Zoom Meeting Instructions and Link
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 pm by Chair Dolly Riley.
1. Roll Call
  
  Present: Chair Dolly Riley, Vice-Chair Jini Reynolds, Treasurer Katrina Frey, Member Chris Boyd, Member Sattie Clark, Alternate Member Marybeth Kelly, Member Patricia Ris-Yarbrough
  
  Staff Present: An Oath of Office was administered by Supervisor Carrie Brown to Sattie Clark who changed from Alternate to Regular Member, and to new Member Patricia Ris-Yarbrough. Please note members of the public have the right to remain anonymous. Also present were Sheilah Rogers, Gizmo Henderson, Beth Salomone, Robert Gernert, Amanda Reiman, Supervisor Carre Brown, Una Wirkebau, Diann Simmons, Glenn McGourty, Meredyth Reinhard, and Cathy Monroe. An update to B. below, there are now openings for 1 Member and 1 Alternate Member.
2. Sattie has been approved by the BOS as Member. We now have openings for 2 Members and 1 Alternate.
Approval of Minutes of June 10, 2020 Dolly complimented Chris on writing the June minutes. Vice-Chair Jini Reynolds motioned to approve. Member Sattie Clark seconded the motion.

The roll call vote:

Aye Chair Dolly Riley Aye Vice-Chair Jini Reynolds Aye Treasurer Katrina Frey Aye Member Sattie Clark Aye Alternate Member Marybeth Kelly Nay Member Patricia Ris-Yarbrough Absent Member Chris Boyd
Public Comments
Meredyth Reinhard, member of Redwood Valley Grange, gave a presentation as Coordinator of Adopt-A-Road clean-up program, with a request to collaborate with the RV MAC. The date of clean up is at the equinoxes and solstices quarterly. Next date is Sept. 19, 2020, from 9 to 11 a.m. Meredyth seeks 8-10 people, age 16 and up. Marybeth agreed to announce this on social media in September. At this point Dolly’s internet link stopped working and Vice Chair Jini Reynolds conducted the meeting. Robert Gernert of EDFC stated they acquired a sizable donation for purchase of 294,000 masks and 2,000 gallons of hand sanitizer, for distribution to business owners. He wants to get the word out through the RV Grange and Chambers of Commerce in the County through the “Mask up Mendo” program. Supervisor Brown thanked Robert for the program on behalf of businesses. As part of the Community Action Plan, Patricia discussed problems with the 6 acres at 9400 West Road where a vineyard was converted to 660 pots of cannabis. This item is discussed under Agenda item #7, Community Action Plan. Sattie stated this should remain on MAC Agenda, and asked when cannabis issues would be heard by the Board of Supervisors, adding that the CAP should reflect the will of the community with cannabis issues included. Supervisor Brown stated cannabis issues would be heard in August. At this point Dolly was able to rejoin the meeting.
Report from County, Agencies, Advocates on current events Chair Dolly Riley requested an update on MOVE 2030, after an Ad Hoc Subcommittee of Dolly, Jini, and Sattie met on 6-18-20 with Sheilah Rogers. Sattie gave an overview of MOVE 2030: After the 2017 fires, the US Economic Development Admin awarded grants to disaster areas to address economic challenges in affected areas. Mendocino County’s grant required we complete an Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan, to have a Broadband implementation plan, to hire an Economic Development Coordinator (Una Wirkebau), and create digital learning hubs. We are now in the process of information gathering from businesses. The next phase is to create a road map for the next decade and then to put that road map to work. This is being conducted by EDFC as a partner in a steering committee, pulling information from 4 cities and 6 MACs. Diann Simmons then discussed how the RV CAP informs MOVE 2030, and noted the impact of the pandemic. Sattie earlier participated in an Economic Summit, and spoke with business owner Shannon Johnson regarding increased housing density adversely affecting her fertilizer business in the areas of decreased water and odor issues, pointing out there are unintended consequences for businesses. Sattie stated cannabis is a water-needy crop, and Amanda Reiman of FlowKana stated many people dry-farm cannabis since diverting water is not allowed. Gizmo Henderson stated that vineyards use more water. Glenn McGourty stated that there has been no measure of cannabis water use, and Amanda stated that UC Berkeley did a study on this and will look into it. Amanda added that one barrier to successful business includes a stigma around cannabis. The state requires a tall fence as needed for security. There is a zero limit to pesticide use, and the County allows 10,000 square feet of grow space (100 x 100’). Amanda stated that the County is looking to move the cannabis program into a land use program, considering range land and agricultural land. Right now farmers are paying twice to the State and the County and cannabis business fees should be streamlined. Sattie asked about best business