5/20/25 Board of Supervisors Meeting Summary

​by Linda Margaretic

Link to Agenda and Materials
https://plumascoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1731/overview
 
Link to Meeting Video
https://plumascoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1731/media
 
Today was a relatively short meeting.
Supervisor Dwight Ceresola was absent today.
 
Public Comment

Lane Labbe – has concerns about some provisions in the General Plan that are not being followed, such as trail signage for safety.  Deb Hopkins agreed and reported a recent experience on the South Park Trail of bikers coming around a blind corner as she was hiking with her dogs.
 
Department Head Announcements/Reports

Sheriff Todd Johns- announced his retirement effective July 28, 2025
Marcy DeMartile, Registrar - announced that May 21st is the last of the Special Districts presentation.  Portola Memorial Hall 6 p.m
Zach Gately, Grant Coordinator - announced there will be a special Board of Supervisors meeting in Greenville at the high school library 10 a.m. June 6th
Tracey Ferguson, Planning Director – spoke about the postcards that were sent out to property owners regarding Fire Hazard Severity Zones. She said public hearings will be held June 3 and June 10 at 11 a.m. (during the BOS meetings).
 
Action Agenda

Deb Hopkins gave a dynamic presentation about the Outdoor Theater-Quincy Pavilion to be located in Dame Shirley Park.  She explained that the concept began with Tristan McMichael as a senior project.  He presented it to the BOS in 2021 and they were interested however no forward movement happened at that time. Tristan has gone on to college now. Deb who was born and raised in Quincy, has a vision to create a vibrant and unique “town square”. She’s taken Tristan’s concept, expanded it and is moving forward.  She’s working with the Planning Department.  She has the support of a number of community entities.  She is not asking for money from the county. She plans to fund the project with grants and endowments. She’s asking the BOS for help and collaboration in developing the project.  She spoke of how the Quincy Outdoor Theater will bring people to Quincy and to the county and thus revenue. She said there must be community buy-in for this project to succeed.  She went on to say that people have an emotional attachment and strong sense of place about the Dame Shirley spot.  Having the Outdoor Theater there can be a powerful tool for bring the community together and for our economic recovery. Mimi spoke about the county departments who should be involved in helping develop the project. Tom McGowan suggested to agendize a master plan for Dame Shirley Park as a starting point for the Outdoor Theater project. Deb emphasized that she wants to see progress on the project every month. Kevin Goss agreed and said that agendizing this will help things move forward.  Supervisor Jeff Engel said nothing during the presentation. Dwight Ceresola was absent today. Kevin, Mimi and Tom gave their support. Pete Henchel had concerns that “we’re putting the cart before the horse here”.  He said the public  should be involved in a master plan for Dame Shirley and there should be public hearings before launching the Outdoor Theater plan. Tom McGowan reiterated that today’s decision is to agendize creating a master plan for the park, nothing more. Greg Willis from Plumas Charter School gave his strong support for the project.  “It’s an incredible opportunity for our community. It’s an investment in our children”.  Edie O’Connor from West End Theatre and Dramaworks gave her hearty support.  She added that people are moving here, buying homes, getting jobs, because want to be part of the theater family.
 
(Deb’s presentation starts at minute 14) I highly recommend you watch it and also read through her proposal below.  If you have suggestions or want to support this project please let me know and I will relay the information to Deb.
 
Link to Deb’s Outdoor Theater proposal:
file:///C:/Users/Owner/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/E9YDY7WN/DameShirleyPlaza_OutdoorTheater_5.20.25.pdf

Consent Agenda

All items approved unanimously.
 
Departmental Matters

A.1) Facilities – this item pulled to next meeting due to absence of Nick Collin. Later during the meeting Marcy DeMartile spoke on behalf of Colliin saying that the security system being requested is absolutely needed for security and for safety of the staff.  Jeff Engel repeated his question “is it necessary”.  Marcy said absolutely.  She gave examples from the elections standpoint.  More questions ensued.  Kevin suggested that the item be carried over to the June 3rd meeting.

B.1) Librarian Dora Mitchell requested budget transfer – approved unanimously

C.1) Social Services Laura Adkins requested signing a contract with Event Change for internet access to SAFEMEASURES to aggregate certain data – unanimously approved
 
Board of Supervisors

A. Appointments
1) Joshua Brechtel, interim County Counsel was offered a 4-year employment agreement with the county.  Linda Judge commented.  She appreciated that the job description was posted and suggested that for future appointments the job descriptions for all department heads be posted. She also wanted to be sure everyone is aware that this is not an “at will” appointment.  The terms of this agreement say that employment can only be terminated “for cause”.  She went on to ask why Mr. Brechtel is getting the job now when in December 2024 this topic was on the agenda and Mr. Brechtel announced then that he did not get the job, that the county had decided to “farm it out”.  Mimi commented. The county has been without a permanent County Counsel for 2 years. She stated Mr. Brechtel has applied multiple times for the position and has been offered the contract more than once during this time. She said that the hold up has been implementing the contract because of bureaucratic stasis. She’s glad we are now moving forward. She thanked Josh Brechtel for his patience and hopes that going forward we move more quickly to fill vacancies.  Linda Judge spoke again saying that not all counties appoint the County Counsel position. She also asked the board to look back at the December 1th BOS meeting, saying that at that meeting Josh himself said the county did not offer him the position. Auditor Martee Nieman spoke and said the county departments are working together more cohesively and positively and encouraged everyone to move forward from here. Sara James Deputy County Counsel offered her appreciation for Josh Brechtel’s work.
 
2) Joe Hagwood was appointed to the Quincy La Porte Cemetery District Board. Mimi offered her appreciation to Hagwood for stepping up. Deb Hopkins offered her appreciation as well.  Shondra West Cemetery General Manager spoke up to say that for years the cemetery has been neglected by previous cemetery staff.  She urged the community to come to her with any concerns or comments.
 
3) Appoint Rebecca Herrin and Greg Niel to Greenhorn Creek Community Services District.
 
All appointments unanimously approved.
 
Meetings and Correspondence

It seems that the supervisors are conducting Town Halls on a regular basis now.  Very good indication that our growing public participation and interest is encouraging the supervisors to be more accessible and accountable.
 
Jane Braxton Little asked what is the official definition of a Town Hall Meeting.  Tom suggested that County Counsel research this.  Mimi added that her Town Halls are called “Supervisor Town Halls” which make it clear this is a government town hall.
 
Rick Foster called in to say he’s been ill and this is why he has not been at recent meetings.  He said he would like to see some things on the agenda “sooner than later” such as the Outdoor Theater project.  He also asked if the board would consider putting on the agenda the topic of monies lost by the county do to “fines, fees and penalties”.
 
Closed Session

Only one item this time.  No reportable action.
 
Other Information
Learn about the Brown Act from Shannon’s blog Plumas Ponderings:
https://open.substack.com/pub/plumasponderings/p/californias-brown-act?r=1tty4s&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
 
Next Supervisor Town Hall with Mimi Hall will be Thursday, June 19th 6:30 p.m. Quincy Library Community Room.