Categories2024 Minutes by

Minutes | February 15, 2024

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday February 15, 2024 at 6:30pm

In-Person and Online Participation Available

 

MINUTES (Approved 3-21-2024)

 

CALLED TO ORDER at 6:37pm

Roll Call

Present: Cathy McCarthy, Chris Nettles, Darlene Warner

Absent: Jake Strickler, Joe Schneider, Mel McMurrin

Pledge of Allegiance

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

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

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

Cathy McCarthy: Chairperson

Jake Strickler – Vice Chair

Chris Nettles: Treasurer

Darlene Warner: Secretary

Joe Schneider: Member at Large

Mel McMurrin – Alternate

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

Short Announcements

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

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

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

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

Supervisor’s Comments – Jessica Pyska

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

Cobb Park Update- Lars Ewing and Celia Hoberg

The Public Services Department includes the Parks and Recreation Department

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

Fire Season Update: Winter Storm Edition- Paul Duncan

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

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

Treasurer’s Report – Chris

See attached report incorporated herewith as “Attachment A”

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

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

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

Committee Reports (3 minutes/individual)

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

Cathy – Jones Creek is renewed and in good standing.

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

Communications Committee – Darlene

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

Forest Health Committee – Eliot

No report

Economic Development Committee – Chris

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

Blackberry Cobbler Festival

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

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

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

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

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

Next Meeting: March 21, 2024 at 6:30

Adjourned at 8:03pm

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Darlene Warner, Secretary

Categories2024 Agendas by

Agenda | February 15, 2024

COBB AREA COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday February 15, 2024 at 6:30pm

In-Person and Online Participation Available

Agenda (Approved 2-15-2024)

 

6:30 CALL TO ORDER

  • Roll Call / Pledge
  • Approval of Agenda and Minutes

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

6:40 Short Announcements

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

6:50 Supervisor’s Comments – Jessica Pyska

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

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

7:20 Treasurer’s Report – Chris

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

7:30 Committee Reports (3 minutes/individual)

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

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

7:50 Adjournment

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

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

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

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

Go to:  https://app.zoom.us/wc/join

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

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

  1. Call into the Zoom meeting on any phone:

Call (669) 900- 6833

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

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

Categories2023 Minutes by

Minutes | February 16, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL 

Hybrid PUBLIC MEETING 

Thursday February 16, 2023 at 6:30pm 

In person and online via Zoom and Facebook 

Minutes (Approved 3-16-2023) 

CALL TO ORDER – at 6:32pm

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

Present: Cathy McCarthy, Chris Nettles, Darlene Warner

Absent: Jake Strickler, Joe Schneider

Approval of Agenda and Minutes

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

Motion by Chris Nettles to approve Minutes 2nd by Darlene Warner. All in favor. Minutes approved.

Brown Act Training as it pertains to advisory commissions – Anita Grant

County Counsel, Anita Grant, gave a PowerPoint presentation, “Ralph M. Brown Act – Ten Things to Know” via Zoom to Cobb Area Council. The presentation gave a general overview of the purpose of the Brown Act, and overview of the changes relating to AB-361 ending on 2/28/2023 (to sunset January of 2024) as it relates to the Brown Act, and also new teleconferencing requirements as it relates to AB-2449, effective 1-20-2023 (sunsets in 2026). Anita is preparing a how-to guide on AB-2449.

Certified Tourism Ambassador Program – Michelle Carson

All volunteer group, non-profit under the Chamber of Commerce umbrella. Distributed presentation handout, “2022 Year in Review” – Lake County Tourism Ambassador. Goal for 2023: refresh window signs and deliver 2023 lists of fishing tournaments to businesses county-wide. Membership has steadily increased since 2019. There is a certification class to become a CTA (Certified Tourism Ambassador) on Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 8:30am to 12:30pm (4-hour class) at Lake Event Design in Lakeport. Registration deadline is April 1st, cost is $25. Visit www.ctanetwork.com, or call Mae at 707-263-5092.

