Footnotes from North County August 2008

– by Lyle Turpin, Mariposa County Supervisor District 2.

Wow!  What a month!

On Friday, July 25^th, the Board of Supervisors convened at 9:00AM.  The only item on the agenda was the County Administrative Officer’s report to the Board in open session with results of the countywide mail-in fire assessment election.  This election was for voters to vote “yes” or “no” to finance eleven new fire engines, four new water tenders and future fire house upgrades and new stations.  The mail-in assessment ballot was approved by 62%. The town of Mariposa did not vote because they have their own fire district.

Relying on the assessor’s tax roll, those property owners eligible received a ballot. The dwelling on those properties must have been valued at $10,000 or more.

After the election results, the Board approved the formation of County Service District Area #3.

County Fire and County Fleet Maintenance will be presenting the final specifications to the Board for approval.  Upon approval, bid requests will be sent out to all interested manufacturers.  The bid proposals will be evaluated.  There are many steps to this very important process.  Ideally, new equipment should arrive before next year’s fire season.

On Friday, July 25^th at 3:30PM, there was a report of a wildland fire on both sides of the Merced River approximately four miles upstream from Bagby.  Many of you have attended many briefings by CAL FIRE.  I will not go into all the details because to do that would take a 3” novel. 

The summary of acres burned was 34,000 acres.  There were no lives lost and no major injuries.   30 homes and 100 outbuildings were lost and all those lost were in South County.  Major power lines were down.  Many people and livestock were evacuated and many more were put on pre-alert status to be ready to evacuate when notified.  CAL FIRE, Mariposa County Sheriff’s Department, County Fire and so many others did an excellent job.

The loss of one’s home is devastating.  All of Mariposa County residents are touched by someone’s home being lost.  There have been many prayers for those that had losses and they need support from everyone as they rebuild their lives.

Through this ordeal, the one thing that became so obvious to me was that only about 5% of those evacuated spent time in Red Cross Evacuation Centers.  Most went to family and friends.  Thank you, community, for your caring and hospitality to everyone in need.

Office:      1-800-736-1252 or 966-3222

Home:      878-3308

E-mail:          lturpin@mariposacounty.org.

Footnotes from North County  June 2008

– by Lyle Turpin, Mariposa County Supervisor District 2.

The Mariposa County Volunteer Fire Department and County Supervisor Lyle Turpin ask your support for the upcoming 218 election which will establish the funding source for the proposed lease- purchase of 11 New Fire engines and 4 Water Tenders, within District II there are 4 Volunteer Fire Departments and each department will get a new Fire Engine.

Why do we need to do this now? Last year we budgeted over $200,000 to keep our ageing fire trucks and water tender fleet in operation.  County fleet maintenance has done an excellent job of keeping our old trucks on the road, but many specialty repairs must be sent out of county. Engine #24, Stationed in Don Pedro required major pump repairs to the tune of $36,000. The truck is only worth $3,500 to $4,000 on the auction market. We must stop this financial drain on our general fund, so I do ask that you gather information on this very important 218 election.

There are many more important reasons why we should consider this proposal.  Attend your local meetings and talk to your volunteer firefighters. This is a bold step the county is asking the home owners to take part in.

My insistence for the financial formula for the new fire engines and future fire station is that the county contributes $100,000 annually to this formula.

All mail-in ballots are due by July 22, 2008, the Board of Supervisors will open the public hearing at 2:00pm at the Board Chambers to receive any hand-carried ballots and receive all public comment. At that time the ballots will be counted this will take at leach 24 hours. Final results will be known at the time the Board reconvenes the public hearing.  The specific time will be determined and posted so the public can be present.

For further information please call County Administration (209)966-3222                                                          County Fire (209) 966-4330         

                                                          Lyle Turpin (209) 878-3308

Support your local community events and especially our local businesses, with the very high cost of gas and diesel stay close to home and take part in all local events. Have a safe summer season close to home.

          Office contact information is 1 (800) 736-1252.  E-mail address is lturpin@mariposacounty.org

Footnotes from North County - May 2008

– by Lyle Turpin, Mariposa County Supervisor District 2.

In this week’s mail every property owner received a bulletin from the California Department of Forestry with excellent information.  Within District II, CAL FIRE is responsible for wildland and County Fire is responsible for structures. Both agencies work very well together.

This very dry spring has brought fire season at least one month early.  Dawn Leitzell, with our local Fire Safe Council, has an abundance of information available. She can be reached at 878-0935. 

