Categories2023 Agendas by

Agenda | October 19, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday October 19, 2023 at 6:30pm

In-Person and Online Participation Available

AGENDA (Approved 10-19-2023)

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 Supervisor’s Comments  

6:50 Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan

6:55 Treasurer’s Report – Chris

7:00 Discuss/Approve to continue rental of storage for HUB materials until new HUB location is determined. Report progress on finding new location for Hub

7:05 Discuss/Approve continuance of rental of storage space to be voted upon on a quarterly basis instead of monthly

Strike from Agenda [7:10 Winter Recreation Operations Plan: presented by Richie Bucher, Assistant Forest Manager at Boggs Mountain Demonstration Forest] 

 Tabled to November [7:20 Discuss/ Approve: RFP Explore Cobb webpage/ social media management proposals] 

7:30 Committee Reports (3 minutes/individual) 

  • Firewise Communities – Magdelena, Cindy, Glenneth, David, Laurie
  • Communications Committee – Darlene 
  • Forest Health Committee – Eliot 

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

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

  • Economic Development Committee – Chris
  • Blackberry Cobbler Festival – update on financials 
  • Cobbite of the Year – Committee Nomination Meeting November 30th at Cobb Mountain Pizza

7:45 Next Meeting: November 16, 2023

7:46 Adjournment 

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

How to Participate in Cobb Area Council Public Meeting 10/19/2023

  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  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://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 | September 21, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday September 21, 2023 at 6:30pm

In-Person and Online Participation Available

MINUTES (Approved 10-19-2023)

CALL TO ORDER at 6:31pm

ROLL CALL

Present: Darlene Warner (Acting Chair), Chris Nettles, Joe Schneider

Absent: Cathy McCarthy, Jake Strickler, Mel McMurrin

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Chris, 2nd by Eliot. All in favor, Agenda Approved.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Robert, 2nd by Chris. All in favor. Minutes approved as amended. Amendment: Regarding Tom S. non-agenda comment item, add the words: “Asked Jessica to respond to the book “Cause Unknown.”

SHORT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Robert – October 14th the Lions Club is having October Fest. Tickets are$20. Poster is at Post Office and coffee shop.

Inez/Rosie – fire mitigation measures have caused stumps to remain, causing insurance companies to deny discounts for homeowners. How do we get rid of stumps? Are there funds available for stump removal?

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

Robert – regarding the PG&E undergrounding work on Bottlerock Road at Hwy 175 in Cobb (South end). Has not seen any County inspectors, it’s the worst work he’s seen, would like to see it fixed now. Inez agrees.

John Wilcox – introduced himself, is here to observe, is a member of the County Grand Jury, and had a fantastic time at the Blackberry Cobbler Festival.

Supervisor’s Comments – Jessica Pyska

No Report

Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan

The weather has been favorable, did not get the high wind as expected. There will be some precipitation come Monday. We’ve sent some resources to Northern California to assist with the wildfires. If you’re planning on doing any yardwork on a red flag day – do it another day. Plastic string trimmers can start fires. Remember to mow early in the morning. Tom S. had question regarding PG&E reclosers – used to try 3 times to stay on. We now have EP circuits that don’t try to stay on, they will shut off power within 1/10 of a second.

Treasurer’s Report – Chris

Operating Budget Balance at July meeting $27,117.12

Transactions since 7/27/2023

General Fund, Received:       $  19.02 (Hub community group)

General Fund, Paid:   $500.00 (Toye, August 2023)

530.00 (Toye, September 2023)

129.85 (Cobb Water)

59.88 (Quicken)

97.18 (PG&E)

Total from General Fund <$1,297.89>

Blackberry Cobbler Festival, Received:         $13,250.65 (+ $1,500 = $14,750.65)

Blackberry Cobbler Festival, Paid:                 <10,869.47>

Total to Festival Account:      $3,881.18

Sculpture Jam: No transactions since 7/27/2023

Current Account Balances

$10,052.74      General Fund

16,980.05      Blackberry Cobbler Festival

  • Cobb Resource Hub (no currently restricted grant money)

2,417.62      Emergency Preparedness Fund

250.00      Sculpture Jam

$29,700.41      Operating Budget Balance (9/21/2023)

$48,082.63      Small Business Loan Fund (originally from S.F. Home Loan Bank grant)

$77,783.94      Net Assets

            $2,583.09 Increase to Net Assets since 7/27/2023

Laura asked about use of funds to support the Cobb Community Center

Mary asked about use of small business grant funds

Discussion/Approve: CAC to pay Cobb Community Center for use of facilities for monthly CAC meetings: $300 per meeting

Had discussion. Motion by Eliot, 2nd by Chris. All in favor, motion approved to begin paying the Cobb Community Center (Lions Club) $300 per month to hold CAC meetings at facility. Motion Amended to add: starting with this meeting (September 21, 2023). Motion Approved as Amended. Chris noted it is within the budget to do so.

