LAKE COUNTY — The Lake County Board of Supervisors had a short agenda Tuesday beginning with the presentation of a proclamation designating the week of Nov. 7 to 13 as “In-Home Supportive Services Caregiver Week,” in Lake County.
Prior to taking up its 9:45 a.m. discussion regarding genetically engineered (GE) crops, the board voted 4-0 to approve bylaw revisions regarding Clear Lake Advisory Committee (CLAC) membership categories. Supervisor Jeff Smith was absent.
Supervisor Rob Brown said he was unclear on the intent of membership related to tribal representation. The board received public encouragement to welcome separate tribal representation. One citizen said that each tribe has its own jurisdiction and should be represented a separately.
CLAC President Melissa Fulton said she wished to assure the public that there was never any discussion or intent to exclude any tribe from participation on the committee. She said that the bylaws must be approved by in order for the board to solicit membership on the committee.
The board will resume its discussion pertaining to GE crops in Lake County at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 14. The item was brought before the board by Supervisor Denise Rushing, who apologized for not better informing the members of the committee that were working toward creating an ordinance for regulating GE crops of Tuesday”s agenda item. Rushing suggested that the board consider the cessation of the development of such an ordinance at this time.
A draft ordinance has been created following a 13-month effort by the committee. The committee has since been disbanded.
“I”m not suggesting we throw it in the trash can,” Rushing said. “I was suggesting setting it aside for a little while. My thought is ?what do we want to spend our time on right now when we have so many other things going on?””
The board received public encouragement to proceed with developing an ordinance given the high agricultural activity that occurs in the county.
The board conceded to allow Supervisors Rushing and Brown the opportunity to further explore options cooperatively with county council and members who participated on the committee.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