guidelines on cannabis farms, and Amanda stated the Resource Conservation District has put out a best practice guideline. Diann stated that MOVE 2030 notes that the cannabis industry is one of the few in County to provide a living wage, and Gizmo added that cannabis is the only business that will meet its expected tax revenue this year. Patricia stated that there are 4 neighbors who were not advised of the cannabis grow at 9400 West Rd where the creek has been disturbed and the growers are not local people. Beth Salomone from Russian River Flood Control asked if any RMAC members attend RRFC meetings, where they discuss water. Sattie agreed someone should attend, and Marybeth stated that there is an opening on the water board. At this point, Chair Dolly asked if MOVE 2030 has a specific direction they’d like to pursue for the next MAC Agenda. Diann stated that they will seek specific business input, and that there is a MOVE 2030 meeting in early August (August 10, 2020 at 10 am to 12 pm). Jini stated she was part of the subcommittee and spoke with Jacob Turner who has an internet business in Ukiah and has a link to Redwood Valley businesses. At this point we discussed the pellet plant in Calpella. Dolly stated she listened to the June 11, 2020 radio show and learned that Attorney Polly Girvin last month received a response to her December 2019 public information request about the plant’s testing and pollution, and the document was mostly redacted due to “trade secrets.” Ms. Girvin had stated on the radio that 3 pollution complaints in 24 hours would merit an investigation. Dolly added that the Climate Action Alliance recently wrote to the Board of Supervisors requesting the plant to shut down during the pandemic due to pollution exacerbating COVID 19 symptoms. Marybeth added that she shared photos of the plant of Facebook. Dolly clarified that the MAC submitted a letter to Air Quality in March 2020 requesting they perform more testing for airborne particulate matter. Moving on to pesticides and neonicotinoids, Dolly said the State Grange wanted to control their use, but the Farm Bureau was not in favor of that. Cathy Monroe stated that there will be a review by the State Dept of Pesticide Regulations, with 2 webinars in August. Comments need to be submitted by September 10 or 11, 2020. Cathy is working with organization Xerxe for information. Glenn asked if folks are concerned about local neonicotinoid use and Katrina noted that it is difficult to find organic plants at a nursery. Cathy added that when neonicotinoids are used the pollen and nectar can be toxic to bees. Glenn stated that as the plant grows the material is diluted and metabolized. Cathy stated that Xerxe did a study that found plants still contained pesticides after years. In answer to Patricia’s question, Cathy noted that Mendocino College is good [on pesticides] and Home Depot has a label to inform but most don’t read it. At this point Chris Wick Boyd joined the meeting. Moving on to fire safety, Cathy stated the Sheriff has special sirens now. Gizmo noted that since April the fire emergency warning came on as static. He researched this and learned that our County lacks a good signal from the Bay Area, which must be updated from 4g to 5g since the radio is an important source of information during a fire. Jini stated she spoke with RV Fire Chief Don Dale who said they received a grant to install loud fire sirens across the Valley. Jini added the Fire Dept needs a board member. Jini has been attending Fire Safe Council meetings, and said neighborhoods need to form and join Fire Safe Councils. With 10 members they are eligible for support. She gave the example that the Black Bart Trail road committee became a local Fire Safe Council. Dolly added that wood Chipper Days has started and that Nash Gonzalez is the contact person for chipping.
Development Review Ad Hoc Subcommittee: Marybeth, Jini
Chris noted that this subcommittee must be Ad Hoc and staffed with under 4 members or Brown Act rules would apply even to informal subcommittee meetings. We may include community members. After discussion, Dolly stated the subcommittee will include Member Patricia, Alternate Member Marybeth, Vice-Chair Jini, and community member Gizmo. Gizmo stated he will work with this committee but does not use a computer. Marybeth stated she received a response from Brent Schultz, Director of Planning and Building, to the MAC’s March letter, regarding illuminated signs at Redwood Valley Gas Station. In his letter, Brent agreed there was a violation that will need to be corrected. Marybeth stated that in May FlowKana requested a permit. Amanda Reiman of FlowKana stated there is no new construction at FlowKana, but they need the permit granted in order to utilize all the buildings on the property located at the old Fetzer warehouse. Chris Boyd asked if there would be any hazardous materials and Amanda stated no change there. Dolly brought up 9400 West Rd cannabis farm, stating that Alex DeGrassi, formerly of this subcommittee, found no violations had occurred. Patricia, who is a neighbor to the cannabis farm, stated she wants to view the farm through the lens of the Community Action Plan (CAP). She stated she has contacted State Fish and Wildlife who will look into any violations.