Update: Report progress on finding new location for Hub

Eliot/Ad Hoc Committee had full and frank discussions. Eliot, Chris, Robert, and other Lions will be meeting on Monday and will be looking at the needs of the Lions Club, the old portion of Little Red, and other possible facilities.

Discussion/Approve: CAC to terminate lease for the Resource Hub

Had discussion. Motion by Eliot, 2nd by Laura. All in favor, motion approved to submit 30-day notice of termination October 1, 2023, to terminate lease (month-to-month) effective October 31, 2023.

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

Motion by Chris, 2nd by Laura. All in favor, motion approved to give CAC the authority to rent a storage unit for Hub items should it become necessary. Chris stated there are funds available to do so. Motion Amended to be a recurring Agenda item for monthly reauthorization. Amended Motion made by Robert, 2nd by Eliot. All in favor, Amended Motion approved.

Offer of space at the Loch Lomond Fire Station to be used as storage at no charge (in kind) made by Chief Duncan. Suggested building a 10×12 foot shed from Kelseyville Lumber (they will build it on-site for us for $4-6K) to be used for the Hub in the Cobb Community Center parking lot. Also recommended using PODS container.

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

Had discussion. Motion by Chris, 2nd by Mary. All in favor, motion approved to disseminate Request for Proposal with suggested edits, with a 30-day submittal period.

Committee Reports (3 minutes/individual)

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

No reports

Communications Committee – Darlene

Check-ins continue to be about the same number. Had interesting thing happen with mountain repeater during last night’s check-ins when alert tones went over the air. Mountain repeater responded by shutting off. Larry physically went to site and manually rebooted the repeater. Had repeater back up within the hour. Mary P. commented that she/family has been experiencing interference on their private family GMRS network and suggested that we talk privately with Mel.

Forest Health Committee – Eliot

Reviving the Committee. Next meeting is Friday, September 29th. Committee will now meet the last Friday of every month. Will be applying for a significant grant to do the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. October 3rd the County is adopting a County-wide plan.

Economic Development Committee – Chris

Was out of town the entire month of August. The Economic Development Committee will evaluate RFP (Request for Proposal) for the Explore Cobb Facebook page and social media management.

Blackberry Cobbler Festival – update on financials

Chris – a few checks are still floating, so final amount may differ by $100-$200. Net income was $9,918. Chief Duncan estimates attendance to be between 4K and 5K people. Last year’s net income was approximately $7K, have been seeing an increase each year.

Next Meeting: October 19, 2023

ADJOURNED at 7:53pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Darlene Warner, Secretary

Categories2023 Agendas by

Agenda | September 21, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday September 21, 2023 at 6:30pm

In-Person and Online Participation Available

Agenda (Approved 9-21-2023)

 

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 Supervisor’s Comments – (none- Jessica Pyska is unavailable for this meeting. 

6:50 Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan

6:55 Treasurer’s Report – Chris

7:00 Discussion/Approve: CAC to pay Cobb Community Center for use of facilities for monthly CAC meetings: $300 per meeting. 

7:05 Update: Report progress on finding new location for Hub. 

7:10 Discussion/Approve: CAC to terminate lease for the Resource Hub

7:15 Discuss/Approve Authority to rent storage for HUB materials until new location is determined. 

7:20 Discuss/ Approve: RFP Explore Cobb webpage/ social media management proposal. 

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 – update on financials. 

 

7:45 Next Meeting: October 19, 2023

7:46 Adjournment 

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

 

How to Participate in Cobb Area Council Public Meeting 9/21/2023

 

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

 and enter passcode: 994712

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 | August 17, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday August 17, 2023 at 6:30pm

In-Person and Online Participation Available

 MINUTES (Amended, Approved 9-21-2023)

 

CALL TO ORDER at 6:39pm

ROLL CALL:

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

Absent:  Chris Nettles, Mel McMurrin

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Motion by Paul Duncan, 2nd by Jake Strickler. All in favor. Agenda Approved.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Motion by Paul Duncan, 2nd by Jake Strickler. Letter attached to previous minutes had edits, primarily grammatical – not changing anything substantial to overall letter. All in favor. Minutes approved.

SHORT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Cathy – restaurant at Mountain Meadow venue is now open. Wayne from Cobb Mountain Pizza is now open at Mountain Meadow. Wayne sold Cobb Mountain Pizza to Sean who used to work for Pogo’s Pizza in the Rivieras. The new restaurant will be called Parmesan & Peppers.

Inez – commented on Air Quality requiring an additional permit for commercial burns, expressed that the guidelines of what can and cannot be burned must be followed. There is a burn ban in effect.

Cathy – Blackberry Cobbler Festival is August 26th. Talked about traffic congestion last year, and measures being taken this year.

Bottlerock Road – undergrounding road project is to begin soon: will be 6-day per week work.

 

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

Tom S. – expressed concern regarding solo accidents, Jessica advised to contact our new public health officer. Commented about transparency in use of name and last initial. Asked Jessica to respond to the book “Cause Unknown.”

Mike Davis – commented on the poor condition of Pine Summit Road. Inquired about road paving plan for Cobb area. Jessica commented and referred to the County website for more information.

