Category: 2018 Minutes

November 15, 2018
Draft Meeting Minutes
COBB AREA COUNCIL
PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday November 15, 2018
Little Red Schoolhouse/Cobb Mountain Lions Club
15780 Bottle Rock Rd., Cobb, CA 95426
Mtg called to order at 6:02pm
PRESENT: Gary Prather, Eliot Hurwitz, Jessica Pyska, Cindy Leonard, Cathy McCarthy
Ron Hasket has submitted his resignation due to not having enough time to do the job.
38 community members present
Moment of Silence for the victims of the Camp Fire National Disaster
•
Approval of Minutes from October, 2018 Motion to approve Rich Curtola, seconded by Gary Prather
SHORT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Kelly- This Sunday is a Lion’s Club “Leo’s” meeting 12-18 age. 1:00 at Little Red. They will be creating a low-sugar hot chocolate recipe.
There will be a holiday Christmas dinner at the Lion’s club on Christmas Day. Looking for food donations and also names of the families that would need Christmas dinner delivered to their home.
Cindy reports that the Friends of Boggs Mountain membership drive was a big success and that it doubled membership! Trail rebuilding will be in phases and so that sections can get up and open as soon as possible. There is a professional trail builder who is helping to train the Friends of Boggs in building long-lasting trails. This is important for planning the volunteer trail building parties. Calpine donated $20,000 for the purchase of the proper sized excavator.
TREASURER’S REPORT Gary states balance was $2951.93. Cindy has reimbursement of $277.50 for Cobb Resilient supplies and having the maps laminated. Brings the total balance to $2,674.43.
PUBLIC and BOARD COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS (3 mins./individual)
Jessica: Family Health mental health resource in Kelseyville:
Given all that we have been through together over the past few years, it is not unusual to feel overwhelmed and triggered by these new fires. The Lake Family Resource Center in Kelseyville received a grant to help our community manage the stresses of these repeating disasters. They are offering free short-time counseling for Lake County residents. The help is here, should you need it. Kelseyville Office
5350 Main Street
Kelseyville, CA 95451
707-279-0563 – Main Business Phone
707-279-8564 – Confidential Fax
Another resource is the Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a–year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Jessica: Dark Sky proclamation will happen at the BOS meeting this coming Tuesday. No change in law, just promoting it as good development
John Hess is reminding us about an application for “Share Institute” programs $500 grants for schools. Magdalena and Jessica will send out any promotional notices he has.
FireWise Community Update: Cindy Reports that the group meetings at the recent Cobb Resilient event were successful in getting some new people interested in the Firewise project. There are 3 groups now that are on the verge of completing their Firewise application for certification (which will hopefully happen before the end of the year) and another group (Pine Grove and Gordon Springs) that is forming.
Short reports from CAC Committees as needed
CAVERN: There are more small radios available for purchase from Mel when he returns from vacation. $28 for a pair. Which way is the best way to communicate during an emergency? All ways!!
Glenneth states that there is more wood available to pick up at Hoberg’s this Saturday from 8-4 at the South Gate.
Concerns about the clearing that CalFire will be doing along Bottlerock road:
50 feet upslope, 100 feet downslope. Only 35% of homeowners have signed right of entry sheets. Ben Nichols has approved the CAC to piggy-back on the letters they have sent to homeowners.
Ken is concerned about the erosion that will happen if there is clear-cutting along Bottle Rock. He is really concerned about Harrington Flat and how that area could be cleared. We need some clarification on exactly what they will be doing.
Jessica is concerned about the area along the creek and will they work with Fish and Game?
Rich Curtola is concerned about the burn ban on property owners who have less than an acre.
Gary states that CalFire opposed the burn ban when it was imposed, but it was the Air Quality commission that forced it.
Perhaps we will have warming fire all winter long?
Eliot states that we should address this topic in more depth at another meeting.
Magdalena will take these concerns to Calfire and ask for clarification as she and Chief Nicholls have already agreed that the Firewise program could piggyback a letter of encouragement onto Calfire’s mailings to those residents.
• Supervisor’s Comments (None. Supervisor Brown was not present.)
DISCUSSION ITEMS
(no formal presentations this month)
Report on Cobb Resilient 2018 – Magdalena. The attendance was lower than at Cobb Safe earlier in April due to late promotion, but the quality of the presentations and attendance was high. We had a few county officials and agents present this time, and we made a strong impression on them with the fact that we had residents talking to each other instead of only listening to officials or experts. The entire event is being made into a video so anyone can watch the presentations. We hope to have raw edits of clips available soon, but it will take substantial time to fully process 700 GB of data for the full video. .
-Magdalena states that one unique character of Cobb is our mixture of large and small landowners. We need to learn from some of the large landowners that have lived on Cobb for generations. They have lots of experience that we can learn from those families.
Roberta Adams is suggesting that we get a herd of goats for our community and it could be shared around for difficult clearing situations
• Discussion of new Hazardous Brush ordinance
Michael reports that this was formally proposed November 6th and then it was discussed at the following BOS meeting. The existing public resource code already states that homeowners must have 100 ft. defensible space. The new ordinance would enable the county to go onto your neighbors property. There would be inspectors and if something is found out of compliance, the homeowner is contacted. If the land is not cleared within 30 days, then it will go into abatement and then the county will clear it. The homeowner will be sent the bill. Civil penalty builds.
This is specifically for unimproved lots that are next to a structure. The wording also states that the property line must be cleared.100 feet.
Shaded fuel break has been the approved method in the past, why not now?
Comments from Michael: This only applies to unimproved land. The way it reads is possibly not the way they intended. Because each property owner will have to clear 100 feet on both sides of the line, you will have 200 feet cleared thousands of feet all over the county, so it will have great impact, but the county is stating that they do not need to do an environmental impact study. That seems wrong–do the math, this would be a tremendous amount of environmental impact. Also this seems to be a tremendous fine system. Michael states that there already is a CalFire mechanism to eliminate any fire hazards, so this isn’t needed.
Rich Curtola- The county has no money, so is this being written just to raise money? Eliot states that Jim Steele and Anita Grant (county counsel) wrote it.
Roberta wonders if all the trees are cut, then will everyone will just put up wooden fences and so no difference to the fire safety.
Gary Prather: has a problem with the section 58.4 requirement to get rid of seasonal and recurrent weeds.
58.6 improved parcel: why aren’t parcels of 6 acres and greater? What is the structure definition?
Improved next to unimproved parcels 59.2 requirement next to the improved roads. Will he need to maintain the logging roads? If they are going to implement this, why is the cost not shared?
Eliot suggests that we have a public workshop to discuss this so that it can be clarified.
Tom feels like his comments were not respected at the Board of Supervisor’s meeting. He said he asked about programs and funding, but was told that is not in this, it is in another ordinance. He feels he was not shown respect when he was told he needs to read up on the laws.
