ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION from the Sierra County Historical Society for the Kentucky Mine Trestle Repair project was discussed during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting January 7th. Sierra County received a grant from The National Scenic Byways Program – 2022 National Scenic Program Grant for the Kentucky Mine Historic Museum, Park Trestle and Mine Portal Reconstruction Project, Agreement 2024-115. This project was awarded November 19, 2024 with a deficit of $120K in the project budget. Public Works Director Bryan Davey reported on the “remarkable letter” received from the Historical Society having raised more than $120,000 to fully fund the project. He stated this was a huge accomplishment and wanted the County to continue to pursue RAC (Resource Advisory Committee) funding through the Forest Service to get the portal reconstruction done too. Supervisor Sharon Dryden commented how these donations show community support and public interest.
SCHOOL FACILITIES PLANNING SERVICES was discussed during the joint School Board meeting in Loyalton on January 14th. District Superintendent Sean Snider explained the District has significant facility needs adding it’s been tough to try and fund these projects. Proposition 2 passed in November authorizes bonds for public schools to fund these types of facility projects. Snider explained there are a lot of hoops to jump through to get in line for funding. One hoop is a school facilities planning service. The District also has to have a master plan, which is very detailed and requires a high level of expertise that none of them have. Snider said the service would come in and do a state facilities program and “hold our hand all throughout the process.” They also file paperwork with the state, which Snider said is a whole process within itself. The service would cost $40,000 and it would get 2% for whatever the District is eligible. County Superintendent James Berardi stated the District would be eligible for all state funding instead of just a match. Snider added the rest of the state is also trying to acquire these types of services and was happy they found one. The item was approved unanimously.
FORMER SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER Christina Potter was recognized during the Sierra County Office of Education and Sierra Plumas Joint Unified School District Board Meeting held January 14th for her commitment to the board, students, and the community. She started in December 2020 during COVID. Board President Kelly Champion called it a tough time to start on the school board. Champion stated Potter was always listening and helped get them through the technology update. Champion said she was proud and thankful to have her serve the last 4 years. District Superintendent Sean Snider presented her a Certificate of Appreciation for her service.
John Martinetti of Calpine was voted in her vacancy during the primary election in November.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT between the County of Sierra and R.E.Y. Engineers, Inc. for the Smithneck Road Rehabilitation Project, Federal Aid Project No. RPSTPL-5913(081) for a term of 18 months in an amount not to exceed $517,732.42 was approved by the Sierra County Board of Supervisors at its meeting on January 7th in Downieville. Public Works Director Bryan Davey explained this is the final design work for the rehabilitation project and bike lane to Smithneck Road. They have preliminary plans and finished environmental work with a categorical exemption from NEPA. He stated this next step is to complete the final design to put it into position to go out to bid with contractors. He hoped by 2026 to get construction started. Supervisor Sharon Dryden was frustrated at how long this project has taken, but was happy they are finally up to this point. The agreement passed unanimously.
AN AGREEMENT between David Bruce Canton, D.O. and the County of Sierra for the provision of Health Officer Services not to exceed $133,000 was discussed during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting on January 7th in Downieville. In accordance with the California Health and Safety Code, Section 101000-101300, the Board of Supervisors is required to appoint a Health Officer. The Health Officer plays a critical role in ensuring the enforcement of public health laws, as well as orders and ordinances set forth by the Board of Supervisors related to public health and sanitation matters. Additionally, the Health Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with the regulations and rules established by the State Department of Health Services.
The agreement outlines the terms of the Health Officer’s duties for the remainder of the current fiscal year and the entirety of the next fiscal year, covering a period of 18 months.
Interim Public Health Director Rhonda Grandi reported the ad hoc committee was fortunate to find a such a qualified candidate. Dr. Canton has a master’s degree in public health and previously served as the Health Officer in Merced and with Butte County for the last three years. He does not live locally, so services would be done remotely. Supervisor Lee Adams appreciated the Doctor’s willingness to help Sierra County. The agreement was approved unanimously.
Dr. Canton replaces longtime Sierra County Health Officer Dr. Celia Sutton-Pado who recently resigned from the position.
