City of Nevada City
City Council
REGULAR MEETING
City Hall – Beryl P. Robinson, Jr. Conference Room
317 Broad Street, Nevada City, CA 95959
THURSDAY July 25, 2024 5:30 PM
CLOSED SESSION—Pursuant to cited authority, the City Council will hold a closed session to discuss the following listed items. A report of any action taken will be presented during the regular meeting.
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT: Members of the public are entitled to comment on the closed session agenda before the Council proceeds into closed session.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) One (1) Matter:
B. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Manager
THURSDAY July 25, 2024 6:30 PM
MISSION STATEMENT
The City of Nevada City is dedicated to preserving and enhancing its small-town character and historical architecture while providing quality public services for our current and future residents, businesses, and visitors.
Gary Petersen, Mayor
Adam Kline, Vice Mayor Daniela Fernández, Council Member Doug Fleming, Council Member Lou Ceci, Council Member
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:
The public is encouraged to participate in or observe this meeting by:
1. Attending this meeting in person at the City of Nevada City Council Chambers located at 317 Broad Street Nevada City, California.
2. Observing this meeting live from the City of Nevada City YouTube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXSQwrXtey12YIl3IbyGMYQ
3. Observe this meeting live from the local government cable channel 17 or 18.
Public comments may be made: (note the option of public comment via Zoom is no longer available)
1. In person: Live at the meeting. Members of the public desiring to speak on a matter appearing on the agenda should ask the Mayor for the opportunity to be heard when the item comes up for Council consideration. Comments for all agenda items are limited to a speaking time of three minutes (unless the time limit is shortened for all by direction of the Mayor or Presiding member).
2. In writing: Email your comments to [email protected] or provide your comments in writing to the Deputy City Clerk at City Hall. Comments will be accepted until 3:00pm on the day of the meeting date. Comments will not be read during the City Council meeting but will be forwarded to all Council Members and made available for public review prior to the City Council Meeting. Written comments provided after the 3:00pm deadline but prior to the start of the meeting will be provided to the Council members by the following business day and will be uploaded to the agenda packet online. When sending an email, it is extremely helpful to include the following: Full Name; Address (specific or general, i.e.: resident in unincorporated Nevada City); the item number that you are commenting on.
Any writing that is a public record that, relates to an agenda item for open session, which is distributed to a majority of the Council members, less than 72 hours prior to the meeting will be available for public inspection at City Hall, 317 Broad Street, Nevada City, California during normal business hours. Government Code § 54957.5(b)(1). Copies will also be provided at the appropriate meeting.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Deputy City Clerk at 530-265-2496 Extension 133. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [28 CFR 35.102.35.104 ADA Title II].
MEETING PROCEDURES:
All items on agenda will be open for public comments before final action is taken. Speakers must restrict comments to the item as it appears on the agenda and stay within a three-minute time limit (or lesser time if the Mayor determines it necessary due to the number of persons who may wish to speak on an item). The Mayor similarly has the discretion of limiting the total discussion time for an item as may be necessary.
Members of the public attending City Council meetings shall observe the same rules of order and decorum applicable to the City Council. These Standards and Procedures shall apply to all City Council Meetings, members of the public:
(a) Shall limit comment time to that listed on the agenda; (b) May criticize City policies, procedures, programs and/or services or the acts or omissions of Council Members in carrying out their responsibilities as public officials, but shall refrain from disruptive behavior;
(c) Shall speak only from the podium when recognized by the Mayor, and shall address comments to the Mayor and not to staff or members of the audience;
(d) Shall not approach individual Council Members while a meeting is in progress; (e) May provide written materials (10 copies recommended) to the Council during a meeting by giving the materials directly to the City Clerk.
The Mayor or presiding member of the Council has the authority to remove, or designate a person to remove, an individual for disrupting the Council meeting. Disruptive behavior is any action that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting. Before taking this action, the Mayor/presiding member shall warn the individual that their behavior is disruptive and that failure to cease this behavior may result in their removal. If the behavior does not promptly cease, the individual may be removed.
No warning is required to precede removal if an individual engages in behavior that is a true threat of force. A true threat of force has sufficient indicia of intent and seriousness so that a reasonable observer would perceive it to be an actual threat to use force by the person who makes the threat.
CALL TO ORDER
NISENAN TRIBE RECOGNITION: This City Council Meeting Convenes on the Ancestral Territories of the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL _____ Mayor Petersen
_____ Vice-Mayor Kline
_____ Councilmember Fernández
_____ Councilmember Fleming
_____ Councilmember Ceci
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION (if needed)
PRESENTATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT: Government Code Section 54954.3 provides that any member of the public may address the City Council on any matter NOT ON THE AGENDA that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the city.
