Documented by Josef Sibala
Here’s what you need to know:
- The Kings County Board of Supervisors approved the funds transfer agreement between the California Department of Transportation and Kings County to accept $6 million in Assembly Bill 179 funds to build a pedestrian overcrossing in Kettleman City. Robinson and Verboon voted no since they believe the project constitutes “reckless spending,” leading to a $32 billion deficit in California. Verboon added that it is “too much for too few people.”
- The board approved the plans and specifications for the Kings County Fire Station No. 5 Partial Remodel project and authorized the Public Works Department to advertise the project. The project funding was secured from the High-Speed Rail Authority.
- The board adopted the resolution authorizing participation in the Alcohol Policing Partnership program implemented by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control;
effective July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024. The Kings County Sheriff’s Office was awarded $54,732 to cover all costs associated with the program, including deputy overtime, equipment and travel costs.
Follow-up questions:
- When will the county receive bids for the Kings County Fire Station No. 5 Partial Remodel project?
- How will residents benefit from the Alcohol Policing Partnership program?
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)
- Rusty Robinson, District 4 (Armona and Hanford)
- Richard Fagundes, District 5 (Hanford and Burris Park)
- Doug Verboon, District 3 (North Hanford, Island District and North Lemoore)
Others Present:
- Dave Clevinger
- Kevin Cook
- Bob Henry, senior district manager at Chemical Waste Management-Kettleman Hills Facility
- Deputy Director Christi Lupkes
- Assistant Director Heather Silva
- Sheriff David Robinson
- Chief Engineer Mitchel Cabrera
Discussions/Actions
Dave Clevinger said that the ground has been covered up on the Kings Triangle Courtyard Project, and electrical connections are ongoing. Next week, interiors and accessible units will be built.
Kevin Cook charged that new deputy district attorneys who lack experience have been handling homicide and murder cases and prosecuting individuals. Valle said that a $15,000 retention bonus would suffice. Cook said that in Kern County, a $15,000 retention bonus is given, plus other benefits.
A. The board (5-0) approved the October 3, 2023, meeting minutes.
In the consent calendar, the board (5-0) unanimously approved items as follows:
A. Agricultural Department:
1. The board approved a cooperative agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for the county’s Pink Bollworm Cotton Plowdown and Host-Free Monitoring Program.
According to agenda packet information, the agreement allows the county to enforce the cotton plowdown and monitor the pink bollworm host-free period.
The Department will survey all cotton-growing areas in the county for compliance with cotton plow-down regulations and monitor the pink bollworm host-free period for cotton Dec. 20, 2023-March 10, 2024.
B. Public Health Department:
1. a. The board approved a lease agreement with the Kings View Corp. for the Corcoran
Clinic Building to provide outpatient mental health services effective Nov. 1, 2023-June 30, 2026;
b. The board approved a lease agreement with the Kings View Corp. for the Avenal Clinic Building to provide outpatient mental health services effective Nov. 1, 2023-June
30, 2026.
According to the agenda packet, the item will cost $25,176.
The Kings County Department of Public Health (KCDPH) signed Lease Agreements 20-270 and 20-271 with Kings View for each building on July 1, 2019, at approximately $1,052 per month per building.
Due to the state of emergency declared by Gov.Newsom in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the lease agreements were amended on Nov. 1, 2020, to $100 per month until the end of the emergency.
On Feb. 28, 2023, the agreements reverted to the original lease terms as the state of emergency ended. The agreements expired on June 30, and Kings View continued to lease the buildings monthly.
KCDPH and Kings View are prepared to sign new leases for both properties beginning Nov. 1, 2023, and expiring on June 30, 2026, with the option for two one-year renewals.
The initial monthly rate for both lease agreements will be approximately $1,149, with a 3% increase every July 1.
Kings View provides outpatient mental health services in the Corcoran location every Monday and Thursday by appointment only. Services are provided by Kings View in the Avenal location every Tuesday and Friday, as well as the first Wednesday of each month, by appointment only.
KCDPH currently uses each building primarily for Women, Infant and Children (WIC) services as well as immunization clinics and other department services
2. The board appointed three members of the commission to replace retiring members as
indicated in the Kings County Ambulance Commission By-Laws.
