BOS votes to create new combined MAC for Districts 4 and 5

Is it feasible for a Municipal Advisory Council for the Kelseyville area to look like the six others already established, while adhering to the county's General Plan and yet provide a space for residents to talk about issues and share information?

The catalyst for such a plan already embarked in a series of meetings since the beginning of the year explained Sabrina Andrus, a native of Kelseyville and a successful retailer, owner of the A & H general store in downtown. “The Kelseyville plan we have is a bit dated,” Andrus informed the Board of Supervisors at their March 13 regular meeting. “But it doesn't mention internet or broadband. So, it's time to update it and that was one of the main reasons to get together,” she said. She and her cohorts talked through what the configuration of such a schematic might resemble. “We're proud of what we've done,” she said while adding that a diverse group consisting of all ages, backgrounds and races came before the Board of Supervisors with the bylaws and a resolution for the proposed MAC.

Brian Hanson, Andrus' co-presenter informed the chamber their bylaws and resolution are in accordance with the councils who preceded them. “Of course, there's autonomy within each group and everybody has a unique area, but it's important not to operate in silos but share information for the county plan.” He added that the new MAC would be made up of a group who is motivated and who wants to see the betterment of their own communities. Hanson went on to state that members of the Kelseyville Business Association have historically taken these types of programs on.

“They're a talented and diverse group, and I think that'll alleviate problems and controversies of who'll be steering this ship.” Yet District 4 Supervisor Michael Green noted the proposed council in general was a good thing and was quick to point out council leaders are determined by various means at the recommendation of the BOS ad that the Board will retain the ultimate authority. “We want to give proper weight when council directors are recommending future directors,” he said. “And I'll point out, that other MACs don't necessarily do it that way.”

There was a larger question Green wanted to raise and he brandished a 30-yearold land use planning area map as the board considered the possibility of combining the District 4 and District 5 MACs. In reference to district lines, Green said some of the district represents the land use area and not necessarily the Kelseyville Community. On that particular map, Green indicated what he referred to as a “hard cutoff” on the eastern side. “I don't know how many in the Kelseyville Rivera, who are going to consider themselves Kelseyville residents, and are going to feel eligible or excluded of the representative body.” Andrus said about the direction that shall be recognized by the Supervisors for appointments,” both the Kelseyville Assembly and the BOS has a say, but ultimate say is the BOS. “We are an advisory council,” she added.

Andrus reminded the chamber audience while it was a planning map to advise decision making in the 1980s and 1990s, the map for Kelseyville in the 1980s and the 1990s was directly related to land use and It was directly related to other issues, including the Kelseyville Area Plan and General Plan as well, which is why she noted she felt comfortable with the issue District 4 Supervisor Green brought up previously, a “friendly” amendment to change the name to Big Valley (MAC) (from Scott's Valley). “I'm not comfortable saying `yes or no' based on the steering committee. But I understand that's your decision, and I'm on board with it.”

Sara Ryan is the environmental director of the Big Valley Band of the Pomo tribe. Ryan thought the membership statement requiring any person who resides within the boundary of the Kelseyville Advisory Council should be able to vote. “Several of the tribal council members who reside within the boundaries of the KAC do not actually live on the Rancheria,” said Ryan. “It limits at least one of the identifying (groups) who they want to represent them. That seems a bit limiting.” There's a lot of what the Pomo of Big Valley Rancheria does benefitting the whole area, including economics and business association, also as environmentalists, social work. The map should also be looked at. The tribe has multiple parcels as part of the Rancheria, appeared not to be making it as part of the map.

Chair Sabatier asked if anyone can attend a MAC meeting, even those who reside outside the Area Plan boundaries. District 5 Supervisor Jessica Pyska replied in the affirmative. “Anybody can attend and many people often do, who don't live there,” she said. She added that a lot of people attend the ZOOM, or watch the video.

After discussion on the item, the board voted 5-0 to change the name to Big Valley Advisory Council and include both District 4 and District 5 Supervisors on the Board of the new MAC.