The majority of homeowners within North County continue to do an excellent job of establishing that defensible area around all their structures.  Many landowners have taken additional steps by having acreages shredded, an excellent practice which benefits everyone. Warm weather is here so take advantage of the early cool mornings.  Keep the lawnmowers and weedeaters going before the day starts to heat up.  

I had the opportunity on Friday, May 9^th, to take part in the Groundbreaking Celebration of the two additional temporary bridges crossing the Merced River on State Highway 140 adjacent to the Ferguson Rockslide.  By constructing two new bridges with no length restrictions, there will be a tremendous benefit from a safety standpoint, and also economic benefits to the taxpayer of California and, of course, all businesses on the Highway 140 corridor. 

The cost of transporting people by bus and delivering supplies to Yosemite Valley will be much reduced with access of Highway 140 being open to all vehicles.

CalTrans District 10 Director Kome Ajise has done an excellent job leading this project.  Thank you U.S. Congressman Radanovich, State Senator Cogdill, State Assemblyman Berryhill, State Assemblyman Villines and Will Kempton, Director of Transportation, for all your efforts in making this project happen.  Both U.S. Senator Feinstein and U.S. Senator Boxer are very supportive of this project.

Teichert Construction projections are to have this project open for traffic prior to the 4^th of July.

Addressing Mariposa County Don Pedro Transfer Station, in 1999, Mariposa County adopted a resolution that very clearly states only trash from Mariposa County will be accepted.  I have received many phone calls from Tuolumne County residents.  I assure you this situation is being reviewed thoroughly.  Very limited space remains in the Mariposa County Landfill before we will be at total capacity.

There are many parts to this puzzle.  We will strive to resolve the issue of accepting trash from Tuolumne County residents and strive to be good neighbors.

Be sure to vote June 3^rd.

Office:      1-800-736-1252 or 966-3222

Home:      878-3308

E-mail:          lturpin@mariposacounty.org.

Footnotes from North County April 2008

– by Lyle Turpin, Mariposa County Supervisor District 2.

The spring rainy season has passed us by so far.  It has made the weedeating much easier this spring around your yards.  The livestock industry survives on our spring growing season and the down side of a dry spring is the lack of forage.  It takes mild temperatures and spring rain to produce 50% or more of our annual forage production.  Lake McClure and Don Pedro will be at very low levels by the end of summer.

I attended a California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Natural Resources Meeting in Sacramento and the topic was water!  Specifically water coming into the Delta.  There are study groups that want more water committed to the Delta and do away with farm land adjacent to the Delta. 

My comment on this issue is the following:  The needs of the Delta must be directly related to the percentage of the water available.  In normal and above normal years, the Delta receives an allotment of water.  In below normal years, the Delta must be tied to water available. 

On April 1^st, the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors adopted an extended producer responsibility resolution.  As residents of Mariposa County, we must be more aware of the products we buy because we, the taxpayers, must pay for all the products that cannot be repaired and end up in our landfill.  Individually we can make a difference.  Many of the items that we buy come in a triple layer of plastic.  This plastic needs to be disposed of and eventually this item, if unable to be repaired, will also end up in the landfill.   Larger household items and kitchen items must be exchanged and a few manufacturers are getting the message.  Our fast-paced lifestyle has left us in a sad state of not having the time or ability to find someone to repair every day items.  Let’s all make a difference, however small.

The 2008 North County Schedule of Events Poster is now available listing the following events:

All organizations invest time and effort within our community many times over.  They need our support.

Have an active, eventful upcoming season.

Office:            1-800-736-1252 or 966-3222

Home:            878-3308

E-mail:            lturpin@mariposacounty.org.

Footnotes from North County March 2008

– by Lyle Turpin, Mariposa County Supervisor District 2.

The Mariposa County Public Works Director, Dana Hertfelder, has informed me that the County has received construction bids for surface improvements on Hidalgo, Ranchito and Banderilla in Don Pedro.  The good news is that the bids came in below estimates.  The funding for this project is secure.  Asphalt work must be done during warm weather.  Public Works will notify us as to when this work will be scheduled.  The potential for additional road improvement projects within District II this upcoming construction season has a 50-50 chance.  When we have dedicated funding, I will be the first to let everyone know where and when.

This winter has been especially tough on our county roads that are not paved.  I do want to thank our road maintenance crews for doing an excellent job keeping all roads passable during extreme weather conditions.

Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Route Date Flat – Tim Brush Fuel Break - North Fork Area.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Sierra Resource Management Plan dated February 2008 has been adopted.  The plan does not address many concerns of the existing OHV area.   This specific section of the plan pertaining to OHV can be appealed.  I have had telephone conversations with BLM personnel in the Folsom Field Office and the state office. The adopted management plan can be amended.

