GRASS VALLEY
City Council Regular Meeting, Capital Improvements Authority and Redevelopment "Successor Agency"
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Council Chambers, Grass Valley City Hall I 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 Hilary Hodge, Vice Mayor Haven Caravelli, Councilmember Jan Arbuckle, Councilmember Joe Bonomolo, Councilmember Tom Ivy
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Councilmember Jan Arbuckle
Councilmember Joe Bonomolo
Councilmember Tom Ivy
Vice Mayor Haven Caravelli
Mayor Hilary Hodge
AGENDA APPROVAL -
Motion made to approve the agenda as submitted by Councilmember Arbuckle, Seconded by Vice Mayor Caravelli.
Voting Yea: Councilmember Arbuckle, Councilmember Bonomolo, Councilmember Ivy, Vice Mayor Caravelli, Mayor Hodge
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Nothing to report out of closed session.
INTRODUCTIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Awarding of the Mayor's Award Plaque
Councilmember Arbuckle presented the Mayor's Award Plaque to Mike Bratton.
PUBLIC COMMENT -
Virtual public comments are attached.
In-person public comment: Speaker cards 1-13 & Matthew Coulter
CONSENT ITEMS -
Motion made to approve the consent items as submitted by Councilmember Arbuckle, Seconded by Councilmember Ivy.
Voting Yea: Councilmember Arbuckle, Councilmember Bonomolo, Councilmember Ivy, Vice Mayor Caravelli, Mayor Hodge
2. Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 10, 2025.
Recommendation: Council approve minutes as submitted.
3. Fire Aside Defensible Space Inspection Software
CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: That Council 1) approve the Fire Chief to enter into an agreement, upon legal review, for purchase of Fire Aside Defensible Space Inspection Software in the amount of $11,660.80, 2) authorize Finance Director to make necessary budget adjustment from Measure B to facilitate the purchase.
4. Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 25-26) for July 2025 through June 2026
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Successor Agency adopt Resolution No. SA 2025-01 approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 25-26) for the time period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026
5. Agreement with Nevada County Probation for AB109 Officer services CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: That Council 1) approve the agreement (extension) between the City of Grass Valley and the Nevada County Probation Department for Assembly Bill 109 Police Officer Services; and 2) authorize the Finance Director to make any budget amendments, budget transfers, and personnel allocation changes as necessary.
6. Appointment of City Councilmembers and Staff to Boards and Commission CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: Approve Mayor Hodge's recommended appointments of Councilmembers and Staff to various Boards and Commissions.
7. Appointment of Planning Commissioner
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: That Council approve the appointment of Sherri Speights as Planning Commissioner for Councilmember Bonomolo.
8. Appointment of Measure B Oversight Committee Members CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: That the City Council appoint Measure B Oversight Committee members Aguilar, Bibby, and McCall to terms ending December 2028.
9. Appointment of Measure E Oversight Committee Members City of Grass Valley, CA MINUTES January 14, 2025
CEQA: Not a Project
10. Lexi pol Policy System for Fire Department and General City Policies CEQA: Not a project
Recommendation: That Council 1) approve the Fire Chief and Deputy City Manager to enter into an agreement, upon legal review, for purchase of Lexipol for onetime costs of $39,719.50 and annual cost of $16,307.75 2) authorize Finance Director to make necessary budget adjustment
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION OR SEPARATE ACTION AND/
OR ANY ADDED AGENDA ITEMS
REORGANIZATION RELATED ITEMS
PUBLIC HEARING
ADMINISTRATIVE
11. Main and South Auburn Streets Intersection Improvements CEQA: Categorically Exempt - Section 15301 "Existing Facilities" Recommendation: That Council provide direction to Staff on whether to retain the traffic signal at Main St and S Auburn St or revert to a stop controlled intersection.
Bjorn Jones, the City Engineer, gave a presentation to the Council.
Public Comment: Robin Galvin-Davis, Jacob McDonald, Benda English, Candy Sprock, & Matthew Coulter.
Alex Gammelgard, Police Chief, answered safety questions for the council.
