Supervisors Debate Green Waste Policies at Sierra County Transfer Stations
Policies governing the handling and burning of green waste at the Sattley and Sierra City transfer stations were a focus of discussion at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors meeting held January 6 in Downieville.
Currently, four of the county’s five transfer stations accept green waste. The Sierra City site remains closed to green waste burning due to fire safety concerns. Supervisor Lee Adams said the Board wanted to continue the moratorium on burning at Sierra City until further discussion could take place, noting that there had been attempts to restart burning but questions remained about whether conditions were safe.
Adams acknowledged the inconvenience for residents who would have to haul green waste to Ramshorn or Loyalton and questioned whether a county the size of Sierra County needs five sites for green waste. He said he would like the U.S. Forest Service and the Sierra City Fire Department involved in determining a path forward.
Supervisor Lila Heuer cautioned against making permanent decisions, suggesting instead that green waste access could be restricted several times a year, but not during the spring season. She emphasized working with the Firewise committee to encourage residents to dispose of green waste before shutdowns.
Board Chair Paul Roen referenced past efforts to address the issue, noting that Title III funds had previously been allocated to the Sierra County Fire Safe Council. At that time, one proposal involved providing 50-yard bins in Sierra City a few times a year, with waste transported to the Loyalton site.
Planning and Building Director Brandon Pangman, who is assisting the Transportation and Public Works Department following the retirement of Director Bryan Davey, addressed public concerns over past escaped fires. Pangman said that fires at the Sierra City and Sattley sites occurred weeks after burning during unexpected high-wind events, when embers in ash reignited. He acknowledged the County’s responsibility and said staff have been working to improve standard operating procedures (SOPs), which have been sent to the Forest Service and Cal Fire for review.
Pangman recommended purchasing 4,000-gallon water tanks and hoses for the Sierra City and Sattley sites at a cost of approximately $8,000 per site. He also advised delaying burning at Sierra City until the SOPs are finalized and a water tank is in place. Pangman noted there had been a number of meetings discussing alternatives, which could include gate fees. He added that Road Department Superintendents, who operate the green waste burning, recommend NOT burning at either site.
Adams proposed having the Sierra City site inspected by the Forest Service and Sierra City Fire Department in the short term. Gabe Foster, Division Chief for the Yuba Ranger District, said he would be willing to conduct an inspection, noting it has been done in the past. Foster emphasized that burning can be done safely with strict adherence to SOPs, proper notification, and diligent patrol.
Eric Kubly of the Sierra City Fire Department agreed, stating that supervision is a critical factor. Roen acknowledged that last year’s fire at the Sattley Transfer Station was the County’s fault, adding that greater diligence is needed. He warned that closing two transfer sites could create significant hardship for residents.
Rodd Rummel, Executive Director of the Sierra County Fire Safe Council, committed to purchasing 50-yard bins and said the most cost-effective way to handle green waste is at the source. He expressed concern that requiring residents to haul waste farther could discourage proper disposal.
Sheriff Mike Fisher said his primary concern is evacuation safety. He supported the idea of 24-hour monitoring during burn periods at both sites and said while SOPs are a good start, they need more detailed information. Fisher suggested enhanced weather and wind forecasting, greater coordination with Cal Fire and the Forest Service, annual inspections, and digital monitoring stations tied to his dispatch operations.
The Board will continue the discussion at its next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, in Loyalton.
THE 2025 DASHBOARD for Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District (SPJUSD) was presented during its Board meeting on January 13th in Loyalton. District Superintendent Sean Snider explained this is how the state publicly reports how its schools are doing. Performance ratings are measured in colors. Blue being the highest performance and red being the lowest. Green is the next highest, followed by yellow and orange respectively. Performance is based on two factors, current year data that corresponds to a status and the difference between the current year and prior year data that corresponds to the change. Performance level (color) is determined by the point at which these two levels intersect.
