The Mitzelfelt Memo is a periodic electronic newsletter from the office of Brad Mitzelfelt, First District Supervisor for the
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| In This Issue... | February 26, 2010 |
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Desert Air Board Asks for Relief from Job-Killing Regulations County Returns Fees to Small Business County Receives $4 Million Energy Conservation Grant Land for Amboy Fire Station Received Plans Set for Paving Wilson Ranch, Duncan Roads in Phelan Mitzelfelt Allocates $300,000 for Phelan, Piñon Hills Parks Supervisors appoint Devereaux as New Administrative Officer County, Barstow Agree on Funding for Lenwood Road Rail Overpass County, Victor Valley College Agree to Expand Head Start Program
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Desert Air Board Asks for Relief from Job-Killing Regulations The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District's Governing Board on January 25 voted to send a letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and other top state officials requesting the repeal or suspension of the state law related to limits on greenhouse gas emissions, citing potentially devastating impacts to California's struggling economy. "If greenhouse gas emissions are to be addressed, then they should be addressed at the federal and international level," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who serves on the air board. "As representatives of local government who will have to implement new state regulations, we on the MDAQMD Board are acutely aware of their likely impact on job creation and economic growth. California should not hamstring itself with a competitive disadvantage when the best thing we can do for air quality is create local jobs so people don't have to commute. Rather than having the desired effect of reducing pollution, these regulations will drive businesses to other states or countries with less stringent rules, while our residents suffer the economic consequences." MDAQMD Executive Director Eldon Heaston warned of an approaching regulatory "train wreck" if greenhouse gas rules promulgated by the California Air Resources Board are piled on top of other new, more stringent air quality regulations being adopted by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Heaston pointed out that California has made great progress in the effort to clean the air and those improvements continue, but he warned the new regulatory regime could cripple economic growth even as the air continues to improve. "We can't have clean, green cities unless we can site jobs in those cities," Heaston said. Assembly Bill 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act, was passed in 2006 and calls for California to cut its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, a reduction of 30 percent, and then an 80 percent cut below 1990 levels by 2050. Those cuts by California alone will have a minimal effect on global atmospheric carbon dioxide levels unless all nations adopt similar targets. Recently-appointed Riverside County Supervisor John J. Benoit, who was sworn in to the MDAQMD Board, said he voted against AB 32 while he was recently a member of the state Senate. "We don't want to make California the greenest third-world economy in the world," he said. The members of the MDAQMD Board are all elected officials from desert cities and the counties of San Bernardino and Riverside. Some Board members suggested taking the issue back to each of their respective town and city councils to consider similar actions in calling for the repeal or suspension of AB 32. "If enough local governments make their voices heard about how onerous and unrealistic these regulations are to our local communities and employers, Sacramento will have to take notice," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who noted that employers like cement manufacturers, who were represented at the meeting, will likely be crippled by AB 32 regulations if nothing is done to protect them. "I would also like to thank Victorville City Councilman Mike Rothschild, who serves on the air board, for beginning the discussion on this issue," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. County Returns Fees to Small Business The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on February 9 voted to return nearly $200,000 in fees collected from small businesses by the County Fire Department for storing small amounts of carbon dioxide for soda machines. "These fees were levied based on an interpretation of an old state law that wound up hurting numerous small businesses and non-profit groups," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "When this came to the attention of the Board of Supervisors, we took action to correct the situation. In these difficult times, we need to make sure we are supporting small businesses to grow our economy and create jobs. We should not apply regulations that provide no benefit to public safety but could drive business away." The San Bernardino County Fire Department Hazardous Materials Division began requiring businesses that have CO2 in quantities of 200 cubic feet (about two small tanks) or more submit a Hazardous Materials Business Plan and $408 fee in order to comply with a decades-old state regulation that historically had not been applied to CO2 storage for soda dispensers. "It is rare, if not unprecedented, for a local jurisdiction to