Categories2024 Minutes by

Minutes | April 18, 2024

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

*****Thursday April 18, 2024 at 6:00pm***** (special start time)

In-Person and Online Participation Available

 

MINUTES (Approved June 20, 2024)

 

CALLED TO ORDER AT 6:10pm

ROLL CALL:

Present: Cathy McCarthy, Chris Nettles, Darlene Warner, Jake Strickler, Joe Schneider, Mel McMurrin

Absent: None

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda – Motion by: Chris, 2nd by: Darlene. All in favor, Agenda approved.

Amendments: None

Approval of Minutes – Motion by: Chris, 2nd by: Mel. All in favor. Minutes approved.

Amendments: None

[Secretary’s Note: Treasurer’s Report submitted. Attached and incorporated herewith as “Attachment A.”]

 

Short Announcements

Robert – Lions Club will be having a campfire sing-along with mac & cheese on April 26th from 5:30pm to 10pm.

Magdalena – May 4th is National Wildfire Preparedness Day

Paul – April 27th is the SLFPD’s Open House from 10am to 3pm. Permitted burning ends April 30th.

Mel – Cobb Alert Net radios will be available in May.

 

Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins./individual)

None

 

Cobb Area Plan Kickoff– Michelle Irace, Principal Planner, Community Development Department

The County of Lake is beginning the exciting journey of updating all eight local area plans (in addition to the General Plan). CDD Staff and the planning consultant, PlaceWorks, will provide an overview presentation, answer any questions folks may have, and seek public input about the plan update.

Director of Community Development Department, Mireya Turner, presented an overview of Lake County’s General Plan and Area Plans process and timing. The Draft LAPs (Local Area Plan) should be ready between Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) should be between Spring 2025 and Spring 2026. Public review and adoption should occur in the Spring-Fall of 2026, with a Noticed public hearing in the Fall of 2026.

The last Local Are Plan for the Cobb Area was in 1989. It is available on the County’s website: www.lakecountyca.gov/cdd/planning/planningdocuments

All in attendance broke into small workgroups to answer visioning questions presented by the CDD to gain input from the Cobb community. Each workgroup gathered at a table and came up with ideas which were written on large pads of paper and presented by each group to all in attendance. These written ideas were then gathered by the County to be compiled. For video of these presentations, please visit the Lake County Board of Supervisors YouTube channel or visit www.LakeCounty2050.org.

 

Closing announcements

North Coast Opportunities will be having a Volunteer Fair on April 30th from 4 to 6pm.

Glenneth will be having more clay classes available.

 

Next Meeting: May 16, 2024

ADJOURNED AT 8:13pm

 

Respectfully submitted,

Darlene Warner, Secretary

Categories2024 Agendas by

Special Agenda | April 18, 2024

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

*****Thursday April 18, 2024 at 6:00pm***** (special start time)

In-Person and Online Participation Available

 

Special Agenda (Approved 4-18-2024)

 

6:00 CALL TO ORDER

  • Roll Call / Pledge
  • Approval of Agenda and Minutes

6:02 Short Announcements

6:05 Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins./individual)

6:10 Cobb Area Plan Kickoff– Michelle Irace, Principal Planner, Community Development Department

The County of Lake is beginning the exciting journey of updating all eight local area plans (in addition to the General Plan). CDD Staff and the planning consultant, PlaceWorks, will provide an overview presentation, answer any questions folks may have, and seek public input about the plan update.

8:05 Closing announcements

8:06 Next Meeting: May 16, 2024

8:06 Adjournment

 

*************

How to Participate in Cobb Area Council Public Meeting 4/18/2024

  1. Join us in person at the Little Red Schoolhouse 15780 Bottle Rock Road
  2. There may be occasions when a board/committee member may request and be permitted to participate in a board/committee meeting remotely to the extent authorized by and in compliance with California Assembly Bill  2499.   In such case, the majority of the board/commission will be physically present at the meeting location.  Members of the public may participate in person or via Zoom:
  1. By Computer Join our Zoom Meeting

Go to:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83230383747?pwd=WSCbCNmCFxt9qD31xgaYAPxUOK4oBs.1

Enter the Meeting  ID: 832-3038-3747 and Passcode: 672104

To make a comment or ask a question, use the “Q&A” icon.

  1. Call into the Zoom meeting on any phone:

Call (669) 900- 6833

Enter the Meeting  ID: 832-3038-3747 and Passcode: 672104

Recordings will be uploaded to PEGTV’s Youtube channel within 48 hours of the meeting.

Categories2024 Minutes by

Minutes | March 21, 2024

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday March 21, 2024 at 6:30pm

In-Person and Online Participation Available

 

MINUTES (Approved 4-18-2024)

 

CALLED TO ORDER at 6:32pm

ROLL CALL

Present: Cathy McCarthy, Darlene Warner, Jake Strickler, Joe Schneider, Mel McMurrin

Absent:  Chris Nettles

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by: Darlene, 2nd by: Jake. All in favor, Agenda approved with Amendment.

Amendments: Suggestion made by Darlene to move guest speakers to 6:40 position, with Jessica and Paul’s reports afterwards in respect of guest speakers’ time. All in agreement.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by: Jake, 2nd by: Paul. All in favor, Minutes approved.

