CITY OF MONTAGUE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
January 15, 2026
6:30 P.M.
Council Chambers, 230 S. 13th Street, Montague, CA 96064
I. CALL TO ORDER: @ 6:30 PM
II. ROLL CALL: Vela, Murakami, Dooley, and Jackson present.
III. PLEDGE OF ALLIGIANCE:
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS: “This time is set aside for the public to address the City Council on matters listed on the Consent Agenda as well as other items not included on the Regular Agenda within the authority of the City Council. If your comments concern an item noted under New Business or Old Business on the Regular Agenda, please address the City Council when that item is open for public comment.” (The Brown Act requires the public be given the opportunity to address the City Council before action is taken. If there is a Consent Agenda, there is no other opportunity for public comment on items on the Consent Agenda.) The City Council has the right to reasonably limit the duration of each speaker to three minutes. Speakers may not cede their time. The City Council may ask questions but may take no action during the Public Comments portion of the meeting, except to direct staff to prepare a report, or to place an item on a future agenda. No public comment.
V. AGENDA APPROVAL: Approved as is. Motion made by Vela. Seconded by Jackson. All Ayes.
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR: Discussion/possible action - All matters listed under the consent calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion unless any member of the Council wishes to remove an item for discussion. The City Clerk recommends approval of the following consent calendar items:
1. Approval of City Council Meeting minutes for December 4, 2025. Approved as presented. Motion made by Jackson. Seconded by Dooley. All Ayes.
VII. DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
1. Sheriff’s update for December 2025. No report. The city has a new sheriff and has not been notified of who the replacement is.
2. City Engineer’s update for December 2025. Dunn presenting. Working on 9th and Prather rehab and rate study for the public hearing for proposed water rate increase.
3. Planning Commission’s update for December 2025 (No Meeting for December) VIII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Consideration of approval of appointment of Zane Royat to the Montague Volunteer Fire Department.
Presented by Murakami. Royat not present. Approved to appoint Zane Royat to the Montague Volunteer Fire Department and to be sworn in at a later date. Motion made by Dooley. Seconded by Jackson. All Ayes.
IX. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS FOR DECEMBER 2025:
1. Fire Department: Presented by Murakami.
2. Public Works/City Administrator: Presented by Dunn.
3. Animal Control/ Code Enforcement: Report in packet.
4. City Clerk: Report in packet.
5. Treasurer: No report.
6. Library: Report in packet.
7. Commissioner/ Council Statements and Requests: Members of the council may now make brief announcements, reports, or request staff to report to the council on any matter at a subsequent meeting. Vela would like an update from the City Attorney concerning the employee handbook. Councils general consensus is to direct the City Attorney to start working on the policy handbook, together with the City staff and give updates to council at subsequent council meetings.
X. CLOSED BUSINESS: @ 7:08 PM
1. Government Code 54956.9(d)(2) - - Conference with Legal Counsel – Potential Litigation: One Case. Out of closed business @ 7:45 PM Briefing was given. No action taken.
XI. ADJOURN: @7:46 PM Motion made by Jackson. Seconded by Vela. All Ayes.