MINUTES

A. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

B. ROLL CALL

Roll call showed the following Directors present: Orth, Venturi, Monteleone, Estabrook, and Whitney. Also present were General Manager Williams and District Counsel Neary.

C. ADDITIONS/ ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA

Director Estabrook prepared a report of the recent Finance Committee meeting, to be presented under "General Manager's Reports", section "iii. Finance."

He stated that one of the suggestions of the committee was that the Board consider moving the Finance section closer to the beginning of the Agenda. President Whitney suggested they discuss that as part of Director Estabrook's report.

D. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

January 11, 2000

Director Orth asked that on page 2952, after the phrase "Director Orth left the table due to a possible conflict of interest," the sentence end with "as the Wagenet's home extension would have a material effect upon Director Orth's home, and requires that a Resolution be acted upon."

Director Monteleone asked that the spelling of Lynn Kennelly's name on page 2948 be corrected.

Director Estabrook asked that, on page 2946 - Special Presentation by Terry E. Krieg, after "He pointed out that due to the nature of Special Districts, revenue sources are limited" a sentence be added as follows: "Cities receive revenues from sales tax, and when the economy is good, sales tax revenue is high." He also asked that on page 2950 in the fourth paragraph, the sentence "He hoped that by hearing concerns expressed by the District, CEQA may look at these impacts more thoroughly" be struck and replaced with "He hoped that by hearing concerns expressed by the District, a more thorough analysis to comply with CEQA may be accomplished."

Director Orth moved to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Director Estabrook. President Whitney then asked for comments from the audience.

Ginger Pohlson pointed out that on page 2946 the Auditor, Terry Krieg, was referred to as "Mr. Terry", which should be changed to "Mr. Krieg." Director Orth amended his motion to reflect that change, as well. Director Estabrook amended his second, and a vote on the motion was taken, which passed unanimously.

E. SPECIAL PRESENTATION

None

F. PUBLIC HEARING

None

G. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Jack Cunningham of Ridge Road, representative of Neighborhood Watch, presented copies of an article about "Reverse 911" where police department computers warn neighborhoods by telephone to be on alert when a crime has occurred. He suggested a similar program be considered as part of Brooktrails' evacuation planning. President Whitney suggested a future agenda item on the subject.

H. ACTION AGENDA

2. CONSIDERATION OF OUR PARTICIPATION FINANCIALLY IN MAINTAINING ONE ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER FOR THE NORTH COUNTY.

General Manager Williams reported that, as a result of the Board's Resolution asking the County to increase animal control in Brooktrails, he was invited to attend the meeting of the Public Resources Committee in November. Greg Foss, Director of Animal Control, informed the committee that due to other assignments his officers have limited time to spend in the field. Because the majority of the calls are from the North County, he requested that one additional officer be added for that area. The City of Willits currently contributes $15,000 per year to the Department, and General Manager Williams suggested the Board consider an annual contribution of $3,000 to $5,000 out of the General Fund. He summarized the provisions of Resolution No. 1996-23, and felt that the contribution would be justified under those provisions.

Supervisor Tom Lucier came forward to address the Board. He stated that the most common complaint he hears from residents concerns response time. He felt that if the Board could afford to contribute financially, it would provide the leverage needed to dedicate someone to this area.

Director Orth pointed out that animal control is an issue which has come before the Board many times over the years, and voiced his support for a contribution.

Director Monteleone felt that the lack of time officers have to spend in the field should be addressed. Mr. Lucier blamed the lack of efficiency on the amount of driving time required to respond from Ukiah. He stated that officers responding to Covelo and Laytonville are also dispatched from Ukiah.

In response to Director Estabrook, Mr. Lucier confirmed that Brooktrails and the City of Willits are the only taxing agencies in the Third District.

President Whitney pointed out that most complaints result from chronic problems and suggested developing a complaint form for use at the District office so officers can prevent trouble by regular patrol of problem locations.

Director Monteleone asked Mr. Lucier what areas the proposed officer would cover, and if any other agencies are being asked to contribute. He responded that the officer would probably be based in Willits, but would have to make some trips to Ukiah and respond wherever they were needed. Because the City of Willits already contributes to the Department, only Brooktrails was being asked for funds at this time.

Director Venturi stated that he has seen a number of programs implemented in the past which were meant to increase animal control in our area, none of which have been successful. He could not agree with contributing funds for County personnel, while at the same time considering cutting District personnel and services due to budget constraints. He felt it would be best to send a letter to the County stating support for increased service, without a commitment of funds, and to consider the contribution when considering the budget for the next fiscal year.