SHORT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Robert – crab feed was a success. On Saturday, March 30th at Mountain Meadow, there will be an Egg Hunt with Easter Bunny for pictures, and Mountain Meadow will be open during the event. There will be 1,400 eggs to be found and separate sections for infants and toddlers. Age-appropriate toys in the eggs. On April 26th there will be a Campfire sing-along at the Mountain Lions Club.

Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins./individual)

Greg, Mountain High Coffee – thanked CAC for the Cobbite business of the Year Award. Feeling disenfranchised with the additional rate hikes from PG&E, it’s hurting his small business. Would like to see an independent panel with the State, and CAC’s small business loan fund money loaned out.

Lake County Community Foundation – Annette L. Kamaloni, Chuck Bevin

Lake County had no way to receive funds, now we do with Lake County Community Foundation, started in August 2023, acting as a fiscal agent for the County. www.lccf.org

Building of H.O.P.E. Center in Clearlake. Urgent need for housing (projects in the works), workforce training, grants. LCCF will provide a roundtable for Lake County for Agencies to talk together. LCCP is in it for the long-haul. Jessica’s comments: planning in times of blue skies. Will prevent our money from going to other Counties, such as Sonoma County after the fires because Lake County did not have a fiscal agent. LCCP will now be our fiscal agent, after several years of work.

Supervisor’s Comments – Jessica Pyska

Commented on Greg’s Public Comment regarding PG&E rate hikes – that they are authorized through the CPUC and are supposed to be for recouping money for vegetation management. The CPUC is the place to give comments and participate in working groups. Also commented on the decommissioning of landlines by ATT and hearings being held at the CPUC. We have a new Government Affairs Representative for PG&E, his name is Jason, and we hope to have him at our May meeting. This summer, PGE will be undergrounding lines from Bottlerock Road to Sulpher Creek Road. Anyone with leftover PGE trees (approximately 1,100) from their vegetation management efforts, contact/email Jessica. Two weeks ago, the generator was installed at Little Red, with thanks to the Red Cross, the Lake County climate team, and Lions Club. The Lions Club can now be utilized as an emergency shelter. Happened quickly, start to finish in about 2 weeks. Our next meeting will start early at 6PM and will be a presentation by the County’s Community Development Department – kicking off our Cobb Area Plan – our local area plan, which is our portion of priorities and ideas for the Cobb Area Plan, to be included in the larger County General Plan, which will take place over the next 2 years or so. A new MAC was just formed for the Kelseyville area – the Big Valley Area Council (BVAC) – last week. In parallel we will be updating the County General Plan over the next 3 years. Escrow on the park property closed on Friday. Cobb Park received a federal grant to cover approximately half the purchase price of the park property. Calpine turns 40 this year. This year, Boggs Forests turns 75 years old; possible celebration (hike, lunch, music, more) on June 22nd.

Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan

The National Weather Service (NWS) is looking for 10 people to be weather spotters for the Cobb area; 2 hours of training provided by NWS, most likely will be at Cobb Fire Station. We do not have a RAWS station, so we there will be one going into Boggs. There will be more clearing up in Boggs, and the work behind the school in the amphitheater area is looking amazing. Copter crews are getting their night-vision qualifications done this year. Burn permit period ends April 30th.

Treasurer’s Report – Chris

Darlene reported that there was no treasurer’s report from Chris, but Chris said there wasn’t any change from last month and that normal monthly expenses would be reflected in next month’s report. Chris had a family emergency.

Committee Reports (3 minutes/individual)

Firewise Communities – Magdelena, Cindy, Glenneth, David, Laurie

Eliot – May 4th is National Wildfire Cleanup Day. Grant received via SSCRA from NFP to assist community Firewise Groups in clearing out flash/brush and cleanup over the next couple of months in preparation for National Wildfire Cleanup Day. Check with your neighborhood Firewise Group.

Communications Committee – Darlene

Mel – had two deep-cycle auto batteries donated for backup power to Mountain repeater. Monthly check-ins still the same amount, would like to hear from people once per month. Asked if there were videos and/or classes on “how to” operate the radios – visit the website: www.cobbalert.net. Getting a 3rd “Ridge” repeater up and running. Darlene – answered a question about emergency siren not being heard well. Mentioned well aware of situation, ideal situation would be additional siren at helitack base, but a new siren costs approximately $50K.

Forest Health Committee – Eliot

No report.

Economic Development Committee – Chris

None. Chris was absent due to a family emergency.

Blackberry Cobbler Festival – Cathy

Met with Jennifer Gayda two weeks ago, will meet with her again next Thursday.

Cobbler Festival will be Saturday, August 24th from 11A to 4P. The new owner of Mountain Meadow venue has agreed to have the festival there still.

CalTrans emailed Cathy asking what we thought of the new bridge: Paul said the bridge is amazing, can’t see it, but there’s beautiful artwork on the side of the rock wall portion. Reflectors are raised rather than inset. Won’t survive snowplows, need to be in-ground, inset. There is a grinder that will inset the reflectors. Jake commented that CalTrans has been going above and beyond with cleaning up fallen tree debris beyond the right-of-way.

