LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday welcomed a new correctional officer to the ranks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office, denied an appeal of a Lower Lake kennel project and approved a contract for a feasibility study of electronic boat ramp gates.

At the start of the meeting Sheriff Brian Martin introduced newly appointed Correctional Officer Adrian Moreno to the supervisors.

Moreno was born and raised locally. “He's the perfect applicant to hire. He's got roots here in Lake County,” and graduated from Clear Lake High School, said Martin.

Martin said that after high school Moreno went on to get automotive repair certifications and has been working as a mechanic for several years.

In his experience, Martin said mechanics seem to make the best law enforcement officers. He said he's not sure why that is, but suggested it could be their willingness to get dirty or their abilities in problem-solving.

“I'm looking forward to seeing what Adrian has to offer us through his law enforcement career with us,” said Martin.

Before administering the oath to Moreno, Martin thanked Moreno's family, told them he will be working long hours but also getting opportunities.

“We are glad to have you,” said Board Chair Rob Brown, who added that he has known Moreno for a long time. Brown said some of the department's best deputies have come from working at the jail.

Supervisors Jim Comstock, Jim Steele and Jeff Smith also offered their congratulations.

Tuesday's lengthiest item was the public hearing to consider the appeal of the Lake County Planning Commission's Oct. 27 approval of a mitigated negative declaration and major use permit for a large animal kennel that Blythe Lucero has applied to have on her property at 11767 Candy Lane in Lower Lake.

Lucero is seeking to establish an animal care facility for a maximum of 20 elderly cats and 14 elderly dogs on the 11-acre parcel, located in the Twin Lakes subdivision.

Planning documents explained that the animals will be housed inside an existing 2,375-square-foot barn plus an outdoor area.

County planning staff recommended denying the appeal. In the report for the discussion staff explained that Lucero currently has the right, without a conditional use permit, to have livestock on the property – including as many as 22 horses or 69 goats – and so the use permit for the kennel “will be a minimal impact.”

For more than four hours, the board heard from Lucero's attorney Andre Ross and Robert Riggs, attorney for the appellant, Durand Duin, who along with his partner John Biron owns the nearby Spirit Lake bed and breakfast. It was noted during the discussion that the bed and breakfast currently isn't open but that Duin and Biron purchased it and are planning to reopen it.

In addition to the detailed arguments offered for the project by Ross and against it by Riggs, there also was testimony from numerous community members.

Project opponents believed it will damage quality of life and property values, and shouldn't be located close to the residential area. Those in favor of it defended Lucero's plans and her experience in animal rescue. The statements in support of Lucero included a video of several neighbors who weren't able to appear in person.

The board ultimately denied the appeal in a 5-0 vote, paving the way for Lucero to move forward.

Also on Tuesday, the board approved a contract between the county of Lake and Oscar Larson & Associates for a feasibility study for electronic boat ramp gates at public access sites on Clear Lake.

The study, the cost of which is not to exceed $171,140.51, is funded by a state grant, according to Public Works and Water Resources Director Scott De Leon. A small required match from the county will be made through staff time.

The item originally had been on the consent agenda but was pulled for discussion after Supervisor Tony Farrington and Supervisor Jim Steele raised questions about the study and its direction.

De Leon said he had received the board's go-ahead to apply for the grant to pay for the study following a meeting earlier this year, and showed a video of that meeting which confirmed his statement.

In other business, the board approved ending the mandatory conservation ordinance for the Mt. Hannah Water System, CSA No. 22, as the conditions necessitating the original emergency no longer exist.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.