Here’s what you need to know:
- Through the California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, microbusinesses with five or fewer full-time equivalent employees in the County of Madera will be eligible for a one-time grant of $2,500. Madera County Economic Development Commission (EDC) will be taking applications from March 14, 2022, through April 14, 2022.
- The Board (5-0) approved the ordinance amending and restating Chapter 7.24 of Madera County Code to comply with Senate Bill 1383 (SB1383) Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Regulations.
- The Board (5-0) approved an agreement with Marko Construction, Inc. for $3,566,000.00 to renovate the security electronics and HVAC systems at the Juvenile Detention Facility.
The Scene
According to its website, The Madera Board of Supervisors is the legislative and executive governing body of the Madera County government. Each of the five supervisorial districts of the County elects one supervisor.
Within limits prescribed by State law, the Board enacts ordinances and rules, determines County policy, supervises the activities of County departments, adopts an annual budget, and fixes salaries.
The Board meets regularly the first three Tuesdays of each month and occasionally on Mondays in the Board Chambers of the County Government Center in Madera. On Tuesday, Mar. 8, 2022, the meeting was at 9:00 am.
Madera County Board of Supervisors Members present:
- Brett Frazier (District #1)
- David Rogers (District #2)
- Robert Poythress (District #3)
- Letizia Gonzalez (District #4)
- Tom Wheeler (District #5)
Others Present:
- Deputy County Administrative Officer for Finance Joel Bugay
- Administrative Analyst Jessica Leon
- Director of Human Resources Elba Gomez
- Assistant Tax Collector/Treasurer Anthony Loza
- Marissa Rodriguez from County Administration
- Building/Crafts & Maintenance Supervisor Raymond Huerta
- Deputy Chief Probation Officer Jose Pantoja
- Leticia Casillas Luquin from Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability
- Chief of Developmental Services Matthew Treber
- John Carlton from Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, Inc. (GBB)
- Trash Advisory Group member John Pero
- Michelle Stevens
Discussions/Actions
The board unanimously approved items A to N.
A. Regular Meeting Minutes for March 1, 2022.
B. 3740: Reaffirmed Resolution No. 2015-101 declaring a Local Emergency due to the tree mortality disaster in the County and throughout the State.
C. 6072: Reaffirmed Resolution No. 2020-032 ratifying and extending the Declaration of a Local Emergency and Local Health Emergency (COVID19).
D. 8305: Final Map for Tract No. 295, Riverstone, MU-2.
1. Consideration to adopt a Resolution approving Final Subdivision Map Tract No. 295 of MU-2, Riverstone.
2. Consideration of approval to authorize the Chief Clerk of the Board to sign and record Final Subdivision Map Tract No. 295 of MU-2, Riverstone.
3. Consider entering into an Improvement Agreement with Woodside 06N, LP, to defer improvements.
4. Consideration of approval to authorize the Chief Clerk of the Board to sign and record a Covenant Agreement regarding restricting transfers of Real Property for Final Subdivision Map Tract No. 295 of MU-2, Riverstone.
5. Consideration to allow recording the Right to Farm Notice for Final Subdivision Map Tract No. 295 of MU-2, Riverstone.
E. 8294: DA Scanning Project.
1. Consideration of approval of Transfer of Appropriations No. 21-098 for $110,000.00 transfer from ARPA – Appropriation for Contingencies to Operating Transfers Out for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022.
2. Consideration of approval of Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 21- 098, for $110,000.00 derived from District Attorney Operating Transfers Into Professional and Specialized Services for 2021-2022.
F. 8300: Agreement with BPR Consulting Group LLC., for $93,600.00 for building inspection services for the Fire Station 3 project
G. 7925: Reaffirmed Resolution No. 2021-130 recognizing and determining meeting risks under the Covid-19 proclaimed the State of Emergency under Assembly Bill 361 related to statutory Brown Act exemptions.
H. 8291:Transfer of Appropriations No. 21-079 for $50,000.00 from SB 823 Juvenile Justice Realignment-Special Department Expense to Buildings & Improvements for 2021-2022.
I. 6644: Reaffirmed Resolution 2020-123 declaring a Local Health Emergency (Creek Fire) by the County Health Officer.
J. 3639: Reaffirmed Resolution No. 2015-087 proclaiming a Local Emergency created by the severe drought conditions in the County and throughout the State.
K. 6908: Reaffirmed Resolution No. 2020-123, ratifying and extending the declaration of a Local Emergency for the Creek Fire.
L. 7047: Reaffirmed Resolution No. 2021-015, ratifying and extending the declaration of a Local Emergency (winter storm events).
M. 7629: Reaffirmed Resolution No. 2021-101 ratifying and extending the declaration of a Local Emergency and Local Health Emergency caused by the River Fire.
N. 8297: Agreement with the Madera County Superintendent of Schools in an amount not to exceed $67,847.00 to provide PROTECT Human Trafficking training services for 2021-2023.
The Board discussed the following items:
6.c. 8341: Discussion and direction related to Classification and Compensation Study options with Koff & Associates for Proposal No. 2022-31959.
