Here’s what you need to know:

  • The Board approved the submission of a grant application for the McKay Point Project. The project is to develop a reservoir for flood control and irrigation. They are requesting a brick grant for $15 million while the total cost is about $22 million. If the grant is received they will begin construction in quarter two 2024 with estimated completion in quarter one 2026.
  • The Resource Management Agency’s request to introduce an ordinance and repeal various ordinances was approved. This will make the rules regarding sewer and water collection fees more transparent and accessible. The ordinance is set to be adopted April 5, 2022.
  • An ordinance was approved that allows for the disbarment of public works contractors who cannot complete the project successfully. It is meant for repeat offenders and will be used as a last resort. A contractor who is disbarred cannot bid on future projects. This ordinance was due to the State requiring that the County accept the lowest bidder, not necessarily the best contractor for the project.

Board of Supervisors

  • Larry Micari, District One
  • Pete Vander Poel III, District Two
  • Amy Shuklian, District Three
  • Eddie Valero – Chairman, District Four
  • Dennis Townsend – Vice Chair, District Five
  • Jason T. Britt, County Administrative Officer
  • Jennifer M. Flores, County Council
  • Melinda Benton, Chief Clerk

The Scene

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting was held simultaneously both in-person and streamed via YouTube and Zoom at 9 a.m. on March 15, 2022. It began with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence.

Actions

  • Board of Supervisors matters
    • Supervisor Townsend
      • Last week he attended an RCRC Board meeting, an update with Valley Children’s, a dinner for David Shepherd, and a call about broadband in Tulare.
      • Upcoming is Ducour town hall, San Joaquin Valley Regional Policy Council meeting, Tulare County Fire Academy graduation, Porterville Chamber of Commerce awards, Sheriff’s bonfire, and Tulare County Association of Governments meeting.
    • Supervisor Micari
      • Last week he attended the Public Safety Recognition in Porterville, met with Tim Lutz of Health and Human Services, Exeter Chamber of Commerce mixer, and the Poplar Community Services District meeting. 
      • Upcoming is the Common Threads annual luncheon, a meeting with Farmersville City Manager, Sierra View luncheon, Dairy Herd Improvement Association dinner, webinar with the county lobbyist, Tulare County Fire promotion and graduation, KTAAA, and TCAG.
    • Supervisor Shuklian
      • Last week she attended the Visalia Chamber of Commerce, Government affairs Committee meeting, Workforce Investment Board meeting, Tulare County Voices panel, and the St. Patrick’s parade in Visalia. 
      • Upcoming is a Homeless Task Force meeting, Air Board meeting, Fire Department graduation, reception for Carole Goldsmith, Tulare County Economic Development Committee meeting, mortgage womens association, and Military Officers Association.
    • Supervisor Vander Poel
      • Upcoming is the Common threads Luncheon, Fire Department promotion and graduation, Kings-Tulare Area Agency on Aging, Unmet transit meeting, and a Tulare County Employee Retirement Association meeting.
    • Supervisor Valero
      • Last week he attended the Dinuba Women’s Club VIP waiters luncheon, Library advisory board meeting, was a keynote speaker for the public safety awards, and was a judge for the zone level Lions Club speech contest.
      • Upcoming is a Leadership Northern Tulare County meeting in Sacramento, Zoom call with the governor, he will give the oath of office to the fire recruits, meeting of Kings-Tulare Agency on Aging, TCAG, and a transportation authority meeting.
  • Present a Proclamation recognizing March 2022 as Social Work Month in Tulare County.
    • Supervisor Shuklian presented the proclamation. The theme is “The time is right for social work”.
    • Social workers Courtney and Natalie Bolin accepted the proclamation, thanked the Board, and spoke about the importance of social workers. 
  • The consent calendar was approved
  • Request from the Resource Management Agency to ratify and approve Tulare Irrigation District’s submittal of an application under the 2021 Federal Emergency Management Act Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant for the McKay Point Project, Lemon Cove, retroactive from December 1, 2021. 
    • Aaron Bock explained the McKay Point Project grant
    • Program administered by FEMA
    • County’s role in McKay
      • SMARA lead
      • CEQA/NEPA responsible agency
      • Coordinating studies for roads and air quality impacts
      • Sub Applicant responsibilities (grant administration)
    • Background
      • Location is Seaborn Property
      • Goal is to develop a reservoir for regulation and flood control and to enhance local habitat potential.
    • Total cost is about $22 million, they are requesting a brick grant for $15 million
    • Begin construction in Q2 2024, Estimated completion in Q1 2026
    • Supervisor Shuklian asked if this would have any effect on the floor maps. It reduces the flood zone by about one foot. Bock said they could request a new flood map from FEMA.
    • Approved
  • Request from the Resource Management Agency to introduce an ordinance amending Chapter 3 of Part VIII, Chapter 5 of Part VIII and repealing ordinances No. 2924, 3007, 3016, 3063, 3064, 3065, 3068, 3071, 3097, and 3428; and adding Chapter 6 Part VII of the Ordinance Code pertaining to water and sewer fees. Set the adoption of the ordinance for April 5, 2022.
    • Ross Miller, Chief Engineer of RMA, explained the ordinance changes.
    • Aims to cuatify about ten ordinances. The ordinances dictate how the county does water and sewer fee collection.  The goal in this action is to increase accessibility and transparency of water and sewer systems. It also aims to create a cautfied policy regarding how the county implements Prop 218 regarding sewer fees. They want to make sure their policies are compliant.
    • Approved
  • Request from the County Counsel Office to introduce an ordinance adding Chapter 15 to Part V of the Ordinance Code of Tulare County pertaining to debarment of public works contractors. Set the adoption of the ordinance for Tuesday, March 29, 2022.
    • Chief Deputy County Counsel Jeff Kuhn, Reed Schenke (RMA), and Kyle Taylor (GSA) explained the ordinance.
    • State requires the County to accept the lowest bidder, not necessarily the best contractor for their money. This ordinance is to avoid repeat offenders. It would not be used often but will be used when it is needed. Allows RMA and GSA to recommend that a contractor who is unable to complete a project successfully should not be able to bid on future projects, a process called disbarment. It will then be discussed during a public hearing. 
    • Supervisor Micari asked if it applies to all contractors. The ordinance is directed at public works contractors. 
    • Approved
  • Board Matter Requests
    • Supervisor Micari requested to submit a letter of correspondence saying that reducing Friant’s Class 1 water by 15% is unrealistic.  He also wants to ask the State to reduce gas tax or sales tax money and start oil production in the area.

Public Comment

  • Tammy Weyker-Adkins introduced Rio Suttelo, a new Board representative. Suttello thanked the Board.

The meeting adjourned to a closed session. There is no meeting next week. 

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