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Meeting Minutes
April 3, 2012
March 6, 2012 LVEDA Minutes Meeting called to order: 5:00 PM Attendance taken. Pledge of Allegiance led by Jerry Byars Minutes approved: Moved: Ernie Gommel, second David Rader Treasurer's Report by David Rib: Collected $160.67 last meeting; Balance: $1587.30. Introductions Sheriff's Report, Sgt Anderson: Number of incidents is moving in the right direction and is declining. There is a $5000 reward being offered for capture of severely abused dog found near Omya. Possibly involved in training dogs to fight. Anderson will be overseeing Sheriff's Rural Crimes Task Force covering things like metal theft, animal crimes or theft, and more. Other newer types of theft: used cooking oil behind restaurants, electric breaker boxes. Confiscated numerous weapons from two people from Orange County who came to the Fisher Ranch and vandalized and shot up that property. MWA report by Jim Ventura: We are now in Division 2, from 1450 sq mi to 3650 sq mi. Regular board meeting March 8 cancelled due to light agenda. Next one March 22. Go to website for lots of information. Presentation by SCE on proposed transmission lines, run by Nancy Jackson. This is to provide more specific information than the general presentation last fall. Need public comments. SCE.com/southofkramer website will be kept up to date. Kevin Richardson: purpose to discuss where the lines will be and get public response. Gave an overview refresher. Need to drastically increase transmission capacity to meet increased power production invading the desert. Hamid Arshari, Project Mgr for South of Kramer presented time line. Starts 2011 thru 2015 for final approvals, and 2018 to be in service. Lots of public outreach thru community briefings and workshops Feedback: don't use Hwy 247 due to its beauty; use existing corridors as much as possible; minimize impact overall. Ann McCaulay: project corridors from Coolwater (Daggett) to Jasper (new, in Lucerne Valley), to Desert View (new in Apple Valley), to Lugo, main distribution station in Hesperia. Alt. A Possible use of existing LADWP corridor for a section coming out of Coolwater; would try to avoid Hwy 247 getting to Jasper. From Jasper to Desert View Substation using existing corridor. From Desert View to Lugo would replace two smaller lines with one much bigger line Alt B. would go west out of Coolwater, transverse OHV area, then duplicate Alt. A to Jasper and then to Desert View. Would need new right of way for a short section from Desert View to existing right of way the ends up in Lugo. Alt. C: Follows Camp Rock Rd. to get to Jasper and use some existing right of way. From Jasper, could use either of prior options. Substation: Need to plan it but not ready to build it. Questions & comments: 1. Need to stick with existing corridors. 2. Re Camp Rock route: critical environmental concern -- has SCE considered major mitigation that may be required? Mitigation can remove land from tax rolls and from public use at a ratio of 5:1. 3. Do these use the Lucerne Valley Cutoff road? Yes. Need to have a topo map on 15 1/2 quad so we can provide better input. 4. There will be topo maps on the website for people to study. 5. Conceivable to convert to DC and go underground? Not practical. Need a converter station. Presentation by Cliff Earp (and Jimmie) on his family relationship to Wyatt Earp, and other general issues about Apple Valley and the High Desert Comments on the economy, advice for Lucerne Valley, the dire state of the political environment in California. Lucerne Valley is on the right track with the excellent involvement of a number of residents. Announcements: Dave Rib: Mitsubishi has application in to BLM and Forestry for mine expansion. Now at the point of public scoping meetings, scheduled March 13, 7-9PM, at the Community Center. ABOP March 17, 9AM-12, behind the fire station. Town Cleanup April 14, including tires MAC meeting on 3/27, 5PM, new supervisor of code enforcement. Chuck announced the dilemma of the situation of LVEDA's 501 C3 and loss of non-profit status with IRS, costing $400 and much effort to reinstate. Next meeting : Presentation of Rivers of Gold by MWA, about the lore of secret underground rivers, etc. Meeting adjourned 7PM Linda Gommel, Sec.