 

SUPERVISOR’S COMMENTS – JESSICA PYSKA

Missed last month’s meeting due to being at the National Association of Counties conference in Austin, Texas for four days. IRA money for housing, broadband, climate. Important to be ready, proactive planning. Tree Mortality Plan – submitted package to CalOES May/June. Visited Tuolumne County Resiliency Center; Lake applying for planning grant due beginning of September for Community Resiliency Center funds. The Red Cross has dedicated funds available to resiliency centers – available to Lions/Little Red. Hired a full-time Public Health Officer. JPA: Marin, Mendocino, Napa, with Lake – Career Point Office Building, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, next to Library Park. More grants are being worked on. Road Plan – there was a presentation back in May from DPW, cost for entire road projects in the County is $340M. According to the Concrete Paving Index, most of the County’s roads are at the failure point. The proper way to submit a complaint about road conditions is through the DPW website. The water company must first do their consolidation project(s) before roads can be improved, and PG&E must finish their undergrounding. There is a moratorium on new roads. Our Tax Collector has onboarded an Asset Management firm; previous County revenue per Quarter was $80K/Q. Our current County quarterly revenue is $2M/Q.

 

FIRE SEASON UPDATE – PAUL DUNCAN

Rainbow Fire cause is under investigation. Local resources are still here. Cyclone Hillary is current focus. There will be a funeral for the Captains and Pilot lost in the fire down south. IC-1 sent a Strike Team to assist with Maui fire. 4×4 feet is a residential burn. 4291 PRC – PG&E tree removal issue: PG&E is responsible for removing the trees. Requests must come from the property owner. CPUC Advocacy – on 8/31 the BOS will be addressing the CPUC.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT – CHRIS

NO REPORT

Discussion/Approve: CAC to possibly take over lease for the Resource Hub

Rent is $540. Corrected: rent is $530 per month. Hub being underused; not worth keeping open. Can it be at Lions Club; Lions Club is willing to support. The number of people visiting the Hub is approximately 6 people per day, 3 days per week. Lions Club needs financial help from CAC. $300 rental fee for CAC meetings at the Lions club. Jessica added that there are funds available from the Red Cross and suggested considering other resources within the Ad Hoc Committee. Motion to continue a month-to-month lease at the Hub (if acceptable with Timothy Toye) until such time an Ad Hoc Committee is formed to work out alternatives with Lions Club/Little Red to serve the purpose of the Hub. Motion by Eliot, 2nd by Mary P. All in Favor. Motion approved. Chief Duncan offered to host CAC meetings in their training/conference room at the Cobb Fire Station as an alternative and suggested purchasing 10×12 foot shed(s) (as the FD uses) to put in Little Red parking lot to serve as the Hub.

Discuss Explore Cobb Facebook Page management Proposal

Consensus is the current offer is too expensive. Glenneth suggested getting other bids. Cathy mentioned internship or Communications major graduate. Cathy appreciates the relations cultivated by Abby. Jim W. suggested exploring options with Kelseyville schools/student programs. Jessica suggested partnering with high school students; Freshman dual-enrollment. Motion to refer to Economic Development Committee with recommendations. Motion by Paul, 2nd by Eliot. All in Favor. Motion passes.

Discussion/Approve Donation of Funds to Mountain Lions

Folded into Ad Hoc Committee formed above.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS (3 MINUTES/INDIVIDUAL)

Firewise Communities – Magdelena

Two events coming up: 1) Firewise USA – has a set of Regional Community Coordinators (Magdelena is one of them). They’re Having a quarterly meeting, which is scheduled for 9/5. Covering a guide for the regional coordinators which includes a bunch of CalFire coordinators, who are the official coordinators; also covering risk assessment and 3-year action plan. CalFire now has an agreement with Firewise USA that any community in this State must meet a 3-year action plan instead of the normal 5-year action plan. Several of our Firewise communities are up to task. Also going over Spanish Firewise resources. Resources for Firewise leaders to track risk reduction investments. When asking for a grant must show dollar equivalent. Must prove that the community has invested the time and work when asking for financial assistance. Did that as a group of Firewise communities at the beginning of this year. Still waiting to hear from the Resource Conservation District whether the grant money is coming through. 2) Firesafe Marin has put together a Wildfire Watch Special coming up on Monday from 6-7pm. Email Magdelena if interested.

Communications Committee – Darlene

The new repeater is on the Mountain. Had first week of check-ins on the new repeater. Some users had issues being on the correct channel, overall, it went well. People can hear each other better and further away from each other. Still have a few GMRS users needing their radios reprogrammed. Mel will be gone to Australia for 6 weeks. Cathy commented on the Rainbow Fire that Cobb Alert Net put out an alert, and that Watch Duty post was 15 minutes after Darlene put out Alert on the radio. Darlene commented on the communications during the Rainbow Fire. Darlene clarified with Chief Duncan who puts out evacuation warnings, orders, and asked what an evacuation request is. The Sheriff issues all notifications related to evacuations.