return fees that had already been collected," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "As many as 1,500 businesses and other groups were potentially affected by the fee. The Board of Supervisors is committed to treating business fairly and creating a supportive environment where business can thrive." "I believe the County should explore developing an ordinance to exempt community groups and businesses that store CO2 for soda machines from this costly regulation," said Second District Supervisor Paul Biane, who worked with Mitzelfelt in pushing for a rollback of the ordinance. "Other business-friendly counties such as the County of San Diego have already taken this step, so it shouldn't take long for the County to create a similar ordinance." The County of San Diego exempts businesses and organizations that store less than 6,000 cubic feet of CO2 from the state Hazardous Materials Business Plan requirement. Like other counties with similar exceptions for CO2, San Diego County's ordinance also exempts flower and balloon shops that store small quantities of compressed helium from the Business Plan fee. County Receives $4 Million Energy Conservation Grant The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on February 23 accepted more than $4 million in federal stimulus funding for energy conservation, which will enable the County to reduce its energy consumption and implement an innovative program for homeowners. "Every watt of energy we conserve means taxpayers save money, and moves us toward a more flexible and dependable energy system," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "These federal funds will be put to good use in both County government and for implementing a program for homeowners to make affordable energy improvements. This is another tiny step toward curbing catastrophic global warming which threatens the entire population of the planet." The funding comes through the federal government's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, which was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The funding will allow for the installation of photovoltaic solar panels at several County buildings, including the new High Desert Government Center, now under construction in Hesperia. Because more roof area is needed to generate the necessary electricity, the project will include construction of carports, which will also provide shaded parking. Several County buildings will receive efficiency upgrades and retrofits in their heating and air conditioning systems. The Environmental Impact Report for the County's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan will also be concluded with the funding. The grant will also allow the County to implement a program under Assembly Bill 811, which permits local governments to designate areas where home and business owners can receive financing to install permanent energy efficiency improvements and then pay for them over the long term through an annual property assessment. Land for Amboy Fire Station Received The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on February 23 accepted the donation of 2.05 acres in Amboy to be used as a site for a new fire station. "Getting fire stations built in remote desert areas where response times can exceed an hour has been a priority of mine since taking office," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "I want to thank the owner, Albert Okura, for his generous donation. This is a major step toward improving fire response times in a high-traffic, but underserved area." A fire station in Amboy would provide coverage on the heavily traveled Interstate 40 corridor, where there are no fire stations in the 150-mile stretch between Barstow and Needles. Response times in the Amboy area are a minimum of 1 hour 15 minutes. Fire crews that serve Amboy and I-40 must come from as far away as Wonder Valley, outside of Twentynine Palms, Needles, Harvard, just east of Barstow, and even Baker, approximately two hours away on Interstate 15. A fire station in the Amboy area could provide emergency services to Amboy and along the I-40 corridor, which would shorten emergency response times by 30 to 45 minutes to such unincorporated communities as Ludlow, Cadiz, Bagdad and Essex. It would also allow Station 53 in Baker to serve as a back-up to the I-40 corridor so that the Baker emergency response crew would be free to cover the more heavily traveled Interstate 15 corridor. Supervisor Mitzelfelt previously won a commitment from the Board of Supervisors that additional federal funding promised for the next few years from the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program would be set aside to build remote fire stations. Plans Set for Paving Wilson Ranch, Duncan Roads in Phelan The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on February 23 approved plans for paving stretches of Wilson Ranch Road and Duncan Road in the Phelan area. "This project will provide better access for emergency services as well as improved safety and convenience for the residents of Phelan," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "I want to thank the County departments and Phelan residents who have worked in partnership to improve the transportation system in the area." The Duncan Road/Wilson Ranch Road improvement project consists of grading and paving on two dirt roads and installation of traffic signs and striping. The Duncan Road portion of the