Jessica and many others want to make sure that this ordinance will include the standing dead trees that were burned in the Valley Fire. They have fallen on people’s homes and vehicles and we worry that they will eventually fall on people. For example, there are many next to Hwy 175 that could fall onto cars. Jim Steele told Cindy at the BOS meeting that this ordinance is not for that purpose and there is another ordinance for the dead trees. What is he referring to? We have been contacting landowners about these trees and getting nowhere.
In general, we feel the community needs clarification and to have a workshop before this thing is passed. We applaud that they are doing this, but there are too many loopholes and too much responsibility on the large landowners. If this is going to be a model for other counties, let’s do it right! Then we can show that it actually works.
Gary is meeting with Rob Brown tomorrow who wants to see what Gary is talking about. His property shares a border with 23 homes. There is no way that two of us could clear all that space within 30 days, and certainly not by ourselves with all the physical work and cost.
Motion on the floor from Magdalena to delegate John Hess to accompany Gary Prather at his meeting with Rob Brown to bring the items discussed tonight to the attention of Rob. Motion seconded: Glenneth Lambert. Eliot called the vote and the motion was passed.
Status of Measure L and Fire Dept. Funding
Eliot states that he spoke with Jim Comisky and that by the next CAC meeting we should know the outcome of the vote. December 6th is when the final outcome will come out according to what Rich Curtola heard from the county today. It seems like perhaps there are other funding options, and those need to be explored if this does not pass. There should be affordable solutions in this very poor community.
Roberta states that Jim Comisky has spent a lot time answering her questions. Do we want to start our own fire department again? We want to have a fire department, so she would love to work with someone to write grants or figure out how we can fund our fire department.
Michael suggests that the CAC puts a bulletin board or comment section on the website. Jessica will do this.
Eliot entertained a motion to adjourn. Jessica so moved. Seconded by Gary. Meeting adjourned at 7

COBB AREA COUNCIL
PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday October 18, 2018,
Little Red Schoolhouse/Cobb Mountain Lions Club
15780 Bottle Rock Rd., Cobb, CA 95426
Draft Meeting Minutes
PRESENT: Gary Prather, Eliot Hurwitz, Jessica Pyska, Cindy Leonard, Cathy McCarthy
56 community members present
• CALL TO ORDER at 6:03 (shut down cell phones; sign in please)
• Approval of Minutes from September, 2018 One addition to add Ron as present in last meeting minutes.
MOTION to approve with amendment Robert Stark:, seconded by Magdalena, all approve.
• SHORT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Replacement wood stove program
The Lake County Air Quality Management District will begin taking applications for the Woodsmoke Reduction Pilot Program on Oct. 15.
There is $135,000 available for residents of Lake County who want to replace an uncertified wood stove or fireplace insert with a new, EPA-certified wood, electric or gas device.
The Woodsmoke Reduction Pilot Program is a voucher program supported by the California Climate Investments Program and administered by local air districts.
This program provides vouchers to replace non-EPA certified wood-burning stoves and fireplace inserts with an EPA-certified woodstove or insert, or a natural gas, propane, or electric heating device. A wood-burning fireplace used as a primary source of heat may also qualify.
For certain communities designated by the state and for low-income households, the vouchers may cover the entire cost of the replacement (up to $8,000).
After all the low-income applications are processed or after 2 months of the start of the program, a standard voucher of $2,500 is available to all households that want to upgrade to a 2020 compliant woodstove or cleaner device, and $1,500 for a standard EPA certified device. (If funds are still available, the standard vouchers will be issued)
Homeowners and tenant occupied residential homes are eligible. Tenant applicants must obtain owner approval prior to receiving a voucher.
The program will begin accepting applications on Oct. 15. Applications are available at the Lake County Air Quality Management District office: 2617 S. Main St., Lakeport, or by emailing Fahmy Attar at fahmya@lcaqmd.net.
Vouchers will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and expire four weeks from the date they are issued.
• TREASURER’S REPORT Gary Prather: $54 post office box renewal,$2951.93 new balance.
• PUBLIC and BOARD COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS (3 mins./individual)
• Short reports from CAC Committees as needed
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITEE CAVERN Cobb Area Volunteer Emergency Radio Network now has about 40 radios out in the community. We hope to get to 100. Update from Mel. Settling on one of three repeater sites. He has the proposal regarding the location if you would like to see. Website soon up.
Ham repeater held up on Prather mountain for about 3 hours during the power outage.
• Firewise Community Update from Cindy
Continuing to organize our community.
Cobb has been divided into six sections and is in the process of organizing to become Firewise certified communities.
Group One (calling themselves Jones Creek Crossing) consists of Gifford Springs, Star View, Alpine Meadows, Cobb View Heights and they meet the first Wednesday of every month at 6:00 at the Little Red Schoolhouse.
Group Two includes Whispering Pines, Cobb School, Estates neighborhood, Pine Grove and Gordon Springs. There is a small group formed within this larger group that is organized to get Firewise certified. This is “phase one” and then the larger area will be considered “phase two”
Group Three is the Bottle Rock corridor and Harrington Flat and is gathering momentum and learning about the process
Group Four Includes Adam Springs, Fox-Venturi, Pine Ridge, Pine Summit and had done a lot of work gathering information and working on the application process
Group Five includes Loch Lomond, Salmina Meadows, Seigner Springs and Wildcat. The sub-group in Salmina Meadows has recently had their Firewise application approved and is the first Cobb Firewise community! The remainder of Group 5 is organizing.
Group Six is in need of volunteers.
All groups meet during the “working lunch” portion of the Cobb Safe event every spring and the Cobb Resilient event every fall. Free lunch is provided at this event.
Three groups were far enough along in their organization to have Jeff Tunnell from the Bureau of Land Management come to do the required assessment (Groups 1,2 and 4). The information from Jeff will be used to create a neighborhood work plan. This plan will have 3 or 4 achievable goals to work on over the following year to help the community be fire safe. Each year the groups will do a bit more to help their area be more resilient.
The strengthening of community ties can benefit residents in many ways, and is especially helpful in an emergency
Cobb Resilient update:
On Saturday, November 3, 10AM-5PM, a Neighbors Firewise Public Forum day will take place at the Cobb Elementary School.
Calfire Grant update:
The release of funds for the Calfire grant awarded to the nonprofit SSCRA to help Firewise Communities get established by providing homeowners with 75% funding assistance up to $1250 per acre has been delayed, pending CEQA and some smaller concerns. Eliot and Magdalena will be meeting with Calfire officials from the Sonoma Lake Napa Unit and the State next week to address these concerns. Development of the homeowner application process is also delayed as a result.
