COUNTY OF INYOCOUNTY OF INYO
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2008
MEETING
COMMISSIONERS:
WILLIAM STOLL FIRST DISTRICT (VICE-CHAIR) Inyo County Planning Commission
CYNTHIA WAHRENBROCK (LITTLE) SECOND DISTRICT Post Office Drawer L
SAM WASSON THIRD DISTRICT Independence, CA 93526
RICHARD WHITE FOURTH DISTRICT (CHAIR) (760) 878-0263/(760) 872-2706
PAUL PAYNE FIFTH DISTRICT (760) 872-0382 FAX
STAFF:
PAT CECIL PLANNING DIRECTOR
DOUG WILSON PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
KEVIN CARUNCHIO COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
SHARON BIRMINGHAM PLANNING COMMISSION SECRETARY
TANDA GRETZ SENIOR PLANNER
JOSHUA HART SENIOR PLANNER
ADENA FANSLER ASSOCIATE PLANNER
The Inyo County Planning Commission met in regular session on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, in the Board of Supervisor’s Room, Administrative Center in Independence, California. Chair White opened the meeting at 10:00 a.m.
These minutes are to be considered for approval by the Planning Commission at their next regularly scheduled meeting.
Absent: Commissioners: None.
Pat Cecil, Planning Director
Doug Wilson, Public Works Director.
Kevin Carunchio, County Administrator.
ITEM 2: APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Action Item) – Approval of Minutes from June 25, 2008; and August 22, 2008.
MOTION: Moved by Commissioner Wasson and seconded by Commissioner Wahrenbrock to approve the Minutes from June 25, 2008.
The Motion carried. (3-0-2). Commissioners Stoll and Payne abstained, as they were absent on June 25, 2008.
MOTION: Moved by Commissioner Payne and seconded by Commissioner Wahrenbrock to approve the Minutes from August 27, 2008.
The Motion carried. (3-0-2). Commissioners Stoll and White abstained, as they were absent on August 27, 2008.
ITEM 3: ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA – Opportunity for the
Commission to add or delete an item on the Agenda.
There were none.
ITEM 4: PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD – Opportunity to address the Planning Commission on any planning subject that is not scheduled on the Agenda.
There were none.
ITEM 5: CONTINUED APPEAL HEARING ON PLANNING DIRECTOR DECISION REGARDING PINE CREEK MINE-NOTICE OF VIOLATION (Continued Public Hearing & Action Item) – An appeal was filed based on Planning Director’s Decision of June 13, 2007 relating to violations of SMARA and the approved Reclamation Plan. On December 5, 2007, the appeal hearing was continued to February 27, 2008 to allow appellant to submit an amendment to the Reclamation Plan satisfactory to the Planning Department. The matter was heard on February 27, 2008 and continued to June 25, 2008. The matter was heard on June 25, 3008 and continued to September 24, 2008 for an adequate, satisfactory submission of an amendment to the Reclamation Plan.
Commissioner William Stoll recused himself from this item and sat in the audience.
Associate Planner Fansler presented the Staff Report to the Commission. Ms. Fansler informed the Commission that the Amended Reclamation Plan had been received however; there were revisions that needed to be made before it could be accepted satisfactory to the Planning Department. Ms. Fansler indicated that the Planning Department had given until September 30, 2008 for the receipt of a corrected Amended Reclamation Plan. Ms. Fansler recommended to the Commission a continuance to allow appropriate review of the anticipated receipt of the Amended Reclamation Plan.
Commissioner Wahrenbrock expressed concerns about the continuations of the hearing and loss of monies to both the County and Mr. Goodfellow.
Ms. Fansler addressed some of the County’s concerns as to the specifications on the use, financial assurances, to include soil sampling, and annual inspection requirements to make a valid amendment to the Reclamation.
Chair White opened the public hearing at 10:20 a.m.
Doug Hicks, manager for Pine Creek Mine, and officer of Avocet Tungsten spoke in regards to the issues and corrective actions on the Amendment to the Reclamation Plan.
Suzanne Rizo, Deputy County Counsel informed the Commission of their options.
Chair White closed the public hearing at 10:40 a.m.
MOTION: Moved by Commissioner Wasson and seconded by Commissioner Payne to continue the hearing to December 3, 2008.
The Motion carried. (4-0).
Commissioner Stoll returned to his seat with the Commission.
ITEM 6: COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT/COMMENTS – Commissioner Stoll inquired as to the status of the update to the General Plan, and the list of concerns yet to be summarized by the Planning Director. Commissioner Wasson addressed concerns regarding the Wilderness issues around the Cerro Gordo mine. Commissioner Stoll also addressed concerns regarding potential closure of the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery, and what was being done to prevent closure. Commissioner Payne spoke of rumor of a solar plant in the southeast portion of the County.
ITEM 7: PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORT – Senior Planner Gretz informed the Commission as to upcoming projects and existing projects, which include the Department of Water and Power Phase II Land Auctions. Senior Planner, Josh Hart updated the Commission as to the Housing Element and the Land Tenure Process and Bike Plan that will be forthcoming in the near future. Associate Planner Fansler informed the Commission of changes in the law regarding SMARA.
ITEM 8: CORRESPONDENCE-INFORMATIONAL – There were none.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Chair White adjourned the meeting at 11:07 a.m. to reconvene in regular session on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Room, Administrative Center, Independence, California.
Prepared by: These Minutes were approved on
October 22, 2008.
Sharon M. Birmingham
Sharon M. Birmingham,
Secretary To
Inyo County Planning Commission