MINUTES

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION

President Whitney reported that the Board held their annual review of the District Counsel's contract and had re-hired Chris Neary to serve from 11/01/2000 to 10/31/2001, with an upward adjustment in the monthly retainer to compensate for additional hours. He expressed his gratitude for District Counsel Neary's long term involvement with the District

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, General Manager-in-Training Mike Chapman and District Counsel Neary.

C. ADDITIONS/ ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA

General Manager Williams asked that item 7 be struck from the agenda, as Mike Chapman felt he would like to get more familiar with the MOM software prior to attending a workshop. Board members agreed to the change.

D. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

September 26, 2000

Director Orth moved to approve the minutes of September 26, 2000 as written,
seconded by Director Venturi. A vote on the motion was taken as follows:

AYES: Directors: Orth, Venturi, Monteleone, Whitney
NOES: Directors: None
ABSENT: Directors: None
ABSTAIN: Directors: Estabrook
Motion Carried.

E. SPECIAL PRESENTATION - None

F. PUBLIC HEARING - None

G. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Jacob Vlietstra, resident of Buckeye Road, came forward to voice concern about tree removals and the possible use of vehicles as dwellings at 2045 Buckeye Road. He also spoke against the automobile repair facility proposed at the end of Buckeye Road by Lace L. May. He reported that a fence had been erected at the end of Buckeye Road, and a cable had been hung across Ridge Road, which he felt could be hazardous.

President Whitney informed him that he had completed "Request for Action" forms at the
District office to address the issues. He suggested the County Department of Transportation be notified of the cable, which may require an encroachment permit.

H. ACTION AGENDA

2. QUARTERLY REPORT ON USE OF DISTRICT AMBULANCE.

Director of Emergency Services, Daryl Schoeppner, presented the third quarterly report on use of the District Ambulance. He also provided a comparison of calls in 1999 and 2000, indicating a decrease in the number of calls, which he felt was due to the fact that Liberty Ambulance, formally Willits Ambulance, was providing their own backup service.

Director Monteleone asked for a report showing the collection of Accounts Receivable from previous quarters. Mr. Schoeppner indicated that he would be providing his annual summary at the next meeting.

Director Venturi asked for clarification of the District's policy on payment to volunteers for cancelled calls, and asked for a breakdown of fixed costs.

Director Estabrook asked why there was such a large decrease in the number of calls in the third quarter. Mr. Schoeppner explained that Liberty Ambulance had begun to use their own backup personnel on scheduled transports, leaving their EMT staff available for calls, as opposed to sending their EMTs and using Brooktrails as backup.

President Whitney asked that a more detailed breakdown of activity and an aging report of Accounts Receivable be provided with the annual report.

3. REPORT FROM DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES, DARYL SCHOEPPNER,
ON POSSIBLE RELOCATION OF RADIO COMMUNICATION SERVICES FROM THE CITY OF
WILLITS TO CDF HOWARD FOREST STATION.

Mr. Schoeppner explained that he had researched alternative radio dispatch services for the following reasons; 1) The current dispatching services are not in compliance with the Mendocino County Emergency Medical Dispatch Standards, 2) The City of Willits is considering raising the $200 per month fee, and 3) The radio system is outdated. He pointed out that Brooktrails is one of the few emergency responders that is not being dispatched through Howard Forest dispatch services. He had recently attended an open house ceremony for their newly completed Emergency Communications Center and was very impressed. He outlined the costs to convert to the new system, but explained that the annual cost would be less, at $1,000 per year as opposed to $2,400.

All Directors spoke in favor of the proposal. President Whitney thanked Mr. Schoeppner for his research.

Director Orth suggested that the fire incident report be moved ahead to accommodate Mr. Schoeppner, as he was on duty. President Whitney suggested moving the Budget Adjustment, item 5, ahead also. Board members agreed to the proposed changes to the agenda.

SPECIAL REPORTS - GENERAL MANAGER
REVIEW OF FIRE EVENT

Mr. Schoeppner reported on a grass fire that occurred at Madrone Drive and Daphne Way, the first serious grass fire in 18 months. He spoke highly of the Brooktrails volunteers that responded to the incident. Problems arose due to difficulties with a fire hydrant, but assistance was received from CDF air crews, and no structures were lost. The cause of the fire was determined to be children playing with matches.

President Whitney suggested a review be done of ignition sources in the District and the criteria used to determine lots that are abated, and that map be devised of the area to differentiate the types of abatement procedures used. He asked that residents be encouraged to become actively involved in the Greenbelt maintenance program, and that an agenda item be scheduled in January to address the issues.

A break was called to change the tape.

BREAK at 8:30 p.m. - RECONVENE at 8:35 p.m.

5. FISCAL YEAR 2000-2001 FIRST QUARTER BUDGET
ADJUSTMENTS.

General Manager Williams explained that as a result of Mr. Schoeppner's report and because of the failure of a sewer pump at the Madrone lift station, adjustments were necessary to the Budget. He provided an outline of the proposed adjustments, and a draft Resolution for the Board's consideration.

Director Venturi commented that the availability of funds was a positive example of the efforts of the General Manager and Finance Committee.
Director Orth moved to adopt Resolution No. 2000-50, a Resolution Approving the First Quarter Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2000/2001 Budget. Director Monteleone seconded the motion and the vote was taken as follows:

AYES: Directors: Orth, Venturi, Monteleone, Estabrook, Whitney
NOES: Directors: None
ABSENT: Directors: None
Resolution No. 2000-50 Adopted

President Whitney left the table for the next two items due to a conflict of interest, as he was the party requesting the amendment to the access easement, and because the lot being donated by the Cranes was near his home on Iris Drive.

4. CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO AN EXISTING ACCESS EASEMENT - BOB AND JOAN WHITNEY.

General Manager Williams explained that the Whitneys own three lots between Ridge Road and an area of Greenbelt, and a large parcel on the other side of the Greenbelt. In 1997, prior to President Whitney's election to the Board, an easement was granted to the Whitneys through the Greenbelt to access their parcel and to the District through the three lots on Ridge Road to access the Greenbelt. The paperwork had to be re-recorded in 1998 because of a missing map, which did not require Board action. The Whitneys have now purchased a fourth lot and merged the four into one.

District Counsel Neary explained that Government Code section 1090 prohibits the District from entering into a contract with any member of the Board. He provided a Declaration of Amendment to Deed of Access Easement which he felt would indicate the Board's willingness to accept the amendment to the easement upon the termination of President Whitney's term, or upon sale of the property.

Director Monteleone asked for clarification from Mr. Whitney as to what he wanted to do. Mr. Whitney came to the podium and explained that there is an existing road across the fourth lot to the Greenbelt and the amendment would move the easement to the actual location of the road. This would be a benefit to the District, which could use the road for vehicle access to the Greenbelt or for a public trail. He stated, for the record, that he was not involved in the document drafted by District Counsel Neary.

Director Estabrook asked for clarification as to whether or not the document would be recorded. District Counsel Neary replied that it was at the discretion of the Mr. Whitney, and would have no effect on the District if it were recorded or not.

Director Orth stated his preference that a letter be written by the General Manager, and that recorded amendment be made at a later date. This would avoid the Board having to act on the same issue again, and would also not imply favoritism towards Mr. Whitney.

District Counsel Neary agreed that the letter would be preferable if the property were going to transfer fairly soon, as it would reduce the amount of necessary paperwork.

Director Venturi felt that Board action on the proposed amendment should not be taken, as it could be construed as trying to get around the law. He agreed with Director Orth that a letter from the General Manager stating what can be done would be preferable. Mr. Whitney came forward and stated his agreement with the suggestion.

Vice-President Estabrook directed staff to prepare the letter and place it on an upcoming agenda for Board approval.

6. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATION OF ONE LOT ON IRIS DRIVE FROM DARRELL AND GLADYS YVONNE CRANE.

Director Orth moved to approve Resolution No. 2000-51, A Resolution Accepting Grant Deed of Real Property from Darrell and Gladys Yvonne Crane. The motion was seconded by Director Monteleone, who noted that lot reduction is included in the Board's Goals and Objectives. A vote was taken on the motion as follows:

AYES: Directors: Orth, Monteleone, Estabrook
NOES: Directors: Venturi
ABSENT: Directors: None
ABSTAIN: Directors: Whitney
Resolution No. 2000-51 Adopted

7. CONSIDERATION OF WAIVER OF TRAVEL POLICY TO ALLOW GENERAL MANAGER-IN-TRAINING TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MOM USER GROUP CONFERENCE OCTOBER 18 - 20 IN FREMONT, CA.

Item removed from the Agenda.

8. UPDATE ON COUNTY'S SECOND ACCESS REPORT.

General Manager Williams explained that, as part of the County's Budget deliberations, Stan Townsend, Director of the Department of Transportation, reported to the Board of Supervisors that he was committed to completing the Project Study Report and making the document public by November 4th.

President Whitney asked that review of the PSR be placed on the agenda for the Board's November 14th meeting.

I. SPECIAL REPORTS - GENERAL MANAGER

i. Significant Correspondence received since last meeting:

ii. Personnel

iii. Finance

September Warrants and Accounts Payable were reviewed by the Board.

In response to Director Monteleone, General Manager Williams explained that overtime salaries generally increase this time of year because the ground is very dry, causing water leaks. He also reviewed the District's uniform allowance for employees.

Several items were clarified for President Whitney, including a check to Melody Thomen-Puentes, Secretary for the Fire Department, for paint and supplies. He reported that Melody and Leo Puentes, Captain, were the new tenants at Chipp's house next to the fire station, and suggested that a formal policy be adopted by the Board giving preference to Fire Department volunteers and staff whenever the house is available for rent.

President Whitney asked that the Accounts Payable report be titled and that the columns be labeled.

Director Orth expressed his gratitude to General Manager Williams for his contribution to the improvement in the District's financial situation.

President Whitney asked that the Finance Committee review the increase in actual payroll expense shown on the comparison of Budgeted to Actual expenses.

iv. Planning

The Board reviewed the Goals and Objectives developed at the Annual Planning session in March. President Whitney asked that the format of the report be changed to allow a column for a record of action on each item and completion. Director Monteleone asked that the Goals and Objectives be posted for public review and comment.

General Manager Williams reported that the Planning Commission had approved the Specific Plan amendment to the District's Design Standards at their meeting of October 5th. Director Estabrook asked that the Board be notified when the matter is scheduled on the Board of Supervisors agenda.

General Manager Williams provided a breakdown of development statistics in the District, noting four new water connections during September.

Director Orth reported that he would be attending a Federal Transportation Conference with his wife, Janet, who will be presenting a report on use of zero-emission vehicles in rural areas, a program which the District participated in during 1998.

General Manager Williams reported that the Pathfinders youth organization had painted fire hydrants and abated trash in the District as part of their community service program.

The Lawrence L. White subdivision matter, which was on the October 5th Planning Commission agenda, was continued until November 2nd. General Manager Williams had spoken to Allen Fallari, and was assured that the District's recommendations would be taken into consideration.

v. Possible upcoming agenda items


vi. Other

J. PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

K. ADJOURNMENT
Director Orth moved to adjourn and President Whitney declared the meeting of October 10, 2000 closed at 9:48 p.m.

PAUL A. WILLIAMS
Secretary to the Board of Directors

BOB WHITNEY,
President