Director Monteleone spoke in favor of increased response time for animal control. However, she would not support an annual contribution from Brooktrails for a service we are already paying taxes for, especially now when our Budget is not in the black.

Director Estabrook pointed out that 90% of the property taxes collected in Brooktrails goes to other agencies, much of it to the County, and this service is supposed to be provided by the County. He expressed disappointment in the data supplied by Animal Control, and suggested other options be considered such as redistributing existing officers, and increasing revenues by increasing license fees and fines.

Kris Wagner of Perch Drive asked Mr. Lucier what the difference would be between the agreement the County has with the City of Willits, and this arrangement. Mr. Lucier assured the Board that it could express the level of commitment it expected from the Department in exchange for the contribution. He reviewed the County's policy on license fees and fines for loose dogs.

Ginger Pohlson of Brooktrails Drive stated that Greg Foss of Animal Control, at a previous presentation to the BTCSD Board, encouraged residents to go to the Board of Supervisors during their budget meetings, and express their concerns.

Dick Robie reminded the Board that the water system is over 30 years old and will soon need to be upgraded. He encouraged them to curtail their spending. Jack Cunningham voiced agreement with Mr. Robie.

Director Orth reminded Board members that the garbage franchise fee is available as a funding source for add-on services, and felt that this would be a justified use of those funds, as dogs tip over garbage cans on a regular basis. He recommended that the County be asked to provide community training, and make more detailed data available.

Director Monteleone asked Mr. Lucier what the Board could do, other than sending money, to show support. He suggested the Board send a letter, strongly worded, asking that an officer be located in the Third District, hopefully in the Willits/Brooktrails area, to provide quicker response time, note that previous resolutions have been passed asking for additional service, and even state some support for monetary contribution at a later date, if the Budget allows. Also ask that a set level of service be agreed upon.

Director Orth moved that Brooktrails prepare a Resolution, attaching prior Resolutions, in support of the additional animal control officer for the North County, and, through the budget deliberations, review whether we have the ability to participate financially. Director Estabrook suggested the letter specifically state support for an officer for the Third District. Director Orth amended his motion to change North County to Third District. Director Estabrook seconded, and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.

3. REPORT FROM DIRECTOR ESTABROOK ON THE IMPACT OF LOT REDUCTION PROGRAMS ON WATER AND SEWER RATES.

In response to concerns from employees of the Utilities Department, Director Estabrook prepared an analysis of the impact of lot reduction programs on the water and sewer budgets.

With the aid of the overhead projector, he presented charts showing how the programs impact the budget, due to the District's share of fees for lot mergers and the loss of vacant property standby fees. After an extensive review of the spreadsheets and associated graphs, he concluded that the cost of the program per month on each utility bill would be $1 to $3. However, eventually the program will save $17 per month, because no dam would have to be built.

Director Orth thanked Director Estabrook for his informative presentation. He suggested adding the fire tax revenue to the analysis, as well.

Director Venturi reiterated his concern about any program that increases costs and reduces revenues. He felt that for the next year or two he would like to see the lot merger and donation program suspended until reserves increase.

Director Monteleone spoke in favor of continuing to reduce the number of lots, as directed by the Specific Plan.

Ginger Pohlson suggested increasing the portion of the fees paid by the lot owners, reducing the District's share, as she felt people were intimidated by the process more than the cost.

Director Orth supported continuing the program, and felt that the cost was a consideration voiced during the Specific Plan testimony.

A break was then called to change the tape.

4. REVIEW OF DRAFT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR POSSIBLE BOARD COMMITTEES.

General Manager Williams outlined the material provided by President Whitney and Director Monteleone, as well as information on existing committees.

Director Estabrook stated that the purpose of a committee is to provide information to the Board, to assist them in making informed decisions. His suggestions for the Recreation, Greenbelt and Conservation Committee included; stating the purpose as "To assist the Board of Directors by gathering and analyzing data", keeping the description of Expected Products as specific as possible, as part of Section D - Greenbelt Management, include development of monitoring schedules and a list of things to be monitored, such as plant species, erosion, health of the trees, etc., to let the Board know the overall health of the Greenbelt. His comments on the Community Services Committee included; better definition of the reports, and as part of Section C, conduct a survey of senior citizens to determine the level of services they need. In Section D - Animal Control, develop and maintain a data base, including the number of calls, response times, citations issued, problem areas, etc., much of which may be available from the County. He felt that lot abatement and litter clean-up would be better implemented by BPOA and Adopt-a-Road, in conjunction with the Fire Department.

