May 2, 2023 — Madera County Board of Supervisors

Documented by Trong Yang

Here’s what you need to know

  • For the awareness of Mental Health Month, the Madera County Behavioral Health Department will hold a conference on May 19 at Matilda Torres High School. If services are needed, call the centralized accessing crisis line at  (559) 637-3508.
  • For National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, the Wildfire Safety Saturday event is set to take place on May 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Highway 41 will begin the process of prescribed burning to reduce wildfire hazards.
  • The board (5-0) approved raising the Low Value Ordinance from $5,000 to $10,000, lowering taxes and saving taxpayers’ money. According to the staff report, without this exemption, it would cost the County more to generate a tax bill for property valued at less than $10,000 than it would generate in tax revenue.

Follow-up questions

  • The item to lower taxes was very brief with minimal details. Is there another process for the item to take action?
  • How long does prescribed burning take? Will this affect the flow of traffic or temporarily close the highway?

Members of Madera County Board of Supervisors:

David Rogers, chair

Robert L Poythress

Jordan Wamhoff

Leticia Gonzalez

Robert Macaulay

The Madera County Board of Supervisors meets on the first three Tuesdays of each month and occasionally on Monday in the Board Chambers of the County Government Center in Madera. Meetings are also made available through Zoom and Youtube. On Tuesday, May 2, the meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. 

Actions/Discussions/Public comment:

Public Comments

Fossil Discovery Center’s important announcements:

  • Oct. 28 will be the second annual Haunted Night of the Museum.
  • Mammoth Orange is almost 98% completed, look out for upcoming events soon.
  • Received $75,000 grant from the state to build an Indian village in the center.

Consent Calendar

The board unanimously approved items A to AB on the consent calendar:

A.9474: The board entered into an agreement with Zaks Security One in an amount not to exceed $203,381.28 for security patrol services at the Behavioral Health 7th Street building and Oakhurst Counseling Center for fiscal year 2023-2024. 

B.9479: The board entered into an agreement with 7th Avenue Center, LLC in the amounts provided in the Reimbursement and Payments sheet for the provision of mental health residential care for fiscal year 2023-2024. 

C.9480: The board entered into an amendment to MCC No. 12304-22 with Alliance for Community Wellness, formerly known as First Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center, amending the contractor’s legal name for the provision of telehealth services for fiscal year 2022-2023. 

D.9513: The board entered into an agreement with Centro Binacional Para el Desarrollo Indigena Oaxaqueno in the amounts listed on Policy and Fees for the provision of indigenous language interpreting services for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.

E.9515: The board entered into an agreement with Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc. in the amounts provided in the Rate Sheet for the provision of mental health residential care for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.

F.9473: The board passed two items for the Environmental Health Budget Adjustments:

  1. Approved Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22- 154 in the amount of $300,000 derived from Planning Automation Maintenance Fee – Fund Balance to Operating Transfer Out for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
  2. Approved Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22- 155 in the amount of $300,000 derived from CED Environmental Health – Operating Transfer into Professional Services for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

G.9502: The board passed two items for the Environmental Health Budget Adjustments:

  1. Approved Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22-169 in the amount of $123,316 derived from General Fund – Fund Balance to Environmental Health – Operating Transfer Out for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
  2. Approved Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22- 170 in the amount of $123,316 derived from Environmental Health Automation Fee – Operating Transfers into Professional and Specialized Services for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

H.9197: The board reaffirmed Resolution No. 2023-004 of the Board of Supervisors of Madera County ratifying and extending the Declaration of a Local Emergency (Closure of Madera Community Hospital). 

I.9535: The board approved Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22-186 in the amount of $50,000 derived from HHAP-CESH Grant – Miscellaneous Revenue to Professional & Specialized Services for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

J.9488: The board passed two items for the Vote By Mail Processing Equipment:

  1. Entered into an Agreement with DMT Solutions Global Corporation, dba Blue Crest in a total amount of $342,682 over two (2) years for the purchase and support of the Elevate VBM sorter equipment and software.
  2. Approved Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22- 176 in the amount of $350,000 derived from Elections – State Grant Revenue to Equipment/Furniture >$5,000 and Maintenance of Equipment for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

K.9476: Monthly report of employee transactions for the month of March 2023. 

L.9492: The board passed two items for the Maintenance District 22A Oversight Committee Reappointments:

  1. Approved to reappoint Don Zylstra to the Maintenance District 22A Oversight Committee for a term ending January 3, 2026.
  2. Approved to reappoint Nancy Larson to the Maintenance District 22A Oversight Committee for a term ending May 14, 2026. 

M.9461: The board entered into an amendment to MCC No. 10898A-C-2017 with Granicus, LLC for an additional amount of $20,000 to compensate for the inclusion of Meeting the Challenge – Accessibility Package for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

N.9493: The board passed two items for the Public Health Budget Adjustments:

  1. Approved Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22- 171 in the amount of $1,184,555 derived from Health Administration – Operating Transfer In to Maintenance-Equipment, Memberships, Professional/Specialized Services, Advertisements/Publications/Legal, Specialized Departmental Expenses, and Transportation/Travel/Education for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. 
  2. Approved Transfer of Appropriations No. 22-172 in the amount of $1,184,555 to Health Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Enhancing Detection – Operating Transfer Out to Fund Balance for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. 

