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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Lake County Grand Jury • 2006-2007

Planning and Public Works Committee Reports

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Findings 70 findings

F1 Page 41
Lake County Board of Supervisors has not completed the long- overdue General Plan Update.
F2 Page 41
Lake County is trying to stimulate economic development by en- couraging agritourism.
F3 Page 41
The owner of the business that the committee visited described a number of frustrations while establishing his business. These issues were generally related to the retail permit process and to the fact that the business is located in close proximity to an area consisting of intensively farmed commercial orchards and vine- yards.
F4 Page 43
The Director of LCAQMD maintains the clean air in the Lake County Air Basin, which is within the boundaries of Lake County.
F5 Page 43
Funding of $350,000 a year comes from local fines, and federal and state money. No county general funds are used.
F6 Page 43
Lake County continues to enjoy the cleanest air in California. LCAQMD monitors carbon, lead and nitrogen oxides produced from automobile exhaust, agriculture burning and wood fire- places. Hydrogen sulfide is monitored at the Geysers.
F7 Page 43
The LCAQMD produces an assortment of brochures for the pub- lic’s education.
F8 Page 46
Approximately 1.5 miles from Clear Lake, a rock ledge called Grigsby Riffle crosses Cache Creek. This Riffle is located at the confluence of Cache and Seigler Creeks near Lower Lake and is at a narrow point in the creek. The Grigsby Riffle is a natural limitation of water flow that controls the outflow from Clear Lake. In 1872, Captain Rumsey established the low point of the ledge as “Zero Rumsey” and all subsequent lake measurements are 45 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Planning and Public Works Committee based on this elevation – Zero Rumsey is equivalent to 1318.256 feet.
F9 Page 47
There are two decrees, or laws, governing how the level of Clear Lake will be handled. − The Gopcevic Decree regulates winter water levels by set- ting a lake stage below which water may not be released and above which water must be released to reduce flood- ing. As actual lake level approaches the level indicated in the schedule for that date, conditions are taken into ac- count so that the dam operation will minimize flooding, while allowing the lake to fill to 7.56 Rumsey. There are two exceptions: When the lake is filling rapidly, water may be released from the dam when the actual lake level is within one-half foot below the level indicated in the sched- ule. When the lake is falling and no rain is anticipated, the dam may be closed when the actual lake level is within one-half foot above the level indicated in the schedule. − The Solano Decree regulates summer water levels by estab- lishing the allowable release based on the spring water level, however, if the lake does not reach a level above 3.22 feet Rumsey on May 1, then no water can be released.
F10 Page 47
The Yolo Water District was created in 1951 to serve the needs of the local community by managing water resources for farming while stabilizing groundwater for other uses, and this results in pro-active water planning to everyone’s benefit.
F11 Page 47
In 1967, Yolo’s District purchased the privately owned Clear Lake Water Company and the Cache Creek Dam giving them rights to store water in Clear Lake.
F12 Page 47
Costs incurred for maintenance and improvements to the Cache Creek Dam and Indian Valley Dam and Reservoir are the respon- sibility of the District.
F13 Page 47
Flow tests have been conducted to determine what would happen if there was not a dam on Cache Creek and to determine the opti- mum lake levels and flows at given times of the year so the best use of water is maintained. These testing results clearly demon- strate that the Dam does not cause flooding of Clear Lake. An- other set of flow tests were done to determine the optimal level for the lake to maximize the release of water through the dam and to minimize plugging of the floodgates by floating debris.
F14 Page 47
Indian Valley Dam and Reservoir not only manages the floodwa- ters, which reduces some of the flood risk in Lake County and improves Yolo County’s ground water, but also stores and re- leases water for recreational and environmental uses in Lake and Yolo Counties. The District manages the water in the reservoir by releasing as 46 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Planning and Public Works Committee
F15 Page 47
The District manages the water in the reservoir by releasing—as needed-through the dam.
F16 Page 48
The County is notified whenever there are adjustments to the ex- isting arrangement, for instance, whenever the Cache Creek Dam is opened or closed during rains or to maintain the level of Clear Lake for summer recreation.
F17 Page 49
Central Garage is funded via the billing of various county depart- ments for rental and maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
F18 Page 49
Inspections are done on a rotating basis every 90-days so that all vehicles and equipment meet Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) requirements.
F19 Page 49
The Fleet Maintenance Supervisor has devised a “cost per hour” system for equipment and a “cost per mile” system for vehicles. This system is highly efficient in determining when a vehicle needs to be rotated out and replaced.
F20 Page 49
The Lake County Board of Supervisors currently suggests re- placement mileage for vehicles is 130,000. However, the Fleet Maintenance Supervisor can replace a vehicle at lower mileage, if it is determined to be cost-effective.
F21 Page 49
Currently there are 123 road maintenance vehicles and 350 vehi- cles in the county fleet.
F22 Page 49
Although most vehicles are maintained at Central Garage, those that are not cause difficulty in adhering to D.O.T. inspection schedules.
