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

This was an interesting and important meeting.  Besides acknowledging Chuck and Donna Hillis for their 14 years of service with the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, we got a Public Health update, a discussion on Broadband (#17), and several other agenda items covering housing, cannabis, and several general items. Oh, and 13 consent items.

This article is from the 12/14/21  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: 20211214-bos-meeting-notes

Public meeting called to order at 9:05 a.m.

Staff Announcements

• Christa Von Lotta – CAO – thanked BOS for how cohesive they are and the challenges all
county staff have faced, I have much gratitude. Many positive things are in the works, feels  that everyone is finding their commonality and doing great work.

• Lisa Medina – Environmental Management Agency – thanked buildings and grounds and public works team for helping animal services and their team. If community needs help with feeding their animals, please call them at 209.754.6509. Looking forward to an eventful 2022 year, will have several free rabies and microchip clinics and other events as well.
Public Acknowledgements

Public Health Update

2. Informational Item – Public Health Services (ID # 6449) Receive an update presentation from staff on COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).

• Cori Allen – HHSA Director – Introduced newest member Marcos Munoz – Assistant Director HHS. Presented PowerPoint presentation.
Please review for detailed information.
• Confirmed cases is 4,482; 14 active cases, 4 hospitalized; eligible population fully vaccinated 54.86%; 91 deaths; 4,377 recovered cases; percentage of eligible 5-11 year olds fully vaccinated – 2.38% – very low – state of CA is over 11%; percentage of eligible 12-17 year olds fully vaccinated – 29.72% – statewide number is more than double that.
• Contact tracing and investigation – we are in full community spread and the one way to mitigate this is through social distancing, proper masking and vaccinations.
• State of CA has issued guidelines effective 12/15/21 – universal masking in all public indoor locations for all, regardless of vaccine status; shortened timeframes for testing for those unvaccinated; testing requirements enter/re-enter Ca from another state – submit to Covid test within 3-5 days.
• Mobile Van – once mobile van is purchased, will utilize post Covid as well. Will use as medical and behavioral health care beyond Covid.
• Boosters are tracked – 6,836 in Calaveras County, 1,004 boosters given in December.
• Marcos Munoz – Assistant Director HHS – presented PowerPoint presentation.
Please review video for detailed information.
• Dr. Renee Ramirez – Calaveras County Health Officer – Omicron variant – still learning about it. Easier to spread than original Covid. Still learning the spread versus Delta variant. Can spread to vaccinated or unvaccinated people. Will take a few more weeks to determine how it contributed to morbidity and vaccination. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. Breakthrough infections are likely to occur. Best treatment is prevention. Masks offer protection against all variants and recommends wearing mask indoors.
• We are in flu season – should receive flu vaccine. Masking, washing hands, social distancing is important. Some key points from the CDC go to https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm#ILINet). Flu is here and starting to increase. Take all precautions necessary.
• Recommend boosters for all those eligible. Vaccine is safe and effective.
• Doug Archer – Mark Twain Hospital – have seen a few flu patients but no hospitalizations. Seeing an increase in Covid this week. This morning 5 of 10 patients are Covid positive. Has increased traffic to ER. Take all precautionary steps. The people who go into the hospital are probably 90% to 95% unvaccinated.

3. Proclamation – Sheriff (ID # 6384) Adopt a Proclamation honoring and recognizing Chuck and Donna Hillis for their 14 years of dedicated service to the residents of Calaveras County as members of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team.

Motion to approve proclamation – Passed 5 – 0.

Consent Agenda

4. Resolution – Administrative Office (ID # 6469) Adopt a resolution finding that the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency continues to present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees without a teleconference participation option.

5. Ordinance – County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters (ID # 6470) Adopt an ordinance repealing Ordinance 2993 establishing the 2010 supervisorial district boundaries, and authorize summary publication.

6. Resolution – Agriculture (ID # 6412) Approve a resolution amending the device administrative fee collected on behalf of the State as set forth in and required by Title 4, Section 4075 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR).

7. Agreement – Economic & Community Development (ID # 6426) Authorize the Board Chair to execute the funding agreement associated with the First Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with the University of California Cooperative Extension approved on September 2, 2021, in the amount of $151,597 for UCCE programs and services on the Government Center campus for a period of July 1, 2021, through July 1, 2022.

8. Agreement – Health and Human Services Agency (ID # 6442) 1) Authorize the Board Chair to sign Amendment 01 to 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, and; 2) authorize the Director of Health and Human Services Agency or designee to execute any further amendments provided they do not change the total value of the original agreement.

