Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

Good morning everybody and welcome to the regular board of supervisor meeting this Tuesday, November 25th, one month away from Christmas if you can believe it. Could we rise please for the pledge? Supervisor Topelli, will you lead us? Yes. Thank you. Please join me in the pledge of flag. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and

thank you. We'll start with staff announcements.

Good morning, chair. Thanks board members. Lisa Medina, Environmental Management Agency and Shots. And this is Norman. Norman.

This is Norman. Norman is a staff shard bull carrier mix. He's about eight years old and he weighs about 77 pounds. We received him very emaciated. So he still looks a little bit, you know, on the slim side, but he's all muscle. He's a gentle pup with a big personality. He has a cute snorting and snuffling sound we call a snortle. Uh he is real gentle and loves humans. Uh his compatibility with cats is unknown at this time. Uh but if you do have another dog, you must bring him for a meet and greet. Our kickoff for Pets Giving on November 15th was a success. Uh we look at any success with any dog or animal that goes home, even one, as a success. But for this adoption event uh which kicked off the pets giving uh through the end of the year, we uh found two dogs and two cats forever homes. So that was that was a good thing. Very sex. Oh, three day.

Okay. End of end of the day. Third dog. So we are still looking for donations for our community animals including canned dry dog and cat food and kitten food. Milk replacement for our neonatal kittens that we just got in. And we are happy to say we just got in five kittens that had uh infections in their eyes and severe u complications from that. But they are being fostered now through our new foster program in a loving um home and family and they'll be coming back to the shelter for adoption. So if anybody's looking for a kitten is okay. Uh we also need cat litter, puppy pads, collars, indestructible dog toys, and cat toys. CCAS also has an Amazon wish list that can be referred to on our web page. Please look for our Facebook post for more upcoming events. More than ever, CCA CCAS will be having additional events in 2026. At our next meeting in December, I will bring back the CCAS and that's Kelleris County Animal Services statistics for 2025. And that is all I have for today. Thank you, Shauna. Thanks, Norman.

So, are you going to bring Norma in? Norman. Yeah, but I bring Norman in next. Isn't Norman a hunk? Thank you. Thank you, Lisa. Mr. Samson, morning.

Morning, Mort Supervisor. That's a tough act to follow. I'm not cute or cuddly, but I'll do my best. Um, I had an update for you. Yeah, I have an update for you on uh per prior board direction on se several other board meetings, the planning department will be bringing back probably in the first meeting of January um a comprehensive list of our long-range planning projects, the priorities of them, and a revised schedule of completion dates for board discussion. What will also be included as part of that discussion is a um proposed um zoning code amendment project which will also include um looking at private gyms or um indoor recreation and enter entertainment uh to be allowed in industrial zones or the M2 zone. So I just wanted to make sure the board is aware that I did receive that direction. I'm putting together a board item now and you'll be seeing that probably the first meeting of January. So just wanted to give that update. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Morning, Len. Good morning, Lind Director. Um, I'm here to let the board and the public know that our permitting software will be down tomorrow for a day. Uh, we are doing an upgrade that is that provides sort of the technical underpinnings to improve uh all of the permitting for the public. Uh that includes doing permitting online, e payments, uh including hoping for e checks and those kind of things. Um it's pretty simple thing. We've done a bunch of messaging to let people know be down, but we just want to take that final step. Okay. Thank you very much.

Do we have any other staff announcements? Seeing none, we'll move on to recognitions and acknowledgements. Madame Clerk, our first proclamation, item number one is a proclamation from the sheriff's office. Adopt a proclamation recognizing sheriff's volunteer search and rescue K9 Jackson for seven years of service. And I'll pass the gavl over to supervisor Andal.

Whereas K9 Jackson proudly served with distinction for seven years as a vital member of the Calveris County Sheriff's Volunteer Search and Rescue Team. And whereas Jackson was known for his exceptional sense of smell, unwavering focus, and tireless work ethic, exemplifying the qualities that make search and rescue dogs invaluable assets to public safety efforts. And whereas Jackson's loyalty, intelligence, agility, and strong work drive enabled him to perform consistently under challenging conditions, earning him a respected reputation among team members and the community. And whereas Jackson was always a warm fuzzy face, his presence a true source of morale, joy, and emotional support to his human search and rescue team members throughout their missions. And whereas throughout his career, Jackson earned a total of four distinguished certifications, reflecting his extensive training and specialization. From 2018 to 2024, he was certified as an area and large source cadaavver and area canine. Between 2020 and 2023, he received certification in small source cadaavver detection with additional water certifications secured from 2023 to 2025. And whereas these certifications are recognized standards within the search and rescue community, highlighting his skill set across multiple demanding environments. And whereas throughout his service, Jackson responded to 46 search and rescue missions, was responsible for five successful finds, and provided crucial clues that significantly assisted other search teams. And whereas Jackson participated in countless training sessions, ensuring that both he

and his handler, Robin Berwick, maintained peak performance, dedicating approximately 500 hours each year to training and search operations. And whereas the board of supervisors wishes to sincerely thank Jackson for his dedicated service and outstanding contributions to search and rescue efforts, embodying the motto so others may live and recognizes that his profound impact will be remembered and deeply appreciated by all who knew him, worked with him, or were aided by him. I just learned that Jackson has passed away. Um what a legacy he left. This is an outstanding uh tribute to him. Sheriff, good morning everyone. Uh I'd like to bring Robin and this is Valhalla with Robin. Uh we had planned this item. Jackson retired in August and unfortunately had medical issues, but we wanted to uh our search and rescue team leadership. Uh many of the deputies that are uh assigned to our SAR team are with us today to show support uh and respect and recognition for Jackson's service. Um our canines are a vital and effective component of our search and rescue team. Um thankfully Robin got Valhalla with black hair because Jackson love to rub on our legs. Um usually after jumping in a pond um he'll be greatly missed. Captain Stern was just telling me a a story in my office before we came down here when Jackson ran full speed into the back of his knee uh and almost took him out, but that's how much he loved it, how enthusiastic he was. Uh and then of course Robin is uh I'm I'm going to make her cry anyways, but uh is one of the kindest, most dedicated souls that you'll meet. And so our search and

rescue team leadership really wanted to recognize Jackson um for his service cuz I mean the the certifications that he got and having the ability to be in a boat over water and smell and detect uh the scent that he's searching for um and how successful he was in his service was awesome. Um, I'm going to let Lieutenant Greg Stark come up and talk a little bit more about our SAR team, but we just wanted to recognize Jackson and Robin.

So, as a boardware, our volunteer search and rescue team puts in hundreds of thousands of hours collectively throughout the years. And to say that Jackson was a special dog. Um, I've been with search and rescue for just over 25 years, and I could say that if my family was lost in the woods, I'd want Jackson out there. He was a one-of-a-kind dog. uh never a loss for energy and even as a search manager when the family's distraught and their persons are lost in the woods um and we put the call out to our search and rescue team to see who's coming. When Robin's coming with her dog, there's a sense of things are going to be better. Um they are force multiplier. They cover so much ground that searchers can't cover uh very quickly. their nose and smelling capabilities un unsurpassed and it takes both ends of the leash. While Jackson was a very special dogs, um a once in a-lifetime dog that I've dealt with, uh it's the other end of the leash, Robin, where the real magic works. Um she's an extremely dedicated handler. Uh she's been training dogs officially for 20 years for Calaveris. Bajalla is her fourth dog. Uh she drove all the way to North Carolina to get specialized training. uh they travel all over the United States for training. Um and not only that, but she's a trainer for other dogs throughout the region, throughout the state, and a resource for OES. She's called all over the state for her expertise and the expertise that she's uh given to her dog. So, um Jackson was a huge loss to our team. Bhal, I'm not taking anybody from Balhalla, but again, Jackson was a once in a-lifetime dog that I've worked with and our other communities worked with. And so the selflessness that Robin puts forth and the dedication to her dogs comes through in the results and the results are uh successful searches. And for that I just personally on behalf of this Calibar County Search and Rescue team and the sheriff's office want to thank you for

everything you've done. Um you truly take the motto of search and rescue so others may live more seriously than I've ever seen anybody take it. So for that I want to thank you very much. Robin, did you want to say anything?

Well, thank you for your service. Sorry for your loss, Valhalla. You got some big paws to fill, but with Robin, I think you're up for it. Okay. Now, therefore, it be proclaimed. Oh, I'm sorry. Any the rest of the board have anything? Second. Yeah, I have a motion. Second. Okay. All in favor? All in favor? I.

Thank you. Now, therefore, it be proclaimed that the board of supervisors commends and honors K9 Jackson for his dedicated service and invaluable contributions to public safety, search and rescue, and the community. passed and adopted by the board of supervisors of the county of Calaveris, state of California, this 25th day of November, 2025. Come on up. I'm going. See?

Okay. Ready? One, two, three. Send Thank you. We'll move on now to our second proclamation.

Item number two is a proclamation from the Board of Supervisors. adopt a proclamation recognizing November 17th through the 21st 2025 as California clerk of the board of supervisors week and I'll pass the gavl over to supervisor fallenor

whereas California counties provide many services that is central to the lives of Californians and whereas the position of the clerk of the board of supervisors board plays an integrated role in the function of California county government and whereas the clerk of The board performs many legal mandate functions that protect and preserve the rights of citizens to an open and accessible government. And whereas the government whereas the work performed by the clerk of the board is a timehonored and vital part of local government. Whereas the clerk's duties of recordkeeping is revered. They work among the earliest recorded on behalf of the public and the clerks have a long pledge to maintain their neut their neut their neutral and impartual of proceedings of government and whereas the California clerk of board of supervisors association an affiliate of the California associations of counties is organized to promote the principles of good government to represent the interests of clerks of the board with legislative ative bodies and other professional organizations to encourage the development and professional growth and education and to support the objective of all regional groups established within the association. And whereas it is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the clerks of the board across the 58 counties in the state of California. And I will say just for me, I know that I would not be successful um without the clerks, whether it's Stacy, Robin, Becky, and their staff. Um from technical difficulty solutions to making sure that we show up on time to things. Um I think they're more than just um they're just more than making

sure that the public has access to us. they are making sure that we are doing our jobs um as well. Um and with that, I'd like to open it up. Are there any other other public comments? Well, okay. I'll bring it back to the board. There's none online, right? Okay. I'll bring it back to the board. Gay.

Uh, I would just like to thank the Burp's office too uh for everything they do. Although they don't remind me and make me on time, but that's so um I'll give you my committee and you can but this this is so important. This proclamation is so important. If you look at the agenda item, Stacy signed it twice. So, it's good. Are there any other Ben? Oh, your light went on if you

Oh, it is. Yeah, that's right. Cuz I turned it on. Um, you know, you I got something on my tie. Um, you know, stop scratching. you know, uh there's a lot of good professional direction on keeping um composure and moving forward and yes, Stacy does organize very well for us and she is much appreciated along with the all the staff over there because it takes the coordination of the whole office on that side to uh put everything together. So, thank you

Adam. I'll just echo all of my co-workers. Thank you, Robin, Stacy, Becky, everybody. Um, always available to help navigate and, um, help me remember which agenda, which item was on, and um, all sorts of information. Thank you. And lastly, I would just like to say thank you as well, and I'm sorry Stacy isn't here today, but we're thinking of her. Okay. Okay. If there's no Yeah, if there is there a motion, Ben moved. Is there a second? Second. Second by Gay. All in favor? I.

Now therefore, be it proclaimed that the board of supervisors of the county of Cal proclaimed the week of November 17th through November 21st, 2025 as the California clerk of the board of supervisors week in recognition of the high level of service bestowed upon the people of Calves County and the people of California by clerks of the board. passed and adopted by the board of supervisors of Calvary County, state of California, this day, the 25th of November, 2025. Thank you.

Yes. So, I am accepting it on behalf of Rebecca and Stacy. Um, and as you mentioned, it does take a whole team. I also wanted to mention Landon Sudholt. He um is a secondary person back at the office that monitors every single board meeting to make sure that Zoom runs smoothly um along with Becky. And we do really appreciate you guys recognizing the office and continuing your support for us. So, thank you. You want to come up and do a picture? You want to do a photo?

Thank you. We will move on to general public comment. General public comment. Any item of interest to the public that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the board and is not posted on the consent or regular agendas may be addressed during the general public comment period. California law prohibits the board from taking action on any matter which is not posted on the agenda unless it is determined to be an emergency by the board of supervisors. If public comment is completed before the 30-minute allotted time period, the board may immediately move to the next order of business. If public comment is not completed during the allotted time period, it will be continued as the last item of business in order to provide an opportunity for the remainder of the comments to be heard. Thank you. Is there any general public comment today? Mr. Butner,

my name is Christopher Bunner, publisher of Calaver's 2026 election.com. Lack of transparency, lack of truth, and lack of attention to detail all have consequences. At the December 9th, 2025 board of supervisors meeting, it will have been 90 days without a resolution since Calrans installed the Murphy's Highway 4 concrete median. At what point do you concede that over two years you've missed numerous opportunities to ask CALR explicit questions about their illconceived and hazardous minor B project when you had numerous opportunities to object to it? You were inattentive to details and preoccupied with other matters. Some of you have secondary employment dividing your attention from your primary public responsibilities. None of you took the necessary time nor gave adequate attention as part of your responsibilities as public employees to understand the consequences of the Murphy's median project. Not District 3 Supervisor Huberty. Not Calaveris Council of Government's board members Topaneell and Folindorf. Not former public works directors Packinger and Pedro. Calrans is not without fault in this debacle. Their data-driven justification for the median project was flawed and their median is unnecessary. I recently filed several public records requests with Calrans in my analysis of the preliminary response of records suggests the May 2019 to March 2022 CALR project justifying traffic collision report summary revealing an average of 5.6 six collisions per year may may have been a statistical anomaly. The initial data suggests collisions per year notably declined in the three following years. Also a notable finding, the fatal accident occurred more than 13100th of a mile or two football fields east of the

controlled intersection from where the concrete median ends. We'll review these important findings and facts together here on December 9th. Calaveris County is at fault for not catching this median project in time to object. Stop gaslighting us. Be accountable and stop deflecting with hand overheart diversions. The county and Calrans share the blame for this debacle for different reasons. So stop deflecting blame and misleading the public. Own up and concede your individual and collective errors. conclusively prove to CALR with facts and statistics to support your arguments that they made an error in judgment by burdening our community with this unnecessary highway hazard. Justification may be obtained soon from newly received and analyzed data for the full removal of the median and restoration of highway 4 from postmile 29.49 to postmile 29.62. My name is Christopher Butner, publisher of Caliber's 2026 election.com, a government watchdog and accountability blog. You

Thank you. Is there any other public comment?

