Alturas City Council
Regular Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
April 19, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
Pursuant to Resolution #2021-55 adopted by City Council on October 19, 2021, the Alturas City Council Mayor Mark Steffek called the regular meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers and via teleconference. Councilmembers present: Mark Steffek, Kelly Crosby, Cheryl Nelson, and Loni Lewis.
Councilmembers absent: Samantha Wood. Staff present: City Clerk Macey Binning, City Treasurer Dorothy Long, Police Chief Sid Cullins, City Attorney Jeff Hedlund, Director of Public Works Joe Picotte, Fire Chief Jimmy Lloyd, Fire Marshal Eric Hunter, and IT Specialist Sean Buie. Public attending: 10.
All present joined together in Pledge of Allegiance.
No comments were presented under public forum.
MOTION by Councilmember Crosby, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to approve the agenda as presented. ALL AYES.
MOTION by Councilmember Crosby, SECONDED by Councilmember Lewis to adopt the consent agenda as follows: a.) Approve minutes of March 15, 2022 meeting; b.) Approve minutes of March 18, 2022 special meeting; c.) Approve minutes of March 21, 2022 special meeting; d.) Approve minutes of March 24, 2022 special meeting; e.) Approve City warrants for March, 2022 in the amount of $239,634.82; f.) Approve ACH reconciliation report for March, 2022 in the amount of $163,683.63; g.) Requesting approval to extend Resolution #2021-55 for an additional 30 days to authorize remote teleconference meetings of the legislative bodies of City of Alturas pursuant to Brown Act provisions; h.) Adopt Resolution #2022-16 approving the applications for the City of Alturas Utility Relief Program in the amount of $3,527.24. ALL AYES.
Lorissa Soriano, representing Modoc Economic Development Commission/Modoc Outdoor Recreation & Tourism, requests consideration of a donation from the City’s Community Projects Fund to help with the cost of the annual Modoc Sportsman’s Outdoor Expo. The 9th Annual Modoc Sportsman’s Outdoor Expo will take place on June 25, 2022 at Veteran’s Memorial Park. This event hasn’t been put off the last two years due to COVID. New events will be introduced this year including a Vintage Trailer Show, “The Alturas Trailer Trash Bash”.
Councilmember Crosby asks if the City Council has donated in the past and the amount that has been donated.
City Treasurer Long replied the City Council has donated in the past between $250.00 to $500.00.
William Brian Cox asks Lorissa Soriano if they will be offering prizes for the Vintage Trailer Show? This would be an incentive to bring people to this event.
Lorissa Soriano explained currently details are not finalized, but really like the suggestion provided.
Mayor Steffek commends Lorissa Soriano and the Modoc Economic Development Commission/Modoc Outdoor Recreation & Tourism for putting on a great event for our community.
MOTION by Councilmember Lewis, SECONDED by Councilmember Crosby to donate $250.00 from the City’s Community Projects Fund to help with the cost of the annual Modoc Sportsman’s Outdoor Expo. ALL AYES.
Lorissa Soriano updated the Council that the Modoc Economic Development Commission has been reestablished and now has a full board. This board consists of five board members and will meet once a month. Some of the new Board Members are Joe Picotte and Chester Robertson. Lorissa and Jim Cavasso will now act more as an advisory role.
Councilmember Crosby believes that the Modoc Economic Development Commission and Superior California Economic Development (SCED) have common goals and could benefit sharing information that has been gathered through SCED.
Lorissa Soriano works for Modoc Resource Conservation District (RCD). RCD recently partnered with the Fire Safe Council to implement projects and educational programs that help protect rural communities from wildfire. The Fire Safe Council will have a meeting tonight and Lorissa invites anyone interested to join.
Mayor Steffek read the Resolution #2022-17 that recognized Keith Jacques and extended profound appreciation for his distinguished service as the Fire Chief of the Alturas Fire Department. Mr. Jacques was also presented an award for appreciation of his 17 years of service.
MOTION by Councilmember Crosby, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to adopt Resolution #2022-17 for recognition and profound appreciation of distinguished service by Keith Jacques, Fire Chief of the Alturas Fire Department. ALL AYES.
MOTION by Councilmember Lewis, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to approve the second reading of Ordinance #525 amending sections of Chapter 1. Article 1 “Elections”. ALL AYES.
MOTION by Councilmember Crosby, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to adopt Resolution #2022-18 approving the second amended budget for Fiscal Year 2021/2022 in the amount of $6,636,552.00. ALL AYES.
City Treasurer Long presented the request for a Mill Site space lease agreement for storage, between the City of Alturas and Saddleback Sanitation. This lease agreement would be for a small area for porta potty storage. Ms. Long and City Attorney Hedlund will work to draft this agreement to avoid a conflict of interest.
