MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ETNA CITY COUNCIL
Monday April 8, 2024
Members of the Etna City Council met on this 8
th day of April in person and via
TELECONFERENCE (Zoom.) Mayor Cliff Munson called the meeting to order and led in the salute to the flag of the United States of America.
1. Call to Order:
a. Roll Call
Councilmembers Brandon Fawaz, Jason Deppen, Mayor Cliff Munson, Charnna Gilmore, and John Stacher were present.
2. Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items:
None.
3. Consent Calendar:
a. Minutes of the Regular Meeting March 25, 2024
b. Invoice Approvals
c. Resolution 2023-003 – A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Etna Appointing a Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the Small Cities Organized Risk Effort
Councilmember Deppen made a motion to approve, Councilmember Stacher seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Munson, Deppen
Abstain: Fawaz
4. Current Business:
(Mayor Munson moved item ‘b’ in place of item ‘a’, and item ‘c’ with ‘b’) a. Discuss/Approve Siskiyou Economic Development Council Presentation and Approve MOU Renewal for 5-year Period Beginning July 1, 2024.
Tonya Dowse and Heather Dodds from Siskiyou Economic Development Council gave the Council an update regarding projects that promote tourism throughout Siskiyou County and discussed their marketing efforts. Councilmember Deppen asked about the 32% increase in business revenue due to EDC marketing efforts and whether all businesses were affected. EDC is continuing to expand programs to include all local businesses. More discussion on promoting local business, TOT tax, and short-term rentals.
Councilmember Stacher made a motion to approve, Councilmember Fawaz seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Munson, Deppen, Fawaz
b. Discuss with SCORE – Current Insurance Policies and SCORE Presentation.
Marcus Beverly and Michelle Minnick from SCORE were present to discuss with the Council about the City’s current policies. Beverly discussed in detail the actuary process and how the amount owed for the City of Etna is determined. Discussion on the number of services provided and offered by SCORE and coverage. Chief Kramer shared input on fire trucks and costs.
Michelle Minnick spoke regarding Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for employees and their families. City Clerk Pamela Eastlick will provide employees with EAP information. Beverly discussed employee training, police pursuit training, sexual harassment, sidewalks, trees, cyber-attacks etc.
Councilmember Fawaz asked about law enforcement liability. Beverly explained the associated risks with covering two cities, and training being a big issue. The increase in workers’ comp and liability is due to salaries, explained Eastlick. Fawaz asked about exposure regarding past claims. More discussion. No action taken. c. Discuss Presentation/Update on Cat TNR Spay & Neuter Clinic.
CSO Officer Kelly York and Jamie Essex from Essex Veterinary Services (Zoom) stated that the event was a huge success. A total of 75 cats were spayed and/or neutered, 15 cats were rehomed, one was euthanized due to illness, and 54 were aborted. York explained that this event required all city departments to work together. Every trap that was deployed captured a cat.
Mayor Munson volunteered for the event and helped with the trapping.
Councilmember Gilmore encouraged the Council to consider holding this event again in the future. The Council thanked Jamie and Kelly for their work on this event.
Councilmember Stacher asked about the people that brought their own cats. More discussion. No action taken.
d. Discuss/Approve Notice of Award for Construction of City Pool Solar Project.
Callahan Solar came in at the lowest bidder at $64,880. Councilmember Fawaz made a motion to move forward with Callahan Solar Services, Councilmember Deppen seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Munson, Deppen, Fawaz
e. Discuss Bicycle Rides Northwest Event.
Clerk Eastlick shared information about this event that is scheduled for later in June.
No action taken.
5. City Council Statements and Requests:
Councilmember Gilmore asked about a budget review. Clerk Eastlick will have the budget on the next agenda.
Councilmember Stacher asked about the upstairs of City Hall. This topic will also be on the next agenda.
6. CLOSED SESSION:
a. Pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(d)(1) Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
1. Federal Home Loan Mortgage vs. City of Etna
The City Council gave directions to staff.
b. Pursuant to Government Code §54957(b) Personnel Matters – Public Employee Appointment.
1. Public Works Employee Position
The City Council gave directions to staff and approved adding a 20 hour/week public works position.
7. Adjournment:
There being no further business Mayor Cliff Munson adjourned the meeting at 9:03 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jenny Bennett
Asst. City Clerk