Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Chair Dolly Riley.
1. Roll Call
  
  Present: Dolly Riley, Chris Boyd, Patricia (Pien) Ris-Yarbrough, Marybeth Kelly, Sonya Pio
  Absent : Deb Hughes
Consent Calendar. Approval of Minutes of 3-12-25
Marybeth motioned, Pien seconded, to approve Minutes of 3-12-25. All voted yes.
Public Comments
Sonya gave information about CIty of Ukiah job openings. Gizmo expressed his approval of the new bus stop.
Brief Report from County and Agencies
Supervisor Madeline Cline gave an update. She noted the importance of having State Assembly liaison Scott Alonso present at the meeting (for Assemblyman Chris Rogers). She stated the BOS met 4-8-25 and are dealing with a $17 million deficit which is increasing, partly due to the 7% raise to County workers which caused a $12 million jump. Supervisors are considering a possible hiring freeze. BOS discussed the Prop. 172 funding for fire agencies and agreed this was not given to the agencies. The BOS voted 3-2 to allow an increased size of cannabis grows to 20K sq ft, with a license and not in range land. She is working on a whippet ban, a process. There will be a fire prevention workshop 5-19-25, 6-8 pm, site TBA, that will discuss fire prevention issues and fire insurance. Supervisor Cline said Supervisor Williams and she discussed a one-time funding of $1 million for road repairs, for staff to consider. She would oppose it if there is a hiring freeze. Redwood Valley is slated for road repairs in 2 years. She is hosting public access meetings each 1st Friday at noon at different sites in the District, and this will be announced on Facebook. She answered questions from the public.
Scott Alonso for 2nd District State Assemblyman Chris Rogers stated the 2nd District covers 5 counties. He is 1 of 3 staff members, and does a lot of advocacy for EDD issues. Rogers' office is introducing 17 bills, and one is how CalTrans regulates speed. This bill would allow them to lower the speed limit in Del Norte County. He is working with Supervisor Cline on the Hopland Public Utility District to relocate their underground lines. Other bills concern offshore wind, geothermal power, and more. AB 928 is introduced to prevent cock fighting, an effort with the Humane Society and Farm Bureau. Marybeth gave Scott information about the community's desire to have a Redwood Valley Recreation and Community Center at to closed RV school. She stated the UUSD is selecting a realtor to sell or lease the school property. Scott discussed the Strategic Growth Council, part of the Community Resiliance Center (CRC) and said to apply for funding. Madeline pointed out that in Solano County a school was converted to a community center. Chris asked about PG&E allowances for solar panels. Scott said the PUC is updating and canceling older solar contracts. He mentioned the Solar Rights Alliance, a citizen group that promotes solar rights. Gizmo advocated for having correct stickers for trailers that include QR code, on how to tow safely. Scott noted the town hall on 4-4-25 in Ukiah was well-attended with 400 present. Pien said she is talking with DOT about defining 'traffic.' Scott stated that his team's jurisdiction is over State roads with CalTrans, not County.
Sheriff Kendall was absent.
Fire District public meeting will next be in May. Supervisor Cline stated that Chief Grebil had said sirens will be explored in June.
Grange update was given by Marybeth: the Grange has regular renters for the facilities, line dancing classes, 4-12 is the flea market, 4-18 is family game night, an Easter bake sale will be held 4-19, and on 4-24 the Care-a-van will show up to spay and neuter pets. She noted site improvements, Sees candy sales to raise funds to paint the hall, and the next Grange meeting is 4-17 at 5:30.
Traffic update. Gizmo noted the MCOG meeting featured CalTrans' "Vision Zero" presentation on safe traffic with no deaths. MCOG meets every 1st Monday at 1:30 pm in the Supes' Chambers. Supervisor noted that MCOG plans funding for roads.
Redwood Valley Rec Center: Marybeth, Dolly, Citizen Gabriel Baca
Marybeth gave an update on the RVRC, noting that Cathy McKeon prepared a CDBG block grant application to request funding to pay for a solid proposal for the Rec Center to lease the old school property. RVRC is under the wing of the ARRC-Alec Rohrbaugh Center in Ukiah. Dolly explained that the UUSD is more interested in selling the property than they are in leasing it for a rec center.
Cannabis Policy Standing Subcommittee: Chris, Pien, Community Members
Subcommittee reported that the BOS voted 3-2 to allow cannabis expansion to 20k sq ft. Supervisor added this would only be on commercially, agriculturally, and industrially-zoned land, and not range land. Vice Chair Chris pointed out that in the past year there have been issues with water, smells, traffic and many more problems, and many have protested the expansion. She gave a brief history.
Development Review Standing Subcommittee: Marybeth, Pien
Council discussed a proposed lot split of 3+ acres to two parcels at 2300 Rd E. Chair Dolly read a description of the project which indicated the existing and proposed buildings each have a well and leachfield. After discussion, Council decided to respond with "no comment" since neighbors were not present. As a neighbor, Chris recused herself from the decision, noting past MAC member Alex was not in favor of more subdivision of land in Redwood Valley.
Faizon gas station permit appeal submitted a revised plan to PBS in February. Next step will be BOS decision and MAC can notify the public when this appears on the BOS agenda.
Gabriel Baca stated he would like to be a citizen member of this subcommittee.
CAP Subcommittee: Dolly, Chris, Citizens Jini, Sheilah Rogers and Alex DeGrassi
Dolly read a current response from Planner Russell Ford, in which he stated that after a review by Director Krog of the MAC's February revisions, then any changes PBS would like to see will be shared with the MAC. He added that with minor changes, "We can probably proceed as-is with scheduling it for [BOS] board review."
Prohibit New Gas Stations: Chris, Pien, Citizen Gizmo Henderson
Chris stated the Gualala MAC wants to join in the preparation of an ordinance, a draft of which the RV MAC subcommittee has prepared. Pien stated they are reaching out to other MACs for unity on the issue.
Nitrous Oxide "whippets" a local problem
Dolly noted that whippets are outlawed in Ukiah and Willits, and thanked Supervisor Cline for her work toward a countywide ordinance. Gabriel stated that while he was doing road clean-up, he found several used cannisters dumped. Supervisor stated they are looking at banning the sale of whippets.
Fire Prevention Home Hardening
Sonya stated she now has sprinklers on her roof. Dolly stated that Firesafe Council will do a free walk-through for the public, to recommend home hardening practices. Marybeth added that the local US Land Bureau will also assist in a walk-through. Dave stated PG&E left tree cutting litter on his land.
Dolly asked who would like to be on this subcommittee and Gizmo Henderson stated he would like to be a citizen member of this subcommittee.
Officers and Members Reports and Announcements
Dolly stated there are openings for 3 members. Lisa and Shannon stated they had submitted applications. Dolly thanked Chris for setting up the Zoom feature, and Marybeth offered to be Zoom operator back-up. Council agreed to invited Laura Garza of the Drought Task Force as May guest speaker.
Adjournment.
Meeting adjourned at 7:07 pm. Next meeting is 5-14-25.