Director Monteleone suggested prioritizing, according to the issues of most concern to the residents. Her suggestions for the Community Services Committee included addition of Communication and Web Page Design. She felt that the Board should work more closely with Neighborhood Watch and Adopt-a-Road, and asked that they be included in the process of the formation of the committees. She also suggested short-term project teams to address specific items.

Director Venturi suggested the Board decide what issues they want input on, assess the level of interest of the public, establish the committee, and develop guidelines for them to follow.

Director Orth commented that Recreation, Greenbelt and Conservation is an unfunded area, and would have to depend on volunteers. He stressed the need for a scheduled planning meeting to discuss Specific Plan Oversight issues as a Board. He was concerned that the Community Services Committee stretches into areas that are political issues, such as lot abatement, and the use of volunteers like Neighborhood Watch could raise questions about liability.

Director Monteleone asked who provided insurance for Neighborhood Watch. Mr. Cunningham stated that no insurance coverage was currently in effect.

Director Orth reminded Board members that the District does not have money to spend on additional committees, and suggested, as part of the annual planning meeting, they looking at what the limitations are and perhaps request legal opinions on some of the issues.

President Whitney pointed out that the Specific Plan proposed five or six committees, which have been condensed into two. He stressed the need for an established reporting strategy between the committees and the Board. He envisioned additional functions for the Architectural Review Commission, perhaps having them take over some of the issues related to abatement, and suggested regular reports to the Board from the Green Committee.

Ginger Pohlson, who served on the Focus Group Committee, commented that input from the Board was essential, so that committee members knew what was expected from them.

5. DISCUSSION OF THE PARTICULARS FOR THE ANNUAL PLANNING MEETING.

General Manager Williams asked Board members to consider possible dates, location, and agenda items for the annual planning session. He provided a list of possible agenda items for the Board's consideration.

District Counsel Neary commented that he will be providing an opinion on lot abatement for discussion.

Director Orth asked for review of the powers and limitations of the District.

President Whitney suggested inviting the Fire Chief and the department heads to participate, and suggested limiting the discussion of Board procedures, policies and relationships to one or two items, asking Board members to review and comment on those items of most concern. He asked that "Future Fire Department Staffing" include "Structure", the discussion of General Manager recruitment include the timing, qualifications and duties, and the discussion of lot mergers and donations be lot reduction, in general. He stated that, if time allows, he would like to begin discussion of plans for Recreation Grove, as well as Summer Lake, Lake Emily, other recreation facilities, and Greenbelt. He also preferred to discuss the Brown Act and Fair Political Practices at regular meetings, separately, because of the time involved. He commented that there is currently an in-depth review of the Fair Political Practices Act being conducted. District Counsel Neary reminded the Board that they are required to review their code every two years.

Board members agreed to meet on March 4th at 9:00 a.m. at the Firehouse, with lunch catered by the Pro-shop, each person paying for their own.

6. REVIEW OF POSSIBLE ARTICLES FOR ANNUAL NEWSLETTER.

General Manager Williams provided a summary of possible articles to include in the annual newsletter. He suggested the Board consider combining the newsletter with the legal notice required as part of the annual rate and fee adjustments.

Director Venturi suggested keeping the format and color scheme simple, as a cost saving measure. He asked that the contact information on the back page be expanded to include telephone numbers and e-mail addresses.

Director Monteleone provided a list of problem situations, and suggested a "Who to Call" list be compiled and included in the newsletter.

Director Estabrook asked that an article be included about the establishment of the Finance Committee, as well as a list of members.

President Whitney suggested that more complete information on each topic be posted on the District's website, with links provided in the newsletter.

I. SPECIAL REPORTS

i. Significant Correspondence received since last meeting

ii. Personnel

iii. Finance

Director Estabrook summarized the January 21, 2000 meeting of the Finance meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for February 7, 2000.

iv. Planning

Plans for one single family residence on Buckeye Drive had been reviewed and approved by the District Architect.

General Manager Williams reported that he had attended the Board of Supervisor's meeting at which time they considered the Planning Commission's recommendation related to the District's evacuation plan and second access. The Board re-affirmed that development of an alternative access to Brooktrails is a high priority issue and authorized the establishment of a multi-agency committee to review the plan and offer suggestions.

v. Possible upcoming agenda items

The Board reviewed a list of tentative agenda items for the next two months. Director Estabrook asked for an agenda item on the status of the infrastructure of the water system.

J. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Ginger Pohlson suggested the Board begin the process of recruiting volunteers for committees.

K. ADJOURNMENT

Director Orth moved to adjourn and President Whitney declared the meeting of January 25, 2000 closed at 10:25 p.m.

PAUL A. WILLIAMS

Secretary to the Board of Directors

BOB WHITNEY,

President