Supes to discuss deadline for North Complex tree removal

Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting will be open to the public in a limited capacity, according to the county’s website, as the board takes action on several agenda items including the establishment of a deadline to enter into the North Complex fires tree removal private program, further direction of PG&E Settlement Funds and the ongoing 2021 redistricting process.

For properties that have hazard trees as a result of the North Complex fires, they were given the option to either enroll in the government program by allowing Cal OES contractors to remove trees, or submit an application for an alternative program. According to the agenda, the county is currently going through the abatement process for properties that have not enrolled in either program.

County Administration and County Counsel are recommending the board set a deadline of April 30 to enroll in the private tree program, which would not include properties already enrolled in the government program.

The board will discuss the next steps of how to direct funds received in the $252 million settlement from Pacific Gas and Electric Co. for negligence in starting the Camp Fire.

On March 9, the board approved recommendations for county financial stability initiatives, as well as projects that meet at least one of the following criteria, according to the agenda: “disaster recovery, hazard mitigation or county stability; directly tie back to the Camp Fire; leverages outside funds; and/or addresses urgent needs.

A total of 10 requests have been presented to the board for consideration across various county departments including Butte County Behavioral Health, Public Works, as Sheriff’s Office, as well as the departments of Employment and Social Services, and Developmental Services. The requests range from $130,000 to $1.49 million.

The board will also return to discussing the 2021 redistricting process, which takes place every 10 years to draw district boundaries and ensure each district has the same number of people.

During the Jan. 26 meeting, county staff recommended the board issue a “request for proposals” to find a consultant to help with the redistricting process. The board directed staff to return with a presentation on 2021 redistricting options beyond hiring a consultant.

The current process in Butte County is unprecedented due to population shifts in the aftermath of the Camp Fire and North Complex fires. Additionally, the adoption of Assembly Bill 849, the Fair and Inclusive Redistricting for Municipalities and Political Subdivisions (FAIR MAPS) in 2019 requires expertise in demographics, cartography and statistics, according to Tuesday’s meeting agenda.

As a result of those two factors in the county, county administration is recommending the board authorize staff to hire a consultant to manage and guide the process of redistricting.

Additionally, the board will hear a few informational presentations, both on the regular agenda and as timed items:

• A presentation from Butte County Public Works on the county’s improvement standards, which help provide and regulate project specifications for construction to improve streets, highways, alleys, drainage, sewage, street lighting, water supply facilities, fire protection;

• A presentation First 5 Butte County Children and Families Commission, part of a statewide initiative to develop community programs supporting early childhood development. It is a nine-member commission comprised of a member of the Board of Supervisors, the Directors of the Department of Public Health and the Department of Employment and Social Services, and six members of the public;

• A presentation on the findings of the Camp Fire Regional Economic Impact Analysis, which 3CORE

EDC worked with a group of consultants to develop, according to the agenda.

Board meetings are held at the County Administration Building, 25 County Center Drive, in Oroville. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings are open to the public in a limited capacity. Those in attendance will be required to wear a face mask or face shield at all times, as well as maintain social distancing. Meetings can also be viewed on the county’s website, www.buttecounty.net/ boardofsupervisors/boardmeetings. Members of the public wishing to speak can register at www.bcadmin.net/comments by 4 p.m. the day before a meeting.