Memorandum
Date: October 22, 2024
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Mireya G. Turner, Community Development Director
Shannon Walker-Smith, Deputy Community Development Administrator
Subject: 10:00 A.M. - Consideration of Proposed Two-Year Plan to Complete the Wildfire Benefit Assessment Zone Pilot Project
Executive Summary: Since the inception of Wildfire Zones of Benefit (Wildfire Benefit Assessment Zones) Pilot Program in 2019, the design and implementation has been wrought with challenges. The resolutions governing this project (and the supporting documentation) and the community understanding of the project do not align. Hazardous vegetation management has taken place, however the funds have not been recaptured as liens against the properties, and this cannot take place due to the "double-dipping" nature of charging property owners for a service that they paid for with their assessment. Thus, the fund balances have diminished as work has been done. The management of the pilot program fell to Code Enforcement, which operates within a structure of required steps to ensure proper notification and due process to property owners before abatement of the hazardous vegetation can take place. Management of this program has been a significant burden on existing staff, with initial notifications, collaboration with Home Owner Association representatives and contractors, follow up notices and warrants to enter properties for abatement.
Staff proposes to continue the pilot program for an additional two years, retain the project in the Code Enforcement division but with a new budget to adequately support project activities and staff time. A new code enforcement officer position would be created and 100% dedicated to this project. We have outlined a budget, essential duties and timeline for the position (attached in power point and proposed budget).
As advised by County Counsel, we would not process liens against property owners, as the...
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