F23 Page 49
The current South Main Street location for Central Garage is an area that has seen tremendous growth over the years. The traffic in front of its current location is continually increasing. This not only presents a potential hazard to the community, it also makes maneuvering equipment to and from the garage difficult. 48 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Planning and Public Works Committee
F24 Page 51
The party constructing the “cabaña” on his property obtained all permits necessary for legal construction.
F25 Page 51
The lot line in question is not a property boundary but rather a public access road. Therefore, the lot line boundary code does not apply.
F26 Page 53
Four inspectors, two seasonal workers, and one clerical person oversee the county’s 726 fuel pumps (used for motor vehicles, boats, and aircraft), as well as scales at grocery stores, packing sheds, wineries, and vendors of manufactured homes.
F27 Page 53
The majority of errors encountered on weighing/measuring de- vices that are certified by the Sealer arise out of honest operator mistakes.
F28 Page 53
Occasionally devices can malfunction due to mechanical prob- lems that arise from wear and tear from normal use. These are infrequent and are usually caught by the Sealer during normal certification appointments.
F29 Page 53
All weighing/measuring devices are required to be inspected an- nually, at a minimum.
F30 Page 55
As the nutrient levels in Clear Lake have reduced over the past decade, the algae have also diminished. This process has encour- aged the growth of aquatic weeds.
F31 Page 55
Lakebed Management maintains an ongoing program to control aquatic weeds. These weeds choke-off boating and swimming ac- cess to the lake.
F32 Page 55
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation regulates all herbicides used in this program.
F33 Page 55
Permits for private use of pesticides may be obtained from the Lake County Agriculture Commissioner.
F34 Page 58
The project has secured authorization in both the House- Committee passed Water Resource and Development Act (WRDA) H.R. 2864 and the Senate- committee passed WRDA legislation, S.B. 728. Missing from these authorizations is a crucial mitiga- tion factor.
F35 Page 58
Several parcels in the project area are held by the United States in trust status for the Robinson Rancheria band of Pomo Indians. A county led effort has identified a plan to allow the trust title to be transferred to another similarly sized parcel owned by the tribe. This is a mutually agreeable plan for all parties and the county most strongly seeks language in the WRDA to allow for this exchange. Without congressional approval for equivalent re- placement lands, the project simply cannot move forward as planned. If allowances are not made for the Indian Land Trust in the final WRDA, the project can continue, but at a much greater cost to Lake County. As of this writing, the sitting House & Sen- ate have sent legislation to a congressional conference commit- tee. Prospect for passage appears positive, but three issues re- main to be resolved. They are: − the previously discussed Indian Trust Land Exchange − responsibility for the costs of Highway 20 relocation within the project area − responsibility for the costs of the power-poles relocation within the project area
F36 Page 60
There are needs in this county that are more complex than small communities can resolve. Solutions could come from larger group participation of several entities working together.
F37 Page 60
The MATH governing board itself makes no decisions. All deci- sions and recommendations are made by a vote of the entire group attending the meetings. Board members run the meetings, keep the records, obtain information required for agenda items, and handle other administrative issues.
F38 Page 60
The precise boundaries of MATH are set within the South Lake County Fire Protection District, and the number of Board mem- bers are as follows: − “Middletown Proper” is described as that area located south of Grange Road, north of Rancheria Road, west of Loconomi Road, and east of Anderson Springs Road – 3 members − South (Twin Pines Casino) is south of Rancheria Road to the county line – 1 member − West (Cobb Region) is west of Anderson Springs Road – 1 member − East (Butts Canyon) is east of Loconomi Road to the county line – 1 member − North (Coyote Valley) is north of Grange Road – 1 member
F39 Page 60
The District 1 Supervisor has supported the formation of such a body from the beginning.
F40 Page 60
Distance from the county seat and the daytime meetings of the 59 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Planning and Public Works Committee
F41 Page 60
Distance from the county seat and the daytime meetings of the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission inhibit citi- zen participation in county decisions that affect Middletown.
F42 Page 61
The Middletown area’s recent growth is creating unique concerns that are not within county jurisdiction, such as a heavily traveled state highway through the downtown area.
F43
The MATH meeting format is very loose and open. The beginning of each meeting has public input.
F44
MATH is currently focusing on: − Traffic − Youth activity − Design and placement of new street lighting − Downtown parking − A museum − Visitor center − Downtown park − Economic development − Affordable housing − Growth impact
F45 Page 61
Unincorporated communities are encouraged to visit MATH to de- termine if this concept might be useful in other areas of Lake County.
F46 Page 63
The ordinance placed into effect in September was amended to remain in effect for a year. At the end of 2006, the Board of Su- pervisors could continue it for another year.
F47 Page 63
After two years, the moratorium could be extended indefinitely by the California Department of Health Services, Drinking Water Branch. Two previous moratoriums in the mid-1980’s and 1990’s were imposed by the state and removed when necessary repairs were made.