The Council gave direction to Bjorn Jones to create a plan to move forward that has a 4-way stop, better lighting, and to work with FREED.
12. City of Grass Valley Strategic Plan Update
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: Staff is seeking direction from the City Council regarding the next steps for updating or developing a new City of Grass Valley Strategic Plan.
Tim Kiser, the City Manager, gave a presentation to the Council.
Public comment: Don Ravines, Robin Galvin-Davis, Bob Branstrom, Barbara Ravines, Jacob McDonald
Councilmember Ivy discussed that the council needs to first have the council work on preparing a document before the public outreach. The council then discussed how that would work and what it would look like. The council also discussed if the Mission, Vision & Core Values, and are still the council's direction. Discussion was had about looking at other Strategic Plans to compare and where to start with this project.
Council would like to keep the Mission, Vision & Core Values but have staff bring forward 5 different examples of Strategic Plans to review.
City of Grass Valley, CA MINUTES January 14, 2025
BRIEF REPORTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mayor Hodge reminded the council to remember the new assignments for the Mayor Appointments and to attend the scheduled meetings. Councilmember Bonomolo shared his excitement for upcoming meetings, loves getting out and about meeting and talking to individuals, and recently walked Mill Street and met businesses. Councilmember Ivy attended the Pioneer energy community board meeting, Sierra Harvest, and interfaith listening meeting about Mautino Park. Councilmember Arbuckle attended the Nevada County Law Enforcement Council, spoke about the upcoming red light ball in April, attended the Staff Breakfast for the City, National League of Cities board meeting, Donation Day Parade, GVPD Sharing and Caring event, Board of Supervisors Swearing In, joint meeting with the County regarding the Animal Shelter, and moderated a League of Cities social media round table. Vice Mayor Caravelli attended the ERC executive board meeting, police sharing and caring event, met with new restaurant, gave a presentation to the Rotary Club, attended an Arts Council and Child Abuse Committee meeting, spoke about the GVDA Thursday night market, and had coffee with Councilmember Ivy. Mayor Hodge spoke about the Donation Day parade, Mayors Manager Meeting, and the Cultural Arts District.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 8:39 PM.
Adopted on: 1/itlzozsCity of Grass Valley, CA MINUTES January 14, 2025 Miranda Bacon
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WIRELESS CALLER - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Tuesday, January 14, 2025 9:06 AM
Public Comments
Voicemail from on Jan 14 2025 9:03 AM
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8880
Hi, this is Matthew Colter trying to make public comment for the development review committee meeting at 9 a.m. in grass valley, California. First item that you're dealing with is signs near the roundabout. I would like the city. Development review committee to go and just stand at that location. For 5 minutes and see what's going on the houses across the street were never cleaned up properly. It's a total eyesore, as well as the signage that is put up by Hills Flat Lumber on the fence on their side of the roundabout and the smoke shop that puts their sign out in the middle of the road and on the sidewalk. That whole little area of town has some sign age issues that need to be dealt with, as well as trash issues, as well as the city-owned piece of property and the waste products that dump there at the old restaurant that burned down. Number two, the Whispering Pines situation. You're using old pictures in your format there showing a completely different thing. I'm concerned about the wetlands below the project, as well as the creek impacts, the traffic danger, and the desk control during the project, which doesn't seem to be put in place anywhere in town, 1 the desk control on any of these large projects with moving soil. We all know we live on top of a superfund site that needs to be dealt with properly and we're not doing that and you folks are pushing this agenda right along, which is putting everyone in a hazardous situation for fire evac also. Thank you very much. And maybe go see the thing that you approved over there behind lumberjacks and look at that project.
Thanks a lot. The creeks are just running with material from different projects you guys have approved. Thank you.
