SIERRA COUNTY’S Board of Supervisors’ Committee on Economic and Business Development met in Sierraville June 23rd. County Planning Director Tim Beals gave an update on Geothermal grant opportunities, stating they’ve gotten all documents pulled to portray the former project and added the grant guidelines are probably the same for May of 2016. The scope of the grant will be reviewed with the CA Energy Commission and to make sure the site on Filippini Road will be sound as a productive resource with a 16-inch casing. He talked of a marketing study and development project and the search for funding to bring in a user such as aquaponics, hatchery, hydroponics. Sharon reported on the State Fair exhibit which had its first buildout the prior week which she called “pretty spectacular.” It was moved by Pat, seconded by Sharon and approved to update a public events policy in Sierra County which County Supervisor Paul Roen said had been brought to the Board three time before. It was stated there will be “push back” from local organizations. Tim told about the two Plumas National Forest meetings on the Lakes Basin the 24th and 27th, suggesting to ask the forest service to extend the boundaries of recreation and giving pros and cons of that design. He told how the Sierra County portion of the Lakes Basin has no protection and if lost, it would change the landscape and could change the popularity. Trails on the Plumas are well marked, maintained and have public maps which Sierra County doesn’t get, not being part of the official national Lakes Basin. Beals told of Sierra Nevada Conservancy soliciting projects due September 1st for forest health and fire reduction and said fire districts are in a good position to compete with no matching funds. He reported on AT&T‘s broadband service coverage on West Side Road and Calpine Road, installing fiber due to competition. As bicyclists filled the parking lot at the school, talk turned to the USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships. Pat Whitley told of the City of Loyalton ordering banners and East Sierra Valley Chamber of Commerce having Sierra Booster create flyers detailing local businesses. Tim said it’s not the money here but the scenery and pastoral setting and flatness of the race course. He was in favor to “start embracing this biking,” and said the “opportunity needs to be massaged.” On other project updates, he told how Sierra Hot Spring’s improvements to an attractive destination and conference center would add a restaurant and additional rooms which Beals called, “a real shot in the arm,” with the road dovetailing the project. Beals was asked about the County airport which he called a “pot of gold,” and which could be a unique opportunity. Big Springs Garden has sold and Beals said it will be “pretty low key.” He spoke briefly on the appeal yet with no formal decision on the Firm Foundation Academy at the former Pliocene Ridge School in Pike. In Calpine at Sierra Valley Lodge there are “odds with the community.” The snow grooming grant has expired and will have to be put out to bid. At Sierraville School, there’s an interest for a portion of the former school building for high elevation Alpine cheese with a dairy component in the Valley and a creamery at the school building. Beals called Lucy Blake “very capable and well connected.” and “a good person to team with.” Present were members, Sharon Dobija, Patti Hall, Bryan Davey, Miriam Dines, Pat Whitley, Sidonie Christian and Jim Beard. Absent were Will Clark, Randy Wagner, Peter Huebner and Don Yegge. Pam Payen is off the roster and Greg Williams resigned besides the loss of Kathy Breed. It was decided to keep the members at nine rather than twelve. On discussion of mission, goals and structure of the committee, Pattie felt it should be a functioning committee. Tim said Greg left for things not accomplished to which Sharon added, “That’s been historical.” Pat stated they’ve never had a budget and are limited to what they can do.