SPJUSD results on state indicators show the graduation rate as blue. 100% graduate status with a very high level. English Language Arts increased from orange to yellow. Math went from orange to yellow increasing by 13.3 points. College/Career is yellow, noting if the District increases by 2% the level will move to green. Chronic absenteeism went from red to yellow. Snider noted the need to decrease by 3% to maintain yellow and decrease by 5.8% to move to green. Suspension rate decreased from orange to red. Director of Business Services, Randy Jones, added currently they have a sizeable decrease and numbers are currently on track to move to green if the District can maintain. Science Achievement has obtained a level of blue, increasing 7.7 points.
Next steps include receiving input from stakeholder groups, continuing with current action items, bring input from stakeholders as part of the 26-27 LCAP (local control and accountability plan) planning process, and the LCAP Advisory Committee will review and revise goals and actions.
SIERRA-PLUMAS JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Superintendent Sean Snider was unanimously appointed to the County Superintendent position at the school board meeting held January 13th in Loyalton. The transition will be effective as of March 1st where he’ll hold both positions following the retirement of County Superintendent James Berardi.
Sierra County Transportation and Public Works Director Bryan Davey was presented a Resolution of Appreciation in recognition of his retirement during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Downieville on Tuesday, January 6th.
The Resolution states in part:
Whereas, Bryan Davey, after twenty-one (21) years of dedicated service to the people of Sierra County, announced his retirement effective December 25, 2025; and after 16 years of employment with Chevron’s Fuels and Oils Engine Research Laboratory in Richmond, CA, then putting himself through the Police Academy at Yuba College, Mr. Davey moved to Sierra County and began his career with the Sheriff’s Office upon his appointment to Deputy Sheriff II on March 3, 2004.
After serving faithfully in that capacity for three years, he did resign from the Sheriff’s Office on November 20, 2007 and the following day, on November 21, 2007 changed his career path with Sierra County and
was appointed to Engineer Technician III with the Department of Public Works and Transportation.
Mr. Davey, having demonstrated his competence in progressively responsible tasks and managing diverse and complex projects throughout Sierra County, was promoted in 2010 to Senior Engineer Technician/Senior Transportation Planner; in 2015 to Deputy Director of Transportation and Assistant Engineer; and then on June 5, 2023 was appointed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors as the Sierra County Director of Transportation and Public Works.
Mr. Davey has served tirelessly and honorably in that position of responsibility, providing unwavering leadership and expertise to the people of Sierra County through significant emergency declarations and overseeing complex public works projects, including, most notably: the Packer Lake Bridge and Salmon Lake Bridge replacement projects, the Downieville Community Hall remodel project, and the Sierraville School remodel project; as well as significant disaster recovery projects including the 2017 winter storm disasters, the 2020 Loyalton Fire, 2021 and 2023 storm disasters, the 2024 Bear Fire, and the 2025 August Storm recovery efforts.
Mr. Davey is well respected and widely recognized as an outdoor enthusiast, a fearless snowmobiler, and a loving husband and father, proudly raising a family in his hometown of Sierra City, and volunteering countless hours and serving his community at every opportunity including Chief of the Sierra City Volunteer Fire Department from 2008-2019.
Through it all, Mr. Davey has been a model of good character and citizenship, and exemplified personal commitment and integrity, always putting people first, and demonstrating time and again his dedication both to the public servants and employees he managed as well as to the citizens he ultimately served, and at all times guided by the mission, “Always Do What’s Best for Sierra County.”
The Board of Supervisors, on behalf of the residents of Sierra County, extends its deepest appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Bryan Davey for his exemplary service as Director of Transportation and Public Works, for his dedication to safeguarding the health and safety of the community, and helping to build a better tomorrow.
Following the presentation, Davey said it was an honor and privilege to serve and called his department an “amazing group of people” to work and serve with.
SIERRA COUNTY PROBATION, through the Med-Project USA Program which provides for the collection and disposal of unwanted pharmaceutical products from households as mandated by legislation, will soon have a secure kiosk drop box for unwanted medications installed within the Loyalton Probation office at 105 Beckwith Road.
Anyone can and should be encouraged to come and securely, without question, deposit medications there to be safely disposed of. As we know- having unwanted medications around can be of great risk to others and when not disposed of properly they contaminate our water, etc. It is a free service to the county.
