May 23, 2023 — Kings County Board of Supervisors
Documented by Josef Sibala
Here’s what you need to know:
- During the meeting, the Kings County Board of Supervisors approved the agreement with the cities of Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford and Lemoore for cooperation on the multijurisdictional 2024-2032 Housing Element Update.
- During public comment, Brandon Sanders from PG&E said that 135 customers are out of service. Sheriff Robinson mentioned that water has flooded the railroad tracks from Highway 43 in Corcoran to Highway 41.
- The board approved the purchase of two Unmanned Arial System Drones and Accessories, which allow surveillance with speed and complete mapping missions with efficiency.
Follow-up questions:
- How will the 2024-2032 Housing Element Update impact the county?
- When will PG&E bring back electricity to 135 customers?
- How will the county offer competitive salaries in the district attorney’s office?
The Scene
According to its website, Kings County is a “general law” county, meaning the state constitution and general law determine the county’s governmental structure.
The Board of Supervisors is the governing body for Kings County and many county special districts. Each of the board’s five members is elected in a nonpartisan manner to a four-year term.
The board sets policies and depends on the county administrator, county officials, and department heads to fulfill its wishes.
The Board of Supervisors has administrative, legislative, and quasi-judicial duties and responsibilities prescribed by the California State Constitution and Statutes.
On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, the meeting was held at 9 a.m. in the board chambers at 1400 West Lacey Blvd. in Administration Building No. 1 in Hanford.
Kings County County Board of Supervisors Members present:
- Joe Neves, District 1 (Lemoore and Stratford)
- Richard Valle, District 2 (Avenal, Corcoran, Home Garden and Kettleman City)
- Doug Verboon, District 3 (North Hanford, Island District and North Lemoore)
- Rusty Robinson, District 4 (Armona and Hanford)
- Richard Fagundes, District 5 (Hanford and Burris Park)
Others Present:
- Public Health Director Rose Mary Rahn
- County Counsel Diane Freeman
- Human Services Director Wendy Osikafo
- Deputy Director Monica Connor
- Behavioral Health Director Lisa Lewis
- Sheriff David Robinson
- Deputy County Administrative Officer Kyria Martinez
- Sheriff David Robinson
- Community Development Agency Planner Noelle Tomlinson
- Administrative Analyst Matthew Boyett
- Fire Chief William Lynch
- Public Works Director Dominic Tyburski
- Diane Badasci
- Jay Wood
- Christine Olvera
- Tyler Pepe
- Heather Silva
- Chanda Jackson
- Sarah Hacker
- Sarah Poots
- Alex Walker
- Brandon Sanders from PG&E
- Nichole Fisher
- Lupe
- Engineer Abraham Valencia
- Susan Morris
Discussions/Actions
Alex Walker expressed support for language translation in the county.
Brandon Sanders from PG&E said that 135 customers are out of service.
Sheriff Robinson said water has flooded the railroad tracks from Highway 43 in Corcoran to Highway 41.
Sarah Hacker urged the county to adopt more competitive salaries in the District Attorney’s Office.
A. The board (5-0) approved the minutes from the regular meeting of May 16, 2023.
In the consent calendar, the board (5-0) unanimously approved items as follows:
A. Community Development Agency (reported by Community Development Agency Planner Noelle Tomlinson)
1. The board authorized the purchase of a new plotter and disposal of the old plotter and adopted the budget change. A plotter is a computer hardware device that resembles a printer that is used for printing vector graphics.
The Information Technology Department has inspected the Community Development Agency’s plotter and determined that it has suffered a critical failure and needs to be replaced.
The IT Department has solicited three bids to replace the plotter, and the total price of the new plotter came to $8,629, which qualifies this piece of equipment as a fixed asset. The Community Development Agency requested that the board authorize the new plotter’s purchase and disposal of the old plotter.
B. Fire Department (reported by Fire Chief William Lynch)
1. The board approved the purchase of nine thermal imaging cameras and six in-truck chargers from W.S. Darley & Co.
The purchase amount of $52,368 shall be funded from the Fire Fund, Office of Emergency Services Budget Unit 243000.
The money was originally budgeted in the Fire Department’s Small Tools and Instruments Account (92062) in Budget Unit 241000. The Office of Emergency Services requested a transfer from the Fire Department’s budget to the Office of Emergency Services Fixed Assets Account (94000).
The Emergency Management Performance Grant will reimburse the Fire Department for half of the cost of the cameras, or $26,184, with the other half of the purchase price being the required cash match borne by the department.
C. Public Health Department (reported by Public Health Director Rose Mary Rahn)
1. The board re-appointed six members of the Kings County Ambulance Commission to two-year terms.
(CAC is composed of representatives from each of the four participating cities (Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford and Lemoore), two representatives from the county, one hospital representative, and a representative from the Kings County Medical Society (a.k.a. Local Physician representative).