I have requested from BLM Folsom District Manager, Mr. Bill Haigh, that he provides Mariposa County in writing that the BLM and Forest Service meet and start the process to come up with an OHV route plan for this area.  Talking with the state office by establishing a dialog with BLM and Forest Service and Mariposa County involved is a much preferred procedure for amending the management plan.

Future home of the Red Cloud Library.

With the break in the weather, grading of the lot has begun. 

Red Cloud Park.

Proposed improvements for the Red Cloud Park are getting very close to being submitted to the State.  Proposition 40 funding is available.  

Don Pedro Trail Committee

The Don Pedro Trail Committee met March 12^th with an excellent attendance.  Many good points were discussed. 

Several concerns that keep coming up include the trails within Mariposa County where no off highway vehicles (OHV) are allowed.  Also the report of shooting.  Yes, in Mariposa County you are allowed to shoot on your own property.  The trails are County easements to be used by pedestrian and equestrian.  Property owners must be responsible for their guests.

Fire Safety – Fuel Reduction - Ladder Fuels.

Be an asset to your community by taking care of your property, large or small.  You will benefit and your neighbors will benefit.  Great strides have been made by many.  Keep up the good work. 

Enjoy this time of year as spring arrives.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call or

e-mail me.

Office:            1-800-736-1252 or 966-3222

Home:            878-3308

E-mail:            lturpin@mariposacounty.org.

Footnotes from North County  January 2008

– by Lyle Turpin, Mariposa County Supervisor District 2.

Mariposa County Sheriff’s Department retired Sheriff Jim Allen, I personally want to thank you for your dedicated past support for the North County. Your presence at many of our local gatherings has meant a lot to our community. We wish you and your family well and again congratulations for serving Mariposa County for 30 years.

Mariposa County Sheriff Brian Muller we congratulate you on your appointment. Stepping up from under-sheriff, I have the utmost confidence that you will continue to serve Mariposa County in a very professional way.

Thank you CalTrans for not forgetting Mariposa County, the asphalt removal and placement of the new asphalt on Greeley Hill and Smith Station Roads (J-132) has been a great improvement. Mariposa County road department was able to place those grading from J-132 on several county roads, which has helped improve our travel on non-paved roads.

I want to thank the road crew for keeping sand spread over those icy spots, Keep up the good work. Winter Road Condition requires all drivers to be more cautions while driving.

          Mariposa County Board of Supervisors met on January 8, 2008, at 2:00pm at the Coulterville Community Center (Old School House), for a public hearing addressing the proposed sewer and water rate increase. There was standing room only and I want to thank our community for the excellent attendance. Many valid questions and suggestion were presented to the Public Works Staff and to the Board of Supervisors. I assure you we are good listeners.

          After much discussion the Board adopted option #3, this is not to forgive the $129,000.00 note, owed to the Mariposa County Water Agency, and phase in the total recommended increase in three increments at 33.3% each. The first increase will start February 1, 2008, for the fiscal year 2007-2008, the second increase will be July 1, 2008, for the fiscal year 2008-2009, and the third increase will be July 1, 2009, for the fiscal year 2009-2010.

          By spreading out the increase the district will be short approximately $43,000.00 for the projected cost to keep the district operational. Also part of the motion passed by the Board of Supervisors was to grant $43,000.00 from the Mariposa County Waster Agency to take care of the financial short fall.

          In summary the above decision was made by the Board of Supervisors, Public Works will take this decision  to the Mariposa County Water Agency Advisory Board, then public works will take the Supervisors decision to the Mariposa County Water Agency. The five members of the Board of Supervisors sit as the five members on the Mariposa County Water Agency.

          At the January 15^th, 2008, Supervisors meeting we made our official comments on the Stanislaus National Forest proposed motorized vehicle routes within Mariposa County Board of Supervisors.

          The Forest Services initial mission statement of no roads or trails encroaching on private property respecting all other multiple use with its little interference from O.H.V. vehicle traffic as possible and the protection of our very valuable natural resources is supported by Mariposa County.

Keep those burn piles going during the winter as part of defensible fuel land abortion time.  Be sure it is a burn day before lighting your piles.

          Every individual young and old is an asset to our community, be responsible and we will continue to be proud of Mariposa County (what a GREAT place to call home). Office contact information is 1 (800) 736-1252.  E-mail address is lturpin@mariposacounty.org.

Footnotes from North County  - December 2007

– by Lyle Turpin, Mariposa County Supervisor District 2.

