Category: Uncategorized

COBB AREA COUNCIL
ONLINE PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday October 21, 2021, at 6:30pm
Online via Zoom and Facebook
1. 6:30 CALL TO ORDER by Chairperson McCarthy
2. Roll Call
Present – Cathy McCarthy: Chairperson, Cindy Leonard: Vice-Chairperson, Frank Lincoln: Treasurer, Chris Nettles: Secretary, Jake Stickler: Member-at-large, Joe Schneider: Alternate
3. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
Eliot Hurwitz made a motion to modify the agenda
Motion is to add an item to the Economic Development report:
Authorization for committee to accept an MOU for the LCBS Cobb Broadband pilot project. Item 11f
Amended Agenda –
Motion to approve amended agenda by Cindy Leonard
Seconded by Chris Nettles
No Discussion
Unanimously approved
Motion to amend and approve September minutes made by Cindy Leonard
Typos & clarification on Rebuild Northbay grant was awarded to pay Cobb Resource Hub rent & utilities for 3 months. PG&E grant to county was to cover municipal advisory councils’ overhead costs.
Seconded by Chris Nettles
Discussion: John Carlisi asked if funders need to be notified. Cindy L. clarified funders are aware of the details.
Unanimously approved
4. 6:35 Short Announcements
Check out ExlporeCobbCA website for information on Cobb Businesses
Middletown Area Merchants Association in cooperation with the Cobb Area Council is able to offer a one-year free basic membership to any business located in the Cobb Mountain area.
New fire risk website. New platform to visualize your area’s fire risk: https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2021/10/21/terrafuse-ai-launches-new-platform-visualize-california-wildfire-risk/
Middletown unified school district has a new Superintendent: Tim Gill, a Cobb resident; while, Kelseyville is sad at the loss of their Assistant Superintendent, Tim Gill.
5. 6:40 Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins. /individual)
David T. brought up the epidemic of tree beetle issue! It’s on Clear Lake Environmental Research Council’s radar, they’re planning to utilize Fire Prevention Grant funds to deal with the Fox Drive parcel.
6. 6:45 Treasurer’s Report- Frank
Total Current balance is $15,829
General fund: $984
Blackberry Cobbler Festival $5794.50
Cobb Resilient $1,456
Cobb Safe $851.23
Economic Development $1,300.00
Rebuild NorthBay $862
T-shirt fundraising $4,272
Wilder Than Wild fund $161
Broom Busters $146.20
1 Cobbler Festival refund checks still outstanding.
Questions about end year expenses and potentially selling Cobb SWAG on the website.
7. 6:47 Supervisor’s Comments- Supv. Jessica Pyska
PSPS Power outages – PGE came to BOS meeting. Installing backup generator at Cobb school.
Shout out to Lions Club who opened up the Little Red School House as a community resource center during the power shutoff.
Massive tree deaths all around the county – all species of conifers. Effect of the drought. County is working with landowners to clear standing dead trees.
Still in a drought – please conserve water!!
May Darby is the new Community Development Director is working hard
Events: Cobb park visioning in November at the Little Red Schoolhouse
Kelseyville Business Association (KBA) is having a Halloween Event on Main Street
They (KBA) are also planning on the Christmas in the County event
Discussion continued about dead standing trees and notifying landowners. Jessica suggested that the Neighborhood Firewise group identify problematic parcels and forward that information to Jessica. She will work with Code Enforcement to help address those lots.
There are apps that can identify the names of people who own land, for example Huntstand.
8. 7:00 Fire Season Update – Chief Paul Duncan
Chief Duncan welcome’s the rain, with hopes that it will end our fire season; however, the drought is still/will be an issue.
Some recent structure fires that were quickly brought under control, preventing spreading.
No date yet on lifting the burn ban but stay tuned. It will likely be soon. (Maybe Nov 1)
Mentioned that people need to be able to recognize a dead/hazardous tree. Look for information on the South Lake Fire Protection website.
Since the weather is getting cooler, before starting up your wood-burning stove, please make sure your stoves and chimneys are clean and properly maintained.
Operations Force Multiplier will be continuing. They are giving out tools to help regular residents extinguish small fires.
Working on the Fox Drive dead trees issue with CLERC & SSCRA
Candy Cane Run will be happening in 2021
John Carlisi mentioned the What Three Words application
9. 7:10 Lars Ewing to hear Public Input County Parks and Trails in the Cobb Area
Opportunity for Public input on Cobb Area parks needs assessment – November 10th 6pm probably at Little Red Schoolhouse (still confirming)
10. 7:30 Laurel Bard to hear Public Input on CLERC Forest Health Projects
Spoke about Forest Health grant awarded from CalFire to CLERC started this past August 2021. There was about a 1 year delay. Showed project areas. Forest Health grant is intended to improve forest health, ecosystem regeneration, and decrease fire risk in areas across the county. Removing dead trees, thinning, and cleaning hazardous vegetation. Approximately 600 acres in the Cobb Area begin treated. Will be an opportunity for community input. Expect to begin work in February 2022.
Small parcel clearing is funded through the Fire Prevention grant.
11. 7:50 Committee Reports- (Limit to 3 minutes each)
a. Firewise Communities: Magdelena, Cindy, Glenneth,
Magdalena V. – Neighborhood Firewise reports:
5 neighborhood groups in existence. Many need to do a community recertification.
Home assessment training available Oct 27th & November 3rd
Evacuation Planning Resources (webinar recordings) are available here
Glenneth: Jones Creek monthly meetings is temporarily on hold.