O.9504: The board passed three items for the Cash Flow Loan for Maintenance District No. 36, Eastin Arcola (MD-36). 

  1. Adopted a Resolution approving a cash flow loan for MD 36, Fund 1870. 
  2. Approved Transfer of Appropriations No. 22-168 in the amount of $27,000 from Road Mitigation Fees – Fund Balance to Cash Flow Loan for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
  3. Approved Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22-168 in the amount of $27,000 derived from Road Mitigation Fees – Cash Flow Loan to MD 36-Water – Direct Maintenance Expenses-Degs and SDAdministration Overhead and MD 36-Sewer – Maintenance-Sewer Systems for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

P.9505: The board passed three items for the Cash Flow Loan for Maintenance District No. 85, Valeta (MD-85). 

  1. Adopted a Resolution approving a cash flow loan for MD 85, Fund 2400.
  2. Approved Transfer of Appropriations No. 22-166 in the amount of $42,000 from Road Mitigation Fees – Fund Balance to Cash Flow Loan for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. 
  3. Approved of Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22- 166 in the amount of $42,000 derived from Road Mitigation Fees – Cash Flow Loan to MD 85 Valeta – Direct Maintenance Expenses-Degs for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

Q.9506: The board passed three items for the Cash Flow Loan for Maintenance District No. 58, Sierra Highlands (MD-58):

  1. Adopted a Resolution approving a cash flow loan for MD 58, Fund 2110.
  2. Approved Transfer of Appropriations No. 22-167 in the amount of $16,000 from Road Mitigation Fees – Fund Balance to Cash Flow Loan for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. 
  3. Approved Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22- 167 in the amount of $16,000 derived from Road Mitigation Fees – Cash Flow Loan to MD 58 Water – Direct Maintenance Expenses-Degs for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

R.9519: The board passed three items for the Cash Flow Loan for Maintenance District No. 1, Hidden Lakes (MD-1):

  1. Adopted Resolution approving a cash flow loan for MD 1, Fund 1520.
  2. Approved Transfer of Appropriations No. 22-173 in the amount of $90,000 from Road Mitigation Fees – Fund Balance to Cash Flow Loan for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
  3. Approved Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22- 173 in the amount of $90,000 derived Road Mitigation Fees – Cash Flow Loan to MD 01-Water – Maintenance-Water Systems and Direct Maintenance Expenses-Degs for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

S.9517: The board passed four items for the Madera Ranchos Dublin Storage Tank and Booster Pump Station Project:

  1. Entered into an agreement with Salem Engineering Group Inc. in the amount of $9,225 to provide materials testing services.
  2. Authorized the Chief of Development Services or his designee to issue Notice to Proceed in accordance with the provisions of the contract. 
  3. Authorized the Auditor-Controller to issue payments for contingencies up to 10% of the agreement amount per established county policy. 
  4. Authorized the chief of development services or his designee to issue and approve contract change orders in accordance with contract code not to exceed authorized contingencies. 

T.9196: The board reaffirmed Resolution No. 2022-137 of the Board of Supervisors of Madera County ratifying and extending the Declaration of a Local Emergency (Fork Fire). 

U.9401: The board reaffirmed Resolution No. 2023-034 ratifying the Declaration of a Local Emergency (February/March 2023 Winter Storms). 

V.9499: The board entered into an agreement with LexisNexis Coplogic Solutions Inc. in the amount of $31,560 for Desk Officer Reporting System for the initial term of 24 months, subsequently renewing for additional one-year periods at the rate of $15,780 per year. 

W.9500: The board approved Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22-178 in the amount of $42,347 derived from Sheriff-Coroner – Miscellaneous Revenue to Equipment for fiscal year 2022-2023.

X.9509: The board entered into an agreement with Community Action Partnership of Madera County in the amount of $197,138 per year for the provision of emergency child care services for foster children for fiscal years 2023-2025.

Y.9503: The board approved Request for Transfer of Appropriations No. 22- 175 in the amount of $21,000 from MD-10 Bonadelle – Appropriations for Contingency to Equipment FA Limit for fiscal year 2022-2023. 

Z.9507: The board approved Transfer of Appropriations No. 22-174 in the amount of $100,000 from MD 06-Sewer – Buildings and Improvements to Maintenance-Sewer Systems for fiscal year 2022-2023. 

AA.9508: The board approved Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22-142 in the amount of $22,975 derived from MD 97 Cascadel Heights – Intrafund Revenue to Maintenance-Roads for fiscal year 2022-2023. 

