MINUTES
CALISTOGA CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 - 6:00 PM
1307 Washington Street, Calistoga CA 94515
1. Call to Order/Roll Call/Pledge of Allegiance and Optional Patriotic Activity Mayor Williams called the regular session to order at 6:13 p.m.
Present:
Absent:
Mayor Williams, Vice Mayor Lopez-Ortega and Council Members Eisenberg, Cooper and Gift.
2. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSIONS
Mayor Williams made a report from a closed session:
While there was no legally required reportable action taken during the Closed Session conducted on October 26, 2023, the Council has unanimously approved the following statement to be read following the conclusion of the October 26, 2023 Closed Session. On August 15, 2023, the City Council received a Harassment and Hostile Work Environment Complaint, concerning City Manager Laura Sideman.
The Council immediately launched a comprehensive and exhaustive investigation. The investigation extended far beyond what has been reported publicly--including full participation from the complainants. All City Hall employees and Department Heads were interviewed, providing critical insight and information. Each member of the Council carefully and independently reviewed 800 plus pages of interview transcripts; video and audio clips; relevant policies; and received comprehensive investigative ·summaries. After careful consideration, the Council unanimously came to its own conclusion that the complaint was clearly unfounded. Simply put, there was no harassment, hostile work environment, or violation of any City Policy or Law. The City Manager has welcomed our feedback from this process and appreciates learning how to better lead this organization. The Council appreciates all our hardworking employees and is dedicated to maintaining a supportive working environment. The Council looks forward to working with all City Staff to continue making Calistoga thrive.
3. ORAL COMMUNICATION ON CONSENT ITEMS OR NON-AGENDA ITEMS
3.1. There was oral communication made by Dan Herndon against raising the water rates.
4. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Snideman welcomed Firefighter Boyer, a new full-time employee. She also invited citizens to a City holiday dinner at the Boys and Girls Club on December 16th from noon to 2 p.m. City Manager Snideman announced that the Police Department won the Halloween decoration contest, and honorable mention goes to Public Works.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS/ AWARDS
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Eisenberg to adopt the consent calendar as presented, seconded by Councilmember Cooper.
City Council Minutes
November 7, 2023
A YES: Mayor Williams, Vice Mayor Lopez-Ortega and Councilmembers Eisenberg, Cooper and Gift.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
6.1. Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-75 authorizing the execution of the required State Designation of Applicant's Agent Resolution for purposes of obtaining State and Federal financial/grant assistance for emergencies/disasters.
7. PUBLIC HEARING - NO ITEMS
8. GENERAL GOVERNMENT
8.1. Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-76 Approving the Calistoga Speed Cushion Policy.
This item was presented by Public Works Director Rayner Public comment was made by Marsha Beecham, a SH resident, Charlotte Williams and David from ATAC.
Motion by Councilmember Gift to approve the resolution to include option #2 which is the citizen pays $900 of cost and the City pays $12,700 of the cost, seconded by Vice Mayor Lopez-Ortega.
AYES: Mayor Williams, Vice Mayor Lopez-Ortega and Councilmembers Eisenberg, Cooper and Gift.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
8.2. APPROVED - Consider the Calistoga Art Center's proposed design and site location for the Covid-19 Commemorative Tile Project, presented by Parks and Rec Director Stepp, Ms. Johansson and Mr. Gates.
Motion by Councilmember Gift to approve the installation, design and location of the commemorative project, seconded by Councilmember Eisenberg.
A YES: Mayor Williams, Vice Mayor Lopez-Ortega and Council members Eisenberg, Cooper and Gift.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
7 City Council Minutes
November 7, 2023
8.3. Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-77 - Establishing the 2024 City Council Meeting Schedule.
The Council discussed adopting a traditional schedule vs. a triweekly schedule.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gift to adopt a triweekly schedule, seconded by Mayor Williams. VIA ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Mayor Williams and Councilmembers Cooper and Gift.
Councilmember Eisenberg and Vice Mayor Lopez-Ortega
None
ABSENT: None
9. COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Williams attended and NVTA meeting, the takeaway was·it is taking longer and costing more than projected.
Councilmember Cooper attended fairground meetings and attended and UpValley waste event, there was a great Calistoga turnout.
Counciimember Eisenberg made a statement calling for the government to take a stand against the killing of innocent people in Israel across both sides of the border.
Vice Mayor Lopez-Ortega has noted that the condition of the parklets has not improved as far as cleanliness since the businesses are supposed to be taking care of them.
Councilmember Gift would like to reiterate that the Council supports youth sports, specifically by covering the cost when possible as youth basketball is free through City Parks and Rec but since it is now run by the Boys and Girls Club it now costs $75. Hopes to have Council support if this item were to come to Council for financial support.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Williams adjourned the meeting, at 7:28 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Prepared by: Approved By:
~~Xl= '\1diana Galvan, City Clerk
~~ Donald Williams, Mayor
I APPROVED: 2/6/24