Good morning, Aisha. Good morning.

Constantly reminded that I should have chosen a dog like Valhalla when I wear black often because I own a golden retriever. Good morning everybody. Um I last spoke before you. I believe it was on the 4th of November and I just wanted to give kind of a quick update on some of the things that have been going on as I'm kind of calling it the SNAP recovery now and some of the things that we've been seeing in Calabaris County. Um we have what we call our nutrition assistance program which is grocery gift cards for people. Sorry everyone, I'm with Sierra Hope. our nutrition assistance program, which is grocery gift cards for those in our HIV AIDS program, which not only serves residents in Calaveris County, but an additional uh five counties. Um that has sat flat. We haven't seen an increase in that. We have seen a 25% increase in those additional counties, not including Calaveris for the assistance for the HOPA Sturmu, which is the short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance. And that's in once again to remind everybody it's in Inyo, Mono, Alpine, Amadore, and Towalami counties. Um, since our last meeting, however, here in Calaveris County, we've had a 300% increase in housing assistance requests. We've had a 300% increase, which it quadrupled what our normal output was for assistance for our food pantry. We've had utility assistance skyrocket for us for this time of the year to 322%. Um we are working closely uh with public health on our street health medicine collaborative um which is with their mobile medical unit making appearances at each one of our food pantries which we moved to weekly. And that isn't just the reason for the increase. The increase in the request for the food pantry was why we went to weekly and it was we weren't meeting the need twice a month. Um, I think when I last came before you, I said we would consider it and it had to change very quickly. So,

that mobile medical unit does come out once to one to two times a month at our community food pantry in Angel's Camp and I'd like to thank Supervisor Fallonorf um who has been supportive and instrumental in assisting us with its placement. Just wanted to provide an update. Thank you. Thank you so much. Is there any other public comment? Seeing none, we'll move on to the consent agenda.

Go ahead. Consent agenda items are expected to be routine and non-controversial. They will be acted upon by the board at one time without discussion. Any board member, staff member, or interested party may request the removal of an item from the consent agenda for later discussion. Paul Deon. Yes. Number seven. Number seven, please. Would any other board member like to pull any of the items? Would any member of the public like to pull any of the items on the consent agenda? Seeing none, I'll bring it back to the board and ask if we could get a motion for the other items. So moved. Second. All in favor? I

passes 5. Madame clerk, could you read item seven, please? Item number seven is an action item from the administrative office. Number one, make a public benefit findings. Number two, approve community organization district allocations from district three and district 4 and the total amount of $2,000 for the Sierra Hope food pantry.

I pulled this item not because there's anything wrong with it. I wanted to publicly um thank two individuals um that have really um last minute we came together and were able to get support to the elementary schools. Um and one is superintendent Louise Vincen and Isa from Hope for helping um coordinate um the effort to get um get food to families. Um and while the SNAP um did come back um it still showed just with um what she just said with the percentage of increase of need um there still is a need regardless of the SNAP benefits. And it was um very shocking um how many um families are food insecure in our district in our community. And um this um hoping to at least get through the holidays and make sure that some of these families are able to um to provide for um their children, especially with the kids being out of school where um they're going to be losing that um access to food every day with a school break. Um so thank you board members for supporting and thank you for Martin for making a match to help them. Um, so I just wanted to do a shout out and it's been a wonderful coordination and collaboration and I don't think um, you know, in in down times beautiful things happen and I think this was one of the things that really happened that individuals that normally wouldn't have worked together came together really fast and created a program um, for the community.

Thank you. With that, would you like Oh, is there any other public comment regarding this item?

Good morning. I'm Luis Simpson. I'm the superintendent at Mark Twain Union Elementary. And I want to thank deeply um Supervisor Fondorf and Huberty Huberty. I said that wrong. But um you know, kids don't understand politics, but they understand hunger. And we took those uh bags that um Sierra Hope created and we got those out to the families. Within 10 minutes of phone calls, people were showing up. That's how desperate the need was. So um this is a partnership across agencies, private, public, and it's so powerful and I cannot thank you enough behalf of my students and my families. It matters. Thank you.

Thank you. Going to call you Fathom's mom. this time

and I and I love that. Um I'm back. Um so what was lovely was that Supervisor Polandorf brought us together and saw potential for the partnership. Um after the last time I spoke before all of you, she addressed the need that these folks weren't getting to the food pantry. And it was something simple that we just hadn't really honestly addressed before or thought of. And that was that we do it on a Wednesday from 1 to 3:00 p.m. The families can't get to us. It's either transportation prohibitive or they're working. So we take the grocery bags over to Mark Twain Elementary and they disperse them to the highest need families both at Mark Twain as well as Copper and that simply eliminates that issue of access to food and that's something that by also going weekly we're realizing is an an additional issue. Oftentimes we think that there's many other things that make it prohibitive. uh issues of you know living less than paycheck to paycheck. All of the things that simply came down to transportation and access. So in this case we eliminated that and we've added to it. So we're doing 35 families um every Monday. We pack up the bags. They get a bag of non-p perishables as well as a bag of of meat and produce and things like that that are perishable and we deliver it to the school and it goes before well we try to get it there before um early uh uh there's a early uh I can't think of what it's called. you know, the kids, some kids get out early and then there's the 3:00 kids, so it's like a 1:20 and a three and they get the access to that food and then we're doing additionally the normal food pantry on a Wednesday. And that was the big improvement and it was something that we wouldn't have been able to address before had it just literally not been put on our radar. Um, but hunger comes in all shapes and forms and sizes and certainly doesn't take a holiday itself. So, I just wanted to thank everyone for your support and for bringing the partnership and opportunity to our attention.

Thank you. Is there any other public comment? Is there any comment online? No. Thank you. I'll bring it back to the board. Moved. I'll second. All in favor? Passes 5-0 before we move on to the um regular agenda. We'd like to take a fivem minute break, please. Thank you. Thank you.

Okay, we are back. Thank you. We will now move on to the regular agenda. Madame clerk, item number 18. Item number 18 is a resolution from planning. Number one, conduct a public hearing. Number two, adopt a SQA notice of exemption. And number three, adopt a resolution upholding the planning commission's conditional approval variance of 2025-009 reducing the required 20ft setback to 3 ft to construct a 900 ft detached garage at 2244 Shaston Way and Dorington.

Thank you. Uh before I hand it over, I'd like just to go over how this uh hearing will go. I will open up the public hearing and I will ask staff to present and bring it back to the board for any questions. Then I will ask the appellant to give their presentation and then for the applicant to give their presentation and then I'll open it up to members of the public. I'll allow the appellant a summation as well as the applicant uh and then bring it back to staff and any other questions from the board. I'd like to ask that whoever is giving a presentation or speaking to keep their comments pleased about the variance um and to be as brief as possible. Thank you. So with that, I will open the public hearing.

Samson.

Good morning, Board of Supervisors. Brett Samson, your planning director. Uh today I'm here to talk to you about the appeal of um the variance uh 2025-00009. Um this was a for a um originally for a zero front setback uh variance um to a front yard setback and it was located at it is located at 2244 Shaston Way and Dorington. Um I'm going to go through a little bit of um history with the pro with the project and how we've arrived at this point. Um I don't have a extensive PowerPoint uh but I do have slides available of the site uh things that are part of your packet already. So if you want to see something pulled up, we can pull it up uh to take a look. Um but originally um this variance came to a August 14th uh 2025 planning commission meeting um where they considered a variance um for a zero front yard setback for a 12,200 ft um garage. And there was extensive um discussion about the garage. there was a robust public comment um and there was quite a bit of discussion and questions between the planning commissioners and the applicant and just the planning commissioners themselves. Um at the end of that August 14th hearing um the planning commission asked the applicant to revise their plans. Um the applicant uh agreed and um then subsequently at an October 9th, 2025 planning commission meeting um the applicant came back with revised plans. Um those revisions included taking the garage from 1,200 square ft to 900 square ft. Um what they effectively did is they made they took the garage from a um 30x40 um footprint and they made it a 30x30. Um they were still requesting the zero foot setback. Um after again much discussion, many questions and public

comment at that second planning commission hearing. Um the planning commission um conditionally approved the 900 ft garage. Um and they added conditions that um it was going to be a three-foot front setback instead of a zero uh front setback. and the requirement to use a sectional garage door um instead of a rollup door. So those were really the the two additional conditions that the planning commission put on the project. So the project went from 1,200 ft garage to a 900 ft garage and then it was further conditioned um to uh be a 3-foot setback and to have a sectional garage door. Uh, I believe one of the main reasons for the three-foot setback instead of the zero foot setback is there is an existing garage next to it. I believe that the planning commissioners felt that having that degree of separation of 3 ft would add uh add to the aesthetics um and possibly to the safety um of of the area. And so um the applicant agreed and the variance was approved on that October 9th um meeting. Um, since then, uh, the really, uh, I'd like to run you through the findings that the planning commission had to make, um, for, um, the variance. And the first finding that they had to make was that there are no special circumstances applicable to the property, including size, shape, topography, location, or surroundings. And the strict application of the zoning ordinance deprivives such property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity and under identical zoning classification. and the variance authorized will not con constitute a grant of special privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone in which such property is situated. So the

planning commission made those three findings. Um it's for a 900 ft garage 3-foot setback with a rollup with a sectional door. Um uh subsequently um that variance approval was appealed um and the appellant um provided um arguments um why they thought the variant should be denied uh as part of their appeal. And so what I'd like to do is just take you through the appellants comments and the planning department's responses to those comments. Um all this information is available to the public and in your packet. I'm just going to summarize the comment and our response. Um probably add some some detail as well. So um the appellant uh their first comment was uh in regards to a lack of special circumstances. Um they stated the the standards for a variance requires the existence of unique physical conditions that do that do not apply generally to other parcels. um they state however this parcel is just like most other lots in Big Trees Village. So they're saying that um this property isn't a special circumstance. So um in our response to that comment um we state that um varants provide relief from the strict application of this title were deprive the property owner of privileges enjoyed by similar properties because the subject properties unique and special conditions. Um so really we're stating that um because of the size, shape, and top topography um you know that this is a special circumstance. Um county code does not require that a parcel have conditions that do not do do not apply to other parcel parcels specifically um within the surrounding vicinity. Um staff found

that the the topography of the parcel uh which has approximately a 25% slope constitutes a special circumstance compared to other R1 parcels in general. Um and that finding a has been met. So it's our contention that with the 25% slope um it's very severe. Um you know it it much of this comes down to what do you consider the vicinity of the subject prop property. Um you know no matter whether you take a very broad interpretation of the word vicinity and special special circumstances or whether you bring it all the way down to the street level within big trees um subdivision. Um there are many sites within the im immediate vicinity of the subject property um that do not have the same slope constraints. Um really Shasten Way appears to be one of the you know especially that segment of Shasten Way seems to have one of the most severe slopes and lack of rightway. It just kind of disappears off the end very quickly. Um there are you know several properties on Shasten Way that aren't constrained such as this property. Um there are also um properties on immediate adjacent streets such as Dinell Vista and Navajo Drive um that are the street right in front of Shasten Way and the street right behind Shasten Way that have properties that aren't constrained with such slope constraints. Um furthermore, such streets such as Euro and Carac Road are relatively flat with few constraints and that's right there in the vicinity. Um certainly as you go towards Highway 4 and are leaving Big Tree subdivision, it it appears that the constraints get less and less and less that the sites are much less

constrained. So, um, it's staff's contention that no matter how you define the word vicinity and properties in the zone, whether you took it from a total countywide perspective, whether you took it from, let's say, all properties that are within this same elevation and snow constraint, which I would contend is industry standard, or whether you took it all the way down to the street level at big trees. this site is constrained um and constrained more so than most um properties in that immediate vicinity. So I mean there's literally a lot that's on Shasten Way that is behind this subject property because of the way the lot is situated doesn't have the same constraint. So, it's our contention that um this site is constrained by by the 25% slope and that we're not giving them a special privilege. So, um their second comment is in regards to um no denial of property privileges and they state the parcel is already improved with a permitted home and detached garage that was previously granted a setback variance. um all neighboring parcels function adequately with one garage um or a compliant driveway configuration. A second 900 foot square uh square foot garage encroaching again to the 3 ft is an excessive departure from zoning intent and is not necessarily to enjoy the same reasonable use of the property as other owners do. Um, so really our response to that is that the appellant argues that there's no denial of of property privileges because surrounding parcels function with only one garage or just a driveway. Um, however, county code does not regulate the number of accessory structures which includes

garages. Um, neither do we really regulate the size of accessory structures as well. So it's number and size that we don't regulate. Um uh the subject parcel is developed with a single unit dwelling a main use in the R1 zone. Um and is not limited to the number of accessory structures. So if you have a primary structure in an R1 zone in Calaver County um we are not telling you how many accessory structures that you may have. So their third comment um is in regards to a grant special privileges um and it's they state approval of sec of a second front setback reduction to zero ft for the same parcel would constitute a cumulative special privilege not granted um to others. And so, you know, I it's our view that, you know, granting a special privilege be approved a use or a structure not otherwise allowed in the zone or granting a setback reduction on a parcel that could otherwise accommodate um the structure. So, we don't consider, you know, staff does not consider it a a special privilege to say that you can have a second accessory structure. Um their fourth comment um is in regards to incompatibility with neighborhood character um and they state in a neighborhood usually characterized by woody lowprofile buildings set back behind groves of trees. This garage would be the second building directly up against the street um and would be uh constructed of bright galvanized steel and the third building on the relatively uh and a third building on a relatively small 32 acre lot. Um approving an over 60 foot long wall of buildings right along the street is not compatible at all with the aesthetic character of the