There will be overall grant firewise priorities and then at the next level priorities from the local firewise groups that will inform setting the final requirements at the level of individual residents. The firewise groups may decide to prioritize income, but there is no such general requirement.
PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Brief re-cap of presentation from last month on Dark Skies Jessica Pyska. Shows a photo looking toward Santa Rosa of how bright the light is that direction. She had a letter drafted last month regarding this issue. Hopefully we can prevent future developments from creating light pollution.
She presented the new draft of the letter which includes all the comments that were submitted on the Cobb Council website.
Gary Prather states that he was not clear about the original letter, but with this clarification he does support it now.
Robert Stark noted that the Friends of Cobb brought this issue up when the Hardester’s Market went in and made sure that they had considerate lighting. So this is an issue that has been discussed on Cobb in the past.
You can read more online about these ideas at darksky.org
Here is the letter with all the comments that had been emailed in added. It was passed around to be signed by anyone who supported it.
Lake County Board of Supervisors
255 N. Forbes Street
Lakeport, CA 95453
RE: Lake County Dark Sky Certification
Dear Supervisors;
As all residents and visitors of Lake County know, one of the most amazing shows in town happens after the sun goes down. The dark, rural lands of this county offer some pretty spectacular stargazing. For generations, the Cobb Mountain area has hosted visitors from all over California who come to admire our starry nights and stay up late watching meteor showers. For many Cobb residents, the dark nights are the reason we live here. We want to preserve our dark nights and protect the economic bump that our summer friends provide the community each time they visit.
Much like most of California, Lake County is on a path towards growth and development. We, of the Cobb Area Council, encourage the County government to explore how light pollution can be managed thoughtfully and proactively with new development. In particular we encourage you to define appropriate lighting guidelines to protect our local dark skies. Please join with the efforts of the Taylor Observatory as they seek Dark Sky Certification from the International Dark Sky Association for Lake County. We feel an obligation to maintain our dark nights for future generations, as well as continue to promote Astro-tourism locally. Lake County has the unique opportunity to use the Dark Skies certification to promote astro-tourism, combined with eco-tourism, wine tourism, and arts/crafts tourism, to create a full package for attracting outside dollars to Lake County without significant capital investment by the County.
Thank you for your consideration.
Letter was signed by 35 people.
Election Preview –
Measures L Jim Comisky the fire district contracts to CalFire for services. Costs went up this year on the contract, so they came up with a formula of $200 per household, with other formulas for land, etc. This is just to maintain the current staffing. This is not for new equipment or new buildings, just to keep what we have. For more information go to: http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/ROV/Current_Election.htm
Question from Rich, 1.6 million shortfall for CalFire. What is to say that they won’t do that again? Response: this situation has never happened before and we don’t expect that it will happen again. Gary says that it is very rare that CalFire personnel get raises, so it probably won’t happen again soon.
Dave Leonard Measure H Bond measure to help repurpose and refurbish equipment and buildings in Middletown Unified School District. After four meetings priorities were made and they created lists of critical needs vs. desires. He brought an informational sheet with specifics of what this bond measure would fund. More questions can be addressed with the Superintendent, Catherine Stone. She can be contacted at catherine.stone@middletownusd.org 707-987-4100
-No money can be spent on teacher salaries, but one comment is that we need to increase the salaries to help teacher retention in MUSD. That will not be addressed with this Measure, but it is something we need to address.
Proposed Lake County Geothermal Exploration and Development Ordinance – Supervisor Rob Brown
-after the Valley Fire we talked about infrastructure projects. We knew that some people would not rebuild, so we talked about Right to Farm Ordinances that would inform new people who moved here about the Geothermal projects. Then the disclosure is there.
-This proposal has been being worked on for awhile, but because of all the other distractions the comment period has been extended. If we still need more time, we will take that time.
-Use permits will remain the same. The use permit cannot be changed without going through the public input process.
-There is a concern about the make-up of the grievance committee. This should be clarified. Calpine cannot be on the committee if they have a financial interest in the claim.
Perhaps there could be an academic or a regulator on the committee? The number needs to be higher. It doesn’t need to be a majority, it is a board to resolve issues.
Nuisance Section 3.1- it seems like the Geothermal industry is getting a big bonus that the community that we cannot claim any nuisance for geothermal activity.
Questions about how many days we have to complain. How long would we have to make a claim? 60 days seems insignificant.
Friends of Cobb format should be revisited. There is already a committee in place.
Robert Stark:
-Why are we even making this law?
-In 1980’s this town stunk and had many problems with the Geothermal industry.
-There are many industries that should have been notified.
-If there is a 5 mile radius
-The Geysers were just purchased by investors, so they are going to want to make some money. They are going to be moving North. Already there are two new power plants approved by the BOS.
-The current field is already swimming, no additional water can be added.
-This could affect the real estate value
-Incurable defect that negatively affects property values. Suggestion to contact the Board of Realtors to find out the reality of the effect.
-Rich-Other than the County of Lake, the Geothermal is the next larger employer. Supervisors must be concerned about the money coming into the county, so it would be beneficial to keep the Geothermal industry happy. This must have been the case for the previous BOS in the 60’s and 70’s when the Geothermal industry first came here. Our quality of life is at stake here. In 1964 there were no earthquakes. This is going to make things worse!
-Rob- There was a decline, but then it has come back with the wastewater re-charging. He wants to make it work.
-Jessica- don’t we already have an ordinance? Not sure.
-John Carlisi- Geothermal is becoming less efficient compared to many other types of power systems.
-Anderson Springs is concerned that the ability for mitigation and to make a claim.
John Jennings- Where did this come from? We need to be clear with any new residents that would move to Lake County. Rob: Community Development was leading this. We wanted to get something on paper.
Eliot asks, Where do we go from here?
-Draft a letter to the BOS. December 4th is the date that it is on the Board of Supervisors agenda, but if needed it can be postponed again.
Motion to adjourn the meeting, Jessica, seconded John. Adjourned at 8:04p.m.

 
Thursday June 28, 2018,6:00-8:00pm
Little Red Schoolhouse/Cobb Mountain Lions Club
15780 Bottle Rock Rd., Cobb, CA 95426
Draft Meeting Minutes
full agenda packet available at www.cobbareacouncil.org
PRESENT: Eliot Hurwitz (Chair), Cindy Leonard (Secretary), Ron Haskett
Absent: Cathy McCarthy, Jessica Pyska, Gary Prather
38 community members present
• CALL TO ORDER (shut down cell phones; sign in please) 6:03p.m.
• approval of agenda, Robert, seconded Ron
• Approval of Minutes from May 17, 2018 Motion Ron Hasked, seconded Robert Stark
• SHORT ANNOUNCEMENTS
◦ Kelly reports family fun night at Lion’s Club on the 4th of July
New elections at the Lion’s Club:
Kelly Stuckey is new President
Camille Levasseur is Vice President
Robert is Director
Jon Meyer is Treasurer
Jo Cunningham Secretary
• TREASURER’S REPORT
-Gary Prather emailed report that bank balance is $3,005.93
PUBLIC and BOARD COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS (3 mins individual)
• Inez is wondering what to do about non-county maintained road, how to get rid of trees?