AB.9512: The board entered into an amendment to MCC No. 11328C-21 with Larsen Wurzel & Associates, Inc. amending the term to June 30, 2025, to continue Benefit Assessment Formation services and additional support for the Madera County Flood Control and Water Conservation Agency.

Discussion Items

6.a: Presentation of a Proclamation naming May Mental Health Month. 

  • Wear your green ribbons for Mental Health Month
  • The Mental Health conference will take place at Matilda Torres High School on May 19
  • If their services are needed, call the centralized accessing crisis line (559) 637-3508

6.b: Presentation of a Proclamation naming May 6 National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day.

  • Wildfire Safety Saturday event is set to take place on May 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The process of prescribed burning on Highway 41 will begin next month to reduce wildfire hazards

6.c: Presentation of a proclamation naming May 2 CASA Awareness Day. 

6.d: Presentation of a proclamation naming May 2023 as Resource Family Appreciation Month. 

  • As of Sunday, 203 children in Out-of-Home Care could not reside with their parents; 150 of these children live in the county
  • There is a national shortage of resource parents

6.e: Introduction of an Ordinance amending Section 3.47.010 of Title 3 of the Madera County Code (Revenue and Finance) pertaining to Low Value Property Assessments. 

  • Opportunity to lower taxes and save taxpayers’ money
  • Low Value Ordinance was approved (5-0) by the board to increase the value of real and/or personal property that is exempt from assessment from $5,000 to $10,000
  • According to the staff report, this ordinance will exempt from assessment “all real property with a base year value, and personal property with a full value, that is so low that the total taxes, special assessments and applicable subventions on the property would amount to less than the cost of assessment and collection.”
  • Without this exemption, this costs the County the expense of enrolling properties and collecting taxes that would generate a lower amount of taxes collected than the cost of generating the tax bills.

6.f: Presentation regarding the Property Tax Administration Costs for 2022- 2023.

  • Cost allocated for the year was $3,882,919; majority could not be reimbursed
  • A total of $572,000 reimbursable cost
  • The board (5-0) approved the Property Tax Administration Costs and Fees for fiscal year 2022-2023

6.g: The board (5-0) approved Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22-183 in the amount of $175,000 derived from Special Payments – Operating Transfers into Professional and Specialized Services for fiscal year 2022-2023. 

6.h: The board (5-0) approved Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22-185 in the amount of $800,000 derived from General Fund – Fund Balance to District Attorney – Office Expense and Professional and Specialized Services and to Sheriff-Coroner – Rents and Leases-County Vehicles for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. 

6.i: Presentation of the Taking Action: Steps to Prevent and End Homelessness in Madera County Strategic Plan.

  • Goal of federal plan is reduce 25% of homelessness nationwide by 2025 with prevention, affordable housing and effective crisis response systems
  • California Roadmap Home 2030 seeks to create 1.2 million new homes in California and protect 1 million low-income renter households from eviction
  • “A lot of these people don’t have the tools to be able to keep themselves in a home. It’s not just ‘they’re homeless,’ they lack the tools to be able to take care of themselves and pay bills,” Supervisor Jordan Wamhoff said.

6.j: The board (5-0) entered into an agreement with The Center for Common Concern, dba Homebase in the amount of $120,000 for strategic plan implementation support. 

6.k: The board (5-0) adopted a resolution amending Salary and Fringe Benefit Schedules to amend Salary Schedules to include a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for represented and unrepresented employees, including appointed department heads (excluding Elected Officials) effective May 1, 2023. 

6.l: The board (5-0) adopted a resolution authorizing a grant application and agreement for the BSCC Mobile Probation Centers Grant Program administered by the Board of State and Community Corrections and authorized the execution of all grant-related agreements. 

6.m: The board (5-0) entered into an Amendment to MCC No. 11589-20 with California Forensic Medical Group, Inc. amending compensation to amounts not to exceed $4,764,568 for fiscal year 2022-2023, $5,906,197.48 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, and $5,969,353.48 for fiscal year 2024-2025 and extended the term to June 30, 2025.

6.n: The board (5-0) approved Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue No. 22-179 in the amount of $1 million derived from General Fund – Fund Balance and Tree Mortality – ST-Disaster Relief to Tree Mortality – Professional and Specialized Services for fiscal year 2022-2023.

6.o: The board (5-0) entered into an Amendment to MCC No. 12302-22 with ERA Economics increasing compensation to an amount not to exceed $278,200 and extended the term to Dec. 31, 2024, to assist with the LandFlex Program, formerly known as Sustainable Agricultural Land Conservation (SALC).

6.p: The board (5-0) entered into an Agreement with Davids Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $570,000 to support Madera County’s management for the 2023 groundwater allocation program.

Pending Legislation

7.a: The board (5-0) approved ratifying a letter in opposition to AB 1168 relating to emergency medical services as authored by Assembly Member Steve Bennett, D-Oxnard.

The meeting was adjourned at 4 p.m. The board is scheduled to meet again on May 9. 

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at fresnodocs@fresnoland.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.

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