No Action
CAP: Community Action Plan and Design Review The Community Action Plan was adopted, see discussion below. Patricia had discussed earlier in the meeting during public comments this Agenda item, specifically problems with the 6 acres at 9400 West Road where a vineyard was converted to 660 pots of cannabis. A problem she noted was the lost view of the vineyard due to a plastic-lined 6’ chain-linked fence. She asked questions: Is cannabis part of sustainable agriculture? What about excessive use of water and pesticides? How do we mitigate traffic and workers speeding on roads? How do we work with locked gates that make fire prevention difficult? How do we interpret vague guarantees for increased [decreased?] outdoor disturbance? How do we compensate for loss of wildlife habitat? How do we counteract for the loss of property values due to this industry? How do we deal with loss of security and safety? How do we avoid losing precious resources to industry that is also part of the black market? Where was input from Redwood Valley community? She then acknowledged Alex DeGrassi’s comments that no laws were violated. Sattie stated this should remain on MAC Agenda, and asked when cannabis issues would be heard by the Board of Supervisors, adding that the CAP should reflect the will of the community with cannabis issues included. Supervisor Brown stated cannabis issues would be heard in August. Dolly stated that it is time to vote for the MAC’s adoption of the Community Action Plan and Design Review document to be submitted to Planning and Building and then to the Board of Supervisors to become part of the County’s General Plan. Chris defended questions as to why we did not include residential design review, only industrial and commercial, stating that residential is already governed by Planning and Building and our examples of CAPs from other communities did not include residential. Dolly stated that it is my hope that Alex and Sheilah can continue to be community advisors on the CAP subcommittee, and appointed Sattie to join Chris as members. Chris stated Alex and Sheilah will continue. Patricia stated that the Design Guidelines should include cannabis rules with linked websites. Chris agreed and offered to include the links as appendices. Amanda stated County and State are the two sources of cannabis rules. Sattie questioned if we are really ready to vote, Dolly replied that after 4 town halls and a number of years, everyone has had adequate time to read it and provide input. Chris suggested we approve it as written, and call it an Interim Plan, adding amendments as needed. Patricia stated she thinks cannabis farming has not been adequately addressed. Chris stated that we have not expanded on cannabis and other areas, but would like Patricia to continue to give her ideas. Jini stated that after 4 years, the laws keep changing on cannabis, so we cannot be specific to cannabis for this reason. Dolly asked for a motion to approve an Interim Community Action Plan and Design Review with inclusion of an appendix. Marybeth motioned to approve noting it is a living document and will evolve. Katrina seconded the motion. Dolly called for discussion. Chris stated we will label this CAP Interim Plan Issue #1 so we may come back to it as we wait for the County’s work on it, and include appendices. Dolly asked for a vote. In favor are Chris, Marybeth, Jini, Katrina, Sattie, and Dolly. Opposed is Patricia. The Interim CAP and Design Review is adopted. Dolly expressed thanks to those who worked on the plan. The group then asked if we should honor those who worked on it by including their names, and a discussion ensued regarding privacy vs recognition. We decided that Chris and Marybeth will contact our list of townhall participants for permission to include their names. The names will be included in the CAP appendix. Alternate Member Marybeth Kelly motioned to approve. Treasurer Katrina Frey seconded the motion.

The roll call vote:

Aye Chair Dolly Riley Aye Vice-Chair Jini Reynolds Aye Treasurer Katrina Frey Aye Member Chris Boyd Aye Member Sattie Clark Aye Alternate Member Marybeth Kelly Nay Member Patricia Ris-Yarbrough
Reports and Announcements from MAC Officers and Members Dolly reported that our prospective secretary, Teal, had to back out. We still need a secretary, and will need members to step up and volunteer to create the minutes until we have a secretary. Marybeth stated she will post this job on Facebook and send to a community email list.
Adjournment. Next meeting August 12, 2020.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:09 p.m.