1 MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ETNA CITY COUNCIL
Monday September 23, 2024
Members of the Etna City Council met on this 23
rd day of September in person and
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 August 26, 2024
b. Invoice Approval List
Councilmember Deppen made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, Councilmember Stacher seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Munson, Deppen, Fawaz
4. Department Reports:
Police Chief Josh Short said that both towns and throughout the valley have been very busy.
Chief Short provided a written report with stats in the council packet. Chief Short also mentioned that the PAL Christmas party will be on December 7th.
Public Works Director Dan Burbank reported that the contractors are finishing up on the meter project. They replaced a few service laterals on Pig Alley and Highland. All the testing for the new reservoir was good and it’s online. They have been working on Engine 1411. Mayor Munson thanked Burbank for helping the high school get rid of the tire shreds.
Fire Chief Clint Whitchurch gave a brief report. Ambulance Director Teresa Arrwood has been working on creating a stipend schedule for volunteer firefighters. They are actively recruiting members for the department.
Director Arrwood provided a written report for the ambulance department.
City Clerk Pamela Eastlick reported that the DWR grant has not been reimbursed yet. Clerk Eastlick is working with City Engineer Morgan Eastlick on receiving reimbursements from the grant.
Councilmember Gilmore reported that she and City Planner Jeff Mitchem and Clerk Eastlick recently met with Friends of the Pool to discuss maintenance needs among various other issues that need to be addressed at the pool.
5. Public Workshop:
2 a. General Plan Circulation Element Update.
City Planner Richard Tinsman (Rico) was present via Zoom and explained issues in the General Plan that are addressed by the Circulation Element. Tinsman again shared the results of the community survey. Roads and street maintenance was a big topic of concern from the community. Councilmember Stacher shared comments about receiving funding from the state to address community concerns and needs pertaining to streets. Tinsman explained that the General Plan lays out the goals and steps that the city plans to take to address community concerns. The General Plan is a policy document. City Attorney Andrew Jared clarified that the plan does not specify which roads to be repaired. Tinsman emphasized the importance of local input for the Active Transportation Plan. Discussion about designating the city as a “pedestrian safe” city and removing crosswalks from Main Street.
Councilmember Fawaz recommended scheduling earlier meetings and taking walks before having a regular meeting discussing these topics. Fawaz also commented that he is against roundabouts and would like language added to the document discussing severe wildfires in the area contributing to unhealthy air quality.
6. Public Hearing:
a. 504 Main Street Use Permit & Draft Resolution 2024-015 – A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Etna Conditionally Approving the Main Street Garage Use Permit Application for 504 Main Street.
Mayor Munson opened the public hearing and asked for public comment.
Audience members Michael & Beverly Shafer were present to share their concerns.
Michael Shafer stated that they did not receive the information within three days as the notice said. Shafer resides next door to 504 Main Street and voiced his concerns regarding drains being nonfunctional and water from Main Street runs off consistently and overflows the drain. Additionally, the back side of the garage is full of fill, and he is concerned about erosion. Councilmember Stacher commented about the design of Main Street, and the planned repaving. Shafer stated that water drains into the garage and drains out from under it.
Councilmember Fawaz asked about the relevance of drainage problems and the use permit application. Shafer shared that the health department may not be fond of water running through a restaurant or bar. The basement is being used to store alcohol and he is concerned if the building were to catch on fire, another concern is the inconsistency with the liquor license with the Etna Brewery and the Council turning a blind eye.
Councilmember Gilmore asked for clarification on the three-day notice for material being available. Tinsman explained that providing the staff report is a courtesy and not required, state law requirements were satisfied. The applicant, Sparrow Tang commented that ABC has their own restrictions on projects. Councilmember Deppen commented that the use permit has satisfied all city requirements and can see no reason not to approve it.
3 Chief Short commented that working with Denny Bar has always been easy and does not see any future issues with this establishment and has no concerns. Tinsman explained that the zoning code requires a use permit for bars. More discussion regarding parking issues. Chief Short added that the establishment will not violate our noise ordinance.
Audience member Beverly Shafer asked why an environmental evaluation wasn’t necessary, and commented about additional people, change in use, noise, and parking issues. Shafer is also concerned about drunk driving.
