GRASS VALLEY
City Council Regular Meeting, Capital Improvements Authority and Redevelopment "Successor Agency"
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 7:00 PM
Council Chambers, Grass Valley City Hall | 125 East Main Street, Grass Valley, California Telephone: (530) 274-4310 – Fax: (530) 274-4399
E-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.cityofgrassvalley.com
MINUTES
Mayor Jan Arbuckle, Vice Mayor Hilary Hodge, Councilmember Bob Branstrom, Councilmember Haven Caravelli, Councilmember Tom Ivy
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 7:04PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of allegiance led by Mayor Arbuckle.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Councilmember Bob Branstrom
Councilmember Haven Caravelli
Councilmember Tom Ivy
Vice Mayor Hilary Hodge
Mayor Jan Arbuckle
AGENDA APPROVAL
Motion to approve the agenda as submitted made by Councilmember Branstrom, Seconded by Vice Mayor Hodge.
Voting Yea: Councilmember Branstrom, Councilmember Caravelli, Councilmember Ivy, Vice Mayor Hodge, Mayor Arbuckle
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
No reportable action on items one and two. Item three was pulled and not considered.
INTRODUCTIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Robin Galvin-Davies, Karen, Matthew Coulter.
CONSENT ITEMS
Clerical change to item 7.
Item # 1.
City of Grass Valley, CA MINUTES October 10, 2023
Motion made to approve the consent as submitted by Vice Mayor Hodge, Seconded by Councilmember Branstrom.
Voting Yea: Councilmember Branstrom, Councilmember Caravelli, Councilmember Ivy, Vice Mayor Hodge, Mayor Arbuckle
1. Approval of the Special Meeting Minutes of September 6, 2023.
Recommendation: Council approve minutes as submitted.
2. Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 26, 2023.
Recommendation: Council approve minutes as submitted.
3. Approval of the Special Meeting Minutes of October 3, 2023.
Recommendation: Council approve minutes as submitted.
4. Local Emergency Proclamation (Winter Storm of February 2023) CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: To continue the Winter Storm February 24th, 2023 to March 1st, 2023 proclamation declaring a Local State of Emergency
5. Local Emergency Proclamation (Drought Conditions)
CEQA: Not a Project.
Recommendation: Drought Conditions proclamation declaring a Local State of Emergency
6. Resolution to apply for CalRecycle grants including SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant Program
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: Adopt resolution No. 2023–60, which includes the following action:1) Authorizes the City Manager to submit a SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant Program application and conduct all negotiations, sign and submit all documents, including, but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, and payment request, which may be necessary for the completion of the Grant Scope.
7. Grass Valley Management & Supervisory Professional & Confidential Employees – Unit 1 – Memorandum of Understanding for July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2022-61 approving the Labor Memorandum of Understanding for a one-year period beginning July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, between the City of Grass Valley and the Grass Valley Management / Supervisory Professional & Confidential Employees Group (Unit 1).
8. Approval of Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and Executive Contract Appendix CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: That Council 1) approve the a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment for all Executive Contract Employees, an option to pay into State Disability Insurance (SDI), and an adjustment to the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Deputy Administrative Services Director and Deputy Police Chief Salary range; 2) review the proposed Amendment to
Item # 1.
City of Grass Valley, CA MINUTES October 10, 2023
the Employment Agreements (including Appendix A) with Department Directors, City Clerk, and Deputy Directors; 3) authorize the City Manager to execute the agreements subject to legal review; 4) authorize the Finance Director or the City Manager’s designee to make any necessary budget adjustments and/or amendments to complete this action.
9. 2018 Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project – Final Acceptance CEQA: N/A – Project is Complete
Recommendation Motion: That Council 1) accept the 2018 Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project as complete, 2) authorize the City Engineer to process final payment to the contractor, and 3) Authorize the City Engineer to file a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION OR SEPARATE ACTION AND /
OR ANY ADDED AGENDA ITEMS
REORGANIZATION RELATED ITEMS
PUBLIC HEARING
ADMINISTRATIVE
10. Public Works Department Restructuring
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: That Council 1) approve the proposed reorganization of the Public Works Department; and 2) approve the job descriptions and associated salary schedules for the Utilities Superintendent and Treatment Plant Superintendent.
Utilities Director, Trever Van Noort, gave presentation to Council.
Council asked about the necessity of an additional supervisor and asked if this position would help with employee safety.
Public Comment: Matthew Coulter.
