SPECIAL EVENTS were discussed at the Special Board of Supervisors’ meeting held through teleconferencing April 16th. Planning Director Tim Beals had already received word that a lot of cancellations have occurred, including the Brewfest in Downieville. He wanted to make sure there was Board support for special use permits, and felt they needed to be consistent through out the county. Supervisor Sharon Dryden said until they have further guidelines that all permits should be suspended until further notice, adding that Graeagle’s 4th of July was cancelled as well as Burning Man. She felt anything throughout the summer was not advisable. Supervisor Paul Roen wanted to be consistent with the Governor’s order. Supervisor Lee Adams suggested the permit be issued on the condition that the Governor’s order is amended or lifted. Beals stated any application before June 1 will not be issued and any permit for after June 1 could be revoked if the order is beyond June 1st. This topic will be agendized for the first meeting in June to reevaluate and up until June 2nd permits will not be issued.
Greg Carter, Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship Board President wanted to provide a little context regarding the Downieville Classic held the last weekend in July. He stated they take the public’s health as their absolute priority, but needed to have a decision before June 1st and wanted to know if there was a feeling or a trend on whether they want 3,000 people in Downieville. Adams responded that It’s a decision they will have to make and it will be a big impact to the community, but didn’t think they were well positioned to say yes or no. Dryden stated she thinks in practicality and if Sierra County will be able to handle 3,000 this summer. She realized it’s difficult to cancel events like this, but felt if she were making the decision she would hold off this year. Supervisor Peter Huebner said the businesses depend on events like this, adding the “decision is not ours, it is the Governor’s.” Social Services and Public Health Director Vickie Clark wanted everyone to know that Public Health Officer Celia Sutton-Pado is listening daily on the public health crisis and things may be carried out much longer. She warned that what may work for bigger communities may not work for us. Sutton-Pado added that even though the Governor is looking at relaxing some of the measures, she’s sure big events wouldn’t be included with mass gatherings.
Greg Carter, Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship Board President wanted to provide a little context regarding the Downieville Classic held the last weekend in July. He stated they take the public’s health as their absolute priority, but needed to have a decision before June 1st and wanted to know if there was a feeling or a trend on whether they want 3,000 people in Downieville. Adams responded that It’s a decision they will have to make and it will be a big impact to the community, but didn’t think they were well positioned to say yes or no. Dryden stated she thinks in practicality and if Sierra County will be able to handle 3,000 this summer. She realized it’s difficult to cancel events like this, but felt if she were making the decision she would hold off this year. Supervisor Peter Huebner said the businesses depend on events like this, adding the “decision is not ours, it is the Governor’s.” Social Services and Public Health Director Vickie Clark wanted everyone to know that Public Health Officer Celia Sutton-Pado is listening daily on the public health crisis and things may be carried out much longer. She warned that what may work for bigger communities may not work for us. Sutton-Pado added that even though the Governor is looking at relaxing some of the measures, she’s sure big events wouldn’t be included with mass gatherings.