Representatives are nominated by each member organization and appointed to a two-year term by the Board of Supervisors.
The recommended nominees are as follows:
- Gary Cramer
- Reuben Shortnacy
- Michael Kendall
- Margarita Ochoa
- William Lynch
- Josh Cunningham
D. Public Works Department (reported by Public Works Director Dominic Tyburski)
1. The board accepted the dedication for In-Lieu Parcel Map 22-14 (Richard E. Cody, Joyce E. Cody) into the County Maintained Mileage. As defined in the County of Kings Improvement Standards, a land division requires a tentative map, tentative parcel map, final map and in-lieu parcel map as described in Section 66426 of the Subdivision Map Act.
The owners of the parcel to be subdivided (Richard E. Cody, Joyce E. Cody) were required to dedicate additional right-of-way along the frontage of 13th Avenue as a condition of approval of this land division to the minimum 30-foot half-width (60-foot total right of way for roads) required by the Kings County Improvement Standards.
This land division is located on 13th Avenue, north of Fargo Avenue. Community Development has reviewed the landowner’s request for the division to ensure orderly development and public health and safety as per the resolution.
E. Sheriff’s Office (reported by Sheriff David Robinson)
1. The board approved the purchase of two Unmanned Arial System Drones and Accessories
It will allow the Sheriff’s Office to assess potential weak spots in the Kings River before a levee breach. The higher-quality camera and video footage would also allow surveillance with speed and complete mapping missions with extraordinary efficiency without the need for ground units.
F. Administration (reported by Deputy County Administrative Officer Kyria Martinez)
1. The board denied the claim for damages filed by Victoria Espitia Solorio.
On Jan. 25, 2023, a claim for damages was filed by Victoria Espitia Solorio, claiming that county property caused damage to the claimant’s property. After an investigation of the claim, it was determined that the alleged incident was out of the county’s control and, in insurance terms, is called an “act of God” as the county cannot control the weather.
According to state Government Code Section 912.6, staff recommended that the board find that the claim is without merit and deny the claim.
2. The board denied the claim for damages filed by Maria Elena Romero.
On April 12, 2023, a claim for damages was filed by Maria Elena Romero.
After an investigation of the claim, it was determined that the alleged incident was out of the county’s control and, in insurance terms, is called an “act of God” as the county cannot control the weather.
Under state Government Code Section 912.6, staff recommended the board find that the claim is without merit and deny the claim.
3. The board denied the claim for damages filed by Jacoby & Meyers, LLP on behalf of Isaac Ernesto through Ana Merlos (legal guardian).
On Jan. 17, 2023, a claim for damages was filed by Jacoby & Meyers, LLP, on behalf of Isaac Ernest through Ana Merlos (legal guardian)
Jacoby & Meyers, LLP claimed a vehicle hit the claimant, causing severe bodily injuries and other damages allegedly caused by the acts and omissions of Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, the Hanford Elementary School District, city of Hanford, County of Kings and the state of California.
After an investigation of the claim, it was determined that the county has no jurisdiction over the location of the incident. Under state Government Code Section 912.6, staff recommended the board find that the claim is without merit and deny the claim.
4. The board denied the claim for damages filed by the Law Office of Arash Khorsani on behalf of Rebecca Althea Rather, Matthew Rather, Makennah Paige Rather and Steven Scott Rather.
On March 20, 2023, the Law Office of Arash Khorsani filed a claim for damages on behalf of Rebecca Althea Rather, Matthew Rather and Makennah Paige Rather.
Rebecca Althea Rather, Matthew Rather and Makennah Paige Rather claimed their decedent, Steven Scott Rather, was involved in a motor vehicle collision that resulted in his wrongful death due to inadequate traffic controls and signage. After investigation of the claim, the county denied that the county was liable.
Under state Government Code Section 912.6, staff recommended the Board find that the claim is without merit and deny the claim.
Regular agenda items were as follows:
A. Behavioral Health Department
1. a. The board (5-0) adopted a resolution supporting and promoting the Kings County Sober Graduation Program (reported by Behavioral Health Director Lisa Lewis)
b. The board authorized Behavioral Health to fund the Sober Graduation Program in Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford and Lemoore.
Funds of $500 each for 12 area schools, a total of $6,000 for the Sober Graduations, are included in the fiscal year 2022-23 adopted budget.
B. Community Development Agency (reported by Community Development Agency Planner Noelle Tomlinson)
1. The board (5-0) approved the memorandum of understanding with Kings County Association of Governments, effective May 23, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2024, to administer the Regional Early Action Planning Program funds for the multi-jurisdictional 2024-2032 Housing Element Update.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development has provided funds to local public agencies as part of the Regional Early Action Planning Program to conduct planning activities for housing-related initiatives.