neighborhood uh surrounding land uses and existing visual quality. Um, you know, our general plan goal um LU-4 is for um really in our response is uh in regards to well-designed development that is compatible compatible with surrounding uses and is integrated with the community and the physical environment in which it is located. Um garages are are a customary use in the R1 zone. Um and staff found that a second garage would not be incompatible as it would not produce noise, odors, dust or other nuisances which may impact surrounding land uses. Incompatible uses in residential areas would be commercial, industrial or largecale agricultural uses. So, it's our contention that because of the nature of the accessory use and not being a nuisance producing use that it's not incompatible with surrounding land uses because it's an accessory use in an R1 zone. And so, that is our contention. Um, their fifth comment is in regards to unresolved site impacts and safety concerns. Um, they state that the steep topography and proximity of the road raise additional concerns. Um those concerns would be potential drainage and runoff impacts to neighbor neighboring properties. Um visibility and safety issues near the rightway during snow conditions. Um and lack of clarity regarding road embankment preservation and easement impacts. Um our our response to that really revolves around the fact that the public works department imposed a condition of approval that an encroachment permit be obtained for any work within the county right of way. um and um did not raise any concerns regarding visibility and safety issues. Additionally, the applicant will be required to apply uh to vacate any easements in the front setback and all improvements must be

constructed without disturbing the embankment. Uh drainage and runoff impact would be addressed um at the building permit stage um as is standard practice. Um and so we staff feels that um the concerns are adequately addressed through the conditions of the variance uh variance permit and the building permit process. So things that we check when we get an an application in geotech report um all of that sort of things that we check at that stage. Um their sixth and final comment is in regards to the impact of structure on the appellants's property. Um they state that the proposed structure towers over our um our residence at 38.5 ft in height on top of a hill uh to the direct west of my property. Given that the sun sets in the west, uh the building uh will obstruct afternoon and evening sunlight uh casting prolonged shadow over our home and significantly diminishing our natural light. the loss of light will adversely affect our property's um habitability, uh aesthetic quality, and long-term value. Um the planning department's response in regards to that and impacts directly to the neighbor that's in the at the rear uh rear property line is that, you know, first and foremost, the appellant is incorrect in stating that the proposed structure is 38.5 ft tall. Um, according to the scaled two scale site plan submitted with the variance application, the east side of the proposed structure facing the appellent's property will be 28.5 ft tall. The appellant agreed to shorten the depth of the proposed structure from 30 40 ft to 30 ft. So they made it a 30x40 to a 30x30. Um, reducing the height of the east face of the structure

from its original height of 32.5 ft. So when they revised their plans, that backside elevation came down. Uh the west side facing Shasten Way will be 18.5 ft tall. So that street side would be 18.5. Um the height limit in the R1 zone is 35 ft high. So they don't need a variance for the height. They need a variance for the front setback. Uh the height limit is 35 ft tall. um you know how we you know building height is measured from an average base elevation um and to the highest point of the roof. How we calculate an average base elevation is that uh we take the lowest point on the ground and the elevation at the highest point of the ground and then we take an average of that and that establishes us that average baseline and then you can have the height allowed height above that baseline. So that's how we calculate it. It's an average of the high point and the low point. That's how we do a slope calculation for the base elevation. So the the total height um of the building um is at certainly at the for the um appellence property is 28.5 uh ft tall. So um the structure is within the allowed height as far as impacts. And this came up at the planning commission. um was stated by I believe at least one planning commissioner um with their ability to you know if they wanted to they could impact the neighbor on the rear property line far more than they are now if they moved the garage back 20 ft to achieve the front setback. they would more than likely be able to achieve the height requirements and the whole structure would be pushed back towards the rear

property line and the appellants property. So all they would need to do for that would be to pull a building permit. It would not be a discretionary action. Now of course that's not what the applicant proposed. Applicant proposed originally wanted the zero foot setback and then they agreed to the three-foot setback. Um, but if they are willing to pay to have the structure moved back, that would significantly impact that neighbor that's on the rear property line. Um, it would get closer to them by 20 ft and the height perspective would get much higher as far as perspective. So, that really is the appellants um arguments and the planning department's responses. It's all in the package um for you to review. Um, I wanted to, you know, go over now and we can certainly go over it again later is what your your options are today and the alternatives. And your first alternative is to uphold the planning commission's approval of variance 2025-009 permitting the construction of a 900 ft detached garage with 3-foot front setback. um or approve the uh applicant's original request for a 1,200 uh square foot with zero foot setback um uh and uh or approve uh or further condition uh the uh the project. So, um I'm certainly available for any questions. I know you want to have the uh both both parties speak um but I'm certainly available for any uh further questions. And like I said, if you want to see something pulled up on the screen, that that's fine as well.

Thank you, Brett. At this time, do any of my board members wish to make any questions or comments? With that, I'll move on to the appellant, Miss Angelan.

Good morning.

Morning. I'm Renee England. This is my brother, Richard. Um, I guess you at the end of the day that the three findings necessary to approve a variance, I I still don't find those to be met. It seems very subjective. Um, there are neither one of the three allowable causes seem to have been met. And quite honestly, having them use the or require the actual 20ft setback would although it would still have a negative impact on us because of the slope, it wouldn't be a a prison-like wall of structure going from essentially lot line to lot line. We're not the only ones in the neighborhood that oppose this. I have a handful of emails that were sent either directly to me or also copied to the board of supervisors from neighboring properties that are vehemently opposed to this project. It is not in character with Big Trees Village. It is out of scale. It's obtrusive. It's uh there there's no not one person that I spoke to from the neighborhood was in support of this project despite what Mr. Winkler would claim. Many of whom actually had expressed concerns of even speaking publicly because he's known in the neighborhood as a bully who just sort of railroads things on people. Um I have a whole packet here. I don't know if I can share it with with you, but it's I No, I did not. I sorry.

You can stop. Um, and I'll I'll let my brother speak to some of

Thank you all very much for your time. I I know that time is very precious and uh yeah I am speaking on behalf of the property that is on the east side that will be significantly environmentally impacted by the loss of sunlight by the the imposing nature of this structure reminds me of something that I saw as a kid in Berlin with a communist wall going around it. Now, I don't want to over dramaticize what we're talking about here, but that's essentially what we're talking about in our neighborhood of Big Trees Village. The tradition and the custom of that village is that structures are built essentially with great consideration to neighbors on opposing lot lines, therefore granting as much space as possible between structures. No one wants to deny the Winklers a variance for a garage. They already have a variance for a garage, a big garage for a small cabin. And they want another commercialrade garage. Um that just isn't uncharacteristic for that neighborhood. Uh I ve I vehemently am opposed to this project. It just it would be a shame to see what we have seen for 60 years as a beautiful natural place be overdeveloped. It's a low density environment and this project would be quite opposed to that concept. Thank you.

Thank you.

And now the applicant, Mr. Winkler.

Good morning, chair, members of the board. Thank you for your opportunity to speak today. My name is Roden Winkler. I'm the applicant for the variance at address 2244 Shastan Way in Dorington. Um, I'd like to briefly summarize why we are respectfully asking you to uphold the planning commission's approval of our variance. First, our property has a unique and significant hardship that has been fully documented by the planning staff. Our home was the very one of the very first homes built in Big Trees Village uh back in around 68, long before modern zoning and fire standards. As a result, we are one of the only homes in the entire area with no usable off- streetet driveway uh parking. And I submitted a photograph to show the front of the house. In the winter, it is a hardship. Um you know, the county has to plow. They create large BMS and that's where the snow goes. Um, so there really is no parking for us unlike most the properties that have uh quite a few uh additional parking spots. I also presented a little graph there that showed the amount of parking spots uh most the houses have on the streets around us. Um let's see. Um yet as a result, we are one of the only homes in the entire area with no usable off- streetet driveway and no ability uh to construct one today due to the average downs slope of the lot and the current code requirements. Due to the steepness, we can't even put a driveway in according to the fire department. Uh second, during winter, our entire driveway lies in the county rightway where parking is prohibited. Uh, this

leaves us with no lawful on-site parking for our family during snow season. The variance simply allows us to achieve a basic level of functionability that almost every home around us already enjoys. The average home in our surrounding streets has about seven parking places. We would have four, which is still below the neighborhood average. Uh third reduced setbacks are common in an immediate area due to the topography. Two homes on our street 2324 and 2154 Shasttown Way have garages at zero and 2 and 1/2t setback. Our request is consistent with the pattern and consistent with the how the county has historically handled similar constrained laws. Fourth, we want to address neighborhood character. The applicant describes the area as consisting only of small low profofile cabins, but that's not accurate. Our street has a multiple uh large homes including a 5,000qt home, a 4,100 ft home, and a lot of different architectural designs compared to when Big Trees was first developed and it was small cabins. Now there's major full-size homes of all different architectural design. Our garage will be finished in natural tones, not galvanized steel uh with matching green doors and stonework uh to match the existing uh garage. It blends in with the neighborhood and does not create a visual or aesthetic impact. Fifth, all county departments, including the public works and the fire district,

reviewed and approved the variance. public works even came on site and confirmed that there were are no access visibility or easement issues. A geotechnical review will be completed during the building permit process as required. We are committed to being compliant to the county. Finally, I'd like to address a point raised by the appelllet regarding the garage being metal. Metal garages are fully permitted structures under Calaveris County ordinance and consistent with the general plan. In fact, there is a clear precedent in the year 2001, the board considered a nearly identical situation involving a 2400 square foot metal garage at a reduced setback. Resolution 01-326. The board upheld that variance because it complied with the zoning code and the general plan. Our situation is entirely consistent with that president. At the end of the day, we are simply asking for the ability to use our property in the same basic way that nearly every other home around us already can. This variance helps us correct the long-standing hardship that dates back to when the home originally was constructed almost 60 years ago. We would like to have the opportunity to have friends and family and grandkids at our house uh in the winter when you have these large amount of volume of snow and BMS. So the garage would you know make it possible to you know have Christmas and holidays and whatnot. Otherwise there's nowhere for anywhere to park. Uh, so we respectfully ask that you uphold the planning commission's approval and deny the appeal. Thank you for your time and for your service to

our community. Thank you. At this time, we'll ask if there are any comments, any public comment. Thank you, Mr. Winkler. Is there any further public comment? Is there any comment online? There is no public comment online. Thank you. I retract that. Sorry. I thought it Craig. Um, it's Miss Winkler. Okay.

Beth, you should be able to unmute now if you'd like to unmute and begin talking.

Okay, there we go. I would like to just add um some further information that I just became aware with. So evidently um Renee has mentioned um which you received some letters from some other neighbors. Um we are not first of all known as a neighborhood bully. We've um actually hosted many um block parties and we help each other. Um we're very known in the community. So I I don't know where that's coming from, but but there was a letter sent out to the neighbors and so I don't know what kind of responses you got back. So I just wanted to clarify some of the comments that were raised in this letter. So, first of all, it says that um there was going to be a meeting and it's for a proposal to build a second detached garage 3 feet away from the road. It's not 3 feet away from the road. It's 3 feet back from our property line, which puts it about 24 feet from the road. So, that's very very misleading to these neighbors. And then furthermore, um, it talks about, you know, the aesthetic issues like Brett mentioned and Rodney mentioned, uh, the building department is going to handle the next step where it gets into all the environmental issues. This is just the variant stage. So at that stage, that'll be handled by another department. And furthermore, when we built our other garage, it's been there since 2007. We haven't had any environmental problems. We're not expecting to have any, but

that's that's another step. So, um, it's unfortunate that this letter went out and it's it's misleading to our neighborhood is what I wanted to point out. And uh I just hope that you understand our situation. We bought this house. We figured a one garage would be enough. Not knowing the amount of snow we get. And then only having two legal parking spots in the garage is just not enough for our friends and family. So, I appreciate your your time and I just hope you go ahead and can listen to our concerns and um deny this appeal. Thank you so much.

Thank you, Miss Winkler. I'd like to bring it back to the appellant. Miss England, would you like to make any rebuttal? Miss Winkler did bring up about um negative impacts and you know why not get SQA. We we actually were as being directly below. I know that they have developed at least their their first garage with the variance into also including living space. So although the footprint might be 900 square feet, it's effectively double that with the with the developed space underneath. I don't think there's been any consideration placed on septic loads. Ours actually flooded and had to be replaced this year. um whether it's a cause of drainage or extra you know load their septic is sort of right above ours um I don't know but why not get some uh squa in involved and environmental impact reviews u and again it's it's it it's just out of character with the the area other homes on the same street with the same grade are able to actually just have a cutout off of the street. It just comes in at an angle. It's a gentle slope. They've already set a precedent of being able to drive on that because as if you look at my packet, you can see there are tire marks where they have driven vehicles from Shasten Way across our property

onto a lot they own on Navajo Drive, right adjacent to ours. So to get from one lot to the other, they have to effectively drive across our lot to do that. And um so it's it they've already set a precedent that they can absolutely the the grade is acceptable to drive down and be set away from the street and actually have the setbacks required under under the current code and not require a variance. Um I don't know if you want to add anything more to that. Great. Thank you. Thank you,

Mr. Winker. Winkler, I'd like to give you the opportunity for a rebuttal if you'd like. Sure.

