Call to Order
Members and Alternates Present: Katrina Frey, Jini Reynolds, Christine Boyd, Dolly Riley, Marybeth Kelly, Pien Ris-Yarbrough, Adam Gaska. Member Sattie Clark absent. Also present: Gizmo Henderson, Bruce, Monica Huettl, Lt. Jason Caudillo, Peter Reynolds, Cassie Taaning Trotter.
Consent Agenda
1. 1. Approve Minutes of 8-10-22
  2. Approve Letter to UUSD authored by Pien Ris-Yarbrough
8-10-22 Minutes, UUSD Letter, approved with no objections and motion passed by unanimous consent.
Public Comments
Dolly noted SB396 bill to allow PG&E to cut trees where they wish was defeated on 8-31-22. Gizmo stated that PG&E has begun to underground their power lines in parts of Redwood Valley and Philo area.
Report from County and Agencies on Current Events
Guest speaker Emily Tecchio, County Coordinator for Fire Safe Council, spoke about defensible space assistance and Measure P to support County fire districts. She discussed income requirements and specific services offered through the Defensible Space Program, and she can be reached for more information by email at emily@firesafemendocino.org and by telephone at (707) 684-9838.
First District Supervisor report will be heard next month.
Sheriff's Dept. update was provided by Lieutenant Jason Caudillo, who stated Office of Emergency Services (OES) is the main funded agency to conduct fire and disaster drills. He credited the efficiency of Cal Fire and local fire districts in putting out recent fires. As for local crime, there was vandalism at the Grange, mail theft arrests, an advisement to watch for fake credit card readers, and that County Sheriff staff is largely used at Motel 6 and Brush Street to quell homeless persons issues. He said Sheriff Dept. is recruiting and will pay during training.
Updates on Redwood Valley School. Marybeth reported that the 8-18-22 letter from the County did not close the door on acceptance of the RV School land, and Pien agreed to scribe a letter to BOS asking if they would accept the property. There was no opposition from members so a vote by unanimous consent passed to allow Pien to represent the MAC in a letter. Community attempts to engage a land trust or conservancy organization, to obtain the land through purchase or donation, was discussed. The MAC is lacking information on possible sale; Marybeth agreed to invite buyer Gary Breen and Dolly agreed to invite Zoe Fernandez to next meeting for updates on usage and sale. Salient points brought up were: Marybeth said the Naylor Act says a school used for recreational purposes must keep that usage, and Pien said these UUSD decisions made in closed session should be made public after their meeting.
Fire District Update. Chris reported that RVCFD made a decision to appoint a volunteer Fire Marshall, Matthew Keiser, as "master inspector." A discussion was held as to causes of fire, and Adam stated that whether arson or criminal neglect, we likely never hear and it doesn't affect outcome. Gizmo gave an update on posters that bring attention to the hazards of dragging chains.
Grange Update. Marybeth and Jini provided the following: Next Grange meeting is 9-15-22, October 8 is the next flea market, October 30 will be Trunk-or-Treat with pumpkin contest and car decoration exhibit, and December 3 will be a holiday craft fair. Jini added that Giggles at the Grange for children is going well but the timing will be changing.
Water Education Standing Subcommittee. Adam, Katrina, Sattie
Katrina announced the good news that on 9-6-22 a special meeting of the RVCWD voted to allow water "wheeling" or sharing of water with Russian River Flood Control (RRFC), legal during a declared water emergency. 400 acre feet of water became available for Redwood Valley agricultural use until December 31, 2022, and will be drawn from Lake Mendocino. Adam added that this usually cannot happen because Redwood Valley is not a contract holder and not annexed to RRFC, and cannot normally use any excess water, but this was allowed by vote during a drought emergency. Adam stated that Redwood Valley is in a "place of use" so will pursue future water sharing, but for now this allotment should be used up. Katrina invited all to attend the water district meeting every third Thursday at 5 pm, next 9-15-22.
Cannabis Policy Standing Subcommittee: Patricia, Sattie
No updates.
Development Review Standing Subcommittee: Marybeth, Jini, Patricia
Marybeth discussed SB 244, "Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities" designation that could help Redwood Valley in obtaining grants for improvement in infrastructure. After Marybeth stated the requirements for such designation, Adam said the recorded median income in Redwood Valley is above the income threshold to qualify. Marybeth agreed to pursue more information on this.
CAP: Community Action Plan and Design Guidelines: Dolly, Chris
Officers and Members Reports and Announcements
1. A review of RVMAC bylaws included a change to wording to allow community members to be Secretary or Treasurer, and a vote on acceptance of bylaws was postponed to next meeting.2. Katrina gave a brief Treasurer's Report, noting expenses included Zoom expenses, rental expenses to the Grange, and coming website billing. 3. Next agenda will include invitation of guest speakers regarding the school site as stated earlier. Meeting adjourned at 7:21 pm.
Adjournment. Next meeting 10-12-22.