Call to Order - NOTE NEW TIME 5:30 p.m.
Present: Chair Dolly Riley, Vice-Chair Jini Reynolds, Alternate Member Marybeth Kelly, Member Pien-Ris-Yarbrough, Member Adam Gaska, Alternate Member Fran Laughton, and Member Kahli Johnson. Absent: Member Chris Boyd

Also Present: 20 People attending
Consent Calendar. Approval of Minutes from 6-14-23.
Minutes of 6-14-23 were approved by unanimous vote with Adam motioning and Pien seconding.
Public Comments
Members of the public brought up issues of road repair, PG&E trucks speeding, and an offer to facilitate community mediation.
Brief Report from County and Agencies
Guest speaker Meredith DeLucia of the Community Foundation spoke about disaster preparation groups. The idea behind a COAD (Community Organization Active in Disaster) is that each community would have a group of volunteers to monitor neighborhood conditions during a disaster, to prepare ahead so that in an emergency, neighbors are helping neighbors. Ms. Delucia encouraged volunteers, leaders with resources and skills to come forward to keep the community safe and informed during a disaster. The COAD leader would report to the larger groups in the county VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) to coordinate emergency responses. VOADs would be comprised of local government and service organizations.
Supervisor McGourty was not present, but provided an update, a recap of which was read by Alternate Member Fran Laughton:
1. Structures of 2000 sq ft can be permitted as Class K housing, with no requirement to install ceiling sprinklers.
2. Great Redwood Trail being challenged by Skunk Train owners. There is some local opposition due to trespass, camping, fires, garbage and safety. A bike trail RV to Ukiah was discussed.
3. Supes Williams and McGourty are developing a plan for a County Finance Dept like Yolo and Marin Counties. The plan includes changing the Director from elected to a hired position that ensures the person is actually qualified to handle County finances and able to report out.
4. Grant applications are being submitted for solar and battery backup for Willits Library, Yokayo Social Services, and County Jail Expansion project. Electric car charging stations are planned for Sheriff’s on Low Gap and Social services.
5. The Cannabis Prohibition District for Redwood Valley was rejected July 25h, but BOS voted to step up code enforcement to abate illegal grows locally. Glenn suggested we invite Code Enforcement and Sheriff to recap activities for Sept MAC meeting.
6. The County received $1.4 million in Opioid Settlement funds. 70% will go to “abatement” which means treatment and other effects of the opioid epidemic. 15% will go to the County for incurred opioid expenses and litigation. The last 15% goes to a State fund for opioid remediation.
Sheriff Matt Kendall was not present.
Matt Keizer, Redwood Valley-Calpella Fire Marshall, reported that the fund-raising BBQ on July 15 was a success, but had a lower turnout than expected due to the extreme heat that day. The department is waiting on delivery of two new fire engines.

Marybeth Kelly reported that the Redwood Valley Grange will have a flea market on 8-19-23, that will include music, hot dogs, ice cream social, puzzle exchange, and library. The Grange kitchen project plans were approved and bids are going out. Jini Reynolds stated she is working with Women’s Political Caucus to arrange a political forum at the Grange for October.
Water Education Standing Subcommittee. Adam
Member Adam Gaska, who is also the Board President of the Redwood Valley County Water District and Agricultural Representative for the Ukiah Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency, gave a water update: The Redwood Valley County Water District lifted the 55-gallon per day domestic limit for the first time in almost four years. The District also got all the ag water it requested from Flood Control. A group consisting of Sonoma Water, Round Valley Indian Tribes, and the Mendocino County Inland Power and Water Commission has put together a proposal to take over PG&E’s operation of the Potter Valley diversion. The initial draft submittal envisions the decommissioning of Scott Dam on Lake Pillsbury, and a modification, or possible removal, of Cape Horn Dam, still allowing the diversion of Eel River water into the Russian River, and also to provide for fish passage. Gaska noted that if the dams are removed, and the diversion sends a lower amount of Eel River water into Russian River, Potter Valley will have less irrigation water, and Lake Mendocino may possibly go dry in drought years. Experts say that even the water basin below Ukiah is being replenished by percolation from the Russian River. The state is requiring new commercial and industrial wells to be monitored.
Cannabis Policy Standing Subcommittee: Pien, Community Members
Dolly Riley reported on a conversation the prior day with P&BS Code Enforcement Supervisor Sean Crackbon, who had stated that a person may grow 1-6 plants outdoors with a medical recommendation, with no County fee, so long as setbacks are met: 200’ from houses, 100’ from property line, and 1000’ from any youth facility. The proposed Cannabis Prohibition Zone in Redwood Valley was denied by the Board of Supervisors on July 25. Instead, the Supes directed Code Enforcement to go through the proposed zone to look for unlicensed grows. This resulted in many folks in Redwood Valley expressing confusion and outrage. Michael Katz stated that with less than 10 acres a person cannot grow outdoors. He added that a “Prohibitionist Mentality” exists and has to change. The Council and Public noted that citations for unpermitted hoop houses require payment of a $1,500 demolition fee. Any structure larger than 10x12 feet requires a building permit, including carports and sheds. Some stated that the county is seeking fines for income. There was discussion about the confusing cannabis ordinance.
Development Review Standing Subcommittee: Marybeth, Jini, Pien
Three requests for development permits were reviewed: one was expired, one not in MAC’s jurisdictional area, and one request for setback that is not a change but rather an administrative permit change.
Great Redwood Trail ad hoc Subcommittee: Adam, Pien, and community member Gizmo Henderson
The Great Redwood Trail Planners held a meeting in Hopland on 7-27-23. Public comment focused on issues of crime prevention, funding of maintenance, safety patrols and liability. The planners are looking for community partners to fund operations and management of the trail once it is completed. An audience member said that Sonoma State University has contributed to the GRT on trail patrol and maintenance of trail ecology in Sonoma County.
Community Action Plan ad hoc Subcommittee - Dolly, Chris, Jini and community member Sheilah Rogers
The Community Action Plan and Design Guidelines will be reviewed and hopefully adopted by the Board of Supervisors on 9-26-23.
Officers and Members Reports and Announcements
Chair Dolly welcomed new MAC member Kahli Johnson to the Board. There is still one more opening on the Board, and an opening for a Secretary. Applicants are encouraged to attend a MAC meeting.

County Council sent MC Policy 51 stating the MAC may adopt Bylaws that do not conflict with MC Policy on formation of MACs. Bylaws were accepted by MAC vote in October 2022.

The Council agreed to invite Code Enforcement, Sheriff, and Supervisor to discuss cannabis updates at next meeting.
Adjournment.
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Next meeting 9-13-23.