Gene Yoon mentioned the Lake County Prescribed Burn Association will be presenting as the Cobb Mountain Arts & Ecology event Nov 13th & 14
Wendy Collins discussed the Welcome Wagon program would provide packages to new homeowners about various fire prevention and other community resources. Will be distributed by real estate agents & offices,
No Spark tow-chain covers are available at the Cobb Resource Hub.
b. Communications Committee- Mel
Radios at the Cobb Resource Hub – Cobb Alert Net Wednesday nights are check-ins.
c. Cobbite of the Year-
Cathy McCarthy – Selection to be announced at December meeting/social.
d. Budget Committee
Chris Nettles – Expect to have a 2022 budget for approval at the November meeting.
e. Forest Health Committee
Eliot Hurwitz – Forest Health meeting will be happening within the next couple of weeks. Plan is to chart out goals of group for the coming year.
Cindy suggested that the committee create a list of contractors who can help with tree issues
f. Economic Development Committee
Marketing Initiative- Website Chris
New Cobb Area Council website will be ready by the end of the year.
Please check out https://explorecobbca.com/ for information on Cobb Businesses
Cindy Leonard also mentioned she is working on a “Made in Lake County” sticker for businesses to add to their products.
Memorandums of Understanding: KBA and MAMA
Free membership in the Middletown Area Merchants Association is available to all Cobb Area Businesses
Still waiting for signed agree from Kelseyville Business Association
Upcoming Events: Christmas in the County Float
2nd Monday of every month the Economic Development Committee meets – all are welcome
Suggestion to pull local Tree contractors on ExploreCobbCa website
Motion put forward by Eliot Hurwitz to authorize the CAC Economic Development Committee approve an Memorandum Of Understanding between the Cobb Area Council and Lake County Broadband Solutions regarding a local broadband demonstration project using money from the AHEAD grant.
Motion seconded by Chris Nettles
Motion passes unanimously.
11. 8:20 Project: Cobb Beautification – Phase One– Deborah Doran
Working with the CalTrans for cleaning roadsides. More to come soon.
12. 8:30 Nominations and Elections for Cobb Area Council will take place at
November Meeting for terms to start in January. The alternate is re-elected every year, as well as three seats on the council (the odd numbered year)
Up for elections:
Cathy McCarthy
Cindy Leonard
Frank Lincoln
13. 8:30 Date of Next Meetings:
November 18, 2021 online;
December 16, 2021 social- in person 5 minutes of business followed by social.
14. 8:31 Adjournment
Magdalena moves to adjourn
Cindy seconds
Motion passes without objection.
Attendance:
24 on Zoom
11 on Facebook
Chat from Zoom
From Magdalena Valderrama to Everyone: 06:40 PM
New platform to visualize your area’s fire risk: https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2021/10/21/terrafuse-ai-launches-new-platform-visualize-california-wildfire-risk/
From Will Evans to Everyone: 06:45 PM
It’s on CLERC’s radar, we’re planning to utilize Fire Prevention Grant funds to deal with the Fox Drive parcel
From Cathy McCarthy to All Panelists: 06:51 PM
i dropped in!
From Glenneth Lambert to All Panelists: 06:53 PM
Our winters haven’t been cold enough to kill them off .
From Gene Yoon to All Panelists: 07:10 PM
btw our Firewise group was hoping to invite Paul to an event this fall. is there a good email to send the invitation?
From Paul Duncan to Everyone: 07:19 PM
Gene, my state email is paul.duncan@fire.ca.gov
From John Carlisi to All Panelists: 07:21 PM
What3words site info:
What3words site: https://what3words.com/products/what3words-app/
From Magdalena Valderrama to Everyone: 07:22 PM
Will the CAC send out the message confirming the public meeting on the location for the park discussion?
From Me to All Panelists: 07:22 PM
Yes. We can send out that information
From Cathy McCarthy to Everyone: 07:22 PM
YES!
From Me to Cathy McCarthy: (Direct Message) 07:23 PM
Quick question. I don’t see any mention of CAC elections in November on the Agenda. Was someone going to mention that?
From Cathy McCarthy to Me: (Direct Message) 07:24 PM
It’s down at 8:30
From Me to Cathy McCarthy: (Direct Message) 07:24 PM
Date of next meeting?
OK…I must be missing something on the agenda.
From Magdalena Valderrama to Everyone: 07:25 PM
thank you all
From Cathy McCarthy to Me: (Direct Message) 07:27 PM
sent you an email with agenda again, and yes it is included with info about next meetings
From Me to Cathy McCarthy: (Direct Message) 07:28 PM
Awesome. I think I might be working with an earlier version. Thanks!
From Noriko Kawamoto to Everyone: 07:33 PM
What is considered a larger parcel?
From Magdalena Valderrama to Everyone: 07:33 PM
5 acres and up.
From Noriko Kawamoto to Everyone: 07:34 PM
Thanks
From Laurel Bard (CLERC) to Everyone: 07:35 PM
Clear Lake Environmental Research Center
From Will Evans to Everyone: 07:35 PM
www.clerc.co
From Magdalena Valderrama to Everyone: 07:48 PM
FAC Net Evacuation Planning Perspectives webinar series! We hope you enjoyed hearing from both practitioners and researchers who are working to better plan for evacuation. Recordings, supplemental information, and additional resources are now available on FAC Net’s website at https://fireadaptednetwork.org/evacuation-planning-perspectives/
Tribal Eco Restoration Alliance
From Me to Everyone: 07:52 PM
https://goo.gl/maps/N2iizK3EHSo2qy7G7
Link above is the location of the Cobb Resource Hub

COBB AREA COUNCIL
ONLINE PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday September 16, 2021, at 6:30pm
Online via Zoom and Facebook
1. 6:32 CALL TO ORDER by Chairperson McCarthy
2. Roll Call
Present – Cathy McCarthy: Chairperson, Cindy Leonard: Vice-Chairperson, Frank Lincoln: Treasurer, Chris Nettles: Secretary Joe Schneider – Alternate
Not present
Jake Stickler: Member-at-large
3. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
Amended Agenda – Item 10D typo correction
Motion to approve amended agenda by Eliot
Seconded by Chris
Unanimously approved
Motion to approve July minutes made by Chris
Seconded by Magdalena V.
