North State Breakdown - August 27, 2024 Board of Supervisor Agenda Preview

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This week we are breaking down the Shasta County Board of Supervisors agenda ahead of their meeting on Tuesday, 8-27-2024.

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North State Breakdown: Shasta County Board of Supervisors Agenda Preview for August 27, 2024

Welcome to North State Breakdown. This is your agenda preview for the Shasta County Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled for August 27, 2024. Let's dive into what's coming up.

First up on the Regular Calendar, we have item R1. This is the standard update from the County Executive Officer on specific legislation related to Shasta County's legislative platform. It's a routine item where each supervisor provides updates on their recent activities since the last meeting.

Next, item R2 is a presentation from the Golden State Finance Authority regarding the ReCoverCA Program, sponsored by Supervisor Crye. ReCoverCA is a program by the California Department of Housing and Community Development aimed at helping low- and moderate-income homeowners in eligible counties rebuild homes damaged by disasters or make retrofits to mitigate future damage. The program offers financial assistance focused on disaster recovery and resilience, which is crucial for areas frequently affected by natural disasters.

Moving on to item R3, we have a significant update from the Health and Human Services Agency. The board will be considering changes to the Eligibility Worker classification series. This includes deleting 10 full-time Eligibility Worker positions and reclassifying them to a higher wage rate under the title Eligibility Specialist. These changes are set to take effect on September 8, 2024. The reclassification comes with an average salary increase of about 5-5.5% for both minimum and maximum salary levels. This raise reflects the additional duties and responsibilities expected of the newly titled Eligibility Specialists, aligning with statewide updates following the Affordable Care Act. We'll make sure to include further details on the specific wage increases in our full report.

Item R4 is a public hearing concerning Zone Amendment ZA 24-003, which deals with regulations on intermodal shipping containers. The Planning Commission has recommended, with a unanimous 5-0 vote, to deny the proposed amendments. This recommendation goes against a previous board request to review and potentially expand regulations on these containers. There's speculation that this item may be tied to Supervisor Patrick Jones' recent controversial rezoning of his Millville Plains gun range project. If the board votes to approve the amendment, they'll be going against the Planning Commission’s unanimous recommendation to deny it.

The Consent Calendar includes several routine items that are usually approved in one motion without discussion, but a few items stand out this week:

C1: Approve an agreement with the Law Office of Aaron Williams for adult felony indigent defense services. This item ensures continued legal defense services for those unable to afford representation in felony cases. It’s crucial for maintaining the integrity of the legal system and ensuring fair representation for all, regardless of financial status.

C5: Adopt a proclamation designating August 31, 2024, as "International Overdose Awareness Day" in Shasta County. Sponsored by Supervisor Mary Rickert, this proclamation is especially significant given the increase in drug overdoses, particularly from fentanyl, in the county. It's a critical step in raising awareness and promoting preventive measures to combat this growing public health crisis.

C8: Approve a retroactive renewal agreement with the Shasta County Office of Education (SCOE) for $1,568,169 to support the Community Connect Program, which aims to reduce and prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This is perhaps the most important item on the Consent Calendar. The funding is crucial for supporting children and families impacted by trauma. ACEs have long-lasting effects on health and well-being, and this program is vital for providing necessary services and support to prevent future trauma and promote resilience in the community.

C13: Enact an ordinance establishing requirements for road acceptance and maintenance. There are concerns about this item, particularly that it might benefit Corkey Harmon, who is involved in several county contracts and is running for a Board of Supervisors seat. The ordinance, which was introduced at the August 13th meeting, has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and whether certain individuals might stand to gain from its passage. Given the ethical implications, this item warrants closer scrutiny to ensure transparency and fairness in the decision-making process.

C18: Adopt a resolution amending the Shasta County Personnel Rules to maintain compliance with state and federal laws. This amendment includes several critical changes to the personnel rules for county employees, including members of the Board of Supervisors:

One of the more contentious changes involves restricting Supervisors from undertaking county-funded travel during the final quarter of their term unless the travel is pre-approved by the Board. This rule was  introduced by Supervisor Kevin Crye as what appears as a punitive measure aimed at Supervisor Tim Garman, seemingly to punish him for fulfilling his duties. Critics argue this restriction seems petty and may undermine a Supervisor’s ability to perform necessary functions toward the end of their term. It highlights a troubling trend of using rule changes for personal or political grievances rather than the county’s broader interests.

The amendment also includes stronger anti-retaliation protections for county employees. It expands the definitions and safeguards against retaliation for those who report misconduct or participate in investigations, ensuring employees are protected from demotions, harassment, or other forms of adverse actions. This change is vital for promoting an ethical workplace environment, encouraging employees to speak up about misconduct without fear of retaliation.

Following these items, the meeting will move to the public comment period. This is your opportunity to address the Board on any topic within their jurisdiction or regarding the Consent Calendar items. If you plan to speak, make sure to arrive at the board chambers early to fill out a speaker request card. Alternatively, you can email the Clerk of the Board ahead of time.

These items highlight some of the key issues facing our county, from legal representation and public health to the welfare of our children and the integrity of our governance. As always, your engagement is essential to ensure that our local government remains accountable and responsive to the needs of our community.

And that's the agenda preview