1 MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ETNA CITY COUNCIL
Monday March 24, 2025
Members of the Etna City Council met on this 24
th day of March 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 Jason Deppen, Mayor Cliff Munson, Charnna Gilmore, and John Stacher were present. Councilmember Brandon Fawaz arrived during public comment.
2. Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items:
Community member Ronald Koenig spoke in support of rehiring Tony Stacher back to the police department. He started a petition and received 224 signatures and submitted them to the Council.
Community member Dennis Melum expressed his support hiring Tony Stacher back to the police department.
Community member Jim Roseman submitted a letter to the Council prior to the meeting to show that he has a background in law enforcement. Roseman thanked the Council for their service to the community. Roseman expressed his support in rehiring Tony Stacher.
Community member Bonnie Mortenson read a letter to the Council giving a background from when she previously worked for the Etna Police Department. Her concerns are not having enough officers to staff the department, and she asked where the funding for two fulltime officers from the Town of Fort Jones has gone. Mortenson asked the City Council to accept Tony Stacher’s reinstatement.
Community member Julie Plank expressed support for rehiring Tony Stacher and stated that Tony knows the area like the back of his hand. Plank also shared concerns about the meth problems on her street. Plank highly recommends the Council hire Tony Stacher back.
Community member Hillary Plank Gentry stated she would like to feel safer. Gentry expressed her support in rehiring Tony Stacher.
An audience member spoke about the drug and alcohol problems at the schools and working with Tony. He stated you could count on Tony to handle issues at the school professionally.
Community Member Stilliane Moya expressed her support in rehiring Tony Stacher.
Police Officer Clint Whitchurch spoke about rehiring Tony Stacher. Officer Whitchurch stated the department needs more officers.
3. Consent Calendar:
a. Minutes of the Regular Meeting February 24, 2025
b. Invoice Approvals
2 c. Resolution 2025-004 – A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Etna Approving the Fee Schedule for Emergency Medical Services (Ambulance Rates Annual)
d. Resolution 2025-005 – A Resolution of the City of Etna City Council Accepting the 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report and Approving the Transmittal of the Report to the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Initiative and the California Department of Housing and Community Development e. Resolution 2025-006 – A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Etna Approving Sale of Surplus Vehicles to the College of the Siskiyous Councilmember Gilmore made a motion to accept the Consent Calendar, Councilmember Stacher seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Munson, Deppen, Fawaz
4. Current Business:
a. Discuss/Approve Siskiyou Child Abuse Prevention Council Collaborative Proclamation
Councilmember Deppen made a motion to approve, Councilmember Gilmore seconded, and the motion passed. Mayor Munson signed the Proclamation.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Munson, Deppen, Fawaz
Allison Skull from First 5 Siskiyou spoke about the Child Abuse Prevention Proclamation.
Ambulance Director Teresa Arrwood pointed out a correction to Resolution 2025- 004.
b. Discuss/Approve Cat TNR Spay and Neuter Clinic
Councilmember Fawaz moved to postpone this item until the budget and audits are completed. More discussion. Councilmember Deppen seconded the motion.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Munson, Deppen, Fawaz
c. Discuss/Approve Pleasure Park May Rodeo Parade on Main Street Kory Hayden requested approval for this event. The event is covered by Etna PAL’s insurance. They will be using the traditional route through town. Hayden thanked the Council and community for their support.
Councilmember Fawaz moved to approve the Pleasure Park May Rodeo Parade, Councilmember Deppen seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Munson, Deppen, Fawaz
d. Discuss 2021 Audit
Dave Wallace has been doing pre-audit work for the City of Etna and explained some of the issues. Wallace presented a synopsis of the work that has been completed. 3 Wallace will be working on adjusting the receivables and payables and will submit journal entries to City Clerk Pamela Eastlick to post and then all the information will be handed over to auditor Charlie Pillon to begin the audit.
Councilmember Fawaz asked about the General Fund balance. Wallace stated that in 2021 the General Fund was negative $70,000. There is a possibility that other funds may have owed the General Fund.
e. Discuss/Approve CDBG Income Survey Needed to Release Program Income Uses
Brandy Caparaso from Great Northern explained that new data collected now shows the City of Etna no longer being considered at a low moderate-income level, therefore, the city cannot use CDBG Program Income money for public works projects, such as street repair, museum electrical, etc. More discussion on completing an income survey in-house. The Council expressed disagreement with the data that was collected showing that the City of Etna is at a low to moderate income level.
Mayor Munson suggested tabling this item. Councilmember Gilmore will gather more information on this matter.
f. Discuss/Approve City Costs for the Etna Cleanup Day Event Scheduled for April 18th-19th
Councilmember Gilmore said last year had a great turnout. Gilmore suggested that the event should be two days instead of three. Gilmore is requesting the city to contribute to the event. Councilmember Stacher asked about whether it is for just Etna residents or the entire valley. This event will be for Etna residents and require water bills to be presented at the event. More discussion.