Unanimously approved
4. 6:35 Short Announcements
We need a substitute Resource Hub substitute for next 3 Thursdays:
September 23rd, 30th, & October 7th
Please continue to check out ExlporeCobbCA website
5. 6:40 Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins. /individual)
No non-agenda items.
6. 6:45 Treasurer’s Report- Frank
Total Current balance is $15,586.64
General fund: $1,039.81
Blackberry Cobbler Festival $5794.50
Cobb Resilient $1,456.28
Cobb Safe $851.23
Economic Development $1,300.00
Rebuild NorthBay $564.42
T-shirt fundraising $4,272.89
Wilder Than Wild fund $161.31
Broom Busters $146.20
2 Cobbler Festival refund checks still outstanding.
7. 6:48 Grant Awarded:
Cathy announced this award:
“Rebuild NorthBay Foundation (“RNBF”) has awarded a grant in the amount of
$1,815.00 to Cobb Area Council. These funds are intended for the purpose of
supporting the organization’s overhead costs during the Fall of 2021 and Winter of
2022. This grant is made possible through the RiseUp Community Impact Grants
Fund.”
8. 6:50 Supervisor’s Comments- Supervisor Jessica Pyska
1. Power outages – PG&E installed new technology on power lines that cuts power when a tree limb or something falls on a powerline. Jessica is working with them to minimize these outages. They are also doing more vegetation work in the area. Jessica continues to have conversations with PG&G about burying power lines and holding them accountable for their commitments to the community.
2. New Community Development Director hired – Mary Darby will start on Oct 1st.
Welcome to Mary!!
3. 23 COVID deaths – testing & vaccinations van will be in Lake County 5 days a week. Info is on the Lake County website under “COVID information”. Hospitals are still under pressure.
4. Frank Lincoln – appointed to Glennwood Cemetery committee
5. Very happy with the 21-22 Lake County Budget – The county is in the best financial shape in a while. Excited about how this budget will move the county forward.
9. 7:00 Fire Season Update – Chief Paul Duncan
During the last thunderstorm we had 7 confirmed lightening strike with small fires that were quickly contained. Some of those strikes took a couple of days to manifest – called sleepers.
Grant application awarded for masticator & excavator. These will be employed throughout south Lake County on various roads and planned projects. Plan to put into service next year (2022)
Operation Force Multiplier – Handed out extinguishers and tools to public. These are waitlisted others for which we are awaiting more grant funding. Those were also provided to law enforcement as they are often first on the scene. Completely free to residents
Volunteer firefighter applications are available on the South Lake Fire website, as are the waitlist for the tool give-a-ways.
Happy about rain beginning.
Chief Duncan posts social media updates about helicopter activity.
10. 7:05 Committee Reports- (Limit to 3 minutes each)
a. Firewise Communities: Magdelena, Cindy, Glenneth,
Glenneth Lambert mentioned recent power outage in his neighborhood. Jones Creek crossing meetings on Zoom continues to meet monthly (see Facebook)
Magdalena Valderrama – Working with Loch Lomond owners association is on firebreak cleanup.
Summit area is currently mapping difficult lots to address
Wendy Collins (and others) are spearheading the No Spark tow chain covers (recycled fire hoses). These are available around the county, including the Cobb Resource Hub, Mendo Mills, ACE in Middletown, and Middletown Farmers Market. Stay tuned for other locations.
Grant application for continued funding of Cobb Resource Hub and renovation work on Little Red School house has been submitted. Expect to hear outcome on this by December.
SSCRA is participating on Best Fit meeting to discuss who is applying for various grants. COCO AIM application for expanding services available at the Cobb Resource Hub.
Homeowner vegetation removal reimbursement grant still has $25000 available. Since last quester 18 new homeowners covered. If you are submitted an application, please complete the work and send the receipts to SSCRA for reimbursement. Still money available for small parcels.
FACnet evacuation planning seminar – Magdalena is sending out a link to that seminar, once it is available.
b. Communications Committee- Mel
Cobb Alert Net continues radio check-ins every Wednesday at 630p.
Radios are always available at the Cobb Resource Hub. Cobbalertnet@gmail.com
Need volunteers for data entry – if interested, please contact
c. Cobbite of the Year- Selection to be announced at December meeting.
d. Economic Development Committee
Marketing Initiative- Website Chris
New Cobb Area Council website is under construction.
Memorandums of Understanding: Kelseyville Business Association (KBA) and Middletown Area Merchants’ Association (MAMA have been written to cement our collaborative projects. Each association will be receiving $1250 to cover Cobb Businesses’ membership fees and other collaborative activities. We need volunteers from the Cobb Area to work with MAMA & KBA on these collaborative efforts.
11. 7:20 Formation of Budget Committee
Chris Nettles put forth to create a standing budget committee whose chartered purpose is to develop and annual budget. This motion includes Chris Nettles as committee chair and Frank Lincoln as the CAC Board designated member. John Carlisi also volunteered to serve on the committee.
(Motion amended by Glenneth to appoint Chris Nettles as Chair)
Seconded by John Carlisi
Motion approved unanimously
12. 7:25 Formation of Forest Health Committee
Eliot Hurwitz put forth a proposal to create a standing Forest Health Committee. This committee is being form as one of the first actions to come out of the Cobb Resilience strategy (coming soon!). The purpose of the committee is to promote a healthy, safe forest on Cobb Mountain. It will primarily attend to all things related to forest health in our area and create an overall strategy. Eliot will chair the committee. Chris Nettles will serve as CAC board designee
John Carlisi made a motion to approve the proposal as is.
Glenneth Lambert seconded
Motion passed unanimously.
