April 25, 2023
SPECIAL MEETING
The special meeting of the Loyalton City Council was called to order by Mayor Jackson on April 25th , 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT
Mayor Jackson, D. Riede, J. Markum, J. Gerow, D. Gayner COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT
Kathy LeBlanc-City Clerk, Gary Price- City Planner, Steve Gross-City Attorney (via zoom)
GUESTS PRESENT
B. Mertton, E. Reese, B. Feeney, C. Johnson, C. Widman, J. Dines, J. Herod, J. Eberhart, N.
Rogers, J. Buck, M. Vios, D. Manas, P. Manas, P. Demartini, K. Heller, C. Acevedo, D. Acevedo, D.
Lawler, W. Bergstrom, K. Miner, E. DeMello, M. DeBerg, H. Manmano (via zoom), D. Colton (via zoom).
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by J. Markum, seconded by D. Riede to approve the agenda as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
STAFF REPORTS
None
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
PUBLIC HEARING
Subject: Conditional Use Permit CUP 2023-01 and Variance V 2023-01 for installation and operation of a wireless communication facility located on a 0.61-acre lot, at the northwest corner of Lewis and Front Street (also known as Railroad Avenue), in the R-1, Residential Single Family Zoning District, Loyalton, Ca. Assessor's Parcel No. 017•111-022 which Verizon Wireless would like to lease from the City.
Mayor Jackson introduced the subject of the Public Hearing. G. Price then gave a presentation regarding the Verizon Wireless Tower. Mayor Jackson then opened the Public Hearing for Comments:
The following Comments were as follows:
PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Carolyn Widman addressed the Council with questions on the location of the tower, health concerns, wind concerns.
2. Erin Reese addressed the Council with questions on the CEQA Exemption, size of structure, visual effects, noise, and health impacts for both human and animals.
3. Julie Herod addressed the council on health issues.
4. Bill Mertton addressed the Council with questions on additional carriers and emergency service. Mr. Mertton spoke in favor of the tower.
5. Phyliss DeMartini addressed the Council with questions on the area of coverage.
She also spoke on support for the tower.
6. Chelsea Johnson addressed the Council on support of the tower with it having a great benefit for businesses.
7. John Eberhart addressed the Council with questions in regard to the size, base and location of tower, how much will the City be paid, safeguarding the tower, what happens if tower is abandon, will the town get a vote on the tower, and the lease.
8. Keith Heller addressed the Council with questions in regard to additional carriers, health impacts, CEQA Exemption. Mr. Heller would like the council to wait and take more time to consider the tower.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
1. Councilmember Gerow spoke on his concerns with the health impacts, compensation for additional carriers. He stated is the compensation worth a drop in property taxes.
2. Councilmember Markum spoke on the issues regarding the health concerns and the advantage of having the tower.
3. Councilmember Gayner addressed the concerns regarding the health issues stating that she has done research but is in support of the tower.
4. Councilmember Riede spoke on the advantages of having the tower.
5. Mayor Jackson spoke on the advantages of the tower.
AU the above comments and question were addressed by G. Price, S. Gross, M . Vias, P.Manas, D. Manas, D. Colton and H. Manmano and Loyalton City Council.
Mayor Jackson then closed the Public Hearing
1. It was moved by J. Markum, seconded by D. Riede to approve the project exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act. Roll Call: Mayor Jackson-Aye, J. MarkumAye, D. Riede-Aye, D. Gayner-No, J. Gerow-No. Motion carried.
2. It was moved by J. Markum, seconded by D. Riede to approve the conditional use permit CUP 2023-01 and variance V 2023-01 on findings and subject to Conditions. Roll Call:
Mayor Jackson-Aye, J. Markum-Aye, D. Riede-Aye, D. Gayner-Aye, J. Gerow-No. Motion carried.
MEETING ADJOURNED