This month’s Board of Supervisors meeting continued on Tuesday in Loyalton, beginning with a call to order two minutes late by the tapping of a pen (someone must have forgotten the gavel). All supervisors attended in person, though Supervisor Adams later noted that he would be calling in for next month’s meeting in Downieville.

After the pledge of allegiance, the consent agenda was approved. Among its items were agreements from Sierra Skies RV Park and Sierra Valley Enterprises, LLC, for the use of their properties as drive-in flu shot clinics. Supervisor Adams commended the generosity of the business owners. Also on the agenda was the acceptance of a $15,021 Local Enforcement Agency Grant for the operation of CalRecycle programs and solid waste management compliance.

The regular agenda contained an item that would have informed the Board of a dramatic reduction in the quoted cost of the county’s General Plan/Zoning Code Update from over a million dollars to a measly $249,340. Unfortunately, that item was pulled from the agenda before its approval, perhaps because Brandon Pangman, who requested its addition, was not in attendance.

For committee reports, Supervisor Adams first recognized the Sheriff’s Department for a clean “jail report” (an inspection of the Sierra County jail facilities). Next, Supervisor Roen reported that the Sierra Valley Groundwater Management District had received $5.4 million for “recharge” and other work.

Rhonda Grandi of Public Health started off the Department Reports. The Public Health Department had received an allocation of $362k / year with a requirement that 70% of the money go to staffing and 30% for other uses. Because of staffing shortages, however, about $158k will be returned to the state.

Sharyll Prinz-McMillan, Behavioral Health Director, updated the Board on the continuing work to assemble a mental health plan in preparation for contracting with the state. The state requires a report be made on creating a “mobile crisis unit,” which Prinz-McMillan does not believe the county could provide, but she is open to creative solutions suggested by the Board or others.

The Forest Service had another relatively quiet week in the area. Roadside clearing of trees is finished for the season, according to Sierraville District Ranger Rachel Hutchinson. About a quarter of planned acreage was cleared this year, to be continued next season. Trees were felled along almost 50 miles of road to create a 50-foot buffer, with a thousand acres of mastication also being completed.

Beckwourth District Ranger Mike Rahe reported three fires in his area, two of which were controlled and one that was being looked at but had no smoke. Rahe also noted that Frenchman Lake Campground is open, but others are now closed.

Tom Parrack, Yuba River District Ranger, updated the Board on the good progress of the Highway 49 Aspen Project, with trees now being hauled out. The district had several recent lightning strikes, but no fires were found. Parrack also mentioned October 15th as the planned end-of-season for campgrounds.

Drought Task Force

The State of California requires the creation of a county Drought Task Force and the development of a plan in the event of drought and water shortage. To accomplish this, the Department of Water Resources provides either a grant of $150,000 or technical assistance of the equivalent value. The Office of Emergency Services and Board agreed that technical assistance would be the more valuable option in the county’s case.

Payment Plans for the Public

The Board adopted a resolution to allow property taxes to be paid in monthly installments via the services of Easy Smart Pay, Inc. The Board noted that requests for this type of service have been made in the past and that providing this option had no downside in their estimation. Those who decide to utilize the option will incur the cost of this service.

Calpine Reservoir Infusion

An additional $15,000 of Title III funds will be made available to complete the Calpine Reservoir restoration project. Supervisor Roen supports this funding, noting that the infusion should be enough to get it done despite requiring costly environmental monitoring.

Library Hours Changed

Hours for Sierra County Libraries were changed to Wednesday and Thursday, 1 - 5 p.m. Assistant Personnel Director Judi Behlke explained that the change was requested on behalf of the Loyalton Library, which cited the school’s half day on Wednesday and poor business on Friday. Supervisor Adams and the rest of the Board agreed that the changes seemed reasonable and adopted the schedule.

Fire Impact Fees to Go Up

Sierra County Fire Protection District No. 1, covering the east side of Sierra County, has requested a 3% inflation adjustment of the Fire Development Impact Fee on new development and construction. The required public hearing for this action was held at Tuesday’s meeting, with no participants. The fee will go from $2.02 to $2.08 per square foot, with Supervisor Adams noting that this change protects existing taxpayers by having new folks pay their “fair share” for the upkeep of existing services.