Forest Health Committee – Eliot

Will resume activities in September

Economic Development Committee – Chris

No report

Blackberry Cobbler Festival – August 26th – Cathy

Cathy – mentioned all the activities offered, the restaurant at Mountain Meadow will be open during the festival, listed all the sponsors. Boggs Mountain guided hike the following day (Sunday), Lake County Amateur Golf Tournament at Adam Springs Golf Course opens on the 25th (Friday). Lions Club will become a “cobbler factory” on Friday the 25th – making 1,400 cobblers. 2 shifts, 9A and 1P. There will be Bingo after the festival.

 

NEXT MEETING: September 21, 2023

Cathy (Chair) will be absent, Jake (Vice-Chair) will be unavailable, Darlene (Secretary) will chair.

ADJOURNED at 8:20pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Darlene Warner, Secretary

Categories2023 Agendas by

Agenda | August 17, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday August 17, 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)

6:40 Supervisor’s Comments – Jessica Pyska 

6:50 Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan

6:55 Treasurer’s Report – Chris

Discussion/Approve: CAC to possibly take over lease for the Resource Hub

Discuss Explore Cobb Facebook Page management Proposal

7:10 Discussion/Approve Donation of Funds to Mountain Lions 

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 – August 26 – Cathy

7:30 Next Meeting: September 21, 2023

7:31 Adjournment 

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

 

How to Participate in Cobb Area Council Public Meeting 8/17/2023

 

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

 and enter passcode: 994712

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 | July 27, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday July 27, 2023 at 6:30pm

In Person Only

MINUTES (Approved 8-17-2023)

 

 

CALLED TO ORDER at 6:39pm

 ROLL CALL

Present: Cathy McCarthy, Darlene Warner, Mel McMurrin

Absent: Chris Nettles, Jake Strickler, Joe Schneider

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

Approval of Agenda Motion by Glenneth, 2nd by Robert. All in favor. Agenda approved.

Approval of Minutes Motion by Robert, 2nd by Glenneth. All in favor. Minutes Approved.

 

Short Announcements

Cathy – commented regarding PegTV technical difficulties; should be back to normal in August.

Inez – AmeriCorps visited the Hub and was very impressed with it. Hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from Noon to 4pm. Eliot is there until 6pm sometimes on Thursdays.

Rich C. – commented that the tools at the Hub worked so well, he purchased his own.

Glenneth – call for artists for Sculpture Jam. Interested persons contact via Fine Art Café Facebook page.

Robert Thomas (via Cathy) – the ACI will be able to intake material soon

 

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

Inez – July 4th there were gunshots and fireworks in the Meadows neighborhood, needs to stop. Has been going on for the past 3 years.

Tom S. – has been listening to scanners and commented on his notice of single-vehicle traffic collisions and solo falls with head injuries. Presented the book, “Cause Unknown.”

Mel – there was a large male mountain lion at 6am on Shenandoah in Loch Lomond

 

Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan

No report – Paul out of area

TREASURER’S REPORT – Chris

[Report read by Darlene. Typo discovered, clarified totals are correct]

Operating Budget Balance at June meeting: $22,969.14

Transactions since 6/15/2023

General Fund: Received – $53.00 (Hub meetings)

Paid – $500 (Hub rent)

Total – $447 from General Fund account

Blackberry Cobbler Festival:

Received – $1,585.08 (vendor fees)

6,000.00 (sponsorships)

Paid –   $  220.45 (Square fees)

14.00 (Payable app fees)

3,005.45 (K cups)

Total – $4,344.98 to Cobbler Festival account (should be $3,240.10 per Darlene)

Sculpture Jam Fund:

Received – $250 donation. Balance is $250 (new account)

 Current Account Balances

$ 11,350.63     General Fund

13,098.87     Blackberry Cobbler Festival Fund

0                       Cobb Resource Hub (no currently restricted grant money)

2,417.62      Emergency Preparedness Fund

       250.00      Sculpture Jam Fund

$27,117.12      Operating Budget Balance (7/27/2023)

$48,082.63      Small Business Loan Fund (originally from S.F. Home Loan Bank Grant)

$75,199.75      Net Assets (increase of $4,147.98 to net assets since 6/15/2023)

 

Discussion: CAC to possibly take over lease for the Resource Hub

Rich C. would like to table item. SSCRA is pulling out. Current rent is $500/month. Utilities are approximately $75/month. Rent is to increase by $40/month. Rent is anticipated to be $615/month at its highest. Discussion about continuing current Hub location, possible alternative locations, doing a month-to-month v lease, and outreach ideas.

 

TABLED: Approve/Disapprove Explore Cobb Facebook Page management Proposal

Motion made by Robert, 2nd by Laura to table this item. All in favor, motion passes. Tabled until such time we receive results from Abby of previous efforts. The proposal is for a contract of $800/month to provide online presence, analytics, reports, marketing, public relations, annual event promotion. Any additional work would be $40/hour.