On January 7, 2022, in coordination with Purchasing, the Department of Human Resources invited qualified and interested human resources consulting firms to submit proposals to conduct a classification and compensation study of County positions, including management, confidential and exempt positions.
Koff & Associates (“K&A”) submitted a proposal to conduct the study for the County. K&A listed three cost options for the classification and compensation study.
Human Resources recommended moving forward with Cost Option 2. This option would not include the Peace Officers and related classifications already studied by the Human Resources staff.
Cost Option 2 costs $449,140.00 and assumes that:
- About 300 classifications are “problem” classifications studied for classification study purposes.
- Several 300 classifications will be consolidated, with only 270 categories developed/updated.
- All classifications will be included in the compensation study.
- Koff & Associates will survey 12 comparator agencies.
In summary, any changes to employee salaries will require labor negotiations and subsequent, final action by the Civil Service Commission and Board of Supervisors.
The Board (5-0) agreed with Option #2.
6.d. 8287: Update on Micro Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program status.
California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program (MBCRG) awarded the County $199,764.63.
On January 25, 2022, the Board approved a contract with the Madera County Economic Development Commission (EDC) to administer the grant.
The County partnered with four community-based organizations through a Memorandum of Understanding to market the program.
On February 1, 2022, the Board approved the Grant Revenue Agreement between the State and the County and RUR 21-063 to appropriate the grant funds.
During this time, the Board requested staff to return with an update on when the program would become available to Madera County microbusinesses.
The County has established Grant Program applications and Guidelines. The target release date is Monday, March 14th. EDC is prepared to begin accepting applications.
Microbusinesses with five or fewer full-time equivalent employees in the County of Madera will be eligible for a one-time grant of $2,500. EDC will be taking applications from March 14, 2022, through April 14, 2022.
Eligible applications will be submitted to the County for further processing, including grant check issuance.
6.e. 8218: Capital Project Budgets.
On February 1, 2022, the Board approved Resolutions 2022-18 and 2022-19 relating to financing the capital projects: Capital Project – Jail HVAC/Smoke Control Project and Fire Station No. 3 Project.
During the same Board meeting, your Board also approved contracts with Marko Construction for Fire Station No. 3 and Strategic Mechanical for the Jail HVAC/Smoke Control Project.
Today’s RURs will appropriate the lease-finance proceeds into the related capital projects as follows:
- Jail HVAC/Smoke Control – $2,361,000.00
- Fire Station 3 – $4,522,500.00
Financing successfully closed on February 8, 2022. Staff recommends approval of the RURs as presented.
Afterward, the Board (5-0) approved the receipts.
6. f. 8298: Discussion and consideration of entering into an Agreement with Marko Construction, Inc. for $3,566,000.00 for renovations to the security electronics and HVAC systems at the Juvenile Detention Facility
On July 9, 2020, staff released Request for Qualifications and Proposals No. 2020-04 for a facility condition needs assessment and design/engineering services for the Juvenile Hall security system and HVAC improvement project.
On September 15, 2020, the Board approved an agreement with Dewberry Architects, Inc. to perform a needs assessment for the security system and HVAC system at the Juvenile Detention Facility.
On March 2, 2021, the Board approved an amendment agreement with Dewberry Architects, Inc. to include architectural and engineering services.
Both the security & HVAC systems are original to the facility built in 2000.
On January 21, 2022, the County closed the bidding for the project’s construction and received three proposals. Marko Construction was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder with a bid price of $3,566,000.00.
Facility Renovations To Security Electronic Systems Include:
- Upgrades To Video Storage To Comply With State Regulations.
- Upgrades To Security Electronic Ups Units.
- Upgrades To Programmable Logic Controller/Relay.
- Upgrades To Video Surveillance, Graphic User Interface System; Intercom, And Paging Systems.
- Renovation To Deputy Station Countertops.
Facility Renovations To HVAC Systems Include:
- Replacement Of Existing Chiller And Boiler
- Replacement Of One Existing Air Handler.
- Replacement Of VFDs At Remaining Air Handlers.
- Replacement Of Energy Management System Controllers.
The board (5-0) approved the construction agreement with Marko Construction.
6.g. 8290: Juvenile Hall Security & HVAC Project.
1. Discussion and consideration of approval of Transfer of Appropriations No. 21-099 for $2,170,600.00 transferred from ARPA Appropriation for Contingencies to Operating Transfers Out for 2021-2022.
2. Discussion and consideration of approval of Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue (RUR) No. 21-099 for $2,370,600.00 derived from Juvenile Hall Security & HVAC Project-Operating Transfer Into Buildings and Improvement for 2021-2022.
3. Discussion and consideration of approval of Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 21-100, for $200,000.00 derived from Local law Enforcement-State TANF Grant Probation to Operating Transfers Out for 2021-2022.
On July 7, 2020, your Board approved the 2020 Lease Revenue Bonds (LRB) for financing the Hall of Justice, Fire Station No. 3 design, Juvenile Hall Security, HVAC design and construction, and refinance the 2015 Government Center LRB.
