April 18, 2023 — Tulare County Board of Supervisors
Documented by Dani Huerta
What happened: Tulare County residents coping with flood damage may soon get help with debris removal thanks to a contract approved by the Tulare County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
The $528,250 contract was awarded to Ceres Environmental to begin curbside pickups starting the week of April 24 in the most affected areas of Cutler, along Highway 198 west of Yokohl Creek and in the Springville area, said Resource Management Agency Associate Director Mike Washam.
Washam said that debris must be brought to the curb in front of homes and the contract includes removal of debris that has been pulled from canals and ditches, as well as street sweeping.
“The way to get started is to quit talking and start doing, so that’s where we’re at,” Washam said. “Sometimes it seems like it takes forever for bureaucracy to move forward in a disaster and it’s been a few weeks, but according to Cal OES we’re moving at light speed, much quicker than other jurisdictions have.”
Residents impacted by flooding may call the Tulare County Flood Hotline at 559-802-9791 to find out when flood debris removal will occur in their area.
Washam said the County’s Environmental Health division will handle the disposal of household hazardous waste and there will be localized pickup areas in communities.
Additionally, he said there are approximately 40 “muck & gut” kits available that include a bucket and shovel at the Disaster Recovery Center in Farmersville.
And also: The supervisors approved new policies and procedures effective May 1 for Levine Act compliance, which pertains to all campaign contributions of more than $250.
The Levine Act stipulates that while a license, permit or other entitlement for use from the county is pending, and for 12 months after a final decision is rendered on the matter, a county officer may not solicit, accept or direct a campaign contribution of more than $250 from a party to the matter, a party’s agent or a participant with a financial interest in the matter.
The new policy includes a campaign contribution form for applicants to disclose whether or not they’ve made contributions to any member of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors or to any county officer on or after Jan. 1, 2023, or if any of their subcontractors, agents or lobbyists have.
Up next: The Tulare County Board of Supervisors will meet again on May 2 at 9 a.m.