February 7, 2012 LVEDA Minutes Meeting called to order: 5:05 PM Attendance taken. Pledge of Allegiance led by Supervisor Neil Derry Minutes approved: Moved: Selby; Second Gommel Treasurer's Report by David Rib: Collected $78 last meeting; Balance: $1426.63 Introductions Sheriff's Report, Sgt Anderson: (given by Detective Jeff Poll(?)) Nothing major but a couple of incidents. Gommel added a report of the break-in of the store on Saturday 2AM. MWA report by Jim Ventura: MWA meetings are available online. "ABC's of Water" in March. Redistricting still not settled but lines are fairly solid. Our district will become larger geographically in order to evenly divide populations across districts. Chuck requested a report next time on Minimal Producer program and the study going on, before the next MWA Board meeting. School report by Jim Harvey: More board meetings at school campuses and maybe one in Johnson Valley. Good news: audit for last year showed $400,000 surplus. Bad News: because of State budget cuts, they will have to cut $250,000 out of budget. Third District news: Neil Derry introduced himself to the group. Plans in the works to add automatic doors to the Senior Center. He sings, Sinatra mostly, and is available to perform for organizations. Jim Harvey on High Desert Corridor meeting last week: Lots of opposition to the Corridor. Criticism about how much money they are spending on this preliminary study: $30 million, from a grant to the City of Victorville. Harvey spoke on behalf of east communities of LV and JV and requested our communities include us in the environmental impact studies. They are looking for green energy projects to help support the funding and use of the highway. The point was made that we will litigate if we are not included in the studies, etc. Tony Malone presentation on homegrown energy. Some facts about the costs of different types of energy sources, and choices we can make to reduce energy consumption. To minimize heat from the sun Roof coatings Dual pane windows that can bump up R13 house insolution to R16 To minimize use of water Landscaping and how to place trees Drip irrigation Toilets and showerheads and their use of water Pump for the well and a storage tank to increase efficiency. SCE has "time of use" meters, so schedule filling water tank and low usage time. Booster pump Solar heating: use a greenhouse to keep the house warm in winter and cool in summer. Use of Trombe wall for heating and cooling -- cools in summer and heats in winter. Geothermal -- run a water pipe through the ground which cools the water. The ground in LV is 65 degrees below 5 ft. Solar thermal hot water heating. Drainback system. Water collects energy from sun -- 110 gallons of water stored at 145°; pump it up where sun heats it, and it drains back at night without losing energy. Use a flash heater for the times when not enough sun to heat the water. Drainback tanks cost around $1000. Battery backup. 3 basic systems were explained, and especially Tony's setup at his house Photovoltaic solar panels--Tony's set up shown. Desert Solar Energy Solutions talked about how they can implement what Tony showed in his presentation. Gridnot gave a short pitch. Explained nickel iron batteries and why they are an advantage to a home solar installation From questions asked: $14,500 tied up in the system. Some discussion of what compromises in life style must be made when totally off the grid. Suggestion that you stay on the grid for some of the conveniences most people won't give up, e.g. dishwasher, dryer, power tool chargers. Smart meters -- how do they work in this environment? They will allow utilities to charge "time of use", even though they promise it won't come for a long time. Neil Derry summarized his set up and recommended we do simple things like windows and insulation, do an energy audit, and then do what makes sense and lowers utility bill, but stay on the grid. Issues involving major solar events or EMP attack by terrorist enemies. Announcements Diane Holland: Chamber Auction March 4; Swap Meet at Lucerne Valley Mkt & Hardware May 5; Jan Morosco: blood drive at the bank Feb. 29; Dave Rib: a little progress on Mitsubishi mine expansion. Scoping meeting March 13 at the Library. Will be announced in the Leader. Senior Citizen yard sale Feb. 23, 24, 25 Jim Harvey on fire tax: January 23 legislature approved the fire tax, so look forward to the bills in the mail. 70% of those affected are expected to object, join lawsuit, and/or demand to be excluded from the area. Neil Derry reminded us to join class action lawsuit on Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association. Keep copies of the tax bill. Must pay the bill. Chuck says the Farm Bureau recommends that you write "Paid under protest" on the bill and on the check. Bill Lembright on burning permits in CalFire: he has taken out two permits and hasn't been able to burn yet. May issue permits after rain tonight, if it happens Anyone interested in running for Honorary Mayor, contact CofC office and enter your name. Next meeting: March 6, 5PM, Senior Center Meeting adjourned 7PM