9. Resolution – Health and Human Services Agency (ID # 6450) Adopt a Resolution authorizing the application for and acceptance of the Calaveras County Allocation Award – Round 2 under the housing Navigators Program resulting in revenue of $8,650 to be expended by June 30, 2024.

10. Agreement – Public Health Services (ID # 6361) 1. Authorize the Director of Health and Human Services to sign an Agreement with Public Health Institute for the provision of the WeVax Program resulting in revenue of $350,000 for the period of July 1, 2021, through February 28, 2022; and 2. Authorize the Director of Health and Human Services to sign any subsequent amendments, so long as the value of the Agreement does not change and they are routed through counsel.

11. Agreement – Library (ID # 6471) Authorize the Board Chair to sign the Lease Agreement between Cardoza Enterprises and the County for the Calaveras County Library – Copperopolis Branch for 3505 Spangler Lane, Suite 106 Lake Tulloch Plaza, Copperopolis California 95228 for the period of December 14, 2021 – June 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed sixty-five thousand dollars. ($65,000.00).

12. Resolution – Integrated Waste Management (ID # 6355) Find the project categorically exempt from CEQA; adopt a resolution opting to affirm for Calaveras County a rural exemption from the requirements of mandatory organics collection services established in the California Code of Regulations by Senate Bill 1383.

13.Action Item – AB 109 (ID # 6434) Approve FY 2021-22 Community Corrections Partnership(CCP) Implementation Plan.

14. Action Item – Sheriff (ID # 6454) Approve and authorize the Board Chair to execute the FifthAmendment to the California Forensic Medical Group, Inc. Agreement for regular inmate medical services in the detention facility, extending the term to June 30, 2023, and increasing the not to exceed annual Flat Rate amount of the Agreement from $745,947.24 to $751,467.24, a net increase of $5,520.00.

15. Agreement – Code Compliance (ID # 6424) Authorize the Board Chair to execute an Agreement with Fisk Demolition for abatement services in an amount not to exceed $225,000, effective upon execution through June 30th, 2024.

16. Action Item – Administrative Office (ID # 6437) Make public benefit finding and approve Community Organizations (10100140) allocations in the total amount of nineteen thousand dollars ($19,000.00).

Motion to approve consent agenda items 4 through 16 – Passed 5 – 0.

Regular Agenda

17. Informational Item – Economic & Community Development (ID # 6427) Receive a Presentation by NEO Connect  regarding the Central Sierra Broadband Roadmap Project.

• Kathy Gallino – Economic Development Director – presentation by NEO Connect – Cole Prisabella and Diana Kruse
• Cole Prisabella – Economic Development Director in Tuolumne County – best way to help is to do county wide broadband throughout the counties.
• Diane Kruse – CEO NEO Connect – presented PowerPoint presentation.
Please review for detailed information.
Calaveras County, Central Sierra Broadband Roadmap – identifying current needs and GIS data, putting together capital cost and projections. Should have written recommendations in January or February. Survey will be going out to citizens for input.
• 14% of population in Calaveras have no broadband at all. 83% have 6/1 Mbps and 25/3 Mbps; 73% have 100 Mbps; 0% have a Gig (1000/1000 Mbps). Maps tend to be inaccurate versus what people are actually getting. CA standard is very low. Gold standard is 1000/1000 Mbps. We are trying to get everyone to the gold standard.
Public Comment • None
Informational item only.

18. Resolution – Economic & Community Development (ID # 6413) Adopt a Resolution authorizing the application for and acceptance of the Calaveras County Allocation Award resulting in revenue of $539,081 for years 2019/20 and 2020/21, with anticipated additional revenue in the amount of $699,784 for years 2021/22, 2022/23, and 2023/24 to be expended by June 30, 2024; and designate the County Administrative Officer, or his or her designee, as the Authorized Representative for the execution of related documents.

• Kathy Gallino – Economic Development Director – establishes a fivey-ear plan on how to spend funds. Received two additional comments – looking at other alternatives for funding; homeless housing and affordable housing which doesn’t fit into this program. Refocused on 10 eligibility criteria.
• Lee Kimball – Housing Programs Manager – sources from recording fees. First two years have already been collected – $539,081; total to be available is $1.2 million over five-year period. To receive, must complete application and a plan on how funds will be utilized. Plan can be revised without further comment and board resolution and approval. Of the 10 eligible activities, staff recommend number 7 – accessibility modifications for low income households that are owner occupied and number 9 – homeownership opportunities through down payment assistance. These recommendations allow Calaveras County to meet 4 of the 44 programs in our housing element. Opens up the supply for work force housing and most vulnerable population. Programs would be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Public Comment • None
Motion to approve – Passed 5 – 0.

