Here’s what you need to know:
- At the August 16, 2022 meeting, the Madera County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution recommending the California Department of Health Care Services license Native Solutions to operate driving under the influence programs.
- The supervisors also approved a letter opposing AB 1608 and AB 2201 and supporting AB 884.
- Director of Water and Natural Resources Stephanie Anagnoson provided an update on the county’s GSAs. She said that the Madera Subbasin County GSA fee of $246 per enrolled acre would appear as 50 percent of the fall property tax bills.
- Tom Coleman from Fresno stated that Chowchilla should be limited to sustainable yields until they have the funds for projects.
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 on the first three Tuesdays of each month and occasionally on Mondays in the board chambers of the County Government Center in Madera. On Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022 the meeting was at 9 a.m.
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:
- Director of Water and Natural Resources Stephanie Anagnoson
- Deputy Director of Public Works Andrea Saldate
- Hank Shultz
- Dan Metz
- Tom Coleman
Discussions/Actions
The board (5-0) unanimously approved items A to R in the consent agenda:
A. The board (5-0) approved the regular meeting minutes for August 2, 2022.
B. 8836: The board (5-0) entered into an agreement with the Community Action Partnership of Madera County, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for the provision of domestic violence education classes for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
C. 8837: The board (5-0) entered into an agreement with Promesa Behavioral Health for Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program services for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
D. 8840: The board (5-0) agreed with Willow Glen Care Center for the board and care services for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
E. 8847: Final Map for Tract No. 313 of Tesoro Viejo, Creekside Village 4.
1. The board (5-0) approved the final subdivision map of Tesoro Viejo, Creekside Village 4, tract No. 313.
2. The board (5-0) authorized the Chief Clerk of the Board to sign and record the final subdivision map tract No. 313 of Tesoro Viejo, Creekside Village 4.
3. The board (5-0) entered into an improvement agreement with CREEKSIDE RM, LLC to defer improvements.
4. The board (5-0) authorized the Chief Clerk of the Board to record a Covenant and Agreement Regarding Restricting Transfers of Real Property for Final Subdivision Map Tract No. 313 of Tesoro Viejo, Creekside Village 4.
5. Consideration allows recording of the Right to Farm Notice for Final Subdivision Map Tract No. 313 of Tesoro Viejo, Creekside Village 4.
F. 8849: Final Map for Tract No. 314 of Tesoro Viejo, Creekside Village 5.
1. The board (5-0) adopted a resolution approving Final Subdivision Map 314 of Tesoro Viejo, Creekside Village 5, Tract No. 314.
2. The board (5-0) authorized the Chief Clerk of the Board to sign and record Final Subdivision Map Tract No. 314 of Tesoro Viejo, Creekside Village 5.
3. The board (5-0) entered into an improvement agreement with CREEKSIDE RM, LLC to defer improvements.
4. The board (5-0) authorized the Chief Clerk of the Board to record a Covenant and Agreement Regarding Restricting Transfers of Real Property for Final Subdivision Map Tract No. 314 of Tesoro Viejo, Creekside Village 5.
5. Consideration allows recording of the Right to Farm Notice for Final Subdivision Map Tract No. 314 of Tesoro Viejo, Creekside Village 5.
G. 8852: Final Map for Tract No. 315 of Tesoro Viejo, Town Center Phase 1A.
1. The board (5-0) approved the Final Subdivision Map of Tesoro Viejo, Town Center Phase 1A Tract No. 315.
2. The board (5-0) authorized the Chief Clerk of the Board to sign and record Final Subdivision Map Tract No. 315 of Tesoro Viejo, Town Center Phase 1A.
3. The board (5-0) entered into an improvement agreement with PLAZA RM, LLC to defer improvements.
4. The board (5-0) authorized the Chief Clerk of the Board to record a Covenant and Agreement Regarding Restricting Transfers of Real Property for Final Subdivision Map Tract No. 315 of Tesoro Viejo, Town Center Phase 1A.
5. Consideration allows recording the Right to Farm Notice for Final Subdivision Map Tract No. 315 of Tesoro Viejo, Town Center Phase 1A.