The Board allocated $2,011,000.00 of the total net proceeds to the Juvenile Hall Security and HVAC project.
On July 9, 2020, RFP No. 2020-04 for a facility condition needs assessment and design/engineering services for the Juvenile Hall Security and HVAC improvement project was released.
On September 15, 2020, your Board approved an agreement with Dewberry Architects, Inc. (Dewberry) to perform the needs assessment for the security system and HVAC system.
Once Dewberry completed the needs assessment, it became evident that the current project allocation would not be sufficient.
Staff assessed the scope of work to reduce the size and have cost savings. On December 6, 2021, RFP No. 2021-09 was released for construction and engineering services for the project.
Three bids were received and presented to your Board with a recommendation for approval of the lowest bidder.
The total project budget is $4.4 million. $2,170,600.00 accounts for eligible expenses as presented in the SLFRF Final Rule.
These expenses are related to work that consists of ventilation improvement in a congregate setting. The Probation Department will contribute $200,000.00 to the project due to a grant received through the Local Law Enforcement budget.
The recommended ARPA amount for this project is coming out of the Future Preservation of Essential Services project budget your Board approved on January 25th, 2022. The initial allocation for the Future Preservation of Essential Services project was $4,882,621.00.
Leticia Casillas Luquin from Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability argued funding correctional facility improvements is an inappropriate use of ARPA funds and urges the County to invest in “systems of care.”
Supervisors Frazier and Poythress clarified that facilities incorporate “systems of care” such as vocational training.
6. h. 8283: Introduction of an ordinance amending Title 2, Chapter 2.57.090, Rule 6-20 of the Madera County Code relating to appointments in Elections. Waive the First Reading and set the Second Reading for March 15, 2022.
6. i. 8241: Monthly report of employee transactions for January 2022.
6.j. 8303: Discussion and consideration to adopt a Resolution approving the Madera County Road Impact Fee Report for 2020-2021.
The Board of Supervisors adopted the Road Impact Fee Ordinance in 1995.
The program imposes a fee on development within the County to mitigate the impacts on the County’s road system.
The Board recently amended the ordinance in 2014 to change how the fee is collected based on trip generation. The fee program update is currently underway.
The Ordinance and State law each require a report to the Supervisors annually and every five years. This report to the Board of Supervisors has not been submitted recently but will be presented regularly in the future.
Currently, fees collected more than five years ago are in the fund but are committed to reconstructing State Highway 41 between Avenue 10 ½ and Avenue 15.
The Board (5-0) passed the resolution.
6.k. 8343:Introduction of an Ordinance amending and restating Chapter 7.24 of Madera County Code to comply with Senate Bill 1383 (SB1383) Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Regulations. Waive the First Reading and set the Second Reading for March 15, 2022.
SB 1383 (the Short-lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Act of 2016) requires the County to adopt an enforceable ordinance to implement relevant provisions of SB 1383 regulations (Section 18981.2(a)
Numerous proposed edits are proposed to Madera County Code Chapter 7.24 about solid waste, including Findings, Definitions, Franchise Services, Exceptions to Exclusive Franchise, Organic Waste Requirements for SB 1383 Census Tracts, General Requirements Relating to Collection, Transportation and Transfer, and Code Enforcement Officer Powers.
The ordinance provides organics collection service to residents and businesses within the unincorporated county area subject to the SB 1383 regulations.
The ordinance requires organic waste generators to comply with the ordinance by either
(Chapter 7.24.107:
- Subscribing to 3-cart collection service (grey/blue/green)
- Self-hauling organic waste to an approved facility
- Managing organic waste on-site (backyard composting/animal feeding)
- Transporting organic waste to an approved Community Composting Site
The ordinance establishes edible food recovery requirements (proposed to incorporate model ordinance language as new section 7.24.145)
The ordinance establishes compliance monitoring and enforcement provisions (Chapter
7.24.144)
The Board (5-0) approved the ordinance.
John Pero, a member of the Trash Advisory Group, is looking forward to the County implementing and complying with the ordinance.
Michelle Stevens, a District #1 resident, asked when grant funds will be available and about the reasoning for excluding parts of the County.
John Carlton clarified that the Cal-Recycle waivers focus on low population density areas since it is not cost-effective to cater to rural areas.
The one-time grant funds are for SB1383 implementation, covering record-keeping and other activities.
During the closed session, the board discussed the following items:
2.a. 8304: Request for Closed Session:
Government Code Section 54957.6
Conference With Labor Negotiators
Agency Designated Representatives: Elba Gomez, Director Of Human Resources And Susan Carter, Human Resources Manager
Employee Organization: All Units
2.b. 8277: Request For Closed Session:
Government Code Section 54957
Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Title Of Position: Director Of Social Services Department
2.c. 8338: Request For Closed Session:
Government Code Section 54957
Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Title Of Positions: County Administrative Officer
The meeting lasted until noon. The next board meeting will be on Tuesday, Mar. 15, 2022, at 9:00 am.