Thank you very much. Uh, as far as the subject goes, um, we engaged with a septic company, had them come out and, uh, do a full report, which I included, and we can send another copy if need be. But everything tested out fine. There were no problems. our septic isn't in peaching on anybody's property or causing any problems whatsoever. They uh report showed that it was 100% compliant. So, that's that's not an issue at all. As far as the tire marks, um the work that I've had performed on the property was removing trees due to uh the the uh bark beetle situation and um my contractor did all the work from Sha Stand down. The tire marks that she's has seen on the property is from when they had a tree taken down that was same situation. There was a problem and they access the property from the bottom. Um it was not my contractors. Um I I could get a letter to that point if we need it. Um but we don't drive over their property. Um the only property I drive on is my own property. So, it's uh and most of the time it's the contractor. It's not and it as far as having a driveway to go down to get into a garage, it's according to the fire department, it's you can't do that anymore. That's 60 years ago they allowed that, but no longer. So, because of the steepness, they wouldn't be able to get emergency equipment in and whatnot. So that's why we're asking for the variance to get it in a proper location for safety and you know make it uh ease of access. So that's it. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Any questions? No, that's it. Thank you. I'll bring it back to Mr. Samson. Do you have any you'd like to add?

I I just there was a comment regards to SQA. Um we did conduct uh SQA review for um this action. A variance is a discretionary action and it is subject to SQA. Um accessory structures are uh categorically exempt under SQA. So no further analysis past that is necessary or required or or really would be uh you know it it would be we'd be inventing you know new types of squa to do that. So, um, accessory structures such as garages, pools, um, decks, fences, things like that are typically categorically exempt under SQUA as an accessory structure. So, I would just state that.

Thank you. I'd like to give the public one more chance to make a comment.

We're Michael and Tina Calbert. We, um, live on Navajo. Um, so we're sort of below and off to one side. Um, I believe for myself, my main concern is just it's out of character for the area. I also have been there well over 50 years and I realize things have changed. Houses have gotten bigger, but this particular structure seems very out of character for the whole area. Um, being that they already have one nice garage, I I personally have no garage. We did consider one at one point, but we felt it would be not good for the house across the street from us or the house next door. We evaluated it from both of their sides and decided not to do it. But, I mean, that's just our personal thing. But, just overall, it doesn't fit with the area. And I'm concerned that if we kick this door open, the next thing we're going to have everywhere are these gigantic storage structures. Um I mean it's basically going to be like a storage facility. So I mean that that's just my concern. The other concern that we have is the effect on the property values um surrounding that structure. Um because it is not in line with all of the other structures around there that it puts undue stress on the ability to sell those homes because of the what the view is. Um, it's not the nice view over the trees and the mountains and Shastan is set up a ways. So, there's a beautiful view almost all the way up to Bear Valley. So, to to put something like that there would really impact the aesthetics of that particular uh piece of property and the the surrounding

properties. for the one below, the one next to and and I don't know if this is the proper time. There's the the neighbor next door, Mr. Jim Reynolds, um indicated to me that he had submitted a letter to you that he would have liked to have had read during this. Um I don't know if that's proper or it would have had to cut through the clerk's office. Yeah, he said he mailed it. Yeah, he he emailed it in. I know I he emailed it to me, but I couldn't find it yet this morning, but he said he's already sent it. all timely comments or letters that got submitted to the board will be included in the record of this hearing. That's what he was hoping and the hoping for. Yeah.

So, um we do appreciate it. We've talked to just about all the neighbors. I haven't heard of one that's that is in support of this project. So, you know, um like like I said, we don't have a garage. We have a flat parking area, not a driveway. We have no driveway. Um, so it works. It works and we're there in the snow. Yeah. So, um, thank you. Shovel, you know. So, thank you very much. Very much for your time.

Hello. Good morning. Uh, my name is Karen Faggera. My husband Nick Faggera. We actually do live on Shastan Way. We live about four houses down from the Winklers. I truly wish that we would have been told many, many months ago regarding what the plans were for this structure. That did not happen. We received a letter last week from Renee Engle Engel lined. The houses fit in. Yes, there are people who don't have garages. They were not part of the original. Some people have them had them added, but they are nice garages. Our home was actually with the plan of having our double car garage with the house. That was what we wanted when we were looking up in the area and we fell in love with Dorington. This massive metal structure would completely compromise and diminish what we have in our area. And I'm not talking about just Shastan,

Darnell Vista, Navajo. It would be the entire Big Trees Village. As Tina Calbert stated, you do open the door for more of this. Essentially, you know, we are echoing their concerns. Yeah. And my concern would be the precedent, you know, for establishing like Michael said about other people in the area being able to do something similar to that. And that's the concern that I have. So,

um, I probably speak for a lot of people who cannot be here today, but this is not something we believe would be a good fit. I could say probably a little bit more, but I'll leave it at that. Thank you. Thank you very much.

I'll bring it back to the board for discussion, but I' I'd like to leave this discussion was with a question for Brett, and that is how did this come to us? Where is the homeowners association in all of this? because ultimately as I look at this, Mr. Winkler is allowed by right to have this. All of the all of the conditions as far as what it's made out of and how it looks and what have you really should be up to the HOA in my opinion. Uh this came from a discussion that I had with Supervisor Fondenorf yesterday.

Um which she pointed out. I mean, why is this coming to us in government now when these are issues and quite honestly the way that I see it right now is that Mr. Winkler is allowed by right to do what he's doing and he's doing it all properly and the county has signed off on all of this. And I feel badly for the neighbors, but my feeling is that the neighbors should really take this to their homeowners association and say if this has happened, we need to step up now and say what the rest of the community is going to look like.

Uh I did spend time. I'm sorry, Mr. Winkler. You're done. Um I did spend time this weekend. I drove up to Mr. Winklers. I drove around the I I'm very familiar with the the area and they're beautiful homes and and I was impressed by Mr. Winkler's home. It is incredibly neat and tidy. Um I understand what he's trying to do. Um and I I believe that he has the right to do it and and by virtue of what the county has said, what have you. Um I I believe he has the right to to to this variance and I'd like to see him get it, but I'd like to bring it back to the board for more comments as well. Um, I'd like to follow up with Martin's comments. Um, and doing the research after um, our conversation yesterday, um, my understanding is the CCNRs expired in 2020 in 2016. Um, there are no CCNRs for regulations, which then means it comes to us and it falls under county code. Correct? Am I misinterpreting that? it it would it would come to you in any regards in in in regards to our zoning code. Okay.

And so our zoning code, you know, surplus really anything else. In this case, it's really good points about the property owners association that's there. We are required to take input from the properties association. And this did go through a design review with the Big Trees Village Property Owners Association. And they have an approved design review for a uh metal garage that is tan with a green door that was approved on April 21st, 2025. And so that's one of our regulatory steps that we go through to take to take input. Um, I still believe that the planning commission could have approved it. Let's say the design review, let's say the properties owners association objected or something like that. That would be more of a civil matter with their CCNRs if they had some. And so that would be purely a civil issue. But in this case, we do take input from any kind of recognized property owners association or HOA and they do have an approved design review from them.

Okay. So it went through the proper channels within their own community before a substead is their their private community and then it gets to us and we use that as input. Okay. Um, I just want to, you know, going back to Martins, you know, um, dealing with other HOAs, especially in my district, it goes through a rigorous process, but doing the research, there is no CCNRs. So, we we're basing everything off of county code.

Correct. Even if but even if there were CCNRs, that would be literally in my belief and county council can correct me if I'm wrong, but a separate civil issue. Yes. So separate and apart, but yet both apply. I I'm re reiterating it.

I'm reiterating it to make sure that we are going through all the steps and to clarify that um it to Martin's point, it could have been handled inhouse had there been CCNRs before it even got to the board of supervisors. So now my well my response on it is based off of that I went through um county code and zoning and just as supervisor he has said this is by right if there had been another property owner two streets over we wouldn't even be in this situation the only reason we're here is because of a simple variance because of of it even being less than the 1200 square ft anyone in an R1 one zone in this county if they're not in CCNR regulations they can put put a building up regardless. So it it's by right they they have that right. So the only reason we're here is because of variance and the consideration of a variance. All the other stuff um there's a civil suit, there's a neighbor between neighbors and based on um all what I've read and conversations with um staff. Um I am in the same um thought process of um supervisor he is within right. The only thing we're deciding is a variance and I don't see um we've done that variance options in other parts of the county. Um we've already set precedent in in um considering these type of varants when people are coming and I'm glad to see that they reduced the flip side to accommodate the planning commission and um I'm I don't see any an issue. Um I'm satisfied with what is been presented from staff in the planning commission. The

Oh yeah, just just briefly to clarify, um that's correct. Uh we don't regulate the number of accessory structures that can be constructed. Um we also don't, you know, for better or worse, county code does not have design or aesthetic standards that would apply in this area. So you're absolutely correct. to the extent there are any of those standards that would be something that the HOA um could or would enforce. I don't know and we don't have an evidence in front of us, you know, whether they have binding CCNRs or anything like that. But as Mr. Samson pointed out, that would be a civil matter for the property owners association to deal with. Um and you're correct, Supervisor Fondorf, this is purely um because they are looking to build within the setback and looking for a variance from those setback requirements. Otherwise, uh we wouldn't be here because they would just purely have the ability to do this by right.

Thank you, Supervisor Stopper.

Um I I completely agree and hear what we both have to say coming from a a community that Rancho Calibars has defunct CCNRs in a way that are hard for them to enforce. And um that's partially the responsibility of the people that live within the community to keep those up to date and enforceable through as you've explained you know the court not the county um and you know by right we do allow this type of variance especially I mean a 25% grade is pretty darn good I mean we we you discussed earlier that you know they wouldn't let people build on it. Now, if there was a driveway, um if my house were to burn down, the state's laws when it comes to fire code will not let me rebuild my house on the same property, devaluing my property at this time. So, um that that be I I understand the 25%. Uh there's one point that was made. I lived up in Lake Tahoe for over six years solid and you move somewhere and you're not prepared to shovel snow to make some parking spots then you're in the wrong spot. But uh that's beside the point that that that you know you cannot shovel by right also. So with that ve very very solid points to how how things are going forward. I agree with my colleagues uh to to those points. Um barring hearing anything else, you know, um I'm making my decision now. So,

any other comments? Super tough.

Yeah, I I understand where the neighbors are coming from. Um unfortunately with your HOA the way it is, um that would have been the way to go. Um but unfortunately it's not um we don't enforce any of that whether it's gone you let it lapse or whatever. Uh the variance is a common thing. Um so we're not doing anything out of the normal. I can't go back and say well we we don't do this. Um so it it it is common. I I would just ask that the property owner would at least consider um some variance on the building itself concerned with all the neighbors and their concerns and try and be a good neighbor. Um he say it's for parking, but obviously it's not just for parking. It's a big building. You're going to put a lot of stuff in there. Um I don't know what the whole thing is, but if you're just going to have parking, it would just be a pad. That's the parking. Um, so I don't really agree with what you're saying on that part of it. Um, but I it seems like he has the right to build it. Um, there's nothing we can do about that because that's exactly what it will be coming to the building department and planning department. Uh, once he gets the construction drawings done and so there'll be some review there on it and whether it's conforms to our county codes or not, um, it will have to do that the county codes. But um right now everything that I'm seeing is is within the codes that that are within the county. So any further comments with that I'll close the public hearing. Uh I would like just to say one last thing and and I would love to work with you and in and working with the HOA and going going forward uh with this. But living in Calver County, it's all about community. And I think what makes me saddest about this whole situation is

that you all used to be friends. And I don't know what we can do to rectify that. But Calaver is about community and getting along with your neighbors. And your neighbors are your biggest asset beyond your family and friends. So um with that, I'll bring it to the board and ask for a motion.

Um you said something about friends and community I want to address before making a motion. Martin. Um, you know, it's a lot of communities I lived in here, so we take care of our own. It's a double-edged blade. Sometimes taking care of your own is writing them. But, uh, your your your, uh, path for writing the situation with CCNRs in your HOA, uh, has, you know, lapsed in 2016. So, uh, that that said, I'll make a motion to uphold the planning commission's, um, approval of the barriers.

And do I have a second? I second. All in favor? I passes 5-0. Thank you very much. Thank you. Yeah, go. Yeah, we'll just take a two-minute break.

Okay, we're back. Thank you everybody. Madam clerk, could we read item number 19, please? Item 19 is a resolution from human resources adopt the resolution appointing assistant auditor controller Greg Sessions to fold to fulfill the remaining term of the vacant position of the Calverse County auditor controller. Miss Hawkins.

Good morning Chair Huberty, members of the board. So October 8th of this year, our auditor controller um Kathy Gomes let everybody know that she was retiring and that her last day would be November 14th. So, since we had an assistant auditor, um the assistant took on um the duties while we brought this item to you. And so, now the board the board uh may make an appointment based on recommendations of the audit controller and our executive uh our county executive officer. They both strongly recommend that Greg Sessions be appointed. He um has been in the position of um the assistant for several years now. He's uh been managing staff, all of the financial um pieces to that job. Um the executive office, HR, everybody has had a really good strong working relationship with Mr. Sessions. So the second option is to um direct an internal recruitment and do public interviews or direct an external recruitment and do public interviews. So this is is up to the board. We strongly recommend Mr. Sessions for the position. And um besides having his years here, he started off as an auditor controller, moved up from a one to a two and then became an assistant auditor controller. So like I said, we strongly recommend Mr. Sessions.

Thank you. Is there any board comment? Um, not until I hear Greg speak. Maybe after I hear him speak.