The San Joaquin Valley Regional Early Action Planning Committee signed a regional Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the sub-allocation of the funds to local jurisdictions, including the Kings County Association of Governments, which will administer the grant locally.
Kings County Association of Governments would work with Kings County to support the local planning efforts to update the multi-jurisdictional Housing Element for the 2024-2032 planning period through Regional Early Action Planning Program funds.
The estimated available funds being sub-allocated by the Kings County Association of Governments for the multi-jurisdictional 2024-2032 Housing Element Update is $311,858. If Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) funds do not fully cover costs, the remaining balance will be divided among Kings County and the cities of Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford and Lemoore based on each jurisdiction’s percentage of the total population.
2. The board (5-0) approved the agreement, effective May 23 until the final adoption of the multijurisdictional 2024-2032 Housing Element Update is complete.
The Housing Element of the 2035 Kings County General Plan must be updated in eight-year cycles under Government Code Section 65580.
The sixth cycle Housing Element update encompasses the planning period from 2024 to 2032. Kings County and the four city jurisdictions (Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford and Lemoore) have historically collaborated on a multijurisdictional Housing Element.
The Kings County Community Development Agency will provide staff support and the administrative role for the multijurisdictional update.
3. The board (5-0) approved the agreement with Realty Planners Group, Inc. for services in preparing the multijurisdictional 2024-2032 Housing Element Update, effective May 23, until the final adoption of the multijurisdictional update is complete.
A request for proposals was issued on March 3, 2023, for the services of a qualified consultant(s) to prepare the sixth cycle multijurisdictional 2024-2032 Housing Element Update, closing on April 3, 2023.
Realty Planners Group, Inc. was the only respondent and proposed their services to complete the updated scope of work for $489,300.
4. The board (5-0) accepted the monthly report of the Planning Commission’s actions.
At a regular meeting held May 1, the Kings County Planning Commission approved the application of Foster Farms – Kent Ave. Ranch.
The applicant is proposing to reestablish an existing poultry farm to grow turkeys and chickens and can adjust operations required to meet market demand located at 19744 Kent Ave., Lemoore, Assessor’s Parcel Number 024-170-073.
The proposed project would be implemented as phase 1 of the proposed project. Foster Farms would place up to 387,692 chickens or 112,000 turkeys on-site per flock for grow-out operations.
For turkey brooding, Foster Farms has requested a maximum flock size of up to 280,000 young turkeys at any given time. In phase 2 of the proposed project, Foster Farms would expand the existing outdoor poultry pens from 75,600 square feet to a maximum of 189,000 square feet.
In addition, Foster Farms would demolish and reconstruct all structures and utilities on the existing site, excluding the residential structure, which would be remodeled to current standards.
C. Administration (reported by Administrative Analyst Matthew Boyett)
1. The board (5-0) supported the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ notification of the proposed trust land acquisition.
The Board received a notification from the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the United States Department of the Interior indicating that the Santa Rosa Indian Community of Santa Rosa Rancheria, California, has applied to put the real property “in trust,” making it part of their sovereign nation.
The property is contiguous with existing “in trust” tribal land, consists of 436.91 acres over 10 parcels, and is located southwest of the hotel and casino.
All subject parcels have a combined secured property tax roll of $139,361 for the 2022-2023 tax year, which includes $4,282 in direct assessments for the South Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA). Should the land be placed in trust, this will become lost revenue.
2. The board (5-0) introduced and waived the first reading of Ordinance 520.24 governing the County’s Master Fee Schedule
Closed session includes the following:
Conference with Labor Negotiator/Meet and Confer: [state Government Code Section 54957.6]
Negotiators: Kyria Martinez, Carolyn Leist, Che Johnson of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
- General Unit – CLOCEA
- Supervisor’s Unit – CLOCEA
- Blue Collar – SEIU
- Detention Deputy’s Association
- Firefighter’s Association
- Deputy Sheriff’s Association
- Probation Officer’s Association
- Prosecutor’s Association
- Unrepresented Management
Significant exposure to litigation: (1 Case)
[Govt. Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2)(e)(2)]
Threat to litigation from El Rico Groundwater Sustainability Agency
Conference with Real Property Negotiator: (1 Case)
[Govt. Code Section 54956.8]
Property: Avenal Courthouse 501 E. Kings Street Avenal, CA 93204
Negotiation Parties: Kyria Martinez/Dominic Tybursk
The next board meeting will be on Tuesday, June 6, at 9 a.m.
If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at fresnodocs@fresnoland.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.