Policies governing the handling and burning of green waste at the Sattley and Sierra City transfer stations were a focus of discussion at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors meeting held January 6 in Downieville.
Currently, four of the county’s five transfer stations accept green waste. The Sierra City site remains closed to green waste burning due to fire safety concerns. Supervisor Lee Adams said the Board wanted to continue the moratorium on burning at Sierra City until further discussion could take place, noting that there had been attempts to restart burning but questions remained about whether conditions were safe.
Adams acknowledged the inconvenience for residents who would have to haul green waste to Ramshorn or Loyalton and questioned whether a county the size of Sierra County needs five sites for green waste. He said he would like the U.S. Forest Service and the Sierra City Fire Department involved in determining a path forward.
Supervisor Lila Heuer cautioned against making permanent decisions, suggesting instead that green waste access could be restricted several times a year, but not during the spring season. She emphasized working with the Firewise committee to encourage residents to dispose of green waste before shutdowns.
Board Chair Paul Roen referenced past efforts to address the issue, noting that Title III funds had previously been allocated to the Sierra County Fire Safe Council. At that time, one proposal involved providing 50-yard bins in Sierra City a few times a year, with waste transported to the Loyalton site.
Planning and Building Director Brandon Pangman, who is assisting the Transportation and Public Works Department following the retirement of Director Bryan Davey, addressed public concerns over past escaped fires. Pangman said that fires at the Sierra City and Sattley sites occurred weeks after burning during unexpected high-wind events, when embers in ash reignited. He acknowledged the County’s responsibility and said staff have been working to improve standard operating procedures (SOPs), which have been sent to the Forest Service and Cal Fire for review.
Pangman recommended purchasing 4,000-gallon water tanks and hoses for the Sierra City and Sattley sites at a cost of approximately $8,000 per site. He also advised delaying burning at Sierra City until the SOPs are finalized and a water tank is in place. Pangman noted there had been a number of meetings discussing alternatives, which could include gate fees. He added that Road Department Superintendents, who operate the green waste burning, recommend NOT burning at either site.
Adams proposed having the Sierra City site inspected by the Forest Service and Sierra City Fire Department in the short term. Gabe Foster, Division Chief for the Yuba Ranger District, said he would be willing to conduct an inspection, noting it has been done in the past. Foster emphasized that burning can be done safely with strict adherence to SOPs, proper notification, and diligent patrol.
Eric Kubly of the Sierra City Fire Department agreed, stating that supervision is a critical factor. Roen acknowledged that last year’s fire at the Sattley Transfer Station was the County’s fault, adding that greater diligence is needed. He warned that closing two transfer sites could create significant hardship for residents.
Rodd Rummel, Executive Director of the Sierra County Fire Safe Council, committed to purchasing 50-yard bins and said the most cost-effective way to handle green waste is at the source. He expressed concern that requiring residents to haul waste farther could discourage proper disposal.
Sheriff Mike Fisher said his primary concern is evacuation safety. He supported the idea of 24-hour monitoring during burn periods at both sites and said while SOPs are a good start, they need more detailed information. Fisher suggested enhanced weather and wind forecasting, greater coordination with Cal Fire and the Forest Service, annual inspections, and digital monitoring stations tied to his dispatch operations.
The Board will continue the discussion at its next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, in Loyalton.
THE 2025 DASHBOARD for Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District (SPJUSD) was presented during its Board meeting on January 13th in Loyalton. District Superintendent Sean Snider explained this is how the state publicly reports how its schools are doing. Performance ratings are measured in colors. Blue being the highest performance and red being the lowest. Green is the next highest, followed by yellow and orange respectively. Performance is based on two factors, current year data that corresponds to a status and the difference between the current year and prior year data that corresponds to the change. Performance level (color) is determined by the point at which these two levels intersect.