The Brown Act, with limited exceptions, does not allow the Council or staff to discuss issues brought forth under Public Comment. The Council cannot take action on non-agenda items. Concerns may be referred to staff or placed on a future agenda. Please note that comments from the public will also be taken on each agenda item at the time it is heard. Speakers must adhere to the meeting procedures identified above.
CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine in nature and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items. Councilmembers or the City Manager may remove items from the Consent Agenda for separate discussion and action by City Council. Unless the City Council removes an item from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion, public comments are invited as to the consent calendar as a whole and limited to three minutes per person (or lesser time if the Mayor determines it necessary due to the number of persons who may wish to speak on the Consent Calendar). Any item removed for separate discussion and action will be taken up following the motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
1. Action Minutes July 11, 2024, Regular Meeting
Recommended Action: Review and approve the minutes
2. Fire Activity Report – June 2024
Recommended Action: Receive and file the report
3. Office of Emergency Services / Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Activities Report – June 2024 Recommended Action: Receive and file the report
4. Consideration of the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program Annual Report for the Calendar Year 2023 Reporting Period
Recommended Action: Receive and file the report
5. Consideration of the Acceptance of Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Funds for Reimbursement of One Police Vehicle and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute and Required Documents Recommended Action: Accept the funds and authorize the City Manager to execute documents CONSENT ITEMS FORWARD (if needed): Items pulled from the Consent Agenda will be discussed individually with action taken by separate motion.
BUSINESS
6. Consideration of 1) the New Appointment of Anne Shisko and the Reappointment of Amy Cobden, Rod Brown, and Thomas Nigh as Nevada City Planning Commissioners; and 2) Recognition of the Contributions of Planning Commissioners Past and Present for Their Service to the Community Recommended Action: Receive and file the individual City Councilmember appointments
7. Consideration of an Update on the Nevada Street Bridge Replacement Project Recommended Action: Receive a presentation and provide any direction needed
8. Consideration of Transmitting City Offered Partnership Opportunities for the Judicial Council of California to Select 631 Coyote Street (the Current USDA National Forest Service Office) as the Site of the Relocation of the Nevada City Courthouse
Recommended Action: Approve the list of partnership opportunities
CITY MANAGER, COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT: The meeting will adjourn at 9:30 P.M. unless a decision is made by motion of a Councilmember to extend the time.
Certification of Posting of Agenda
I, Gabrielle Christakes, Deputy City Clerk for the City of Nevada City, declare that the foregoing agenda for the July 25, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Nevada City City Council was posted July 19, 2024, at the entrance of City Hall. The agenda, along with staff reports, is also posted on the City’s website. Signed July 19, 2024, at Nevada City, California
____________________________________________________
Gabrielle Christakes, Deputy City Clerk
1 CITY OF NEVADA CITY
ACTION MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 11, 2024
NOTE: This meeting is available to view on the City’s website www.nevadacityca.gov – Go to Quick Links and Click on Agendas & Minutes and find the Archived Videos in the middle of the screen. Select the meeting date and Click on Video to watch the meeting. For website assistance, please contact Gabrielle Christakes, Deputy City Clerk at (530) 265-2496, ext 133. - City Council Meetings are available on DVD. To order, contact City Hall - cost is $15.00 per DVD. - Closed Session Meetings are not recorded.
CLOSED SESSION – 5:30 PM - Call to Order
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT (Per Government Code Section 54954.3) Please refer to the meeting video on the City’s website at www.nevadacityca.gov.
REGULAR MEETING –6:30 PM - Call to Order
NISENAN TRIBE RECOGNITION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Roll Call: Present: Mayor Petersen, Vice Mayor Kline, Councilmembers Fleming and Ceci
Absent: Councilmember Fernàndez
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION: The City Attorney stated No Reportable action.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA:
Action: Motion by Ceci seconded by Fleming to adopt the Agenda for the July 11, 2024 meeting (Approved 4-0) Petersen, Kline, Fleming, Ceci
PRESENTATIONS
Presentation: Reorganization of the City Council, Mayor, and Vice Mayor Proclamation: Year of the Neighbor
Proclamation: Plastic Free July
PUBLIC COMMENT (Per Government Code Section 54954.3)
Please refer to the meeting video on the City’s website at www.nevadacityca.gov.
