June 6, 2023 — Kings County Board of Supervisors
Documented by Josef Sibala
Here’s what you need to know:
- The Kings County Board of Supervisors authorized using American Rescue Plan Act pandemic relief funds of $6.85 million. Proposals range from $890,000 for the Kings Community Action Organization for a low-barrier shelter to $275,000 for the Kettleman Community Service District water storage to $64,000 for Sheriff Camera license plate detection and $1.1 million for upgrades to the board chambers.
- Mary Anne Bradfield from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience said that SBA provides low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to small businesses, private nonprofit organizations, small co-ops and agriculture businesses.
- The board approved the notice of completion for the Burris Park and Hickey Park Site Improvement Project to inform interested parties that the work has been completed.
- County Administrative Officer Kyria Martinez said the county has a retention issue. Valle said the funds for the American Rescue Plan Act could help staff the District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement personnel.
Follow-up questions:
- How will the county address homelessness, especially in the city of Hanford?
- How can businesses apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans?
- When and how can the county solve the retention of county personnel?
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 state constitution and statutes.
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 & Hanford)
- Richard Fagundes, District 5 (Hanford and Burris Park)
Others Present:
- County Administrative Officer Kyria Martinez
- Public Health Director Rose Mary Rahn
- Public Health Assistant Director Heather Silva
- Fire Chief William Lynch
- Behavioral Health Director Lisa Lewis
- Human Services Director Wendy Osikafo
- Information Officer John Devlin
- Library Director Natalie Rencher
- Chief Probation Officer Kelley Zuniga
- Public Works Director Dominic Tyburski
- District Attorney Sarah Hacker
- Sheriff David Robinson
- Diane Badasci
- Jay Wood
- Melissa Kevorkian
- Anthony Hassan
- Melissa Scheffel
- Christine Ravelo
- Topazio Guzman
- Christine Olvera
- Sarah Poots
- Tyler Pepe
- John Bsmajian Criscom
- David Long
- Heather Silva
- Kristi Lee
- Atonya Moore
- N. Rencher
- Bob Ramos
- Barbara Castle
- Mary Anne Bradfield
- Bobby Warton
- Dustin Ference
Discussions/Actions
Barbara Castle shared concerns regarding selling water outside the county.
Bobby Warton from the Kings County Commission on Aging said nutritional sites are active.
Rahn said there is a pest infestation in the Public Health Department campus, Building 3, 4 and 5. Operations have been moved, and pest control is ongoing.
Dustin Ference from the Kings County Farm Bureau was concerned that growers in the county would be affected by Ordinance 706, the county’s groundwater export limits.
He asked for the definition of exports in Article 14 of the ordinance and urged clarification on the provisions of the ordinance.
District Attorney Sarah Hacker urged the board to implement competitive salaries for positions in the District Attorney’s Office due to staffing difficulties.
Mary Anne Bradfield from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience said that SBA provides low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to small businesses, private nonprofit organizations, small co-ops and agriculture businesses.
A. The board (5-0) approved the minutes from the meeting on May 23 and the special meeting on May 31.
In the consent calendar, the board (5-0) unanimously approved items as follows:
A. Fire Department (reported by Fire Chief William Lynch)
a. The board authorized the purchase of 10 remote area lighting systems.
b. The board authorized the purchase of nine hydraulic extrication tools.
c. The board authorized the purchase of 10 Super VAC positive pressure ventilation fans.
According to Lynch, the purchase amount of $9,116 for the remote area lighting systems will be funded from California Emergency Services (CalOES) state grant appropriations and accounted for in the Fire Fund
The use of $189,152 for the purchase of e-hydraulics and Super VAC positive pressure ventilation fans will also be funded from CalOES grant appropriations and accounted for in the Fire Fund
B. Human Services Agency (reported by Director Wendy Osikafo)
1. The board increased the appropriations for the Human Services Agency In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority for the fiscal year 2022-2023 from $479,826 to $494,344;
Osifako said the IHSS PA budget was adopted at $479,826 based on the prior year’s allocation.
County fiscal letter 2022-2023 to 2025 was released on Oct. 20, 2022, which included an additional $2,231 in state general fund and a permanent backup provider system allocation of $5,028. These additional allocations draw down a 50% federal match for a total increase of $14,518
C. Information Technology Department (reported by Information Officer John Devlin)
1. The board authorized the purchasing manager to approve the purchase of technical support for one year with Oracle, effective from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.
Devlin mentioned that the one-year renewal cost is $80,698, included in the Department of Finance’s fiscal year 2023-24 recommended budget.
Kings County has a technical support services agreement with Central Square to support Finance Enterprise.
This agreement will expire on July 1,; therefore, a new services agreement covering a one-year term is proposed.
