MINUTES

                                             PO Box 425, San Miguel, CA 93451

                                              www.sanmigueladvisorycouncil.com

                        Meeting Time & Date:   7:00 PM  – August 26, 2009

             Location: Community Center (13^th Street – behind Library)

I.   Flag Salute   -

II.  Roll Call  - Debbie Lewis

     Advisory Council Members

     Gary Davis  – Chairman                     Present

     Debbie Lewis  – Vice-Chairman          Present

     Sharon Brower  – Secretary               Present

     Tom Banish  – Treasurer                    Present

     Noel Carpenter  – Historian                Present

     Denis Degher  – Public Relations       Excused

     Mike Sanders  – Member                   Present

     Jean Hoffmann  – Alternate               Present

III.  Minutes Approval

Jean Hoffman motioned to approve past correction of Supervisor Mecham’s name (1 e instead of 2).   Seconded by Tom Banish  Approval 5-0

IV.  Treasurers Report

Tom Banish reports that the Lion’s Club has increased the rent for the Community Center from  $30.00 per use; $360.00 per year to $40.00 per use; $480.00 per year.  The council received $900.00  from Supervisor’s Mecham’s office, which brings the current balance to $1,104.19.

 Discussion followed re: the increased rate for rent.  Mike Sanders said that part of the reason for the   increase is the increased cost of utilities, i.e. the air conditioner was left on, on three different  occasions and it was directly related to the Council meetings because it was found on 2 days past the  council meeting.  No other function had used the facility in the meantime.  Jean Hoffmann noted that   there was no flag present and further discussion occurred.  The San Miguel Resource Connection  meets at the Lillian Larsen School at no cost, but it was noted that they are intrinsically involved with  the school through the after school programs and Masters at Their Trade.  It was suggested that we inquire though.  Mike Sanders volunteered to speak to the Lions to explain the decrease in our contribution from the county and the fact that we are non-profit and do not receive other funding.     

V.    Council Report

 Chairman Report – Gary Davis reports that he attended the Chairman’s Advisory Council meeting on  Aug. 14^th.  He said the meeting lasted three hours but normally they are scheduled for the whole day.  Ten unincorporated “cities” were represented.  He said that it was interesting to hear the problems;  some the same and other different.  In Nipomo it is water, while in Avila Beach it is parking and in  Cayucos it is the motorcycles on the hills that cause erosion which segued into Mr. Davis telling about     San Miguel’s problems with motorcycles, quads in the river and how the sand and gravel mines were      worked out with the support of the planners and the supervisors. Another issue that was discussed       was the Low Income Housing (LIH).  Mr. Davis said the concerns of San Miguel were echoed by the   other community representatives.  Of major concern was the ability for a developer to put in an application to build LIH in whatever area they wish to build in.  Each chairman gave a report.  In addition to the chairmen the planners were also present.  They shared that they can’t do too much   about the problems  but the information they heard at the meeting has made them more aware of the   unique and same problems of the communities they are associated with.  Another area of interest   among the chairman was the projects that linger and go on and on, i.e. San Miguel Ranch, without a   conclusion.  The planners explained that “there’s really no hold up”.  It could be because of incomplete   paper work from the developers or something that needs to be done because of county requirements,   i.e.: number of or what kind of sewers.  The next “Meeting of the Chairs” is scheduled for September   12^th.  Mr. Davis also said that he had a list of the other “chairs” if anyone is interested.

 Vice-Chairman Report – Debbie Lewis reported on the group meeting with Dana Lilley and   Morgan Torell.  The group was made up of Debbie Lewis, vice-chairman, Sharon Brower,   secretary, Jean Hoffmann, alternate and Laverne Buckman, public at large.  Both Mr. Lilley and Ms   Torell reiterated that the main reason that San Miguel had seven LIH sites was because of the sewers   and the infrastructure which is in place.  Past the meeting, where Mr. Lilley and Ms Torell answered   the varied questions that were asked, Ms. Lewis wrote a letter to the Board of Supervisors, on behalf   of the whole group.  After receiving agreement from the members of the group Ms Brower   delivered the letters to the county offices for distribution to the supervisors. (Ms. Buckman also wrote a   letter to the Supervisors and Ms. Brower wrote a letter to Mr. Lilley and Ms. Torell with copies to the   Supervisors on their own behalf.)