CONSENT ITEMS:
1. Action Minutes June 26, 2024, Regular Meeting
2 Recommended Action: Review and approve the minutes
2. Accounts Payable Activity Report – June 2024
Recommended Action: Receive and file the report
3. Police and Code Enforcement Report June 2024
Recommended Action: Receive and file the report
4. Building Activity Report June 2024
Recommended Action: Receive and file the report
5. Consideration of Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-28: A Resolution Requesting the Nevada County Transportation Commission (NCTC) Allocate $102,777 of the City’s Fiscal Year 2024/25 Local Transportation Funds (LTF) for Public Transportation
Recommended Action: Adopt the resolution
Action: Motion by Kline seconded by Ceci to approve consent Items 1-5 (Approved 4-0) Petersen, Kline, Fleming, Ceci
BUSINESS
6. Consideration of the Special Event Requests for Summer Events at the Bodhi Hive Collective (Nevada City Tech Center)
Recommended Action: Review, approve, and authorize the special event street closure requests per the submitted application
Action: Motion by Fleming seconded by Ceci to review, approve, and authorize the special event street closure requests per the submitted application
(Approved 4-0) Petersen, Kline, Fleming, Ceci
7. Consideration of Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-29: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Nevada City Declaring a Stage 3 Water Shortage Warning and Implementing Actions Set Forth in the Nevada City Drought Action Plan: A Water Shortage Contingency Strategy for the City of Nevada City
Recommended Action: Adopt the resolution
Action: Motion by Kline, seconded by Fleming to adopt Resolution 2024-29 Declaring a Stage 3 Water Shortage Warning and Implementing Actions Set Forth in the Nevada City Drought Action Plan: A Water Shortage Contingency Strategy for the City of Nevada City (Approved 4-0) Petersen, Kline, Fleming, Ceci
8. Consideration of Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-30: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Nevada City Approving the Appointment of City Council Members to Internal and External Committees and Regional Bodies for July 1, 2024, Through June 30, 2025 Recommended Action: Adopt the resolution
Action: Motion by Kline seconded by Ceci to adopt Resolution 2024-30 Approving the Appointment of City Council Members to Internal and External Committees and Regional Bodies for July 1, 2024, Through June 30, 2025
(Approved 4-0) Petersen, Kline, Fleming, Ceci
3 CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: Verbal report provided ADJOURNMENT: 8:10 PM
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
____________________________
Gary Petersen, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Gabrielle Christakes, Deputy City Clerk
CITY OF NEVADA CITY
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEETING OF: July 25, 2024 Agenda Item No. 02
Subject: Fire Activity Report – June 2024
From: Sam Goodspeed, Division Chief
Date: July 17, 2024
Reviewed & Approved: STG
Recommended Action: Receive and file the report.
ISSUE STATEMENT AND DISCUSSION:
The attached Fire Activity Report reviews the Monthly Responses for Nevada City Fire Station 5.
FINANCIAL AND/OR POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
Not applicable.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This action is consistent with the embedded strategic initiative of Engagement: Community engagement and communications with stakeholders.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Not applicable.
LEGAL REVIEW:
City Attorney Pucci has reviewed this item and finds that the recommended action complies with the law.
