Call to Order - NOTE NEW TIME 5:30 p.m.
Meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m. Present: Jini Reynolds, Dolly Riley, Adam Gaska, Fran Laughton, Marybeth Kelly, Patricia Ris-Yarbrough (Pien), and Katrina Frey who arrived at 6 p.m. Absent: Chris Boyd.
Public Present: Sheriff Matt Kendall, Laura Henebery, Felicia Smith, Gizmo Henderson, Jeff Box, Shannon Johnson, Monica Huettl, Anarbol Lopez, Kali Perkins, Trevor Mockel, Bill Self, Madeline Kline, Peter Reynolds, Granville Pool, Sheilah Rogers, Sonia Campbell.
Consent Calendar. Approval of Minutes from 4-12-23.
Marybeth motioned to accept the Minutes, and Adam seconded. A roll call vote was unanimous to approve Minutes.
Public Comments
Shannon Johnson asked if anyone knew about free compost. No response. Shannon stated that there is a traffic problem around Eagle Peak School at 7:45 a.m., and at the intersection of State St and West Rd.Gizmo stated that Mendocino Council of Government (MCOG) might help.
Bill Self stated that he received a questionnaire from Planning and Building (PBS) regarding the cannabis exclusion zone. Bill added that he is proposing a neighborhood resolution group. Contact Bill Self at williamaself@yahoo.com
Brief Report from County and Agencies
Sheriff Kendall stated there have been 2 recent homicides in Covelo, taking the lion's share of the Dept.'s time. He added: people are burning now but must monitor the burn. Sheriff's Dept. is working on an informational portal which should help with public information requests. Overflights will begin soon, looking for marijuana grows that are illegal, trespass, damage environment, and include violent actors. There are less illegal grows, but remaining ones are 30% larger on average. Commander Randy England is taking position at CHP, and responsible for traffic enforcement.
First District Supervisor Glenn McGourty was absent due to prior commitment.
Fire District had no update.
Marybeth stated the kitchen project has an approved contract and they await PBS to approve. Jeff Box stated there will be a flea market on June 3rd. Dolly stated that she and Marybeth applied for a grant to pay for solar panels on the Grange roof.
Felicia Smith of Sonoma Clean Power stated they are a non-profit public power provider of energy using mostly carbon free sources. She said they use 17% solar, 83% geothermal and other sources. Heating and cooling are greatest cost to consumer. SCP charges 5% less than PG&E would for power, and SCP customers still use PG&E for power distribution. SCP charges 28 cents per kwh, and 39 cents per kwh between 4 and 9 p.m. She touched on the "Grid Savvy" program and Evergreen program. She did not discuss the elusive "True-Up" bill that many receive, stating it would take too long to explain.
Water Education Standing Subcommittee. Adam, Katrina
Adam Gaska reported on water issues: The well workshop of 4-17-23 indicated that commercial and agricultural wells will cost more due to new requirements of a pump test and permits. He said a town hall on 4-26-23 discussed Lake Pillsbury, and that PG&E foresees that by 2024 they will have permission to remove both Scott Dam and Van Horn Dam, if not taken over by another agency. That agency is hopefully the Water Forum meeting on 5-17-23 to discuss consolidation of local water districts, an effort supported by the State under the SAFER program.
Cannabis Policy Standing Subcommittee: Pien, Community Members
Marybeth discussed the cannabis exclusion zone, going before the County Planning Commission on 5-18-23. There are over 200 families that would like the rezoning due to past problems with the cannabis growers, and there are 2 cannabis growers within the zone that would have to move within 3 years if it passes. Kali Perkins, attorney for cannabis growers, stated that cannabis growers within the zone area want to work with neighbors, that neighbors' fears are baseless, and the growers have paid $100 K in fees so far.
Development Review Standing Subcommittee: Marybeth, Jini, Pien
Marybeth stated that no new permits have been filed.
Dolly reported that she learned from CalTrans that the Russian River bridge project will have no center divider, has a system for toxic waste spill, and could not answer if lighting will be provided. Gizmo stated his concerns.
Great Redwood Trail ad hoc Subcommittee: Adam, Katrina, Pien, and community member Gizmo Henderson
Katrina Frey has plans to discuss GRT impacts with neighbors. Adam stated that the Farm Bureau met in April and discussed possible problems of fire, access for responders, and transient issues. Gizmo stated that Sonoma County uses special vehicles to monitor trails.
Community Action Plan ad hoc Subcommittee - Dolly, Chris, Jini and community member.
Dolly stated that she will meet with Chris, Jini and Sheilah Rogers from the community to make corrections to the Community Action Plan. She outlined the process. Sheilah sent a message stating that on 5-20-23 there will be a benefit to support Disaster Relief of Northern California.
Officers and Members Reports and Announcements
Katrina Frey was honored for her many years of excellent service on the MAC, as she is resigning as member, but will continue as our Treasurer. Pien provided a dessert to honor Katrina.
Katrina gave a Treasurer's report. The Council receives $2500 yearly, and has $418 left until end of June. A discussion followed that included: We saved a bundle during Covid due to no rent payments, Zoom costs a lot and may be discontinued eventually, we will shelve a decision on paying $319 for Mapport until Chris Boyd is present.
Secretary: Members discussed the idea of paying more per hour with less hours for a qualified Secretary, but no decision was made.
Members agreed to go dark in July.
Members discussed the Black Bart Parade, at which the MAC won 3rd place last year, and the Americana theme this year. Ideas for the MAC entry, were to reflect local diversity and display flags reflecting the community from Mexico, Pomo Nation, Italy, Thailand, Finland, Philippines, Syria, Ukraine, and Guatemala.
Dolly noted Bylaws have not left County Council's office yet.
Jini, Marybeth and Dolly have renewed their membership in MAC.
The Council agreed to invite Zach Carson of Revival Ranch as guest speaker for 6-14-23, and possibly new CHP Commander Randy England for August.
Adjournment.
Meeting adjourned at 7 p.m. Next meeting 6-14-23 at 5:30 p.m.