Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:40 pm by Chair Dolly Riley.
Present: Dolly Riley, Chris Boyd, Patricia (Pien) Ris-Yarbrough, Marybeth Kelly, Deb Hughes, Sonya Pio. Meeting began late. Grange key arrival was not timely. Zoom function was not working.
1. Roll Call
Consent Calendar. Approval of Minutes of 4-9-25
Marybeth motioned, Chris seconded, approval of 4-9-25 Minutes. All voted yes.
Public Comments
Dolly announced on behalf of John King, who could not be present: The Inland Humane Society will have 3 benefits in June; Family Fun Day June 1st at Mia Bea Winery, Wine Launch Party June 21 at Toxqui Cellars, and Summer Dance on June 29 at Mia Bea Winery; all to benefit the lives of shelter animals. Gizmo Henderson stated he learned at the MCOG meeting that there seems to be a shift in focus from vehicle traffics studies to safety issues as expressed in CalTrans' plan of "Zero deaths by 2050."
Brief Report from County and Agencies
Supervisor Madeline Cline discussed the progress of the proposed ban on whippets and is meeting with the tobacco coalition. She stated: the County is discussing how to have a balanced budget. The City of Ukah proposed annexation has been a surprise to citizens and could offset County finances. Annexation will be discussed by BOS on 5-20 and Ukiah Planning Commission on 5-28, and possibly approved by City of Ukiah in July, then sent to LAFCO. Annexation could come to a vote since many citizens stated they are not in favor of it. The Inland Water and Power Commission (IWPC) was involved in a signing with Army Corp in agreement to fund a feasibility study to raise the height of the dam 35' at Lake Mendocino. Lytton Tribe and IWPC are the non-federal sponsors to provide matching funds to the federal funds. Raising the dam was agreed upon by Army Corp in 2005. Discussed Redemeyer Road extension to Lake Mendocino Drive.
Sheriff Matt Kendall joined by phone. He has hired a new deputy and more are coming in June. There have been personnel issues which he cannot speak about at this time. He is noticing a good response in the use of the CORE team which involves Social Services and Behavioral Health in law enforcement contacts with the homeless. The Behavioral Health wing of the Jail should be completed in 2026. Deb Hughes noted she works with this population, serving meals at Redwood Gospel Center and feels handouts are not encouraging folks to change their lifestyle. Sheriff noted that we've lost zero lives to starvation and thanked Deb. He added that we must look to promote accountability, education, and an ability to improve, and noted the homeless population is mainly dual diagnosis which is drug abusers and mental health clients. Pien Ris-Yarbrough asked about the presence of law enforcement recently at Laughlin Way.
Guest speaker Laura Garza, a water and climate change advisor from UC extension, discussed the County Drought Resiliency Plan. Droughts last 2 to 3 years and are increasing in intensity and frequency, with Mendocino County being one of the first counties to be declared as having a drought emergency. Senate Bill 552 requires that each county have a Drought Task Force and develop a Drought Resiliency Plan. The Task Force consists of water suppliers, Ukiah Valley water basin personnel, Tribes, and the State. The Resiliency Plan is managed by County DOT and contains short and long term responses to drought. The Plan consists of: data collection (84% of domestic wells are at risk), vulnerability of sea water incursion and climate change, management actions which monitor stages (dry well reports, rain and storage) and next steps. Some actions include sharing inforamation, voluntary water cutbacks, community enagagement, outreach, and providing drinking water supplies. The Plan is a 'road map' for County officials and water agencies, will be viewed by the BOS on 5-20, and will allow the County to be in compliance with the State Water Resource Board. Long term issues include Lake Mendocino storage and examining water loss. UC is informational and they are not an enforcement agency. The Plan can be viewed at the County website.
Grange update. Marybeth Kelly stated: Grange meeting is 5-15, Family Game night is 5-16, Care-A-Van will be present at the Grange 5-22. They are awarding 2 scholarships on 5-28. The kitchen project continues, with Grange President Janet Kohler donating funds to replace flooring. The Grange has a birthday and is 108 years old.
Redwood Valley Rec Center: Marybeth, Dolly, Citizen Gabriel Baca
Ukiah Unified is still seeking a realtor to handle lease or sale of school.
Cannabis Policy Standing Subcommittee: Chris, Pien, Community Members
Pien stated that on 4-18 Willits Enviornmental Center filed a lawsuit to oppose the BOS vote to increase expansion of grow sites to 20k sq feet, because it is a change in the law without public input. She added doubling allowed grows is not prudent during drought times. Supervisor added that BOS has asked for more State enforcement for cannabis control.
Development Review Standing Subcommittee: Marybeth, Pien, Citizen Gabriel Baca
No permit applications were received. No news on Faizon gas station appeal.
CAP Subcommittee: Dolly, Chris, Citizens Jini, Sheilah Rogers and Alex DeGrassi
Dolly Riley noted she continues to contact Planner Russ Ford monthly.
Prohibit New Gas Stations: Chris, Pien, Citizen Gizmo Henderson
Pien stated they are beginning efforts to contact other MACs.
Nitrous Oxide "whippets" a local problem
Supervisor Madeline Cline discussed the progress of the proposed ban on whippets; she is meeting with the tobacco coalition as she wants to involve them in the ban.
Fire Prevention, Fire Dept Updates: Dolly and Citizen Gizmo Henderson
Fire Chief Dan Grebil gave an update on the Redwood Valley/Calpella Fire Board. He noted: The Dept supports Fire Wise communities, they are working on a good volunteer policy and training program, and benefits have been revised to increase recruitment and retension. They have modified the hours of on on-duty personnel and will replace the duty officer vehicle in September. They have $100K in reserves. They received a $15K grant from PG&E for medical suppies, 3 Ipads, and new defibrillators. They are planning how to spend $500K from from PGE fire funds. Chris Boyd, formerly on the Fire District Board, noted that after the 2017 fire they were able to purchase some equipment and current funds now assure this. Chief Grebil stated the Board approved a 457 Plan for retirement of employees. They will receive a new 3000-gallon water tender in a month, and all vehicles are housed. SIRENS are on the table and 5 Board members will decide on the future of sirens. Gizmo stated he wants sirens because he lives off-grid no landlines and has one point of egress. Next meeting is 2nd Thursday at 6 pm. Chief's tenure is one year to January 2026, and he hopes to have an new chief by November. Sonya Pio noted that CalFire is visiting homes on Road B for brush clearance and hardening issues. Dolly noted the Firesafe Council wants to promote neighborhood Firesafe Councils, and there will be a Fire Safety Town Hall at the College on 5-19.
Officers and Members Reports and Announcements
Dolly stated we are seeking 3 new members, discussed the Black Bart Parade, and reminded we are going dark in July. Marybeth presented a great flyer for joining the MAC. Deb stated that Prop 36 has some resolutions to crime and will provide this information to Dolly to add to next month's agenda. Deb added that water issues should be on the agenda. Gizmo requested the next guest speaker to be Poppy from Army Corp to discuss Lake Mendocino recreation and Dolly agreed to call her.
Adjournment.
Meeting adjourned at 7:37 pm. Next meeting is 6-11-25.