 

Next Meeting: April 18, 2024 at 6:00 *** Early Start time for Community Development Department

 

ADJOURNED AT 7:52pm

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Darlene Warner, Secretary

Categories2024 Agendas by

Agenda | March 21, 2024

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday March 21, 2024 at 6:30pm

In-Person and Online Participation Available

 

Agenda (Approved March 21, 2024)

 

6:30 CALL TO ORDER

  • Roll Call / Pledge
  • Approval of Agenda and Minutes

6:32 Short Announcements

6:35 Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins./individual)

6:40 Lake County Community Foundation – Annette L. Kamaloni

6:50 Supervisor’s Comments – Jessica Pyska

7:00 Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan

7:15 Treasurer’s Report – Chris

7:20 Committee Reports (3 minutes/individual)

  • Firewise Communities – Magdelena, Cindy, Glenneth, David, Laurie
  • Communications Committee – Darlene
  • Forest Health Committee – Eliot
  • Economic Development Committee – Chris
  • Blackberry Cobbler Festival – Cathy

 

7:35 Next Meeting: April 18, 2024 at 6:00 *** Early Start time for Community Development Department

7:36 Adjournment

*************

 

How to Participate in Cobb Area Council Public Meeting 3/21/2024

 

  1. Join us in person at the Little Red Schoolhouse 15780 Bottle Rock Road
  2. There may be occasions when a board/committee member may request and be permitted to participate in a board/committee meeting remotely to the extent authorized by and in compliance with California Assembly Bill 2499.   In such case, the majority of the board/commission will be physically present at the meeting location.  Members of the public may participate in person or via Zoom:
  1. By Computer Join our Zoom Meeting

Go to:  https://app.zoom.us/wc/join

Enter the Meeting ID: 832-3038-3747 and Passcode: 672104

To make a comment or ask a question, use the “Q&A” icon.

  1. Call into the Zoom meeting on any phone:

Call (669) 900- 6833

Enter the Meeting ID: 832-3038-3747 and Passcode: 672104

Recordings will be uploaded to PEGTV’s YouTube channel within 48 hours of the meeting.

Categories2024 Minutes by

Minutes | February 15, 2024

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday February 15, 2024 at 6:30pm

In-Person and Online Participation Available

 

MINUTES (Approved 3-21-2024)

 

CALLED TO ORDER at 6:37pm

Roll Call

Present: Cathy McCarthy, Chris Nettles, Darlene Warner

Absent: Jake Strickler, Joe Schneider, Mel McMurrin

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda: Motion by Paul, 2nd by Magdalena, All in favor, Agenda approved.

Approval of Minutes Motion by Paul, 2nd by Chris, All in favor, Minutes approved.

In January of each year, the C.A.C. Board of Directors will hold a roll call election from its regular members to select the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. No meeting was held in January, therefore we will select these roles tonight.

Cathy McCarthy: Chairperson

Jake Strickler – Vice Chair

Chris Nettles: Treasurer

Darlene Warner: Secretary

Joe Schneider: Member at Large

Mel McMurrin – Alternate

Chris suggested we vote for the positions/roles as a slate. Jessica nominated Jake as Vice Chair. Vote on above positions was made as a slate: Chris made motion on slate vote to approve, Robert made 2nd. All in favor of slate, Motion passes unanimously, members assigned roles as above.

Short Announcements

Robert – tickets are available and almost gone for the Crab Feed. Purchased Alaskan half-crabs at $8.95/pound. Please take free food leftover from food giveaway.

Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins./individual)

Cathy acknowledged Greg and Allison from Mountain High Coffee as Cobbites of the year for their long-term commitment and support to Cobb. Inez thanked them as well.

Duncan – question regarding Big Canyon Road/Perini Road/Ettawa Springs, and what parts are in which district.

Supervisor’s Comments – Jessica Pyska

Thanked the Lions Club and everyone involved for opening up as a warming center during the storm. With the help of the Lions Club and the Red Cross, the application for a new generator will be presented next week. Lots of crews were out during the storm: DPW, Lars, Chief Duncan, PGE, tree crews, CHP, helitack crews, many crews responded and did incredible work. Declared local disaster. Damage – get damage reports of personal property in. County needs total damage assessment. There were 25 homes destroyed in Lake County. If you need assistance with this, contact Jessica. Damage reports can be made at: www.lakesherrirff.com. Went to DC for the NACO (National Association of Counties) conference with a delegation representing Lake County: Bruno, EJ and 2 staff members. The first day was a full day (8am to 5pm) of FEMA training, learning how to build more resilient communities, how we get funding in pro-active work: for every $1 spent saves us $7 down the road. There was a significant amount of defensible space cleanup after the storm. Defensible Space Clearing – grant funds available of up to $2,500 per home – EJ and Jessica put some of their discretionary funds into this program, there’s about a half-million available. Tree mortality – removing from rights-of-way – working with CalOES for two years now on this; Senator McGuire gave us $1M to get the program started, Disaster Act funding. We’ve been working on a park for the Cobb community for a long time – introduced Lars Ewing.

Cobb Park Update- Lars Ewing and Celia Hoberg

The Public Services Department includes the Parks and Recreation Department

Public Notice has been issued of a hearing at the BOS Meeting on March 27th regarding the purchase of this 13-acre property SE of the golf course. Will be closing escrow a few weeks after that. The parking area will be in front, at the corner of Hwy 175 and Golf Road where the existing building is. Amenities – ideas presented: restrooms, a forested, cabin feel, shaded picnic areas, majority of park will be trails, trail up over the creek, natural playground, amphitheater, and native garden. Eliot commented to include creek ecological restoration and partnering with SSCRA and TERA. Going to use a phased approach. There will be more formal opportunities for further input. The first phase is to open the park, which includes initial amenities and some of the trails. Maintenance and long-term/ongoing funding are a concern. The Concept Plan is developed.