H. 8796: Courthouse Park Renovation.
1. The board (5-0) approved the Transfer of Appropriations No. 22-001 for $1,345,130.00 transfer from Development Impact Fees-Parks – Appropriation for the contingency to Operating transfers out – Capital Projects for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
2. The board (5-0) approved the Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22- 001 for $1,345,130.00 derived from Jail Annex Demo and Park Restoration-Operating transfers into Buildings and Improvements for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
I. 8867: Monthly report of employee transactions for July 2022.
J. 8861: Service Management System.
1. The board (5-0) entered into an agreement with Carahsoft of $85,795.97 for the Information Technology Service Management Implementation Project for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
2. The board (5-0) entered into an agreement with Carahsoft of $15,161.29 for the ManagedNow Services for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
K. 8846: The board (5-0) approved accepting funding from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to the Madera County Department of Public Health for the Future of Public Health Funding.
L. 8873: The board (5-0) entered into an amendment to MCC No. 10125D-C-2019 with Tetra Tech BAS, Inc. for additional services by the Contractor and compensation by the County.
M. 8811: The board (5-0) entered into an amendment to MCC No. 11936-21 with Avertest LLC to amend the scope of services and compensation and costs not to exceed $150,000.00 per year to account for additional CoLocation services as of August 22, 2022
N. 8819: The board (5-0) entered into an agreement with ConvergeOne, Inc. of $67,052.45 for security camera equipment at Social Services offices for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
O. 8845: The board (5-0) adopted a resolution ordering discharge from accountability for delinquent taxes on an unsecured property.
P. 8827: Transfer of Property & Provision of Water Service in CSA-3.
1. The board (5-0) entered into an Agreement with Madera Unified School District for the transfer of water well property and provision of water service between County Service Area No. 3 (CSA-3) Parksdale and Madera Unified School District.
2. The board (5-0) adopted a resolution accepting a Grant Deed to the County of Madera from Madera Unified School District and authorizing the Chief of Development Services to accept said Grant Deed and any subsequent documents regarding APN 011-380-005.
Q. 8864: The board (5-0) entered into an amendment to MCC No. 11943A-22 with AM Consulting Engineers for professional engineering and design services of the Pipeline Replacement and Meter Planning project located in Madera Ranchos to extend the contract term date by an additional 12 months.
R. 8848: The board (5-0) entered into an Agreement with ERA Economics of $100,000.00 for consulting services to support the Sustainable Agricultural Land Conservation program development and Groundwater Sustainability Plan Implementation for Fiscal Years 2022-2024
The Board discussed the following:
6.a. 8850: The board (5-0) adopted a resolution recommending the California Department of Health Care Services license Native Solutions to operate driving under the influence programs.
6.b. 8853: The board (5-0) ratified the Memorandum of Understanding between Madera County and the Probation Management Unit for a three (3) year term from July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024.
6.c. 8863: The board (5-0) approved setting the salary range for peace officers and related classifications with the Communications Dispatcher, Correctional Officer, Peace Officer, Peace Officer Management, and Probation Management bargaining units as recommended by the Civil Service Commission, effective August 1, 2022.
6.d. 8862: The board (5-0) adopted the Sideletters of Agreement with the Communications Dispatcher, Correctional Officer, Peace Officer, Peace Officer Management, and Probation Management units regarding the implementation of negotiated items related to the Peace Officer and Related Classifications Classification and Compensation Study, effective August 1, 2022.
6.e. 8859: Presentation and update on the next steps for vegetation removal activities allowed under Streambed Alteration Agreement 1600-2018-0160-R4.
The Madera County Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) is developing and implementing its projects and management actions in the Madera, Chowchilla, and Delta Mendota Subbasins, as defined in its Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs).
This agreement would allow ERA to assist the GSA with developing Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) program rules and guidelines for implementation.
The work may include refining program incentive payments, developing rules for SALC program participation, specifying multi-benefit repurposing options, and developing SALC program enrollment terms.
The Flood Control and Water Conservation Agency received a final Streambed Alteration Agreement on 4/5/2022. The Board approved a contract with Live Oak Associates on July 26, 2022
In general, activities in the channel are allowed from August to May.
The Board held a public hearing on the following:
7.a. 8851: The board (5-0) adopted a Resolution establishing increased sewer service rates and levying the increased rates within Maintenance District No. 22 (Oakhurst).
On November 15, 2016, the Board gave direction and approved a contract (10772-C2016) with Bartle Wells Associates to complete rate studies for all the Water and Sewer Special Districts.
The County has continued to use Bartle Wells Associates for all rate studies that were not completed under that contract or to re-evaluate rates that met the 5-year threshold.
The rate study for Maintenance District 22A was completed on June 7, 2022. Maintenance District 22 (Oakhurst) last had its rate set in 2007 by Resolution No. 2007-244, and a Consumer Price Index escalator was approved on Dec 7, 2021.