LETTERS OF SUPPORT were approved by the Sierra County Board of Supervisors during its meeting on January 7th in Downieville for National Forest Foundation application and Nature Conservancy’s application to CAL FIRE’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 Forest Health Grant Program. The National Forest Foundation is planning to submit a grant proposal for the Blatchley Forest Health Project-Phase 1 within the Sierraville Ranger District of the Tahoe National Forest. The project aims to reduce overstocked forests and enhance forest health in an area impacted by fir engraver beetle outbreak south of the Sierraville Community. The letter states in part: Grant funding from CAL FIRE’s Forest Health Grant Program would support the implementation of approximately 1,450 acres of commercial thinning as well as mechanical and manual fuels reduction treatments. This funding is critical for bridging the gap between total funds needed to execute the project at the required pace and scale to address urgent forest health issues and serve as a match to the federal funds already allocated for forest health and resilience treatments. If awarded, this grant will build upon ongoing investments by the Tahoe National Forest in forest restoration, community protection, and watershed resilience on the Sierraville District. Supervisor Sharon Dryden called it a beautiful project. She suggested Sierraville Firewise to send a letter of support as well.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is planning to submit a grant proposal for additional forest restoration work at Independence Lake Preserve in Sierra County. The letter states in part: The Independence Lake Forest Resilience Project will advance wholistic forest restoration supported by large-scale partnerships in the Truckee River watershed by implementing ecologically thinning and prescribed fire at TNC’s Independence Lake Preserve. The 2,300-acre nature preserve includes one of the most pristine lakes west of the Rockies and is home to the endangered fish (Lahontan cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi). The work proposed is a combination of commercial thinning, precommercial thinning and prescribed fire and if successful, work would begin in 2026 and conclude in 2029.
SIERRA PLUMAS JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT Sean Snider reported during the joint meeting with Sierra County Office of Education on January 14th on the Middle School which been a topic of a lot of conversation. They were looking at bringing in more portables and how they would be configured, but the likelihood it would be ready by August was not realistic so they are now looking at existing buildings with the goal to have the Middle School open by August. Snider stated it was going to be a lot of work, but are committed to make it happen. He said it makes financial sense as it would generate revenue and knows the community wants it. Board President Kelly Champion said it would be a big push but they have a lot of support.
Snider also reported on transportation and are expecting the bus purchased during a special meeting in December to be here by the end of January. The Board had another special meeting earlier on this date and approved purchase of an 83-passenger bus to be added to the fleet. Snider stated once they have four drivers and reliable buses they could pursue looking into picking up walking students to improve attendance.
SCHOOL FACILITIES PLANNING SERVICES was discussed during the joint School Board meeting in Loyalton on January 14th. District Superintendent Sean Snider explained the District has significant facility needs adding it’s been tough to try and fund these projects. Proposition 2 passed in November authorizes bonds for public schools to fund these types of facility projects. Snider explained there are a lot of hoops to jump through to get in line for funding. One hoop is a school facilities planning service. The District also has to have a master plan, which is very detailed and requires a high level of expertise that none of them have. Snider said the service would come in and do a state facilities program and “hold our hand all throughout the process.” They also file paperwork with the state, which Snider said is a whole process within itself. The service would cost $40,000 and it would get 2% for whatever the District is eligible. County Superintendent James Berardi stated the District would be eligible for all state funding instead of just a match. Snider added the rest of the state is also trying to acquire these types of services and was happy they found one. The item was approved unanimously.
FORMER SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER Christina Potter was recognized during the Sierra County Office of Education and Sierra Plumas Joint Unified School District Board Meeting held January 14th for her commitment to the board, students, and the community. She started in December 2020 during COVID. Board President Kelly Champion called it a tough time to start on the school board. Champion stated Potter was always listening and helped get them through the technology update. Champion said she was proud and thankful to have her serve the last 4 years. District Superintendent Sean Snider presented her a Certificate of Appreciation for her service.