• Cindy heard from Liz Black (South Lake Fire Safe Council) reports that testing for sirens has been delayed because Cal OES found a problem with the sirens. New parts were ordered and should be installed next week. Then the sheriffs office will need to continue their part to set up the messaging.
• CalFire home inspections for defensible space are done piecemeal as personnel are available, which isn’t really during fire season. We can give a list of specific addresses to have them inspect. Give these addresses to your group captain and then we will make sure Chief Mike Wink gets them as priority inspections.
Short reports from CAC Committees as needed (none)
Supervisor’s Comments (not present)
PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
• Plans to re-open Boggs Mountain – Peter Leuzinger, Forest Manager
• Re-opening of Boggs is July 16th, as a limited, day-use. There are still lots of hazards to be aware of and many trails are still off-limits. Hiking will be on the roadways. Restrooms will be rebuilt in the next year. They will be working with Friends of Boggs Mountain on trail building. August 1st will re-open the shooting range area. Target shooting will be allowed on a limited basis but please call first so that all recovery personnel can be alerted to stay out of that area. He expects one year of the day use situation, with full camping and other use to re-open later.
• The Creek Trail still exists, but it still has dangerous conditions.
• For more information on the Friends of Boggs Mountain, to donate toward trail building or to volunteer, please go to: boggsmountain.net or their Facebook page is very regularly updated with information on the trail work parties. (public announcement below)
Firewise Community Organizing – update from Cindy Leonard, CAC
◦ ~Thank you to Lara from the Time Bank for organizing the Meet up on June 13th. It is amazing that we met, made a plan and already have done our first lot clearing!! Wendy and Kelly planned a great “after party” thank you luncheon for the weary workers.
◦ Glenneth reports the next lot clearing dates will be July 2 and 7.
◦ Wendy is working with Marilyn on another lot clearing party for Saturday July 28th. This can be a thank you for volunteers and also networking for those needing to have lots cleared. As we have learned from the time Bank, even if you feel physically unable to help clear lots, you can still assist in other ways, like helping with the thank you party!
Cobb Firewise Group Report….does everyone know their group number?
◦ Cindy has made more progress on the Group Summary to be posted at the CAC bulletin board at the Cobb Post Office. Four of the groups now have specific public Firewise email addresses.
◦ In general, at each meeting there have been more connections made among neighbors, more discussion and interesting solutions created!
◦ Group 1- First lots have been cleared with Neighbors Helping Neighbors, next meeting will be July 11 at Little Red (their third group meeting!). For more information, email Cathy McCarthy at 1firewisecobb@gmail.com
◦ Group 2- The initial Firewise application boundaries have been set and Kathy Blair and Cindy Leonard have almost finished walking the neighborhood to hand out information about the program and give clean up record sheets to neighbors. So far we have documented 84 hours of the 95 we will need to document for the initial Group 2 application!! For more information, email Cindy Leonard at
cobbfirewisegroup2@gmail.com
◦ Group 3 is in need of a leader
◦ Group 4 has completed their third meeting already. In particular they have been crafting a letter to send to absentee land owners who are not rebuilding and have unsafe conditions. Two letters were sent out this week for the initial test to see what response they get. At the last meeting they created the potential boundary for their initial Firewise boundary. At least one neighborhood has already been surveyed (by Debbie Bloomquist) and the plans have been made for the other areas. For more information, email Wendy Collins at
firewisecobbmt4@gmail.com
◦ Group 5 began work on first section application last November and is nearly ready to submit Firewise Application. This will be the first Firewise application for Cobb! We are grateful for their trailblazing and sharing their experiences with all the other Cobb groups. Debbie Doran is coordinating the Loch Lomond portion of Group 5 for Firewise. For more information, email Magdalena Valderrama Hurwitz at firewise@sscra.org
◦ Group 6 is in need of a leader.
Mel Mc Murran has programmed radios for each of the group leaders as a secondary communication (after your cell phone). The range is 1/2 mile to 3 miles in our terrain. Mel will be meeting with the Communications Committee in July.
Hobergs Resort project – update from Scott Schelenger, Hobergs Project Manager
• Karl Parker briefly reflected on his work today with the Pawnee fire and said it reminds him how important our emergency work is!
• Scott says that clean up is still on track to be completed by August 1st. This will not include concrete grinding. Then he can continue with the new project. Remaining wood on site will be ground for mulch and chips for on-site use. Concrete will be left on site until they get a grading permit. Then all the concrete will be pushed into a pile to be ground for road base.
• Future plan:
• 49 Single family home lots available uphill across HWY 175
• Resort homes 57 (duplex), smaller cottages (more affordable)
• Resort component with 25 Room Boutique Hotel
• It was pointed out that the current Cobb Area Plan requires one acre lot minimum, so it will not allow for 6,000 sq foot lots. The Friends of Cobb will keep an eye on the approval process of the application with the County of Lake.
• Hospitality component will include the historical objects found during clean up process, as well as 25 room hotel, spa/fitness center, restaurant/bar, pool, meeting space.
• Scott reiterated that the owners could have given up when the county gave the abatement order, but he feels that the owners feel like the project is worthy enough to continue to clean up and rebuild the resort.
Fire Hydrants and Rainbow Bridge Update – Ben Murphy, General Manager Cobb Water District
• Rainbow Bridge environmental report is on track. February the project will go out to bid, bridge should be complete about this time next year (June, 2019)
• The new Cobb Area Water District consolidation is progressing. August 1st is the official recording for the new consolidation. The first task will be to remove the locks on the fire hydrants. (County Service Areas are currently run by special districts, so they will all be consolidated) After three years this project will finally be complete. Approval for Alpine Meadows is on track and will be brought in. Hopefully Whispering Pines is to be done in the next phase.
• Fire Hydrants have different color coding. Bright yellow is the Cobb fire hydrant color and the blue reflecting tape indicator posted at the road so firefighters can locate the hydrants. American Water Works Association sets codes for different pressure at the hydrants.
Known as NFPA 291, it says fire hydrants using public water supply systems should be painted chrome yellow, and their tops and caps should indicate the available GPM. Below 500GPM should be red, 500-999 GPM should be orange, 1000-1499 GPM should be green, and 1500 GPM or more should be blue. Ben says this will be done for all our hydrants.
•
USDA Low Interest Home Loan Program – Jeff Lucas, Community Development Services
Kim Dolbow Vann is the new State Director of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) in California and seems very dedicated to help us with Fire recovery and economic development. She has got approval to increase the cap amount on home purchase from $250K to $350K.