 

Approve/Disapprove Letter to County of Lake regarding property taxes for Little Red Schoolhouse (Attachment “A”)

Motion by Laura, 2nd by Frank. All in Favor. Letter Approved. Letter read aloud by Cathy and is attached herewith as “Attachment A.” Discussion regarding the issue.

 

Approve/ Disapprove Donation of Funds to Mountain Lions to aid tax payment- Laura Patrick

RESCINDED – NO ACTION TAKEN

After the previous discussion approving the Letter, the understanding is that the Lions Club has paid all properties taxes in arears and is taking appropriate measures to address future taxes and tax status due to the Little Red Schoolhouse being utilized as a community center first and researching questions regarding historic site designation and ownership/title.

 

Committee Reports (3 minutes/individual)

[Secretary’s note: we no longer had a Quorum present, so no Committee Reports were presented]

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

No report

Communications Committee- Darlene

No report

Forest Health Committee- Eliot

No report

Economic Development Committee- Chris

No report

Blackberry Cobbler Festival August 26 – Cathy

Next committee meeting is Thursday, August 3rd at the Loch Lomond Roadhouse, 6:30p

 

Next Meeting: August 17, 2023

ADJOURNMENT at 7:55pm

 

Respectfully submitted,

Darlene Warner, Secretary

Categories2023 Agendas by

Agenda | July 27, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday July 27, 2023 at 6:30pm

In Person Only

Agenda (Approved 7-27-2023)

 

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 Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan

6:45 Treasurer’s Report- Chris

          Discussion: CAC to possibly take over lease for the Resource Hub

          Approve/Disapprove Explore Cobb Facebook Page management Proposal

6:55 Approve/Disapprove Letter to County of Lake regarding property taxes for Little Red Schoolhouse

7:00 Approve/ Disapprove Donation of Funds to Mountain Lions to aid tax payment- Laura Patrick

7:15 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  August 26 – Cathy

7:30 Next Meeting: August 17,  2023

7:31 Adjournment 

Categories2023 Minutes by

Minutes | June 15, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday June 15, 2023 at 6:30pm

In Person and Online Participation Available

Minutes (Approved 7-24-2023)

 CALL TO ORDER at 6:42pm

Roll Call

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

Absent: Jake Strickler, Joe Shneider

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

Motion by Chris, 2nd by Robert Stark. All in favor, Agenda approved.

Approval of Minutes (As Amended)

Motion by Chris, 2nd by Paul Duncan. Minutes approved as Amended.

[Amendments: Public Comment by Tom Slaight wording correction; Adjournment Motion at last meeting was made by Chris, not Cathy. Determination made a Motion is not necessary in order to Adjourn, per Rosenberg’s Rules of Order.]

Short Announcements

Robert Stark – Bingo every Saturday night at the Mountain Lions Club. Free food to take at the front door.

Austin/PEG TV – will be doing setup at meetings to bring community together. Little Red Schoolhouse does not have the internet bandwidth. Internet speed needs improvements. Recordings of meetings will be available on PegTV website and County YouTube channel.

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

California Allen, Cobb Area County Water District will be taking care of the pipeline under the Rainbow Bridge, not the road itself. Geothermal Commission (Pyska and Simon) will be contributing the financial difference for the work to the road submitted by Rees Winkleman. Cory Draper offered to pay for repair, along with Calpine sharing the cost. Open Mountain (Bottlerock Power) will be at our July meeting.

Robert Thomas – able to get through the log deck at the ACI and was able to “rehome” the chips; post-fire there was lots of energy in the product; would like to see this and biochar blended together, working with SLCFD on food composting. Asking for support from SLCFD and CAC. 707-928-8082. robertthomas@R2company.com.

Supervisor’s Comments- Jessica Pyska

Thanked PEG-TV for providing audio/video. Thanked Cathy for her presentation to the County BOS. CLERC has asked every MAC to come do a presentation now that Cathy/CAC has “set a high bar.” Budget hearings wrapped up this evening, adopting a $380M budget, not all discretionary. Hazardous trees – IRA Grant application submitted to BOS 6/27/23 to offset OES 25% with the full support of Congressman Mike Thompson. A few million have been set aside to start work, and for when project is accepted by CalOES. Bottlerock work – thanks to CLERC, North Shore Fuels, CalFire, Paul Duncan, and timber operators. The Risk Reduction Authority (Pyska is Vice-Chair) along with the County’s Climate Resiliency Officer, has applied for $649K grant. This will be building in capacity, diversity, equity, and inclusion in our programs. Priority is assessing vulnerabilities in developing our Climate Action Plan (CAP), implementing specific actions identified in our local Hazard Mitigation Plan, providing for enhanced public education and awareness of natural hazards, and increased public understanding of disaster preparedness. The CAP also includes a County-wide Evacuation Plan, as well as a Climate Adaption plan. The Climate Resiliency Officer is funded via a grant through the Jumpstart program. We are mandated to update safety element. Pilot project will be the Soda Bay corridor. Next Monday the County is adopting Juneteenth (June 19th) as a County holiday. There will be no BOS meeting next Tuesday, and County offices will be closed.

Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan

Middletown Days is this weekend and will be in the parade. By the 19th staffing will be at 1 Engine per Station, by July 1st will be at 2 Engines per Station. Boggs landing zone clearing is almost complete. Operation Force Multiplier extinguisher and hand tool distribution will be Sunday, June 18th from 9am to 3pm at Station 60. Highway 175 repairs – flaggers will be 24/7, anytime there’s single-lane traffic during peak fire season, there cannot be lights, it must be manned. Highway 175 bridge work (by Hardester’s) is supposed to begin 6/15 – 6/16, per Jessica. Burn permits have been suspended – unless there is an urgent need to burn. This needs to go to Paul and must articulate the need to burn and have an inspection first to obtain an exemption permit.

Treasurer’s Report- Chris

 Operating Budget Balance at May meeting $22,050.61

Transactions since 5/18/2023

General Fund:   Received $0.00

Paid from General Fund: 835.36 – rent at Hub $500, electric bill for Hub $230.43, Zoom $104.93

Blackberry Cobbler Festival Fund

Received: $1,825 in vendor fees

Paid: Square fees $71.11, Payable app $8.25

Net addition to Festival account: $1,753.89

Current Account Balances

$ 11,797.63 General Fund

8,753.89 Blackberry Cobbler Festival

0.00 Cobb Resource Hub (no currently restricted grant money)

     2,417.62 Emergency Preparedness Fund

$ 22,969,14 Operating Budget Balance (6/15/2023)

$ 48,082.63 Small Business Loan Fund (originally from S.F. Home Loan Bank grant)

$ 71,051.77 Net Assets (30-day increase to net assets of $918.53)

 

Approve/Disapprove Letter re: Cobb Mountain Water’s decision to cease maintenance of Rainbow     Bridge- Robert Stark

This is still in progress – no action taken. Question by Jessica regarding Lions Club/Friends of Cobb funds balance and meetings: funds balance is approximately 61K; there are 6 members that meet once per year.

Committee Reports (3 minutes/individual)

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

Inez – PG&E removed 3 trees in 2 days in the Rainbow-Estates neighborhood; there’s a new Firewise sign on Rainbow Drive.

Glenneth – Daniel/CERT teams are in-process of getting activated.

Chris – Magdalena reports that some Firewise communities have signed up for an AmeriCorps team.

Communications Committee – Darlene

Starting to see an increase in the number of weekly check-ins. New repeater is still at the “Hill” location; still planning to move it to “Mountain” location in July. Approximately half of the GMRS radios have been reprogrammed. Have 3 new GMRS licensed users, and Boggs leader is back. CAN is chasing down the source of the static being heard on the radio. Mel commented to be sure to leave radios on, turn to alert channel. All hours volunteering with CAN count towards Firewise hours.

Forest Health Committee – Eliot

No report

Economic Development Committee – Chris

Meets last Tuesday of each month. Next meeting is June 29th at 6pm at the Hub.

Blackberry Cobbler Festival – Cathy

Vendor applications are available, email cobbareacouncil@gmail.com. Sponsorship request letters have gone out; received verbal notice that Calpine will be sponsoring this year (first sponsor). The festival is Saturday, August 26th, from 11AM until 4PM. Next meeting is July 6th at 6pm at Cobb Mountain Pizza.

Next Meeting: July 20, 2023

Adjournment at 7:34pm by Chair, Cathy McCarthy

 

Respectfully submitted,

Darlene Warner, Secretary

Categories2023 Agendas by

Agenda | June 15, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday June 15, 2023 at 6:30pm

In Person and Online Participation Available

Agenda (Approved 6-15-23)

 

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 Supervisor’s Comments- Jessica Pyska

6:55  Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan

7:00 Treasurer’s Report- Chris

7:05 Approve/Disapprove Letter re: Cobb Mountain Water’s decision to cease maintenance of Rainbow     Bridge- Robert Stark

7:25 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

7:40 Next Meeting: July 20, 2023

7:41 Adjournment

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

How to Participate in Cobb Area Council Public Meeting 6/15/2023

  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 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:
  3. By Computer Join our Zoom Meeting

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

and enter passcode: 860 4527 6539

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: 860 4527 6539

  1. You can follow along via CAC Facebook Livestream:

Go to: https://www.facebook.com/CobbAreaCouncil

We will try to address comments and questions from Facebook but it is best to Zoom for full participation.

 

Lake County Public Education and Government (PEG) channel, or Lake County PEG TV.

Categories2023 Minutes by

Minutes | May 18, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday May 18, 2023 at 6:30pm

In person only

Minutes (Approved 6-15-23, As Amended)

 

CALLED TO ORDER at 6:33pm

Roll Call

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

Absent: Jake Strickler, Joe Schneider

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda as Amended

Strike 7:35p Item: Approve/Disapprove Letter of Support for Friends of Boggs Mountain

Motion by Chris, 2nd by Paul. All in favor. Agenda approved.

Approval of Minutes

Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Chris, 2nd by Robert. All in favor. Minutes approved.