The $80,698 services renewal order exceeds the purchasing manager’s limit and requires board approval.
D. Library (reported by Library Director Natalie Rencher)
1. The board authorized the Kings County Library to accept funds of $7 million from the California State Library to address the life safety and critical maintenance needed for the Lemoore Branch Library for the Building Forward Infrastructure Grant program.
In October 2022, the California State Library notified the Kings County Library of the intent to award Building Forward grants to Hanford and Lemoore Branch libraries.
Rencher said that the grant period ends on March 31, 2026, and all project costs must be incurred by that date.
E. Probation Department (reported by Chief Probation Officer Kelley Zuniga)
1. The board authorized the Probation Department to purchase 10 Generation 3 Glock 22 .40 caliber firearms and 10 Generation 3 Glock 23 .40 caliber firearms for on-duty carry from the ProForce Law Enforcement Co.;
Zuniga said the sole source justification was completed using Proforce Law Enforcement Co., which could guarantee a 30-day ship and receive time frame. The sole source was approved and signed by Purchasing Manager Evan Jones.
F. Public Health Department (reported by Public Health Director Rosemary Rahn)
1. The board approved the memorandum of understanding to partner with the Central California Food Bank Diaper Distribution Program, effective upon execution for one year.
Participation in this program requires 501(c)(3) charitable organization status, and a partnership with the Central California Food Bank helps meet that requirement so that Kings County Women Infants and Children (WIC) program can distribute diapers to Kings County residents in need.
Rahn added that the memorandum of understanding includes 2022-2023 in the title; however, the agreement term is specified as one year from the date of the agreement.
2. The board authorized the advanced step hire of Barbara Bennett as a Public Health Nurse II.
G. Public Works Department (reported by Public Works Director Dominic Tyburski)
1. The board approved the notice of completion for the Burris Park and Hickey Park Site Improvement Project to inform interested parties that the work has been completed.
Tyburksi said that the per capita program originates from the Proposition 68 Grant, placed on the ballot via Senate Bill 5 and approved by the voters on June 5, 2018.
Funds are available for local park rehabilitation, creation and improvement to local agencies per capita. On Aug. 25, 2020, the board approved Resolution No. 20-057 and Agreement No. 20-090.
The public works director was authorized to apply for Proposition 68 funding and secure the required 20% ($80,000) match from The San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization through the Larry l. Hillbloom Foundation.
On Nov. 24, the board accepted the Proposition 68 grant. Subsequently, $480,000 was budgeted.
An additional $100,000 was approved in ARPA Funds for the Burris Park and Hickey Park Proposition 68 projects (ADA Improvements project and Playground Shade Structure).
On Aug. 17, 2021, the county made an agreement with QK, Inc. to develop the plans, specifications and estimates for the project.
The project was approved for advertisement on Oct. 4, with bids closing on November 4, 2022.
The county received three bids outlined below:
1. Harris Development Corp dba Harris Enterprises ($92,470)
2. JT2 Inc. dba Todd Companies ($160,700)
3. BMY Construction Group, Inc. ($217,908)
The project was awarded to Harris Development Corp dba Harris Enterprises on Feb. 7. Construction started on March 27, and was completed on April 26.
H. Sheriff’s Office (reported by Sheriff David Robinson)
1. The board authorized the Sheriff’s Office to purchase two Daniel Defense semi-automatic rifles from ProForce Law Enforcement.
Robinson added that the full purchase cost, not to exceed $4,000, will be covered by a credit with ProForce Law Enforcement for returned firearms.
2. The board authorized the Sheriff’s Office to enter into an agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for body-worn cameras.
Robinson said federal and state funds would cover the initial period until March 2025. However, after the grant performance period ends on March 31, 2025, the ongoing cost of software, support, maintenance and cloud storage would be an obligation of the general fund.
The costs of these services increase annually but are currently estimated at $210,000 per year.
Regular agenda items are as follows:
A. Administration (reported by County Administrative Officer Kyria Martinez)
1. The board (5-0) authorized using American Rescue Plan Act funding for $6.85 million
The State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Funds legislation, part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021.
The bill includes $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to every county in America. An additional $65.1 billion has been allocated to states, metropolitan cities and nonentitlement local government units.
Kings County received $29.7 million. The funds are intended to provide support in responding to the impact of COVID-19 and efforts to contain COVID-19 in communities and businesses.
The proposed used funds include $180,229 from digital marketing and $3.33 million from the small business support and retention program that was unspent after the program was completed in February 2023.
Martinez said that the county has an employee retention issue. Valle said the funds could help staff the District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement personnel.
Behavioral Health Director Lisa Lewis requested $700,000 for the Cohen Veterans Clinic Starter Fund. The Colin Veterans Clinic will be located near NAS Lemoore.