F48 Page 63
The current moratorium is based primarily on the many ques- tions related to the systems delivery system. The Yolo County Flood Control District is the agency contractually responsible for delivery of the North Fork of Cache Creek water. The Special 62 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Planning and Public Works Committee District’s Administration stated that the delivery system is anti- quated and leaking badly. The Lake County Special Districts De- partment, the agency representing the Spring Valley Water Board, commissioned a water engineer to determine what the problems were and possible resolutions. This was completed in September 2006. His report indicated that water loss did exist, but that the existing antiquated meters were providing erroneous information. Until agreement and resolution are forthcoming the moratorium will in all likelihood remain.
F49 Page 64
Approximately 400 building sites remain and once the morato- rium is removed, house construction may continue. Because the rate of growth in Spring Valley is substantially greater than most county areas, another problem arises. At the current rate of growth and allowing for the moratorium, the current water allot- ment from the Yolo County Flood Control District will be ex- ceeded by demand between 2018 and 2020. At that point the Board of Supervisors, sitting as the Board of Directors of CSA No.2, will have to seek an additional water allotment from the above named Yolo County agency. The added cost will be solely the responsibility of the Spring Valley water users.
F50 Page 64
The current filtration system is aged and simple, but effective with minimal maintenance costs.
F51 Page 64
The current system has reached its capacity in both on-demand water availability and filtration.
F52 Page 64
Upgrades to the facility are necessary to allow any new service connections.
F53 Page 64
Two plans are proposed for upgrading the facility: − The first plan includes additional sand-filtration units and a continual upgrade of the current system. This plan is sched- uled to be done in three phases with completion being 2026 at an estimated total cost of $2,958,000. The first phase would be completed in 2008 at an initial cost of just over $1,500,000. − The second plan is for expansion using a more advanced mi- cro-filtration technology. This plan would also be completed in three phases. The cost projections are estimated to total $4,700,000 with completion of phase three in 2026. The ini- tial phase cost would be just over $2,700,000 and would be scheduled for completion in 2008.
F54 Page 64
The more advanced micro-filtration plan’s initial cost is more ex- pensive; however, the continuing maintenance costs are subse- quently lower.
F55 Page 64
Financing for the upgrades is currently the major issue. The Special Districts Administrator has made proposals to the prop- erty owners in the area. 63 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Planning and Public Works Committee
F56 Page 65
When the water facility responsibility in Spring Valley was as- signed to Special Districts, the maintenance for the roads and bridges was also included.
F57 Page 65
Given the potential for further growth in this area of the county, upgrades to the CSA No.2 water facility will be fiscally beneficial in the long term for both the area and the county.
F58 Page 67
In addition to upgrades to the water system mentioned in the committee’s site visit report, new meters are being installed at every unit in Spring Valley. The District’s consulting engineer, The California Rural Water Association and the Rural Community Assistance Corporation, recommended the meters. The new me- ters will be read by the use of an electronic “wand” that will transfer the information into a portable computer box. At the end of the day the information from the portable computer is trans- ferred to the Special District’s computer for billing. The upgrade process is over 60% complete.
F59 Page 67
The meters listed in the complaint have not yet been upgraded and are manual-read meters. The meter reader erroneously typed meter readings into the “handheld” unit. This resulted in inaccurate bills. Immediately after being made aware of the er- rors by the customers, the Administrative Manager of Special Dis- tricts extended apologies to the customers involved. New read- ings were taken and the bills were corrected. The customers in- volved in this complaint are satisfied with the corrective actions of the Special Districts office. After installation of the new meters, human error will be minimized. 66 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Planning and Public Works Committee
F60 Page 69
The Taylor Observatory is unfortunately a well-kept secret that pro- vides valuable service and information to the county.
F61 Page 69
The goal of the observatory is to encourage and promote awareness and interest in astronomy.
F62 Page 69
The observatory has a 16-inch computerized telescope housed un- der a dome capable of viewing 140,000 celestial objects. In addi- tion they have an 8-inch portable computerized telescope, an 8- inch portable solar telescope, and a 2-inch portable solar telescope.
F63 Page 69
Science and math scores among high school students in the United States are lower than several other countries. The observatory pro- vides an excellent opportunity to interest children in science through astronomy.
F64 Page 69
In 2005, the observatory was awarded a grant to develop curricu- lum for high school level classrooms. The grant has been renewed for next year.
F65 Page 69
Starting in the 2007/2008 school year, astronomy classes will be offered at local high schools courtesy of the observatory. The classes will be presented throughout the county’s high schools us- ing videoconferencing.
F66 Page 69
Currently, the observatory information is available at the Visitor’s Center but not included in the press package sent out by the mar- keting department of Lake County. 68 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report
F67 Page 70
Public events are held one Saturday a month including a class- room presentation, planetarium show and telescope viewing. Pri- vate events are held by appointment.
F68 Page 70
The number of events has more than doubled in the last two years along with the number of people served. As the number of patrons continues to grow, more equipment will be needed.
F69 Page 70
Recruitment of people to work at the observatory is an ongoing process.
F70 Page 70
The Friends of the Observatory was created to work primarily in fundraising efforts.

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