City Attorney Hedlund would like for the Mill Site Committee to be involved as well. They can discuss the insurance requirements, amount charged, and space restrictions.
Councilmember Crosby asked how they would determine the amount to be charged.
Director of Public Works responds they can look at comparable properties with agreements and the past contracts to determine a fair price.
Mayor Steffek asks if there is any limit to how many businesses can be located at the Mill Site. Or if there are any guidelines on the type of businesses.
Mr. Picotte responded there isn’t any restrictions as long as the City isn’t taking from private entities. Mr.
Picotte is looking into grant funding to improve the property which will encourage economic development and allow other business to use property.
Councilmember Crosby asked since this is City property how would other businesses and people know of the availability and opportunity to rent.
City Attorney Hedlund responds this will need to go through the process and offer the property and notify others of the availability.
Mr. Picotte is currently concerned with the property not being secured and the buildings being dilapidated. If a business stores their property at the Mill Site it is subject to being stolen or vandalized.
The City needs to fence in this property and repair building for safety.
MOTION by Councilmember Crosby, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to table item #9 to authorize the City Attorney to draft a Mill Site space lease agreement for storage, between the City of Alturas and Saddleback Sanitation, until the City Attorney can further research. ALL AYES.
MOTION by Councilmember Nelson, SECONDED by Councilmember Lewis to adopt Resolution #2022-19 approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the United Public Employees of California Local 792 Alturas General Unit and the City of Alturas. ALL AYES.
MOTION by Councilmember Crosby, SECONDED by Councilmember Lewis to adopt Resolution #2022-20 adopting a list of projects for Fiscal Year 2022-23 funded by the SB 1 The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. ALL AYES.
MOTION by Councilmember Lewis, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to adopt Resolution #2022-21 authorizing the Director of Public Works to be the authorized representative for the State Water Resource Control Board Drinking Water System Improvement Project. ALL AYES.
MOTION by Councilmember Crosby, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to adopt Resolution #2022-22 approving the Supplemental Service Agreement No. 6 between the City of Alturas and Brandley Engineering, Inc. ALL AYES.
Director of Public Works Picotte has inspected the pool and has determined the pool is in poor condition and has safety issues. Mr. Picotte would recommend not opening the pool for the 2022 pool season. Mr.
Picotte has explored options to fix and open the pool for this season, however, this would be costly. Mr.
Picotte offers to take anyone on a tour to show them the concerns he currently has.
Councilmember Lewis asks if funding from the John Wall trust can be used to make these repairs.
Mayor Steffek responded John Wall funds are available for maintenance costs. However, the pool committee recommended that after the feasibility study was conducted not to take the funding away from building a new pool. The Pool Committee continues to apply for grants to assist with building a new pool.
Councilmember Lewis is concerned with the pool not opening our youth will suffer from this. Mrs. Lewis would like to explore all ways to prevent the pool from closing.
Councilmember Crosby agrees that a pool is needed, but depleting funds on a temporary fix will not help the community. Especially after a feasibility study has been conducted and shows the repairs that would need to be completed to operate and meet safety standards. Mrs. Crosby is surprised that they haven’t been award a grant. Mrs. Crosby would like to suggest reviewing the grant applications to see why the project wasn’t considered.
Councilmember Nelson recommends if the pool is closed to create a splash and play for the kids.
Brian Cox has experienced a community closing a pool. It took the community 15 years before building a new pool. Brian worries that children will not be taught basic swimming and that is a safety concern for the community. Is there a way to maintain the pool to offer this to the youth? Director of Public Works Picotte responds the state the pool currently is in it would not be possible, and recommends focusing on building a new pool for the community.
De Funk asks if the funds that would’ve been used for the 2022 pool season can be used to help fund the new pool.
City Treasurer Long informs everyone that the pool always operates in the “red” and general fund monies are used to sustain the pool.
Mayor Steffek mentioned that another idea the Pool Committee has discussed is to form a local group that would fundraise for the new pool. Which might be something to revisit at this time.
MOTION by Councilmember Crosby, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to accept the Director of Public Works recommendation and not open the pool for the 2022 season. In favor: Councilmember Nelson, Crosby and Steffek; Opposed: Councilmember Lewis. MOTION PASSED.
Director of Public Works Picotte explained in January of 2022 they started discussion with California Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics and were informed that they are requiring the City of Alturas and Modoc County to establish an Airport Land Use Commission. They will also require the City of Alturas and Modoc County to establish and adopt a land use plan. Once the Airport Land Use Commission is established it will be formed similar to the Modoc County LAFCo board. Two Commissioners to represent the City of Alturas, Two Commissioners to represent Modoc County, and one Commissioner to represent the public. Existing buildings near the airport will be grandfathered in and can expand but will have strict requirements.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mayor Steffek reported the next LAFCo meeting will be June 14, 2022 at 4:00 pm. LAFCo met April 12, 2022 during this meeting they had a public hearing for the proposed 2021-2022 LAFCo budget. The Commissioners agreed to increase the budget by $2,000.00 to provide a line item for mileage and then approved the proposed budget. The June 14, 2022 they will finalize the 2021-2022 LAFCo budget. Mayor Steffek announces that Executive Officer John Benoit plans to gradually retire and introduced Jennifer Stephenson, Deputy Executive Officer who will learn his duties.