Well, thank you for the consideration for this and thank you for the time to address you. Uh, I appreciate very much the work that you do. And by way of acknowledgement, I'd like to once again thank my predecessor for um putting me in this position and helping me develop the skills where I can confidently stand before you and and um hopefully uh accept uh an appointment for the rest of this term. Uh by way of other uh thankfulness, I'd like to thank especially my son who is here with me for his support both in my work and in relocating to the county. uh several years back in order to um pursue this uh this opportunity. I'd like to thank my staff that's also here in support. Um they are an incredible group of individuals uh very skilled, very uh dedicated. Uh in my hope for where we go from here, they will be integral. Um, I started my career in the public sector as a controller, as a CFO, working small businesses. And one thing that we always focused on was value added, you know, uh, what does it do to the bottom line? Can we maximize revenues? Can we, you know, curb costs? You know, those types of things. In our department, we are part of the general fund. The value that we will bring will not show on a financial statement or the bottom line. So, I'm looking at ways that we can use our experience, use our expertise as a team to better the fiscal staff around the county, work more closely with other departments to bring forward um different aspects of the county strategic plan. Um, not everybody I've learned in my career is a numbers person. You know, I've I've helped manage a company where uh my boss's idea of a financial statement was a

handwritten napkin. You know, I having the skill set that we possess is we're not expecting everyone to be an accountant, but we are here to raise up the level of our of our fiscal support. Uh work with other departments, work with special special districts. Um I really appreciate I didn't know this until today. I found out that um a number of the fire chiefs called and made, you know, expressed their support for my appointment. I I very much appreciate that and and I've reached out to them to, you know, include them in our our future fiscal trainings and things like that. I just I want the value that me and my department bring to the county and to the people of Calaveris to be noticeable to be um apparent when you're looking at you know even the future if you know times get tough if we need to make budget cuts looking at my department and saying they bring value and that that's kind of what I hope to bring that's what I hope to do I am open to any questions or uh comments And I thank you again very much for this opportunity.

I I did I did hear him speak and he didn't bring up anything about are are we current with all our bills? Have you paid all our bills currently? No. Okay, fine. If you are then I'm okay with it. Uh I can say that we have had no uh interruption of payments or services in the transition from Kathy to myself as interim. So that has gone very smoothly and and we will continue to uh remain current. Good. That was my question. Is there any other public comment regarding this item? Is there any comment online?

Staff doesn't want to say anything. What about son? He's pretty good. I I will move this item, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Um with that, you know, um good to have you if the rest of the board votes this way, Greg. So, with that, I'll second it. All in favor? I passes 5 Z. Thank you. Good to have you. Congratulations. We're going to swear you in now. Is that correct? Okay. Yeah. Um, we will be doing this again. You need Greg. This is the part where they say without hesitation. That you say without hesitation

and and from here on is after you do that, it's all on your shoulders. You can't say I'm into them anymore. Oh, that's you got to think about these words you're about to say. They're serious. Don't we just do it right here? Just notified that Miss Turner will do it in the office. She's not going to be here. Okay. That's going to be like the highlight of our whole meeting. I know. Okay.

I know. That's how I made it work. Stop. Oh, okay. Yeah, let's wait. Yes. All righty then. Another one minute. Greg, come on in. Some more brownies to draw pros on Gary's line. Okay. How long should it be? Just a few minutes. I will wait. We'll wait. See, wait. A few minutes is almost enough time for a lady to use the facilities. I'm just looking back to see her.

If anybody does need to use the restroom now back We need Jeopardy music going. There she is. She looks like she's coming with an entourage. Big deal.

No, she's there. No, she's alone. The entourage went the other way. Yes. Okay.

It was happening here. Yes. Yes, we are.

But gay can be. No, that's fine. Did you do my best here?

Absolutely. Your shoes.

Hold my swearing hand up. Right. You ready? Raise your right hand and repeat after me. I Greg Sessions. I, Greg Sessions, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support and defend that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies against all enemies foreign and domestic. foreign and domestic. that I will bear true faith and allegiance that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California and the Constitution of the State of California that I take this obligation freely That I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation without any mental reservation

or purpose of evasion or purpose of evasion and that I will well and faithfully discharge and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I'm about to enter the duties upon which I am about to enter. Well, there you go. Congratulations.

Well done, Craig. Congratulations. Thank you, sweetie. Thank you. Thank you.

Congratulations. Thank you, Becky. Thank you, Becky. Thank you, Becky. Thank you, Maggie. Do we need to sign it? This is This is the picture. This is where he signs his black boy. So zero.

Well done. Thanks.

Great. We'll move on now to item number 20. Item number 20 is an action item from human resources. Number one, introduce and wave first reading of an ordinance adding chapter 2.05 to the Calaver County Code. adopting a formula for future board of supervisors compensation adjustments and two authorize a summary publication of the ordinance. Miss Hawkins.

Morning, Chair Heerty. Um I am bringing before you um a recommendation for an ordinance that will allow a review and adjustment of board salaries. We had discussed this originally um when we had brought forward some recommendations from Evergreen and um this is we took Evergreen's recommendation. Sarah helped me put it into uh ordinance form and so now we are bringing this forward. We have not changed the formula that we recommended uh that Evergreen brought forward. It is the same um the same process and um so what we are requesting for you to approve today or the first reading is um annually so around the February time frame we will go out gather all of the data regarding here counties that we have listed in um the policy and u gather all of um their data as well as um increases that uh the Supreme Court or the court justices have received and then um and then the CPI and then we take that information and then we take 40% of the annual CPI 40% of um what the salaries of your peer peers are and then 20% of the superior court judges and then We we make a recommendation if the amount is higher then we will put through increases we will not increase salaries more than 3.5%. And so this is an automatic adjustment that's done annually

if there uh in some cases like right now if we were to do this math there would not be an increase. So there are years that there may not be an increase, some there may with a max of 3.5%. So we always know that it's not going to be more than 3.5%. And um by doing this then we don't have to keep coming back and having these hard discussions. We know that it's not easy for boards to um vote on their own salaries. It does it it's a tough situation for you to be in. But unfortunately, government code states that you have to. So this is an opportunity to keep salaries equitable. And so um and then also it it's something that will be included with our budget every year. So it's something that will be in the budget. It's just like I said, it's an automatic process. In years that we do have serious economic downturns, we can bring an ordinance forward to your board to suspend it for the time frame that we have um difficult times.

So, can I answer questions? I'm sure there are many more questions. No. Is there any public comment regarding this? Is there any comment online that I'll bring it back to the board? So moved. I have a second.

I'll second. All in favor? I I passes 5-0. Thank you. Thank you. Don't go away. Nope. Move on to item number 21. Item number 21 is a resolution from human resources. Adopt a resolution establishing the elected officials compensation adjustment policy. A framework for the annual review and adjustment of salaries for the assessor, auditor, controller, county clerk, recorder, district attorney, sheriff, and treasurer tax collector effective November 25th, 2025. Sawkins.

Morning. So, um this is we are bringing before you a resolution setting a policy to be able to um annually review and adjust this the salaries of all of the other elected officials other than the board of supervisors. And so this um uh formula is a little bit different than what we did with the board of supervisors. We are looking at comparative markets. We are gathering the information from the counties as listed in the policy and then we're taking 50% of what they're making and then we're taking 50% of our internal comparisons so that we're making sure that we're staying competitive. We're staying at the median of our market counties and then our uh comparable positions within this county. And then these are automatic adjustments. And then of course if we are in economic downturned times then we will bring uh something before the board. So

sorry I didn't mean to flinch. Anytime somebody says median now I go like that. The average the average of our Thank you. And then we're also making sure that we stay within we're not getting 10% above and we're not getting 10% below. So, no copy involved. No concrete. There's no concrete. Thank you. Well, it's it's a pretty concrete ordinance. I accept. Is there any are there any questions from the board? Oh, your lights on. I turned it on just so I could talk about concrete. Thank you. Is there any public comment regarding this item? Is there any comment online? Then I'll bring it back to the board for a motion.

So moved. Second. All in favor? I I passes 5-0. Thank you. Thank you very much. We'll move on to item number 22. Item number 22 is anformational item from agriculture department. Receive anformational presentation on department overview programs and funding by the department of agriculture weights and measures. Jesse, do you need a moment to set up or you you guys want to take a quick break?

Oh, one minute. long enough to grow more brownies. Gary Brown of Tiger.

They match the Got it. together. Robin, did you read the item already? I did. Okay. Thank you. Good morning, Mer. All right. Yeah.

There we go. Right. There we go. Okay. Good morning, Chair Huberty, honorable members of the board, Jess Fowler, agricultural commissioner, and director of weights and measures. I'm here today to give an overview of my department. It's been almost two years since the last presentation. I want to take a moment to refresh the board and community as to what programs we oversee and how staff licensing contracts and subvention funds shape our department. After I'll give a brief update on long-term trends and how they will alter the needs of our department years to come. I'm reading this because I had timed this presentation and found I could easily ramble on for well over an hour. Uh, so for the fake sake of everyone here today and your time, I've created a script to read so I don't wax poetic about agriculture waste measures and I stay on time. I'm sure you'll appreciate that. Uh, also I did find a few small typos in this presentation since submitting it, but please excuse them. They don't uh detract from the overall information conveyed. You just move on from that one, too. All right. Why is our department structured as it is? Regulations like the California Food and Agricultural Co define our department's programs and staffing requirements. The California Food and Agricultural Code requires that each county not only has a Department of Agriculture, but that the department is under the control of an agricultural commissioner who is appointed by the board. The system is by no means new. In California, agricultural commissioners, then called horicultural commissioners, have been in place since 1881. That means we've been around 110 years longer than the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Uh 38 years longer than the California Department of Food and Agriculture or CDFA and 20 years longer than the very first pesticide law in California. In 1915, counties were additionally mandated to have a director of weights and measures, which is also known as a sealer. Commissioners and sealers statewide are

represented by and a part of the California Agricultural Commissioner and Sealers Association. Quite a mouthful. So, CACASA and California is unique in the nation. Whereas every other state's agricultural commissioner is an elected position that has jurisdiction over the entire state much like a governor. In California, every county has a department of over agriculture overseen by an agricultural commissioner and sealer. This system allows agricultural commissioners and sealers to live close to where they work and better understand the unique needs and the environment and community that they regulate. I thought you would find it interesting to see the previous Calaveris County Commissioners and sealers that I found record of. This list goes back to 1914 and has only seven appointed incumbents before my own appointment. I believe that small number is a testament to the dedication and the passion of each licensed official who has held the office. We work hard to inform, protect, and support our community.

You want what you do?

Okay. So, what do we do over at the A department? We are the regulatory agency that acts as boots on the ground for our federal and state partners while working with local partners to enforce federal, state, and local regulatory code. Here you can see how regulatory authority moves from the federal level down to the county level. Agriculture departments have enforcement authority under the California Food and Agricultural Code, California Code of Regulations, and the California Business and Professions Code. And here we all are California County agricultural commissioners and sealers. 51 of the 56 anyway. And yeah, I am in there. And yeah, again, I'm hiding the back of the other introverts. So, good luck. Good luck finding me. Across the state, what are all of our offices working so hard to do? We want to help agriculture thrive while protecting people, animals, and the environment. We stand for fairness in the marketplace so everyone can feel confident they're getting what they paid for. Where does our department fit in Calaveris County? Well, as you can see, we're under the umbrella in the Environmental Man management agency and its administrator, Lisa Medina, who's in the back supporting me. Thank you, Lisa. Our community or you can go to the next one. Oh, you're there. Okay. No, you're there. Okay. Our department currently has five full-time permanent staff, plus a brand new extra hire office technician who we are delighted to have on board cuz she's really helping us out. Our staff works diligently to connect with our community stakeholders. Here you see I am the exeicio or a liaison member of the a advisory committee, fish and game commission and the hardwood advisory committee. Additionally, I'm the leazison and our point of contact for the cattleman's association, the farm bureau, the resource conservation district and the calveris wine grape alliance. These are the other outreach activities my staff and/or I participated in or will part participate in for 2025. With 15 listed events, we keep an active

role. We are always excited to participate in outreach opportunities for the public, be they fourth graders to senior citizens because nobody knows what we do and that's why I'm here today. We advocate for the county and for funding through state and federal partners and policy makers in order to support our programs and protect our citizens. This allows our staff to share the good work and resources our department offers. Here are our programs. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the incredible work of our inspector staff. They work quietly behind the scenes performing a very important role in each of these programs. There are 13 mandated and two non-mandated programs listed. I'm going to briefly cover what each program does and encourage anyone interested to learn more to reach out to our department. Pest prevention is the first line of defense to keep non-native destructive species pests from permanently establishing in Calaveris County. What is an invasive pest species? It can be a plant, an animal, insect or a pathogen. For instance, an example of an invasive species that has naturalized to the point we can no longer longer eradicate it and only control it is the yellow star thistle. That great green plant that has the spikes under the yellow flowers that poke you when you walk by and can out compete all other plants to to form a monoculture in a field. It is important to keep these invasive species out of California and our county as they outco compete native species, are destructive to agricultural commodities, natural resources, and ornamental landscaping. Keeping them out starts at the borders of California. The US Customs and CDFA Border Protection Station inspectors work to check all incoming shipments for agricultural products from bins of agricultural fruits and nuts, as you may imagine. But things you also might not like smuggled birds, dehydrated pork

products, animal pelts and bones, decorative dried grass mats to even the wood pallets, and the very containers all products are delivered in. All to check for potential hitchhiking pests. Our department also checks all incoming agricultural products for hitchhiking pests. That includes things like commercial honeybee shipments. Here, our a biologist technician, Steve, is checking incoming beehives to ensure that that hive is healthy and there are no injurous species hiding in or on the hive. By the thumbs up, hive must be healthy. I've also included some revenue numbers to reflect funding for these programs. For pest exclusion work, we receive a contract agreement for almost $24,000 from CDFA. This funding helps reimburse the time and supplies in 22 24 to inspect 60 nursery shipments and ensure that the plants being sold were healthy and invasive species free. Also, this ensured that there were no hitchhiking pests in the 3,500 packages with that we profiled and opened at a local shipment center. Hitchhiking pests are the number one way for invasive species to be introduced. It's something few of us think about when we travel across the country or across the globe and decide to bring back a fruit or other commodity we can't get back home as a souvenir to eat or to share. Likewise, well-meaning small businesses, families, or friends will pack up agricultural products like fruit grown in their backyard and ship it across the state, the country, and the world, all without knowing there's a detrimental species catching a free ride inside. That brings us to our second line of defense, pest detection. You may have seen some of our strangelooking traps placed around the county. These traps are designed to attract specific non-native invasive pests not currently established in California that are injurous to agricultural commodities, native species, and ornamental plants. Here we have a Japanese beetle trap, a glasswing sharpshooter trap, and a