Fire Season Update: Winter Storm Edition- Paul Duncan

More significant storm than the NWS out of Eureka predicted. Has not been pleased with Eureka (vs Sacramento), they’ve been underestimating the wind. NWS may be asking for weather spotters. Reminded everyone to always call 911 first – that way your location is logged and there’s medical aid available over the phone. Another significant event this weekend, be prepared. Boggs forest is a mess, crews are working on that. Would like to know why the permanent ATT keeps going down. Lake County received 400 calls for service, 68 is normal. Snowplow was very busy; Chief Duncan is still dispatch on that. The helicopter will be back in March. Working with CLERC to get ACI back up and running, have fence up around it now. Pine, fir, and cedar trees don’t like to be alone.

Robert commented about ways PGE can better notify the public when an emergency shelter is opened up when the power goes out. Mentioned it was the first time he saw County plows in the area and praised Public Works for that.

Treasurer’s Report – Chris

See attached report incorporated herewith as “Attachment A”

Overall decrease to Profit & Loss Statement of $3K. Funds in Blackberry Cobbler Fest are $17.9K.

Discuss/Approve Authority to continue rent storage for HUB materials until new location is determined.

Monthly rental at Empire Storage in Middletown is $130/month. Approval is to continue renting storage unit, and to review this rental in another quarter. Motion made by Chris, 2nd by Eliot. All in favor. Motion approved.

Committee Reports (3 minutes/individual)

Firewise Communities – Magdelena, Cindy, Glenneth, David, Laurie

Cathy – Jones Creek is renewed and in good standing.

Magdalena – getting Firewise communities active and focused on getting renewals in. Heard Firewise discounts on homeowners’ insurance is 10% off CA Fair Plan, with 25% off the wildfire portion of policy. Community Organizations in Active Disasters (including non-profits) with CERT training are people who help and are looking at making more CERT classes available. Worked with NCO to get an AmeriCorp crew out to– 5 or 6 properties. The crew were young and energetic – we need more crews. We are overdue for a community event. Marin County is no longer #1 for number of Firewise Groups. Nevada County is #1 for number of Firewise groups now with 91 groups. We have almost 20.

Communications Committee – Darlene

Mountain repeater got wet due to a roof leak with the storm. Operating on a backup repeater, and on generator power when PGE was out. During winter, having a radio is a good idea too, but always call 911 first if you can. Had a call for help on the radio from a new member and was able to help people with a large tree through their roof which trapped them in their bedroom. Information was relayed to get them help. Noted how information was stated clearly and calmly in a stressful time. Communications Committee meeting will be either Friday 2/23 or 3/1. Mel would like to find people interested in getting their HAM license, call him at (415) 302-6896. An informal, post-storm meeting will be held tomorrow at 5pm online. Duncan had a question about linked repeaters.

Forest Health Committee – Eliot

No report

Economic Development Committee – Chris

Chris attended Lake County Business Association Round Table – money/loan programs available to small businesses, and technical assistance available. Working hard at getting presentations at the Economic Development Committee meeting and putting on calendar. 

Blackberry Cobbler Festival

Noted that Mountain Meadow venue is in escrow, and new owners are willing to host the Blackberry Cobbler Festival 2024.

Discuss/Approve process for appointing next chair of the Blackberry COBBler Festival

Motion made by Magdalena to delegate Economic Development Committee to be tasked with this, Chris made 2nd. All in favor, motion passes.

Discuss/Approve chair of Blackberry COBBler Festival as a paid position

Eliot asked whether we were going to hire outside to manage. Chris and Cathy noted to do as we’ve done before and hire local – ideally someone who has been involved before and knows Cobb. Clarified this position is not only chairing, but administering all functions related to Cobbler Fest 2024. It is noted that a job description and duties need to be defined. Motion made by Chris, 2nd made by Jessica, all in favor, motion passes.

Next Meeting: March 21, 2024 at 6:30

Adjourned at 8:03pm

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Darlene Warner, Secretary

Categories2024 Agendas by

Agenda | February 15, 2024

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday February 15, 2024 at 6:30pm

In-Person and Online Participation Available

Agenda (Approved 2-15-2024)

 

6:30 CALL TO ORDER

  • Roll Call / Pledge
  • Approval of Agenda and Minutes

6:32 In January of each year, the C.A.C. Board of Directors will hold a roll call election from its regular members to select the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. No meeting was held in January, therefore we will select these roles tonight.

6:40 Short Announcements

6:45 Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins./individual)

6:50 Supervisor’s Comments – Jessica Pyska

7:00 Cobb Park Update- Lars Ewing and Celia Hoberg

7:15 Fire Season Update: Winter Storm Edition- Paul Duncan

7:20 Treasurer’s Report – Chris

7:25 Discuss/Approve Authority to continue rent storage for HUB materials until new location is determined.