The current sewer rate is $57.03 per month. The proposed rate is $65.59 and, if passed, would become effective on September 1, 2022.
The proposed rate accounts for the current operational needs of the sewer system as well as future needs and replacement costs and the building of prudent reserves.
It would take a majority protest of 255 to protest the rate.
Hank Shultz from Oakhurst stated that “actual figures,” not estimated, must be used to calculate sewer service rates.
He mentioned that a rate increase on Maintenance District 22 should be a surcharge for repairs paid off in 2012.
Dan Metz from Oakhurst asked the supervisors to defer action on the proposed rates and correct the errors.
Deputy Director of Public Works Andrea Saldate clarified the use of estimated figures as standard practice since the fiscal year ends on June 30, but it does not mean that the bills have come in and paid.
She mentioned that the auditor’s office allows a “chunk of time” from the end of the fiscal year to roughly at the end of August from the prior fiscal year to be paid.
7.b. 8838: The board (5-0) considered adoption of a resolution confirming the report and authorizing the auditor/controller to impose liens for delinquent utility fees and charges (Maintenance District Nos. 1, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 10A, 19A, 19B, 22A, 24, 27, 28, 33, 36, 37, 40A, 42, 43, 46, 60A, 63A, 73A, 85 and 95 and Servicers Area Nos. 1, 2B, 3, 3B, 14 and 16).
Dan Metz asked about the total dollars in all maintenance districts, excluding two properties. Andrea Saldate stated it to be $213,647.14
GSA reports consist of:
8.a. 8854: Presentation and update on Madera County Groundwater Sustainability Agencies
According to the Director of Water and Natural Resources Stephanie Anagnoson, the Chowchilla Subbasin GSA resubmitted its Groundwater Sustainability Plan on July 27, 2022.
Delta-Mendota Subbasin GSA resubmitted its Groundwater Sustainability Plan on July 19, 2022.
Director Anagnoson is awaiting their response by the end of the calendar year.
On the Madera Subbasin GSPs, she expects a comment letter from the state by October 2022.
She stated that the Madera Subbasin County GSA fee of $246 per enrolled acre would appear as 50 percent of the fall property tax bills.
Delta Mendota Subbasin, County GSA fee of $138 per enrolled acre will also appear as 50 percent of fall property tax bills.
The board will decide on penalties on September 13, but options include:
- $500 per acre-foot over an allocation
- $1,000 per one-time fee, plus fees after a 30-day notice
2022 verification project involves 17 growers and entities with eight different crops and covers over 12,000 acres
The project analyzed 90 flow meters, completed weekly site visits, and collected important data.
She emphasized the cooperative effort with growers and the importance of reviewing evapotranspiration of applied water (ETAW) data on an annual timestep.
The final results would be ahead of the 2023 irrigation season.
Prop 68 Recharge Grants include:
- Chowchilla Subbasin, County GSA
- Project 1 design is 60 percent complete in early September, with a 54.21 million grant.
- Project 2 is awaiting the final grant agreement from DWR of $3.2 million, while the design initiation is pending.
2. Madera Subbasin, County GSA
- Project 1 design is 60 percent complete in early September, with a $4.2 million grant.
- Project 2 is awaiting the final grant agreement from DWR of $500,000, while the design initiation is pending.
She stated that the Madera GSA is closing out Prop 68 planning funds for monitoring wells for Chowchilla ($500,000) and Madera ($400,000).
On Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing, Grant Agreement is in negotiation.
Funds are $10 million for land repurposing projects that result in a multi-benefit. Funds are in all three sub-basins regardless of GSA.
The Madera GSA will develop the plan and seek public outreach to shape plans.
10 to 20 people attended the three water conservation classes.
Fairmead Resilience Project includes outreach and planning for recharge and repurposing.
Tom Coleman from Fresno stated that Chowchilla should be limited to sustainable yields until they have the funds for projects.
The board (5-0) approved a letter opposing AB 1608 and AB 2201 and supporting AB 884.
During the closed session, the board discussed the following items:
2.a. 8866: Request for Closed Session:
Government Code Section 54957.6
Conference With Labor Negotiators
Agency designated representatives: Joel Bugay, Deputy County Administrative Officer-Finance; Michele May, Interim Human Resources Director; and Susan Carter, Human Resources Manager.
Employee Organization: All Units
Unrepresented Employees: All Classifications (Excluding Elected Officials)
The meeting lasted until 1 p.m. The next board meeting will be on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at 9 a.m.
If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at Documenters-admin@fresnoland.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.