project is between Johnson Road and Wilson Ranch Road, a distance of approximately two miles. The Wilson Ranch Road portion is from Duncan Road south to Goss Road, a distance of one mile. The improvement of these and other roads listed as priority projects for the High Desert Transportation Facilities Plan reflect a cooperative effort among the County Fire Department, Department of Public Works and the Phelan Municipal Advisory Council to construct a backbone of roads that will improve access and safety. To minimize the environmental impacts, Joshua trees will be relocated and a monitor will be on hand to ensure proper procedures are followed in case the threatened desert tortoise or Mojave ground squirrel are present. The projects will now go out to bid with a contract scheduled to be awarded in late April. Construction will begin shortly after the contract award and is due to be complete in late July. The estimated cost of the project is $2.8 million. Mitzelfelt Allocates $300,000 for Phelan, Piñon Hills Parks At the request of Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on February 9 approved a contract with the Phelan Piñon Hills Community Services District (PPHCSD) to allocate $300,000 to expand the Piñon Hills Park with more playgrounds, basketball courts and drainage improvements, and to begin designing a new 80-acre community park in Phelan. "The population in the Phelan and Piñon Hills areas is large enough to support more and larger parks," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "Recreational options are limited in the area, so I'm looking forward to the construction of larger facilities and more sports facilities." In February 2008, residents of Phelan and Piñon Hills voted to form a community services district as a successor agency to San Bernardino County's Special Districts Department. The PPHCSD assumed local control over several local public services, including parks. On November 3, 2009, at the request of Supervisor Mitzelfelt, the Board of Supervisors authorized the transfer of $600,000 of Proposition 40 grant funds to the PPHCSD, which had been originally designated for use by the Special Districts Department prior to the formation of the PPHCSD. The PPHCSD utilized those funds to expand a park in Piñon Hills and to purchase property for a new park in Phelan. The allocation of $300,000 in local County funds brings the County's recent assistance to $900,000. "That's a tremendous amount of help," said Phelan Piñon Hills CSD General Manager Don Bartz. "It's important because it gives us the opportunity to purchase property and to help develop some of the new parks or expand the existing park facilities to better serve the community." The combined $900,000 will go toward expanding Piñon Hills Park and paying for an 80-acre parcel located on Sheep Creek Road, which the district plans to develop into a community park. The first phase of the new park includes a 20-acre planned equestrian center, including a covered arena, horse stalls and corrals, children's playgrounds and parking. Supervisors appoint Devereaux as New Administrative Officer The Board of Supervisors on January 12 unanimously and enthusiastically appointed Ontario City Manager Gregory C. Devereaux to serve as County Administrative Officer. He begins February 13. The board approved a contract with Mr. Devereaux designed to ensure stability in the county's top non-elected post and in the execution of many long-term projects. Supervisors cited Mr. Devereaux's many successes during his 12 years as Ontario city manager as their primary reason for appointing him to take the county's helm. Specifically, board members cited his emphasis on economic development and his ability to lead plans to fruition. "I'm looking forward to articulating your vision for the future of this county, and working with this organization to move the county forward," Mr. Devereaux told the board following his appointment. During Mr. Devereaux's tenure, Ontario has seen the development of Citizens Business Bank Arena, the New Model Colony, the Ontario Convention Center, the construction of new public facilities, and the expansion of Ontario International Airport. He has effectively managed a workforce of more than 1,100 employees with an annual budget of more than $450 million. "Given Greg's proven record of working effectively with elected officials to implement goals, I don't think we could have found a better person," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "Economic development is at the top of my agenda and I look forward to working with him to bring more jobs to our region and to improve the overall quality of life for San Bernardino County residents. I'm grateful that someone who has nothing left to prove would take on this challenge." The CAO administers and coordinates the operations of the county in accordance with the policies established by the Board of Supervisors. The CAO also directs county operations through agency and department administrators, advises and assists the Board of Supervisors in long-range planning and development, and analyzes and recommends the county budget. Mr. Devereaux has been in state and local government for more than 30 years, serving in various capacities. From 1993 to August 1997 he was the city manager of Fontana. During his tenure there, he stabilized the city's finances and built its reserves, funded previously unfunded liabilities, and reduced city