 Vicki Shelby; legislative assistant to Mr. Mecham interjected that the Housing Element did pass on a 5-  0 vote with Mr. Mecham supporting it, although he was very unhappy about it.  She said that it was I   important to pass it because of the state requirements.  If it did not pass the county could be in   violation of the state mandates which could interfere with state funding to the county.  She again stated   that Mr. Mecham was unhappy and would be watching it closely to ensure that if any of the sites are   built out the Board would support the community and would see that the funds to support any I   increased housing would be made available to the community.  Ms. Shelby also shared that there were   moratoriums in place for Nipomo and Los Osos and that is another reason why San Miguel received   more sites.  Ms. Lewis started her concern that the state could come along and force building under   the guise of withholding funds if the building did not occur.

 Elizabeth Kavanaugh – planner stated that they are just meeting a state requirement that there is land     set aside for LIH.  Her impression was that they (state) needed to see that there was land zoned and     designated.  She had documents, showing the changes.

Mike Sanders – SMAC liaison to the CSD gave a report on the meeting he attended last evening.  He stated Brent Grizzle was at the meeting to report on his project and status.  There was also discussion re: the water tanks on the west side of the 101 freeway and the grants both received and applied for the pay for them.  There is a representative from the CSD here to speak later on the agenda.  Mr. Sanders said there was a representative from Coast National Bank, who took over from a former lender, regarding a project of sixty residences on 11 th St (on the east did of the RR tracks) which was initially started in 2003.  They were requesting consideration for4 the CSD to keep their fees at the 2003 level, stating that if the fees are increased to the current rate they would no be able to complete the project.  Mr. Sanders did not have an answer re: the CSD’s decision.

VI.      Public Reports

          A..  CHP/Sheriff  -  

Sergeant Maki was here to speak to the legal issue regarding enforcements in relation to the difficulties some residents are having with motorcycles, quads etc. entering the river bed via residential streets and yards.  He stated that in order to enforce the codes the department would need to have the appropriate vehicles, which at this time they do not.  Gary Davis asked if fencing was in place but ignored by riders, would the department be more apt to enforce the violations.  Sgt. Maki said “it is a hard issue – it needs to done right when you are going to prosecute someone.  Once they are in the streets the CHP (California Highway Patrol) can enforce.”  The protocol would be: #1 Call the CHP, #2 Call the Sheriffs Dept. Or # 3 call both agencies. 

For our information he let us know that past 9:00 PM there are a total of 2 deputies and 2 Sgts available to cover 1500 square miles.  They go from Oak Shores  – at Naciemento Lake to Carissa Plains, but most of the calls are from Templeton north.  Laverne Buckman asked about the incidences of vandalism and if they were on the rise.  Sgt. Maki said he and his commander see all reports and to his knowledge the vandalism reports were about the same.  It was noted that there was new graffiti on the historical jail building, next to the Community Center.  Lynne Schmitz suggested that SMAC use some of it’s “rewards” money to buy paint and cover the graffiti.  Colleen Enk asked the Sgt. “How close is the Sheriff’s Dept. working with Public Works?”  Specifically she had concerns re: the Wellsona easement through the Salinas River.  She wanted to know if Public Works communicated with the Sheriff’s Dept that fences were being cut to allow access to the riverbed.  Vicki Shelby spoke up to say that “If the Public Works calls the Sheriff Dept. They notify them of the problem and the department monitors it.”   Sgt. Maki stated you have to think “is the public works department going to spend the money on monitoring access points or fixing pot holes?  The pot holes are a major problem”.

Regarding the motorcycles that are driving through private land, cutting fences etc. Debbie Lewis asked “How about a sting ?  In one good weekend day, you could get a lot of lawbreakers.”  There were chuckles all around and the Sgt..said he would get with Highway Patrol on that.  Sgt. Maki gave out phone numbers. #1 Commander Nefref, 434-4296; public number,  434-4290.  However if you call dispatch 781-4550, it is a toll call so call the public number and they can transfer you to dispatch.  

          B .  CSD  – Dale Hamlin – Board Member

                 Mr. Hamlin stated items at the regular Board Meeting are

                       1.  Upgrading Fire Equipment

                       2.  Study for state grant for slide-in unit.

 Refit of # 3 (? well) by senior center) Site video’d and shows excess sand build up as well as deterioration  – needs repair.