ATTACHMENTS:
Outside Unit Responses to Nevada City
Station 5 Incident Type Summary Report
Station 5 Response by District
City of Nevada City Incident Type Report
Elite grsnev Outside Unit Responses to Nevada City
Total Responses Total Call Time in Minutes Average Time Spent on Call Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): AA 230
1 4 4
Total: 1 Total: 4
Avg: 4.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Air Tanker 88
1 4 4
Total: 1 Total: 4
Avg: 4.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Air Tanker 89
1 4 4
Total: 1 Total: 4
Avg: 4.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Batt 2314
2 185 93
Total: 2 Total: 185
Avg: 92.50
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Batt 8
5 106 21
Total: 5 Total: 106
Avg: 21.20
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): CNA23
1 0 0
Total: 1 Total: 0
Avg: 0.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Dozer 2341
2 35 18
Total: 2 Total: 35
Avg: 17.50
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Dozer 2342
1 5 5
Total: 1 Total: 5
Avg: 5.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Engine 84
8 280 35
Total: 8 Total: 280
Avg: 35.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Engine 86
6 148 25
Total: 6 Total: 148
Avg: 24.67
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Engine 87
3 22 7
Total: 3 Total: 22
Avg: 7.33
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Engine2352
1 15 15
Total: 1 Total: 15
Avg: 15.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Engine2354
1 28 28
Total: 1 Total: 28
Avg: 28.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Engine2362
2 201 101
Total: 2 Total: 201
1 of 2 Printed On: 07/14/2024 08:07:57 AM
Total Responses Total Call Time in Minutes Average Time Spent on Call Basic Incident Date Time:
Basic Incident Zone/District Number (Fd1.32):
Apparatus Resource Id (Fd18.1):
Avg: 100.50
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Engine2364
1 45 45
Total: 1 Total: 45
Avg: 45.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Engine2372
1 7 7
Total: 1 Total: 7
Avg: 7.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Engine2374
1 57 57
Total: 1 Total: 57
Avg: 57.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Engine2381
1 116 116
Total: 1 Total: 116
Avg: 116.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Engine2382
1 159 159
Total: 1 Total: 159
Avg: 159.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Engine2385
1 218 218
Total: 1 Total: 218
Avg: 218.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Rescue 84
18 472 26
Total: 18 Total: 472
Avg: 26.22
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Tender 84
1 78 78
Total: 1 Total: 78
Avg: 78.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): Tender 88
1 189 189
Total: 1 Total: 189
Avg: 189.00
Apparatus Resource ID (FD18.1): WAR 1
1 195 195
Total: 1 Total: 195
Avg: 195.00
Total: 62 Total: 2,573
Avg: 60.37
Report Criteria
Is Equal To Last Month
Is In 5 - Nevada City Stn 5, 5 - Station 5 - City, Nevada City Stn 5 Is Not In Batt 1, Batt 2, Batt 3, Brush 5, CPT11, Chief 1, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 201, Engine 202, Engine 205, Engine 5, OESE4104, OESE4609, P 2, P 3, P1, Squad 2, Truck 2, Utility 1, Utility 2, Utility 5, Utility 54 2 of 2 Printed On: 07/14/2024 08:07:57 AM
Basic Incident Type (Fd1.21):
Apparatus Resource Id (Fd18.1):
Basic Incident Date - Derived (Fd1.3):
Agency Name:
Elite grsnev Station 5 Incident Type Report (Summary)
Basic Incident Type Code And
Description (FD1.21)
Total
Incidents
Total Incidents Percent of
Incidents
Total
Property
Loss
Total Content
Loss
Total Loss Total Loss Percent
of Total
Incident Type Category (FD1.21): 1 - Fire
111 - Building fire 1 0.96%
113 - Cooking fire, confined to container 3 2.88% 15.00 15.00 0.06% 132 - Road freight or transport vehicle
fire
1 0.96% 10,000.00 0.00 10,000.00 39.98%
141 - Forest, woods or wildland fire 2 1.92%
142 - Brush or brush-and-grass mixture
fire
1 0.96% 15,000.00 0.00 15,000.00 59.96%
143 - Grass fire 1 0.96%
Total: 9 Total: 8.65% Total:
25,000.00
Total: 15.00 Total:
25,015.00
Total: 100.00%
Incident Type Category (FD1.21): 3 - Rescue & Emergency Medical Service Incident 311 - Medical assist, assist EMS crew 1 0.96%
321 - EMS call, excluding vehicle
accident with injury
50 48.08%
322 - Motor vehicle accident with injuries 5 4.81%
324 - Motor vehicle accident with no
injuries.