Chief Short explained that if noise exceeds the hours in the ordinance, then they will address it. Councilmember Gilmore commented about the impact of where you choose to live. Councilmember Stacher explained that he has issues with telling property owners what they can and cannot do with their property, but also believes in being “good neighbors.” Councilmember Fawaz emphasized that the role of the City Council is to provide vision, growth, and parameters. More discussion.
The City Council will schedule a special meeting on Thursday September 26th at 6:00 pm to allow more time for the community to review the project. The public hearing will be continuation until Thursday September 26th.
7. Current Business:
a. Discuss/Approve Moving Forward with Main Street Pacific Power Undergrounding Project Utilizing Siskiyou County Credits Under Rule20A Program.
Councilmember Gilmore made a motion to approve, Councilmember Deppen seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Munson, Deppen, Fawaz
b. Discuss/Approve Right of Use Agreement Between Siskiyou County Health & Human Services Agency/Public Health Division and the City of Etna to Operate a Vaccination Clinic.
Councilmember Deppen made a motion to approve, Councilmember Gilmore seconded, and the motion passed.
Councilmember Fawaz commented that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that you cannot call a COVID 19 shot a vaccine.
Ayes: Gilmore, Munson, Deppen, Fawaz
Abstain: Stacher
c. Discuss/Approve Resolution 2024-016 PD Vehicles Surplus Sale and Determine Which Department/Funds the Proceeds from Surplus Vehicle Sales are Allocated to.
Mayor Munson made a correction to the title of the Resolution from ‘PD Vehicles to City Owned Vehicles,’ and read the list of vehicles to be sold. Chief Short requested 4 that the funds from the sale of vehicles go either into a replacement fund or be used to put back into other vehicles. Clerk Eastlick mentioned going through Bid-Cal to auction them off. Director Arrwood pointed out that she has been using one of the vehicles on the surplus list and uses it to attend meetings, trainings, she is on call 24/7, and she’d like to continue using the vehicle. Chief Short recommended doing a department transfer for that vehicle. Councilmember Deppen suggested doing an interagency transfer with the vehicle and have the department heads workout the value of the vehicle. Clerk Eastlick commented on the insurance costs for all the vehicles, and using the vehicles for personal use.
Councilmember Fawaz recommended declaring the vehicles as surplus and then determining which avenue to take to get rid of them. More discussion regarding vehicles and whether declaring a vehicle surplus can be brought back if decided not to sell it. City Attorney Jared stated it could. The City Council went through the vehicle list again.
Councilmember Gilmore made a motion to surplus all vehicles on the list other than the Crown Vic that Director Arrwood uses, the two interceptors, and allow Clint and Josh a month to determine if they can sell to the best buyer. Clerk Eastlick asked about a timeframe for the sales to be made. Fawaz suggested until December and is hesitant because some of the vehicles are still reliable and can possibly be used by the Fire Department. More discussion.
Councilmember Fawaz modified Councilmember Gilmore’s motion to state that “c, d, f, g and h” will be declared surplus, the expedition and one Crown Vic. Chief Short is recommended that the two 2021 Chargers go to the College of the Siskiyous, but if that does not work out then they will be sold using another avenue. The Council agreed. Councilmember Deppen seconded the motion. Councilmember Fawaz clarified that Councilmember Gilmore’s original motion died for a lack of second.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Deppen, Fawaz
No: Munson
d. Discuss/Approve Attorney Contact Privileges for City Staff and Councilmembers.
Clerk Eastlick gave a background on this item. Mayor Munson recommended that all calls that need to be made to the city attorney go through the city manager initially.
Chief Short asked about Public Records Act. More discussion regarding what material gets sent to the attorney for review. City Attorney Jared shared comments and suggestions. Councilmember Deppen asked to see a breakdown of a bill for attorney services. The City Council tabled this item for another meeting. e. Discuss/Update Regarding the Coupland Well Agreement.
Mayor Munson explained that there is no longer an agreement. f. Discuss Pool Grant Budget Update.
Discussion only.
5 8. Closed Session:
a. Pursuant to Government Code §54957 Personnel Matters – Public Employee Appointment.
1. Fire Department Secretary
2. Assistant Fire Chief
The City Council unanimously approved Teresa Arrwood for the secretary position, and Larry Hicks for the assistant fire chief position.
9. Adjournment:
There being no further business Mayor Cliff Munson adjourned the meeting at 8:32 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jenny Bennett
Asst. City Clerk