Two types of financing now available.
First: Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans 1-3% no downpayment
Second: Single Family Housing Home Loan Guarantees
This will help promote the construction of new homes for folks. Cap for the cost of a new home is $350,000. Approval is very quick.
Jeff Lucas announced a meeting that will be held at Cobb Elementary School on August 10 from 9:30 to 12:30 for people wishing to apply or just to learn more about this new loan program. Please spread the word to anyone you know that is wanting to rebuild or renters who are wanting to switch to home-owners. It is an amazing new opportunity!
(see flyer attached below:)
Next meeting of the CAC will be the July 19, 2018
Note: Elections for the Cobb Area Council will be at this July 19 meeting.
Positions up for election are Ron Hasket, Cindy Leonard and Jessica Pyska
Adjourn: 8:03 motion Cindy, second Ron all approve

Meeting Minutes- May 17, 2018
COBB AREA COUNCIL
PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday May 17, 2018,
Little Red Schoolhouse/Cobb Mountain Lions Club
15780 Bottle Rock Rd., Cobb, CA 95426
PRESENT: Gary Prather, Eliot Hurwitz, Jessica Pyska, Cindy Leonard, Ron
Haskett
Absent: Cathy McCarthy
17 community members present
• CALL TO ORDER (shut down cell phones; sign in please) 6:12p.m.
• Approval of Minutes from April 19, 2018
• motion Magdalena, Ron second, all approve
•
• SHORT ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Chili cook off in Middletown happens this Saturday
• Cobb Mountain Art and Ecology Center has their open house and pottery
sale this weekend.
• Glenneth announced that the MAC photography resilience program show
is kicking off this month. It will be around the lake.
• Loch Lomond Memorial Day annual meeting will be Sunday May 27th.
•
•
•
• Agenda change, Discussion of Grading on Bottle Rock will not be
discussed tonight.
•
• TREASURER’S REPORT, Gary reports bank balance is $3,176.82
• Cindy turned in a receipt of $171.53 for printing as follow up for Cobb
Safe lamination of all the group maps, including the complete “Cobb Area
Council Boundries” map.
•
• PUBLIC and BOARD COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS (3 mins./
individual)
Lara from the Time Bank and lives in the Riviera presented using the Time
Bank for FireWise. She is having a meet-up for the Time Bank to help clear
homes for Elderly and Handicapped folks. They are ready to go! (More
information given in notes below)
• Short reports from CAC Committees as needed
•
Glenneth shared Karl’s report from Hobergs~
We have not received a detailed report on progress at the Hobergs site over the past
month. Dan Nelson has told us that work has been slow while he has been pulling
together the funds needed to complete the final phase. He thinks it will take an
additional $100,000 to rent equipment (including large grinders) and pay workers, etc.
He assures us that they remain committed to completing the project by the end of July.
Jasjit Kang, Director of Environmental Health, reports that he has not visited the site or
spoken to the Hobergs management in the past month. However, he will be meeting
tomorrow with Michalyn DelValle, Interim Director of Lake County Community
Development Department to discuss the status of the project and establish a timeline
and benchmarks for completion of the Abatement Order issued in 2016.
As we have reported previously, we maintain frequent, persistent contact with the key
people involved, and remain deeply committed to achieving successful resolution of this
difficult and trying situation.
Respectfully submitted,
Karl E. Parker
Free Firewood from Huber’s:
In the month of June Hobergs will be offering FREE firewood delivered to folks in Cobb
and within 5 miles of Hobergs for FREE.
We will be making deliveries on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week. We can only do
about 5 deliveries a day so please
send your requests to freewood@lakecountylumber.com and provide your name,
address, phone number and email address.
We can only make 1 delivery to your address and we can only do free deliveries to the
first 40 people that sign up.
PLEASE be aware the wood will be sometimes larger pieces or odd size pieces. If you
don’t want that please do not order since we cannot take it back once we drop it off. We
will be dropping off approx. a cord for all orders.
• Supervisor’s Comments-not present
•
PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
• FireWise Community Organizing and preparation for 2018 Fire Season:
Update and discussion
Eliot attended a two day Fire Education symposium at Sonoma State about
400 people split between academics, NGO, government organizations,
local homeowners. He noticed a big change that control burns are now
confidently embraced as a big part of living with fire.
Cindy gave update on all groups:
As a refresher, here are the groups:
Group 1, coordinator Cathy McCarthy:
Gifford Springs
Star View
Alpine Meadows
Cobb View Heights (golf course neighborhood)
Cobb (downtown)
Group 2, coordinator Rich Curtola:
Whispering Pines
Cobb School
Estates
Pine Grove
Gordon Springs
Group 3 Robert Stark:
Bottle Rock Corridor (Little Red to Harrington Flat)
Harrington Flat (Kahm’s Lane, Sulphur Creek Road, Glenbrook, High Valley Road)
Group 4 Greg Clouse:
Adam Springs
Fox – Venturi
Pine Ridge
Pine Summit
Group 5 Eliot & Magdalena, Gary Prather:
Loch Lomond
Salmina Meadows
Seigler Springs
Mt. Hannah
Wildcat
Group 6 Ben Murphy:
Hill 9 and 10
Branding Iron
Group 1, Cathy McCarthy leader. Met at Little Red Schoolhouse on May 2 and
will meet again on June 6th. They are collecting the in-kind homeowner clean up
data and Michelle Basso is tabulating data. They are also creating the Firewise
boundary for their application.
Group 2, Cindy Leonard and Kathy Blair is doing a neighborhood walk to gather
information on what homes need help doing clearing and which homes still need
reflective signs. They have begun collecting the forms to tabulate the hours that
neighbors have worked clearing brush and limbing trees.
Group 3 has not yet met
Group 4 Greg Clouse and Wendy Collins leaders. This group has met several
times and the next meeting will be at Wendy’s home on June 23rd. They have
made great strides in creating a letter to inform absentee owners of hazardous
conditions that need attention. At the upcoming meeting they will finalize the
Firewise boundary and they continue to collect sheets that document yard
clearing activities. Contact them at:
firewisecobbmt4@gmail.com
Group 5 Magdalena reports that Group 5 is nearing completion of their Firewise
application. This has been very helpful for the other groups that are not as far
along in the process. You can email them at: firewise@sscra.org
Group 6 has not yet met
Cindy created an example binder to help show the other groups how to get the
Firewise data organized.
The goal is to post all the information for all groups at the Cobb Post Office,
including an email to contact each of the group leaders.
Magdalena says that there is excitement from the Time Bank for our Neighbors
helping Neighbors program.
June 13 6-8 will be a Time Bank Meet-up at the Little Red Schoolhouse. Anyone
can come and take part in this group. The Time Bank asks for our permission to
go ahead with her event. They have a lot of P.R. ready to go to get community
input on what lots need to be cleared.
