MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ETNA CITY COUNCIL
Monday November 13, 2023
Members of the Etna City Council met on this 13th day of November, via TELECONFERENCE.
Mayor Pro-Tem Charnna Gilmore called the meeting to order and lead in the flag salute to the United States of America.
Roll Call:
Council members Brandon Fawaz, Jason Deppen, Charnna Gilmore, and John Stacher were present. Mayor Cliff Munson was absent.
Oral Comments from the Public on Non-Agenda Items
None.
Consent Calendar:
• Minutes of the Regular Meeting October 23, 2023
• Invoice Approvals
• Mechanics Bank Account & Money Market Account
Council member Deppen made a motion to pass the Consent Calendar, council member Stacher seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
City Council/Department Reports:
Council member Fawaz reported on behalf of Police Chief Josh Short stating that the department has double the number of cases this year compared to last year.
Council member Gilmore appreciated Teri Arrwood’s hard work and trainings that she has been attending.
Fire Chief Alan Kramer reported that there was a structure fire. Council member Deppen asked about response time from the Etna Fire Department.
City Clerk Pam Eastlick reported that SCORE would like to give a presentation to the Council.
Deppen asked about an email regarding waste management.
Gilmore reminded everyone that the CDBG outreach meeting is scheduled for Tuesday November 14th.
Current Business:
Discuss/Approve New Team Member for the Ambulance Department. Council member Deppen moved to approve the new team member, council member Stacher seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Discuss/Approve Renting a Port-a-Potty for the Park During Winter Months. There are community members that use the tennis courts during winter months and the restrooms at the park are closed during winter. Council member Deppen made a motion, council member Fawaz seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Discuss/Approve Fingerprinting for the Fire Department Personnel. Discussion regarding current fire department members needing to be fingerprinted. Fire Chief Alan Kramer will inform all members current and new that the City will be requiring fingerprints and background checks. No motion was made and carried.
Discuss/Approve City Owned Vacant Lot on Charles Street. Item tabled to the next regular meeting.
Discuss/Approve Use of City Owned Facilities by the Community and Other Organizations. Item tabled to the next regular meeting.
Discuss/Approve Fees for Credit Card Payments for Water Bills and Ambulance Payments. City Clerk Pam Eastlick commented that when someone pays in person a government agency cannot charge a fee. More discussion. Eastlick will research whether a fee can be charged when someone pays in person. Ambulance Director Arrwood asked if accepting credit card payments for ambulance services will be available, Eastlick replied that she is looking into options. Eastlick would like to remove Square as an option and has been in contact with our current software company to see what is available. More discussion. Item tabled to the next regular meeting.
Discuss/Review 3rd Quarter 2023 Transient Occupancy Tax Payments. The Council discussed our TOT ordinance. Council member Fawaz commented Airbnb automatically adds the TOT tax to what the operator collects. More discussion on non-compliant short-term rental operators. No action taken.
Discuss/Approve 1st Quarter Budget with Amendments. Council member Deppen asked if there is any major difference from the last budget review. Eastlick clarified a few budget corrections. Deppen made a motion to approve the 1st quarter budget with amendments, council member Stacher seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE:
CITY COUNCIL STATEMENTS AND REQUESTS:
Council member Deppen asked about the new bill the governor signed regarding ambulance 3rd party billing. Arrwood stated it does not affect us.
Council member Gilmore informed the audience that for the months December, January, February, and March the start time for regular city council meeting will be at 5:30 pm. There will be a resolution on the next agenda.
CLOSED SESSION:
a. Pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(d)(4) – Conference with Legal Counsel Anticipated Litigation
i. Number of cases: Two (2)
1. 056-261-060-000 Foreclosure Update
2. Payroll Audit
No reportable action.
Adjournment
There being no further business Mayor Pro-Tem Gilmore adjourned the closed session meeting at 8:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jenny Bennett
Asst. City Clerk