7:30 Committee Reports (3 minutes/individual)

  • Firewise Communities – Magdelena, Cindy, Glenneth, David, Laurie
  • Communications Committee – Darlene
  • Forest Health Committee – Eliot
  • Economic Development Committee – Chris
  • Blackberry Cobbler Festival –
    • Discuss/Approve process for appointing next chair of the Blackberry COBBler Festival.
    • Discuss/Approve chair of Blackberry COBBler Festival as a paid position.

7:49 Next Meeting: March 15, 2024 at 6:30

7:50 Adjournment

*************

How to Participate in Cobb Area Council Public Meeting 2/15/2024

 Join us in person at the Little Red Schoolhouse 15780 Bottle Rock Road

  1. There may be occasions when a board/committee member may request and be permitted to participate in a board/committee meeting remotely to the extent authorized by and in compliance with California Assembly Bill  2499.   In such case, the majority of the board/commission will be physically present at the meeting location.  Members of the public may participate in person or via Zoom:
  1. By Computer Join our Zoom Meeting

Go to:  https://app.zoom.us/wc/join

Enter the Meeting  ID: 832-3038-3747 and Passcode: 672104

To make a comment or ask a question, use the “Q&A” icon.

  1. Call into the Zoom meeting on any phone:

Call (669) 900- 6833

Enter the Meeting  ID: 832-3038-3747 and Passcode: 672104

Recordings will be uploaded to PEGTV’s Youtube channel within 48 hours of the meeting.

Categories2023 Minutes by

Minutes | December 21, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday December 21, 2023 at 6:30pm

In-Person and Online Participation Available

 

MINUTES (Approved 2-15-2024)

 

CALL TO ORDER at 6:40pm

ROLL CALL

Present: Cathy McCarthy, Chris Nettles, Darlene Warner, Joe Schneider, Mel McMurrin

Absent: Jake Strickler

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Chris, 2nd by Eliot. All in favor. Agenda approved as Amended.

Amendment(s): Amend to include Supervisor’s Report, Alternate’s term ends 12/31/24

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Mel, 2nd by Chris. All in favor. Minutes approved as Amended.

Amendment(s): correct the spelling of Magdalena’s name and email address. Correct the spelling of David Dolezal’s name. Mountain Of Ascension should be Mountain Of Attention.

 

SHORT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Robert – Lion’s Club is having a Campfire event with singing, 2 firepits on January 20th either 6-9pm or 7-10pm.

There is food leftover from food giveaway, please take some. The rain total from recent storm was 10.54 inches, and 20.82 for the season.

Paul – there will be clearing/prescribed burns by the elementary school and Boggs Forest

 

PUBLIC AND BOARD COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS (3 mins./individual)

Magdalena – Giant Steps is having a Holiday tree lighting ceremony and lights contest on January 22nd at the Mountain Meadow venue, 5pm; winners will be announced December 27th. County of Lake survey due January 31st.

[Added Item]

SUPERVISOR’S COMMENTS (Jessica Pyska)

Last month we found out from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Resources (OPR) that we became the 6th pilot biomass project. We will be working with OPR and 5 other pilot programs in the State, and as a Region developing a biomass strategy – we’ll be looking at industries that can thrive here. Has been working on this for the last couple of years and took the Director on a dead trees tour in October. We basically have no biomass infrastructure (i.e. no sawmills). We’ll be doing an asset analysis and developing the strategy on what types of businesses can come here and market to these businesses, then develop sites all around the County. This will be a 3-year program, and will be working with the Governor’s Office to get all necessary paperwork together within the next couple months. Hopefully we can kick this off in April 2024. The next round of funding would be seed money to implement and then work on sustainable funding for all the programs. This is non-competitive, we’re already in the program, we just need to get the paperwork in.

Cobb Park – close to land acquisition. Should be coming to the BOS in February 2024. The notification period should start very soon. Initial design concepts will be presented by Lars and staff with CAC as early as late January or February. Thanked CAC board members.

 

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

  • Nominations and Elections of New Board Members to serve the two-year term (1/2024 through end of 12/2025).

Cathy, Darlene, and Joe’s terms are expiring. Alternate expires at the end of each year. Nominations were accepted. Chris suggested we vote by Slate rather than individually. The slate was as follows: Cathy McCarthy, Darlene Warner, and Joe Schneider for reelection to two-year terms, Mel McMurrin for a one-year term as Alternate. Motion by Eliot, 2nd by Laurie Lincoln. All in favor, none opposed. Cathy, Darlene, Joe and Mel were reelected. Jessica noted that all Board Applications must be submitted to the County before the January 9th BOS meeting to be appointed before the next CAC meeting.

  • Nominations and Elections of New Alternate to serve the one-year term (1/2024 through end 12/2025).

Mel McMurrin was nominated and reelected for a one-year term as Alternate (see above).

 

For submission to the Cobb Area Council: Recommendations from the Cobb Watershed Education and Restoration Program

Eliot presented a document to CAC with recommendations outlined and read aloud in its entirety by Eliot.

Recommendations document received by CAC.