Cobb Area Neighbors (CAN) will be a member name at the Time Bank and
anyone can add hours to that member. Work parties could be created to make
the lot clearing more fun.
We especially want to make sure we can work on getting the absentee owners to
clear their lots.
Jessica motioned to proceed, Ron seconded, all agreed
Rich Curtola reminded us that we should keep the lot clearing and Firewise work
in a positive way so that we don’t end up threatening our neighbors and creating
a negative environment.
Next meeting of the CAC will be the 4th Thursday of June, which is June 28. (not
the usual 3rd Thursday)
Note: Elections for the Cobb Area Council will be at the July 19 meeting.
Positions up for election are Ron, Cindy and Jessica
Adjourn: 7:40 motion Magdalena, second Gary all approve

COBB AREA COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday April 19, 2018 DRAFT MINUTES
New Location this week only
Cobb Elementary School – 15895 Hwy 175
PRESENT: Cindy Leonard, Jessica Pyska, Eliot Hurwitz (Chair), Ron Haskett, Gary Prather
38 people in attendance
• CALL TO ORDER 6:06 (shut down cell phones; rules of participation)
New agenda slightly changed to switch slots and add Denise Rushing’s item.
Welcome to new attendees
2. SHORT ANNOUNCEMENTS
John Carlisi- get together at Pub tonight to discuss the video editing from last Saturday
Glenneth May 2nd his neighborhood group will be meeting at the Little Red Schoolhouse.
3. TREASURER’S REPORT Gary reports after donations were deposited for the Cobb Safe event, checking account balance is $3,803.32. Cindy submitted $602.00 reimbursement for lunch expenses.
4. Karl Parker’s report on Hoberg’s Since last CAC Meeting March 15:
• March 21 meeting @ Hobergs: Glenneth Lambert & Karl Parker met with Scott Skellenger and Dan Nelson, together with new Director of Environmental Health, Jasjit Kang and Environmental Specialist James Scott.
• Reviewed the current status of the project, plans for completion of work required by the March 2016 abatement order, and future plans for development of the site.
• Toured the property.
• March 27 – BOS meeting
• At the request of the Abatement Monitoring Committee, Supervisor Rob Brown requested an update on the status of the project. The bulk of the report was given by the Director of Environmental Health. Supervisors were assured that toxic materials and asbestos have been removed from the site, as certified by former Director Ray Ruminski.
• Report from Scott Skellenger 4/18/18:
• The main focus over the winter has been on erosion control and management of water runoff. Progress on the site has been impeded by rain. In addition, Hobergs management had been waiting to see if additional labor would become available through another California Human Development Recovery Grant. However, it has now been established that this resource will not be available.
• That being the case Hobergs management plans to complete the project with their own employees. They plan to be done by the end of July.
• It appears the weather is improving and soon the ground will be firm enough to resume work with heavy equipment. Some wood processing has been done through the winter, but will resume in earnest as things dry out.
• Although work on site has been slow through the winter months, a lot of work on the project has been going on behind the scenes. They have been working with their architect, engineers, and consultants on the next round of design evolution. They plan to present progress drawings and an application submission timeline when we address the Cobb Area Council in May.
• Introduce Jasjit Kang, Director, Environmental Health Department and James Scott
DISCUSSION
John Carlisi- what is the general timeline? Karl: New projection of completion of clean-up is by July. James Scott: presentation of proposal will go for Community Development. Many agencies will need to review the proposal before they begin construction.
The Hoberg’s group will attend the May CAC meeting to give a more detailed presentation.
4. County Administrator Carol Huchingson presentation on: Reimagining Lake County: Ten Years, Ten Key Priorities (http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm)
After the 5 Visioning Forum meetings, the community input was collected and they created a priority list, in summary:
• local development
• marketing
• grant writing
• robust volunteer program development
• more community collaboration
• strengthen county workforce (25% job vacancy)
• tap cannabis for income
• Disaster preparedness
• delinquent tax collection….sales tax measure on ballot?
Since April we now have a grant writer being trained by Karen McDougall.
In May they will ask the BOS for guidance in prioritizing grants
Volunteers are being utilized more. Interns are being utilized in the county offices
Tourism Improvement District (TID) is planned. Also planning to collect hotel (TOT) taxes that are not being collected in Lake County.
Another round of Visioning Forums to promote what industry we want to bring to Lake County.
Cannabis cultivation ordinance is now in effect. Each cultivator is issued a permit.
10 year plan for Lake County has been created by the BOS. Ten Key Priorities for our county to work together.
Carol recognizes that the County does not have funds, so if we don’t generate some money then the staff that is funded by the General Fund then many of those jobs will be eliminated.
Lake County lost 5% of their housing stock, compared to 3% lost in the recent Sonoma County fires.
New sales tax measure is on the June ballot to help us increase Lake County funding.
5. Jeff Lucas: New funding program for single family homes
-After living here for many years, he now observes an administrator that is doing positive things and he thinks Carol is doing a wonderful job
-The Board has committed much money for the Cobb Water Consolidation
-The USDA sees we have a big need, so they are spending more time and resources in Lake County. For low to moderate income families there are 30 year loans at 1% interest. Call Jeff directly: office: 707-279-1540, cell: 707-489-4943.(you can text him) Income guidelines: under $47,900 annual income for family up to 4 people Other loan guarantees available for households with income of $78,000 USDA 502 program. May 25th will be the first housing fair at Beckstoffer targeting hispanic farm workers. The second one will be in June or July here in Cobb.
6. Ben Murphy, Cobb Water District: Update on Rainbow Bridge Project –
-Eight months ago Jeff Lucas approached him to let him know there is grant money available. Part of the money that Ben and Robert Stark applied for will go to the Rainbow Bridge, if the water line goes under the bridge.
Ben has committed to going forward with reconstruction of the 80 ton bridge, but he does not want to have the responsibility of bridge maintenance. There is half a million dollars available for the bridge that we do not want to lose.
Ben is hoping that someone will step forward to form the assessment district. If we can get all our ducks in a row, the bridge project will be going out for bid in Spring 2019.
(At the end of the meeting a list of names of people who are willing to work on the creation of an assessment district was created and Robert Stark took the list to give to Ben)
7. Cobb Area Council Board Procedure:
Eliot wants to have our election at the fourth Thursday of June. A vote was taken and all approved to move the Cobb Area Council meeting for the month of June from June 21 to June 28.
Barbara has moved to Kelseyville so Ron will take Barbara’s spot. Magdalena moves that Ron takes Barbara’s spot now, all in favor. Jessica nominates Cathy McCarthy as alternate. All in favor.

