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ADMINISTRATION / COUNTY COUNSEL - Chief Administrator Gabriel Hydrick
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Requested Action(s)
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a) AGREEMENT - Request approval and authorization for Chair to sign the agreement with Amber Z. Lane for the purpose of providing marijuana cultivation abatement Hearing Officer services under Chapter 9.06 of the Tehama County Code with the maximum amount not to exceed $70,000, effective 9/1/24 and shall terminate 8/31/26
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Financial Impact:
There are adequate funds appropriated for these services in FY 2024-25, budget unit 1105-53230. These costs are anticipated to be offset, in part, with abatement cost recovery and administrative penalty collections.
Background Information:
Ordinance No. 2000 established an administrative hearing process for the abatement of unlawful marijuana cultivation, stipulating that a hearing officer must be a licensed attorney with over five years of experience. Previously, Lynn Cottier (formerly Strom) was appointed to this role. On or about August 2, 2024, Ms. Cottier notified the County of her resignation from this position. In accordance with Ordinance No. 2000, a new hearing officer is to be appointed. The proposed agreement appoints Amber Z. Lane as the new Hearing Officer for a two-year term, with an hourly rate of $135 and a provision for billing travel time at half of this rate from her office in Redding, California.