LAKE COUNTY — The Lake County Board of Supervisors (BOS) honored folks in the community among its regular business during Tuesday”s weekly meeting.
The BOS presented three proclamations at the beginning of the day. The first proclamation declared March as Meals-On-Wheels Month in Lake County, recognizing the role senior centers and community volunteers play in taking care of seniors in Lake County. District 3 Supervisor Denise Rushing presented the proclamation to Lee Tyree, executive director of the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, Jonathan Crooks, assistant director of the Lakeport Senior Activity Center, Jacque Spiker, director of the Middletown Senior Center and Linda Burton, the executive director of Highlands Senior Service Center in Clearlake.
The second proclamation declared the week of Feb. 28 to March 4, as Invasive Weed Awareness Week in Lake County. District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith presented the proclamation to Water Resources Director Scott De Leon and Carolyn Ruttan, the invasive species program coordinator, for the Water Resources Department, recognizing them for their work in fighting invasive species. The two were given a round of applause by the audience assembled.
The third proclamation honored local community member Morrell “Mo” Fitch. BOS Chair, Jim Comstock and Rushing presented the proclamation to Fitch, with a United States flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on behalf of Congressman Mike Thompson.
The proclamation mentions Fitch”s numerous career accomplishments, including three years in the U.S. Navy, 12 years as a member of the California Department of Forestry and the years he served as fire chief for the cities of Montclair, Guerneville and Upper Lake, where he ended his career after five years. Fitch was also recognized for having delivered 13 babies, in addition to responding to numerous fires, earthquakes and floods during his career. He was given a standing ovation from the room, which all but cleared out after people lined up to shake Fitch”s hand and embrace him.
In a local business matter, the BOS adjourned and sat as the Board of Equalization to discuss and vote on a property assessment appeal filed by James Robello, a Kelseyville resident. County Counsel Anita L. Grant recommended the board approve the Findings of Fact and to deny the appeal. Robello was allowed to speak to the board and said the assessment on his property was higher than he paid for it. The board voted in line with the recommendations of Grant, approving the Findings of Fact and denying Robello”s appeal.
Another matter had the BOS adjourn and sit as the Board of Directors of the Lake County Sanitation District. The board moved to approve a variance on a dwelling owned by Richard Green of Clearlake.
The property was thought to have been a part of the sewer system, though it wasn”t because it had its own septic system. Green had unknowingly been receiving bills for the sewage system and received a letter from the County of Lake Special Districts Administration on the matter. He called to inform the district that the property has a septic tank and asked that the property continue to use the septic tank until the building is either demolished or replaced, at which time it will be tied to the sewage system. The board unanimously approved the matter.
The BOS unanimously approved a resolution that would transfer surplus bond redemption funds to the North Lakeport Water Assessment District, District 4-1. Staff recommended the funds be transferred to support upgrades to the water treatment plant there. The amount transferred from the Redemption Fund was $427,141.
Don Hoberg, the heavy equipment/fleet maintenance leadworker for the Public Works Department, was unanimously approved by the BOS to be the interim heavy equipment/fleet maintenance superintendent. He replaces Tim Prather, who retired on Feb. 9.
The BOS voted 4-1 to approve the construction of new bus stop facilities for Lake Transit Authority to be constructed by Valley Paving. District 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington dissented. Farrington said he was concerned that no local bids were considered. Smith said the Public Works Department was used to inspect the facilities to save nearly $20,000 in costs. The project is estimated to cost $48,000.
Kevin N. Hume, staff reporter can be reached by e-mail at kevin.n.hume@gmail.com or call directly at 263-5636 ext. 14.