January 3, 2012 LVEDA Minutes Meeting called to order: 5:05PM Attendance taken Pledge of Allegiance Minutes approved: Moved Ernie Gommel, second Richard Selby Treasurer's Report: Last week's collection $97; current balance $1348.63 Introductions Sheriff's Report by Detective Bill Badger of our local substation, subbing for Sgt. Anderson. Reviewed stats from LV substation and some specific cases – 459 calls – 12 arrests. Reducing overtime to stay within budget. MWA: Jim Ventura’s short report: no meetings to report. Jan. 20 will resume regular schedule. Jan. 12 meeting to approve redistricting. Map same as shown at last meeting. District 2 will have population of about 64,000. Tues., Jan 24, 5:30PM, next ABC's of Water session. Since Dec., over 41,000 acre feet of water delivered. School report: Jim Harvey, Board member, reported that in December they retained the same officers – minor board reorganization. Tom Courtney still president, Julia Bell Vice President. Special meeting Dec.15 to review financials. Will have enough cash on hand for this year and next, but the year after will be of concern. Special meeting on January 11, but no meetings on 1/4 or 1/18. Jim Harvey also reported that Betty Munson was absent because SB County delivered another surprise for their community center upgrade: they must have a permit for their new well and pay fees as if they were selling water. They have up to one year to make these changes. County inspector is holding them to the State standards. Kris Reilly of The Leader expressed his appreciation of the prayers for the health of his father, whom he visited while on an extended leave. Discussion of wind/solar projects led by Jim Harvey: Clarification of AB 811: not a subsidy and not from taxpayer money. It allows homeowners to receive loans to cover upfront costs of energy efficiency upgrades. Gives local governments permission to issue loans via bonds that are tied to the property and paid for on the property tax statement. Feed-in tariff: done in Germany, where private parties generate electricity and get paid for excess that they generate; tends to raise rates for other customers. Jim believes that we should do a renewable energy credit, which pays the private party the same as they would pay some other green power generator, which doesn't raise the cost of power to the general population. Kershberg described a system used more in CA that potentially brings electricity bill to zero, but doesn't pay cash, as in Germany. Harvey: we live under many mandates that may force penalties on utilities that don't meet the minimum green energy requirements. Gommel: so much of the driving force rooted in the hoax of global warming, putting lots of money and power in the hands of a few elites. Can we get reimbursed if we produce more than we use and return it into the grid? Here we can make the meter turn backwards and get credit for our overage. In Germany they get paid and so they cover their rooftops with solar panels, and power companies count that power as part of their green portfolio. Here they are not allowed to do that. No one cooperates with that type of vision. Grid parity: Produce enough energy to zero out power bill, and pay a small amount on property tax bill that is less than former power bill. Things they have done to obstruct progress: State Assembly squashed proposals for feed-in tariffs. Renewable energy paybacks in CA are a joke. Alan Rasmussen: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have sued to stop the AB811 loans on property taxes so that investors don't have to take a second position on mortgages, and so they are holding things up. Harvey: in Germany they are producing 10000 megawatts of electricity from rooftops, without scraping the landscape or installing unsightly transmission lines. We still use a centralized model -- power generation from one central location, distributed on transmission lines. (Note: an experiment at MIT with a house that converts daytime solar energy into hydrogen for nighttime power.) Solar incentives now in CA are surcharged against everyone's power bill, and then offer incentives to lower the bill. Adam Eventov of