MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ETNA CITY COUNCIL
Monday March 11, 2024
Members of the Etna City Council met on this 11th day of March in person and via TELECONFERENCE (Zoom.) Mayor Pro-Tem Charnna Gilmore called the meeting to order and lead in the flag salute to the United States of America.
1. Call to Order:
a. Roll Call
Councilmembers Brandon Fawaz, Jason Deppen, Charnna Gilmore, and John Stacher were present. Mayor Cliff Munson was absent.
2. Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items:
Audience member Aaron gave comments on projects that Scott River Watershed are working on. They are working on setting up an area for the community to drop off compost materials.
3. Consent Calendar:
a. Minutes of the Regular Meeting February 26, 2024
b. Invoice Approvals
Councilmember Stacher moved to approve the Consent Calenda, Councilmember Fawaz seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Deppen, Fawaz
4. Current Business:
a. Tour Upstairs of City Hall
The City Council and staff toured the upstairs of City Hall. b. Discuss/Approve Demolition and Repairs to be Completed by Staff Upstairs of City Hall
Public Works Director Dan Burbank shared concerns with the Council regarding the conditions upstairs. When the boom lift arrives in Burbank will begin much needed repairs to the roof. Burbank also requested feedback from the Council and staff for removing the room that was constructed by the Masons upstairs. Chief Short commented that he would like to continue using the space upstairs for PAL activities.
Councilmember Stacher asked why the space is limited to only PAL’s use. More discussion about installing an elevator to access upstairs. City Clerk Pam Eastlick asked about insurance liability when upstairs is being used by PAL. Burbank will bring this item up again in the future. No action taken. c. Discuss/Approve Appropriating $5,000 to Cover Fees for a Two Day Spay/Neuter Clinic Cat TNR Program to be Held March 28th-29th Clerk Eastlick said that the City has funding to appropriate $5,000 for the project.
The funds will come from the City Council budget for the City Manager position.
Donations for this project have been received. The cost to spay is $125.00 and to neuter is $75.00. Discussion setting a fee regardless of sex and the number of cats in Etna. Chief Short stated that there are cat population issues in town. Jamie Essex from Essex Veterinary Services expressed concerns about a contagious sickness that is spreading among cats currently. If they trap a confirmed case, then they will be euthanized. Essex recommended for the Council to determine a dollar amount to work toward.
Councilmember Fawaz asked if Etna has a feral cat problem, then why not euthanize them. Essex explained that from experience most people are not in favor of a full euthanasia program, and there is no grant funding that will support that type of program.
Councilmember Gilmore moved to approve the $5,000 service fee to assist Essex Veterinary Services with this project. Councilmember Stacher seconded.
Fawaz explained his hesitation being that he had never heard that Etna had a cat problem until recently and has never noticed any cats while he is out walking. Essex explained that if there were not cats there would be no loss of money. More discussion on cat numbers. An audience member commented about offering a voucher.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Deppen, Fawaz
Councilmember Gilmore revised the motion to include offering a $50.00 voucher. d. Discuss/Approve Accepting up to $10,000 from the Department of Transportation to Cover Costs for the Etna Cleanup Event Scheduled April 19th – 21st
Councilmember Gilmore worked with Eastlick to develop the cleanup days budget which has built in hours for city staff and the Watershed Council. Discussion on past events.
Councilmember Fawaz moved to approve proposed cleanup days and budget with the change of attempting to transfer the metal dumpster monies of $1,000 into one more 40 yard roll off dumpster which would be a net increase of $100 to the budget and have an alternative option for scrap metal. Councilmember Deppen seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Deppen, Fawaz
e. Discuss/Approve Garland IT Contract Proposal for 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Total Contract Price for $19,200
Sean Garland from Garland IT was on Zoom and was available for questions.
Councilmember Fawaz made a motion to approve the contract. Councilmember Deppen seconded the motion. Councilmember Gilmore verified with Eastlick that the budget reflects the contract price. City Attorney Andrew Jared commented on recent state law that requires all cities to go to a .gov or .us by 2029 and recommends transitioning soon.
Ayes: Fawaz, Deppen, Gilmore, Stacher
f. Discuss/Approve Expenditure of Officer Wellness Grant Monies of $15,000 for Fitness, Medical, and Mental Detoxification
Chief Short gave a background on this grant and the various options there are for using the money. Chief Short would like to purchase workout equipment for the police department. Councilmember Deppen made a motion to approve, Councilmember Stacher seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Deppen, Fawaz
g. Discuss/Approve $70,000 Lease Purchase of a 4th Patrol Vehicle for the Police Department
Chief Short gave a background on this item. With this purchase the department’s vehicle fleet will be complete with six newer vehicles. Discussion on status of new hires for the department. Eastlick stated that when the DOJ grant runs out additional expenses will need to be considered. Eastlick is comfortable with where funds are for the next three years. Councilmember Deppen made a motion to approve the purchase of the new vehicle. Councilmember Fawaz seconded, and the motion passed.
Discussion on the process of hiring a new officer. Eastlick requested to have the motion modified to include a six-month timeline to surplus the excess PD vehicle fleet once the new vehicle is received. Councilmember Gilmore restated the motion.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Deppen, Fawaz
h. Discuss/Approve Quarterly Amended Pool Budget
Councilmember Gilmore gave a background on this item. Audience member Jan Bohle commented about the water aerobics class that utilizes the pool and submitted a proposal. Gilmore will set up a time to meet with Bohle.
Councilmember Deppen moved to approve the quarterly amended pool budget, Councilmember Fawaz seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Gilmore, Deppen, Fawaz
No: Stacher
Councilmember Stacher shared that he believes the pool is fabulous but is concerned that it is always in a deficit and no other community allows free swimming in their public pools. Stacher is also concerned about the conditions of the streets, and buildings. Discussion regarding free swim sponsorships. Stacher changed his vote to yes.
5. Correspondence:
None.
6. City Council Statements and Requests:
Councilmember Stacher asked about the status of the electrical project for the museum.
Councilmember Fawaz may not be present at the next meeting.
7. CLOSED SESSION:
a. Pursuant to Government Code §54957(b) – Public Employee Appointment
1. Pool Manager
The City Council approved hiring Lisa West for the Pool Manager position with a start date of April 1st.
2. Grant Writer/Administrator
The City Council directed staff to negotiate a Consultant Services Agreement with Jeff Mitchem.
8. Adjournment:
There being no further business Mayor Pro-Tem Charnna Gilmore adjourned the meeting at 7:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jenny Bennett
Asst. City Clerk