Tom Skinner

The board meeting included a public comment session regarding concerns about county claims and transparency. The main business of the meeting involved a ceremonial presentation to honor a local track athlete for achievements in AAU Junior National Championships and record-breaking performances. The board declared a commemorative day in the county to recognize these athletic and academic accomplishments, and representatives from congressional and state offices provided additional recognition for the athlete.

The Board conducted business regarding property tax assessment appeals. Key actions included approving stipulations and withdrawals for numerous applications, setting meeting dates for 2017, and reviewing an outstanding application report. Additionally, the Board heard a request for reconsideration of a denial, conducted a timeliness hearing, postponed several hearings to future sessions, and determined the assessed value for a specific property.

The meeting included the consideration and approval of two public hearing items. The first item involved the demolition of an existing dwelling and workshop, the construction of a new residence with a detached garage, and a variance to reduce front setback requirements. The second item involved the approval of a design for a new residence, including a pool cabana, attached trellis, retaining walls, and associated grading work.

The board addressed the Consent Calendar, approving numerous stipulations and withdrawals for various assessment appeal applications. Several pending applications were postponed to future hearing dates, while others were denied due to a lack of appearance by the applicants. Additionally, the 2016 Outstanding Application Report was presented for review, and considerations for previous meeting minutes were continued to a subsequent date.

The board meeting addressed several key matters, including the adoption of a resolution honoring a retiring county employee for her years of service. Additionally, the board approved the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services' Annex M Electrical Power Disruption Plan and Annex Z Winter Storm Response Plan. A public hearing was held regarding the formation of a Groundwater Sustainability Agency for a portion of the 180/400 Foot Aquifer Subbasin, which was subsequently approved. The board also conducted a closed session to perform evaluations for the Public Defender and the Civil Rights Officer.