2 1.92%
356 - High-angle rescue 1 0.96%
363 - Swift water rescue 1 0.96%
Total: 60 Total: 57.69% Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00% Incident Type Category (FD1.21): 4 - Hazardous Condition (No Fire) 412 - Gas leak (natural gas or LPG) 4 3.85%
462 - Aircraft standby 1 0.96%
Total: 5 Total: 4.81% Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00% Incident Type Category (FD1.21): 5 - Service Call
511 - Lock-out 1 0.96%
551 - Assist police or other governmental
agency
1 0.96%
552 - Police matter 1 0.96%
553 - Public service 1 0.96%
554 - Assist invalid 2 1.92%
Total: 6 Total: 5.77% Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00% Incident Type Category (FD1.21): 6 - Good Intent Call
611 - Dispatched and cancelled en route 10 9.62%
6111 - Holding in Quarters 2 1.92%
622 - No incident found on arrival at
dispatch address
2 1.92%
Total: 14 Total: 13.46% Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00% Incident Type Category (FD1.21): 7 - False Alarm & False Call 735 - Alarm system sounded due to
malfunction
2 1.92%
743 - Smoke detector activation, no fire -
unintentional
4 3.85%
745 - Alarm system activation, no fire -
unintentional
4 3.85%
Total: 10 Total: 9.62% Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00% Total: 104 Total: 100.00% Total:
25,000.00
Total: 15.00 Total:
25,015.00
Total: 100.00%
Report Criteria
Is Not Blank
Is In Brush 5, Chief 5400, Engine 5, Utility 5
Is Equal To Last Month
Is Equal To Grass Valley Fire Department
1 of 1 Printed On: 07/14/2024 08:02:29 AM
Apparatus Resource Id (Fd18.1):
Basic Incident Date - Derived (Fd1.3):
Elite grsnev Station 5 Response by District
Basic Incident Zone/District Number (FD1.32) Number of Incidents 6 1 - Station 1 - City 7
2 - Station 2 - City 25
5 - Station 5 - City 49
NCC 54 2
NCC 84 12
NCC 86 3
NCC 87 5
NCC 91/92 1
Report Criteria
Is In Brush 5, Chief 5400, Engine 5, Utility 5
Is Equal To Last Month
1 of 1 Printed On: 07/14/2024 08:02:36 AM
Basic Incident Zone/District Number (Fd1.32):
Basic Incident Postal Code (Fd1.19):
Basic Incident Date - Derived (Fd1.3):
Agency Name:
Elite grsnev City of Nevada City Incident Type Report (Summary) Basic Incident Type Code And
Description (FD1.21)
Total
Incidents
Total Incidents Percent of
Incidents
Total Property
Loss
Total Content
Loss
Total
Loss
Total Loss Percent
of Total
Incident Type Category (FD1.21): 1 - Fire
113 - Cooking fire, confined to container 3 5.56% 0.00 0.00 0.00 141 - Forest, woods or wildland fire 2 3.70%
143 - Grass fire 1 1.85%
Total: 6 Total: 11.11% Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total:
0.00 Total: 0.00%
Incident Type Category (FD1.21): 3 - Rescue & Emergency Medical Service Incident 321 - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident
with injury
34 62.96%
Total: 34 Total: 62.96% Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total:
0.00 Total: 0.00%
Incident Type Category (FD1.21): 5 - Service Call
552 - Police matter 1 1.85%
554 - Assist invalid 3 5.56%
Total: 4 Total: 7.41% Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total:
0.00 Total: 0.00%
Incident Type Category (FD1.21): 6 - Good Intent Call
611 - Dispatched and cancelled en route 4 7.41%
Total: 4 Total: 7.41% Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total:
0.00 Total: 0.00%
Incident Type Category (FD1.21): 7 - False Alarm & False Call 735 - Alarm system sounded due to
malfunction
1 1.85%
743 - Smoke detector activation, no fire -
unintentional
3 5.56%
745 - Alarm system activation, no fire -
unintentional
2 3.70%
Total: 6 Total: 11.11% Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total:
0.00 Total: 0.00%
Total: 54 Total: 100.00% Total: 0.00 Total: 0.00 Total:
0.00 Total: 0.00%
Report Criteria
Is In 5 - Station 5 - City, Nevada City Stn 5
Is Equal To 95959
Is Equal To Last Month
Is Equal To Grass Valley Fire Department
1 of 1 Printed On: 07/14/2024 08:02:09 AM
CITY OF NEVADA CITY
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEETING OF: July 27, 2024 Agenda Item No. 03
Subject: Office of Emergency Services Report / Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Activities Report – June 2024.
From: Evan McLenithan, Community Risk Reduction
Date: July 18, 2024
Reviewed & Approved: STG
Recommended Action: Receive and file the report.
ISSUE STATEMENT AND DISCUSSION:
This monthly report will provide updates on the broad scope of activities assigned to the City’s OES.
Fire Safety Advisory Committee
The Risk Reduction Officer serves as the liaison to the committee which has historically met on the third Thursday of each month at 6PM. The committee hosted the CWPP workshop at Seamans Lodge on June 20th.
• 20+ people were in attendance
• Attendees provided great information for the CWPP process on posters that were around the room on four distinct areas:
o Home hardening
o Defensible Space
o Evacuation
o Measure C implementation
Each poster was filled by the end of the workshop.