According to the agenda packet, the Kings County Ambulance Commission (KCAC) is comprised 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.
Representatives are nominated by each member organization and appointed to a two-year term by the Board of Supervisors.
The proposed action is to appoint Robert Nevarez, Avenal police chief, as the primary and Leonard Lujan, Avenal police captain, as alternate. Also, appoint Dave Putnam, Corcoran police chief, as the primary. These appointments will replace individuals who have retired from the KCAC.
C. Sheriff’s Office:
1. a. The board authorized the Sheriff’s Office to purchase a $600 used all-terrain vehicle for the
Rural Crime Task Force
According to the agenda packet, the Rural Crime Task Force is an investigation unit` commonly known as the “Ag Unit” of the Sheriff’s Office. The unit’s sole responsibility is to investigate any property crime against a farmer, rancher, agricultural-related business or industry in the unincorporated rural areas of Kings County.
The Sheriff’s Office requests a used ATV as a decoy vehicle to help with theft investigations in the Rural Crime Unit.
Regular agenda items were as follows:
A. Administration – Chemical Waste Management
1. The board (5-0) accepted the report from Chemical Waste Management.
Bob Henry, senior district manager at Chemical Waste Management-Kettleman Hills, reported the following events:
- July 27: Kings County Environmental Services at KHF announced monthly inspections of MSW Landfill B17, hazardous waste landfill B18 and SW landfill B19. There were no concerns after the inspection.
- Aug. 28, the same inspection was made, with no area of concern
- On Aug. 31, the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board conducted a semi-annual facility compliance inspection with two site waste discharge requirements. No area of concern was raised.
- Sept. 8: Kings County Environmental Services conducted an unannounced monthly inspection of the landfills. During the same visit, they performed an underground tank inspection. No area of concern was raised.
- Sept. 26: Waste Management begins construction activities in KHF, starting with B17 Phase 1. Landfill B19 would be closed.
- Sept. 29: DTSC issued KHF its VSP (Violation Score Procedure) of 0.063 for 2023. Acceptable scores range from 0 to 20.
- On Oct. 2, the Fire Department at KHF responded to a fire at MSW landfill B17.
He advised the public to dispose of chemicals at the Hazardous Waste Collection instead of the trash.
He announced the following future events:
- Oct. 19: Kettleman City Public Safety Event
- Oct. 27: Kettleman City Elementary School Annual Carnival and Waste Management Project
He said that KHF had replaced the MSW low NOX layer with an ultra-low NOX flare costing $1 million. The application was submitted to the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control on June 28.
DTSC has partnered with Permit Renewals, KHF’s 10-year operating permit. DTSC will complete its technical review by the fourth quarter of this year.
DTSC made an agreement with El Pueblo for the translation of documents into Spanish. DTSC will have a draft decision for public comment in the first quarter of next year and a final decision in the second quarter.
B. Behavioral Health Department
1. The board (5-0) approved the memorandum of understanding with Health Management Associates Inc. to retroactively distribute the Medication-Assisted Treatment Expansion Program stipend in jails and drug courts, effective April 1, 2023-June 30, 2025.
According to the agenda packet, the $25,000 stipend is for participating in a learning collaborative funded by DHCS for State Opioid Funding Programs for Medication-Assisted Treatment in Jails and Drug Courts.Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenue to support participation through June 30, 2025, were included in the Kings County Behavioral Health 2023-2024 adopted budget.
Deputy Director Christi Lupkes said that The MAT Expansion Project Learning Collaborative aims to increase access to MAT in child welfare/juvenile justice systems.
The program is designed to improve coordination among all county agencies and providers who serve justice-involved county residents and to develop bridges to develop system capacity further to ensure access to effective treatment and recovery support.
Participation will assist KCBH in completing the following objectives:
- Assess the need for MAT for the child welfare population.
- Identify any gaps within youth services or challenges to implementing MAT access for youth within the current system.
- Examine and expand services for the child welfare population, including information on how to access services.
DHCS has made an agreement with Sierra Health Foundation and its sub-recipient, Health Management Associates Inc. (HMA), to manage the MAT Expansion Project Learning Collaborative and provide technical assistance and coaching to participating counties.