COBB AREA COUNCIL
PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday March 15 , 2018,
6:00-8:00pm
Little Red Schoolhouse/Cobb Mountain Lions Club
15780 Bottle Rock Rd., Cobb, CA 95426
full agenda packet available at www.cobbareacouncil.org
CALL TO ORDER (shut down cell phones; sign in please)
PRESENT: Cindy Leonard, Jessica Pyska, Eliot Hurwitz (Chair)
15 people in attendance
CALL TO ORDER 6:06 (shut down cell phones; rules of participation)
Welcome to new attendees
Approval of minutes Robert Stark, Magdalena
SHORT ANNOUNCEMENTS
-Fairlight First Friday starting in June for Middletown, the hub is MAC
-Glenneth- Abundant Land movie will be at April 13th 6:00 in Kelseyville
-Kelly- Annual Easter Egg hunt at BlackRock at noon on the 31st
-Magdalena- FireWise event happening May 5th on national FireWise day
TREASURER’S REPORT-Gary is ill, no report this month
PUBLIC and BOARD COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS (3 mins./individual)
1)Eliot introduces new Red Cross Richard Goldfarb Disaster Program Manager for Mendocino and Lake Counties. He is in Cobb today to get to know our area better to begin to plan for disaster preparedness. This includes the pillowcase project and also planning and preparing for shelter needs in case of a disaster.
-Glenneth asks about looking at evacuation for our neighborhoods. Richard states that the Red Cross normally does not create the evacuation routes, but partners with the county and local plans to include their shelter resources. They can also be active in community education once a plan is created.
-Rob Brown says there hasn’t been any money forthcoming for emergency escape routes. We just need to plan for simple routes through people’s property.
2) Chris Macedo is getting ready to present the disaster plan to the Board. We need to allow for many different scenarios which makes it difficult to plan.
Short reports from CAC Committees as needed
Glenneth presented Karl parker’s report for Hoberg’s : erosion controls have been put in place. Work is at a standstill while they wait for more funding.
Erosion controls have been installed
Work on-site continues to be idled while awaiting possible aid from new CHD (California Human Development) grant.
Karl continues to maintain active contact with Hobergs management and County officials in an effort to ensure continuity, regain momentum, and establish an accountable plan for completion.
Since January, Karl has had many contacts with Jasjit Kang, the new Director of Enviromental Health, via phone, email, and a face-to-face meeting, to bring him up-to-speed and convey our concern. Environmental Health Specialist James Scott has also been involved. This effort has been productive.
Mr. Kang sent the following message via email on Tuesday, March 13:
“Hobergs is on our top priority list considering the circumstances. Mr. Scott and I are planning an action plan to deal with the Hobergs’ project (specific to the Summary Abatement Order).
First step is a site visit ASAP (3/14 at 9:00am) to evaluate the situation, and then follow up with a letter.  Secondly, we will certainly be attending the Cobb Abatement Monitoring Committee meetings”
Supervisor Rob Brown has put Hobergs on the Board of Supervisors’ calendar for Tuesday, March 27, 2018.  He also planned to meet with County staff to review the Abatement Order.
The next Abatement Monitoring Committee meeting is scheduled for March 20 @ 5:00 pm.
Respectfully Submitted, Karl E. Parker
PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Discussion of proposed new 1.5% Countywide Sales Tax that will be on the June ballot (Measure G)
Fairlight is very concerned about the sales tax increase. She feels that less sales tax encourages more people to come. How do we create more opportunity for people who live here? We need to be creating opportunities. When people come to taste wine, we should be encouraging folks to try the other things in our county, like farms and restaurants. She will review the videos to see what ideas were suggested that would be an alternative to the tax.
Carol and Rob state that it would bring the rate to 8.75% and it would be a 10 year tax. Carol feels that the tax increase would help alleviate
Carol says that the top priorities of the community voiced at the meetings were roads and safety, so the tax money would go into the general fund, but priorities of spending would be roads and safety and economic development.
Rich says that if it is a specific tax, 60% need to vote for it, since this is a general tax then only 50% need to vote for it.
Carol says that they are working on capturing the hotel taxes that are going uncollected. Losing Konocti resort and Harbin has been a big hit.
Rob says he would like suggestions on what incentives can be given for local cottage industry.
Eliot suggests that we have  another discussion about economic development at another meeting. Carol says that she would like another Visioning round of meetings that would be specific to types of industry ( like agriculture or small business, etc.)
Rob says that any new tax would have an oversight committee.
Joanne is wondering the contributing factors. Rob says the fires, and also the cities don’t pay for many of their services. AB 109 brought a lot of prisoners to the county that are a big cost burden. We lack a lot of revenue drivers that other counties have.
Robert Stark points out that the tax is a big bite for many people in our County.
Continue PLANNING FOR “COBB SAFE 2018” TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY APRIL 14
Cathy has created an online form (it just needs verbiage for clarifying privacy/confidentiality) for folks to sign up for volunteering.
Contributions so far:
$1,000 from John Carlisi
$500 from South Lake Refuse
$25 from Costco
$ possible from
10:00- 11:00 Firewise community planning
-this program has begun in Siegler Springs
-Local certification is done by Jeff Tunnell
from Bureau of Land Management. He does an assessment and then you do an annual plan.
Our goal would be to create 5 FireWise communities initially. Getting certified creates opportunities for funding and helps the local firefighters protect your neighborhood.
We would find people who could be point of contact in each of the areas.
Discussion of spending money on advertising event:
-$600 for large banners
-$250 for mailer in P.O. Boxes
-$150 for Facebook and other promotion
Motion to spend the money, all in favor except one person
11:00 to 12:00 Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Declare two dates: perhaps in June and July. This could coordinate with the chipping program with South Lake Fire Dist.
The session could get into the details of setting up these programs.
Setting up the CERT program. The Red Cross could be a partner in this process.
12:00 to 1:00 Local networks and Communication
-warning systems
: (do the new sirens work?), Nixle and Code Red update, Gotenna
-build in redundancy
– identify most vulnerable folks who might need help
1:00 to 2:00 Sheriff/Neighborhood Watch.
Kelly Stucky has 4 signs just needing posts or plywood, and knowing where to mount in the area
2:00 to 4:00 more in-depth on the CERT program (18 people minimum to train at minimum).
Motion to adjourn Rich, Seconded Jessica adjourned at 7:57p.m.