 

Cobbite of the Year – Committee presents its selections

Individual: Kelly Fletcher was presented with the Cobbite of the Year award

Business:  Mountain High Coffee and Books was announced as Cobbite of the Year

 

Next Meeting: January 18, 2024

ADJOURNED at 7:26pm

 

Respectfully submitted,

Darlene Warner, Secretary

 

Categories2023 Agendas by

Agenda | December 21, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday December 21, 2023 at 6:30pm

In-Person and Online Participation Available

 

AGENDA

6:30 CALL TO ORDER

  • Roll Call / Pledge
  • Approval of Agenda and Minutes

6:32 Short Announcements

6:35 Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins./individual)

Supervisor’s Report (Jessica Pyska)

6:40 Nominations and Elections

  • Nominations and Elections of New Board Members to serve the two-year term (1/2024 through end of 12/2025).
  • Nominations and Elections of New Alternate to serve the one-year term (1/2024 through end 12/2025).

6:50 For submission to the Cobb Area Council: Recommendations from the Cobb Watershed Education and Restoration Program

7:00 Cobbite of the Year – Committee presents its selections.

7:05 Next Meeting: January 18, 2024

7:06 Adjournment

Social hour to follow- all are welcome!

*************

How to Participate in Cobb Area Council Public Meeting 12/21/2023

  1. Join us in person at the Little Red Schoolhouse: 15780 Bottle Rock Road
  2. There may be occasions when a board/committee member may request and be permitted to participate in a board/committee meeting remotely to the extent authorized by and in compliance with California Assembly Bill    In such case, the majority of the board/commission will be physically present at the meeting location.  Members of the public may participate in person or via Zoom:
  3. By Computer Join our Zoom Meeting

Go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86045276539?pwd=Ym5XY3huUDNPR1R6eitWS0lBTG04Zz09

and enter passcode: 9947129

To make a comment or ask a question, use the “Q&A” icon.

  1. Call into the Zoom meeting on any phone:

Call (669) 900- 6833

Enter the Meeting ID: 860 4527 6539 Passcode: 994712

Recordings will be uploaded to PEGTV’s Youtube channel within 48 hours of the meeting.

Categories2023 Minutes by

Minutes | November 16, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday November 16, 2023 at 6:30pm

In-Person and Online Participation Available

 

MINUTES

 

 

CALLED TO ORDER at 6:33pm

ROLL CALL:

Present: Cathy McCarthy, Chris Nettles, Darlene Warner, Mel McMurrin, Jake Strickler

Absent: Joe Schneider

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Paul, 2nd  by Eliot. All in favor, Minutes Approved as Amended.

Amendment: Chris Nettles was marked “present” at last meeting when he was in fact absent. Minutes will reflect that he was absent.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion by Paul, 2nd by Chris. All in Favor, Agenda approved. Strike Supervisor’s comments, Supervisor Pyska is at a conference.

 

SHORT ANNOUNCEMENTS

John/Lion’s Club – Breakfast with Santa at the Lion’s Club at 9am on 12/9. Supports the PTO for Cobb Elementary School. Tentative bonfire on January 20th.

 

PUBLIC AND BOARD COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS (3 MINS./INDIVIDUAL)

None

Supervisor’s Comments – Jessica Pyska

Not present – at CSAC conference

Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan

At reduced staff – one engine per station. Copter: not staffed daily, but still flying around. State excavator is at Boggs Forest; trying to get into Gifford Springs area. If you see them working, stay back about 300 feet. Had three large prescribed burns: 13 acres with TERA on Bottlerock Road, 53 acres in Lower Lake, and 3 acres in Loch Lomond. Positive, very good fire. Natives call it “fire medicine.” Good to have TERA involved; Cobb is the hub for 6 tribes that were involved. ACI has been relocated to Hwy 175 just north of the settling ponds just outside Middletown. Should be up and running first part of 2024, have to put fencing up around it. The intent is for it to be free of charge. Cobb area Candy Cane Run will be on December 8th, weather permitting.

Treasurer’s Report – Chris

Attached and incorporated herewith as “Attachment A”

Discuss/ Approve: RFP Explore Cobb webpage/ social media management recommendation of Economic Development Committee

Chris recapped issue. Received 2 proposals and main difference between the 2 was cost. Economic Development Committee reviewed both proposals and recommends accepting the proposal from Sally Wiatrolik. It was noted that Glenneth recommended Sally during last month’s CAC meeting. Eliot recommended adding maintenance of CAC website to duties covered by proposal. Motion to accept proposal from Sally Wiatroliak made by Chris, 2nd by Darlene. All in favor (10 votes aye, 0 votes nay). Motion Approved. Chris will inform Sally. Cathy acknowledges and thanks Abby.

Committee Reports (3 minutes/individual)

Firewise Communities – Magdalena, Cindy, Glenneth, David, Laurie

Magdalena – 6 Firewise Communities in the Cobb Area. One Firewise community has received renewal – Firewise Group 2. Deadline has been extended to December 15, 2023 due to website glitches. Waiting for Cobb View (in process), Seigler Springs, Loch Lomond, Jones Creek (in process), and Gordon Springs is completed. For a list of Firewise communities, visit: www.firesafelake.org. Can also email Magdalena with questions: magdalenavh@sscra.org. David Dolezal is the new Firewise Ranger from the Bureau of Land Management to conduct the community risk assessments. Pay attention to how current your Action Plan is; these Action Plans must be renewed every 3 years instead of the nationally required 5 years.