As this year winds down, and we look forward to the coming year, I personally want to recognize so many within our communities that have put so much time and energy into this Christmas and New Year season.  Those of us that have enjoyed all your efforts sincerely thank you so much.  Our communities have benefited immensely.  All activities have benefited by the increase in young and old taking part.

New Building Requirements.

All new residential building permits issued after January 1, 2008 will be affected by the state fire marshal’s new requirements.  Listed are a few of the major points:

1. Fire proof siding.
2. Enclosed eaves.
3. Decks to have certified fire resistant material also covered underneath.
4. Outer pane of windows to be tempered.
5. These requirements will apply to all outbuildings constructed within the

            Cal-Fire 100 foot reduction of fuel area.

For further information contact John Davis at Mariposa County Building Department at 966-3934.

U.S. Forest Service Stanislaus Forest (All vehicle uses on Forest Service roads).

Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) designated routes comment period ends January 18^th.  It has become very apparent that Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service have not been communicating in their management proposals for the Date Flat, Tim Brush Fire Break, North Fork Area.  These two federal agencies have agreed to get together and strive to work on a management plan.  They have assured me that I will be kept in the loop.

The new shelter in the Coulterville Park should be completed soon and the Red Cloud Library clearing site for the new library has started.

Have a great New Year!

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail me.

Office:            1-800-736-1252 or 966-3222

Home:            878-3308

E-mail:            lturpin@mariposacounty.org.

Footnotes from North County - October / November 2007

– by Lyle Turpin, Mariposa County Supervisor District 2. 

All branches of government at times obviously appear to move at a snail’s pace.  The challenge to me has been keeping the process moving.  As I have stated in the past, I am very cautious about talking about things that might happen at some future date.

Greeley Hill and Smith Station Roads:   The most recent question brought to me lately is what road work is going to take place on Greeley Hill and Smith Station Roads with regards to the Cal Trans project.  State Hwy 120 was closed in March of 2006 due to flood damage, with J132 used as a designated detour by Cal Trans.  They are responsible for the damage on J132 due to all the traffic diverted to J132.  A contract has been awarded to do the repair work.  Hopefully that work will be completed this fall. 

Red Cloud Library:   Bids on the Red Cloud Library have been received and are under review.  Optimistically, ground breaking has a chance of taking place relatively soon.

Don Pedro New Wastewater Treatment:   The treatment plant is nearing completion.

Coulterville Park:   The new shelter for the Coulterville Park is due to arrive the first part of November.

I share these positive issues with you on the certainty that they will soon come about.

During the last several weeks several very important county-wide issues have come before the Board of Supervisors.  Most importantly, how will the County address the unfunded liability we owe Public Employees Retirement (PERS), which is approximately 11 million dollars.  We are presently paying 7.75% interest annually on the total owed.  We have received much information to be evaluated and will be receiving much more.  I do appreciate all of you who have strived to get educated on the entire situation.  The road map of how the County will resolve this predicament we are in is the sole responsibility of the Board of Supervisors.  The decision is coming soon.

Ag-Tourism:   An industry that can compliment existing and future potential investments on agriculture exclusive (AE) land holdings within Mariposa County.  Those individuals interested in the success of this or this permitted use on AE ground deserve to have a clear definition of what Mariposa County considers Ag-Tourism.  The County will be having workshops with all invited to take part to help establish what Mariposa County policy will be.  Stay tuned.

December 7^th – Friday Night – Marine Band:   The Marine Band will be performing at the Don Pedro Golf Country Club.  Further information will be available soon.  I am confident North County will turn out in great numbers.

This year has flown by.  This article will be published in the November issue.

Thanksgiving is coming soon.  Time to give thanks for so much.  If you want to feel good, give a little to someone that may be less fortunate.

Have a glorious holiday with family and friends.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail me.

Office:      1-800-736-1252 or 966-3222

Home:      878-3308

E-mail:          lturpin@mariposacounty.org.

Footnotes from North County September 2007

– by Lyle Turpin, Mariposa County Supervisor District 2.

Headlines in last week’s Mariposa Gazette: County Passes $90 Million Budget.

The Board of Supervisors went through the proposed budget for each department and they were requested to hold the line on any request for increases.

Overall, this year’s adopted budget increased approximately 1.5% over last year’s budget.

With the unknown long term effect of the Ferguson Rock Slide on our economy, and the $11 million plus dollars of unfunded liability that we owe Public Employee Retirement (PERS), I personally want to thank all departments for holding the line on requests for budget increases.  Once the final numbers are available from Rick Benson, our County Administrative Officer (CAO), and Mary Hodson, our deputy CAO, a summary sheet with a pie chart will help all understand where the money will come from and where the money will be spent.