First Solar responded to the discussion. AB811 may work well in some government entities, but limited in scope and cannot fund all demand. Must reduce carbon footprint to 1990 standards. Feed-in tariffs failed in Czechoslovakia and Spain (?), even though successful in Germany. Difference between feed-in tariffs and renewable energy projects: Renewables compete to sell power to utilities; feed-in tariffs raise cost of electricity. Questions about AB811: what happens if home goes into foreclosure? If city or county that does AB811 isn't too strong financially, they may not be able to sell the bonds to cover the loans. Harvey: programs were wildly successful before Fannie and Freddie lawsuit. Made homes much more re-sellable. Much discussion about merits of large scale solar projects, e.g.at Ivanpah in the East Mojave, esp. between Adam and Jim: how much acreage used, scraped or not, potential for energy storage, comparison with rooftop. Solar industry opinion is that rooftop installations are not enough. Cal Fire $150 fee and burn permit process: Neil Derry's chief of staff says they are working on it. Litigation pending from County - Jarvis Foundation – Farm Bureau – etc. as soon as one fee hits a property tax bill. Any hope for moving SRA boundary farther south toward the mountains? Not very likely. We need to force the issue to get the boundary changed, but we need the County to help and sponsor the effort. Cal Fire and other bureaucracies beginning to understand that the implementation will be difficult and the whole thing is a mess, so likely there will be some relief. Marine Base expansion -- nothing new to report. Hoping recent statements by Marine Corps command will make their case weaker. Keep expectations low. SANBAG meeting report: Kershberg requested that LVEDA assign someone to track transportation issues. He can no longer do it. Chuck’s input at a recent Sanbag meeting: No LV roads on schedule for Measure I funds for next 10 years. Also the issue of the High Desert Corridor will have to be dealt with – LVEDA/HVCC working on getting Hwys. 18 and 247 integrated into the planning and financing. AV section may never get built – but still part of the “project” and need to address it for future legal standing. Next meeting devoted to home solar, with Tony Malone. Meeting adjourned 7PM
December 6, 2011 LVEDA Minutes (Linda) Meeting called to order: 5:07PM Attendance taken Pledge of Allegiance Minutes approved: Richard Selby motion, Chuck Rader 2nd, approved Treasurer's Report: $1251.63 balance Last week's collection $120.00 Introductions Sheriff's Report by Sgt. Anderson: Calls increasing by a small amount. (502 calls – 64 cases). Reported on request for investigation at Old Woman Springs Ranch burglary. Recovered a small amount of property taken from the Ranch. Some arrests made at Smoke Shop in town. Look for details in Leader. Chuck Bell asked for a breakdown of types of crimes. Some limited information available. Ernie Gommel reported on LV Leader being shepherded by Doug Saunders. Saunders wants to improve the Leader, especially by getting more letters to the editor. He promises to print them. MWA: Jim Ventura's short report: meetings being moved back due to holidays so watch the website for dates and times. Thursday, 12\8, Board of Directors meeting about the redistricting pending. Jim's new district (Division 2) will include 3000 sq. miles. Come to Thursday meeting to offer your input on the subject. MWA is tracking all of the renewable energy projects, esp. as regard to their use of water. School report: Suzette Davis, Superintendent. Small drop in enrollment. Staff holiday party with contributions from local businesses for prizes. Board meeting on Wednesday, 12/7. First meeting of the month features student reports. Elementary, middle, high school, and FFA reports. Some of the great things that are happening. School district getting more coverage in the Leader, with effort by principals and board members. OMYA presentation by Peter Sutherland. Also present: Doug Riddell, quarry manager, and Christine Granquist, Environmental Manager. Producer of fine ground calcium carbonate, consistency of flour. Swiss based - approx 100 plants in 50 countries. Operating in LV since 1976. 