13. 7:30 Date of Next Meeting: October 21, 2021 – Virtual meeting
14. 7:31 Adjournment
Motion to adjourn made by Chris
Seconded by everyone.
Unanimously approved!

COBB AREA COUNCIL
ONLINE PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday July 15, 2021 at 6:30pm
Little Red Schoolhouse 157890 Bottlerock Road
Hybrid Online via Zoom and Facebook
Draft Minutes
1. Meeting called to order at 6:31p By Cathy McCarthy
2. Roll Call
Present – Cathy McCarthy: Chairperson;, Cindy Leonard: Vice-Chairperson, Frank Lincoln: Treasurer, Chris Nettles: Secretary, Jake Stickler: Member-at-large
Not present
Joe Schneider – Alternate
3. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
Amended Agenda – Striking formal request to Jessica about purchasing parcel next to Harvesters
Motion to approve agenda by Cindy
Seconded by Chris
Unanimously approved
Motion to approve June minutes made by Cindy
Seconded by Chris
Unanimously approved
4. Short Announcements
Acknowledgement of the Cobb Area Council’s Five Year Anniversary
Door prizes at the end of the meeting
Congratulations to James Wenckus recognized as Kelseyville Unified School District Teacher of the Year
Eliot mentioned Cobb Lions Club will have Bingo on July 24, July 31st and August 7th at 7p
5. Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins./individual)
No items
6. Treasurer’s Report- Frank
Total Current balance is $15,106.03
General fund: $1,045.81
Blackberry Cobbler Festival $6,147.89
Cobb Resilient $1,456.28
Cobb Safe $851.23
Economic Development $1,300.00
Rebuild NorthBay $564.42
T-shirt fundraising $3,432.89
Wilder Than Wild fund $161.31
Broom Busters $146.20
7. Office of Emergency Services/Lake County Sheriff- Siren Testing
Corey Paulich from Lake County Sheriff’s office discussed siren testing. Moving forward siren tests will occur on the first Monday fo each month at 11am. Siren will sound for 30 seconds. Will put out an alert prior to the testing. Will not conduct the test if there is an active fire in the county or an adjacent county
Announced Zone Haven and encouraged us all to know our zone. Go to http://myzone.zonehaven.com and search for your address to determine your zone. Can also call the administration office at 707-262-4200 and they can look up your zone.
Jessica is looking into a full 3-minute siren test in January.
Suggestion was made to create posters about the monthly test.
8. Supervisor’s Comments- Jessica Pyska
Disaster Council met. Jessica asked them for the long (3-minute) test of the siren.
COVID report – Lake County has highest case positivity rate in the state. Delta variant is causing spike here in Lake County and in the state
Drought is an issue on Cobb. Cobb Water Board has reviewed their drought plans. It is important to conserve water.
Jessica stressed knowing your zone: http://myzone.zonehaven.com and search for your address to determine your zone. Can also call the administration office at 707-262-4200 and they can look up your zone.
Risk Reduction Authority has hired a coordinator and for COAD. Seeking additional grant funding.
PSPS may become more frequent and longer duration outages. PG&E is creating microgrids with backup generation.
Jessica answered a question about the new discretionary funds for county supervisor to spend in their districts.
9. 2021 Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan
Jessica has a short update from Jessica. New Firehawk is in Cobb. Visitors are welcome between 9a & 5p. Hire hired 2 new fire captain/paramedics.
Fire prevention tip: Mow early morning with water nearby. Use only string trimmers.
Chief Duncan requests that social media posts about fires be factual and not speculative.
10. Committee Reports- (Limit to 3 minutes each)
a. Firewise Communities: Magdelena, Cindy, Glenneth,
Magdalena Valderama – suggests printing a hard copy of zone map from Zonehaven
Announced South Lake Fire Safe Council is 20 years old on Monday July 19th.
Low cost chipping and information is available from South Lake Fire Council
$34,000 still available for vegetation clearing on lots less than 1 acre until March 2022.
SSCRA is working with Fire Adapted Communities learning network on leaning sit and home assessments.
Firewise community forming in Clearlake Oaks area
Harrington Flat Firewise community is still pending.
Magdalena shared new color coding for fire hydrants.
Wendy announced new tow chain covers – Available at the Hub
Glenneth announced Jones Creek Crossing meeting. – see their Facebook page.
b. Communications Committee- Mel
Now called Cobb Alert Net
Radios are available at the Cobb Resource Hub
Education event next Wednesday after check-in. Look for info in email
For more information contact Mel McMirrin kk6tmn@gmail.com
c. Cobbite of the year
Will be announced at the COBBler festival
d. Economic Development Committee
Eliot will be reporting on the AHEAD grant later in the meeting
e. Collaborative Marketing Initiative- Website Chris
KL Design is working on design ideas to share with the council
Expect website to be ready around the time of the COBBler festival
f. Creating two new committees: a Budget committee and an Emergency Preparedness committee.
Emergency Preparedness Committee: No need to create a standing committee, if one is needed, we can create an ad-hoc committee. The Firewise Community reports will help to keep us informed on emergency preparedness topics.
Tabling discussion of Budget Committee until September meeting.
g. Misc. item from floor
• Rich Curtola made a request for an ad-hoc committee to address siren issues.
• Cathy McCarthy has sent numerous emails to the Sheriffs Dept about this issue
• Jessica Pyska has been in communication with Sheriff Martin about the siren suggested setting up a meeting with Sheriff Marin, the Cobb Area Council, and others about this topic.
Motion from Cindy for Cobb Area Council to set to a meeting with Rich Curtola, Sheriff’s Dept, and any other will participants to discuss the ongoing siren issues.
Glenneth seconded motion
Motion is adopted with unanimous vote.
