Board of Supervisors (2025-01-21)

Board of Supervisors MINUTES 1 January 21, 2025 County of Inyo Board of Supervisors January 21, 2025 The Board of Supervisors of the County of Inyo, State of California, met in regular session at the hour of 8:33 a.m., on January 21, 2025, in the Board of Supervisors Room, County Administrative Center, Independence, with the following Supervisors present: Chairperson Scott Marcellin, presiding, Will Wadelton, Jeff Griffiths, Jennifer Roeser, and Trina Orrill. Also present: County Administrator Nate Greenberg, County Counsel John-Carl Vallejo, and Assistant Clerk of the Board Darcy Israel. Closed Session Public Comment The Chairperson asked for public comment related to closed session items and there was no one wishing to speak. Closed Session Chairperson Marcellin recessed open session at 8:33 a.m. to convene in closed session with all Board members present to discuss the following item(s): No. 2 Conference with County's Labor Negotiators – Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 – Regarding employee organizations: Deputy Sheriff’s Association (DSA); Inyo County Correctional Officers Association (ICCOA); Inyo County Employees Association (ICEA); Inyo County Probation Peace Officers Association (ICPPOA); IHSS Workers; Law Enforcement Administrators’ Association (LEAA). Unrepresented employees: all. County designated representatives – Administrative Officer Nate Greenberg, Assistant Personnel Director Keri Oney, County Counsel John-Carl Vallejo, Assistant County Counsel Christy Milovich, Assistant County Counsel Grace Weitz, and Assistant CAO Denelle Carrington; and No. 3 Public Employee Performance Evaluation – Pursuant to Government Code §54957 – Title: County Administrator. Open Session Chairperson Marcellin recessed closed session and reconvened the meeting in open session at 10:07 a.m. with all Board members present. Pledge of Allegiance Supervisor Griffiths led the Pledge of Allegiance. Report on Closed Session County Counsel Vallejo reported that the Board met under Item Nos. 2 and 3 and said that no action was taken during closed session that is required to be reported. CSAC Leadership Academy Graduation CAO Greenberg provided an overview of the California State Association of Counties Leadership Academy and introduced CSAC Chief Executive Officer Graham Knaus and Chief Operations Officer Paul Danczyk, who conducted a graduation ceremony for the following County employees who participated in the program: Water Director Holly Alpert; Assistant Sheriff Tim Bachman; HHS Program Integrity Manager Lori Bengochia; HHS Deputy Director Melissa Best-Baker; Probation Manager Penni Brown; HHS Assistant Director Gina Ellis; Public Works Director Mike Errante; Payroll Manager Kortni Girardin; Public Works Deputy Director for Airports Ashley Helms; Risk Manager Aaron Holmberg, Assistant Chief Information Officer Abhilash Itharaju; Office Technician Janice Jackson; Probation Operations Analyst Krystal Leonard; Undersheriff Juan Martinez; Hazardous Materials Manager Richard Medina; Senior Management Analyst Breanne Nelums; Assistant Personnel Director Keri Oney; Environmental Health Director Jerry Oser; Environmental Health REHS Sarah Peterson; Deputy Public Works Director for Roads Shannon Platt; Administrative Analyst Riannah Reade; Network Analyst Rochelle Romo; Chief Information Officer Noam Shendar; Sergeant Mark Smith; Building Technical Official Tyson Sparrow; Assessor David Stottlemyre; HHS Deputy Director Stephanie Tanksley; Emergency Manager Mikaela Torres, County Counsel John-Carl Vallejo, HHS FIRST Supervisor Jody Veenker; Senior Planner Danielle Visuano; HHS Deputy Director Morningstar Wagoner, and Deputy Chief Probation Officer Julie Weier. Board members congratulated staff as they came up to the front of the room to receive a

