Title
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Rob Brown, District 5 Supervisor
DATE: November 6, 2018
SUBJECT: EXTRA ITEM - (a) Consideration of an Extra Agenda item for the reasons listed; and (b) Consideration of Letter to Congressman Mike Thompson, in support of a disaster package that assists Lake County Winegrape growers
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
(a) This item is being submitted as an “extra” agenda item. The justification for this request to consider an item not on the posted agenda is as follows:
• The need to take action came to my attention subsequent to the posting of the current agenda.
• There is a need to take immediate action before the next available agenda.
Prior to our next regular meeting on November 20, 2018, Congress is expected to take up a disaster assistance bill to aid the many agricultural producers and timber operators affected by devastating hurricanes that swept through the Southeast United States.
(b) Lake County has suffered devastating, repeated natural disasters over the past four years. Each natural disaster greatly affects the tax base, infrastructure and economic stability of our rural county.
Lake County winegrapes typically produce around $75 million per year in revenue. This year, persistent exposure to heavy smoke produced by the Mendocino Complex Fires has resulted in substantial losses to winegrape growers in Lake County.
The purpose of this letter is to urge the inclusion of California winegrape growers in any disaster assistance bill that may move forward.
FISCAL IMPACT (Narrative): None
STAFFING IMPACT (if applicable): None
Recommended Action
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
(a) Approve the extra item as requested.
(b) Approve Letter to Congressman Mike Thompson, in support of a disaster package that assists Lake County Winegrape growers, authorizing the Chair to sign.