spongy moth trap. Each of the insects we trap for would severely impact crops and plants, creating a hardship for the grower or rancher and increasing the cost to the consumer in stores. Although we thankfully haven't found these invasive insects locally, we need to keep vigilant. Sacramento and Plaster counties are actively trying to eliminate a small population of Japanese beetle that they have found through their own pest detection programs. While El Dorado and Stannis counties are actively trying to eliminate a small population of glassweing sharpshooters within their borders, it should be no surprise then that our own department spent almost 11% of total staff time in this program for fiscal year 24 and 25. Fortunately, as no degree or state license is required to perform this work, we had our lowerc cost extra hires cover the program work, freeing up our permanent specialized staff to work in programs that do require state licensing. On the left is a invasive Japanese beetle versus the larger native green June beetle or figater beetle. These call California home and as you can see there's a very clear difference. The right has images of the oriental fruit fly, which does not call California home, and we don't want it here. This slide is to show not only what a few of the invasive insects we trap for look like, but to touch on the economic damage they could incur if they were established. California's varied climates are so well suited to agriculture that we grow over 400 different agricultural commodities here. 400. California is an agricultural powerhouse. We produce 20% of all dairy for the United States. Nearly half the nation's vegetables and more than threequarters of the nation's fruits and nuts are are grown in California. That means if you eat broccoli in Maine or Massachusetts or any other state, there's a 50% chance it was grown in California. If you eat a peach, that

chance grows to 75%. Some crops like artichokes, olives, walnuts, almonds or figs, doesn't matter where you are outside of California, there is a 99% chance that produce was grown right here. And speaking of almonds, 80% of the global and is in the entire world's popular or supply of almonds originates right here in the orchards of California. Perhaps then it won't be surprising to hear that in 2024, California farmers and ranchers had over 61.2 2 billion with a B dollars in gross cash receipts. The estimated loss from invasive fruitfly establishment alone is $20 billion. That's nearly a third of all current agricultures value. These insects might be small, but we take them very seriously. For fiscal year 2526, we received agreements totaling over $48,000 for pest detection work. We placed 524 insect specific traps and checked them 4,451 times, ensuring we keep invasive insects out of Calaveris. If anyone sees a strange plant, animal, or insect they don't think belongs here, please reach out to our department and we'll help you identify it. This photo is of a spottern lantern fly. I added it is very unique looking and easier to identify. It's originally from Asia and has become naturalized on the east coast and slowly spreading westward. It can feed on many different plants and trees, most notably grape vines. Its bracious feeding can loss lead to loss of the crop and death of the vine. If you think you see one, please contact us. As I mentioned earlier in our pest exclusion work, our department has regulatory authority over apiary or honeybee beehives when it comes to movement in the county registration and complaints. We want to ensure that bees are healthy and properly cared for.

Next up is our pest management and eradication programs. Pest eradication and management programs are centered on invasive species that have a foothold in our county but are still small enough populations to be controlled if not fully eradicated. In Calaveris, our established species of concern happen to all be non-native weeds like the daff thistle, spotted napweed, and tall white top or perennial peppercess that are pictured here. Again, if you have a new vigorous plant growing in your pasture or yard, our department can help you identify it. If you would like to do more to prevent invasive weeds from calling Caliba's home, residents, businesses, and agency partners alike are welcome to join the Central Sierra Partnership Against Weeds, a weed management area group our department is a part of. Members meet quarterly and perform outreach activities to educate the public. Beyond this, our staff performs surveillance around the county between spring and fall when plants are germinated germinating and growing to look for new invasive weed sites while checking the status of historic ones. We have a 4-year grant with CDFA totaling almost $98,000 specifically for invasive weed work. Nursery stock coming into or leaving our county must meet certain cleanliness standards. To meet these standards, our inspectors visit county nurseries that are producing plants to sell both in and out of county. We also check seed shipments coming into or leaving the county to ensure that they might meet regulatory standards. We receive a nominal amount of money from CDFA as we do not have many plant or seed producing nurseries in the county. Several of our smaller programs, not importance wise, but time spent in them wise, fall under food quality control. Direct marketing. A way to celebrate our local food production and to meet the

people who grow our food is through our certified farmers markets. Agricultural producers located within the certified section of the farmers markets are certified by their origin county agriculture departments. to become certified and receive a certified producer certificate. Site visits are conducted by our staff or their counterparts in other counties to verify that the producer is growing what they are selling. These certified producer certificates must be displayed in farmers market stalls. We have a $1940 contract with CDFA for farmers market inspections and perform 17 inspections in 2024. But this one do quicker overview. So standardization program ensures that certain agricultural commodities are packed in the right container at the right size, the right color, the rightness. This is a complaint based program includes egg standardization. Organics. So for the organic program that requires our inspectors to travel to production sites and ensure only allowed substances have been used on or around those organic crops. Per Food and Agricultural Code section 2279, our department must produce an annual report that is a snapshot of what and how much of an agricultural commodity is grown in the county. This report is created and submitted to this secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Due to late harvest and certain ad commodities, in addition to lengthy data compilation times, we typically don't release an annual report until later the next year. These reports are instrumental to know the average price and quantity of an agriculture commodity in Caliva in the event of a disaster like the hard freeze we had a few years ago. This allows our department to determine how severely an industry was hit and if a disaster declaration should be requested. If declared, the producers affected are given access to low

interest rate loans and could be recipients of future potential federal or state grant monies related to the disaster. The Pesticide Use Enforcement Program is one of our two largest programs. The term pesticide is an umbrella term meant to encompass anything that prevents, destroys, repels, or mitigates any pest. Pesticides therefore include household materials, landscape, structural, and agricultural materials. We regulate all pesticide use and misuse. Whenever someone is exposed to a potential pesticide and goes to a hospital, we receive a doctor's first report. From there, we initiate an investigation to find out what happened. You might be surprised to learn that antimicrobial exposures like bleach used to kill mildew around your sink are the majority of the pesticide exposure incidents we receive. This is why the most important interaction we have concerning pesticides is outreach and education. Revenue received from this program includes mill tax monies. The first time a pesticide is sold in California, mill tax is levied. These monies are put aside and later dispersed according to the number and the types of pesticide activities taking place in a county. In April of 2025, we received $95,000 from these mill taxes to support this program. Weights and measures was our largest program last fiscal year and it accounted for almost 35% of all staff time. That is no surprise as we are mandated by business and professions code to test any commercial device that weighs, measures, or counts to ensure accuracy. Our inspectors work to protect consumers from negligent and fraudulent activities. Because of our inspectors work, consumers and businesses alike share a confidence in the marketplace with the knowledge that the scales used to weigh our produce and the meters used

to dispense our vehicle fuel are all accurate. For example, beyond our local borders, recent statewide actions include a July settlement with Walmart for $5.5 million for charging more than the advertised price and a September settlement with Lowe's Home Centers for just over a million dollars, again for charging more than the advertised price. Although Calvary doesn't have either store in our borders, we do benefit by the SY Prey monies, monies that cannot be returned to each customer who is overcharged as we don't know their identities. so that money is placed in a trust fund for use to protect all Californians through weights and measures projects. These are all the sub programs within Weights and Measures. Clearly, there are a lot and I don't have time to delve into them today. However, I do want to emphasize the importance of this program and that it touches our lives far more than we realize. This is a screenshot and a 30 secondond audio clip from a video series that has been put together by CACASA to highlight our programs and the importance of our inspectors enforcing them statewide. The full video along with others in this series can be found on our department's main website. Here, hopefully if it works, my counterpart in Los Angeles, Curt Floren, deafly explains how Weights and Measures touches our lives from the moment we wake up. You should just click it and it goes

whale sharks. So basically what he he goes through is he explains from the moment that you wake up, you wake up under uh your sheets that are a certain size. You get up, you brush your teeth using toothpaste out of a certain size container. You go and you get your coffee out of a certain size container. Use creamer out of a certain size. go to work. Uh maybe get some gas along the way. That's of a a certain gallonage. Go into your office. Maybe pull some paper out of a eight and a half 11 inch. So again, standardized paper out of 500 paper ream. And that you maybe grab a paperclipip out of a thousand count paperclip. So again, he just wants to explain and I just want to explain that weights and measures really touches all parts of your lives. If if you purchase weights and measures will touch your life and it's an important program and I highly recommend everyone go to our website where we do have this posted and not only look at this video but also we have some on our um overall programs and pesticides as well. All right, revenue and for weights and measures mostly comes from fees and penalties. However, we do have two small contracts with CDFA in addition to memorandums of understandings with Amadore and Twami counties to use our weight truck. I added a draft image of the 2026 seal on the left. When we test, we seal accurate devices. So, the next time you're at the gas station or grocery store, look at the pump or scale at the deli or checkout counter and you should see one of these round seals. Each year the color of these seals does change and it lets customers know at a quick glance the last time a device was tested as accurate. I'm really actually excited for the 2026 seal as it falls on America's semiquincentennial year. We're celebrating this milestone with a special patriotic red, white, and blue seal. All right, these are the last two

programs I'll cover today. The top paragraph describes the USDA wildlife services program run through our department and the bottom relates to our part in the county's participation in the California Land Conservation Act or Williams Act. We are one of several departments that work together to adhere local and state requirements and ensure property owners who meet the contract minimums have the opportunity to keep land rural through the program. All right, now you know what we do next. Next, we're going to learn how the department is funded. This is to show you the last two year uh fiscal year budgets. As you can see, we did our part and we did cut 10.6% of our total budget in fiscal year 2526. Uh this did lower our general fund draw, but I would like to take a moment a little bit later explain how this amount is different than face value. Uh but before I do, I do want to point out that our department's expenses are mostly staffing. 73% of our total budget without the wildlife trapper and 86% with to be exact. So why so high? Per food and agricultural code mandates, our inspectors must possess a college 4-year degree with a certain amount of science classes within it. So basically a bachelor's of science. That means four out of five of our full-time permanent staff hold degrees and additionally hold specific state licenses. the to better detail the specialization necessary to be hired, retain, and to advance in our department, I've created a flowchart on the next slide. From the agricultural biologist and standards inspector position up, the incumbent is very specialized in education, training, and licensing certifications. So much so that out of a state of approximately 40 million people there are only an estimated 1150 people who can be hired and then retained as an

agricultural biologist standard inspector. Of those only 275 people may be hired at the deputy level and only 125 people who can be hired at my level. Please keep in mind that many of these license holders are already employed in agriculture departments elsewhere in the state. Therefore, it is no surprise that attracting and retaining qualified candidates requires a competitive salary. Now, I'm going to touch back on my earlier explanation that our department's appropriations aren't what they might appear at first glance. For this, I'm going to cover our subvention funding from the state. Each time gas or diesel is purchased for agricultural or offhighway use, the buyer is eligible to be reimbursed for the taxes paid on that fuel. Leftover monies are transferred to state funds when not claimed and then are distributed to specific agencies including county agriculture departments. The amount we receive is wholly dependent on how much time and money we spend in certain agricultural programs known as above the line programs. This food and agricultural code breaks down what programs may receive subvention funding and at what level. As you can see by the underlined portion, each program may be reimbursed through subventions up to a third of the total expenditure. Here's a breakdown of the programs that are above the line and not eligible or excuse me and are eligible for unclaimed gas taxion funds and those that fall below the line and are not eligible. Our not non-mandated programs, those fall below the line as does our mandated weights and measures program. As I mentioned in a previous slide, outside of the general fund, the weights and measures program is funded through fees and penalties. In order to receive unclaimed gas tax, the county must show a maintenance of effort as outlined in food and agricultural code. So according to section 224.5,

the county must have a licensed agricultural commissioner, submit an annual report called an annual financial statement and show that the in the report that the most current completed fiscal year's expenditures exceeded or were equal to the average of the previous 5 years. If the county fails or and falls below that five-year average, I have to write a letter to CDFA specifically detailing why that average was not met. That letter then goes to a panel of CDFA and CACASA committee members to be reviewed and ultimately either approved or denied to receive unclaimed gas taxion funds in the next fiscal year. This is our most recently submitted annual financial statement. A lot of stuff on there. As this lengthy list shows, the department expands and it contracts over the past 20 years as contract monies are available and staffing is either built up or trimmed down. Considering of the inflation in recent years, we've kept our general draw fund uh poll pretty consistent. Again, this report is for above the line programs only. No weights and measures expenses or revenues are included. Crucially, as the red arrows at the bottoms indicate, we did meet our MOE this year and we will receive unclaimed gas tax suspensions next fiscal year. I broke down our subvention monies received in the last five fiscal years. Although the amounts fluctuate depending on the amount of unclaimed gas tax and mill taxes collected annually statewide. Nevertheless, the more work and time performed in above the line programs, the more unclaimed gas taxion funds we receive. We average 28 to 32% reimbursement. So for every general fund dollars spent, we are reimbursed through these prevention funds around 30 cents from the state. Program expenses are additionally reimbursed by time and work performed in programs that have contracts. On average, fully invoiceed contracts

