LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 29, 2006
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Roy Curless, Richard "Bud" Leonard, Marty McClelland, & Supervisor Bonnie Neely, & Alternates Virginia Graziani, Bob McPherson & Patrick Whitchurch
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Supervisor. Roger Rodoni & Mary Beth Wolford
STAFF PRESENT: Kirk Gothier, LAFCo Staff; Carolyn Ruth, Deputy County Counsel (DCC); 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 September 27, 2006
THE MOTION WAS MADE (CURLESS/LEONARD) to approve the Minutes from the September 27, 2006 meeting.
THE MOTION PASSED BY A VOTE OF 6-0.
CONTINUED BUSINESS:
5A. Prop 50 Consultant Conflict of Interest
DCC Carolyn Ruth researched the potential conflict of interest presented by planning consultants doing work for both the County and for other local cities and districts. Since the proposed consultant contract does not delegate any specific governmental decision-making authority to the consultant, no conflict of interest results.
BY ORDER OF THE CHAIR, the report was received and accepted.
5B. County's Decision to Terminate Staffing and Facility Services to LAFCo and Assist in Transition
Stephanie Larsen, from the County Administrative Office, presented the Board of Supervisors' intent to discontinue staffing and facility services to LAFCo.
Alternate Graziani asked what specific reasons determined this action. Supervisor Neely responded by giving three reasons. One, Kirk Gothier has retired; he is currently staffing LAFCo as extra help; and his work limitations support the March 1 deadline. Two, the Board considers the development of the General Plan a staffing priority. And three, LAFCo can be staffed by other entities or persons besides County personnel.
The potential cost to districts and cities was discussed. The suggestion was made to hire Kirk Gothier as a consultant to LAFCo if a complete transition had not resulted by March 1. DCC Ruth confirmed that would not be a conflict of interest since Mr. Gothier would not be an employee of the County. The Commission discussed soliciting public entities based on the existing agreement with the County, using the scope-of-work presented at the last meeting as a work plan, and getting private consultant qualifications. It was noted the 2007-08 budget recommendations are due at the March 2007 meeting and the transition should started as soon as possible.
Commissioners McKenny, McClelland and Whitchurch volunteered to be on the Transition Sub-Committee which would help in the solicitation process, screen applicants and present its recommendation to the Commission.
Chairman McClelland requested public comment.
Thomas Marking, McKinleyville Community Service District, suggested Humboldt County Association of Governments may be a candidate for staffing and services.
Duane Rigge, Fortuna City Manager, will bring the problem to the ad hoc city managers meeting next week and ask for suggestions.
David Tyson, Eureka City Manager, stated the managers at the meeting may have some good suggestions.
THE MOTION WAS MADE (Leonard/Neely) to have the Sub-Committee, with Stephanie Larsen's help, solicit public entities and private consultants for staffing and facility services based on the existing County agreement, the scope-of-work needed for State compliance for MSRs and SOIs reports, and qualifications.
THE MOTION WAS APPROVED BY THE VOTE 6-0.
5C. Budget Progress Report
Kirk Gothier reviewed the Budget Progress Report. He also reported on the progress of the Scotia Annexation and noted LAFCo has adequate funds to continue monitoring this project.
BY ORDER OF THE CHAIR, the budget report was received and accepted.
PUBLIC APPEARANCES
No one spoke before the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 AM.
