LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION

DRAFT MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 27, 2006

 

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Roy Curless, Richard "Bud" Leonard, Marty McClelland, Supervisor Bonnie Neely, Supervisor. Roger Rodoni & Mary Beth Wolford & Alternates Virginia Graziani, Bob McPherson & Patrick Whitchurch

STAFF PRESENT: Kirk Gothier & Martha Spencer, LAFCo Staff; Shelley Morrison, Deputy County Counsel; Sharyn Lodes, LAFCo Clerk

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM in the Board of Supervisor's Chambers, County Courthouse, Chairman McClelland presiding.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF July 26, 2006

THE MOTION WAS MADE (LEONARD/WOLFORD) to approve the Minutes from the July 26, 2006 meeting with noted corrections.

THE MOTION PASSED BY A VOTE OF 7-0.

Chairman McClelland introduced Shelley Morrison as counsel and Martha Spencer as staff training with Kirk Gothier.

CONTINUED BUSINESS:

5A. Municipal Service Review (MSR) Scope of Work

Kirk Gothier briefly reviewed the MSR work done by the cities and districts to date in Attachment 5A-2. The cities and districts have been sent this staff report. Staff discussed the legal requirements and findings that LAFCo must make in approving MSRs and updating Sphere of Influence Reports (SIR).

Chairman McClelland initiated a discussion about the McKinleyville Community Services District data submitted and what other data is needed. Staff explained what has been received and what other areas need attention to comply with the legal requirements. He also explained that the present and future capacity of public facilities and the adequacy of public services for all local agencies need to be addressed.

BY ORDER OF THE CHAIR, the report was received and accepted.

5B. Prop 50 Consultant Conflict of Interest

Deputy County Counsel Morrison suggested this item be continued so Carolyn Ruth, the assigned counsel, can address the issue.

BY ORDER OF THE CHAIR, this item was continued to the next meeting.

5C. Budget Progress Report & Lafco Staffing Transition

Kirk Gothier reviewed the Budget Progress Report and LAFCo Staffing Transition report. He noted an EIR Scoping Meeting he attended on August 23^rd on the Scotia Annexation project. Things seem to be moving along the projected timeline.

Mr. Gothier also explained that the Director has assigned Martha Spencer to serve as LAFCo staff. Kirk Gothier will be training Mrs. Spencer until his extra help position terminates.

Supervisor Rodoni brought up the question of whether the Planning Division should continue staffing LAFCo positions in lieu of General Plan conflicts of interest. Supervisor Neely concurred and would like to look at different possibilities for non-County staffing.

Mr. Gothier reviewed the staffing alternatives in Attachment 5C-2 considered by LAFCo in 2001 to implement AB 2838. The options ranged from not increasing the LAFCo budget and allowing cities and districts to play a lead role in preparing MSRs to implement AB 2838 to a local, independent office. At the request of local agencies, LAFCo adopted a budget that did not increase LAFCo costs and has continued to adopt budgets at or below the 2001 level.

Alternate Graziani noted the cost revolt the Commission incurred for this year's proposed budget.

Commissioner Wolford reiterated certain districts might not want any kind of cost increase.

Supervisor Neely asked if any independent monies were available. Staff replied no. She also suggested a review of the current staffing arrangement with the County be discussed at a future meeting.

Mr. Gothier referred to the MSR work table and explained most of the work was done by the County GIS department to update infrastructure maps and was supported primarily by General Plan Update funds.

The Commissioners concurred a subcommittee needs to meet with City and District personnel to emphasize the importance of meeting the LAFCo deadline (January 2008) for preparing MSR and SIR updates. Some time should be allowed for the Commission's report to be written and approved prior to the deadline. Supervisor Neely and Commissioners Wolford and McKenny were appointed to the subcommittee.

BY ORDER OF THE CHAIR, the budget report was received and accepted.

PUBLIC APPEARANCES

Dennis Wood introduced himself as the representative for Pacific Lumber Company on the Scotia/Rio Dell project. He introduced his associate James Bank.

Carrol Rische suggested more communication is needed to bridge the difficulties presented by MSR determinations. Linkages need to be built between the planning staff process and the staff of key districts where growth is to occur.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 9:38 AM.