11. AHEAD Grant Final Update- Eliot
Eliot Hurwitz’s presentation on AHED grant update can be seen on Facebook Recording between 1:25:50 and 1:52:00
12. Blackberry COBBler Festival 2021
Cindy Leonard reported: Rosie has finished our poster for the COBBler festival and it is fantastic!
Thank you to our financial supporters:
CalPine – Platinum Sponsor
PG&E – Gold Sponsor
Hardester’s- Gold Sponsor
California Tendai Buddhists – Bronze sponsor
There are still sponsor forms available if people would be willing to donate to the festival.
In-kind donations:
SSCRA is our non-profit sponsor for the alcohol license
A big thanks to the Strickler family and Whispering Pines resort for providing the venue.
KL Design
Beer & Wine donors : Shannon Ridge; Boatique Winery, Kelsey Creek Brewing
Cobb Mountain Lions is hosting the Blackberry Cobbler Contest
Numerous vendors will be attending, including the County of Lake Parks & Recreation, who is looking or input on potential parks in the Cobb Mountain area.
Local business are have events related to the Blackberry COBBler Festival, see https://explorecobbca.com/ for more information
The festival still needs volunteers! Contact Cobb Area Council (cobbareacouncil@gmail.com) or on Facebook
13. Door prize drawing!!
14. Date of Next Meeting: August 19, 2021, 6:30p
15. 8:21p Adjournment
Cindy moves to adjourn
Frank seconds
Motion passes unanimously
________________________________________
How to Participate in Cobb Area Council Online Public Meeting 8/19/2021
1. By Computer: Join our Zoom Meeting
Or call into the Zoom meeting on any phone:
2. Follow along via CAC Facebook Livestream:
Go to: https://www.facebook.com/CobbAreaCouncil
To make a comment or ask a question, use the Facebook comments section.

COBB AREA COUNCIL
ONLINE PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday June 17, 2021 at 6:30pm
Online via Zoom and Facebook
Draft Minutes
1. CALL TO ORDER -Cathy called the meeting to order at 6:34 pm
2. Roll Call:
Present – Cathy McCarthy: Chairperson;, Cindy Leonard: Vice-Chairperson, Frank Lincoln: Treasurer, Chris: Nettles: Secretary,
Not present – Jake Stickler: Member-at-large
Alternate vacant
3. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
Motion to adopt Agenda made by Chris
Second -Frank
Motion carries unanimous.
Motion to accept minutes from June meeting made by Chris
Second – Frank
Motion carries unanimous.
4. Short Announcements
None
5. Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins./individual)
Cathy mentioned the path behind Harvester’s and the concern that if the property is privately purchased, we could lose access to that path.
Glenneth -m doing to work on his art studio. Anyone interesting in helping (work exchange) contact Glenneth at glenneth@sonic.net
Hilary – Commented on lot mentioned by Cathy, said she thinks lot may not be suitable for building.
She also commented on fireworks concerns and fire extinguishers in automobiles
6. Treasurer’s Report- Frank
Total Current balance is $18,676.00
General fund: $1,048.81
Blackberry Cobbler Festival $9,715.00 (received $4,000 in donations)
Cobb Resilient $1,456.28
Cobb Safe $851.23
Economic Development $1,300
Rebuild NorthBay $564.42
T-shirt fundraising $3,432.89
Wilder Than Wild fund $161.31
Broom Busters $146.20
Outstanding checks – associated with Cobbler Festival
Magdalena had a question about the Wilder Than Sild fund and merging it into the General Fund.
Consider forming Budget Committee next month.
7. Supervisor’s Comments- Jessica Pyska
a. Hired special advisor for Community Development Director. Recruiting a new Director. Trying to restore department to appropriate service levels
b. Discussed Broadband – Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (FCC) – focus on Upper Lake & South Lake Co. identified as areas with inadequate broadband.
c. Congressman Thompson delivered a $12m check to Lake Co from American Rescue fund.
d. COVID restrictions have largely been lifted. Supv. Pyska encouraged people to be compassionate. Lake Co. is 50% vaccinated. Go to MyTurn.com for information on where to get vaccinated.
e. New Firehawk will be stationed here in Cobb.
f. Fire season reminders – Supv. Pyska reminded everyone to be prepared both mentally & phycially for the tough fire season ahead.
g. Hardester’s path – Discretionary fund might enable the county to purchase that land. Need to have to request come the community (Cobb Area Council).
h. Tom Slaight posed a question about COVID testing. Supv Pyska referred him to the Lake County Public Health Officer.
8. 2021 Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan
a. Pomo Pumps (North Lake County) fire under control
b. Fully staffed now – six crews, slightly understaff this year
c. New Firehawk will be at Boggs soon – it can carry 1000 gallons of water and fly at full speed.
d. Another Type 1 helicopter will be available to Lake County out of Napa airport
e. Goal is to keep 95% of fires, 10 acres or less
f. South Lake CalFire is completing some new hiring.
g. Some criminal investigations going on, feel free to forward tips on to Chief Duncan
h. If mowing, do not use a metal blade mower. String mowers can cause friction fires, so be cautious.
i. Fireworks are completely illegal in Cobb, including Safe & Sane. (Safe & Sane only legal in city of Lakeport)
j. If you want to see fireworks, go to the public displays
9. Nominations/Vote for Alternate Position of Cobb Area Council Board.
Frank nominated Joe Schneider for the Alternate position on the Cobb Area Council
Chris seconded.
Joe introduced himself
Unanimous vote to elect Joe to the council
10. Committee Reports
● Firewise Communities:
Glenneth – Jones Creek corssing meetngs anouced fro more into see https://sites.google.com/view/jones-creek-crossing-firewise-/home or the Facebook page.
Magdelena Valderama – Bottlerock Corridor Firewise neighborhood is currently under review.
SSCRA had a successful rummage sale event.