SPJUSD results on state indicators show the graduation rate as blue. 100% graduate status with a very high level. English Language Arts increased from orange to yellow. Math went from orange to yellow increasing by 13.3 points. College/Career is yellow, noting if the District increases by 2% the level will move to green. Chronic absenteeism went from red to yellow. Snider noted the need to decrease by 3% to maintain yellow and decrease by 5.8% to move to green. Suspension rate decreased from orange to red. Director of Business Services, Randy Jones, added currently they have a sizeable decrease and numbers are currently on track to move to green if the District can maintain. Science Achievement has obtained a level of blue, increasing 7.7 points.
Next steps include receiving input from stakeholder groups, continuing with current action items, bring input from stakeholders as part of the 26-27 LCAP (local control and accountability plan) planning process, and the LCAP Advisory Committee will review and revise goals and actions.
SIERRA-PLUMAS JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Superintendent Sean Snider was unanimously appointed to the County Superintendent position at the school board meeting held January 13th in Loyalton. The transition will be effective as of March 1st where he’ll hold both positions following the retirement of County Superintendent James Berardi.
Sierra County Transportation and Public Works Director Bryan Davey was presented a Resolution of Appreciation in recognition of his retirement during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Downieville on Tuesday, January 6th.
The Resolution states in part:
Whereas, Bryan Davey, after twenty-one (21) years of dedicated service to the people of Sierra County, announced his retirement effective December 25, 2025; and after 16 years of employment with Chevron’s Fuels and Oils Engine Research Laboratory in Richmond, CA, then putting himself through the Police Academy at Yuba College, Mr. Davey moved to Sierra County and began his career with the Sheriff’s Office upon his appointment to Deputy Sheriff II on March 3, 2004.
After serving faithfully in that capacity for three years, he did resign from the Sheriff’s Office on November 20, 2007 and the following day, on November 21, 2007 changed his career path with Sierra County and
was appointed to Engineer Technician III with the Department of Public Works and Transportation.
Mr. Davey, having demonstrated his competence in progressively responsible tasks and managing diverse and complex projects throughout Sierra County, was promoted in 2010 to Senior Engineer Technician/Senior Transportation Planner; in 2015 to Deputy Director of Transportation and Assistant Engineer; and then on June 5, 2023 was appointed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors as the Sierra County Director of Transportation and Public Works.
Mr. Davey has served tirelessly and honorably in that position of responsibility, providing unwavering leadership and expertise to the people of Sierra County through significant emergency declarations and overseeing complex public works projects, including, most notably: the Packer Lake Bridge and Salmon Lake Bridge replacement projects, the Downieville Community Hall remodel project, and the Sierraville School remodel project; as well as significant disaster recovery projects including the 2017 winter storm disasters, the 2020 Loyalton Fire, 2021 and 2023 storm disasters, the 2024 Bear Fire, and the 2025 August Storm recovery efforts.
Mr. Davey is well respected and widely recognized as an outdoor enthusiast, a fearless snowmobiler, and a loving husband and father, proudly raising a family in his hometown of Sierra City, and volunteering countless hours and serving his community at every opportunity including Chief of the Sierra City Volunteer Fire Department from 2008-2019.
Through it all, Mr. Davey has been a model of good character and citizenship, and exemplified personal commitment and integrity, always putting people first, and demonstrating time and again his dedication both to the public servants and employees he managed as well as to the citizens he ultimately served, and at all times guided by the mission, “Always Do What’s Best for Sierra County.”
The Board of Supervisors, on behalf of the residents of Sierra County, extends its deepest appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Bryan Davey for his exemplary service as Director of Transportation and Public Works, for his dedication to safeguarding the health and safety of the community, and helping to build a better tomorrow.
Following the presentation, Davey said it was an honor and privilege to serve and called his department an “amazing group of people” to work and serve with.
SIERRA COUNTY PROBATION, through the Med-Project USA Program which provides for the collection and disposal of unwanted pharmaceutical products from households as mandated by legislation, will soon have a secure kiosk drop box for unwanted medications installed within the Loyalton Probation office at 105 Beckwith Road.
Anyone can and should be encouraged to come and securely, without question, deposit medications there to be safely disposed of. As we know- having unwanted medications around can be of great risk to others and when not disposed of properly they contaminate our water, etc. It is a free service to the county.