Communications Committee – Darlene

Mel – reminder that CAN (Cobb Alert Net) hours are Firewise hours. Communications Committee meeting tomorrow at 5pm – Bit.ly/coms.meet/nov2023 to attend online. Need new members; looking at members at large to participate – actively recruiting for 4 open positions. FireAdaptiveNetwork.org (FAN) has an article about CAN (Cobb Alert Net) thanks to Magdalena. FAN is a national organization. Please visit to read and comment on article, it needs comments. Check-ins are in the 15-30 range, the usual. Winter is a fun time to practice and check-in. Visit our website at: CobbAlert.net and email us at: cobbalertnet@gmail.com. We monitor controlled burns, so check your radio first. CAN is a very good resource for winter storm information as well.

Comment from Duncan – new fire Marshal for Mountain Of Attention – if we had better communication, we would have saved more structures. Positive comments about Cobb Alert Net.

Forest Health Committee – Eliot

Reminder: committee meets last Friday of every month. Now meeting at Loch Lomond fire house. SSCRA submitted a 20-page CWPP application for a grant; expecting to hear back in February. Attended CalFire research meeting – fire research done on Cobb, there’s 9 years of data. Watershed Restoration Public Forum will be December 18th from 5-7pm at Mandala Springs – reviewing first year of operations.

Economic Development Committee – Chris

Has not met since review of website/social media proposals.

Blackberry Cobbler Festival – update on financials – Chris

Still have not closed the books. Beginning balance approx. $14K, ending approx. $18K, we made approximately $4K overall – about a 29% profit margin. Sending Thank You’s to sponsors.

Cobbite of the Year – Committee Nomination Meeting November 30th at Cobb Mountain Pizza at 6pm.

If you’ve received award before, you’re automatically on the committee this year.

Candidates needed for nomination/election and appointment to CAC board. Terms start in January 2024, staggered terms. County has incorrect information on their website (says non-staggered, and all up in January 2025). Cathy, Joe, and Darlene’s terms are up this year (12-31-2023). Alternate is a one-year term, so Mel is up. Chris and Jake are not up until 2025. Need 4 nominees. Robert suggests we put out a public notice for recruitment/nominations. Press release, flyer, social media. Include committees that need members. Nominations can be emailed to: cobbareacouncil@gmail.com. This will be on next month’s Agenda. Process: Nomination, election by CAC, then appointment by BOS.

Next Meeting: December 21, 2023 – Brief Agenda and Social Hour to follow. Wear an ugly sweater.

ADJOURNED at 7:28pm

 Respectfully submitted,

Darlene Warner, Secretary

Categories2023 Minutes by

Minutes | October 19, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday October 19, 2023 at 6:30pm

In-Person and Online Participation Available

 MINUTES (Approved 11-16-2023)

CALLED TO ORDER at 6:34pm

ROLL CALL:

Present: Cathy McCarthy, Darlene Warner, Mel McMurrin

Absent: Chris Nettles, Jake Strickler, Joe Schneider

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Approval of Agenda: Motion by Robert, 2nd by Eliot. All in favor. Agenda approved as Amended.

Amendments: Strike 7:10pm item

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Eliot, 2nd by Inez. All in favor. Minutes approved.

 

Short Announcements

Cathy: Lion’s Club had food distribution today. Cobb Elementary School Garden Harvest Gala is this Sunday (can donate gift)

Friends of Boggs Mountain – event at Little Red. Introduction to Map reading/Navigation lessons by Richie Bucher, free, about an hour-long class. Bring a real compass if you have one. Will be on November 4th at 10am. RSVP via email FOBM@boggsmountain.org No age limit, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Glenneth: Sculpture Jam started last weekend. One more weekend to go, will be both Saturday and Sunday. Has donated piece for auction. Contact Glenneth at 707-295-6934

Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins./individual)

Jessica is running for District 5 Supervisor again. A lot of wonderful things happening, and many projects to continue. www.supervisorjessicapyska.com

Richie Bucher: giving the community notice we are in the summer to winter transition beginning November 1st to typically April 1st.  The Boggs Mountain voicemail (707-928-4378) will reflect road conditions. Camping remains closed; day use is permitted from sunrise to sunset. There will be road closures when (greater than ½ inch) wet to prevent road damage and for public safety. Roads may be closed for extended periods after snow or atmospheric river events to allow roads to dry out. Special use permits to be coordinated with FOBM.