HMA, via a memorandum of understanding (MOU), will distribute the stipend to KCBH. This agreement is retroactive as a result of delays in receiving the requested changes to the agreement and in obtaining all required components for review and processing.
However, no retroactive costs have been incurred; rather, the retroactive date is based on the DHCS term of the MOU, which is April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025.
C. Public Health Department
1. The board adopted a resolution proclaiming October as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month in Kings County.
2. a. The board retroactively approved the fiscal year 2023-24 application with the California Department of Public Health for Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Funding effective July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024.
According to the agenda packet report, the Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health annual Agreement Funding Application grant budget will be at most $248,278 from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
The fiscal year 2023-24 approved county budget included Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Federal Title V revenue of $106,519 and Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Federal Title XIX revenue of $49,424.
Applying for and receiving these funds will increase Federal Title V revenue of $7,719, an increase in Federal Title XIX revenue of $84,616, and a decrease in the use of Health Realignment by $92,335.
Assistant Director Heather Silva said that the Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH) program includes funds for the Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP), Maternal and Child Health County Allocation, Sudden Infant Death Program, Prenatal Care Guidance and Perinatal Outreach and Education Program.
The item is being provided for retroactive approval due to CDPH providing the annual funding application in June 2023.
D. Public Works Department
1. The board (3-2) approved the funds transfer agreement between the state Department of Transportation and Kings County to accept $6 million in Assembly Bill No. 179 funds for constructing a pedestrian overcrossing in Kettleman City.
According to the agenda packet, the project is funded through state Senate Bill (SB) 170 and Assembly Bill (AB) No. 179.
Chief Engineer Mitchel Cabrera said that the County had received $2 million through SB 170 and will receive $6 million through AB 179.
The Kettleman City residential district is bisected by SR41, the primary north-south corridor providing valley residents access to the Central Coast. Pedestrians attempting to cross the state highway at this location face high traffic volumes, making foot passage difficult.
This condition poses a challenge for many of Kettleman City’s residents as the elementary school, post office, community center, park, many businesses (including gas and food), and the Community Center are all located west of SR41.
The community has requested a safe method of passage to traverse SR41 for residents living east and west of the corridor for several years.
SR41 is under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and in the fall of 2021, staff contacted Caltrans to discuss the project funding and location.
Caltrans staff expressed concerns with the proposed project as empirical data reveals an extremely low use rate of pedestrian overcrossing structures, which diminishes their efficiency in improving pedestrian safety.
As such, Caltrans has inquired whether the county would be willing to consider other methods of improving pedestrian safety, such as a roundabout paired with a High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk Beacon (HAWK).
Caltrans is designing a roundabout to be constructed on SR41 at Bernard Drive (Kettleman City Commercial District, approximately 1.4 miles north) in fiscal year 2024-25, a project in which the county is a full participant.
Supervisors Rusty Robinson and Doug Verboon voted no. Verboon added that he felt that the project is an example of “reckless spending, ” leading to a $32 billion deficit in California. Verboon added that it is “too much for too few.”
2. The board (5-0) approved the appraisal summaries for the Barcenas, Thorbus and Hansen properties required for the 17th Avenue and Houston Avenue Signalization Project.
According to the agenda packet, the project is programmed through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program. The total cost from appraisals is $40,500.
Chief Engineer Mitchel Cabrera said that the federal reimbursement rate for this project is 88%, which is $35,854, with an 11% local match of $4,646, which will be paid by the County Road Fund and through CMAQ funding.
The Public Works Department, based on a 2016 intersection traffic volume and accident study at 17th and Houston Avenues, concluded that a traffic signal was warranted.
The study revealed that the intersection met traffic signal warrants based on queuing and delays. County staff moved forward in securing funding for project design, right of way and construction.
The FHWA CMAQ program provides this project’s funding, with the 11.47% local match coming from the County Road Fund. All work is set to comply with state, federal and local requirements.
The consultant and subconsultant have prepared the initial appraisals and offered packages to begin negotiating with the property owners.
Right of way agreements will be brought before the board at a future date once negotiations have been finalized with the respective property owners.