Education and Outreach
• Met with 10+ homeowners to discuss defensible space priorities. • Assisted Nevada County OES with a collaboration event and grant collaboration. • Presented wildfire prevention material to the freshman class of Ghidotti • Held a Neighbors to Neighbors Kick off event at Seamans Lodge o 20 attendees
o Wildfire trivia
o Feedback on future events included:
Basic Fire behavior in our region workshop:7
Joint Volunteer project with Sierra roots:4
How to become a Firewise community and or how to become a Firewise community leader:3
Block Party/get to know your neighbors: 3
Community defensible space clearing project:12
Demonstration home hardening and defensible space tour: 8 • Social Media Posts:
o 20 on Instagram
Accounts reached: 7,000
Account engaged: 400
o 30 on Facebook:
Accounts reached: 12,429
Accounts Engaged: 1,228
Mitigation Activities
The Risk Reduction Officer has coordinated mitigation activities with the Public Works Superintendent and grant funded Fuels Equipment Operator.
Mitigation Activities Completed (see attachment for details) • Fuel clearing/Maintenance along the fire access road on Sugarloaf Mountain • Fuel clearing along roads near Pioneer Park /in Pioneer Park • Encampments clean ups at Hirschman’s Pond and Sugarloaf • Fuel clearing at Cabin Street and trail
• Continual maintenance of Monroe sliver and roadside hardening on Coyote Street Green Waste
The City in partnership with Waste Management has coordinated a green waste roll off container, located at Pioneer Park. Each pick up of the bin has been a ton + and it gets picked up twice a week. Site location and more specific information is available at our website. To date more than 15 tons of green waste has been removed.
Updates on Current Projects
The Deer Creek Hazardous Fuels Project planning section has been completed. City staff met with the Forester conducting the plan and offered several minor revisions. The project is working under a planning grant from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) which funds the creation of a fuel’s treatment plan and completion of the required environmental planning. In addition to support for the Registered Professional Forester under contract for the work, social media and community outreach continues the project. Once complete, staff will seek future grant applications to fund the implementation and completion of the required work. The City has also met with representatives from CHIRP and are working with them to complete a tribal monitoring process. The environmental review for the project will be in front of the planning commission at their August 15th meeting. After environmental review and tribal participation, the SNC grant will be concluded and the City will be pursuing the CAL FIRE wildfire prevention grant to complete the work.
Grant Seeking
• In coordination with the City’s contracted grant writing service, OES has evaluated multiple fire related grants opportunities including:
o CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grant
Wildfire Risk Reduction Community
o State Fire Capacity Grant Program
o Land Water Conservation Fund grant opportunities.
o Urban Forestry Grants
Should be informed of award status by the end of the month. o Youth Access Community Access Program
Work force development
Defensible Space Inspections
All City parcels have received a defensible space inspection. Out of all the parcels inspected, staff sent approximately 50 follow-up letters to residents that have not opened the report and had two or more defensible space issues. The city will continue to follow through the enforcement process while offering resources and education. Education plays a crucial role in wildfire preparedness. The city is dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of wildfires and empowering residents to take necessary precautions to protect their properties. Attached is a summary of inspection as of 07/17/2024.
FINANCIAL AND/OR POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
None.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This action is consistent with the embedded strategic initiative of Engagement: Community engagement and communications with stakeholders. This action is aligned with the Strategic Initiative of Fire: Wildfire and Structural Fire Prevention, Mitigation, and Education.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Not applicable.
LEGAL REVIEW:
City Attorney Pucci has reviewed this item and finds that the recommended action complies with the law.
ATTACHMENTS:
Defensible Space Inspection (DSI) Data
June Camp/Debris removal
Camp Clean UpsJune 2024
Before
Before
Hirshman’s Before
Hirshman’s Before
Before Before Before
Hirshman’s After
Hirshman’s After
Fire
Camp
3 dumps runs and 3 tons later…
Sugarloaf before:
Sugarloaf after:
Sugarloaf after:
Huge thank you to
Public Works!!!
CITY OF NEVADA CITY
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEETING OF: July 25, 2024 Agenda Item No. 04
Subject: Consideration of the Permanent Local Housing
Allocation (PLHA) Program Annual Report for the Calendar Year 2023 Reporting Period.
From: Lisa McCandless, City Planner
Date: July 18, 2024
Reviewed & Approved:
City Manager: STG
City Attorney:
Recommended Action: Receive and file the report.
ISSUE STATEMENT AND DISCUSSION:
The attached Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) program annual report will be filed with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by July 31, 2024. The PLHA informs the State of the status of the Cashin’s Field Project in relation to the grant funding that was received through the PLHA program. This report will be submitted HCD by month end and will complete the five year reporting period requirement for the project.
