nursery through 8th graders; must be accompanied by an adult; Fish & Game hosting this event. Will be a great day.

Meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.