Roads have been my life long occupation and it appears we will be able to make some improvements this year.  When the state releases the money and we have a signed contract with a contractor, I will let everyone know what those improvements will be.  Am I optimistic?  Yes.

Very seldom do I comment on articles from the Mariposa Gazette but misstatements in last week’s issue regarding the budget and funding for the Arts must be addressed.  The 6^th Street Cinema request was for $15,000 above the $5,000 which was in the recommended budget.  The majority of the Board voted to increase Yosemite Renaissance by $5,000 for a total of $15,000 and increased 6^th Street Cinema by $5,000 for a total of $10,000.

The issue of road standards within the General Plan residential land use area was discussed with much input on the September 11^th meeting of the Board of Supervisors.  Many of our existing County roads do not have the travel width that is required for new roads in developed subdivisions.  My concern all along has been that, if a project has a narrow road issue, the applicant must have the opportunity to propose ways of solving this issue.

In summary, the Board of Supervisors has adopted language that states the applicant will have the opportunity to address the issue with Public Works.  This is called mitigation.  Although there is no guarantee all issues can be resolved.

The bids will be opened on October 5^th for the new Red Cloud Library.

Late October or early November District 2 Meetings have not been scheduled as yet.  Those dates and locations will be worked out soon.

Stay fire safe and start planning this winter’s reduction of fuel loads around our residences and outbuildings.

Enjoy our fall season.  We deserve the cooler temperatures after a long hot summer.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail me.

Office:      1-800-736-1252 or 966-3222

Home:      878-3308

E-mail:          lturpin@mariposacounty.org.

Footnotes from North County  August 2007
– by Lyle Turpin, Mariposa County Supervisor District 2.

Mariposa County Final Budget Sessions will begin Monday, September 10th
and continue until adopted. All departments have been requested to hold
the line on any increases. The Board of Supervisors has reviewed a
suggested budget from our county administrative officer (CAO). The
proposed general fund budget is less than a 2% increase over the 2006-
2007 present budget. We are not in the red.

For me to adopt the 2007-2008 budget, the increased income must be
greater than the requested increase in expenditures. Next month, with an
adopted budget, I will be able to share with you where our income comes
from and where it is spent.

The Don Pedro 1-M Assessment was approved by the vote of the
landowners within the 1-M District. The ordinance that was adopted by the
Board of Supervisors states "$80.00 for a developed parcel, $16.00 for an
undeveloped parcel, annually". The ordinance will be reviewed prior to
August 1st each year by the County Board of Supervisors. This is a
performance contract with CAL FIRE that Tuolumne County administers for
the winter months' coverage at Blanchard Station.

New residential construction building requirements proposed by the
California State Fire Marshal have been postponed until January 1, 2009.
Just a few of the major items that are being proposed in high fire danger
areas are triple pane windows, fire proof siding and enclosed eves and
decks. Many questions need to be answered prior to January 1, 2009.

Strive to keep those fuel loads reduced around all your structures. Keep in
mind if we had 40 mile per hour winds what that potential hazard would be.
Thank you, County Fire and CAL FIRE, for responding quickly when we
need you.

I will be planning District II Meetings in October in all areas of District II -
Hunters Valley, Don Pedro, Coulterville and Greeley Hill. The final County
Budget will be the major topic.

The recycle bins at Coulterville and Don Pedro Transfer Stations have
been bulging this summer. Keep up the good effort – everyone benefits.

Stay safe as summer winds down. Every resident is an asset to our
communities.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail me.

Office: 1-800-736-1252 or 966-3222
Home: 878-3308
E-mail: lturpin@mariposacounty.org.

Footnotes from North County - July 2007

– by Lyle Turpin, Mariposa County Supervisor District 2.

Independence Day, July 4^th, 2007 – What a grand time to celebrate.  Why do we have the privilege to celebrate?  Due in part to the pioneer families that have given their lives for the betterment of all Americans.

Congratulations to Cecil and Helen Uglow.  On July 26, 2007 they celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary.  Cecil and Helen, we salute you for making this country a better place for all of us to enjoy.

It is the soldier, not the reporter, who gives us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, whose coffin is draped with the flag - and it is the soldier who allows the protester to burn the flag.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail me.

Office:      1-800-736-1252 or 966-3222

Home:      878-3308

E-mail:          lturpin@mariposacounty.org.