FINANCIAL AND/OR POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
None. Funding was previously allocated to the City for the project and no financial changes occurred since the 2023 reporting period.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This action, reporting on the program, is consistent with the embedded strategic initiative of Engagement:
Community engagement and communications with stakeholders. This action is also aligned with the strategic initiative of Housing: Workforce and affordable housing, supportive of leasing local, and maintenance of homeowner value.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
None.
LEGAL REVIEW:
City Attorney Pucci has reviewed this item and finds that the recommended action complies with the law.
ATTACHMENTS:
PHLA Annual Report 2023
beginning of sheet 1 - Cover Page
HCD Contract Number: Local Government (Contractor Name):
Preparer Name:
If funds were delegated, provide the
name of the Administering Local
Government, Local Housing Trust
Fund, or Regional Housing Trust Fund:
Preparer Email: Reporting Period:
Preparer Title: Allocation Type Pursuant to
Guidelines Articles III and IV:
Preparer Phone Number:
Activity 2019 Allocation Amount
Per Activity
2020 Allocation Amount
Per Activity
2021 Allocation Amount
Per Activity
2022 Allocation Amount
Per Activity
2023 Allocation Amount
Per Activity
Awarded Allocation Amount for Activity 1:
§301(a)(1) $2,609,721.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Amount of PLHA Funds Disbursed
to Date for Activity 1 per Allocation Year $0.00 $2,485,447.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Awarded Allocation Amount for Activity 2:
§301(a)(2) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Amount of PLHA Funds Disbursed
to Date for Activity 2 per Allocation Year $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Awarded Allocation Amount for Activity 3:
§301(a)(3) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Amount of PLHA Funds Disbursed
to Date for Activity 3 per Allocation Year $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Awarded Allocation Amount for Activity 4:
§301(a)(4) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Amount of PLHA Funds Disbursed
to Date for Activity 4 per Allocation Year $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Awarded Allocation Amount for Activity 5:
§301(a)(5) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Amount of PLHA Funds Disbursed
to Date for Activity 5 per Allocation Year $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Awarded Allocation Amount for Activity 6:
§301(a)(6) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Amount of PLHA Funds Disbursed
to Date for Activity 6 per Allocation Year $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Awarded Allocation Amount for Activity 7:
§301(a)(7) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Amount of PLHA Funds Disbursed
to Date for Activity 7 per Allocation Year $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Awarded Allocation Amount for Activity 8:
§301(a)(8) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Amount of PLHA Funds Disbursed
to Date for Activity 8 per Allocation Year $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Awarded Allocation Amount for Activity 9:
§301(a)(9) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Amount of PLHA Funds Disbursed
to Date for Activity 9 per Allocation Year $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Awarded Allocation Amount for Activity
10: §301(a)(10) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Amount of PLHA Funds Disbursed
to Date for Activity 10 per Allocation Year $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Awarded Allocation Amount for Admin:
§301(b) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Amount of PLHA Funds Disbursed
to Date for Admin Costs per Allocation Year
(cannot exceed 5% of the total
awarded amount per allocation year)
$0.00 $124,274.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Amount of PLHA Funds Awarded By
HCD To Date: $2,609,721.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Amount of PLHA Funds Disbursed
By HCD To Date: $0.00 $2,609,721.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Amount of Annual Allocation that will be
Used for AOWH (See §303(e)) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Amount of Annual disbursements Used for
AOWH (See §303(e)) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIVISION OF STATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
STATE GRANT MANAGEMENT BRANCH
651 Bannon Street, 8th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811
[email protected]
Awarded Activity Summary
1. Please refer to the Instruction tab and the FAQs tab to complete this workbook.
2. Annual Report will be returned if the report is incomplete, missing the individual Activity tabs for each awarded Activity, or data is inconsistent with previous year's Annual Report and/or executed Standard Agreement.
3. Future requests of funds may be put on hold until the Annual Report is submitted and completed correctly.
4. Please click “Enable Editing” followed by “Enable Content” in the yellow ribbon at the top of this tab before entering information. This ensures that the workbook functions as intended with all macros, formulas, and capabilities enabled.
Instructions:
1. Data collected in the below cells reflect the total amounts awarded in the previous allocation years and during this reporting period.
2. Awarded Allocation Amount must match the most current executed Standard Agreement or the approved Budget Revision for that allocation year.
3. Once the Awarded Allocation Amount for each Activity is entered, a hidden tab for the awarded activity will appear to enter additional information. Please contact your IT department if you do not see the hidden tabs for your individual awarded Activity tab or if you continue to have issues with this workbook since it is possible that your department has set security measures for downloaded forms.
