DOWNIEVILLE — The Sierra County Board of Supervisor opened the year with a rapid-fire run through some of the following items. All supervisors were present except for Supervisor Lee Adams, who participated via video call but could not take action on agenda items because his remote location had not been announced beforehand.
Sierra Brooks Property Owners Association (POA) board member Jillian Freeto addressed the Board, stating that an “outstanding number of residents” wanted to dissolve the POA rather than face increased fees. The matter will go up for a vote amongst residents, requiring a 75% majority to make the decision. If the POA does dissolve, Sierra County could potentially acquire its assets, which include a lodge, campground, firehouse, and 22 acres of creekside land, including a helicopter landing pad. An acquisition would be the decision of the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Sharon Dryden, who represents Sierra Brooks, says she would recuse herself from that process.
In an earlier meeting of the Sierra Brooks Water Committee, it was determined that fees being collected were enough to sustain the water system as it currently runs, but no excess funds would be available for setting aside in case issues arise or upgrades are needed. Supervisor Sharon Dryden brought the matter to the Board’s attention, and a future agenda item will likely be created to continue the discussion.
According to Director of Public Works Bryan Davey, the system is in fantastic shape after recent system-wide improvements. However, as Supervisor Paul Roen explained, backup power generation is a high-priority improvement, as a failure caused by power loss created some issues during the Bear Fire emergency. Roen recommends pursuing Title 3 funding to put in a parallel switch so the system can be generator-powered in an emergency.
Neither the Yuba nor the Sierraville Ranger Districts of the Tahoe National Forest had much activity to report. Timber operations have ceased because, as stated by acting Sierraville District Ranger Christina Hood, “it’s too wet for hauling.” On the other hand, the Yuba District is waiting for much more precipitation to burn 700-800 acres on steep terrain near Camptonville as part of the Trapper Project.
Sierra County Public Health has filled a position for the provision of Health Officer Services with David Bruce Canton, DO. Canton received an 18-month contract at $1,500 per week, fulfilling Public Health’s requirement to have 24/7 health officer coverage.
Canton was an in-person health officer in Merced for two years. He then became the health officer for Butte County for three years, working entirely remotely. During his time with Butte County, he moved out of state from the Modesto area to be closer to his grandchildren. According to Public Health Program Manager Rhonda Grandi, there is no need for a health officer to be on-site except for jail inspections, which do not apply in Sierra County.
Public Works Director Bryan Davey was happy to report that the Kentucky Mine Trestle Repair Project will be moving ahead without any additional county funding thanks to a wildly successful fundraising campaign by the Sierra County Historical Society. More that $120,000 was raised in under two months. Supervisors Paul Roen and Sharon Dryden thanked the community for stepping forward, noting that the campaign showed great community support and public interest for the project.
The county had previously set aside $84,000 in case the $120,000 goal was not met, which they plan to keep available for potential improvements or modifications. The trestle bridge project was originally bid with work to repair and reopen the portal, another popular Kentucky Mine tour attraction, which was scrapped due to high cost but which now may be on the table once again. The Board will continue pursuing additional grant funding to bolster the project.
The Board reappointed incumbent Thomas Archer to Sierra County Fire Protection District #1 after his seat was contested by Shannon Hoyt, a Calpine resident involved with the volunteer fire department. Though Calpine is not currently represented, Archers 15-year experience, particularly in guiding the district through various policy changes, led to his reappointment. Archer received a powerful testimony on his behalf by fellow board member Rick Maddalena.
Christopher Mills was reappointed to the Pliocene Ridge Community Services District and Matthew Kilmurray was reappointed to the Sierra Valley Groundwater Management District. Neither seat was contested.