John Martinetti of Calpine was voted in her vacancy during the primary election in November.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT between the County of Sierra and R.E.Y. Engineers, Inc. for the Smithneck Road Rehabilitation Project, Federal Aid Project No. RPSTPL-5913(081) for a term of 18 months in an amount not to exceed $517,732.42 was approved by the Sierra County Board of Supervisors at its meeting on January 7th in Downieville. Public Works Director Bryan Davey explained this is the final design work for the rehabilitation project and bike lane to Smithneck Road. They have preliminary plans and finished environmental work with a categorical exemption from NEPA. He stated this next step is to complete the final design to put it into position to go out to bid with contractors. He hoped by 2026 to get construction started. Supervisor Sharon Dryden was frustrated at how long this project has taken, but was happy they are finally up to this point. The agreement passed unanimously.
AN AGREEMENT between David Bruce Canton, D.O. and the County of Sierra for the provision of Health Officer Services not to exceed $133,000 was discussed during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting on January 7th in Downieville. In accordance with the California Health and Safety Code, Section 101000-101300, the Board of Supervisors is required to appoint a Health Officer. The Health Officer plays a critical role in ensuring the enforcement of public health laws, as well as orders and ordinances set forth by the Board of Supervisors related to public health and sanitation matters. Additionally, the Health Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with the regulations and rules established by the State Department of Health Services.
The agreement outlines the terms of the Health Officer’s duties for the remainder of the current fiscal year and the entirety of the next fiscal year, covering a period of 18 months.
Interim Public Health Director Rhonda Grandi reported the ad hoc committee was fortunate to find a such a qualified candidate. Dr. Canton has a master’s degree in public health and previously served as the Health Officer in Merced and with Butte County for the last three years. He does not live locally, so services would be done remotely. Supervisor Lee Adams appreciated the Doctor’s willingness to help Sierra County. The agreement was approved unanimously.
Dr. Canton replaces longtime Sierra County Health Officer Dr. Celia Sutton-Pado who recently resigned from the position.
LETTERS OF SUPPORT were approved by the Sierra County Board of Supervisors during its meeting on January 7th in Downieville for National Forest Foundation application and Nature Conservancy’s application to CAL FIRE’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 Forest Health Grant Program. The National Forest Foundation is planning to submit a grant proposal for the Blatchley Forest Health Project-Phase 1 within the Sierraville Ranger District of the Tahoe National Forest. The project aims to reduce overstocked forests and enhance forest health in an area impacted by fir engraver beetle outbreak south of the Sierraville Community. The letter states in part: Grant funding from CAL FIRE’s Forest Health Grant Program would support the implementation of approximately 1,450 acres of commercial thinning as well as mechanical and manual fuels reduction treatments. This funding is critical for bridging the gap between total funds needed to execute the project at the required pace and scale to address urgent forest health issues and serve as a match to the federal funds already allocated for forest health and resilience treatments. If awarded, this grant will build upon ongoing investments by the Tahoe National Forest in forest restoration, community protection, and watershed resilience on the Sierraville District. Supervisor Sharon Dryden called it a beautiful project. She suggested Sierraville Firewise to send a letter of support as well.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is planning to submit a grant proposal for additional forest restoration work at Independence Lake Preserve in Sierra County. The letter states in part: The Independence Lake Forest Resilience Project will advance wholistic forest restoration supported by large-scale partnerships in the Truckee River watershed by implementing ecologically thinning and prescribed fire at TNC’s Independence Lake Preserve. The 2,300-acre nature preserve includes one of the most pristine lakes west of the Rockies and is home to the endangered fish (Lahontan cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi). The work proposed is a combination of commercial thinning, precommercial thinning and prescribed fire and if successful, work would begin in 2026 and conclude in 2029.
SIERRA PLUMAS JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT Sean Snider reported during the joint meeting with Sierra County Office of Education on January 14th on the Middle School which been a topic of a lot of conversation. They were looking at bringing in more portables and how they would be configured, but the likelihood it would be ready by August was not realistic so they are now looking at existing buildings with the goal to have the Middle School open by August. Snider stated it was going to be a lot of work, but are committed to make it happen. He said it makes financial sense as it would generate revenue and knows the community wants it. Board President Kelly Champion said it would be a big push but they have a lot of support.
Snider also reported on transportation and are expecting the bus purchased during a special meeting in December to be here by the end of January. The Board had another special meeting earlier on this date and approved purchase of an 83-passenger bus to be added to the fleet. Snider stated once they have four drivers and reliable buses they could pursue looking into picking up walking students to improve attendance.