Vacation renters brochure is being adapted for South Lake County
● Communications Committee- Mel McMurrin
Firming up committee membership and decision-making processes
Meetings are each Wednesday – everyone is invited.
Growing check-ins – 30-50 person range
Some fire activity spotted early by the network.
Radios are available at the Cobb Resource Hub
Education event next Wednesday after check-in. Look for info in email
For more information contact Mel McMirrin kk6tmn@gmail.com
● Cobbite of the Year- Cathy next meeting
Committee met and will announce Cobbite of the Year at the Cobbler Festival of the Year
● Blackberry COBBler Festival 2021~approval of budget – Cindy Leonard
Cindy discussed the budget, Showed last year’s expenses and best estimate on this year’s budget.
Chris made a motion for Cobb Area Council to approve a $10,000 budget for Blackberry Cobbler Festival expenses.
Eliot seconded motion
Motion approved with unanimous vote
● Economic Development Committee
○ AHEAD Grant Update- Eliot Hurwitz
Eliot gave an AHEAD grant budget update. – 18 month grant. They approved a 3-month extensions. When we requested an extension, they requested that we close the books on the grant.
Eliot gave an overview of the grant expenses.
○ Community Resilience and Development Strategy- Eliot
Eliot gave a presentation about the Cobb Resilience & Economic Development document. See the Facebook recording at 1:12:00 to view the presentation.
○ Collaborative Marketing Initiative-
pivot to extra help for Cobbler Fest
○ Cobb Merchants Association- Cathy
Approaching Middletown Merchants Association and Kelseyville Business Association about helping to promote Cobb Businesses.
11. Rent for Cobb Resource Hub
Cindy discussed the need to ensure that we have money to ensure that the Hub is able to continue to operate. Rent is paid through June. It is $550/month.
Cindy made a motion to cover resource hub from CAC funds for one month (if necessary) – $550 for July
Chris seconds the motion
Motion passes unanimously
12. Conform current committees with new CAC bylaws
Chris – Motion to ratify current standing committees (Economic Development & Communications)
Eliot seconded motion
Motion passes unanimously
Nest meeting will consider a Budget Committee & Emergency Preparedness committee
13. CAC website and mailing list
Kim has begun working on it
14. In-person meetings to begin in July
Also 5 year anniversary of CAC!
15. Date of Next Meeting: July 15, 2021, 6:30 at Little Red Schoolhouse
16. Adjournment
• Motion to adjourn by Chris
o Seconded by Cindy
o Motion carries – adjourned at 8:34p

COBB AREA COUNCIL
ONLINE PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday November 19, 2020 at 6:30pm
Draft Meeting Minutes
PARTICIPATE online via ZOOM
MEETING ID NUMBER: 867 0565 0580 Passcode: 112872
or
Watch and comment via LIVESTREAM on FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/CobbAreaCouncil
CALL TO ORDER at 6:31
Roll Call: Cindy Leonard Secretary here, Cathy McCarthy Chair here, Frank Lincoln Treasurer here, Jessica Pyska Vice Chair here, Jake Strickler here, Chris Nettles here
21 people on Zoom call, around 10 people on the Facebook live site.
Approval of Agenda from 10-15-2020 motion to approve, Eliot; seconded Chris, all approve.
Minutes for 11-19-2020 motion to approve, Jessica; seconded by Eliot. All approve.
Short Announcements
Glenneth states that his clay classes are now starting. Tues and Thursdays. Reach out to him if you are interested.
Spirit of the Season helps individuals and families of Cobb, Middletown and HVL during the holiday season with food and gifts.
Sign up will be on December 1st and 2ND 4-6pm only at the Middletown office of Catholic Charities. Masks are required.
CalFresh Mass Replacement Waiver Approval–31 Counties Valerie at Catholic Charities still assisting folks over the phone, who need CalFresh and Medi-Cal benefits for the power outage food replacement.707.867.6160 o: 707.528.8712
Middletown Unified School District needs people for the Bond oversight committee. So far there are only 3 people signed up for the committee and they need 7 people for the committee to be complete. The bond passed 2 years ago and they need to have the oversight committee to spend the money.
Shawn wants to praise Mel McMurrin for all the work he has done on the CAVERN radio network. He is a calming and great moderator for this program. It is reassuring to have the radio quick notice!
The Lion’s club will be doing holiday pies and the deadline to order is coming up soon!
Treasurer’s Report- Frank
Cobb Area Council General fund: $1,656.36
Blackberry Cobbler Festival $3,316.53 (waiting for $3,000 from PGE)
Cobb Resilient: $1,456.28
Cobb Safe: $851.23
Economic Development (from Calpine): $1,300
Rebuild NorthBay (for Hub office and LakeCOAD website): $2,807.42
Science Camp 0
T-Shirt Fundraiser: $4,503.89
Wilder than Wild: $161.31
AHEAD Grant: $126,135.24
Committee Reports
Firewise Communities:
Magdelena: SSCRA just reimbursed 33 property owners a portion of their lot-clearing expenses, for a rounded total of about $34,000. (If you want to add thanks out loud: Jon and Pat Meyer gave up their place so that someone else more in need of the help can take advantage.) The total paid out so far to Cobb area residents is just under $75,000.
SSCRA has $49,000 left to cover a little over 46 acres remaining in the grant project. Everyone who is interested needs to be clear that application is not a guarantee of reimbursement. Some homeowners who registered earlier last year or this year have not been moving forward on getting the work done, and there have been additional applications. You have to apply first and go through a documentation process in order to qualify for the reimbursement. The grant expires in March 2022 or whenever the money runs out, so the homeowners who are already registered are in a kind of race to make sure they get their claims in.
Tomorrow, November 20 is the deadline for this year’s recertification of the Firewise Communities:
(Cathy McCarthy has been alerted, and I gave her the names and addresses of everyone in her Firewise Community who used the grant so she can include their work in her tally. I just don’t know if she’s completed the recertification application.)
