1 MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ETNA CITY COUNCIL
Monday July 28, 2025
Members of the Etna City Council met on this 28
th day of July 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, Mayor Cliff Munson, Charnna Gilmore, and John Stacher were present. Councilmember Jason Deppen was absent.
2. Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items:
None.
3. Consent Calendar:
a. Minutes of the Regular Meeting June 23, 2025
b. Invoice Approvals
c. Resolution 2025-009 – A Resolution Approving an Application for Funding and the Execution of a Grant Agreement and any Amendments Thereto From the 2024 Funding Year of the State CDBG Program
Councilmember Stacher made a motion to accept the Consent Calendar, Councilmember Fawaz seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Fawaz, Munson, Gilmore, Stacher
4. Current Business:
a. Discuss Update from City Engineer Morgan Eastlick on Current & Closed Grants
City Engineer Morgan Eastlick gave the City Council and audience an update on current and closed grants. Eastlick explained that the test well that was drilled at the park and the number of gallons per minute did not meet the minimum requirements.
Eastlick has reviewed well logs throughout the valley and the best place would be near the river. Eastlick gave an update on the STIP project – discussion on the undergrounding project and boundaries. No action taken. b. Discuss Future Pool Operations
Jenny Zink from Friends of the Pool (FOP) explained that FOP is interested in creating a 5-to-10-year plan for future operations and possibly taking over some of the management aspects of the pool. Councilmember Fawaz commented on determining what the fixed costs are regardless if the pool is open. Councilmember Gilmore commented on future repairs that are planned and needed for the pool. City Council directed staff to determine a fixed cost amount for the pool. City Council expressed support in working with FOP exploring alternatives in future pool operations and management thereof.
2 c. Discuss/Approve Initiating Petition to the State Water Resource Control Board to Continue to Use Water if/when a Curtailment is Issued City Council discussed water usage during fire season and fire camps using water and if a curtailment is issued. Councilmember Stacher would like a policy setup where in the event a curtailment is issued the attorney automatically sends a letter to the Water Board, being relieved of a curtailment due to fires. More discussion regarding water use and confusion about the City’s drought sign.
Councilmember Fawaz moved that the City of Etna will follow their Water Conservation Plan if or when a curtailment is issued by the State Water Resource Control Board and file a petition to follow our own plan. Councilmember Gilmore seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Gilmore, Munson, Fawaz
No: Stacher
Fawaz asked about Stacher voting no. Stacher gave explanation. d. Discuss/Approve First Reading of an Ordinance and Urgency Ordinance 228 to Designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones, and Amend Section 15.16.010 of the Etna Municipal Code Regarding Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones City Clerk Pamela Eastlick explained the urgency ordinance. More discussion regarding the high fire hazard zones and fire insurance costs. Councilmember Stacher made a motion not to vote on this item until there is more information available. More discussion, motion died due to lack of second.
Mayor Munson read the recommended action. Councilmember Fawaz commented that he is not in favor of amending the municipal code until there is more information available. More discussion regarding housing development. Mayor Munson tabled the item to the next meeting.
e. Discuss/Approve SAFER Grant – Review Draft Plan
Ambulance Director Teresa Arrwood and Fire Chief Clint Whitchurch gave a background on the grant. This grant will provide funding for a four-year position for a Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Coordinator position if awarded. No action taken.
f. Discuss/Approve 2025/2026 Budget
Police Chief Josh Short (phone) explained the salary increases for the police department and approached the Town of Fort Jones and discussed the increased cost to the contract. Clerk Eastlick adjusted the revenue to reflect 50% of the total costs of the police department, which includes a new hire, and more competitive pay. More discussion regarding step increases and salaried employee requirements. 3 Councilmember Gilmore asked about the building maintenance line item 855 in the ambulance budget. Discussion about other departments not having the same line item. Gilmore and Clerk Eastlick discussed the fiscal year end vs pool season Friends of the Pool Contributions attempting to clear up confusion. More discussion regarding the same.
Councilmember Stacher made a motion to accept the budget. Clerk Eastlick recommended splitting the cost 50/50 between the fire and ambulance department budget to fund the recent firefighter/EMT hire. Stacher clarified the motion to accept the 2025/2026 budget proposal with the changes of the firefighter/EMT being funded 50% from the ambulance and 50% from the fire department. Councilmember Fawaz seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Munson, Fawaz
g. Discuss/Approve Tyler Technologies Software Upgrade Quote The City’s current software will no longer be supported in 2026. Clerk Eastlick gave a background on this topic. The total cost is included in the 2025/2026 budget.
Councilmember Fawaz made a motion to approve. Councilmember Stacher seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Gilmore, Munson, Fawaz
h. Discuss/Approve Fire Department Secretary Position – Provide Direction to Staff
Item tabled.
5. Department Reports:
Chief Short provided a written report in the packet.
Public Works Director Dan Burbank had nothing to report.
Fire Chief Clint Whitchurch reported that the water tender is operational. The strike team that was sent out has returned. Councilmember Stacher recognized Larry Hicks and George Poe.
Ambulance Director Teresa Arrwood provided a written report in the packet. Director Arrwood also reported about some mechanical issues with medic 54. Director Burbank explained the mechanical issues.
Councilmember Stacher also recognized George White for allowing the police department to store vehicles under his RV cover.
Clerk Eastlick gave an update on the audit. Eastlick will be closing out the DWR grant.
Mayor Munson attended a LOLA meeting in Dunsmuir.
Councilmember Stacher would like to thank Danny Kiep at the next regular meeting for all his efforts keeping the park cleaned during the Music Festival. 4 6. City Council Statements and Requests:
Fixed costs of the swimming pool to be presented at the next regular meeting. Clerk Eastlick spoke about the FEMA ordinance and changes in flood zones.
7. Adjournment:
There being no further business Mayor Cliff Munson adjourned the meeting at 8:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jenny Bennett
Asst. City Clerk