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2 Miranda Bacon
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WIRELESS CALLER - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Tuesday, January 14, 2025 3:05 PM
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Hi, during public comment for the Historic Commission meeting, I'd like to request the Historic Commission to consider the day and time that they have their meetings, because this is involved in the Board of Supervisors meeting right now. And then also the Grass Valley City Council meeting, Nevada City Council meeting, and Truckee City Council meeting is also on these days, as well as the Board of Supervisors. So it's a very busy meeting day, and these meetings are overlapping, so it makes it very difficult for people to participate in our community. As well as our other public comment is that our town is being stripped of its history, and I'm watching the very people that are supposed to take care of it allow that. Thank you.
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3 Miranda Bacon
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WIRELESS CALLER - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Tuesday, January 14, 2025 3:08 PM
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Those are the two options that they've proposed for your yes, I'm commenting on the historical item number one about the facade change And I like the fact that there'll be more dry space for the homeless to lay at night. That's a good thing and It looks very much more like Roseville in the back. So that's a good thing and You're denuding our town of its charm in history, and that's a good thing according to all you folks So carry on with this, item number one. And I could only guess who's involved in it as far as a contractor. I think it's a big fat guy sitting in there right now.
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5 Miranda Bacon
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WIRELESS CALLER - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Tuesday, January 14, 2025 3:29 PM
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Hi, commenting on the historic walking tour and maybe people that are involved in walking should be involved with the tour because I think a historical commission has missed a lot of things that are going on in town, historical things that are being removed by the day that are not the property owners but they just happen to be close by or in the way and they're removed plaques, items, historical things of grass valleys being very sterilized very quickly. So please consider at the old hospital, Howard's old house, that it took me several years to get the fire hydrant cleaned in front. Several years. They just did it finally. You guys need to save the history as well as put a on it because the fire hazard on that particular property is outrageous. Thank you.
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Emily Rangel
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 4:02 PM
Public Comments
Merchant Menorahs
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Esteemed Counsel Members and City Staff, thank you for your time today and dedication to our community.
On behalf of the Merchant Menorahs Initiative, I want to express my deep heartfelt gratitude for the support of our community again this year, especially to our wonderful downtown Merchants. Merchant Menorahs is a grassroots movement created to bring the light and hope of Chanukah to downtown Grass Valley. Begining in 2023 with 20 Menorahs displayed by merchants throughout downtown and growing this year to include 3 7 downtown businesses displaying Menorahs. Feedback from our Menorah hosts and viewers have declared the Menorahs are doing exactly as intended, bringing the light and hope of Chanukah to downtown Grass Valley. I personally can attest to this after hosting for my second year. I had countless encounters with community members and visitors coming in to my shop to thank me for hosting a Menorah. Sharing that feeling seen and celebrated in our town filled their hearts with joy. You can still enjoy the Menorahs on Instagram by searching #merchantmenorahs.
I also wanted to thank Mayor Hillary Hodge for attending and speaking at the joyful 2nd annual Grass Valley Menorah Lighting. It was a sweet family friendly event hosted this year at Gold Rush Cookies filled with Latkes and singing.
I'd like to close with feedback from the community ...
"All the Menorahs in town have made me and my daughter smile SOOO much!" - a local mother
"We applaud you. We've been telling all our family in Israel all about the Menorahs going up everywhere. Wow!"
- a local father
9 "We came from Auburn to see all the Menorahs. Amazing to be able to walk through town and see my culture being celebrated."
- visitor with large family
"I love what's happening! When we moved here 30 years ago, not one thing representing Jewish holidays was to be found."
- long time local
"I've never felt so included in the holiday season"
- long time local
"Our participation in last year's Merchant Menorahs, was an incredibly positive and wonderful experience. We had so many individuals come in and express to us how seen they felt and how much joy it brought to them to see a piece of their culture celebrated. To any other Merchants considering joining in, we encourage you to do so, it's a simple way to become more inclusive during the holiday season"
- Lydia Rasmussen Owner of Tribal Weaver
Thank you and best wishes,
Emily Rangel, Owner Moms & Minis
10 Miranda Bacon
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WIRELESS CALLER - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Tuesday, January 14, 2025 6:36 PM
Public Comments
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Hi, this is your good buddy, Matthew Coulter, who's restrained from all you folks. I would encourage all folks in the Grass Valley, Nevada City area to join my Concerned Citizen Facebook page. You can look at the pictures that I post and the little snippets from around town. And that brings me to Hillary's block of East Bennett. And there's been mattresses, couches, ghost trash cans that don't get picked up. They're full and sitting on the sidewalk. The school kids have to negotiate around all this tt-Jrlc to get to the bus stop daily. It's a disgrace. You can see it from your house. Please fix it.
