CITY OF MONTAGUE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
July 9, 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. All 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.
Kate from Agger Road wanted to thank council for the Freedom Festival. Samantha Nichols called on Murakami to resign both positions he currently holds. Niomi Murakami addressed being attacked and harassed by citizens and the slandering of her father by citizens. Teresa Newton was concerned about the marquee not being used and that the fire sirens are not going off in town. Leann Meigs was very upset over the Civil Grand Jury Report and feels that the City Attorney should be replaced. Rick Deavilla was upset that the empty seat for council was not filled several months back and he requested that the Mayor step down from both of his positions. Kris Tayloe wanted to let everyone know that there will be a concert in the park every Monday from 6-8 PM.
V. AGENDA APPROVAL: A closed session special meeting was set for Thursday July 16, 2026 @ 6:30 PM. Motion made by Jackson. Seconded by Dooley. All Ayes. Agenda approved as presented. 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 June 11, 2026, and Special Council Meeting June 23, 2026. Approved as presented. Motion made by Jackson. Seconded by Dooley. All Ayes.
VII. DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
1. Sheriff’s update for June 2026. Presented by Sargent Amezcua. In packet.
2. City Engineer’s update for June 2026. Nothing to report.
3. Planning Commission’s update for June 2026. No meeting.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Consideration of approval of appointment of Joseph Daniels to the Montague Volunteer Fire Department. Approved. Motion made by Vela. Seconded by Dooley. All Ayes.
2. Consideration of approval of appointment of Chaz Jones to the Montague Volunteer Fire Department. Approved. Motion made by Dooley. Seconded by Jackson. All Ayes.
3. Discussion of Civil Grand Jury Report. There was an open discussion where several citizens voiced their concerns and anger over the report.
IX. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS FOR JUNE 2026:
1. Fire Department: Presented by Murakami. In packet.
2. Public Works/City Administrator: Presented by Dunn.
3. Animal Control/ Code Enforcement: In packet. Samantha Nichols inquired about why a dog bite report involving her son was not given to her when she requested for it. Ricky Deavilla was upset about a white pit bull that is aggressive on W. Webb St.
4. City Clerk: Presented by Smith. In packet.
5. Treasurer: Presented by Evans.
6. Library: Presented by Clark. 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 and Dooley thanked the citizens for their impute and for coming out to have their voice heard. Jackson wanted to let everyone know that the Lifeguards this year are doing great. Murakami spoke about the Freedom Festival.
X. ADJOURN: @ 7:51 PM Motion made by Dooley. Seconded by Vela. All Ayes.