63 employees. Produce goes into paint/PVC pipe/plastics/adhesives/grout/etc. Sales volume significantly below levels of a few years ago – still profitable and stable – but no real improvement pending. How Omya is a valuable member of community: Provides jobs. Supports community causes, like St.Paul's church, athletic teams, Boy Scouts Values: Modesty, courtesy, integrity, perseverance Upcoming project: expansion of Sentinel/Butterfield 3 Quarry Area 50 acres, from 132 to 182 acres for 40 year lifetime – no increased production or truck traffic – not visible from LV since over crest of mountain. Needs public support of the project--meetings, comments to bureaucrats, etc. Contacts: Peter Sutherland 760-2485233, Christine Granquist 760-248-5223 Questions and answers. Chuck asked for County and Forest Service contact information for a LVEDA letter. Questions re: access to public lands through/around White Knob quarry road. It is gated with “exclusive use” authority. Gas line rd. is a crossing. Contact Doug. Re: other access requirements. Millie provided history of claims – Sentinel’s switchback quarry road built in 1955 – steepest in US with a 21% grade. Updates on SCE transmission line projects: written up in new LV Leader. No further info. needed. Cherry Good of Save Our Desert Potluck for SOD at Cherry Good's house, Sunday, 12/11/11. Will do an update on SOD projects. Raising funds from local donors, e.g. Board of Realtors, Wildlands Conservancy. In second phase of application for 501C3 so donations will be tax deductible. Using professors and graduate students to assist with archaeological and biological issues Third District news: Allan Rasmussen absent due to conflict of schedules Alliance for Education -- Jim Harvey Jim and Chuck attended conf. at VVC two weeks ago. Performance of students in trade and vocational skills not good Purpose to bring out how businesses need a prepared workforce but cannot find it. Students not being prepared. Science, technology, math, engineering not being covered well. Some things discussed: How to get students to value education in science and technology Get local businesses involved, showing students first-hand how businesses work Suzette Davis comments how Science Camp, supported by Mitsubishi, has dramatically improved student scores in science. Chuck Bell -- how can we use the furlough days to educate the kids about real stuff instead of letting them aimlessly vegetate at home. Use the time for local business people, law enforcement and fire, military, etc., to come in and show the kids what is needed to become productive citizens Western Governors' Conference in Yucca Valley this week, per Cherry Good. Subject is how to attract youth to the western states Cal Fire burn permits for properties south of Hwys 18/247--now strictly through Cal Fire, not the County One burn use permit, and an inspector must inspect site with each burn $150 fee per habitable dwelling on property tax bill Various organizations will fight it, and lawsuits filed. They need an actual property tax bill with the fee on it. Pay it under protest. Pay with separate check. May help fight the issue. Bill Lembright reported on the run around he encountered when trying to follow up with Cal Fire. Richard Selby moved we write a letter summarizing this discussion, seconded by Sharon Henderson. Motion approved. Announcements Jim Harvey: Dec. 17, HVCC Christmas party/toy drive. $5 for tickets. Bring a toy of about $10 value, unwrapped, up to teen age. Neil Derry will attend. Also, HVCC meeting will be in Johnson Valley on December 19th. Lorraine Abercrombie: Friday night, 12/9, 5PM, Roadrunners/Seniors/Chamber Christmas party at Senior Center Next meeting will talk about subsidies of utility-scale renewables. February devoted to home solar, with Tony Malone. LVEDA Board elections by Richard Selby: One vacancy on board needs to be filled. Chuck Rader, Chuck Bell, Richard Selby will stay on Board. Suggest someone from Johnson Valley fill the vacancy, but they are too busy. David Rader volunteers to fill the vacancy. Motion by Millie Rader, seconded by Adam. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned 7:05.
LVEDA MINUTES Nov. 1, 2011 Senior Center Lucerne Valley, Ca. Meeting called to order by Chair. Chuck Bell at 5:07 P. M. Flag salute let by Kris Reilly Approval of Minutes: Motioned by Ernie Gommel, 2nd by Richard Selby. Approved Treasurers Report: Davie Rib reported balance of $1,231.63. Last months hat was $93. Introductions: Chief of Staff for 3rd District Supervisor Neil Derry (George Watson) & Field Rep. (Alan Rasmussen) were introduced – made short presentations - then audience intros around the room. Kris Reilly introduced Doug Saunders as his temporary replacement for the Leader while he is visiting his ill father. Sheriffs Report: Sgt. Anderson - Deputy New has been promoted out of the area. Things have changed by a very small % since last report. There was a house fire set by a juvenile. Mentioned SARB program – keep kids in school. MWA: Jim Ventura – Nov. is a short month for meetings. School Report: Jim Harvey introduced Superintendent Suzette Davis. We need to keep schools strong. Huge drop in enrollment since 2008. One cause could be lack of programs. A few going to charter schools – some moved to Victor Valley communities (or parents working there and taking kids to nearby schools?) but few inter-district transfers have been signed – some moved out of the area – ramifications of poor economy. Power point presentation by Mitsubishi Cement Corp. on its quarry expansion project (recent applications to County and USFS) - given by Plant Manager Jim Russell, Environmental Manager Dave Rib & Mine Manager Austin Marshall. To only extend limestone source – no increase in plant capacity or truck traffic. Bright Source’s proposed solar project in Johnson Valley – Cherry Good summarized the proposal. B. S. rep. Charley Turliaski said they are looking for potential sites – this one approx. 2,000 acres – solar thermal/not wind - early stage filing to see if site is viable. Solar “thermal” (over 50 MW) requires the Calif. Energy Commission to be lead agency. Cherry Good-Save Our Desert - working to prevent wind project at Pipes Canyon. Fundraiser Dec. 3rd at Pappy & Harriets in Pioneertown. LVEDA’s resolution approved – signed copy submitted to Cherry. County Permit process- Code Enforcement - Weed Abatement, etc.: Should we talk to County Fire about weed abatement along commercial corridor for both fire prevention and better appearance? Bill Lembright motioned yes - passed. Nominations for LVEDA board members: Up for re-election are Chuck Bell seat 1, Richard Selby seat 4, Chuck Rader seat 3, and vacant seat 2. Floor nominations for Betty Munson & Jim Harvey (both to deliberate before accepting). Jean (5) – Ernie (6) and Dave (7) are up next year. Announcements: Lou Kershberg talked about increasing TDS in our groundwater. 11/14 SCE meeting re: transmission lines at Com. Center. Ernie discussed Market staff’s work – other volunteers, etc. re: successful Haloween “Tailgate” sponsored by Roadrunners. Approved $100??? donation to Chamber for the Strawberry Hill Christmas Tree Project organized by George Yablonsky. Meeting adjourned at 7:07 P.M. Jean Magee, Secretary
LVEDA minutes Meeting called to order by Chairman Chuck Bell at 5:08. 10/4/2011 Motion to approve minutes by Ernie Gommel, 2nd by Chuck Bell passed Treasurers Report-$1, 138.63 Introductions around the room Troy Van Bavel FFA advisor at L. V. High School reported on the upcoming Drive & Ride fundraiser by Victorville Motors at L.V. market on Saturday Oct. 8th. Sheriff Report: Sgt. Anderson State transition means jails stand to get a large influx of of prisoners. Most locals will be back in circulation. MWA: Jim Ventura, Still receiving lots of water. Need more recharge facilities. School Report: Jim Harvey gave district report on daily attendance, not good. Losing approx. 100 students per year. Most going out of the district. Presentation by Tony Malone on the History Of Electricity. Very good. Meeting adjourned at 7: 09
MINUTES LUCERNE VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (LVEDA) TUES. – SEPT. 6, 2011 – 5PM – SENIOR CENTER CALL TO ORDER: 5:05PM FLAG SALUTE: Lorraine A. APPROVE 8/2/11 MINUTES: TREAS. REPORT: $1775.63 Bal. INTRODUCTIONS: SHERIFF REPORT: Introduced Sgt. Anderson – replacing Sgt. Harbottle. Provided his background assignments. Was here during Sgt. Bechtel’s tenure. @57 sex offenders in LV – some in old motels – question: are they licensed as “social care” facilities under County or State regs.? MWA REPORT: Jim Ventura: New MWA bldg. (much cheaper to build during recession) – “ABC’s of Water” to discuss careers in water industry (notice given to High School) – “Cash for Grass” starts again Oct. 1. SCHOOL REPORT: Jim Harvey: Grades up some - 1st. day of school went fine – will try to re-work bus schedules with parent help w/o any extra costs – consider road crossings – maybe try a Bd. meeting in town instead of Dist. office to get more participation. PRESENTATION – DISCUSSION - ACTION: Presentation by Cherry Good from "Save our Desert" (and) general discussion re: Pipes Canyon wind testing - potential for transmission lines through LV - latest info. on utility-scale "wind" issues and impacts (summarizing recent reports and articles). BLM granted approval for wind testing on Black Lava Butte and Flat Top Mesa to Element Power – division of Goldman Sachs. Did “marginal env. review” and no public notice. A wind project would conflict with potential Hwy 247 designation as “historical/scenic” route – cultural resources – bats and