Motion made to approve the proposed reorganization of the Public Works Department and approve the job descriptions and associated salary schedules for the Utilities Superintendent and Treatment Plant Superintendent.by Vice Mayor Hodge, Seconded by Councilmember Branstrom.
Voting Yea: Councilmember Branstrom, Councilmember Caravelli, Councilmember Ivy, Vice Mayor Hodge, Mayor Arbuckle
11. A meeting to continue the discussion of Fire Resiliency and Vegetation Management and an acceptable level of risk relating to wildfires and extreme weather conditions.
CEQA: Not a Project.
Recommendation: That Council 1) receive additional information from staff relating to Fire Resiliency and Vegetation Management including responses to some of the questions raised to date; 2) present and receive Council input on the conceptual expenditure plans for a potential sale tax; 3) gain additional input from the Council and community on Fire and Vegetation Management and a potential tax; and 4) review a schedule of next steps with City Council.
City Manager, Tim Kiser, gave brief presentation to Council.
Item # 1.
City of Grass Valley, CA MINUTES October 10, 2023
Councilmember Ivy asked to hear from arborists and the Fire Safe Council and stated he felt more comfortable with a November election. Mayor Arbuckle mentioned that Nevada City is putting a special fire tax on the March 2024 ballot and reiterated that if this tax was to be put on the November 2024 ballot, the tax would not go into effect until 2025, losing an entire fire season. Councilmember Hodge did not feel as though there was not enough community engagement or feedback to feel comfortable moving forward with the March 2024 election. Councilmember Caravelli would prefer the .38cent tax.
Public Comment: Robin Galvin-Davies, Karen, Matthew Coulter.
Council decided to move forward with the .38cent tax on the November 2024 ballot and asked Staff to create draft expenditure plans for the interim.
BRIEF REPORTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilmember Ivy attended the Pioneer Community Energy meeting and will be meeting with a Biomass facilities expert. Councilmember Branstrom attended the Food Bank ribbon cutting for their expansion, an ERC meeting, a Penn Valley/Nevada County Consolidated Fire meeting, Locals for Locals event, Sierra Stages "Drowning Girls", Nancy Palmer celebration of life and celebrated 10 years as a Grass Valley resident and his mothers 101st birthday.
Councilmember Caravelli met with the Mayor of Nevada City, attended the 60/40 business mixer at Olive Groove, the Sierra Harvest luncheon, ERC Board meeting, and a wreath making class at Lola and Jack. Vice Mayor Hodge attended the Celtic festival, presented a program on Beethoven to 400 school aged children through a grant and Music in the Mountains. Mayor Arbuckle acknowledged breast cancer awareness month and the Pink Patch project. She attended the Food Bank ribbon cutting, Grass Valley Chamber and GVDA meeting, Fleetwood Mac cover band at the Center for the Arts, Swan Levine House plaque, Monday with the Mayor.
ADJOURN
Meeting adjourned at 8:27PM.
__________________________ ___________________________
Jan Arbuckle, Mayor Taylor Day, City Clerk
Adopted on: ____________________
Item # 1.
Item # 1.
1 Miranda Bacon
From: Pam Jung >
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2023 11:26 AM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Comments for tonite’s council meeting
[You don't oŌen get email from Learn why this is important at hƩps://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdenƟficaƟon ]
Thanks for taking my comments about fire and possible tax. - Before we resort to a tax alone, have we explored other opƟons, such as partnering with such organizaƟons as the Fire Safe Council, exisƟng Firewise CommuniƟes, volunteers in general? That they might be able to help in some way, especially with vegetaƟon miƟgaƟon.
- another engine and 3 fire fighters to each engine is the naƟonal standard…but we aren’t slaves to that. That strikes me as “top cabin”…minimizing risk as much as is possible. Maybe a step down is enough: reasonably minimizing risk. - if a tax is the absolute only way may I suggest 1/4 (not 1/2), with OpƟon 2…with a sunset clause of 5 years (10 is way too long). A special tax would be perfect, but I understand the reasoning behind calling it a general tax. But have oversight commiƩee meet quarterly and publish the results; maximum transparency.
Thanks for your consideraƟon.
Pam Jung
800 Freeman Lane
Grass Valley
Item # 1.
