LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
APPROVED MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 16, 2007
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Roy Curless, Richard "Bud" Leonard, Marty McClelland, Kevin McKenny, Patrick Whitchurch & Supervisor Roger Rodoni, & Alternates Virginia Graziani & Bob McPherson
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Supervisor. Bonnie Neely
STAFF PRESENT: Kirk Gothier, LAFCo Staff; Sharyn Lodes, LAFCo Clerk; Kirk Girard, Community Development Services Director
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 November 29, 2006
THE MOTION WAS MADE (LEONARD/CURLESS) to approve the Minutes from the November 29, 2006 meeting.
THE MOTION PASSED BY A VOTE OF 5-0. (Supervisor Rodoni abstained)
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Scotia District Formation Application Review Process
Kirk Gothier reported the proposed annexation of Scotia to Rio Dell may not be proceeding. PALCo now believes that formation of a community services district may be the most cost-effective way for Scotia residents to manage and maintain the infrastructure in the town of Scotia. Because PALCo and the City's engineering firm did not fully agree on the level of improvements that need to be made to Scotia's infrastructure, LAFCo staff recommended that a subcommittee be formed to determine the level of consulting advice that LAFCo would need to process the application. Dennis Wood, the representative for PALCO, was introduced.
Mr. Wood explained the cost advantages between annexation by Rio Dell and the formation of a Community Services District (CSD) seem to be moving toward the establishment of a CSD. Scotia's public infrastructure already meets or exceeds state standards. He also suggested the Scotia Volunteer Fire Department merge with the Rio Dell Fire Department.
John Broadstock, Scotia Fire Chief, referred to limited funding and to the call load of his department. Merging with the Rio Dell Fire Department would open new opportunities for funding.
The Commission asked about the application process. Staff indicated a deposit has been received. Mr. Woods noted most of the application documents are being revised from the annexation proposal to a CSD proposal and should be ready for submittal in 30 to 45 days. Mr. Woods suggested the fire department merger be completed at the same time as the CSD application to make the transition easier.
Mike Foget, Scotia sewage facility director, explained the Scotia facility capacity. With the reduction of mill use, the facility capacity is greater than the need of the Scotia residents.
The Commission consensus deemed the formation of a subcommittee premature. The Chairman noted that any application would need to be accompanied by a substantial deposit.
BY ORDER OF THE CHAIR, the report was received and accepted.
B. Appointment of City Members to LAFCo
Kirk Gothier gave a report on the City Selection Committee's determination to have Alternate Whitchurch complete Commissioner Wolford's term which expires the first Monday in May of 2010. Commissioner Leonard stated Jeff Leonard, a Eureka City Councilman, was appointed to complete the vacant Alternate's term.
BY ORDER OF THE CHAIR, the report was received and accepted.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. LAFCo Facilities & Staffing Transition Subcommittee Report
Kirk Gothier was excused due to a conflict of interest.
Stephanie Larsen, representing the CAO's office, summarized the responses received to the published Request for Qualifications.
Chairman McClelland and Commissioner McKenny explained the problems encountered during the recruitment process and asked for a time extension before the subcommittee gave its recommendation.
The Commission requested a responsible party be appointed to fulfill the County's contractual staffing until June 30, 2007. Kirk Girard responded that Michael Wheeler would be assigned as staff.
Consensus by the Commission granted the subcommittee extra time to make a recommendation.
B. Budget Progress Report
Kirk Gothier gave a progress report for the budget. Much of the report was covered in New Business A and Continued Business A agenda items.
BY ORDER OF THE CHAIR, the report was received and accepted.
PUBLIC APPEARANCES
No one spoke before the Commission.
CORRESPONDENCE
A. CALAFCO Legislative Summary Minutes
Kirk Gothier summarized the significant changes to the regulations being introduced by members of the Senate Local Government Committee.
BY ORDER OF THE CHAIR, the report was received and accepted.
B. Fish & Game Environmental Document Fees E-mail
Kirk Gothier explained the changes in the Fish & Game fee regulations. He suggested the Commission support the request for a "blanket" filing fee exemption from Fish & Game for SOI amendments.
THE MOTION WAS MADE (RODONI/LEONARD) to support a "blanket" Notice of Determination filing fee exemption from the State Fish and Game Department.
THE MOTION PASSED BY THE VOTE 6-0.
C. Superintendent of Schools, Garry T. Eagles, Ph.D.
Chairman McClelland asked staff about noticing obligations for school districts. Staff confirmed school districts need only inform the Commission of its intent. No further action is necessary.
BY ORDER OF THE CHAIR, receipt of the notice of reorganization of school districts submitted by Garry T. Eagles, Superintendent of Schools, was acknowledged.
OFF AGENDA
Commissioner McKenny reminded the Commission about the suggestion to send the smaller districts a letter inquiring about Sphere of Influence changes.
THE MOTION WAS MADE (McKenny/Curless) to direct staff to send a letter of inquiry about any changes to the Sphere of Influence which may be intended by smaller districts.
THE MOTION PASSED BY THE VOTE 6-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 AM.
