CITY OF MONTAGUE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
September 3, 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, and Dooley present. Jackson absent.
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.
Samantha Nichols brought pictures of a fire within city limits on August 19, 2026 and had concerns as how it was responded to. Madison of the MVFD felt she got let go from the department unfairly. Amanda Hopkins wanted to know why she was not paid for the Willow Fire when she was there and should be paid.
V. AGENDA APPROVAL:
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 August 6, 2026. Approved with changes to section IX item 1. From Chief to Assistant Chief. Motion made by Vela. Seconded by Dooley. All Ayes.
VII. DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
1. Sheriff’s update for August 2026. Presented by Sgnt. Nawdesha. Report in packet.
2. City Engineer’s update for August 2026. Working on a grant for the City Park.
3. Planning update for August 2026. No meeting in August.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Discussion possible action re: Accepting Interest in Real Property - Amen Aviation Easement. a. Staff Report. Presented by Rico.
b. Consideration of approval of Resolution No. 26-13. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Montague Authorizing the City Administrator to Accept Real Property (Gov. Code Sec. 27281) Dooley moved that we make the finding that the project does not have the potential to result in a significant adverse effect on the environment and is exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQUA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). Seconded by Vela. All Ayes. Adopted. Motion made by Dooley. Seconded by Vela. All Ayes.
2. Consideration of approval of appointment of Brad Hall, Trieghtyn Hines, Cannon Kraemer, Naomi Murakami and Luis Murillo to the Montague Volunteer Fire Department. All applicants were approved. Motion made by Dooley. Seconded by Vela. All Ayes. Hall, Kreamer, and Murillo were sworn in. Hines and N. Murakami not present.
3. Discussion of approval of Resolution No. 26-14. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Montague Pertaining to the Authorization and Certification of the 2026-2027 Maintenanceof- Effort (MOE) Form. Smith presenting. Approved. Motion made by Vela. Seconded by Dooley. All Ayes.
4. Discussion of approval of the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s office service agreement for law enforcement, dispatching, record support. Approved. Motion made by Vela. Seconded by Dooley. All Ayes.
5. Discussion of approval of the 2026 Local Agency Biennial Notice. Smith presenting.
Approved. Motion made by Vela. Seconded by Dooley. All Ayes.
IX. COUNCIL AND STAFF REPORTS FOR AUGUST 2026:
1. Fire Department: Presented by Murakami. Report in packet.
2. Public Works/City Administrator: Presented by Dunn. Report in packet.
3. Animal Control/ Code Enforcement: An ad hoc committee lead by Dooley and Vela will investigate a dog bite that involved Samantha and Micha Nichols son.
4. City Clerk: Presented by Smith. Report in packet.
5. Treasurer: Not present.
6. Library: Presented by Clark. 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. Dooley and Jackson will give an update on ad hoc committee for investigation of MVFD when Jackson is present.
X. CLOSED SESSION: @ 7:39 PM
1. Public Employee Performance Evaluation Government Code 54957(b)(1) City Attorney.
Out of closed session @ 7:53 PM No action taken.
XI. ADJOURN: @ 7:54 PM Motion made by Dooley. Seconded by Vela. All Ayes.