SHORT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Robert Stark – has tickets to the crab feed for $75 each. Has ordered 500 pounds of crab. Friends of Cobb Mountain have been notified that Open Mountain Energy wants to take over Bottlerock Power. Mr. Olson would like to present to us.

Glenneth Lambert – Sculpture Jam is moving forward, doing a call for artists soon. Will be held October 14/15 and following weekend. Has an Agreement with Mountain Meadow venue to have it there. Next committee meeting is next Wednesday at 3:45p at the Hub. Looking to have bi-monthly meetings. Looking for volunteers.

Cathy McCarthy – the Blackberry Cobbler Fest committee meeting will be next Thursday at Cobb Mountain Pizza at 5:30pm.

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

NONE

Nominations and Elections

Nominations and Elections of New Alternate to serve the term (beginning January 2023 and ending December 2023. No action taken, continue to next Council meeting.

Treasurer’s Report- Chris Nettles

We changed all of our banking over to Umpqua Bank effective 1-31-2023

The T-Shirt fund has been combined with the General Fund.

One charge was made for last year’s BMI license (Cobbler Festival) for $408.99

$  5,464.66 General Fund

14,589.26 Blackberry Cobbler Festival

1,124.62 Cobb Resource Hub

    2,417.62 Emergency Preparedness Fund

$23,596.16 Operating Funds Balance

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

$71,678.79 Net Assets

Supervisor’s Comments – Jessica Pyska

Was on a call early this morning with CPUC, PGE, and RCRC talking about Vegetation Management – fuel crews will be back next week; fewer contractors, more PGE personnel for more oversight. Continue to reach out to Jessica via phone and email if there are any issues. The US Forest Service released their aerial survey annual report last week showing extensive tree mortality all over Northern California. Hoping that this will generate momentum with other counties. Had a meeting with Mike Thompson’s DC staff last week; having another meeting tomorrow morning. Looking for more funding, will keep posted. CalFire grants – applications are being worked on; a lot has to do with tree mortality projects. One of the applications is due about a month from now, awarded in Summer, funded in the Fall. Each grant can go up to $5M, believes there are two Fire Prevention grants being applied for, so there’s the potential for $10M. There is a County Park Survey circulating about the Parks and Trails Master Plan. We are two months into the process, with another year to go to develop the Master Plan. At Tuesday’s County Board meeting we appointed a negotiating team to start working on the Cobb Park concept, and a possible location. There is allocation of $1M from our Geothermal Royalty Fund. More information on the County website and Facebook page.

Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan (Report given by Supervisor Jessica Pyska)

Lots of winter work happening. Copter 104 crew could be doing some training before normal staffing in April. A reminder to folks doing burning: please be sure not to create a smoke hazard for your neighbors.

High Fire Severity Mapping Letters deadline has been extended until April 3, 2023.

(Jessica’s note: CalFire is redoing their High Fire Danger Severity Mapping and looking at 50-year forecasting. We would like to see a 10-year forecast. If anyone is interested, you can review the County Board meeting from 1-24-2023 and submit letters).

Approve/Disapprove Scheduling of a Special Meeting of the CACs to determine budget, goals, and strategies, to make recommendations at a Regular scheduled meeting. – Chris 

Chris Nettles moved to have a half-day meeting on a Saturday within the next two months. 2nd. Motion approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS (3 minutes/individual)

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

Magdelena – Firewise groups have been meeting with each other. Two workshops have been completed. Resource Conservation District (RCD) grants being worked on – there are two grants, one is due 2-23-2023, not doing anything on that one for a number of reasons. Aiming for the one with the 3-15-2023 deadline. There’s another one in May, but there’s time to work on that one. The RCD grant we’re going after is focused on ingress and egress. Need to see if we can have Richie to do the calculations.

