Minutes for June 10, 2019

Call to Order – Chairman Brian Molsberry called the regular meeting of the Mark West Citizens Advisory Council at 6:00 pm.
1. Roll Call: Councilmembers present: Brian Molsberry, Roni Berg, Brad Sherwood & Pete Lescure
2. Approval of Minutes – Action Item:
  There was a motion and a second to approve the minutes of the regular MWCAC meeting, May 13, 2019. The motion carried on a voice vote (4-0).
Ex parte Communications:
1. The Mark West Union School Board held a joint board meeting with the Mark West Advisory Council (MWCAC). Present from the MWCAC: Brian Molsberry, Brad Sherwood, Roni Berg, Pete Lescure and secretary Aggie Maggio.
  
  A discussion regarding the districts need for a sidewalk extension along Mark West Springs Road into the surrounding neighborhoods for students to walk and bike safely to John B Riebli School took place. Currently, sidewalks only extend as far as Lambert Drive on the North side of Mark West Springs Road and there is no sidewalk on the South side at this time. It was suggested that the Mark West School District in conjunction with the MWCAC prepare a joint resolution that would show support for the need to increase these sidewalks and forward it to Supervisor Gore’s office. Councilmember Lescure, also mentioned, an area on Lavell Road near Mark West Elementary School that also needs some repairs/redesign as it ﬂoods in the rainy season and causes a safety issue for students who walk to school.
  
  Superintendent Calloway noted that he will write the resolution and include the Lavell Road area of concern. School Board Trustee Sherwood suggested we also include the Mark West Estates HOA in the writing of the resolution process so they can also support the proposed request.
  
  Superintendent Calloway asked the MWCAC if there was anything else they wished to discuss. Trustee Sherwood, who is also the District representative on the MWCAC, brought forward the proposal of the Council discussing development of a Community Service district, which may be of interest to the district.
  
  Councilmember Berg mentioned that there is an ongoing discussion with the Block captains who wish to honor the community as the upcoming two year mark for the Tubbs ﬁre approaches. Conversations will take place between the Board and the Advisory council in the future.
  
  Superintendent Calloway gave a short report on the state of the District with regard to current enrollment. The district has noted that students/families seem to be requiring more recovery time now as a delayed effect of the ﬁre. Heavy smoke days in November, from the Paradise ﬁre, have caused student PTSD that has been noted by the counselors and teachers on sites. The district will continue to ﬁnd ways to support students, staff and families who struggle with after effects from the devastating ﬁres.
Public Comments: None. This time is set aside for comments from the public regarding matters of general Interest, not on the agenda, but related to MWCAC business. Pursuant to the Brown Act, how ever, the MWCAC cannot consider any issues or take action on any requests during this comment period. Each person is usually granted three minutes to speak; time limitations are at the discretion of the Chair.
Correspondence: None
Council Member Announcements and Disclosures, Information only:
1. Sutter Hospital’s “Flip the Switch Solar Event” – (June 17) will be attended by Councilmembers Berg and Sherwood.
2. First NIFP application (Mark West Estates) has been funded. The check will be picked up by the applicant at the County offices – 6/11/19.
3. Councilmember Sherwood reported on the status of the school district as reported at the school board meeting by Board Supervisor Calloway. (Summary above).
New Referrals from PRMD: (To be considered for placing on a future agenda) None.
Presentations – Referrals from PRMD – Action Item: Consideration of proposed projects will proceed as follows: 1. Presentation by project applicant. 2. Questions by Councilmembers. 3. Questions and comments from the public. 4. Response by applicant, if required. 5. Comments by Council members. 6. Resolution, ACTION, if indicated. None.
Presentations Other than Referrals from PRMD: To proceed as follows: 1. Presentation 2. Questions by Councilmembers 3. Questions and comments from the public 4. Response by applicant, if required 5. Comments by Council members 6. Resolution, ACTION, if indicated. None.
Subcommittee Reports and Discussions – Action if indicated:
1. Created a sub-committee to explore the creation of a CSD (Community Service District). Councilmember Brad Sherwood has volunteered. A second member has not yet been identiﬁed.
Other Reports (Discussion may follow) – Action if indicated:
1. Council Vice Chair Berg displayed Cal American Water’s recently mailed rate increase brochure. Rate increases began in May 2019. Margaret DiGenova, Operations Superintendent from Cal AM Water, explained that this rate increase was approved by the PUC before Cal Am Water merged with Sacramento.
Discussion Items: ACTION ITEMS – Action if indicated:
1. A discussion, including all councilmembers present took place about issues discussed at the school board meeting. Some points made were:
  1. Formation of a Community Services District (DSD). The County hired Walter Kaeiser to work on that. It was suggested that maybe there could also be a joint effort to get money for that, thru a CSD.
  2. Council Vice Chair reminded the group that a Hawk signal is supposed to go up in front of the shopping center this summer. She reported that Supervisor Gore says they should know the timing next month.
  3. Councilmember Lescure brought up lowering the speed limit to 25 mph, arguing that the schools and number of driveways qualiﬁes the section of Old Redwood Hwy. from Wikiup to Mark West Springs Rd, for 25mph, Perhaps a CSD could help pay for upkeep of a traffic calming island. At the school board meeting, Council Vice Chair Berg said that the same is planned for future Fulton development.
  4. The subject of weed abatement came up and Councilmember Lescure brought up the traffic island at Mark West/Lavell once again; stating that the way to get attention is a letter to Sonoma County DPW, the Board of Supervisors and cc to Cindy Forman of Sonoma Co Fire.
    
    Councilmember Sherwood agreed to write the letter.
    
    Vice Chair Berg agreed to create a letter head for the MWCAC.
Future Agenda Items: Potential projects and suggestions for the next MWCAC meeting.
1. Future planning for Mark West Area, Last plan in 1978.
2. Discuss supporting/help planning an event marking October 2019, the 2 year anniversary of the Tubbs Fire.
3. Appoint a second member to the sub-committee for exploration of a CSD.
4. Councilmember Sherwood: Block captains would like to speak at a future meeting as they are looking at ways to honor and recognize the two year anniversary of the Tubbs Fire, with the idea of creating some sort of museum with items donated. Possibly get a location where items can be stored.
5. Report on Sutter Hospital’s new solar program (ecologic and community impact)
Adjournment:ACTION ITEM.
1. There being no other Council business to discuss, on a motion by Councilmember Lescure, seconded by Council Vice Chair Berg, the meeting was adjourned at 6:45 pm.