reimburse 13 to 15% of our annual budget. See, those are all our contracts. Contract amounts change since my last presentation. Sometimes grant monies can be amended over the course of the contract. Fortunately, they only go up to the ones that have been amended. This graph may look like it fluctuates a lot, but in reality, the difference between the totals for the highest tier and lowest year is only about $11,000. These numbers include state and pass through federal funds, plusou contracts with 12 and Amidor for the use of our weight truck. Between these contracts and the subvention funds, for every general fund dollar that is spent on our department, an average of 44 cents is reimbursed. A quick note on how many commercial devices we currently test in the weights and measures program. Overall, we roughly test around 900 devices per year, which require just under 35% of our total staff time in the Weights and Measures program or 2.1 full-time equivalent staff. This is to give you some background the next series of slides. I swear I'm getting towards the end. Looking to the future changes and changing needs of our department. I'm going to focus on one growing technology, electric vehicles and the commercial devices used to charge them. As more people buy electric vehicles and as the county fleet shifts to electric, more commercial electric vehicle chargers will be installed and will require annual testing by our department. Equipment to test electric vehicle charges ranges from $55,000 to $60,000 per tester. And there are two types needed. The type to test an AC or a level two charger and then the type to test a DC or fast charger. Then there is the electric vehicle needed to put the charge into. An electric vehicle can range from $45,000 for the cheapest state fleet sedan to $64,414 per another county's recent purchase price for an electric truck that could also then be used to replace our existing truck for use in other

programs. The good news is that a CDFA has testing equipment for both testing types that we can borrow. More good news is that we are just starting to see the installations that require testing. So there are currently few devices to test. The okay news is that there are close to 50 devices installed in Calibaris that are currently exempt. There was a 10-year exemption issued for chargers installed before 2021. The case of AC and 2023 for DC that will start to need to need testing in 2031 which is scarily only a little over 5 years away from now. The bad news is there is a long wait list to borrow these this testing equipment from the state because there's a lot of counties that can't afford this equipment. If we have a charging device complaint, we won't be able to go out the same day or even the next day and check that the device is accurate as we do now with gas station or other complaint types. Also, we will likely need to purchase an electric vehicle in the near future anyway to replace an aging gas fuel truck in our fleet. Moving forward, per Assembly Bill 2037, we will not only have authorization to annually test private businesses commercial devices, but public ones as well. Why do I bring this to your attention? Although still a draft plan, nevertheless, both the county and Angel's camp intend to add commercial electric vehicle chargers to campuses. The best I could tell from that really lengthy draft plan. I have not accounted for fleet denoted chargers as we don't regulate them and as they're not a commercial use. You're not being charged to use it. For context, each plug is considered a device, not the entire charger. Just as each gas pump or grade is and so basically each nozzle is considered device, not the whole pump.

If implemented, what do these phases translate to work-wise? At first glance, the extra work and percent of an extra inspector needed isn't so bad. However, please keep in mind that this is just the extra workload for the proposed public chargers. This does not account for private commercial installations or existing installations, which together will likely far outnumber these public ones. If we use the 34.7% of total staff time applied to the six full-time equivalent staff we had to inspect the 1,031 devices in 2024. That means we would need an additional full-time inspector for every additional 491 devices added to the county. This slide simply an estimate. Time will tell how many public and private commercial chargers will actually be added in the upcoming years. Almost there. A budget is an estimate, just as this is our department's estimate on future needs. Hopefully, my lengthy discussion here clarifies the background on any future ask for an electric vehicle, hiring additional staff to cover device inspections and pest detection work, and a request to unfreeze our permanent full-time equivalent administrative position. We made it. Last slide. Please note that we have moved in March and our department's physical address changed to 556 Mountain Ranch Road here in San Andreas. The the if the community has questions or concerns pertaining to the programs we regulate or our department can be reached via email listed in the slide by phone or through our website which was recently updated and is much easier to navigate by the program. We now have both a Facebook and Instagram account for our department that we try to update with relevant information as it is available. Thank you for time for the time to listen to my very dense and very lengthy presentation. We are very

passionate about our role in the community and I hope that showed today. Can I have any questions I can answer for you guys? Questions. Supervisor topnell. Oh, supervisor stopper. Just uh you'll have to talk to council about putting me on the invasive species list. Well, you have to be you have to be listed by a CDFA. Are you listed on CDFA? You A-rated weed. You'll have to talk to her about Okay. Um, yes. Evvasive weeds. Yes.

Star thistles are just all over the west are just invading up here and you can't get rid of them. Is there some program or something you guys are looking at? the state is for these things because they're absolutely just overnight. Yeah. It's omnipresent. Yeah. So,

so with uh any even if it's not an invasive weed species, I mean, some actually are are native, but they can be selected for if you have a pasture because the animals will eat all the good stuff and leave the stuff that doesn't taste so good and they'll take over your pasture. So any weeds that you don't want, you can call our department and uh we can help you get just like just general uh integrated uh pest management type of um actions you can take. If you want to go a little bit further, we do have operator identification numbers through our department. So that means that if somebody has like a little ranchet or even if you have a thousand acres, whatever it might be, you can come to our department and you can um get that operator ID and it'll allow you to purchase a wider variety of herbicides to go out and treat uh those specific species for. So like in the case of yellow star thistle, there's actually a couple products on the market that are very very selective and they only kill uh plants that are in the solenac so kind of like sunflower family. So it specifically kills thistles. So that's something that people could reach out to. And then I always say that uh UC extension and our master gardener programs are really great resources as well. Well, the issue with them is later on in the year, say August and September, where everything else is gone. It's brown. It's dead. These things just keep going.

They're smart little expansion of them, you know. So, they're very invasive and and so and I don't think they're not from here. They're not Yeah. So, um, it's just it's just the amount over the last three or four years of, especially in the west part of the county of just invading here is just crazy. So, yeah, yellow star thistle uh doesn't like to get its roots too wet. So, especially when we have like drought years, that's that's when it really shines that you so it you see it really start to bolt and bloom when it does dry out because everything else has run out of water and it dies. So, that's when it takes

and they take off. That's when they take off. And it's actually really surprising that yellow star is so one of the main reasons why it is so invasive is because it makes delicious honey. And so a very long time ago, people actually imported it to plant it so that their bees bees could get honey make honey off of during the heat of the summer. Yeah. Yeah. But they go buy the honey. It is delicious. I'm not going to deny that. And and then you mentioned gas and and getting credit for the gas for agricultural. Um you didn't mention diesel and a lot of agricultural equipment runs on diesel and so is there credit for the diesel also?

Uh yeah. So if there's through um the the state there is a a way that you can go through and you can file paperwork to basically reclaim. So, a lot of diesel people will actually buy the was it red number two, which is specifically for and has no taxes on it. But if they do purchase something that they do pay any kind of gas tax on, including diesel, they can go to the state and there's um a form you send in with your receipt and you can basically ask for those that to be reimbursed. Okay. All right. Thank you. Yeah. Anything else I can answer? So, brother,

Jesse, thank you for coming to Mountain Ranch a little while back to respond to the community. What was the weed you spoke about there that was yellow? It Oh, it was oblong spurge. Another one that once you see it, it's everywhere in this county. That one does like water and it's really all the waterheds around here. Yeah, we do our best, but we we can't find it all and a lot of it's on on private property. So, obviously a lot of permissions and everything else to work with there. Is there specific herbicides towards that that we know of at this time?

That one is more of a it's a general herbicide. There there are materials that can control it, but like I said, it's it gets to a certain point where all we're kind of doing is kind of like drawing a line in the sand. And that's how it is with that one. We do actively unlike yellow star thistle, which that's like for it's everywhere. But yellow or oblong spurge is actually um there's pockets of it as opposed to like just everywhere in the Sierra Neadas. So we're doing our part not to share with other counties. I know Amodore has a little bit but I mean other than that I mean it's it's kind of just us and a little bit in Amodore. So we're trying we're trying our best with what resources we have. Being in watershed though you have to be careful what you spray.

Oh. Oh yeah. Absolutely. Yeah. Exactly. You can't just go out and start spraying. It would have to be. Yeah, because of the waterershed. Oh, yeah. Absolutely. And there's actually specific um general herbicide products that don't have surfactants in them, so you can actually use them to water's edge. Well, and a lot of um in in district 2, there's a lot of roadside properties that won't want you to spray because of their gardens or their bees.

And and there are other ways for us to control. Obviously, every time we go out, we look at a certain situation. and we take into account any sort of sensitive environmental sites that are nearby and also the property is owner's wishes. Uh sometimes and all we'll do is if it's the some species you can actually like actually yellow star thistle if you pull it it's just there's so many of them if you pull it when it's it's just it's young it's just that little rosettes that's actually an excellent way to get rid of it. Yeah. It's a lot of work for week. Oh yeah, that and that's the problem. And especially cuz the seed bankank on that is seven years. So even if you get rid of it and for the year, it's another seven years exact same thing before you're going to really see an impact.

I have a picture of my father 30 years ago saying, "I want to pull these. I'm going to get rid of them and thinking he was going to get rid of it." No, there's no not if even if you get rid of it, then you're always going to have the onesie twoosies because like if it's in like bird poop or comes in on like a tire. Oh yeah, it's ongoing. Any other comments? Uh, I did want to say two excellent, excellent reports today. Thank you so much. And on your crop and livestock, I would love to talk to you about the wine grapes and if you have any other ideas. I know we've talked about yucka and what have you in the past or um Yeah. Yeah. I love agave the people to say. Um, in any case, but I'll call you back about that.

Oh yeah, absolutely. Yeah. I'm hopefully rebound with the wine grapes. not not very uh well actually it's it's interesting speaking of wine grapes I'll just say everywhere that I've heard not only locally but even like in Europe it's been a banner it's a vintage year for grapes the grape quality is excellent the problem is just nobody's buying and that's actually true a lot of people are drinking spirits more than they are beer and wine

yeah is there any public comment regarding this item Medina Lisa Medina, Environmental Management Agency. I just want to thank Jesse and her deputy Carrie Basset for this presentation. Um, getting that message out to our public is critical so they can make an informed decision and that they can have access to those resources. So, thank you Jesse and Carrie. Thank you for your support. You any public comment online? Say none. Right. Thank you so much. Yeah. Thank you so much for listening that. It was a lot. I know. It's great. Mr. Hovery, I'll be recusing myself from item 23. Okay. Um and I have nothing to report. So with that, I'll take my lead.

I hope you get home safely. If you don't, give us a call. We can come pick up roadside. Yeah, I'll skip. You all have a wonderful day. Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving. It's

justformational.

Item number 23 isformational item from the administrative office. Discuss and give possible direction regarding the county's continued membership in the Calaveris Amador McFall River Authority camera. kind of CF.

So, um this was just to get board direction. I know we have a couple of board members who participate on this particular um board JPA and um there have been some discussion over the fact that they were needing some additional financial support potentially other support as far as legal or administrative support. I believe that that committee has made a recommendation for how they might move forward. But um given that it has um currently been looking at its structure and kind of what its mission is, it was just a time to bring this forward to the board to get whether or not the board felt that it was worthwhile for our members to continue to participate on the board. But that in fact is a board decision whether or not we choose to do that. So that's why we brought this forward. So with that I would I know um supervisor fallenorf and supervisor Andal both participate on this particular um committee. So I would um ask that they provide their thoughts on continued participation.

Professor Pollenf.

Okay. Um uh first I want to say thank you to Gay. He's been stepping in the last couple meetings too for me. Um and so uh if you have any input from the last meeting um let me know. Um but overall this has been a conversation that's been happening for a couple years now. um going from 2024 into 2025 um is really trying to figure out what the direction is for this group, for the JPA. What does it mean? Um, fast forward to February of 2025, um, the decision was to really re-evaluate, um, and to see if all the member agencies wanted to, um, continue. Um from February until last week, um discussions were had and the majority of the member agencies want to continue um the JPA um and work towards really making some more meaningful um priorities um for the organization to work on. Um and the first step is in that is amending the bylaws of the JPA. Um one of the major issue is um form um it so currently in the current bylaws um it's a requirement of each member agency to have two members representing at the board. Um so that means 12 people and getting 12 people to show up and then the quorum it's been difficult for the organization to move forward on anything meaningful which is been a handicap. Um

so one of the proposes in the um in the bylaws is to reduce it. They'll keep 12 members but make it where it's one member one director per member agency to be there which means instead of going from 12 you go to six and then quorum becomes four. Um you can still keep the same numbers but instead of having two board members showing up you have two board members as the alternate. Does that make Did I say it going that way? Okay. I'm sorry. Supervisor Palmer, can I clarify? Um,

yeah. So, the the Brown Act does generally require that you have to have a majority of the members of a board in order to have a quorum. So, the the number of members down I say that. No, I just want to make sure. So, so the idea is to actually cut down the number of members

because right now directors Yeah. directors. So, because right now each entity entity um sends two members but if multiple agencies don't show up then we are not able to meet quum and you can't what we did. So currently supervisor fallenorf and I are both members and then supervisor toenelli is our alternate. It would reverse to where say supervisor fallenorf is the member and I and supervisor toll are alternates. So each member agency would have one director alternates and so then it would be a majority of the directors that would constitute four.

Yes, we went round and round about this last week and those were the same. I would probably I just wanted to make sure that we were on the same page with respect to the fact that we can't have still have 12 or however many directors and consider you know only four of those to be a quorum but I understand. Thank you. Yeah. And you would move the number to alternate but still have the same people um able to able to attend in in someone else's place. Um so that's one big thing. The other thing um that was a big change is um uh I'm draw I had it. Yes.

