AMENDED
COUNCIL ACTION: Mayor Pro Tem Johnson moved, seconded by Counsel Member Mobley to amend the agenda to allow Council Member Losey to attend remotely. AYES: Council Members Conley, Mobley, Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, Mayor Trent NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT:
None MOTION CARRIED: 4/0
Council Losey disclosed his need for the remote attendance was due to a family member out of the Fortuna area becoming extremely ill. He also stated there were no individuals over the age of 18, present in the room with him.
COUNCIL ACTION: Council Member Mobley moved, seconded by Counsel Member Conley to approve Council Member Losey's remote attendance. AYES: Council Members Conley, Mobley, Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, Mayor Trent NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED: 4/0
621 11th Street, Fortuna CA
Zoom Option: 1-669-900-9128 Meeting ID 817 2610 0549 Password 414224
We May Disagree, But We Will Be Respectful of One Another All Comments Will Be Directed to the Issue at Hand, and Addressed to the City Council Personal Attacks are Unacceptable
The City Council May Take Action on any Item on this Agenda.
1. CALL TO ORDER / FLAG SALUTE / ROLL CALL
Minutes:
Mayor Trent called the public meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led the flag salute. ROLL CALL:
Regular Meeting Agenda
Minutes
Monday, April 15, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Council Member Conley - Present, Council Member Losey - Present, Council Member Mobley - Present, Mayor Pro Tem Johnson - Present, Mayor Trent - Present
2. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Introduction of Treatment Plant Operator Robert Gearhart Minutes:
Chief Treatment Plant Operator Andrew Bowles introduced the new Chief Treatment Plant Operator Robert Gearhart.
b. Presentation of Draft Proposed Water and Wastewater 5-year Rate Adjustments (Encl.) Minutes:
Public Works Director Brendan Byrd and Kurt Playstead with Jacobs Engineering, provided a presentation on the proposed Water and Wastewater 5-year rate adjustments.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Sue Long - Fortuna Business Owner - Thought the proposed water rate increase could not come at a worse time based on the current economy. She commented on the proposed cost increase from three quarter inch water line to one inch was a very large increase and maybe the council could consider an increase over five years, instead of all at once. She included that add all of the costs at one time just makes things harder. She provided the example of a seven person family currently paying $234, and stated if a family has to pay more for sewer, they will spend less money non-essential goods which will have a negative impact on local businesses. Abigail (?) - Fortuna Resident - Explained she had just moved here and she was shocked at the water/sewer rates. She expressed interest in the calculation of rates v. winter rates in regards to average consumption and was trying to understand necessary costs associated with water. She did not think the increase to rates would be easy and that she was renting so she has little control over where her water comes from. Michelle Bushnell - Humboldt County 2nd District Supervisor- Commented on PG&E rates increasing and that the County will have another tax measure on the upcoming ballot. She also explained that connection fees for water/sewer could not be included in construction loans. She also urged the Council to consider spreading the proposed increase over a five year period and that it would be better due to all of the other increases. Brian ($) - Fortuna Resident - Explained this was his first time speaking at a Council meeting, but he has been watching national events closely over the past five years. He felt that such a significant increase right now would be devastating.
He said everyone has to pay, but everything all at once will crush people. He urged the Council to take time to consider small increments.
c. Initial Review of Proposed Ordinance and Resolution Seeking Consolidation (Encl.) Minutes:
City Attorney Ryan Plotz and City Manager Merritt Perry provided a presentation on the proposed Ordinance and Resolution seeking Consolidation for a Tax Measure to be put on the November 2024 ballot.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Sue Long - Fortuna Business Owner - Commented o being in unchartered territory when beginning discussions regarding including funding for the fire department from city tax revenues. She stated it wouldn't be enough for new equipment or fire truck. She cautioned the Council about co-mingling funds.