Supervisor’s Comments – Jessica Pyska

Missed last month’s meeting due to a lot of traveling to meetings and conferences. Attended a CPUC hearing on POTS/cellular/broadband lines in rural areas, attended the Rural Counties Caucus (3-day event), went to Sonoma for “Rebuild Northbay” where Senator McGuire was keynote speaker, went to Redding for the Governor’s Wildfire Task Force, was out with TERA this morning at Middletown Rancheria prescribed burn. Will be gone to NACO conference twice per year – February in D.C. and July in TX. Going to CSAC in November. Golf Road/Cobb Blvd. – getting new roads from PG&E due to undergrounding lines. PG&E has one contractor doing the roads where undergrounding was done, and they have another contractor coming back to pave the damaged roads. Bottlerock Road – lots of grinding happening. Due to undergrounding as well. Lanes will be replaced. County has a 10-year repaving plan. Cobb roads should be happening within next 2 years – top of the list. Rainbow to Sulphur Creek undergrounding is slated next year. Need to seek outside funding. There is 5-year moratorium on new roads. Resource Conservation District (RCD) received a grant to do vegetation abatement work in three areas of South County. The area in the Cobb Area is along Seigler Canyon Road. Will have masticator out there the first week of November. Fire Safe Council (www.firesafelake.org) just received a $500,000 grant for defensible space that will help low-income/seniors; will be about $1,500 per home (County-wide program). Approved $1.7M contract with consultant to update General Plan and Area Plans. Cobb’s Area Plan was created in 1989. Consultant will come to Cobb Area Council and have open meetings, surveys, many ways for public to provide input and participate in the Cobb Area Plan. The consultant will then write the plan and bring it back to the Council for more input before final adoption by the County. The Safety Element will be first, very aggressive schedule. Part of the funding is from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act). Updated and Adopted CWPP (Community Wildfire Protection Plan). Originally created in 2009 and hasn’t been updated since. Was a massive effort. This document is used to apply for grants. Hazard Mitigation Plan – another guiding document for grants. Has been submitted to FEMA. Awaiting FEMA comments. Coming back mid-November for Board adoption. Cities want to join in a multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, developing a multi-jurisdictional plan as well. Hired Housing Deputy this week, after searching nationwide for a year. Housing Strategic Plan attracting developers, working only on housing projects. Melinda Rivera is no longer our representative with PG&E, no new rep yet.

Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan

Next week the burn ban will be lifted on Monday at 8am. Permits are required, and available via website. There will be smoke in the air. Staffing remains the same, no changes. Theme: fuels projects, Seigler ingress/egress will have masticator working on road first week of November. Boggs Forest staff is moving to the where the Hub is now. ACI: will be moved to Hwy 175 just north of sewer ponds and across from Bear Canyon in the Spring of 2024.

Treasurer’s Report – Chris

Chris (via Darlene) – still some checks outstanding from the Blackberry Festival; not much has changed from last month.

Discuss/Approve to continue rental of storage for HUB materials until new HUB location is determined. Report progress on finding new location for Hub

Eliot and others met with Paul at Loch Lomond Fire Station for storage, found usable space, but not for all of the Hub items. Meeting room also available for us to use. Obtained a storage unit in Middletown.

Continue rental of storage unit in Middletown: Motion by Eliot, 2nd by Paul. All in favor, Motion approved.

Discuss/Approve continuance of rental of storage space to be voted upon on a quarterly basis instead of monthly

To be discussed quarterly, to be voted on again at the January 2024 meeting. Motion by Magdelena, 2nd by Inez. All in favor, motion passes.

Winter Recreation Operations Plan: presented by Richie Bucher, Assistant Forest Manager at Boggs Mountain Demonstration Forest  [Struck from Agenda]

Discuss/ Approve: RFP Explore Cobb webpage/ social media management proposals

Economic Development Committee received two proposals: recommended Sally. Abby with a score of 59/100 and an hourly rate of $40/hour, and Sally with a score of 68/100 and a rate of $35/hour. Sally provided resume and letter of reference. The proposals were not available to view at meeting. Glenneth recommends Sally.

Motion to Table until next meeting: 1st by Paul, 2nd by Inez. All in favor, Motion passes.

Committee Reports (3 minutes/individual)

Firewise Communities – Magdelena, Cindy, Glenneth, David, Laurie

Magdelena – received notice from Firewise USA that 5 of our Firewise groups are due for renewal: Seigler Springs, Cobb Mtn Group 2, Cobb Mountain View, Jones Creek Crossing, Loch Lomond

Lake County Fire Safe Council holding conferences in the near future.

Communications Committee – Darlene

Not much to report. Check-ins remain around 30 per week. Mel is back from Australia.

In the process of transferring funds from SSCRA to CAC, working with Chris and Magdelena on that. Mel: a lot our fire awareness has dwindled since 2015. We need help this winter. We need to re-invigorate people.

Forest Health Committee – Eliot

Now that we have a County-wide plan, we are putting together a Cobb-specific plan. Goal is long term, fire-resilient communities. Up to $250M available in grant money. SSCRA will be developing a plan, identifying priority parcels, local ecology, topography, fire history, tribal partnerships. This is at a landscape level. 100 high-priority treatment parcels. Local CWPP. Economic development. SSCRA will be applying for this grant at the end of this month; there is a 10% match; CalFire (planning funds, Mike Wink) and others are willing to contribute in-kind contributions from local Firewise and the Forest Stewardship Committee to meet this match. Asking for $5K non-Federal match from CAC.

Approve/Disapprove: Letter of Support from CAC for Community Wildfire Defense Grant

Motion by Paul, 2nd by Jessica. All in favor, Motion approved.

 Approve/Disapprove: CAC matching grant funds of $5,000

Jessica moved to approve matching funds from CAC Small Business loan funds to SSCRA, with an MOU to be in place. Paul 2nd. All in favor, Motion approved.

Economic Development Committee – Chris

Chris (via Darlene) Met and discussed RFP proposals, with a recommendation.

Blackberry Cobbler Festival – update on financials

Chris (via Darlene) – still a few checks outstanding

Cobbite of the Year

Committee Nomination Meeting November 30th at Cobb Mountain Pizza

If you are a previous recipient, you are on the committee. You can also email Cathy.

Next Meeting: November 16, 2023

ADJOURNED AT 8:01pm

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Darlene Warner, Secretary