Five, not four, community members attend the BOS meeting; Sheriff and Coroner's office are now one

Coroner Dave Parris, Undersheriff Billy Honsal, Fire Chief with five other representatives from the Fire Department attended today's BOS meeting. Only five community members attending. The rest are all staff or media. Three more people walked in around 10:30.

An ordinance to consolidate the Sheriff's and Coroner's office was introduced. Per staff
recommendation, first reading was waived except by title. Staff recommendation was approved. Supervisor Rex Bohn and Supervisor Estelle Fenell and Supervisor Virginia Bass mentioned few concerns by community members and addressed them. These were addressed in detail last time this was discussed. Supervisor Bass reiterated what all 3 said, that there was very little input.

Citizen's Advisory Committee on Measure Z expenditures was discussed. On November 14, options were discussed, said County CAO Phillip Smith-Hanes. As mentioned in my previous coverage, first check from this revnue will come in June 2015. Mr. Hanes suggested that the committee recommendatons need to be in by April 2015 to be part of budget. Mr. Hanes said committee must be in place by February 2015 to have meetings and public hearings. Staff presented several options to Board.

Supervisor Ryan Sundberg asked once the committee was approved today, people could apply tomorrow but Mr. Hanes said people might want to wait until December 16 when committee is formaly established. Several people have contacted Clerk of the Board already, 11 people contacted Supervisor Sundberg.

Supervisor Virginia Bass said she "had never seen such interest in people wanting to be involved" " and encouraged people to submit applications and letter of interest.

Staff from CAO's office will be secretary for committee, maintain minutes, membership, administrative tasks but not a voting member. Mr. Hanes was adamant that this be a citizen's committee and not a committee driven by CAO. The committee structure  approved is a 9 member committee will consist of five members, one each appointed by a supervisor, two at large, chosen by Supervisors, one from Sheriff's and one from Fire and two alternates.

Four public speakers, Undersheriff Honsal, Chief Woods, Probation's Bill Damiano and DHHS director Phil Crandall gave public comment. Chief Woods stressed the minieswould go to rural volunteer departments that need it most.