expenditures. Mr. Devereaux became city manager of Ontario in September 1997. Since coming to Ontario, he has embarked on an aggressive program to grow the city's economy and restructure the city's staff to better serve its residents and the business community. The city's fiscal condition has improved markedly. Each of his years in Ontario has resulted in substantial surpluses allowing the city to build reserves, fund previously unfunded liabilities, and embark on the most aggressive investment in community facilities in the city's history. Even in a sluggish economy, Mr. Devereaux was instrumental in bringing development to Ontario, including Citizen's Bank Arena and the Piemonte project. He has been successful in managing several public facilities including the rehabilitation of city hall, experience that will help the county as it moves forward and plans the expansion or relocation of the County Government Center. County, Barstow Agree on Funding for Lenwood Road Rail Overpass The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on January 12 approved an agreement between the County, the City of Barstow and San Bernardino Associated Governments to provide funding for the design and approval of the Lenwood Road bridge over the BNSF Railway in Barstow. "The Lenwood Road bridge is a high priority project that will spur much-needed economic development in the Barstow area, while also improving traffic flow and safety," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "This is a time when agencies and jurisdictions need to work together to keep projects moving forward and I'm gratified the County was able to step up with additional funding to avoid delays." Lenwood Road is an important link between Interstate 15 and Highway 58, and is a strategic location for development of warehouse and distribution centers. The project would construct a bridge on Lenwood Road over the railroad tracks. The total cost of the design, environmental review and approval process is expected to be $4,159,000. Half of the project is in the City of Barstow and half is in the unincorporated County area. The design cost is being covered with $938,108 from Measure I (the County's half-cent sales tax for transportation) and the balance of $3,223,900 is to be split evenly between the County and Barstow. The total estimated cost of the project is $34 million. Barstow paid $723,900 to hire URS Corporation to begin the work. Under the agreement, the County will cover Barstow's remaining share of project design and environmental review in the amount of $888,000. The project was also awarded $6.3 million from Proposition 1B, the $20 billion transportation bond approved by state voters in 2006, but those funds can only be used for construction. To qualify for the state bond funds, the project must be under construction by 2013 so keeping the project moving is critical. County, Victor Valley College Agree to Expand Head Start Program The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on January 12 approved an agreement with the Victor Valley Community College District to provide an additional site for Head Start and Early Head Start programs to serve the area's preschool children. "Education is the most important tool for building a prosperous future and these programs help preschoolers lay a great foundation for building a better life," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "This will expand the capacity of these programs and give a leg up to our next generation of High Desert residents." The County's Preschool Services Department administers the federally funded Head Start Program and the California State Department of Education Preschool programs to low-income children and their families throughout the County. The department currently operates a Head Start program on Anacapa Road in Victorville with 170 children and staff. That program is full and there are 150 students on the waiting list. The additional site will be able to serve approximately 80 children. Head Start is a preschool program for disadvantaged children, but the program is also designed to assist the entire family in taking steps to better their lives. Families with incomes below the federal poverty level ($22,050 for a family of four) are eligible. Some children in families above the poverty level are also eligible, including children with special needs, foster children and children in working families. Parents interested in the program may call (888) 543-7025. The department met recently with the Victor Valley Community College District about leasing additional space at the District's Child Care Facility Complex located at the college's main campus in Victorville. The college district agreed to a 10-year lease for 8,558 square feet of classroom and office space and 23,246 square feet of playground area. The lease includes options for two five-year extensions. The college district will make some improvements and repairs to the facility at its cost and the County will cover the cost to install fencing, modify the heating and air conditioning system, and make other improvements. The total 10-year cost of the lease is $1,491,000. The Preschool Services Department serves over 5,000 disadvantaged Head Start and State Preschool children annually at 40 locations throughout the county. The comprehensive educational and support services provided to children and families include education, health, nutrition, and psychological services. |