Aug. 5 Board of Supervisors meeting Summary

By Linda Margaretic

Link to agenda and materials
https://plumascoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1596/overview
 
Link to video
https://plumascoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1596/overview
 
Public Comment:
Clint Koble reported that he received notice that his Fair Plan insurance rate will go down by about one third this coming September.  He also said that the seven major insurance carriers are re-writing their policies with more competitive rates.  There’s hope for some relief folks!  Also, Clint provided an extensive report about our county – it’s challenges and opportunities. He gives comparison data which I found very helpful for my understanding of our economic circumstances. See the report here.
 
Rick Foster asked the Board to please look into the progress being made with the formation of the long-promised Treasury Oversight Committee, of which he would like to be a member.  (This is something we need to stay on top of – it needs to happen)
 
Department Head Announcements:
Before the departments weighed in, Bruce Ross, a representative from Senator Megan Dahle’s office, gave an appreciation speech and a plaque to Todd Johns for his dedicated service.  He said Sheriff Johns has lead with grace during his term in office.  He has improved the infrastructure , overseen the construction and completion of the new jail and guided the county through very hard times.  Mr. Ross’ accolades were followed by many others in the room. Here is a recent article about Sheriff Johns.
 
Article in Plumas Sun – Todd Johns Retirement
https://plumassun.org/2025/07/31/sheriff-todd-johns-retires-after-34-years/ 
 
Soon to be sworn in as sheriff Chad Hermann reported Plumas County July data – there were 242 incidents; 229 were department initiated; 114 were criminal; 32 arrests.  He said that soon he hopes to have data broken down by area of the county and other specifics.
 
Public Works, Rob Thorman announced a public meeting that will occur Tuesday, August 12, 6-8 p.m. Quincy Library, regarding the Court Street closure.  He said they will offer two options. (See the flyer here)
 
At this point Mimi Hall chimed in to remind us that this week is the anniversary of the loss of Greenville in 2021.  She expressed sympathy for those who suffered loss and she commended Todd Johns for his leadership during that critical time.
 
Updates and Reports:
USFS – Forest Information Officer announced that a new forest supervisor has been hired and will start September 8th.  Laura Schwitzer, comes to us most recently from Portland, Oregon.  Other announcements included that to date there have been 49 fires on the Plumas this season, none of which developed into anything significant.  She reminded us not to feed bears and reported there has been bear trouble behind Oakland Camp and also vehicle break-ins at Lake Davis.
 
Consent Agenda:
Tom McGowan asked that 2.J.2) be pulled for discussion.  His questions was whether California Dept. of Parks and Rec will be grooming trails in the Almanor area for cross country skiing.  The response was “no” they are only grooming the road that gives access to the trail heads.
After discussion, all  items on the consent agenda were passed
 
Appointments:
4. E. 1) This item was moved up on the agenda. Tom McGowan said he’s heard from some folks in his district that they want an interview process.  Tom said that though he is in favor of Chad’s appointment as sheriff, it is the public perception he is concerned about.  Mimi reported she’s been approached about this and she shared, in detail, why she believes that appointing Chad is the very best for the county. Jeff Engel said “we were elected because people had faith in us making good decisions”.  Several members in the audience, myself included, gave support for Chad’s appointment. The vote was unanimous. Chad Hermann was then sworn in by Registrar Marcy DeMartille. There was a round of applause.
 
At this point there was a zoom call.  The caller was trying to make a general public comment.  Chair Goss told her that public comment time had passed and unless she had a comment about Chad Hermann’s appointment she couldn’t speak at this time. Rick Foster said that he’s had the same problem of getting his zoom call in on time. Goss said he’d look into this. (We need to be sure this gets fixed)
 
Departmental Matters:
B)Human Resources – Sara James, interim HR Director requested approval from the Board to enter into an agreement with RGS for a comprehensive salary study for county employees.  This has been discussed at length in previous BOS meetings.  Mimi spoke to say that this is a big step in equity and parity for county employees.  Sara also explained that this study will provide valuable data for the county moving forward in positions descriptions and salaries.  The HR items passed unanimously.
 