Your group of course has already been acknowledged as recertified.
Cobb View is working on theirs — thanks to the people who stopped by the Resource Hub to get a copy of the Recording Sheet so they could throw their numbers in.
Seigler Springs is working on theirs as well.
Group 3 is making slow progress in getting organized to apply for the Firewise Communities designation. Contact Gene Yoon: gene@ginsudo.com
If you are a veteran or a family member, USAA gives a 5% discount on your insurance premiums. We heard earlier this week that Mercury Insurance will give an 18% discount, but we have been unable to confirm this. (There’s nothing mentioned on the Fire Safe Marin site, even though John Nowell announced this at the RRA meeting.)
We have also been able to get the firebreaks in Cobb that were recorded by the South Lake Fire Safe Council digitized so that we can begin to compare this data to the acres treated through the SSCRA grant and will be working with the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center to address additional properties when the CEQA clearance for their new grant is completed. That could take another few months.
Thanks to all the volunteers who have been working so tirelessly to collect all the data and to all our neighbors who have been volunteering theirs!
Cindy: firesafelake.org website is now live. Please visit and check out all the information specific to Lake County (plus we need clicks for our grant reporting!)
The Resource Hub is now open on Tues, Thurs and Fri from noon to 4:00.
Cindy would like to propose a Broom Buster event in February that would be funded through Calpine Corp. Components would include a broom clearing day and a homeowner recognition program with yard signs.
Jessica has noticed that there is more beetle killed trees this year because of the drought and warmer temperatures. The Hazardous Vegetation Ordinance covers those dead trees so keep an eye on that. Jake says that the tree workers have been spiking the trees instead of using the lifts and that makes the problem worse.
Glenneth says the Jones Creek Crossing will have another Zoom meeting next Thursday.
Cindy motions that we put out a request for proposals for upgrading the Cobb Area C
Communications Committee- Mel
Economic Development Committee
AHEAD Grant Update- Eliot
Eliot had a great meeting with the Federal Home Loan SF about getting an extension. They got a virtual tour of the Cobb Resource Hub. They said it is no problem at all to extend our deadline.
4 loans are currently out and about $25,000 is left in the pot for small business loans at 2% interest.
He is continuing with the interviews of local community members and will be reviewing these with Chris.
The broadband study has hit a bit of a roadblock with the Chico State folks, so they have put out a request for proposals.
The target is to have a first report draft for the community outreach at the beginning of 2021.
There is still $2,000.00 left for the creation of the Cobb Merchants Association.
Collaborative Marketing Initiative- Jessica states that the logo is now finished so Kim Lewis can finish up the ExploreCobbCa website. It will be full of information for locals and tourists. The Facebook page has been posting lots of photos of local shops and artists.
CAC website and mailing list- update, service, and maintenance. Call for volunteers and/or bids to update the website.
2020 Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan Calfire is down staffing their equipment and staff slowly. Burn ban will hopefully be lifted soon and then we can have residential burning. The crews are down to 2 with Konocti. 17 person crews. 3 crews at Delta camp. The numbers are decreasing so much statewide that some are closing. Bottlerock Road is a priority for the fuel reduction along the road this winter.
Jessica asks if the lack of hand crews will affect the winter work. Paul says yes, it will, but the projects will still keep going. There are several burn projects planned, but there needs some additional training to get more people educated on the practice.
Jessica asks if we could get a curtain burner. Paul Duncan said he will look into that.
Larry Allen & Co.- Neighborhood Concern: Larry says that there are many neighbors who are concerned about a high-occupancy facility in their neighborhood that is about to be approved. They are concerned about noise, traffic, devaluation of homes, septic, waste and many other possible hazards. They have called code enforcement and written complaints, but they are unsure what to do about it. They have come to the Cobb Area Council to see what they should do. Jessica states that after looking into it a little bit today, she is suggesting that they find out who the labor contractor is and they might be violating the H2A worker program. The workers are supposed to move in on January 1st. It sounds like substandard living conditions. There is mold in the lower section and they have a sub-standard septic system. It was converted from a 2 bedroom to a 4 bedroom cabin.
November 3rd Elections result in CAC vacancy in January.
Cindy suggests that we amend the bylaws to re-align the election of CAC officers to December of every year so that we can then have the Board of Supervisors appoint these folks.
Chris modifies the motion to appoint a committee to look at amending the bylaws which would then be presented to the Cobb Area Council meeting for discussion. Cathy firsts, Jessica seconds and all approve this motion.
Cobbite of the Year~ Chris, Cindy Cathy will be on the committee. Gayle Albo also said she will be on it as well
Date of Next Meeting: January 21, 2020
Adjournment at 8:06 Jessica motions, Chris seconds, all approve.

COBB AREA COUNCIL
ONLINE PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday September 17, 2020 at 6:30pm
PARTICIPATE online via ZOOM
MEETING ID NUMBER: 845 4932 4010 Passcode: 466118
or
Watch and comment via LIVESTREAM on FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/CobbAreaCouncil
Draft Meeting Minutes
1. CALL TO ORDER at 6:35
Roll Call: Cindy Leonard Secretary here, Cathy McCarthy Chair here, Frank Lincoln Treasurer here, Jessica Pyska Vice Chair here, Jake Strickler (not present), Chris Nettles here
2.Approval of Agenda motion to approve by Eliot, seconded by Chris, all approve
3.Approval of Minutes from September , 2020 motion to approve: Eliot, seconded Chris, all in favor.
