Redwood Valley Municipal Advisory Council
Minutes
Regular Meeting
November 08, 2023 05:30 PM
8650 East Rd - P.O Box 243 Redwood Valley, CA 95470
http://www.redwoodvalleymac.com/


  1. 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, Member Chris Boyd, Alternate Member Marybeth Kelly, Member Patricia Ris-Yarbrough, Member Adam Gaska

      Absent: Alternate Member Fran Laughton, Member Kahli Johnson, Citizen Treasurer Katrina Frey


  2. Consent Calendar. Approval of Minutes of 10-11-23 Member Adam Gaska motioned to approve. Vice-Chair Jini Reynolds seconded the motion.

    The roll call vote:

      Aye   Chair Dolly Riley     Aye   Vice-Chair Jini Reynolds     Aye   Alternate Member Marybeth Kelly     Aye   Member Patricia Ris-Yarbrough     Aye   Member Adam Gaska     Abstained   Member Chris Boyd     Absent   Alternate Member Fran Laughton     Absent   Member Kahli Johnson  

  3. Public Comments

    Gizmo Henderson thanked CHP Sgt Adam Garcia for coming to meeting.

  4. Brief Report from County and Agencies

    Cal Trans bridge Project Manager Robert King was present to discuss the closed on/off ramp on Hwy 20 in Redwood Valley.  He stated that on 11-11-23, eastbound traffic on Hwy 20 will switch to the new highway, and westbound traffic will remain on the old highway for awhile. There will be a total closure of the on/off ramp at Rd 144 for 4-6 weeks for the purpose of bringing up the elevation of the road by 15'. He said they can't keep the ramp open during this construction without a signal or flaggers, not an option due to dangerous back up of traffic on curvy Hwy 20. Members discussed the need for better signage on 101 diverting folks through Calpella, a sign stating "Commercial Zone." Members pointed out hazards needing attention: better lighting is needed, a kink in the road over the river narrows the road too much, Fire Dept and emergency vehicles need priority. Citizens pointed out that blacktop retains heat, and an eastbound onramp should be added on the south side of Hwy 20 to avoid crossing over traffic.

    CHP Sargent Adam Garcia addressed speeding on East and West Roads. He stated that mobile radar trailers have been installed on the roads, which indicate speed limit and your speed. Citizens pointed out specific speeding problem areas, and requested a CHP "ghost vehicle" to be parked. Sargent Garcia stated he could use senior volunteers in CHP vehicles for this purpose.

    Supervisor Glenn McGourty was not present but sent an update read by Adam and Jini. Adam read Glenn's message, that there is a need for water technical assistance and following state regulations for unincorporated areas like Redwood Valley. Amir Mani of the Ukiah Groundwater group has been negotiating for continued water transfers of Eel River water to Potter Valley. New staff Dr. Laura Garza, a Hydrology and Climate Change Advisor,  will work on water issues through UC Extension stating in January. PG&E has agreed with the Inland Water and Power group to negotiate this water flow. Jini read Glenn's message regarding the County's plan to deal with an expected financial shortfall, which includes encouraging State politicians to assist with Jail funding, a hiring freeze except for safety employees, and closing some County facilities.

    Sheriff Matt Kendal was not present.

    Chris, of the Redwood Valley/Calpella Fire Dept Board state they will meet 11-9-23. Jini added the Dept participated in Trunk or Treat.

    The RV Grange flea market is 11-11-23, and the holiday craft fair will be 12-9-23. Trunk or Treat and the haunted house was well attended but the traffic was not safe and help will be needed to control traffic next year. The candidates' forum at the Grange went well with 93 people attending.


  5. Water Education Standing Subcommittee. Adam

    Adam of the Redwood Valley County Water District reported that a grant received to drill a well did not hit water. They will be using PG&E settlement funds to upgrade the pumps at the lake. 

  6. Cannabis Policy Standing Subcommittee: Pien, Community Members

    Pien reported that many people are disappointed in the BOS rejection of the Redwood Valley cannabis opt out zone. Chris and Tom Schoeneman wrote a letter to the UDJ paper stating problems with cannabis and asking for a buffer zone to protect citizens.

  7. Development Review Standing Subcommittee: Marybeth, Jini, Pien


    Project Manager Reena Birch Fram, representing Form Energy, was present to discuss a planned battery bank at 7475 East Rd. She stated the 5 mega watt storage would increase grid reliability for 100 hours of energy. 

    Marybeth reported that UUSD did a walk through at Redwood Valley School recently, and will explore bids in January with a live auction. 

    A vote was taken to allow the Development Review Subcommittee to send a letter to the Planning Commission requesting denial of the proposed 10-pump gas station on 9621 North State Street near Uva Drive. Members noted they had already opposed the project at a MAC meeting on 1-12-22 because Coyote Valley has a large gas station nearby, we want to advocate for electric charging stations, and trucks' air brake noise is disturbing.

    Member Adam Gaska motioned to approve. Vice-Chair Jini Reynolds seconded the motion.

    The roll call vote:

      Aye   Chair Dolly Riley     Aye   Vice-Chair Jini Reynolds     Aye   Member Chris Boyd     Aye   Alternate Member Marybeth Kelly     Aye   Member Patricia Ris-Yarbrough     Aye   Member Adam Gaska     Absent   Alternate Member Fran Laughton     Absent   Member Kahli Johnson  

  8. Great Redwood Trail ad hoc Subcommittee: Adam, Pien, and community member Gizmo Henderson

    There is no current local news on GRT.

  9. Community Action Plan ad hoc Subcommittee - Dolly, Chris, Jini and community members Sheilah Rogers and Alex DeGrassi

    Dolly reported that the Subcommittee met on 11-1-23, and she has asked, and is waiting to meet with, PBS for the purpose of putting the Design Guidelines back on the BOS agenda. 

  10. Officers and Members Reports and Announcements

    Members discussed each Officer's duties. Pien stated she is now trained to complete Treasurer duties, and Katrina wishes to quit. As to Secretary, Jini stated she will look into a program in which Zoom uses the recorded meeting to create minutes. As to Vice Chair-Jini reported the duties include filling in for Chair and she is interested in remaining in the position. As to Chair-Dolly reported she is interested in remaining in the position for the purpose of negotiating and completing the CAP and Design Guidelines approval process. Adam stated he is interested in the Chair position to keep things going on time. 

    Members discussed equipment failure of a microphone, cords, and a redbox which transfers data between TV and computer. The equipment, worth $600-$800, was stored in waterproof boxes but was used by other than MAC and left out, and was compromised by moisture. Group discussed filing an insurance claim with the Grange, where storage occurred. Decision for the time being was for Jini to see if Clay Hawkins is able to evaluate any damage and go from there.

    Members discussed a possible change in venue to the Behavioral Health Center. Dolly cited the Grange provides a consistent meeting place for intermittent citizen attendance. Jini cited problems with equipment storage, and that the equipment cabinet is difficult to get into, and moving the Grange's heavy tables is a problem. Jini said she would contact Dr. Miller at Public Health to learn more about the Behavioral Health Center. 

    Members decided to invite Form Energy, Ms. Birch Fram to be January guest speaker. No December meeting.


  11. Adjournment. 

    Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. Next meeting is 1-10-24.