Robinson requested $140,000 for digital evidence storage for the Sheriff’s Office.
The additional fund requests are as follows:
- $64,700 for Sheriff Camera license plate, video, audio detection.
- $300,000 for agenda software for the clerk of the board within the Board of Supervisors.
- $200,618 for COVID-19 administrative associated costs.
- $1 million for additional funds for the IT and dispatch area generators.
- $30,000 for Burris Park Wagon Museum air conditioning unit.
- $50,000 for a Public Works online portal for permitting/reservations.
- $500,000 for additional funds for the board chambers upgrade.
- $890,000 to Kings Community Action Organization for a low-barrier shelter
- $16,000 for installing a new (door) access system at the Job Training Office (JTO).
- $20,000 for JTO rewiring for software capacity improvements
- $1,514,003 for Office 365 licenses for three years
- $120,000 for UPS for the data center
- $250,000 to replace GFI Languard software patching system
- $135,397 for the Fire Department for computer-aided dispatch
- $50,000 for Stratford Public Utility District (SPUD) water storage
- $275,000 for Kettleman Community Service District water storage
- $595,451 and any remaining unspent funds for employee retention and hiring incentives
2. The board waived the second reading and adopted Ordinance 520.24 governing the county’s master fee schedule.
A study session was conducted on March 16, 2023, regarding the biennial update to the master fee schedule. It included a comprehensive review of all county departmental fees and an anticipated timeline of events for the completion of the update.
A public hearing was held, and the first reading of the amended ordinance was introduced and waived on May 23, 2023.
A notice of the public hearing was published in The Hanford Sentinel on May 13 and May 18.
3. The board adopted a resolution ratifying the county health officer’s declaration of a local health emergency due to flood water contamination and vector-borne illness issued on May 31, 2023.
On March 1, Gov. Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in 47 counties because of the winter storms that struck California beginning in February.
On March 9, President Biden approved a presidential emergency declaration related to the storms and the flooding in the Tulare Lake Basin.
The Kings County Health Officer determined that a significant threat to public health exists due to hazardous waste from flooding, contaminated flood water, the risk of infectious diseases and the potential for vector-borne illnesses.
B. Human Services Agency and District Attorney’s Office – (reported by Human Services Director Wendy Osikafo and District Attorney Sarah Hacker)
1. The board adopted a resolution proclaiming June 2023 as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month.
The Human Services Agency, District Attorney’s Office and King County Commission on Aging are partnering to sponsor the following events this month to raise awareness for the local community:
1. Pinwheel Gardens
2. Free pancake breakfast held June 15, with live entertainment, raffle and education
C. Public Works Department (reported by Public Works Director Dominic Tyburski)
1. The board authorized the public works director to sign Amendment I to the consultant services agreement with Dewberry Engineers Incorporated to prepare the plans, specifications and estimate package for the subject project.
The project is programmed through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program.
Tyburski said that the federal reimbursement rate for this project is 88.53%, with an 11.47% local match.
The consultant fee is $337,295 (including Amendment I additional fees of $20,200), of which approximately $38,688 will be paid by the County Road Fund as shown in the fiscal year 2017-18 budget and the remainder paid through CMAQ funding.
2. The board awarded the construction contract for the Kings County Board of Supervisors boardroom improvements project to R.E. Jacobs Construction.
On March 14, the board approved the project plans and specifications and authorized the Public Works Department to advertise the project.
The project includes floor improvements to enhance mobility and replace worn and out-of-compliance equipment.
On April 14, one bid was opened, which was considered responsive and responsible. The bid was for $454,000 submitted by R.E. Jacobs Construction.
Staff noted that R.E. Jacobs Construction was the only bidder out of eight prospective bidders identified in the mandatory pre-bid meeting.
Funding for the project was secured through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for $650,000; to date, $354,656 has been spent, leaving a balance of $295,344 available.
Additional funding of $500,000 for the project has been requested to cover the cost of the construction bid received.
D. Sheriff’s Office (reported by Sheriff David Robinson)
1. The board received and (5-0) approved the annual reporting of the Sheriff’s Office military equipment.
On June 21, 2022, the Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance No. 702, approving a Military Equipment Use Policy under Assembly Bill 481.
Under AB 481 and the policy, a military equipment report must be submitted to the Board of Supervisors annually for each type of military equipment approved within one year of approval and annually after that for as long as the military equipment is available.
AB 481 also requires law enforcement agencies to submit to the Board of Supervisors an annual military equipment report on the use of the equipment.
Closed session includes the following:
Conference with Labor Negotiator/Meet and Confer: [Govt. 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
Personnel Matter: [Govt Code Section 54957]
Public Employee Appointment: County Administrative Officer
The meeting ended at 1 p.m. The next board meeting will be on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 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.