19. Resolution – Human Resources (ID # 6451) Adopt a Resolution approving modifications to the Calaveras County Public Safety Employees Association (CCPSEA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the term of December 18, 2021, to September 30, 2026.

• Judy Hawkins – Director HR and Risk Management – happy to bring forward this MOU with changes and for a five-year agreement. 4% COLA this year, 3 1/2 % four years after; split in insurance same as all other bargaining units; adding correctional officer uniforms for new hires.
Public Comment • None
Motion to approve – Passed 5 – 0.

20. Resolution – Division of Cannabis Control (ID # 6474) Adopt a Resolution Requesting State Cannabis Cultivation Tax Reform.

• Greg Waylan – Director of Cannabis Control – A resolution that would encourage reform for tax rate at the state. 2021 has been a difficult year for cultivators due to weather and pricing crisis. This does not reflect local taxes. Tax rates are set to go up by $10.08 per ounce on 01/01/22. $300 to $500 for a single pound of cannabis – $31.25 per ounce. Asking for an estimate for price per pound to produce; likely $320 per pound. The cost to produce is almost on par and the state excise tax is very burdensome. For beer, it would be taxed at 4%; cannabis would be closer to 32% per pound. Significant of doing business for our local cultivators. 77% cost disadvantage for permitted cultivators versus the black market. Purpose is to enable County to provide permitted cultivators with a safe working condition and provide them with some relief.
Please review notes and video for further discussion.
Motion to approve – Passed 4 – 1 (Tofanelli – no).

21. Action Item – Division of Cannabis Control (ID # 6478) Introduce and Waive Full Reading of an Uncodified Ordinance Reducing the Gross Receipts Tax Rate for Cannabis Activities Specified in inSection 3.56.050(C)(2) on a Temporary Basis as Authorized by Section 3.56.070; AuthorizeSummary Publication. Requires Affirmative 4/5 Vote.

Public Comment • None
Motion to approve – Passed 5 – 0.

22. Action Item – Clerk of the Board of Supervisors (ID # 6246) Adopt the 2022 Board of supervisors meeting calendar.

Public Comment • None
Motion to approve – Passed 5 – 0.

23. Resolution – Administrative Office (ID # 6477) Adopt a Resolution authorizing a loan not to exceed $6,500,000 from the Road Impact Mitigation (RIM) Fee Special Revenue Fund to various disaster recovery funds for cash flow purposes pending reimbursement.

Public Comment • None
Motion to approve – Passed 5 – 0.

24. Informational Item – Administrative Office (ID # 6484) Receive an update regarding AmericanRescue Plan Act Funding.

• Christa Von Lotta – CAO – received an allocation – 8.9 million; received the first 50% in October 2021 and will receive the second installment in the Fall of next year. One of the allowable use is where there is lost revenue to use for governmental services. This broadens where we can spend the funds. For example, safety is an allowable use. Propose to bring back recommendations for capital process – animal services and DA’s office. Can incorporate other items as well. The overall general recommendation is to take this as an opportunity to do some
large-scale projects that will carry the county forward and infrastructure needs and deal with them. Recommends to focus on two or three large-scale projects and other one-time funding sources for other items but will take direction from the BOS.
Public Comment • None
Informational item only.

25. Informational Item – Administrative Office (ID # 6483) Receive an update on Strategic Planning from Municipal Resources Group.

• Robert Bendorf – Municipal Resource Group – Presented PowerPoint presentation. Please review notes and video for detailed information.
Public Comment
Motion to approve – Passed 5 – 0.

Supervisor Announcements

• Supervisor Callaway – Christmas Day dinner for the community – pick up at Treats in San Andreas, Native Sons in Murphys and will deliver anywhere in the county. Welcome participation.
• Supervisor Garamendi – nothing to report but wanted to wish colleagues good year, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
• Supervisor Tofanelli – Merry Christmas to all. Hope our year next year is a good one as well. We have worked well together. Have Mountain Valley EMS meeting this Thursday – Stanislaus County is withdrawing and a major stake holder. Alpine, Mariposa and Calaveras are other stakeholders. This is a planning meeting on how to deal with exit. June 30, 2022 is exit date.
• Supervisor Folendorf – wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Appreciates the help she has received from everyone on the BOS. She and Supervisor Tofanelli had a meeting with Eastside GSA and will bring back info on the GSA.
• Chair Stopper – want to wish staff, public, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. This has been hard times and want everyone to support and cherish their families and wish everyone the best.

Meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.