Special Meeting Minutes – Motion by Chris, 2nd by Eliot. All in favor. Minutes approved.

Short Announcements

Paul Duncan – Pine Summit Pool Cleanup Day is this Saturday from 10am to 3pm

Robert Stark – Lion’s Club will be offering refreshments before CAC meetings, and a social after meetings during the hotter months.

Case Kees Winkleman – presented a bid for paving the Rainbow bridge on both sides

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

Tom Slaight – comment regarding 9-1-1 calls and apparent possible increase in solo falls and vehicle accidents resulting in head injuries.

Mireya Turner, Lake County Community Development Director – general update on the department

Three Divisions in the CDD Department: 1) Building and Safety, 2) Code Enforcement, and 3) Planning Division. Cannabis is a sub-division under Planning. Has a staff of 37 people.Three top priorities of CDD Department: 1) Staff retention, 2) Professional Development, and 3) Fiscal Sustainability. Planning and Code Enforcement is not self-sustainable. Building and Safety has issued 1,600 building permits in the past year and just under 4,000 inspections in the County. All technicians, Plans Examiners and Building Inspectors have achieved ICC Certification. Two certified in ADA compliance. Code Enforcement has been awarded a new grant of $2.9M over the next 5 years, which funds two Officers with the Sheriff’s Office assistance. Last year was the first year that we completed Annual monitoring for everyone. This is funded by Cannabis grants from California. Cannabis Code Enforcement removed 25,000 plants, inspected 82 legal grow sites for compliance. Combination of on-site visits and satellite imaging. Shut down 54 unpermitted grows and removed 9,833 pounds of debris. Almost all the staff are 100% trained and have received CASIO certification. The Board of Supervisors established a two-year pilot program called Road Map Task Force which allotted funds going to the Sheriff’s Office and Code Enforcement focus on a community and chose Clearlake Oaks area. 226 cases were opened, of which 64 were vehicles, and 126 cases closed (4-10 to 12-31 of 2022). The goal is get property owners to self-abate. Planning Division: 430 planning permit applications. Whole variety of Ordinances. Consistent with General Plan/Zoning Ordinance, to be consistent with community visioning and Local Community Area Plan. Advanced Area Planning: General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, 8 Local Area Plans. Five-Year General Plan (handout). Need to perform a Climate Vulnerability Plan and County-wide Evacuation Plan. Next Hazard Mitigation Plan. Would like Area Plans broken into two phases. Elements first phase, and Visioning is the second phase, hearing from the community during an outreach period. The General Plan update comes after all this.

Complaints can be submitted at CDD counter, online, and can be submitted anonymously.

Planning to ask the BOS for 2 new positions for grant-writing: 1 grant writer, and 1 grant manager. Building Permit fees discussed. Some fees are mandated, some are approved by BOS.

 

Supervisor’s Comments- Jessica Pyska

Economic Development Department – CEO has arrived. Last week went to Santa Cruz for Wildfire Forest Health Task Force Meeting. Governor appointed task force. Networking with tree mortality issue. Spoke with Secretary Crowfoot again, asking specifically for a Tree Mortality working group within the Task Force. Met with Cal EPA Secretary Garcia to be part of the North Coast Region Biomass Pilot Program. Tree mortality in our area from Hwy 29 south of the Kelseyville Riviera area and all of the Cobb area, has 10,000 dead trees within the 200-foot buffer zone of roads. At a cost of $4k per tree to remove, that’s a $40M project. Working on putting together an Application to CalOES under the CA Disaster Act to get this project going, had to contract out. There is a 25% match. CalFIRE previously was able to provide this match but is not available this time. IRA (Infrastructure Reduction Act) is an option; putting together a grant due June 1. Applying for Federal money. Is a 1:1 match. 22k dead trees throughout the County. Tree work happening on Bottlerock – combination of North Shore Fuels Crew, CLERC, and Chief Duncan. Big trees needed different operators to come in to do the work. Funding from previous fire prevention grant from CalFIRE that CLERC was able to shift around. Two items on the BOS Agenda for Tuesday, May 23rd: 9:15am item is a presentation from the CA Dept. of Insurance regarding wildfire and home insurance issues, discounts, and CA Fair Plan; will be approximately a 15-minute presentation; and 10:30am item (Item 6.5) regarding the County 10-Year Pavement Management Plan.

 

The Bike Monkey Race at Boggs Forest was 2 weeks ago. There were about 400 registered riders. This race started in 2006, and is one of the first big mountain races in CA. They have invested heavily in Boggs Forest, have planted over 1k trees, and ran the promotion last year.

 

Mandala Springs Vibe Fest – brought in about 1,300 people. A lot of complaints on social media regarding the noise level past 10pm. Mireya informed on how to submit complaints. Noise ordinance for entire County. Most amplified music requires a use permit. No record of a permit for this event. A letter was sent to them explaining what is allowed and what isn’t. Begin with a courtesy letter. Permits can be revoked. CDD doesn’t know if no complaints are received by them from the community.

