6/10/25 Board of Supervisors Meeting Summary

By Linda Margarectic

Link to agenda and materials
https://plumascoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1694/overview
 
Link to video of meeting
https://plumascoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1694/media
 
Dwight Ceresola, District one supervisor had an excused absence today for health reasons.
 
Public Comment
Ricardo Jacobus owner of the Brush and Courtyard Suites and member of the Tourism board, spoke about the issue of short term rentals (air BnB, etc) taking business from the hospitality industry in Plumas County. These entities are often not locally owned therefore not increasing local revenue, their rates are often low and businesses like the Courtyard Suites or the Feather Bed (Shelley Hunter) cannot compete with the prices. Most often the short term rentals are not paying TOT (transient occupancy tax). Jacobus said that Truckee has dealt with this via ordinances and encouraged the BOS to look into this.  Kevin agreed this topic needs to be explored. Rick Foster asked the board what the process is for having an agenda item removed (which he had tried to do last meeting via a zoom call. The item he requested to be removed was giving investment authority to the Treasurer Tax Collector.  The item was not removed and authority was granted). County Counsel said it is done “through the chair of the board”.  Rick also requested (for the 7th, 8th, 9th 10th time) that the board put on the agenda the issue he has repeatedly requested – fines, fees and penalties paid by the county.  He ended by saying “I’m not going away”. Diana Dreiss via zoom read a report by Michael Yeadon regarding the dangers of the mRNA shots. Clint Koble spoke in support of Ricardo Jacobus and applauded him for seeking grant money from the Levitt Foundation (levitt.org) to bring a summer concert series to the Brush.
 
Department Head Announcements
Assessor Cindie Froggatt spoke about the property tax appeals she has received – how many were denied, in progress, etc. I will have more specifics in a future email.  Auditor Martee Nieman presented the timeline for the 2025-26 budget.
 
Consent Agenda – all approved
 
3. Departmental  Matters
B. 1) 2)  (Public Hearing) Sean Graham, Solid Waste Manager,  presented the rate increases for Feather River Disposal and for Intermountain Disposal – for self-hauling solid waste to the transfer sites.  Discussion around the issue of the franchise contract prohibiting home owners to hire others to transport the waste ensued.  It was made clear that green waste is the exception – i.e. landscapers, etc. can transport green waste for property owners.  The restriction pertains to transport of all other solid waste.  Both resolutions passed unanimously.
 
C. Human Resources, Josh Mizrahi presented the Plumas County Pay Schedule for approval which passed unanimously.
 
D. Public Health – Nicole Reinert  requested approval for two budget increases.  Both were approved.
 
E. Behavioral Health – Kyle Hardee requested authorization for supplemental budget transfers to cover cost not paid by the reversion of state funding (prop 53 – 1% millionaire tax).  These funds were reclaimed by the state because they were not obligated/spent within the three year time limit. Mimi spoke in defense of Behavioral Health staff saying that there are many rules and requirements as to how the money is spent and that many counties end up returning the money for these reasons.
 
F. Grant Manager Zach Gately requested authorization for supplemental budget transfer from ARPA funds to cover over-budget costs for dispatch software.  Approved.
 
4. Board of Supervisors
A.Rite Aid closure.  Mimi stated that the BOS’ responsibility is to ensure the citizens have access to medication. She said that Quincy Pharmacy is working to increase their staff, their hours of operation and their insurance capabilities.  Rob Thorman, Public Works, is working with Cal Trans and the county to increase parking, especially for handicapped folks and for short term med pick up. The BOS requested that Rob continue to work on these issues. Clint Koble spoke up to say that the Rite Aid in Susanville, a brand new store, closed within two years of operation.  He cautioned that this is evidence that we need to 1) repopulate our county and 2) support local businesses. He said that he will be presenting the Move In project proposal at next week’s BOS meeting.
B.Appointments – Matthew West is appointed to Feather River Conservation Board, District two.  Tom McGowan requested that West’s resume be presented to the board before they approve this appointment.  Kevin Goss will follow up on this.
C. 
5. Adjournment – Kevin Goss dedicated this meeting to Mike Klimek who recently and unexpectedly passed away.  Jane Braxton Little questioned Kevin regarding the protocol for dedicating a meeting.  County Counsel said he will research this.
 
At this point the board took a 5 minute break and then resumed.
 
(Back to) Departmental Matters
A.1) 2) 3) 4) Planning, Tracey Ferguson, public hearing regarding adoption of a resolution to codify the state fire marshall’s  Local Responsibility Area fire hazard designations.  Discussion about consequences to our county if we don’t adopt these designations ensued.  Neither Tracey nor County Counsel knew the answer to this but in the end it was decided to adopt these resolutions because Tracey has also drafted a “whereas” statement and will draft a cover letter stating our concerns.  If we did not comply the state would not have this information.  These items were all approved 3 ayes to 1 no.  Jeff Engel was the no vote. Jeff had spoken of his concerns that these fire hazard designations will raise insurance costs further. State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has stated that this is not the intent of the designations, however, of course, there is no guarantee.
 
Closed Session
A.B.  D. No reportable action  C. was not discussed.
 
Other Important Information
 
Town Hall with District Four Supervisor Mimi Hall, Thursday, June 19th 6:30 to 8:30 at Quincy Library community room
 
Plumas Ponderings blog – latest episode – Using Public Records Laws.
https://plumasponderings.substack.com/p/using-public-records-laws-to-hold?utm_source=publication-search
​