Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Chair Dolly Riley.
1. Roll Call
  
  Present: Chair Dolly Riley, Member Chris Boyd, Alternate Member Marybeth Kelly, Member Patricia Ris-Yarbrough, Member Kahli Johnson
  
  Absent: Vice-Chair Jini Reynolds, Member Adam Gaska, Member Deborah Hughes
  
  Staff Present: CHP Sergeant Adam Garcia, Sheriff Matt Kendall, RV Fire Captain Reuben Rojas, and members of the community.
Consent Calendar. Approval of Minutes of 2-14-24
Chris motioned to approve the Minutes of 2-14-24, and Pien seconded. All present members voted yes to approve.
Public Comments
Kahli stated that the City of Ukiah has begun a process of annexing land, and charges 50% of PG&E’s rate. San Francisco is starting to separate utility power from PG&E and generate their own power.
Brief Report from County and Agencies
Guest speaker Sergeant Adam Garcia of CHP addressed speeding in Redwood Valley, stating that the current traffic surveys are expired and needed every 7 years. The County Dept of Transportation usually does the Traffic and Engineering Study. Radar is the main tool to catch speeders, but needs a current traffic survey. The radar trailers showing speed are run on solar so not used in winter. He added that senior volunteers can sit in CHP vehicles to deter speeding. The State legislature make the rules but strive to avoid speed traps. Sergeant Garcia added that shoulder driving is a violation. Sheriff Matt Kendall stated that an officer can do a “bumper check” driving behind a speeder at same rate. Pien noted there can be pedestrian deaths from speeders. She reflected “with a survey, we may see the inverse of what we want” if the traffic survey results in a higher median rate of speed than the posted speed, as it would not help to slow traffic. Marybeth brought pictures showing speed limit of 25 mph in RV areas, and asked if we could have more patrols. She invited Sergeant Garcia to drive the whole loop of RV. Chris stated that speed bumps should be considered, and asked if CHP legislation could help. Gizmo thanked Sergeant for law enforcement presence on the northbound 101 onramp, and discussed white line infractions and a desire for decoy vehicles. Lori stated she doesn’t ride her horse along the road anymore and suggested speed bumps at Lion’s Park. Kahli noted that the first step is a Traffic and Engineering Study. Sandi asked for the speed limit on rural roads, and Sergeant Garcia stated 55 mph if not otherwise posted.

Glenn McGourty was not present due to RCRC meeting.

Sheriff Matt Kendall lamented the recent fentanyl overdoses in the jail, noting that the drug can be imported to the jail in an area as small as an ear canal. He said that in 2023 there were 89 County deaths and 49 of those were from overdose. Sheriff stated they are training a labrador dog for drug detecting at the jail, as miniscule amounts cannot otherwise be detected. He gave an update on Search and Rescue training for volunteers. He noted that 150 CHP officers are going to assist with crime intervention in Oakland, and feels that CHP should be enforcing vehicle crime. He believes that criminal penalties should be associated with narcotic use, and said the State public safety committee has fought harsher penalties. He said there is very little inter-racial crime because people tend to live near those like them and crime is usually within neighborhoods of the same ethnicity. He said 99% of crimes against Native people are committed by Native people. He said the jail is generally doing good but he needs more deputies because Mendocino County pays less than other counties. He’s hired 4 or 5 Dreamer Act deputies who grew up in County. Marybeth noted that Road E had a recent break in that was caught on game camera. Kahli asked about funding and Sheriff stated Measure B helped. Gizmo asked about inmates being employed to clear the forest and Sheriff noted that the jail contains more hardened criminals sent from prison that he must house up to 15 years in County due to a change in the law. He does not want to set them loose with a chainsaw. Sheriff noted the State is stepping away from past responsibilities.

Fire Captain Ruben Rojas was present and stated they are seeking a permanent Fire Marshall, hoping acting employee will stay in that position. Chris noted the Fire Dept meeting is 3-14 at 6pm. Gizmo stated that in addition to one siren at the Firehouse, he learned that OES has bids out for four more sirens.
Marybeth noted the new Grange cooking exhaust hood passed Fire Marshal inspection. She announced the Grange/Fire Dept/Humane Society benefit pancake breakfast will be 3-17, and the Grange Easter bake sale fundraiser will be 3-30 held at the Humane Society.
Water Education Standing Subcommittee. Adam
Dolly announced the consolidation of City of Ukiah, Millview and Redwood Valley in a new water authority in order to ensure water to citizens, to qualify for grants, and to streamline state requirements of paperwork and engineering. Willow and Calpella have the option to join later and waited with a wish to avoid rate hikes. The new authority will meet on 4-2 at 6pm at Ukiah Conference Center. Dolly noted information was provided by Monica Huettl of Mendo Fever. Kahli stated that the aquifer under the City of Ukiah is a river and the City uses 2-3% of it. Chris noted the 2014 Groundwater Sustainability Act is meant to avoid overuse of water.
Cannabis Policy Standing Subcommittee: Pien, Community Members
Discussion ensued as to benefit and blight of cannabis.
Development Review Standing Subcommittee: Marybeth, Jini, Pien
Dolly stated the MAC’s 2-14 vote as to the Zajac setback reduction was not well-informed as Ms Montoya gave unverified information, and a permit was found to not even be required. Dolly noted that the Zajacs do not talk to neighbor Montoya (as Ms Montoya complained) nor Montoya’s husband, Mr Dick, because there is a restraining order after Mr Dick was convicted of firing a gun toward the Zajac child. Dolly gave an apology to the Zajacs for voting before hearing both sides. Adam’s ideas on MAC recommendations to PBS will be discussed in April. Permits submitted by Ford and Cummins were discussed as rebuilds after the 2017 fire and the MAC will take no action.

The Faizon Corp. permit request for a 10-pump gas station was denied by the Planning Commission on 1-4-24, but Faizon appealed that decision, and the BOS will decide the permit on 3-26. Dolly invited those who have an opinion to show up. Chris read a well-researched letter she composed, and the MAC approved sending it after a motion from Kahli and a second from Pien. The vote was unanimous to send the letter to the BOS.

Marybeth reported on efforts to retain the Redwood Valley School property for community use. She has arranged a series of meetings with Marv Trotter who was a leader in forming the ARC at Grace Hudson School as a community area for childcare, basketball, afterschool program, etc. The vision for Redwood Valley is a multi-purpose room, lower playing field, lap pool, pickle ball, and tiny homes.
Climate and Utility Issues
The MAC letter opposing PG&E rate increase was sent to legislators and the press. The BOS sent a letter to CPUC opposing AT&T efforts to cease service to landlines.
Community Action Plan ad hoc Subcommittee - Dolly, Chris, Jini and community members Sheilah Rogers and Alex DeGrassi
This document is now on the RVMAC website under Resources. Dolly submitted a bill for $119 for computer assistance from Respect Tech to MAC Treasurer.
Officers and Members Reports and Announcements
Treasurer Pien gave an update on County method for reimbursement. Alt member and Secretary openings announced. Supervisor McGourty requested the Redwood Valley community participate in suggesting a name for the new Russian River Hwy 20 bridge, of an accomplished and deceased local person. No action taken until April meeting, as this was not on the Agenda. Suggestions of names so far include: Jean Near, Wooley Family 1921, John “Bubba” Feliz, Barbara Eversole, Tom Jamison, and Leo Blier Sr. Dolly asked for a brief description of service to accompany each suggestion at next meeting. April guest speaker will be John King of Inland Humane Society.
Adjournment.
Meeting adjourned at 7:40pm. Next meeting 4-10-24.