Behavioral Health Director resigns
BOS also discussed emergency response, cannabis grant
LAKEPORT >> The Lake County Board of Supervisors returned to the dais Tuesday after a heavy weekend of winter storms and discussed the closure of the various emergency warming centers as well as possible financial support for senior centers throughout the county. Also on their agenda was an increase in cannabis equity grants. The board also discussed the recruitment process for filling the vacancy created by the Director of Behavioral Health's resignation.
In response to the emergency created by recent winter storms, several warming centers were opened around the county. With the exception of the pre-existing warming shelter at 1111 Whalen Way in Lakeport, officials said the emergency centers would cease operations Wednesday. The community hotline for homebound individuals also closed at that same time.
The board explored and approved an American Rescue Act (ARPA) Funding request that would provide up to $50,000 for each Senior Center in the county. Assistant County Administrative Officer Steven Carter explained the funding, and that there may be restrictions as to how to spend the funds. Their proposal includes plans for upgrades to infrastructure. Carter said, “The final rule for claiming ARPA funds is not wide open for whatever we want.”
District 1 Supervisor Moke Simon mentioned the need to add specifics to this proposal to ensure help for services noting, “Meals on Wheels was a huge challenge and our senior centers stepped up to do that, and they're still doing that now.”
Joyce Overton, manager of the Senior Center in Clearlake highlighted the increased need for
senior centers stating, “The pandemic showed us how bad the centers are needed.” Overton expressed the needs of the senior center which include larger refrigeration and freezer capabilities. She also illustrated how after the pandemic the center faced closure due to non-funding, despite the extensive amount of seniors they feed. Director of Behavioral Health Services Todd Metcalf also shared in advocating for this funding. He noted that the senior centers do struggle, and yet are extremely important to the county's oldest adults. The request was approved unanimously.
County Treasurer / Tax Collector Patrick Sullivan presented to the board a report in regards to increasing the current cannabis equity grant maximum from $50,000 to $150,000 per applicant. According to Sullivan, there were not as many grants awarded as expected and $1.9 million in equity funds remain that must be spent before the fall.
“This funding may very well be the last batch of significant funding that we get, after this year the state has changed the guidelines.” The resolution passed with District 4 Supervisor Michael Green dissenting. Supervisor Green noted, “I have a grave concern about how this has rolled out, and it is no disservice to anybody that has benefitted as an individual from these funds, but I have a strong suspicion corporations have benefited at least as much if not more, and I can't support this on that basis.”
Pam Samick from the administrative office presented options for recruiting for the next Director of Behavioral Health as current director Todd Metcalf has resigned. District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier suggested they revisit the matter after a discussion on recruitment protocol for department heads and formulate a plan tailored to this position. The board agreed and directed staff to move forward.
More information including minutes, agendas and video can be found on the county website lakecountyca.gov.