Merita's Accomplishments

I have been an active member of the community and am proud of the improvements and changes I have helped bring about not only in District 3, but throughout Calaveras County.

Constituent Services

I was the first County Supervisor to have designated office hours.  I started at Hazel Fischer School and now at the Arnold Library.  I have weekly office hours on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

I assist constituents with resolution of issues such as land use permits, zoning variances, code enforcement, road maintenance, septic compliance and location, parcel splits, noise and nuisance complaints, etc.

I facilitate communication with county, state and federal agencies on permitting, enforcement and regulatory issues affecting my constituents

Economic Development

I was President of the Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce for two terms.

As a former owner of a successful small business, I understand the need for local preference.  I voted for the 3% preference for county firms bidding on construction projects funded by Calaveras taxpayers. I understand that there are programs and policies that can be supported locally to foster economic development:

• I supported the grant by CalWorks for job cost sharing with local employer (paid work experience program, 80% wage reimbursement to employer); American Recover and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds for local projects e.g., transit capital projects (retained seven County jobs and a project for a local contractor); $1.1 million for road rehabilitation (to be contracted out per Federal Regulations; $241,806 for Energy Efficiency Conservation (to be contracted out); and the current $4.4 million grant application for Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery funds

• I support the current grant application ARRA funding for expansion of broadband in Calaveras and Alpine.  This is a public/private partnership to bring internet service to the underserved area of District 3. 

• I supported the ARRA grant for expansion of microwave system for Sheriff’s office in addition to the current application for additional expansion, in partnership with Alpine County 

• I am working with diverse groups in District 3 on a proposed noise ordinance.

Planning/Land Use

Voted for approval of well-planned development projects, such as:

Worked with the community groups to complete and implement the Arnold, and Avery-Hathaway Pines Community Plans

Actively supported designation of the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway; founding and current member the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway Association Board of Directors

Actively participated in development of  the Arnold Mobility Plan (in conjunction with the Arnold Community Plan); it is a community based comprehensive vision to establish traffic calming devices on Highway 4, increase bicycle and pedestrian safety and opportunities, parking availability, economic development, land use refinement, and increase access to recreation opportunities and facilities.        

Worked with the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum and the County on the required road work for the project. Part of the conditions was folded into the Proposition 16 bike path on Blagen Road. The rest was completed in the summer of 2009, about 10 years after the project started, and when the museum was able to complete the work.

Environment

Working with the County Planning Department to develop a Dark Sky Ordinance that would apply to future land development.

Promoted an Oak Ordinance for perseveration of the oak corridors.

Introduced and received support for the County’s involvement in Timber Harvest Plan reviews.

Solid Waste

Expanded the Avery Transfer Station.

Established two yard waste disposal sites in 2005, which were subsidized by the Solid Waste Recycling Fee (part of Solid Waste Parcel Fee). Seeking long term solutions to funding programs to keep these sites open for free yard waste disposal, at least part of the year.

Promoted installation of the “Tarp Your Load” signs on Moran near the Transfer Station.  This has resulted in less garbage on the side of the roads.  As a result, these signs were posted near the other Transfer Stations in the County.

Represent the Board of Supervisors on the Solid Waste Force.
   

Stu Mast, District 3 Ag Commissioner at his winery

Transportation

I advocated for inclusion of the Blagen Road bike path for a State grant.  It has been completed.

Facilitated paving of Dunbar Road

Facilitated the placement of the Highway 4 lighted road condition sign at the foot of Utica Grade

Represent the Board of Supervisors on the Calaveras Council of Governments; Chair 2009

Worked with CalTrans to have street lights installed at Highway 4, and Avery-Sheep Ranch, and Avery-Hotel Roads

Worked with CalTrans to have a left turn lane installed at Highway 4 and Country Club Drive

Worked with CalTrans to have parking pockets cleared for off-Highway parking during the winter season for Ganns Meadows, Beatrice Drive, Tamarack, and Sherman Acres subdivisions.

Instrumental in promoting and placing “Share the Road” signs for county bicycle riders and visitors to our area. Bicycle events have become a component of our local community.

Worked with Alpine County to change the sand composite for Highway 4 during the snow season from Arnold to Bear Valley.  There had been constituent complaints about the texture and the effects to breathing.

Agriculture

Supported the inclusion of Agriculture and Forestry Elements to the General Plan.

Supported the continuation of the Williamson Act even though the State no longer sends subvention funds.  The Williamson Act was established to help the farming and ranching communities with tax incentives, which reduces the tax base to counties, and grants a small reimbursement (subvention) to the respective counties

Community Collaboration

Work with community groups to seek collaborative solutions on controversial issues such as the interface trails, Candy Rock shooting range, bike routes, concert locations, etc.

As a member of the Calaveras Fish & Game Commission supported the establishment of the Kids’ Fishing Day which is now an annual event.

Strong advocate of the Calaveras Humane Society (CHS) and the County animal shelter: implemented a volunteer program, office space for staff, worked with County and CHS for the adopt-a-pet-program, and currently working with the CHS and the County on designating land for new shelter

Community Services

As a Board of Director of the Area 12 Agency on Aging,  I support the home delivered meals, congregate meal sites, Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy, Chore (yard work, heavy housework), and other programs which maximizes the independence of our older residents.

Instrumental in forming the tri-county (Calaveras, Alpine and Amador) Central Sierra Child Support Agency, a model in the State.

Parks and Recreation

Supported the establishment of a county-wide Parks and Recreation Commission.

Work with District 3 Park and Recreation Commissioner on the Proposition 40 projects for the District (White Pines Park, Courtwright-Emerson Ballpark, Arnold Rim Trail and the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail).  All projects have been submitted to the State for final approval (White Pines Park is approved).  Supported the County advancing the funds for the projects.

Active member of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) collaborative planning group for the motorized travel plan, and the Winter Recreation Program  

Public Safety

Actively involved in the grant application for funding for the new jail.

Supported the establishment of a Justice Center (jail, courts, Sheriff’s administration, Dispatch and Emergency Services).

Chair of the Tri-county (Calaveras, Amador, and Tuolumne) Juvenile Justice facility.

Work with Homeowner Associations on burn protocols for yard waste.

Supported establishment of a Sheriff’s substation in Arnold, the first in the County.   

County Budget

I have a voting record of conservative fiscal policy for the County budget.

Going into the 2010/11 budget cycle, with substantially reduced revenues, (decrease in property taxes and State reimbursement of mandated programs and funding for social services) I will continue to support budget priorities that meet the needs of our community.  I support combining resources.

I care about District 3 and Calaveras County. 
I will continue to support projects and policies that benefit all.