Mr. Hamlin stated that the 1^st storage tank ( west of 101) is ready and will hold 680,000  gallons of water.  They are applying for the 2^nd tank, which will also hold an equal amount of water and an additional added well.  Grants and loans are being used to proceed with  the projects.  Mr. Hamlin also discussed the fact that there is USDA funding available   and that application is moving forward for that funding.

He explained that in the history of San Miguel the community has been short, and is still  short, on storable water for the past 15-20 years.   (Clarification – there has been more than enough water for normal daily needs, however no stored water for use in event of  emergencies i.e. fire which would or could include schools mill etc..  In 2001 there was      193,000 gallons, which engineering stated was not enough.  Within eight years San  Miguel should have one million gallons of stored water.  Any major projects that come in  to San Miguel will have to pay their fair share for the water storage.  Mr. Hamlin also  wanted to make it clear that the CSD is very proud we have good water and sewers,       even though it appears the county is taking advantage of this via the LIH issue.

          C.   Supervisor’s Office   – Vicki Shelby, Legislative Assistant

Mr. Mecham is up in Sacramento for a meeting.  Every county is there looking at ledger deductions.  Next week, Sept 3^rd  he will be in San Miguel from 3:00 – 5:00 PM.  He is working with San Miguel Resource Connection on resurrecting the Farmers Market and Ms. Shelby says that is “ looking promising”.    Further calendar dates: September 8^th the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission will be in a ½ session and the Board has cancelled a scheduled meeting for Sept. 15^th

                     .

         D.  Public Comment

1.  Lynne Schmitz  – The San Miguel Resource Connection meetings have been changed to the 3^rd Wednesday at Lillian Larson School.  The Connection is suggesting and hoping that the  Farmers Market could be at the community park.

The Fall after school program will be starting up and there will be a parents meeting on  September 3^rd.

2.   Brent Grizzle – San Miguel Ranch Project here to speak.  Notified by Mr. Davis that there would  be no discussion on the project at this meeting.  Mr. Grizzle said he was here to introduce  father; John Grizzle and project manager John Knight.  He will be available after the meeting  adjourns.

VII.  County  Reports

A.  Mike Britton from Public Works (works loosely with advanced planning with the responsibility as being an advocate for San Miguel.)

Mr. Britton says that they are looking for funding to complete curbs and gutters from the Mission down to 11^th and from Mission to K street on 10^th street.

       Laverne Buckman questioned why was 10^th street chosen and not an area closer to the school?  Mr. Britton gave two responses #1 There is other funding available for school areas and #2 this area was important to bring tourism up from the Mission into the downtown area.  Ms. Buckman states that they (?) are working really hard for safe walking to school for the children.

In October road updates occur and they are anxious to progress before there is

The 41% increase in fees. Continuing development will have further impact on

The roads and PHT (peak hour trips) increase. Mr. Britton further stated that he wants

 The community to ” let me know when they see a problem.”    

         B.   Planning Department – Elizabeth Kavanaugh

Ms. Kavanaugh noted that there will be a hearing on September 10^th on the Paso Robles ground water analysis and then will take off the calendar.  The Conservation Element will be before the Planning Commission on 09/24 and 10/08/09.

The grading ordinance is being updated per Steve McMasters.  It is an immediate necessity before storm season to control water runoff, erosion and sedimentation.

               EIR repetitive – have to look at: changing an ordinance, to adopt all or pieces or deny.

C.   Mr. Davis announced that the 2 projects ( Estrella River Vineyard Ag. Cluster Subdividing and Cross Canyon Vineyards) that were to be before the Council this evening have been rescheduled due to applicant’s inability to attend or not ready for review.  They will continue until next month

VII.  Old Business  

VIII.  New Business : The final EIR study session on the San Miguel Ranch project will be in the Board of           Supervisor’s chambers on Aug. 27^th at 5:00 PM with the Hearing on September 10^th in the PM.  Exact           time unknown – that information will be dispensed as soon as it can be more narrowly determined.

The next meeting of the San Miguel Advisory Council will be on September 23^rd at 7:00 PM

         Respectfully Submitted,

         Sharon Brower, Secretary

Minutes  approved on October 28^th  with corrections.  Corrections were page 2, 2^nd paragraph, line 2 and 7; change sub committee to group. Page 3, 2^nd paragraph, line 3 added after the word around and the Sgt. said he would get to the Highway Patrol on that.

   Motion to approve was made Noel Carpenter and seconded by Denis Degher with approval 7-0