1 MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ETNA CITY COUNCIL
Monday September 22, 2025
Members of the Etna City Council met on the 22nd 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
Council members Jason Deppen, Mayor Cliff Munson, and John Stacher were present.
Councilmember Brandon Fawaz was absent.
2. Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items:
Audience member Jodi Deppen commented about dogs running loose and causing problems, junk and furniture being left outside. She has left several messages for the code enforcement officer that have been ignored.
3. Consent Calendar:
a. Minutes of the Regular Meeting August 25, 2025
b. Invoice Approvals
Councilmember Deppen made a motion to accept the Consent Calendar, Councilmember Stacher seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Munson, Deppen
4. Current Business:
a. Discuss/Approve Appointment of City Council Vacant Seat Dennis Melum and Matt Eastlick were present and submitted letters of interest in the vacant seat. Melum shared comments. Councilmember Deppen made a motion to nominate Matt Eastlick for the vacant seat. Councilmember Stacher seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Munson, Deppen
Councilmember Stacher thanked the applicants. Mayor Munson swore in Matt Eastlick.
b. Discuss/Approve City Council Commissions
The Council agreed to remove CIIC and Community Meetings from the commissioner list. Councilmember Stacher will have the pool commission.
Councilmember Eastlick will have the CDBG commission.
c. Second 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
2 Mayor Munson shared information that he has received regarding this item. More discussion. Fire Chief Clint Whitchurch shared comments. d. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 229 – An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Etna Amending Title 14, Flood Damage Prevention, of the Etna Municipal Code
City Planner Richard Tinsman was on Zoom and gave a background on this item.
Mayor Munson made a motion to make the finding that the project does not have the potential to result in a significant adverse effect on the environment and is exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15308. Councilmember Stacher seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Eastlick, Munson, Deppen
Mayor Munson made a motion to introduce Ordinance 229, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Etna Amending Title 14, Flood Damage Prevention, of the Etna Municipal Code by title only. Councilmember Deppen seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Eastlick, Munson, Deppen
Mayor Munson made a motion to waive further reading of Ordinance 229 and direct staff to bring the ordinance back for adoption at the next regular meeting.
Councilmember Deppen seconded, and the motion passed.
Ayes: Stacher, Eastlick, Munson, Deppen
e. Discuss/Approve Sign on Bonus of $15,000 for New Hires for the Police Department
Police Chief Josh Short requested Council’s approval to implement a sign on bonus to their hiring process to be more competitive and comparable to other departments.
More discussion about retention bonuses. Chief Short would also like to implement a paid reserve officer program and will continue to do more research on this idea and bring it back to Council. No action taken.
f. Discuss/Approve Paid Reserve Program
No action taken.
g. Continued: Discuss/Approve Recent Strike Team Assignment Pay and Processing of Payments
Fire Department Secretary Teresa Arrwood explained that payments are currently pending, and invoices have been processed. Councilmember Deppen requested this topic to be on the agenda for future meetings until all payments have been processed.
5. Department Reports:
Police Chief Josh Short reported that the department has been busy in both towns. Chief Short provided stats in the Council’s packet. Chief Short also addressed Mrs. Deppen’s 3 public comments. Councilmember Deppen would like options presented at the next meeting for the Council to take action on properties that are causing problems.
Public Works Director Dan Burbank reported that they are moving forward with the underground power project. Burbank gave an update on other future projects.
Fire Chief Clint Whitchurch reported that they have had more than average number of calls.
They are keeping a close eye on the SAFER grant that they have applied for. The Dillon Strike Team leader sent a thank you letter to the crew. Chief Whitchurch read the letter.
Ambulance Director Teresea Arrwood provided a written report in the meeting packet.
Arrwood gave an update on mechanical issues on one of the ambulances.
City Clerk Pamela Eastlick reported she has been working on the 20/21 audit. She has submitted a request for final payment for the DWR grant.
6. City Council Statements and Requests:
None.
7. Adjournment:
There being no further business, Mayor Cliff Munson adjourned the meeting at 7:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jenny Bennett
Asst. City Clerk