Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at by Chair Dolly Riley.
1. Roll call. We will record names of those present except for those who state they wish to remain anonymous.
  Members present: Chair Dolly Riley, Vice-Chair Jini Reynolds, Treasurer Katrina Frey, ad hoc recording Secretary Chris (Wick) Boyd, Sattie Clark, Patricia (Pien) Ris-Yarbrough, Alternate Marybeth Kelly. (Approximately 19 members of the public, including First District Supervisor Glenn McGourty, guest speaker Julia Carrera, and ex officio Member Sheilah Rogers, joined the meeting via Zoom, phone, and at various times between 5-7 pm.)
Approval of Minutes of 2-10-21. Member Chris Boyd motioned to approve. Vice-Chair Jini Reynolds 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 Aye Member Patricia Ris-Yarbrough
Public Comments
1. PGE Settlement funds for 2017 Fire Disaster--Sheilah Rogers reported that Tuesday's hearing at Board of Supervisors on the proposed expenditures of these funds was only preliminary. Supervisor McGourty reported that he and Supervisor Mo Mulheren (Second District) are an ad hoc committee to assess community views on same, estimating about a 90 day completion), and they are seeking input. KZYX had a program this morning on the subject, which can be heard on "Jukebox". Ideas from Supervisor Glenn McGourty include public safety as a top priority, such as emergency communications, emergency power and charging stations, a position to seek grant funding for Fire Safe Councils and for further work on shaded fuel breaks, and possibly saving for future emergencies. Martha Barra suggested funds could be used for fire hydrants to support the water system repairs from the fire. 2. Updating cannabis regulations--Cathy Monroe raised serious concerns about proposed expansion of size of cultivation to 10% per land holding. [NOTE: specifics of these proposals were NOT articulated at this meeting; readers are encouraged to go to County website and other sources for further information.] Issues Cathy identified included further razing of old, native oaks and related habitat (she is working with Native Plant Society on a County Oak ordinance), fencing and rangeland, outside corporate influences, further violation of State and local regulations with inability to enforce existing rules, and further costs to County taxpayers. The County Planning Commission will consider these new rules on Friday, March 19, 9 am--all interested parties should attend via Zoom. She also reported that a new owner of a property on Colony and Road E has removed 2 old oaks and apparently intends to install grow houses, and questions whether these are violations. Glenn suggested this be reported, anonymously if necessary, to authorities. (More below, Agenda Item 4, Guest Speaker). 3. "Gizmo" Henderson continues work on project to educate about fires caused by dragging chains on roadways, and will be requesting MAC funding for laminating of signage. He also spoke with a locally employed contractor about that and about encouraging drivers to slow down on local roads.
Report from County and Agencies on Current Events 1. Julia Carrera, privately employed Cannabis Compliance Specialist--Julia first explained it's important to differentiate whether a grower is regulated, trying to be regulated, or flouting any regulations in pursuing their activities. Often, we in the general public may see something that appears to be a violation which is fully compliant with State and local regulations. County Planning and Building Services (the lead agency) staff have had to waste lots of time on fully compliant growers. The growers who have no intent to comply with regulations pose the greatest problems for all concerned, from legal growers to compliance/public safety officers to the environment. Pien requested if Julia could make up a basic fact sheet that could be used to educate the public on the basics of compliance, and Julia generously agreed. Much discussion about Dept. of Food and Ag. regulations at State level; increased fines being proposed for violations; provisional licenses and SB 59 to extend time limits on same; the success of Humboldt County's aerial surveillance in curbing illegal activities; backlog of approvals at State level; and how to find out who in Mendocino County is a licensed/"approved" grower. Pien and Sattie continue with the MAC's Ad Hoc Cannabis Committee, with Martha serving as an Advisor. Sattie used the Public Records Act to obtain a list of over 65 County regulated growers. People who wish to obtain further information about the Committee's activities should contact the RVMAC, Pien, or Sattie. (More info below on how to contact; further info on the Committee under Item 5, below.) 2. Move 2030--No news this month; on Agenda for April. 3. Speed Limit Issue--While DOT Director Howard Dashiell was unable to attend, he had provided Dolly with a picture of a "Share the Road" sign that he would agree to post along the RV roads. Absent the apparently difficult challenge of gaining lowered speed limits via a traffic study, those present agreed such signs would be a good step, and proposed requesting their posting at regular intervals on East, West, and Tomki Roads. Chris moved, Jini seconded motion for same, unanimously approved. Others commented that CHP had appeared several times since last MAC meeting and that speeds had slowed remarkably during those times! Capt. Charles Leonard, CHP, has assigned random visits by officers to enforce speed laws, as he had reported to Chair Dolly Riley. 4. Pellet Plant Air Quality--Pien continues her research with Barbara Moed from Air Quality Management District (AQMD), Ukiah. She will next contact Millview Water to try to determine how much water is being used by the plant. 