raptors – military radar - requires blasting – new roads – night lighting – potential for fires – effect on property values (verified by statistics) - etc. No analysis of transmission potential – no substation or lines currently in place. Helicopter delivery of 2 meteorological towers – 4 approved. Permit expires 9/13 during which Element has to file for a project. SOD formed 7 weeks ago (www.saveourdesert.com). Getting media coverage. Applying for an ACEC (Area of Env. Concern) for both buttes based on cultural, etc. resources. Need “BLM criteria for screening wind projects”. BLM under Dept. of Interior order to “fast track” such projects. Alternatives are roof tops, parking lots, private land – local generation. Trans. requirements could generate another Green Path North type line(s) along north slope – including LV. “Wind” is touted to cut CO2 emissions by 1.8% in 2012 – but countered by manufacture of fiberglass, etc. which generates CO2. Discussed health effects of turbines on local residents – “wind turbine syndrome”, etc. Fast tracking and subsidies dilute net efficiency – “wind” gets a premium rate – subsidized by taxpayers. Endorse the County's "No More Wilderness" letter to BLM? Approved. Latest info. re: which Supervisor District we will be in. Richard led general discussion – looks like LV will be in the Third Dist. (Derry). General consensus could be a net benefit. Report on LAFCO's possible action to include BBARWA's (wastewater/farm) parcels in CSA 53. Pretty much a non-issue since BBARWA is exempt from property taxes – thus no net revenue loss to CSA 29. General updates, status of Hwy 247 "scenic/historical" designation - etc. General discussion.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Oct. and future meetings: Presentations/discussions re: pros/cons of renewable energy – Tony Malone set for Oct. meeting - BLM’s wind siting criteria/study etc. C. Bell for J. Magee
MINUTES LUCERNE VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (LVEDA) TUES. – AUGUST 2, 2011 – 5PM – SENIOR CENTER (Note: Jean’s minutes got lost in cyberspace – so following are Chuck’s meeting notes – and from what little memory remains) CALL TO ORDER: 5:05PM FLAG SALUTE: Jim Russell APPROVE 6/7/11 MINUTES: Approved TREAS. REPORT: $1757.63 bal. Last hat: $102.46 (Thank You All). INTRODUCTIONS: Around the room. Jean presented Jim Russell a plaque in appreciation for contribution to the Chamber’s 4th of July Parade – and Chuck for setting up closed route barricades. SHERIFF REPORT: Sgt. Harbottle (being transferred – thanked for his time in Lucerne Valley and his responsiveness and good work). Update on burglaries. Will introduce Sgt. Anderson next month. MWA REPORT: Jim Ventura: Next ABC’s of Water will present opportunities for careers relating to water. (Jim H and other School Bd. members to get word out to High School). Update on Minimal Producer’s Program. SCHOOL REPORT: Jim Harvey said ADA (pupil numbers) down a bit. Bussing routes to be reduced – K-12 students on bus together – etc. due to budget constraints. New admin. doing good job and working hard to get ready for new school year. GENERAL DISCUSSION/ACTION: Presentation by First Dist. rep. Robert Eland re: County Supervisorial redistricting (if a decision has been or about to be made for Lucerne Valley). Robert called – not attending since no final decision has been made. Per call – about 99% certain that Barstow will be within the Third Dist. – likely that LV will be also due to need to adjust boundaries to equalize population within each District – plus community comments that we have land-use, etc. issues in common with Big Bear and neighbors to our east. Next County meeting and possible vote will be Aug. 9. State fire tax - $150/residence - for everyone south of Hwy's 18 and 247 – (opposed and requested boundary change). Dan Shuler (LV resident and ex. County Fire Chief) said it is an unfair tax – takes fire fighting $ from Cal Fire to be used for “prevention” – likely get lost in the state’s general fund - a net loss of “fire” revenue – we are already taxed for fire services (via CSA 29) – that County Fire is the first responder to structure fires and that’s where more budget is needed. Chuck talked to County Fire’s Peter Brierty who said the County was working on a position. Aside from this “tax” issue – we have proposed moving the SRA (State Responsibility Area) boundary further south where our typical valley desert vegetation transitions into the more fire-prone stuff (which would likely be the BLM/USFS boundary – thus maybe excluding private lands south of Hwy’s 18 and 247?). Report on Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan - effect on LV - LVEDA’S proposed comments. LVEDA’s following comments approved (and sent): “Protect the lifestyle and land-use integrity of communities that strive to remain “rural” – don’t interfere with a county’s land-use authority. It’s the rural areas that provide the food, fiber and minerals critical to maintain the urban environments SCAG should be focused on. Include a program for funding roads in Lucerne Valley, etc.