Communications Committee – Darlene Warner

Researching a new repeater, which we have narrowed down to one – it’s a Bridgecom. Looking to acquire the repeater in March. They are currently on backorder, and need to be preprogrammed. The plan is to test and implement the new repeater by July. We may have to reprogram radios due to interference we’ve been having from another source that’s getting into our current repeater. The new repeater will improve the strength of our coverage, and coverage area. We tested the wattage of our current repeater which is 2 Watts currently. 25 checkins this week, 29 last week, 18 the week before. Hopefully checkins will increase as we get closer to summer, and with improved coverage. The smaller Retevis radios are available for sale at the Hub. If interested in getting your FCC license, or for any other reason, email cobbalertnet@gmail.com.

Budget Committee– Chris Nettles – approval of half-day Saturday meeting to be determined (see above)

Forest Health Committee

Eliot Hurwitz – regarding log deck clean up – thank you for patience. Ongoing plan to accept brush debris from the community for the rest of the year. Brush is under 6 inches in diameter.

Tom Slaight – watershed restoration and forest management – asked about committee members, meetings, agendas, minutes…asked to have about 15 minutes at the next council meeting. Eliot clarified that the project being talked about was not a Cobb Area Council project. Cathy mentioned the CAC website needs to be updated. Chris mentioned considering finding a WordPress person to help with the CAC website. Darlene commented on CAC minutes being in transition, Tom commented it’s not the Council meetings, it’s the Committees’ that’s his primary concern. Tom handed out an article from the Record Bee, “Seeking Cobb Watershed Property Owners”

Economic Development Committee– Joe Schneider (not present)

Date of Next Regular Meeting: March 16, 2023

Per AB-2449, this will be a hybrid meeting where participants may attend via Zoom. However, Councilmembers must be present in-person unless there is “just cause” or an “emergency” as defined in AB-2449 as it relates to teleconferencing. Motion made, Chris 2nd, all in favor. Motion approved to continue hybrid meetings in accordance with AB-2449.

Date of Next Special Meeting to Discuss Cobb Area Council to discuss Goals, Strategy, and Budget TBD at next Council Meeting

Adjourned at 8:33pm

 

Categories2023 Agendas by

Agenda | February 16, 2023

COBB AREA COUNCIL 

Hybrid PUBLIC MEETING 

Thursday February 16, 2023 at 6:30pm 

In person and online via Zoom and Facebook 

Agenda (Approved 2-16-2023)

6:30 CALL TO ORDER 

  • Roll Call / Pledge 
  • Approval of Agenda and Minutes 

6:35 Brown Act Training as it pertains to advisory commissions.- Anita Grant 

7:00 Certified Tourism Ambassador Program Michelle Carson 

7:20 Short Announcements 

7:25 Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins./individual) 

7:30 Nominations and Elections 

  • Nominations and Elections of New Alternate to serve the term (beginning January 2023 and ending December 2023. 

7:35 Treasurer’s Report- Chris 

7:40 Supervisor’s Comments- Jessica Pyska 

7:55 Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan 

8:00 Approve/Disapprove Scheduling of a Special Meeting of the CACs to determine budget, goals, and strategies, to make recommendations at a Regular scheduled meeting. – Chris 

8:05 Committee Reports (3 minutes/individual) 

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

Communications Committee- Mel

Budget Committee- Chris, 

Forest Health Committee- Eliot 

Economic Development Committee- Joe 

8:25 Next Meeting 

  • Consideration of the Findings Required by AB 361 to Allow Teleconferenced Meetings by this Body to Continue ( AB 361 Brown Act and Virtual Meetings) 
  • Date of Next Regular Meetings: March 16, 2023. 
  • Date of Next Special Meeting to Discuss Cobb Area Council to discuss Goals, Strategy, and Budget 8:27 Adjournment 

************* 

How to Participate in Cobb Area Council Online Public Meeting 2/16/2023 1. Join us in person at the Little Red Schoolhouse 15780 Bottle Rock Road 

  1. By Computer Join our Zoom Meeting 

Go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84982968469 and enter passcode: 737694 

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

  1. Call into the Zoom meeting on any phone: 

Call (669) 900- 6833 

Enter the Webinar ID: 849 8296 8469 Passcode: 737694 

  1. 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.