Um is changing it from meeting quarterly to meeting a requirement of once a year and then the quarterly would be as needed. um because a lot of times we show up and there's not a lot going on and so we're constantly cancelling meetings or amending the meetings and rather than having special meetings go to an annual and then um I meet it quarterly. So that's another major change in the bylaws. Um currently just for everyone's information we do not pay dues. Dues were suspended over 20 years ago. I think it's been it's been a over a decade. Um, so we're not paying any dues. There's no um not a lot of monetary exchange. Um, and in the bylaws we did the amendments. Also, if there was to be a monetary, it would still go back out to the the member agency primary board. So, say this board decide to invest in a project um along the um the McCollum wershed, it would come to it would come to the board of supervisors before any entity had to pay anything. Um and if there's not a majority consensus from the primary boards of those entity, then the project won't go forward with any funding. Um and so that's isn't monetary but it's it's the root is or that's been discussed is what are we doing? What is our primary goal? What is our mission? And I think essentially, and correct me um for those of you that have been around a lot longer in participating with this organization, a lot of it was to oversee

and ensure um the McCollum River and the wershed is protected for all of the entities and you know a lot of it got got protected over the scenic the scenic so a lot of the malamy is now a scenic so you you can't do certain things. So most of it is going to happen above the scenic or below the scenic. But I think the core mission of all the members and why they this is what I've gathered. So Gary and Autumn correct me is one is to stay stay connected to make sure we're all unified in protecting the wershed and the water rights for all of the entities to make sure that our communities have those preserv continue to preserve that for future generations. Um it's it's shifted in the last couple decades of doing actual projects and things like that. a lot of that has been shifted up to EMRA and what EMRA is focusing on and a lot of the same members are on UMRA. So I think it's just um I see it personally I see it as more of a sister agency to ensure that all of our main priorities with water rights protecting the wershed um preserving um our resources for all of the communities that we serve. we're unified in that way that if it ever does become an issue, we are already unified in a front to move forward to protect that. Um, and I think that's really the becoming the bigger mission. It's not project focus, it's preservation of resource focus. Um, but the boards can certainly if that isn't something we want to continue to to send ourselves to, we can re-evaluate that and we can have staff work on a memo to camera um saying otherwise. But that's

that's um really what it comes down to. And there's been so much discussion and nothing come has come here to educate the rest of the board. I wanted to make sure that it was on everyone's radar. Um, so there should be any concerns that we're discussing it in an open session and we're not going through the process of violating any bound. So there's no like aha like big thing. It's just we're remolding what I guess it it means and is that something we want to do. Um I know we don't actually have water rights but we have communities that we are serving to

Could I ask you a quick question? Who's doing the reporting for the JPA at the moment? Um, C CPU is the member agency providing the services. Um, and that is something else that we're going to have to shift and we are working on. Um, we're we're re-evaluating some of that stuff. Um, but in our last meeting we discussed maybe that's what CPU right does more of that stuff and ensuring that we are in line with what those requirements are doing. And the financials go through Amidor. And the financials go through Amidor. And they're still happy with that then?

Yeah, they're fine. Um Brian does his report. We because there's no member dues coming in and there's not anything coming out. There's not a lot of financial there's not a lot of financials. It just stays pretty steady. Um and though the what money we do have, it's a little over $45,000. um uh is from the last time all the entities paid dues and it's just sitting there.

Um so if we were to disband then we would have to do um go back and see what the last time all those contributions and we would have to make sure that that money got equally divided amongst the agencies or um we could just throw a big old retirement party of the agency. So it it's whatever headache I get we wanted to do. Um so yes if the if the member I I believe if we were to go out I think there would be some financial stuff that we would have to request Amidor to reimburse us. Um but yes everything goes to Amidor. They keep the record. They have all of that information. Um, and the board recognizes that we do have um, how do I say this? We have some areas that need to be improved and we discussed them at the last board meeting. Um Sarah um has attended some past meetings and has um made those um echoed those concerns and the board took it pretty seriously of that at least at a minimum would be our next step and at the February meeting is how do we address some of it and um we're going to do some research for reporting see what some of those requirements if we're not actively in it doing money exchange how much say a set audit is really needed when the money's just been sitting there. Um, so there is the board recognizes it and we are working towards it.

Um, anything else to add from the last meeting? Um, I don't want to just keep blabbering. I I just think that um the intention behind the annual meeting another kind of caveat to that was like that's a time to look at potential projects and decide is there a project that we can become involved in and if there is then that kind of forms that year for the group how often we meet how we invest our time and what we need to be doing. So um you know should a project not present itself and it's does it remain status quo and that was the annual meeting and we move from there. Um so that seems that it might check the boxes of kind of some of the steps we need to take. Um, yeah,

they've said it all.

I I like I like seeing what everybody else is doing. I mean, we talked about how the last board meet, this C board meeting, um, how we had that presentation from TCWD and there was a discussion about Sigma and GSA and what does that look and how is Amidor County and all of those districts handling it and and so there is some added value of learning from each other and um I mean they were all like, "How are you guys doing this? What did this look like?" And we all we don't know, we're just we're we're letting staff work it out. And so there there there is something to be said about that type of interaction um outside of the norm because we don't see them every day and it there is some benefit in that. But um yeah to what Autumn saying it's it's we're going to have to look at what the projects look like and if there's something that's actually feasible.

Yeah. That sounds like

I was saying that's why that's how why it was set up. I think there was a project at that that time that that was um going to be put in there, but um counties and agencies were not behind what was going to happen was going to um take some of our water rights and use some of the water from it. So um that's why the whole agency was set up. So, Chair Huberty, I just want to make sure that we've gotten clear direction. It sounds um from the board's discussion that with the proposed changes that camera is making in order to improve the organization's operation and also to ensure that they're meeting quorums so that the meetings can take place. It sounds like the board is in favor of moving forward and continuing to be a part of the JPA. That's what I'm hearing.

And I also want to recognize that Craig Bearo is also online. So maybe when we open up to public comment, he can chime in. Great. Is there any public comment in the room? So is Craig on? Yes. Craig, you should be able to speak now.

Hello. Uh Greg Barco, Foothill Conservancy. Uh just wanted uh largely to just uh echo what's um been said. For those not familiar uh FOIL conservancy um is environmental group. We've been active in Amar and Calaveris County since 1990. Um our main areas of concern are uh land use planning and watershed uh with a special focus on the Mcllum River. Um uh I was able to recently address uh the camera board in August on the uh proposed uh McConnell pump storage project which would uh shift water between lower bear and salt springs uh reservoirs. I think um that sort of illustrates the the sort of use that uh cam uh camera can be used for in in sort of evaluating and discussing um potential projects. Um I think generally speaking there's been a bit more water peace um on the McCullamy um than in past decades where there were uh very large and genuine fights um over potential projects. Um but I think you know uh a piece now doesn't mean that in the future new new things won't won't come up that'll require um a united front from um Aador and Calvary County water users um to defend their rights and water quality. And so um I'd support the changes needed if it makes it less of a burden for um individual board members. I know, you know, all all supervisors have a ton of JPA and committees to serve on and if um the plan adjustments make things easier um to keep the organization, I think it's um also easier to sort of uh lessen

the number of meetings or requirements um and then um bring and um become more active later than to completely shut down the organization and then try and reconstitute it. Um, JPA are notoriously hard to start because you have to get everyone to adopt, you know, the um, uh, the exact same governing documents and the like. So, uh, it's easier to adjust than end and and restart from scratch. So, uh, thank you for your time. Thank you. See no other public comment. I'll bring back to board. It's anformational item. We've got the direction.

I think so. So just in terms of next steps, um, Supervisor Fondorf, my understanding is that those proposed changes to the JPA agreement are going to be going back to the camera board in uh, February. So then um, just uh, procedurally I assume if the camera board adopts those in February, then they would come to your board and each of the member entities boards for approval.

Correct. And I guess at this time between now and February, this works procedurally. So we're not automating them. Is if there's a if there is feedback from the board for the camera camera board to consider changes in the bylaw, maybe send them to you to send a camera st to Carissa for um I don't know how we do that because I don't want to say I collect them because they're not borderline. No,

but if there's any feedback than what has been provided to the board um that was reviewed last week by camera and there was more input um somehow get it before the February to kind of help streamline otherwise if this board correct me if I'm wrong if it once it comes to us after February we have any changes it's got to go back and forth. So, I guess I'm just acting to make it easier for uh feedback now so it can push it off. I don't know how that work. I'm not trying to add more work.

No, no, no. It's not that. I'm just trying to think through um we obviously can't have a forum of either board um crafting policy outside of a meeting. So, I think I think if any of you do I would say if any of you board members do have anything um let me know. And if a majority if it seems like there's a majority of board members that do have that, we can put something on your agenda to p to give that direction then to camera in advance of their meeting like in in January before the February meeting if that's okay with everybody. Okay. Yeah.

Okay. Um and I'm guessing since there hasn't been a lot of you guys are okay with audit moving forward with supporting this direction. I mean, that's the biggest thing is what do we we want to make sure we're voting the rest of our colleagues want us to vote. Um, I know you put us on those boards um to represent the best interest, but when you start talking about dissolving and removing JPA, it's a bigger conversation than just the two of us can vote on. Well, I appreciate you bringing it forward and investigating it and learning about it and looking at the bylaws and what have you. So, thank you. Yeah. Thank you for giving us the time to I don't have anything else.

And just let us know then um if if we don't end up agendaizing something for January or whenever if the camera board does in fact approve that JPA agreement or those changes in February, let us know and we can agendaize it for this board. Okay. Thank you.

So we'll move on to supervisor announcements. Supervisor Topelli. I I don't have a whole lot to report. I I did go to a COG meeting. Um I did go to a a um ribbon cutting um ceremony. But what I did do is I I did have a meeting with Calrans uh and the fire chief in Valley Springs and Micah concerning the project in Valley Springs there on uh this side of Highway 12 on on Highway 12, the side of the intersection. One one of the things we were meeting about was um Calrans did not have any conversations with the fire chief prior to that project. Um so he was not uh aware that they were not installing uh what they would call a button to control the lights if there's an emergency and they need to get the fire truck out onto the highway. Um, and during those conversations, um, we've come up into agreement, I think, that that's going to be fixed. So, he'll be able to because one of the lights, there's three lights there, and one of the lights is almost directly in front of the the driveway for the fire department and he needs control of those lights to turn them red so he can get out and all that traffic is not going. Uh, so I think we've got that done. But one of the conversations we had uh had to do with a median um in front of the fire department there

and uh when Calran started talking about a median um my eyes kind of rose up but the medium is a painted striped medium. It's not a raised medium or anything like that. It's no concrete. It's just a medium that's striped and painted and flat on the road so the fire trucks can get in and out. So, um I thought that was great. Thank you, Gary. Yeah, that's all I have to report.

Thank you, Supervisor Fondorf. Uh, we already had an agenda item about camera and I attended that last week with supervisor and um we also had a laughco meeting last week. We did. I'm sorry. Do you want to talk about that? No, you're you brought it up. Well, you're the chairman. Yeah.

Okay. Um, so um two things happened. Um first was um Tony Tyrell um was given he wasn't able to make the KACO um meeting but at the KACO meeting in San Diego um Tony Tyrell got the lifetime achievement award from KACO recognizing um his years of service. Um he's been on the special district for the vets for 46 years on um you've been on there for Yeah. Um and he's been on Lasco for almost three over two decades close to three decades. Yeah. I think it's like 27 or 28 years. Yeah.

Yeah. Um so he got a lifetime achievement award. So um uh that was presented to him and then it was also our executive director's last meeting. He has been with he was hired in 2020 in 20 2005 and 2005. Yeah. So, he's been with us for 20 years um representing Cal County

21 and um so it was a hard goodbye. We convinced him. I think uh Jack actually tied him up at the last last year at the meeting um hoping he would stay and he did. He g said six months and he stayed another year till we could find a placement. So, um, we approved the contract for a new executive officer that night as well. Um, I'm blanking on her last name right now. Jennifer. Um, her name's Jennifer. Oh my god, I'm so embarrassed. Anyways, we have approved the new executive offices. So, um, she has worked with John um with a number of other counties. She had um she's an executive officer for other counties. Um, so she she comes with a wealth of of experience. So, we're excited to have her on board. And that's all I have.

Super hand. Um, I attended a Caliber Saraposa Community Action Agency meeting. Um, I attended a scholarship fundraiser at the Gleno American Legion. I attended the Winter Storm meeting at the sheriff's department that public works hosted. um the camera meeting and a rib ribbon cutting in Rorow Flat at the new um community center gym and then we had the Wilyville hair scrambled dirt bike races this weekend that were a huge success. Sarah, did we get anything on the adoptions?

I'm sorry. I will um I don't have a number, but um last I heard, which was Friday, there were a chunk of um I believe it's still 12 children looking to be adopted by December 1st. We I got an email saying they have all been adopted. Oh, really? Oh, that's Yeah, I did get an email this morning on that. Thank you very much. Thank you. I'm sorry. I I thought you were talking about kids adoption. I mean dogs adoption, so it wasn't cookie. No, Christmas Christmas gift adoption.

On the 7th, I attended the resource connection food bank benefit. Uh amazing. They raised a ton of money and it was a great uh evening. On the 8th, uh the cold case dinner. Uh shout out to Captain Sturm and all the task force that made that so successful as well. On the 10th uh I attended a meeting at Mack and the reason why I bring that up is that the new museum in Angel's Camp is going to be stellar and the opening is on December 6th. Um, you will not believe that you are in Angel's Camp. It looks uh totally futuristic in their displays and what have you and how they've done it. It's it's it's really top-notch and I can't wait for it to be open. Uh, on the 11th I was u uh we had a fantastic Veterans Memorial at the Murphy's uh park. Um, and then on the 14th we did the CMCAA meeting. Um, and there's a bit of a kuruffle there that we're trying to iron out at the moment. Uh we we will be meeting again on December 15th. So we'll have a an emergency meeting on the 15th to uh with HHSA and thank HHSA for working out uh so well with us to to get things moving forward. Um and then I I wasn't able to be there uh this past weekend, but I do want to give a huge shout out to the pine cone competition that they do at Blue Lake Springs. It's fantastic and the kids really get involved. Marla Cover and Marcy Powers put it on. John Sprrow found a sugar pine cone that was 22.75 sorry 22.75 inches. And just to point out the Guinness Book of World Records for a pine cone is 22.9. So we're we're skirting that. So hopefully next year we can find something that's um as great. Um this is our last um I believe we only have one more meeting in December 9th and that will be the it for the year. Um, do we have anything? Madam CEO, M council, Robin, Susan, Holly, what are you doing for Thanksgiving?

I hope I wish everybody a really, really happy Thanksgiving and thank you all.