5. Redwood Valley water issues--Tom Schoeneman and Bree Klotter (RVWD Board members), Elizabeth Salomone (Gen. Mrg, Russian River Flood Control District). Tom first mentioned the 5-member RVWD continues with 1 vacancy, and it would be useful to have a new member who is a user of domestic rather than Ag water. Volunteer wanted! He invited all interested parties to attend the monthly Board meeting on Zoom, third Thursday monthly at 5 pm. Numerous issues include: water shortage, with Ag likely to be cut off this year and domestic possibly on rationing again; new pipe replacements from 2017 fire will require hundreds of thousands of gallons of water to flush the system, and that water unlikely to be available; hydrants weren't included in the pipe repair grant and cost thousands each, with no funding as yet identified; fee study shows need to raise rates considerably this year; besides possibility of long-term Potter Valley Project, could need feasibility study for pipeline up the railroad to supply water from Ukiah's plentiful aquifer. Beth: She invited a "water braintrust" meeting for key parties in next week to share regional approaches for upcoming water crisis. RRFCD is one of 2 suppliers to RVWD, but unclear yet how long water will be able to be diverted from Lake Mendocino for use by RV. Bree: joined RVWD in November, commented on an outstanding loan to the district from the feds years ago of $7 million not yet repaid, so no ability for more loans. Numerous unsuccessful wells have been dug in the past, at great cost but few results. Glenn: An inter-tie was paid for the state, which is a pump from Millview Water to "wheel up" some water for RV which can supply 25 gal/user in a crisis. Water security is a big issue for RV, Anderson Valley, Ft. Bragg, many areas of the County. We need to coordinate and cooperate to find regional solutions. [On Zoom Chat, he added that there is a barely funded water agency at the County level, which could be a locus for further work.] In sum: attend the RVWD and other local water planning meetings, where the issues are more fully discussed. 6. Meredyth Reinhard, RV Grange, reported that the next ROADWAY CLEANUP project is planned for Saturday, March 20, 9-11 am. All supplies will be provided (wear your own gloves, mask). Be there to help our community!
Cannabis Policy Ad Hoc Subcommittee: Patricia, Sattie Martha Barra, assisting the Ad Hoc Subcommittee, reported that they have done considerable research and conclude that expanding the allowable spaces for pot growing will make the current enforcement crisis even worse, especially when existing taxes can begin to support the local program. The extension would be: 10% of parcel acreage. Everyone who is concerned with this large increase should be prepared to speak at the March 19, 9 am Planning Commission Zoom meeting. Other discussion included possibility of "exclusion zones" in RV; using the Humboldt County satellite surveillance program to help control illegal cultivation; the need for residents to report violations to Planning and Building Services, which can be done anonymously (the MAC subcommittee will endeavor to provide info on where LEGAL grows have been approved). Cathy Monroe reports that there are statewide efforts to push the new 10% expansion; and that Humboldt Co. requires growers to identify how much water their activity will use. She is researching further with State Water Board on behalf of Native Plant Society. Re. concerns of water being stolen via streams, hydrants, Bree reports the RVWD sent letter to all users warning of penalties. including water shut off for anyone who uses water in violation of their approved use. 160 residents have ag water permits; Bree will try to get figures on number of domestic users. Glenn suggests the RVMAC set up a special meeting on the cannabis regulations topic soon on Zoom.
Development Review Ad Hoc Subcommittee: Marybeth, Jini, Patricia Marybeth reported no new permit application information came to the MAC mailbox in March.
CAP: Interim Community Action Plan and Design Review: Chris, Sattie
Chris reported that she hasn't heard back from any County staff regarding several questions pertaining to the Community Action Plan and Design Guidance. [Via Zoom Chat, Glenn said he will follow up to get a status.]
Officers and Members Reports and Announcements Chair Dolly Riley--At Chris's suggestion, Dolly suggests the RVMAC may wish to present a Resolution honoring retired Supervisor Carre Brown for her service. MAC members and attendees reported that the creation of the RVMAC was suggested and promoted by Supervisor Brown, as was the Formula Business Oridance, and that the First District Supervisor is responsible to appoint all members. As Marybeth said, "The MAC wouldn't be here without Carre."[Aside: RVMAC still needs 1 Regular Member and 1 Alternate for full membership. Voluneer to Glenn McGourty!] Dolly will draft a Resolution (#2 by the MAC; the first went the Chahada brothers of the Redwood Valley Market for buying the Dollar General property) and bring it to the April meeting for a vote. Treasurer Katrina Frey--The MAC's general budget has a current balance of $1813, with the Special PGE budget balance at $5872 (much of which is earmarked for publication of the final Plan and Design Guidelines). Member Sattie Clark--Sattie has established a MAC mailbox, to replace the unusable mail button on the MAC website, and will get members more info on its use. Member Chris Boyd--RVMAC website was hacked and is temporarily down. She plans to get back to the issue with Squarespace this week and will advise members when it's back up. There, we can post the contact info that Sattie is establishing.
Adjournment. Next meeting 4-14-21.
Next meeting is scheduled on Zoom for Wednesday, April 14, from 5-7 pm. Meeting adjourned by Chair at 7 pm.
No Action