Councilmember Lewis is a part of the Recycling Committee and drafted a letter for the newspaper for Earth Day. This letter is to encourage and inform the Community on how they can reduce, reuse, and recycle. Mrs. Lewis asks Ms. Binning to submit this to Modoc Record. Mrs. Lewis also encourages the new Councilmembers to reach out to Modoc Record to introduce themselves to the Community.
Councilmember Crosby reports she has been attending the Superior California Economic Development (SCED) loan committee and they’ve been able to approve a few loans to businesses. Superior California Economic Development (SCED) applied for a feasibility grant for the USDA processing facility. They have not received this grant and the meetings regarding the USDA processing facility has decreased to once a month. Once the feasibility study has been conducted and project is possible, they will have several outreach meetings regarding the project to gather the public input. Currently they are still in the beginning stages. Councilmember Crosby invites everyone to attend the Community Collaborative potluck that will be held Friday, April 22, 2022 in Cedarville. During this Community Collaborative they will discuss Agritourism.
COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS:
With recent Cybersecurity and Infrastructure warnings IT Specialist Buie would like to schedule a special meeting to discuss the City’s infrastructure and cyber security.
Councilmembers schedule to have a special meeting Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 2:30 pm in the Director of Public Works office.
Fire Chief Lloyd thanked the Council and staff for the annual appreciation dinner for the Alturas Fire Department.
Fire Marshal Hunter reports the weed abatement program has started. Mr. Hunter posted a notice in the paper and website to inform the community to keep each and every property free of weeds, tall grass, rubbish and garbage. Mr. Hunter and Thomas Eames are working on updating Fire plans within the City.
Mr. Hunter has received the smoke alarms for the City buildings and will be installing them soon.
Police Chief Cullins reports that the first 3 months of 2022 the Alturas Police Department has made 45 arrests. Out of the 45 arrests 14 were felonies. The Alturas Police Department recently upgraded their software, and with the new software Chief Cullins is able to see frequently visited locations. Which showed Modoc County Probation being the first frequently visited location; the second was the Schools. Which proves the need of a School Resource Officer. Chief Cullins plans to hire a new Police Officer since he has an open position.
Director of Public Works Picotte informed the Council of the Governor Executive Order #N-7-22 which pertains to drought and new restrictions. Currently the City is in compliance but this could change at any time. Mr. Picotte plans on asking the Community to conserve water in these drought conditions. The City monitors the well water monthly, and will be keeping a closer eye on water levels. Mr. Picotte also attended a disaster council meeting which is discussing updating the hazardous mitigation plan. This plan needs to be updated every five years. The disaster council will meet monthly to ensure this update. Mr. Picotte announce the Army Corps of Engineers with also be updating and reviewing the status of the river. Mr.
Picotte reports that Lakeview, Oregon is still proceeding with bio fuels. This will also need to be included in the new hazardous mitigation plan. Mr. Picotte and City Attorney Hedlund reviewed Waste Management’s contract and recommends that the recycling committee look at curb side recycling in the fall when the contract is open to negotiations. This would benefit all parties, since California would like to see a 90% diversion. Mr. Picotte announces the Fire Department received their new generator and will be mounting it to a trailer.
Mayor Steffek announces Modoc County Office of Emergency Services will be holding a community meeting on emergency preparedness tonight, April 19, 2022 at 6:30 pm at the Veteran’s Hall. Mr. Steffek encourages everyone to attend because they will be discussing the planned power shutoffs.
City Treasurer Long informed Council that through the Modoc High School Internship Program she has an intern who attended today’s City Council meeting but had to leave for a sports practice. Ms. Long has been teaching him about the City and operations within the City.
City Clerk Binning is working with Police Chief Cullins to update the City’s Animal Ordinance.
Mayor Steffek asks Ms. Binning on the status of finalizing Daphnedale.
City Clerk Binning recently spoke to the County Clerk and they are waiting for a document from the board of equalization saying that Daphnedale is to be removed before she can proceed with the process.
With no further business to come before City Council. MOTION by Councilmember Nelson to adjourn the meeting at 4:18 p.m. and to return in regular session on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., City Hall.
SECONDED by Councilmember Lewis. ALL AYES.
Respectfully,
Macey Binning
City Clerk