Councilmember Fawaz made a motion for the City of Etna to participate and pay for two dumpsters for approximately $2,600 and steel be excluded from the fee, steel is either free by a company that provides such services or clearly advertised will not be allowed or accepted and mixed loads will be sent away. Councilmember Stacher seconded and the motion passed. More discussion on mattresses.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Munson, Deppen, Fawaz
g. Discuss/Approve Letter Opposing a Roundabout to the Siskiyou County Transportation Committee
Councilmember Fawaz moved to direct legal counsel to write a letter in opposition stating the City of Etna’s position regarding a roundabout. Fawaz explained is reasoning opposing a roundabout. More discussion. Fawaz added to the motion that the letter be submitted before Friday. Councilmember Stacher seconded the motion.
Audience member Robert Brown commented on the speed issues in the area.
City Attorney Andrew Jared shared his comments regarding a roundabout and understands the city is against the current plan and will draft a letter to be submitted to the Transportation Committee.
4 Fawaz would like the minutes to note his thoughts after the government’s mismanagement of our forests burned us out of house and home literally and wonders how a roundabout could help with air quality.
Ayes: Stacher, Munson, Deppen, Fawaz
No: Gilmore
Fawaz would like to also clarify the intent of his motion is for solutions not just opposition.
h. Discuss/Approve Annual Scott Valley Multi Agency Training Drill Director Arrwood briefly described this event that will be held at the park on April 26th. Councilmember Gilmore made a motion to approve, Councilmember Fawaz seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Munson, Deppen, Fawaz
i. Discuss/Approve Memorandum of Understanding for Etna Fire Department Director Arrwood gave a background on this item. This is a requirement from Cal Fire for strike team and/or single resource requests and for day-to-day operations.
Councilmember Fawaz asked if the rates were competitive, Arrwood stated yes.
Councilmember Deppen made a motion to approve, Councilmember Fawaz seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Munson, Deppen, Fawaz
j. Discuss/Approve Hiring for a Firefighter/EMT Position in lieu of the Assistant Ambulance Director Position
Director Arrwood requested approval to fill this position. The ambulance budget has been working in the black for the last couple of fiscal years and with this position it will allow for more reimbursements and revenue opportunities. Councilmember Deppen asked if the position was in the budget, Arrwood explained that the Fire Chief stipend has been waived in addition to the Fire Secretary stipend to help fund the position. Originally the position was for ¾ time at $24.00 per hour, Arrwood would like the position to be full time at $20 per hour with benefits. More discussion regarding positions on the salary schedule.
Arrwood would like to advertise the position in house, and have it reviewed by December 31st. More discussion.
Councilmember Gilmore made a motion to accept Arrwood’s wording for the position, clarifying that it is a full-time benefited position. Councilmember Stacher seconded the motion. Stacher commented about the pool costing the general fund and if it took the pool being closed for a season to fund the ambulance, he would be in favor of that. Fawaz asked about the budget and if later finding out the general fund finances were worse than they thought and the ambulance is deficit spending, how 5 long would it take to lay off an employee. City Attorney Jared replied that layoffs and furloughs happen often to solve budget issues.
More discussion regarding the budget and deficit spending in the general fund and confusion about the budget.
Audience member Dawn Schott asked about the revenue from past strike team assignments. Schott expressed the importance of the position to bring in more strike team revenue and other revenue options for both the ambulance and fire departments.
Councilmember Fawaz is in support of the position but is worried about having funds for the position. Councilmember Stacher suggested possibly allocating water/sewer money for employee safety since public works employees often work in dangerous conditions and if there were an emergency our ambulance would be responding.
Councilmember Gilmore requested Eastlick to work with Dan, Teri, and Clint to fund the position. Mayor Munson called for a vote.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Deppen, Fawaz, Munson
k. Continued: Discuss/Approve to Advertise for a City Manager/Grant Manager Position
City Council tabled this item and agreed to have it brought back at the next regular meeting.
5. Department Reports:
Police Chief Josh Short reported that they have received several letters thanking the department for all their hard work.
Public Works Director Dan Burbank reported that they will repair the swing at the park.
City Clerk Pamela Eastlick has contacted Fort Jones about contributing $5,000 to the pool.
Eastlick asked the Council for more directions on exactly what they want the budget to look like. Eastlick expressed her frustration. The City Council provided feedback regarding the budget. Fawaz also suggested that the budget document is present at all future meetings to reflect changes as they are made and track them. More discussion. Eastlick will have a 3rd quarter budget update for the next meeting. Gilmore requested that it be available for review as early as possible. Discussion on scheduling a budget workshop prior to the next meeting.
Mayor Munson mentioned the LOLA meeting coming up in Tulelake that he will be attending.
Councilmember Gilmore commented on the travel patches, which will be an item on the agenda for the next regular meeting. Gilmore would like to meet with PAL to discuss PAL related expenses for the pool.
Councilmember Stacher explained that the grant for the electrical project for the museum is no longer going to be an option. Stacher is researching more grant opportunities.
An audience member thanked the council for providing emergency services to the valley. 6 6. City Council Statements and Requests
None.
7. CLOSED SESSION:
a. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(d)(1))
1. SCGA02113 – Kaub, Hawj Soobleej v City of Etna
b. Public Employment (Pursuant to Government Code §54957)
1. Police Officer
2. Pool Manager
No action was taken on item a. City Council approved to hire a full-time police officer, and no reportable action was taken on the item regarding Pool Manager.
8. Adjournment:
There being no further business Mayor Cliff Munson adjourned the meeting at 8:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jenny Bennett
Asst. City Clerk