Board of Supervisors MINUTES 2 January 21, 2025 certificate of completion and lapel pin and pictures were taken to commemorate the proud moment for Inyo County. Recess/Reconvene The Chairperson recessed the meeting for a break at 10:23 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at 10:25 a.m. with all Board members present. Employee Service Recognition The Board recognized the following employees who reached service milestones during the Fourth Quarter of 2024, many of whom were in attendance to receive their commemorative pins: • Larry Freilich, 15 years; and Meredith Jabis, 5 years – Water Department • Breanne Nelums, 20 years; Brandon Bardonnex, 15 years; Marcus Warner, 5 years; and Gael Hueso Beltran, 5 years – Public Works • Kristen Pfeiler, 5 years – County Administration • Kenneth Bigham, 10 years – Sheriff • Katelyn Lent, 5 years – Health & Human Services • Kortni Girardin, 10 years – Auditor-Controller • Julie Weier, 30 years – Probation Department Public Comment The Chairperson asked for public comment related to items not calendared on the agenda and public comment was received from Lauralyn Hundley and Trevor Warner. CAO – California State Association of Counties Update CSAC Chief Executive Officer Knaus delivered an overview presentation which highlighted the advocacy role of the CSAC organization and the many facets of representation it offers for both rural and urban California counties. Knaus recognized Supervisor Griffiths’ position as the CSAC President, thanked him for his incredible service to the agency, and presented him with a Challenge Coin. Supervisor Griffiths announced that Supervisor Orrill had recently been nominated for the California Counties Representative for the Office of Emergency Services, Homeland Security. Board members thanked CEO Knaus and COO Danczyk for making the trip to Inyo County. CAO-Emergency Services – CalOES Region VI Coordination Update The Board received a presentation from Big Pine Fire Chief Damon Carrington on Region VI Coordination with CalOES and provided data on the various mutual aid fire calls that Inyo volunteer firefighters have responded to within the last year. Carrington provided an anticipated forecast of the upcoming fire season and explained some of the challenges fire personnel are currently facing throughout the state. Recess/Reconvene The Chairperson recessed the meeting for a break at 12:02 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 12:36 p.m. with all Board members present. County Department Reports Auditor-Controller Amy Shepherd provided updates on the ongoing conversion to the property tax system (Aumentum). Emergency Services Manager Mikaela Torres did a walk-through presentation on updates made to the ReadyInyo website and said preliminary planning has begun for an “Animals in Disaster” workshop. Torres and Deputy Public Works Director of Airports Ashley Helms, reported on a recent mock plane crash training that was held in Mono County and said both she and Helms have been working closely with Risk Management and County Council to create similar training for Inyo County. Helms remained at the podium to share information about the purchase of a new mower for the Lone Pine Airport and said it was made possible by a generous donation made to the local non-profit group “Friends of the Lone Pine Airport.” Public Works Director Mike Errante announced that repairs to Whitney Portal Road are in the final stages this week and said he expects the road to re-open on Saturday. Errante thanked citizens for their patience, contractors and staff for their hard work, and Central Federal Lands Highway Division and Caltrans for their assistance with the project. Supervisor Marcellin requested the timely removal of construction and detour signage to accommodate residents who have been affected by the project for the last sixteen months.

Board of Supervisors MINUTES 3 January 21, 2025 Clerk of the Board – Approval of Minutes Moved by Supervisor Griffiths and seconded by Supervisor Orrill to approve the minutes from the regular Board of Supervisors meeting of January 7, 2025, and the special meeting of January 14, 2025. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk of the Board – Inyo Fish & Wildlife Commission Letter Moved by Supervisor Griffiths and seconded by Supervisor Orrill to authorize the Inyo County Fish & Wildlife Commission to send a letter to the California Fish and Game Commission regarding the impact of mountain lions on the local mule deer and bighorn sheep population. Motion carried unanimously. CAO – Donation of Surplus Items Moved by Supervisor Griffiths and seconded by Supervisor Orrill to: A) Declare items listed in Attachment A surplus and no longer needed for County use; and B) Approve the donation of said items to Inyo-Mono Association for the Handicapped (IMAH) pursuant to Government Code Section 25372. Motion carried unanimously. CAO-Emergency Services – 2024 Homeland Security Grant Application/ Reso. #2025-02 Moved by Supervisor Griffiths and seconded by Supervisor Orrill to: A) Approve the submittal of the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 HSGP Application and authorize the County Administrator, as the designated Authorized Agent, to sign the grant application, as well as any and all accompanying documents, by approving the "Governing Board Resolution No. 2025-02;" and B) Authorize the Chairperson to sign the addendum letter. Motion carried unanimously. CAO-Emergency Services – 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant Application/ Reso. #2025-03 Moved by Supervisor Griffiths and seconded by Supervisor Orrill to: A) Approve the submittal of the Fiscal Year 2024 EMPG Program Application and authorize the County Administrator, as the designated Authorized Agent, to sign the grant application, as well as any and all accompanying documents, by approving the "Governing Body Resolution (No. 2025-03);" and B) Authorize the Chairperson to sign the resolution and resolution addendum letter. Motion carried unanimously. Planning Department – Fifth District Planning Commissioner Appointment Moved by Supervisor Griffiths and seconded by Supervisor Orrill to appoint Mr. Aaron Cassell as the Fifth District Planning Commissioner, to serve a four-year term ending January 4, 2029. Motion carried unanimously. Treasurer-Tax Collector – Investment Authority/ Reso. #2025-04 Moved by Supervisor Griffiths and seconded by Supervisor Orrill to approve Resolution No. 2025-04, titled, "A Resolution of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Inyo Delegating to the Inyo County Treasurer its Investment Authority Pursuant to Section 53607 of the Government Code," and authorize the Chairperson to sign. Motion carried unanimously. Treasurer-Tax Collector – 2025 Statement of Investment Policy Moved by Supervisor Griffiths and seconded by Supervisor Orrill to review and approve the 2025 Statement of Investment Policy and direct any questions to the County Treasurer. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk of the Board – Lone Pine Fire District Board of Directors Appointments Chairperson Marcellin allowed Supervisor Wadelton to introduce the item. Wadelton noted that applicant Marian Elton-Seiter was present and she introduced herself to the Board. Moved by Supervisor Wadelton and seconded by Supervisor Orrill to appoint Clark Trowell and Valerie Diggs to the Lone Pine Fire Protection District Board of Directors so that it may achieve a quorum and subsequently fill the rest of its vacancies. Motion carried unanimously. CAO – TOT Fund MOU with SIFPD CAO Greenberg provided background on the Transient Occupancy Tax District Improvement Fund and the recommendations made for District 5 prior to Supervisor Kingsley’s retirement. Supervisor Wadelton expressed his support of the MOU and payment, as well as excitement for the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District. Moved by Supervisor Wadelton and seconded by Supervisor Roeser to:

Board of Supervisors MINUTES 4 January 21, 2025 A) Approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Inyo and Southern Inyo Fire Protection District for the purpose of allocating the Transient Occupancy Tax District Improvement Fund; and B) Authorize the payment of $100,000.00 to the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District. Motion carried unanimously. CAO-Personnel – ICCOA MOU Moved by Supervisor Griffiths and seconded by Supervisor Roeser to ratify and approve the November 1, 2024, through October 31, 2027 Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Inyo and Inyo County Correctional Officer Association (ICCOA). Motion carried unanimously. CAO – Regional Housing Needs Assessment Contract and Cost- Sharing MOU Moved by Supervisor Griffiths and seconded by Supervisor Roeser to: A) Approve the cost-sharing agreement between the County of Inyo and Mono County, the City of Bishop, the Town of Mammoth Lakes, and the Eastern Sierra Council of Governments, authorizing the County of Inyo to Enter and Administer a Contract for the Preparation of a Regional Housing Needs Assessment and Action Plan and Providing for Reimbursement to the County of Inyo for the Cost Thereof, and authorize the Chairperson to sign, contingent upon all appropriate signatures being obtained; and B) Approve the contract between the County of Inyo and BAE Urban Economics of Berkeley, CA, for the provision of a Regional Housing Needs Assessment and Action Plan in an amount not to exceed $193,175 for the period of January 21, 2025 - June 30, 2026, and authorize the Chairperson to sign. Motion carried unanimously. Public Comment Chairperson Marcellin asked for public comment related to items not calendared on the agenda and there was no one wishing to speak. Board Member & Staff Reports CAO Greenberg sent thoughts and prayers to those affected by the wildfires in Southern California and noted that the situation has prompted recent conversations on how to better prepare Inyo in the event of a similar disaster. Greenberg said he attended an Emergency Medical Care Committee Meeting and had meetings with the Board’s new appointment to the Rural Fire District, Gavin Delmas, Eastern Sierra Council of Government Director Elaine Kabala, and Senator Padilla’s field representative, Margaret Arechiga. Greenberg said he will provide an emergency medical services update at the next Board meeting on February 11. County Counsel Vallejo informed the Board that the Great Basin Pollution Control District is in the process of hiring a new Executive Director and said there have been discussions about the possibility of an amended agreement with County Counsel, which would allow for the provision of general counsel legal services. Vallejo said that should this occur, the Board will see an agendized item for it. Supervisor Griffiths said he attended meetings for the Local Agency Formation Commission and Bishop City Council and traveled to Washington, D.C. and Sacramento to discuss state budget impacts due to the recent wildfires. Supervisor Orrill thanked Senator Padilla’s field representative, Margaret Arechiga, for visiting Inyo, reminded attendees that there are still vacancies on the Eastern Sierra Area Agency on Aging Committee, and said she will be holding her first quarterly community meeting on January 27. Supervisor Wadelton said he visited with constituents in Death Valley and the Furnace Creek area, traveled to Shoshone to watch the premier of a locally produced documentary, toured Lone Pine with Senator Padilla’s field representative and visited Lone Pine Airport. Wadelton provided information on animal shot clinics in the Fifth District. Supervisor Roeser shared information on an upcoming meeting with Emergency Manager Torres on Public Safety Power Shutoff and another meeting for the Fish & Game Commission. Supervisor Marcellin said he attended a Local Transportation Commission meeting.

Board of Supervisors MINUTES 5 January 21, 2025 Adjournment The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 1:50 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2024, in the County Administrative Center in Independence. Chairperson, Inyo County Board of Supervisors Attest: N A T E G R E E N B E R G C l e r k o f t h e B o a r d by: _____________________________________ Darcy Ellis, Assistant