3. The board (5-0) approved the plans and specifications for the King County Fire Station No. 5 Partial Remodel project and authorized the Public Works Department to advertise the project.
According to the agenda packet report, the engineer’s estimate for building the Kings County Fire Station No. 5 Partial Remodel is $2.7 million.
Chief Engineer Mitchel Cabrera said that the California High-Speed Rail construction has created the need to relocate county Fire Station No. 4 with funding secured from the High-Speed Rail Authority.
Kings County intends to use these funds to relocate the existing Fire Station No.4 and provide a partial remodel for improvements at Fire Station No.5. The existing Fire Station No. 5 in Armona will be partially remodeled to accommodate the ladder truck and additional staff in Fire Station No.4.
The final set of plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) for the remodel of existing Fire Station No. 5 have been prepared, and the project is ready to advertise for bids.
E. Sheriff’s Office
1. a. The board (5-0) approved an agreement with the Island Union Elementary School District for School Resource Deputy services retroactively, effective July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024.
b. The (5-0) board authorized the sheriff to sign the agreement with Island Union Elementary School District for School Resource Deputy services retroactively, effective July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024.
According to the agenda packet, the Sheriff’s Office will not add any deputy sheriff I/II positions to backfill this new assignment. The only increase in salary and benefits for the remainder of fiscal year 2023-2024 is estimated at $6,033.
Sheriff David Robinson said that the increase is due to the special assignment pay for SRD positions. It will be offset by $35,451 in revenue from Island Union Elementary School District to cover the cost of a 0.25 full-time equivalent (FTE) SRD.
The Sheriff’s Office has provided SRD services for Kings County schools since 2007. The first SRD started at Central Union Elementary School District after they received a federal Safe Schools grant.
Since then, the Sheriff’s Office has expanded its School Resource Division, and in the most recent fiscal year, services were provided by four SRDs covering six total school districts. SRDs are sworn law enforcement officers responsible for school safety and crime prevention.
The SRDs collaborate with school administrators to provide a positive and visible law enforcement presence. SRDs work to prevent juvenile delinquency and campus violence through close contact and positive relationships with students.
On Sept. 12, 2023, the board approved agreements with Reef-Sunset Unified School District, Lakeside Union Elementary School District and Armona Unified School Districts for full-time SRD positions.
The agreement with the Island Union Elementary School District will provide 0.50 FTE deputy sheriff I/II.
The position will be assigned to the school district for 20 hours per week, and the assigned deputy will work the remainder of the time in the Sheriff’s Operations Division.
The district agreed to pay the assigned deputy 25% of the total salary and benefits. The agreement is for July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024, and will renew each July 1 unless modified by mutual written agreement or terminated by either party.
The agreement is retroactive because it still needs to be finalized at the start of the fiscal year.
2. a. The board (5-0) adopted the resolution authorizing participation in the Alcohol Policing Partnership program implemented by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control;
b. The board (5-0) authorized the sheriff to sign the grant agreement with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for the Alcohol Policing Partnership program retroactively, effective July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024.
According to agenda packet materials, the Kings County Sheriff’s Office will be awarded $54,732 to cover all costs associated with the program, including deputy overtime, equipment and travel costs.
In 1995, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Agency (ABC) embarked on a new approach to broaden and increase alcoholic beverage law enforcement by partnering with cities and counties through a grant assistance project.
The mission of the Alcohol Policing Partnership program is to work with law enforcement agencies to develop an effective, comprehensive and strategic approach to eliminating the crime and public nuisance problems associated with some alcoholic beverage outlets and then institutionalize those approaches within the local police agency.
The Kings County Sheriff’s Office’s goals and objectives for the grant period are to conduct four minor decoy operations, two shoulder tap operations, four roll call training, eight impact operations, 10 general enforcement operations, advertise/promote at least one Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs (LEAD) class and spend $2,500 on equipment.
This agreement shall be for the term beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024. It is retroactive because the Sheriff’s Office did not receive the agreement until after the start of the Fiscal Year.
Closed session includes:
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
The next board meeting will be on Oct. 17.
If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at fresnodocs@fresnoland.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.
