Alturas City Council
Regular Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
August 16, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
Pursuant to Resolution #2021-55 adopted by City Council on October 19, 2021, the Alturas City Council Mayor Pro-Tem Nelson called the regular meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers and via teleconference. Councilmembers present: Cheryl Nelson, Paul Minchella, Kelly Crosby, and Samantha Wood. Councilmembers absent: Brian Cox. Staff present: City Clerk Macey Binning, City Treasurer Dorothy Long, City Attorney Jeff Hedlund, Police Chief Sid Cullins, Director of Public Works Joe Picotte, and Fire Marshal Eric Hunter. Public attending: 2. All present joined together in Pledge of Allegiance.
Under public forum, Modoc Joint Unified School District Superintendent Tom O’Malley addressed the Council with his concern regarding the lack of housing. The lack of housing is starting to affect obtaining new employees which is impacting the education of students.
Director of Public Works Picotte is aware of this issue and has been talking to a developer. Mr. Picotte invites Mr. O’Malley to future meetings with the developer.
MOTION by Councilmember Minchella, SECONDED by Councilmember Wood to approve the agenda as presented. ALL AYES.
MOTION by Councilmember Minchella, SECONDED by Councilmember Wood to adopt the consent agenda as follows: a.) Approve minutes of July 19, 2022 meeting; b.) Approve City warrants for June, 2022 in the amount of $592,811.13; c.) Approve City warrants for July, 2022 in the amount of $58,213.38; d.) Approve ACH reconciliation report for July, 2022 in the amount of $429,814.52; e.) 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; f.) Adopt Resolution #2022-41 approving the applications for the City of Alturas Utility Relief Program in the amount of $2,289.82. ALL AYES.
MOTION by Councilmember Minchella, SECONDED by Councilmember Wood to adopt Resolution #2022-42 authorizing the Joint Powers Authority Agreement between the City of Alturas and California Intergovernmental Risk Authority (CIRA). ALL AYES.
MOTION by Councilmember Minchella, SECONDED by Councilmember Wood to adopt Resolution #2022-43 authorizing the Director of Public Works to execute Financial Assistance Application for a financing agreement from the State Water Resources Control Board. ALL AYES.
MOTION by Councilmember Minchella, SECONDED by Councilmember Wood to adopt Resolution #2022-44 approving the 2021 General Plan annual progress report. ALL AYES.
Director of Public Works Picotte requests that the City Attorney draft an office space lease agreement between the City of Alturas and Modoc Economic Development Corporation and Resource Conservation District. This would be for the office space that was previously leased by Red Cross. Mr. Picotte explains
this partnership would be a great opportunity for the City. Modoc Economic Development Corporation and Resource Conservation District could apply for grant opportunities that would benefit the City and the Community. Mr. Picotte does not have the terms of the lease at this time and would like permission to explore this opportunity.
MOTION by Councilmember Crosby, SECONDED by Councilmember Wood to authorize the City Attorney, City Treasurer, and Director of Public Works to draft an office space lease agreement between the City of Alturas and Modoc Economic Development Corporation and Resource Conservation District.
ALL AYES.
Director of Public Works Picotte would like to know the pleasure of the Council regarding City owned parcels APN 003-171-052; 003-171-048; 003-171-049 and 003-171-002. These parcels are located between W. Carlos Street and the Pioneer Cemetery. Currently, they are recorded as parcels and Mr. Picotte would like to correct this to either an easement or dedicate it as a road way. If the Council decides to dedicate as a road way, Mr. Picotte does not plan on spending a lot of money creating this road when other roads are in need of repair. Mr. Picotte would like to have a discussion with the Cemetery District regarding sharing the cost or look for grant opportunities to make the improvement.
City Attorney explained to the Council they have a few options. The first option is to dedicate the parcels as a road way. Or sell to another party with an access easement. Mr. Hedlund would recommend the stakeholders meeting and discussing their options.
MOTION by Councilmember Crosby, SECONDED by Councilmember Minchella to authorize the City Attorney and Director of Public Works to have a meeting with the stakeholders and Cemetery District to explore options. ALL AYES.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: NONE
COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS:
Fire Marshal Hunter reports as of today the Alturas Fire Department for 2022 has had a total of 26 fire calls and 194 medical calls.
Director of Public Works Picotte reports the Public Works Department has been working on paving.
However, it has been a struggle to receive the products and materials to continue paving due to oil shortage. Mr. Picotte continues to search for a new supplier of sulfur dioxide (SO2). This chemical is used at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Mr. Picotte has teamed up with other agencies that have been affected by this. They plan to place an order together to reduce shipping costs.
Mayor Pro-Tem Nelson inquires on the status of the Alturas Municipal Airport.
Director of Public Works Picotte responds the Alturas Municipal Airport has had a decent year considering there hasn’t been a fire. Mr. Picotte is still working to rebuild the damaged hangar. However, he is struggling to receive materials and find an available contractor.
Fire Marshal Hunter would like to thank City Treasurer Long. Ms. Long applied and was awarded a $10,000.00 grant to purchase new fire hoses. This grant helped the Alturas Fire Department tremendously.
City Treasurer Long reports after the sewer rate increase Councilmembers expressed their concern for low-income or set-income customers being financially impacted. Ms. Long applied for a grant that would help these customers with a one-time payment. This grant application was just submitted and she is waiting to hear if it is awarded. Ms. Long reports the fiscal year end audit for 2021 has been completed with zero findings. Ms. Long has been informed the City was selected for a CalPERS audit, and will be working on completing the audit.
Mayor Pro-Tem Nelson reports she attended the Modoc LAFCO meeting on August 9, 2022.
Director of Public Works briefly updates Council on the progress of the Mill Site. The new tenant has started preparing his operation and currently has two full time employees. Mr. Zane plans to have ten full time employees and processing logs by this Fall.
With no further business to come before City Council. MOTION by Councilmember Minchella to adjourn the meeting at 2:47 p.m. and to return in regular session on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., City Hall. SECONDED by Councilmember Crosby. ALL AYES.
Respectfully,
Macey Binning
City Clerk