Summary of August 19, 2025 BOS Meeting

​By Linda Margaretic

​Meeting agenda and materials
https://plumascoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1779/overview
 
Video
https://plumascoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1779/media
 
Public Comment
Inge Houck gave a very nice talk about her hospitality to Pacific Crest Trail Hikers.  Thus far she has hosted 29 hikers in her cabin.  She shared their written comments, post cards and the conversations she had with some of them.  She also gave data about how the hikers are a benefit to the local economy by spending money to re-stock their packs and spend a night or two here.  It was an inspiring talk.
Deb Hopkins asked the Board to close Court Street and to make the space between the courthouse and Dame Shirley a “green space” She spoke about our ageing demographic and other challenges for our county population. She said that the Outdoor Theater in Dame Shirley is an economic development tool. She emphasized that we must have forward thinking vision.  Click here for Deb's comments.
Zoom Caller – She read from various sources about the mass graves caused by the covid shots.  She went on to say that the covid pandemic was just a global rehearsal for the spiritual warfare we are engaged in. Her talk exceeded 3 minutes so she was cut off before she finished.
Rick Foster – for the eighth time, urged the BOS to prioritize the formation of the long-promised Treasury Oversight Committee, which he would like to be part of. (During her correspondence and meeting report Mimi said that this is being discussed and should be finalized by end of September or early October.)
 
Department Head Announcements
DA Hollister reported that we are experiencing a spike in serious cases.  He said the trial calendar is full and that we have some violent and disruptive felons.  He alluded to an incident that happened in the courthouse last week.  He gave thanks to the Sheriff Department for their good work.
 
Updates and Reports
Business and Economic Development report by Clint Koble – Click here for Clint's report. 
 
Grant Manager, Zach Gately talked about the Strategic Planning meetings happening this week and next.  He emphasized that these meetings are a beginning of the process and they are focused on creating the Mission, Vision and Values Statements – not on community concerns. The survey can be completed online or at the meeting. He said that meetings to address public concerns would be held later on.  Mimi asked that at these survey meetings people can give concerns but they’d be placed in a “parking lot” for later consideration.  Zach agreed.  He also said that the public can email him or the BOS anytime with their thoughts and concerns regarding a Strategic Plan. Email addresses are listed above along with the survey.  I encourage you all to complete the survey.

Strategic Plan Survey
https://www.plumascounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/51593/press-release-strategic-planning-survey-fy26

Grant Manager, Zach Gately
[email protected]

Board of Supervisors
[email protected]
 
Consent Agenda
Janet Crain asked to discuss 2.a.1) which has to do with security cameras for the Chester Library/Museum, the Chester Park and the Chester Airport. Facilities Director Nick Collin gave details and answered questions. He also said that we already have security cameras in the Elections Department , HR Department, Nervino Airport.  After discussion this item was approved.
 
All other Consent items were approved.
 
Departmental Matters
11:00 Public Hearing – Sara James, interim HR Director gave an excellent report on county staffing – vacancies, recruitment and retention efforts.  A new law AB 2561 requires agencies to report on these things prior to the finalization of the county budget. There were a number of comments regarding the housing problems, the suggestions to use high school students and volunteers for some of the jobs. Kevin Goss said that RCRC has a Down Payment Assistance Program for county employees.  Mimi said she supports hiring incentives as well as retention incentives. This was a very informative and well prepared presentation. Sheriffs’ Association president Chandler Peay said that wages are the biggest challenge. He also said that we need better ways to get qualified applicants. You can watch Sara’s talk at hour 1 minute 2:50.
You can view the slides here: file:///C:/Users/Owner/Intel/Downloads/7c35ebfd-a0a3-47ad-b3b4-465e61e281bd.pdf
 
A second Public Hearing was held.  Rob Thorman, Director of Public Works asked the BOS to adopt an ordinance amending county code. This pertains to having two 15 minute parking spaces in front of Quincy Pharmacy.  It was approved.
 
Agriculture Department – Willo Vieira presented a resolution for the Board to adopt authorizing the ag commissioner (Willo) to contract with the US Dept. of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services (APHIS-WS) for an integrated wildlife damage management program. This is a joint agreement with Sierra County who will share the cost. The total cost of this contract is $97,000. After the State and Sierra County pay their share, Plumas County will be around $49,000.  For this we receive two highly trained individuals, their equipment, vehicles, gas, etc. These people can also organize range riders. This agreement terminates on June 30, 2026. Her talk begins at hour 1 minute 50.  It was interesting and worth watching.
 
Closed Session
A.B. C. D. E. F. – No reportable action.