Justin Birtwhistle

The meeting agenda for the Airports Advisory Committee included introductions, a public forum for non-agenda items, and committee business that involved consideration of approving the minutes from the November 17, 2025 meeting. The primary discussion and action item was the review and recommendation of the updated Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP) for Columbia Airport, detailing projects spanning five years, including AWOS replacement, Airport Layout Plan (ALP) update with AGIS, Pavement Management Plan, and runway rehabilitation design and construction phases. Staff noted that no ACIP was being submitted for Pine Mountain Lake Airport pending resolution of residential issues.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum. Key discussions included a report on Senate Bill 43, which expands the definition of Grave Disability under California's conservatorship laws, and concerns regarding potential impacts on local hospital services. A staff report detailed that the Behavioral Health Department's submission of Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information System (HEDIS) data met all standards in the previous External Quality Review Organization (EQRO) audit, and the department is preparing for the next audit scheduled for February 2026. New business addressed the status of two advisory board memberships with expired terms, and the availability of online training for board members. During continued business, the board reviewed and approved the 2025 Data Notebook after making modifications to survey questions 9 and 16. Member reports included a suggestion to seek external speakers and a proposal to add an agenda item to discuss the fiscal impacts of a potential government shutdown.

Key discussion topics included the continuation of the Local Health Emergency due to the TCU September Lightning Complex Fire, requiring the adoption of Resolution 107-25. The Board considered providing a list of priority transportation projects to the Tuolumne County Transportation Council for their Strategic Planning Workshop. A presentation by the Tuolumne County Fire Ad Hoc Committee addressed discussion and direction for FY 2026/2027 Fire Services funding. Additionally, the Board planned to conduct the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair for 2026 and consider the approval of the proposed Chair's committee and commission appointments for the year.

The meeting agenda covered several consent items, including the approval of a correction of a clerical error to Resolution No. 107-25, adopting Resolution 02-26 to authorize the Tax Collector to conduct a public auction of tax defaulted properties, and adopting Resolutions 03-26 and 04-26 approving Tuolumne County Groundwater Sustainability Agency (TCGSA) operations, specifically a Groundwater Use Management Program and a Well Mitigation Program. The Board also addressed recognizing unanticipated revenue in the Sheriff Jail cost center from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) totaling $39,094. Furthermore, they approved the award of contracts not to exceed $250,000 each for on-call tree removal services with R3 Consulting Group, Inc., and delegated signature authority for task orders. Other business included a discussion and direction regarding the 2026 Board of Supervisors Workshop, a presentation on the Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA) Food Bank, and the ceremonial swearing-in of elected officials for 2026.

The strategic priorities for 2025 focus on supporting local water utility modernization, monitoring pertinent State and Federal legislation concerning natural resources and water rights, maintaining awareness of Tuolumne County Federal land use policy, and promoting landscape and watershed resilience. Committee business includes staff reports on the UCCE Grazing Workshop, Secure Rural Schools update, GSA Update Bulletin 118 letter and GSP Actions, an update regarding a vacancy for Chris Trott, and an MSA Update. The meeting also includes a public forum for comments on non-agenda items.