1 Miranda Bacon
From: DIAL GINGER <
Sent: Friday, October 6, 2023 10:29 AM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Voice Mail (1 minute and 17 seconds)
Attachments: audio.mp3
Hello, my name is Bill Dial. I live off on Lee Lane off of Idaho, Maryland. I just read the article What do you think in the paper? I would like to let you know what I think. I would like to know why you folks aren't addressing what starting these fires in the 1st place and do something about that. Let's look at some of the fires we've had down here at the Bennett St. fire, Dorsey, Sutton Way, Banner, Overpass twice, Brunswick, Idaho, Maryland fire last year, The fires on Plaza, yes, and even the River Fire. I know this area real good. I know what's going on down there along the river. I know there was homeless down there. I would like to know, is it not politically correct to do something about these homeless people and what they're doing out in the woods? I'm the one that pays over $8000 a year in property taxes, over $4000 a year in homeowners insurance. So I have some rights too. Anyway, I think it's about time you folks did something about this. All you got to do is look at the police blotter in the paper every day and you'll see the police are spending most of their time chasing homeless people around. I think it's time for you people to do something about it. Thank you for letting me give my comments.
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Set Up Voice Mail
Item # 1.
[email protected]
October 7, 2023
To:
- Bob Branstrom
- Copies to all Council; Tim Kiser
From:
Terry Lamphier, Grass Valley resident; past GV planning commissioner and Nevada County Supervisor, District 3
Response to Bob Branstrom’s “What do you think?” Union column re: fire risk mitigation proposals
“I hear you, Bob”
Kudos for Branstrom’s outreach via his recent Union column. To me, this is leadership (Mr.
Branstrom, caution. I was fired as GV planning commissioner for a newspaper column I wrote after a City council mandate required me to disclose that I was writing as a private citizen, “as only the mayor could speak for the City”. Previous Union publisher Jeff Ackerman removed my disclaimer, hence putting me in violation and, ultimately, termination).
1) Proposed fire tax
a) Support a well-defined measure, with community input, put forth as a “special tax”. Trust voters to support this, as Nevada City voters have done. b) As an option, put forth identical “special/general” tax measures and allow citizens to vote for either or both, with the “special tax” superseding “general tax” if both pass. c) Any clauses addressing mitigations should be written as advisory and voluntary, not as mandates, for any private properties that are in-town, small lot single family residences, with exceptions for unmaintained vacant lots and properties with absentee landlords. d) Existing tax Measure E was passed with the understanding a portion of the revenue was to be used for our fire department. Reallocate Measure E revenues to prioritize fire mitigation, as, by State law, this “general tax” can be used for anything.
e) Should fire hazard mitigation become a requirement, any mandates should include subsidies for low-income homeowners with no liens on properties.
f) Any mandatory fire hazard mitigation on private properties should include analysis of affects on property values and, if impaired, mandate a proportionate reduction in property taxes. g) Any fire mitigation measures should be “best practice”, mandating habitat impact reduction as well as mitigation of loss of carbon sequestration, increased “heat sink” effects, etc. h) Mitigated properties should receive some sort of official “fire safe” declaration that could be recognized in setting future fire insurance rates.
2) General fire-related policies
a) Before hiring more fire fighters, do an analysis of actual past firefighter responses, with the goal of determining how many events actually called out for full responses. Given past history, it appears by actual experience that present practices and staffing have proven adequate, via utilization of joint support from other stations and agencies. Prove the need for more firefighters. b) Pursue policies to increase efficient use of existing staff. b) The Loma Rica development plan included an additional fire station, with significant funding from the developers. What is the status of this? How does this affect fire fighting needs and funding? c) A recent fire on Highway 20 near the fairgrounds had a huge emergency response (good, but maybe excessive) with little to no traffic controls on very nearby streets (bad), leading to large nearby traffic jams and delays. Explore better distribution of response teams in the event evacuations are required. d) There is no reason that potentially available fire mitigation and related grants cannot be pursued concurrent with other measures and, indeed, should be.
e) Reprioritize use of existing general funds while exploring other options. Fire safety should be the highest priority for Grass Valley’s City Council. Council can do this next January when establishing 2024 goals and priorities – plenty of time before our next fire season. f) Re: ADU policies, evaluate evacuation status of existing residential streets for negative safety impacts of adding density and pursue new legislation as necessary to constrain such developments.
For a good example, visit North Church Street and Doris Drive, both of what are essentially oneway streets serving as evacuation routes for dozens of homes. This area – “Slide Ravine” – has been identified by fire personnel as a fire danger, yet the City continues to approve more housing in this area.
Police Chief Alex Gammelgard can give more information.
Finally, slow down on new housing developments until their impacts on fire safety and evacuation challenges can be mitigated. Crying a“ fiscal emergency” – it’s not - for a new tax measure erodes public trust. Stop minimizing tax impacts – total aggregated taxes would approach 10%. Be honest, make a good case and trust the public to do the right thing. Thank you.
Item # 1.