 

Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan

New Battalion Chief in Middletown, ride #1417. Worked as a paramedic for 3.5 year in the district, worked in camp for 2 years. We have 1 engine per Battalion current staffing, then 1 engine per station, then 2 engines per station which is peak staffing level by July 1st. There is tree work going on at Boggs. Ongoing issue with the landing zone being too tight for the helicopter, the approach is unsafe. Trees are flagged, and the Prather’s are the licensed timber operator for this operation. Attended an event at the Lake County Museum, which was a memorial for Firefighters and Police Officers. One of the Mendocino firefighters killed in the 1987 Lauder fire, Denis Lee Cullin, was put on the plaque. Denis was actually killed in Lake County. His death prompted the start of the helicopter long-line hoisting program. South Lake Fire District is starting the Operation Force Multiplier in June. Last year tools were used 7 times to put out fires.

 

Treasurer’s Report- Chris

Paid in the past 30 days: Rent at Hub ($500), Water Bill for Hub ($35)

Current Balances:

$ 12,632.99 General Fund

$   7,000.00 Blackberry Cobbler Festival

$          0.00 Resource Hub (No currently restricted grant money)

$   2,417.62 Emergency Preparedness Fund

$   22,050.61 Operating Budget Balance

$ 48,082.63 Small Business Loan Fund (Originally from S.F. Home Loan Bank grant)

$ 70,133.24 Net Assets

 

Budget Report (spreadsheet handed out; Incorporated Herewith by Attachment “A”):

Annual rent at hub is largest expense $8,000

Total expense budget for 2023 expected to be $12,240

Communications Committee has funds in SSCRA to be transfer to General Fund. TBD

Income projection from the Cobbler Festival: $18,000

Spoke with Jenavive Herrington, County Auditor, for advice and ideas on how we can incorporate annual auditing into CAC Bylaws and best practices for financial controls

 

Approve/Disapprove 2023/2024 Budget as discussed at April 24 Special Meeting

TABLED to Next Regular Meeting

 

Approve/Disapprove Letter of Support for Friends of Boggs Mountain

 

Approve/Disapprove Letter of Support for County of Lake’s USDA Service Forest Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grant (Incorporated Herewith by Attachment “B”)

Motion by Eliot, 2nd by Chris. All in favor. Letter Approved.

 

Committee Reports (3 minutes/individual)

Firewise Communities– Magdelena, Cindy, Glenneth-/Richie, Gene, David, Laurie

Cathy – Communications Committee partnered with Jones Creek Firewise Group to hold an event on May 6th for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day in the Cobb Hardester’s parking lot from 8am to Noon.

 

Communications Committee- Darlene

The event on May 6th was a success. We signed up 8 new members, and sold-out of the radios we had on-hand. We programmed a couple radios and got to meet the faces behind some of the voices we know on the radio. We’re finally testing the new repeater at the Hill location and beginning to get more check-ins. We’re going to be increasing our Facebook presence and doing more outreach.

 

Forest Health Committee- Eliot

Yolo County Resource Conservation District approved the payment of $15k through CalFire that will go towards the expenses owed for the ACI. We will be able to payoff our outstanding bills. The Cobb Mountain Watershed Education and Restoration program continues this weekend. Will be doing restoration work along Cole Creek. This is the 3rd weekend we’ve been doing that, helping to restore part of the creek. This is SSCRA in partnership with the Forest Stewardship Committee. The Forest Stewardship Committee is kicking around ideas to do a Cobb Mountain Forest symposium sometime after Labor Day to do a full-day or two-day workshop on helping the future of the forest. The CAC liaison for this Committee was Chris Nettles and will now be Jake Strickler.

 

Economic Development Committee- Chris

Now chaired by Chris. The committee will be rehabilitated since it hasn’t met for several months. Will be meeting the last Tuesday of every month. Time and place TBD. May 30th is the next meeting. We may wait a month to get things moving again.

 

Blackberry Cobbler Festival – Approve/Disapprove Statement- Cathy

 

Blackberry Cobbler Festival – Statement of Purpose:

The Blackberry Cobbler Festival allows the Cobb Area Council to continue offering support to the people of Cobb, as well as local businesses, artisans, and community organizations. The festival provides a platform for Cobb community organizations to raise money for their individual projects. We showcase local businesses and artisans. The festival encourages our local businesses to create events in conjunction with the festival to create a community wide celebration of what Cobb has to offer. By attracting visitors to Cobb Mountain for one more weekend this summer, the Cobb Area Council comes closer to our community development goal: to improve the local economy and improve visibility of the Cobb Area to the rest of the county.

 

Motion by:Chris, 2nd by Paul. All in favor. Statement Approved.

Next Committee meeting is June 1st at 5:30pm at Mountain Meadow.

 

Next Meeting: June 15, 2023

Will have full audio and video capabilities, PEG and YouTube channels.

 

Adjournment at 8:15pm

Motion by Cathy Chris, 2nd by Eliot. All in favor.

Discussion at 6-15-23 meeting that no Motion is needed for Adjournment according to Rosenberg’s Rules of Order.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Darlene Warner, Secretary