4. Short Announcements Cobb Resource Hub is open Tues/Thurs noon-4
5. Treasurer’s Report- Frank $49.99 to renew Quicken account only expense this month.
Cobb Area Council General fund: $1,715.36
Blackberry Cobbler Festival $3,316.53
Cobb Resilient: $1,456.28
Cobb Safe: $851.23
Economic Development (from Calpine): $1,300
Rebuild NorthBay (for Hub office): $835.50
T-Shirt Fundraiser: $4,503.89
Wilder than Wild: $161.31
6. Committee Reports
Firewise Communities: Magdelena, Cindy, Glenneth,
Cindy says Rainbow Bridge event was a great success! Look for articles in Record Bee and Lake County Bloom
we have a rack card being designed for the Hub with the information about the Hub.
Glenneth is planning an event October 17th from 10-1:00 at their Jones Creek crossing Firewise neighborhood. They have a website and also will have a Zoom meeting next thursday at 6:00. Call Glenneth if you would like to help. tiny url.com/jonescreekcrossing
Magdalena ~ SSCRA has 3 more communities to bring to the area as a goal for the CalFire grant. Gene is working on a website for Group 3.
Dottie and Damon Bates are working on another Firewise Community for the Loch Lomond area in Group 5.
Communications Committee- Mel
It was a busy month for the communications committee. There are about 120 members now. Two new GRMS operators.
There is a new Ham operator class coming up in Kelseyville next month.
CAVERN.mobi has a lot of links for information about current fires.
The overnight watches during a real time fire is very comforting.
Economic Development Committee
AHEAD Grant Update- Eliot
budget is on track (spent $73,686.46 of the $200,000)
half of the loan fund has been loaned out
Collaborative Marketing Initiative- Jessica
Abby the Facebook page is now live: explorecobbca.com
Karen has been taking lots of photos for the content
Kim Lewis produced 4 logos to get feedback.
The website basic structure is done
7. 2020 Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan
Current fire status in Lake County: our fire is looking pretty good, homes burned or damaged property needs to be reported to CalFire, 95% containment, small smokes will pop up, but we have resources to jump on it.
North of us they have 100 miles of fire line to contain in very rough terrain.
The goal is to get all the small fires out before they get to 10 acres.
Mike Wink is at the fire in Fresno and they are making good progress there.
Red flag warning this weekend on the East side
8. Update: response to letter to OES to request the September test to be louder and longer. They actually cancelled that test because of fire activity. She has asked if this could be done in October but has not heard anything back.
9.Update: Presentation to Lake County BOS on 5th Anniversary of Valley Fire: Jessica has created a video to re-cap the 5 years of progress and recovery in the Cobb Community.
We would like to make a presentation to the BOS with items that we still need here for more progress to be made. We need their help.
There is a slideshow that Jessica created to outline what our thoughts are as we move from recovery to development.
10. Date of Next Meeting: October
11. Adjournment at 7: 47 Motion by Cindy, seconded by Eliot, all in favor.

COBB AREA COUNCIL

COBB AREA COUNCIL
Special Meeting
ONLINE PUBLIC MEETING
Friday August 7, 2020 at 6:30pm
PARTICIPATE online via ZOOM https://zoom.us/
MEETING ID NUMBER: 831 7950 3868 Passcode: 361749
or
Watch and comment via LIVESTREAM on FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/CobbAreaCouncil
Draft Agenda
CALL TO ORDER at 6:33
Roll Call: Cindy Leonard Secretary, Cathy McCarthy Chair, Frank Lincoln Treasurer, Jessica Pyska Vice Chair, Jake Strickler (not here), Chris Nettles all present
Eliot Hurwitz, Karen Pavone, Paul Duncan, Tom Slaight, Buelah Farquar
Cobb Economic Development Committee- hear and approve proposed subcontracts for work to be done in accordance with AHEAD grant.
Abby Leutholdt – project manager: collaborative marketing initiative
Kim Lewis – web design and logo
Karen Pavone – photography
Cobb Area Council
Marketing Collaborative Initiative
August 7, 2020
Summary:
The Cobb Area Council (CAC) received a $200,000 grant from the Federal Homeloan Bank of San Francisco in September 2019 for the economic development of the Cobb Area following the Valley Fire.
The Marketing Collaborative Initiative:
The CAC allocated $25,000 for a marketing campaign to draw visitors to the Cobb Area to support the local economy. The Marketing Collaborative Initiative will work through the economic development sub-committee, and include business owners, artists, and community members who will develop and steer an inclusive campaign that will benefit and elevate all of the Cobb Area community.
Proposal:
Engage a team of local experts to build the marketing strategy through September 6, 2021 (Labor Day 2021) by developing a website, photography assets, social media campaigns, market research, and outreach, to be coordinated with local business owners, artists and events.
Abby Leu Presents
Abby Leatholdt
Project Manager (see proposal)
$1,200 retainer, $800 monthly (13 months) $10,800
KL Designs
Kim Lewis
Website and Logo Design $2,570
Hosting/Domain (3 years) $480
InkFarm Creative
Karen Pavone
Photography (see shoot list) $6,000
TOTAL $19,850
Chris Nettles requests that it is written into the contract that any additional fees need to be pre-approved.
Eliot makes a motion from the floor that the Cobb Area Council approve the contract for Abby Leu Presents, Chris Nettles seconds the motion. All approve.
The team that will be working with the three project experts will be the Economic Development Committee. Any financial changes to the contracts will need to be approved by the Cobb Area Council.
The website content is up to us to deliver to Kim Lewis. We have a few optional items that we can discuss later (like adding advertising to the website).
Cindy motions to approve the contract with Kim Lewis design, Chris Nettles seconds. All approve.
Chris Nettles makes a motion to accept the contract with Karen Pavone, Frank Lincoln seconds, all approve.
Jessica will reach out to them to get contracts signed and Eliot and Cathy will get checks signed.
Eliot says that we had 10 people viewing the meeting on Facebook live.
Cathy makes a motion to adjourn, Chris motions, Frank seconds, all approve. Meeting adjourned at 7:23.