There being no additional public comment, Mayor Trent closed the public comments. d. Police Department Plaque
Minutes:
City Manager Merritt Perry provided information regarding the potential Police Department Plaque.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Sue Long - Fortuna Business Owner - Expressed concern over the current City Council members excluding the names of previous City Council Members from the new Police facility plaque, when those previous members played an important role in the decision making process, which progressed the new Police Department facility to where it is today.
3. ORAL COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes:
Council Member Losey pulled Consent Item h, and congratulated General Services Superintendent Bob Natt on the successful closing and repaving of Rohnerville Road and Newburg Road.
Mayor Pro Tem Trent pulled Consent Item f, and requested the reported number of riders on the Parks & Recreation Transit Report get checked for accuracy.
COUNCIL ACTION: Mayor Pro Tem Johnson moved, seconded by to approve Consent Calendar items a - m. AYES: Council Members Conley, Losey, Mobley, Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, Mayor Trent NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED: 5/0 PUBLIC COMMENTS: There being no public comments, Mayor Trent closed the public comment section.
a. City Council Minutes – April 1, 2024 (Special Meeting) b. City Council Minutes – April 1, 2024 (Regular Meeting) c. Administrative Department Monthly Report
d. Community Development Department Monthly Report
e. Finance Department Monthly Report
f. Parks & Recreation Monthly Report
g. Police Department Monthly Report
h. Public Works Monthly Report
i. River Lodge Monthly Report
j. Report of Disbursements
k. Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Project List; Resolution 2024-09 l. Revision to Classification Schedule - Remove P&R Supervisor/Transit Administrator and add Administrative Assistant II (P&R)
m. City of Fortuna Basic Financial Statement Audit for the year ended June 30, 2023
5. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Approve Supplemental Budget Request for Additional Professional Services for Maintenance and Improvements to Fortuna Monday Club
Minutes:
STAFF REPORT: City Manager Merritt Perry provided staff report on the Supplemental Budget Request for additional services for the Monday Club. PUBLIC COMMENT: There being no additional public comment, Mayor Trent closed the public comment section.
COUNCIL ACTION: Council Member Mobley moved, seconded by Council Member Conley to approve a supplemental Budget request in the amount of $6,000 for improvements at the Fortuna Monday Club and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a sole source contract for Professional Services for the conceptual design of the City owned lot at 624 Main Street. AYES: Council Members Conley, Losey, Mobley, Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, Mayor Trent NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED:
5/0
b. Authorize City Manager to Execute Clean California Grant Agreements for the North Main Gateway Project
Minutes:
STAFF REPORT: City Manager Merritt Perry provided staff report on the Clean California grant agreement for the North Main Gateway Project. PUBLIC COMMENT: There being no additional public comment, Mayor Trent closed the public comment section. COUNCIL ACTION: Council Member Losey moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Johnson to authorize the City Manager to execute a Clean California grant agreement with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the North Main Street Gateway Project and approve other related agreements. AYES: Council Members Conley, Losey, Mobley, Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, Mayor Trent NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT:
None MOTION CARRIED: 5/0
6. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Minutes:
City Manager Merritt Perry provided a verbal report.
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
8. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS
a. Council Member Kyle Conley
b. Council Member Mike Losey
c. Council Member Kris Mobley
d. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Johnson
e. Mayor Tami Trent
9. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Minutes:
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson moved, seconded by Council Member Losey to adjourn to closed session at 8:13 p.m. Voice vote. MOTION CARRIED 5/0
a. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS, City Negotiator: City Manager Merritt Perry, Employee Organizations: Fortuna Police Employees Association, Fortuna Employees Association, and the Unrepresented/Management group in accordance with Section 54957.6 of the Government Code.
Minutes:
COUNCIL ACTION: Provided direction to staff.
10. REPORT OUT AND ADJOURN
Minutes:
CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Council Member Conley moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Johnson to adjourn the meeting at 8:47 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 5/0
Contact: Siana L. Emmons, City Clerk ([email protected] 707-725-1409) | Minutes published on 05/16/2024, adopted on 05/06/2024