The homeless behind CVS that are dug into the hill and that are building structures, a big fire hazard. Someone died up there last week. I guess they would be even died, but they're nameless and faceless, so therefore they don't matter. The Brunswick Basin is very difficult to shop there. Just tonight somebody attacked someone at Hospitality House. The police are with them right now actually. So setting away is very difficult. The fires at Idaho, Maryland, La Marica camps and all over, it's including Condon Park. This is out of control and it's going to get a lot worse 11 because it's going to get drier and it's going to be more homeless coming, that's for sure. The tree removal at the Brownfield site on East Bennett Street, that's very sad to see. A lot of historic trees well over 140 years old on the firs and hundreds of years on the oaks and that's too bad. And because it is a Brownfield site, it's using mitigation for excavating, which there's no water truck out there or anything. So I would hope somebody from the city would manage that gigantic project that's going on out there. If you haven't seen it, please do. And last but not least, please watch Bay area transparency and view the city during action. And that is his demeanor towards a general member of the public that he doesn't know. You can imagine what he does to people that he does know and does not like. So be aware of that as well of our police department, We have some rogue police officers that are going around asking for private information that they have no right to, and trying to source that information from different agencies about me particularly. And that is illegal. And the police have done a lot of other illegal things too. And you got to backing them up because they work for you. So you might want to look into some of these things because they're just festering. And we know how things Last but not least, I'm still curious if Hillary has done her five days in jail and three months of classes for DUI, because I think we all need to stand up. You know, if we're going to play, then we have to pay. And so let's all do our part and play nice. Thanks a lot.
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12 Miranda Bacon
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WIRELESS CALLER - Voicemail box 8880 <[email protected]> Tuesday, January 14, 2025 6:50 PM
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Yes, I'd like the board to pick one item off the consent agenda and talk about any one item. Pick an item. Thank you.
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13 Miranda Bacon
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This has got to be violating ADA law to just make that red. Blind people can't cross. A blind woman came to a meeting and spoke about it personally. I spent more time at that intersection than all of you folks combined observing it, both when it was in the red and just normally. Very interesting intersection, very busy, lots of stuff going on there for a couple years basically so it's got a vibration to it shall we say and the vibration is at this point with all the Bay Area drivers that are here now is to use traffic lights not because with the stop all the way is kind of like a go all the way more people literally roll through it than don't and I don't know why he's saying that it's flowing better, because it really doesn't. Because a lot of people are confused at the blinking red, they don't know when it's their turn, they think it's gonna turn basically green. Some people will just sit there. So please keep the, you've already put on new flashers and everything, so please keep it. the way it is. Improve what is there, but don't take away and make it always stop, because it does not work.
Somebody is going to be killed. Old people take time to get across. Kids are riding 15 their scooters across there, even though it's a violation of the ordinance. But there's no enforcement with running the red, either. There's no enforcement. So why stop? Thank you.
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16 CITY OF GRASS VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN IN SHEET
WELCOME to the City of Grass Valley City Council meeting! Public Comments provide an opportunity for the public to address the City Council on any subject which is not on the agenda but in the jurisdiction of the council. If you wish to speak, please indicate in the appropriate box when you sign in and take the number corresponding to your name. Each individual can have up to 3 minutes of public comment. At the beginning of the meeting, there will be an allotted 30 minutes of general public comments and the remainder of comments will be heard at the end of the agenda.
Speakers will be called in order of the numbers given.
When you are recognized by the mayor:
1. Please stand before the podium and give your name and address. (optional)
2. Please limit your comments to three minutes per speaker.
3. If previous speakers have made the same point, you may simply indicate your support or disagreement, unless you have new information.
Thank you for your participation.
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