3. H. 1) Time certain continued public hearing.  Planning Director Tracey Ferguson reviewed the Staniger zoning change issue which has been approved by the planning commission at their July 15th meeting.  The issue is the Staniger family requesting their Lake Almanor property be rezoned to allow large animals.  Neighboring property owners objected and much discussion was had over the past months.  I commend Mimi for suggesting a compromise and Tracey
for doing the research involved.  The original ask by the Staniger family was  a rezoning of their entire 9 acre property.  The compromise is to rezone only 5.2 acres with a 150 foot buffer from neighboring properties.  Agreement was reached by all parties involved.  The Board approved the rezoning.
 
F. Fairgrounds – John Steffanic requested approval of a permit for the Belden Town Music Festival August 7-13.  Approval was granted. Tracey requested doing a site visit during the festival to make sure safety rules are being followed in terms of entering, exiting and parking.
 
Board of Supervisors:
A. To authorize an amendment to increase compensation for Renee Public Law Group to $30,000. ($10,000 more than original contract) Discussion followed.  Dan Kearns asked if this representation is pertinent to a specific case.  Jane Braxton Little of the Plumas Sun asked if this amount is for one case or on-going.  Kevin Goss responded “a case”.  Jane continued and asked if he could say what the case is. No. Rick Foster asked if the many cases over the past two years have been resolved and how can the public know results.  The answer to this was quite nebulous. Rick went on to ask about the case involving an escaped prisoner.  County Counsel said that hasn’t been resolved yet. He went on to say that if a settlement amount was given this would be reported publicly  at the end of closed session.  (Again, I repeat, this process seems very nebulous and confusing. It leaves room for lots of questions and speculation on part of we the people.)
B.Terra Fuego – Bill Jacks asked the Board to sign a letter of support for the Terra Fuego “conceptual plan” to create dozer fire lines throughout our communities. The letter contains an eminent domain clause which would give Terra Fuego permission to make fire lines on private property.  Dan Kearns spoke in support of the plan but expressed concerns about the eminent domain portion.  Dwight Ceresola (who rarely speaks) was adamant that he wouldn’t approve an eminent domain clause. Tracey Ferguson said that she is working on the Safety Element of the general plan which has aspects of the Terra Fuego concept with fire breaks around communities.  She said that there may be ways within the Safety Element to avoid eminent domain by using planning tools such as Right of Entry Agreements or easements.  Mimi said the document only came to the BOS last week and there hasn’t been time for the research involved to write a letter of support. Tom said “it’s just a letter of support” encouraging the BOS to sign the letter, but County Counsel said it’s not just a letter of support because it contains actions that the county will do or will permit.  County Counsel isn’t comfortable for the Board to sign such a letter at this time.  He said he needs more details.  Bill Jacks did his best to be alright with the Board’s decision not to sign saying he can bring it back at another time. He said he wants to build a good relationship with the BOS.
 
Correspondence:
Mimi spoke about the Strategic Planning meetings.  Recently there was a core meeting  with department heads.  She said a survey will be going out to all County employees and another survey will come to the community.  She said Zach Gately will be having community meetings during the weeks of August 11 and August 18 to gather more information for the Strategic Plan. 
 
Tom reported he’s been in contact with Congressman Doug LaMalfa.  He said LaMalfa would like to re-include Plumas County in his district.  He said LaMalfa is in Washington D.C. working to change the endangered species act.
 
Kevin said they are currently in the first round of interviews for Disaster Coordinator position.
 
Closed Session:
A. B. C.  D.  E.  F.  No reportable action.
 
 
 
 
Next BOS meeting Tuesday, August 12, 10 a.m. third floor of courthouse.