- heavily used for local cement and limestone (and regional goods) hauling – that receive no S. B. County Measure I funding from sales tax which isn’t locally generated until these wholesaled, raw commodities are turned into final products that generate sales tax elsewhere”. Proposed Pioneertown wind testing/development project. Jim/Betty etc. described Element Energy’s wind testing project on buttes in Pipes Canyon/just south of 247. “Save Our Desert” (SOD) was recently organized in response. General discussion re: a possible wind farm on the buttes which would require a separate and future application to BLM – where would the power go? – no existing transmission lines or substations to accommodate it – are we facing another “Green Path North” situation? – etc. Fundraiser in Pioneertown – Aug. 6 at 2 PM. Some LVEDA bd. members planning to attend. LVEDA authorized a $100 contribution to SOD – remembering how the Calif. Desert Coalition fought GPN on our behalf and that we all have these public land issues in common. Help determine LVEDA's focus. Needs more input – but our current focus remains the County permitting process, County’s water hauling policy, roads, etc. ANNOUNCEMENTS: (Meridian Rd. paving – grindings to P. O. Rd.). Etc. Next MAC – Presentation by County Tax Assessor rep. Ray Clark recognized (long-term military, LV resident, and “Good Neighbors” volunteer) Future meeting(s): Need presentations/discussions re: pros/cons of solar and wind – where best to put it – maybe a rep. from the State Energy Commission – UCR – CAL-ISO re: how the elec. grid operates with these variable generators – wind/solar associations - etc. Adjourned 7PM.
LVEDA Meeting called to order by Chairman Chuck Bell at 5:08 P.M. Flag Salute led by Jody Collingham Approval of minutes of May 3, 2011: Ernie Gommel moved to approve with amendment to say “minutes”, 2nd by Richard Selby. Approved Treasurers Report by David Rib: $1,705.17 balance. $50 Chamber membership. Introductions around the room Sheriffs’ Report: Sgt. Harbottle, nothing new, slight decline in burglaries, some copper wire thefts. Bad traffic/OHV accident month. Mojave Water: Jim Ventura-Still 80% state water allocation. Working on budget, not easy. Moving to new location on June 23rd. School Report: none Update on Granite Wind project: Jim Devin, project manager gave slide presentation. To connect to SCE’s proposed/pending Jasper Substation west of Barstow Rd. (if approved by CPUC). Will probably start const. in 2013 if BLM approves the ROD and County the CUP. Should be local jobs during and 16 permanent jobs after construction. Powered up in spring of 2014. No fencing except for local substation. Cost around 130M. Generate 500k in property tax. Been held up due to eagle studies. “No foraging on top of mountain – so little problem” – (but locals have witnessed soaring over total region). “FWS seems more comfortable” since will need to document and mitigate – do adaptive management – “what if find more birds – how mitigate” – etc. Will haul water for construction, batch plant, dust control for neighbors on Spinel. Discussion – and pending issues: Need to find a way to get the sales tax generated in SB County – and equivalent of Measure I road revenue to LV. Determine least conflicting construction traffic routes. FAA lighting requirements a major concern – every ˝ mile – best if solid or flashing? (likely solid) – red probably less intrusive. Use “opportunity” to teach HS kids construction, etc. Lot of dynamiting to flatten the ridge tops. Reiteration that project is generally not supported by community. Redistricting: Will Lucerne Valley be affected? County meetings and maps pending. LVEDA take a position or not? Reiterated LVEDA’s and MAC’s solar/wind siting criteria. Richard gave status of SCE undergrounding project – simply an easement change from “over” to “under” – but a few of us will have to help SCE get signatures from commercial property owners. Meeting with SCE and Special Districts pending. Various announcements. No meeting in July. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 P. M. Jean Magee, Secretary |
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