Fort Jones City Council
Regular Meeting
March 11, 2024
CERTIFICATION OF POSTING AGENDA
I, Joshua Stanshaw City Clerk for the Town of Fort Jones, hereby certify that the agenda for the November 13, 2023 meeting of the City Council was posted in City Hall, near the door of the City Council Chambers, Ray's Food Place, Fort Jones Post Office, Outside Frontier Hardware and on the City's website www.fortjonesca.org on March 8, 2024.
I declare under the penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Joshua Stanshaw, Town Administrator & Clerk
The regular meeting of the Fort Jones City Council was called to order in person by Mayor Garcia at 7:00 p.m.
Role Call: Eayrs, LaRiviere, Collie-Mason, Banks, Garcia Also present: Joshua Stanshaw, Administrator; Everett Hullquist, Public Works; Joseph Hess, Fire Chief; Kelly York, Etna PD Code Enforcement, Clint Whitchurch, Etna PD Mayor Garcia led the flag salute.
Public Comment:
None
Discussion/Reports: Non-Action Items:
A} Public Works Department Report
Everett was present and provided a written report. There was no public comment on the public works report. Mayor Pro Tem Banks inquired about the quotes, size, and location of the proposed cement pad for the barbeque for the little league field. Everett provided a description of the location and size of the pad, stating that it would be large enough for wheelchair access.
B} Administrator Monthly Report
Joshua was present and provided a written report. There was no public comment on the administrator report. Mayor Pro Tem Banks inquired about the number of council positions up for election in November 2024, inquiring if it should be three or four positions. Joshua would seek clarification from the County Clerk. Joshua provided an update on the parks grant that was returned. The state has reached out to the Town notifying them that the grant was still available if the Town wished to change the project type. Joshua stated he would be in contact with the Sate to obtain more details. Joshua also provided an update regarding reporting of American Rescue Plan Act funds. The Town is delinquent in reporting these federal funds and must submit all required documents by April 30, 2024, to avoid funds being clawed back by the federal government. Joshua provided an update on the request for proposals for planning services; stating that the RFP was posted on the American Planning Association website and was getting wide distribution, with several inquires already.
Cy Police Department Monthly Report
Both Kelly York and Clint Whitchurch were present and Chief Short provided a written report. There was no public comment on the police department report. Kelly York provided and update regarding code enforcement work on several properties in town, some of which involve working with state and county agencies. Kelly also stated that Etna Police Department would be hosting a Coffee with a Cop event March 20t at 9:30am at the Trading Post in Fort Jones.
D} Fire Department Monthly Report
Joseph Hess was present and provided a written report. There was no public comment on the fire department report. Joseph provided an update on the applications to FEMA grants for equipment. Due to FEMA's classification of equipment, only the grant for the SCBAs was submitted. The grant for the hose and nozzles was unable to submit due to a technicality of equipment classifications. Michelle DeCausemaker inquired about the fire engine sitting outside the station. Joseph stated that the Town was in the process of submitting a claim to the insurance for the engine. If the engine is eligible for claim under the insurance we will follow the adjustment process with our insurance, if it is not eligible for claim we will request it be declared surplus for final disposition.
Consent Calendar:
a. Approval of Minutes
i. Regular Meeting Minutes January 8, 2024
ii. Regular Meeting Minutes February 8, 2024
b. Ratification of Disbursements: February 1 - 29, 2024 c. Review Budget vs Actual for July 1 2023 through February 29, 204 Public Comment: None
Discussion: Mayor Pro Tem Banks noted there needs to be a correction on the February 12 minutes to reflect Council Member Collie-Masson abstention for voting on purchase for the fire department.
Motion: Council Member Earys motioned to approve the consent calendar with changes to the February 12 minutes.
Second: Council Member Collie-Mason seconded the motion.
Ayes: Eayrs, LaRiviere, Collie-Mason, Banks, Garcia
Nayes:
Absent:
Abstain
Motion: Passes
Discussion/Reports: Action Items:
2. Discuss, review, and act on Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) pump controller purchase Public Comment: None
Discussion: Everett provided supplement information on the need for the purchase, highlighting the reduction in hours needed to maintain the water system as well as cost savings for operation.
Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Banks motioned to approve the purchase of the VFD pump controller.
Second: Council Member Eayrs seconded the motion.
Ayes: Eayrs, LaRiviere, Collie-Mason, Banks, Garcia
Nayes:
Absent:
Abstain
Motion: Passes
3.Discuss, review, and act on MOU with County Libraries and Local Communities Public Comment: None
Discussion: Mayor Pro Tem Banks inquired as to the reason for approving the MOU as one had previously been approved. It was discussed that the previous MOU had failed to be fully executed.
Motion: Council Member Earys motioned to approve the MOU.
Second: Council Member Collie-Mason seconded the motion.
Ayes: Eayrs, LaRiviere, Collie-Mason, Banks, Garcia
Nayes:
Abstain
Motion: Passes
4.Discuss, review, and act on CDBG Loan Committee
Public Comment: Michelle DeCausemaker inquired if contact had been made with the previous committee members.
Discussion: There was general discussion as to the need for the committee and if Great Northern Services would be taking over the CDBG program. Joshua stated that there are community members that have inquired about obtaining new loans and that the committee would be helpful in moving the process forward.
Motion: Council Member motioned to approve solicitation for applicants interested in serving on the CDBG loan comittee.
Second: Council Member seconded the motion.
Ayes: Eayrs, LaRiviere, Collie-Mason, Banks, Garcia
Nayes:
Absent:
Abstain
Motion: Passes
5. Discuss, review, and act on 2024 Seasonal Firefighter Proposal Public Comment: None.
Discussion: Mayor Pro Tem Banks inquired about the duration and schedule of the seasonal positions. Joseph provided background information regarding the shift in the length and timing of fire season in California.
Motion: Council Member Eayrs motioned to approve the proposal for seasonal firefighters Second: Mayor Pro Tem Banks seconded the motion.
Ayes: Eayrs, LaRiviere, Banks, Garcia
Nayes:
Absent:
Abstain: Collie-Mason,
Motion: Passes
6. Discuss, review, and act on location for kennels
Public Comment: None
Discussion: There was general discussion regarding who would be taking care of the kenneled dogs and if the public works barn would be too hot during the summer and that there might be complaints of noise for barking dogs.
Motion: Council Member Eayrs motioned to place the kennels at the public works barn.
Second: Council Member LaRiviere seconded the motion.
Ayes: Eayrs, LaRiviere, Collie-Mason, Banks, Garcia
Nayes:
Absent:
Abstain
Motion: Passes
7. Discuss, review, and act on feline capture/spay/neuter Public Comment: Michelle DeCauasmaker pointed out that there are more than 10-15 cats needing spay/neuter.
Discussion: There was general discussion regarding the ongoing costs of the capture and treatment of stray and feral cats. Council expressed concern for this ongoing cost and noted that there are other alternatives to capture and treatment. Kelly York indicated that this particular instance would target a particular colony of cats that is problematic. There was continued discussion about accountability for residents that feed strays and possible solutions to combat this ongoing issue and costs.
Motion: Council Member LaRiviere motioned approve $2,500 for capture/spay/neuter of cats for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Second: Council Member Eayrs seconded the motion.
Ayes: Eayrs, LaRiviere, Collie-Mason, Banks, Garcia
Nayes:
Absent:
Abstain
Motion: Passes
8. Discuss, review, and act on Clean California Grant
Public Comment: None.
Discussion: There was general discussion on the event being staffed by the Lions Club, the number of dumpsters, items that would be accepted, and the overall benefit to the town.
Motion: Council Member Collie-Mason motioned authorize the Town Administrator to enter into the contract with CalTrans.
Second: Council Member LaRiviere seconded the motion.
Ayes: LaRiviere, Collie-Mason, Banks, Garcia
Nayes:
Absent:
Abstain: Eayrs
Motion: Passes
Closed Session
Discussion regarding possible litigation - tabled due to phrasing on agenda.
Return From Closed Session
Reportable actions:
STAFF COMMENTS: None
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: None
The meeting adjourned 8:26p.m. The next regular Town Council meeting is scheduled to be held on April 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
Attest:
Jostua Stanshaw, Town Administrator & Clerk
Approved:
Merle M. Dawa
Mayor Mercedes Garcia