Cobb Area CounciL
PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday January 18, 2018, 6:00-8:00pm
Little Red Schoolhouse/Cobb Mountain Lions Club
15780 Bottle Rock Rd., Cobb, CA 95426
full agenda packet available at www.cobbareacouncil.org
PRESENT: Cindy Leonard, Ron Hasket, Gary Prather, Jessica Pyska, Eliot Hurwitz (Chair)
25 people in attendance
CALL TO ORDER 6:02 (shut down cell phones; rules of participation)
Welcome to new attendees
SHORT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Glenneth, MAC event about VanGough 7:30 tomorrow
Kelly- Cobb Lion’s Club Crab feed March 3, tickets $60.00
Cathy announced BlackRock golf course Jan 26 open mic 7-10, dinner for sale
Feb 4 Super Bowl party, dinner opening soon: Brandon new chef
March 24 disc golf tournament (90 golfers
Feb 3nd Moore Family winery crab boil, silent auction to benefit Cobb School Garden program
APPROVAL OF MINUTES from December, 2017
A few changes by Robert Stark
Motion to approve: Ron Hasket
2nd – Jessica Pyska
TREASURER’S REPORT, Gary Prather. Current balance $2,203.32 (no change)
PUBLIC and BOARD COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS (3 mins./individual)
Email notice to add to agenda items
Jessica Pyska hazardous trees photos have been forwarded to CalTrans
Big ear
Cindy Leonard report of the Friends of Boggs Mountain (FOBM) meeting Tuesday Jan 16th.:
Jeremiah and Brett from the California Dept. of Forestry gave an update: they are on track with clearing and burn piles will go through this winter. The next group of 400,000 trees will arrive soon and be stored in Kelseyville till they are planted in March. They are very pleased with the survival rate of the 300,000 trees that were planted last March. This will bring a total of 3,000 of 3,500 acres replanted. Boggs remains closed for safety.
FOBM elected a new president: Chris Blomquist
Debbie Bloomquist is working with REMBA and attended a trails conference.
FOBM will have a Community Dinner (date yet to be determined) in the spring as a membership drive and community information meeting. You can join ($20 individual) at boggsmtn.net, but this is not necessary to attend.
Boggs is a Demonstration forest (different than a State Recreational Park, for example) and lots of research is happening from plant related to bird recording.
Jeremiah reported that many of the challenges at our forest is helping to shape recovery policy. Bills submitted for making it easier for other forests that have burned.
David Theissen (previous president) added that we are all frustrated with not being allowed in, but that we need to continue to be patient.
Ron Hasket reports on the County meeting in Kelseyville. There are 19 positions unfilled, some that there are no funds to fill. 5 million dollar shortfall. Building Dept. not included at meeting, all others were. Lack of property taxes is a big reason for shortfalls. Some properties are being sold, even for a loss. The castle is still up in the air. Less tourism tax (Harbin). No money to clean up Lake or to promote it.
Robert: Konocti Harbor is in escrow again. The backlog of properties is a big issue. 175 properties that are unpaid property tax and could go to auction, but the county staff is so overwhelmed and they want to get out of the real estate tax.
Ron: They didn’t mention what they think they will generate from the cannibis tax. Cindy: Perhaps the profit will go to law enforcement.
Ron: We spoke to departments about speeding up inspections. Two new houses started construction on Cobb today!
Robert: New road tax will positively impact our county
Jessica: comment came through CAC website about road improvements
Eliot: Byron Turner is just about done with template for the area plan and passed to Bob Maserelli for Board of Supervisors for approval. Eliot is watching the BOS meeting minutes to see when that happens and we will get our Cobb Area Plan committee energized.
Lake County Broadband Solutions update:
-Terre Logsdon: Beta testing has begun around their offices. They are looking for solutions for Cobb. They are looking at products that would use the white space frequencies that were used by broadcast television. This means that we would not need “line of sight” which is a challenge on Cobb.
Website is live now: http://lakecountybroadbandsolutions.com
More information they will know after a meeting on Feb 9th.
There many folks in the area that cannot get any DSL, so this will be a new option for them. Kids won’t have to use a hotspot to do their homework. Many students at Woodland College do not have internet, so they rely on the school for internet, many folks work from home and do not have internet for their business and are using a cellphone hotspot. Software updates take up all their data.
Go to their website and enter your information and they can see if you are able to get their service and you can keep up to date on what is happening.
Initial price is still to be determined as they explore the equipment. Consumers will have equipment from Mimosa (a dish) that they buy, LCBS absorbs the cost of installation. There will be no contract requirements.
Glenneth: Hobergs has erosion control measures
Short reports from CAC Committees as needed
PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
A New Year on Cobb MT.
Prepare for UPCOMING TOWN MEETING on Neighbors helping Neighbors
Gary, Ron and Eliot met to put together some details for event Saturday March 3rd from 10:00 till 4:00 at Cobb Mtn. Elementary School for community emergency preparedness event. Fire Chief Mike Wink Brian Martin, Forestry, South Lake County Fire Protection Dist. Bureau of Land Management would present. We would talk about hazard mitigation, helping neighbors who are elderly or handicapped who might need help by identifying these folks and methods to contact them. Eliot would like to create the Fire Wise Community program here on Cobb. Lot by lot assessments, training to do this type of organization. Identify the logical places as hubs, then these areas will assess their neighborhood, then come together to make a plan.
Each year this process will become easier and more streamlined.
Where are the evacuation zones?
The Cobb Area Council will be the government liaison, the Seigner Springs nonprofit would organize the other groups like Lions Club, Churches, etc.
At the March 3 meeting there would be presentations, then we could divide up by community hubs, then begin to build the organization from there.
Gary: The fire prevention fee used to provide grants for fire prevention services, so we are wondering if that previous amount ($115) could be paid directly to our South Lake Fire Safe Council for their programs like the chipping program. Charitable contributions are still tax-deductible in the current tax law.
If we become a Fire Wise Community, it will make firefighters much more safe if they need to fight a fire here. Homeowners need to do their part to maintain any fire breaks or clearing.
We can start a sign up for “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”.
Jessica: last spring the Pine Summit Pool had a community burn day, but not enough people knew to participate
Glenneth: Time Bank would probably be thrilled to participate in this.
Cathy: office of emergency services should be involved.
Cindy: High School community service hours for students.
Mr. Curtola: we should contact UPS or FedEx or other to get food donated for the event. Cindy said she will look into it.
Motion made to establish a formal committee to organize the “Cobb Safe 2018” event for March 3. Motion: Ron, Seconded: Jessica
We should get copies of the Cobb Fire Safe Council evacuation brochure to have for this event.
We would like David Leonard to talk about Cobb School evacuation plan, they could perhaps help guide organizations like preschool to create a plan. (including a secondary plan if plan A is impossible).
Eliot will ask a few folks about putting a flyer together very quickly
Security at Cobb Elementary School/Neighborhood Safety
Toyota 4Runner seems to be the vehicle. They were tearing up the pool parking lot. Kathleen thinks it is dark green with two high spotlights on hood and a roof rack, lifted, but she cannot prove it. They are really going fast and unsafe. Call the 467-4000 number so that it goes to Ukiah and they can respond faster if you see them.
Meeting adjourned at 7:25 First Gary, Seconded Ron