4. Amount of PLHA Funds Disbursed is the total amount of PLHA funds that SGM approved for disbursement for each Activity per allocation year. Please refer to your Request for Funds form(s) that were submitted and approved by SGM during this reporting period and enter the total amount for each Activity per allocation year. Or please refer to the previous year's Annual Report for the amounts that were reported as disbursed at that time.
Nevada City
July 1, 2023- June 30, 2024, Due July 31, 2024
530-265-2496 ext 130
20-PLHACOM-15988
Lisa McCandless
[email protected]
PERMANENT LOCAL HOUSING ALLOCATION (PLHA) PROGRAM
Annual Report
Cover Page
Last Revised: 7/01/2024
City Planner Competitive
N/A
N/A
4. Please share any success stories you have encountered using PLHA funds for a project or an Activity.
Optional: Please feel free to submit any attachments and/or photos you would like to share to [email protected].
Cashin's Field is thriving and helping many people.
PERMANENT LOCAL HOUSING ALLOCATION (PLHA) PROGRAM
Annual Report
Narrative Summary
3. If your 5-Year Plan includes any of the following activities: 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, or 10, please explain how the use of your funds is providing Affordable Owner-Occupied Workforce Housing (AOWH) for individuals or families of low to moderate incomes. See Guidelines §303(e). If your awarded Activity falls within the mentioned activities but PLHA funds are not being allocated for AOWH, please provide an explanation.
If AOWH is not applicable (e.g. if your plan only includes activities 1, 5, or 6), please enter "N/A" to acknowledge that AOWH does not apply to you at this time.
Your PLHA application provides information of your commitment to the AOWH.
N/A The PLHA funds are entirely going to the Cashin's Field project, a multi-family rental-only housing faciltiy available to occupants meeting low, and very low income requirements. The City's plan does not include any of the above referenced activities and is therefore not applicable.
2. Please describe additional revenue generated from program funding in this reporting period and how revenue was generated (e.g. loan repayments, interest, fees).
Please provide a description of how your estimate of households to be assisted was determined. (pursuant to Guidelines Section 302 (8)).
If not applicable, please enter "N/A" to acknowlege that you do not have any revenues or income earned at this time.
N/A
2a. Program Income Earned this reporting period: 2b. Approximate Number of Households to be assisted with this period's Reuse Revenue: N/A
2c. Current Balance of Reuse Revenue:
1a. Total Amount of PLHA Funds Disbursed for
Administrative Costs During This Reporting
Period:
$0.00
1b. Total Amount of PLHA Funds Expended on
Administrative Costs During This Reporting
Period:
$0.00
N/A
1c. If you have not requested, received, or expended PLHA funds for Administrative Costs, please enter "N/A" or "0" in cells 1a and 1b and provide the anticipated timeframe in which you plan to request and/or expend the funds. If you plan to allocate or have already allocated your awarded 5% Administrative Costs funds to another Activity, please indicate in the cell below the allocation year of the awarded Administrative Costs funds and the Activity. Otherwise, please enter an "N/A" in the cell below.
HCD Grant Number:
Lisa McCandless
Date
7/18/2024
Date
Title of PLHA Administrator
City Planner
City Manager
Certification by Printed Name
Lisa McCandless
Sean Grayson
Signature Method:
Signature of PLHA Administrator
Signature of Authorized Executive Official
Printed Name of PLHA Administrator (per Guidelines 503(b)) *The PLHA Administrator is someone authorized within the Local Government entity or Trust Fund that is overseeing PLHA activities and expenditures.
Nevada City
***By signing this request, I certify to the best of my knowledge and belief that the request is true, complete, and accurate, and the expenditures, disbursements and cash receipts will be for the purposes and objectives set forth in the terms and conditions of the State award. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent information, or the omission of any material fact, may subject me to criminal, civil or administrative penalties for fraud, false statements, false claims or otherwise. (U.S. Code Title 18, Section 1001 and Title 31, Sections 3729-3730 and 3801-3812)
*Please complete ALL the yellow cells in this tab. Annual Report will be returned if this tab is not completed as requested or does not have BOTH signatures. 20-PLHACOM-15988
July 1, 2023- June 30, 2024, Due July 31, 2024
CERTIFICATION
Grantee Name:
Reporting Period:
Sean Grayson City Manager
Signature Method: Certification by Printed Name
Printed Name of Authorized Executive Official
(City Manager, CFO, CEO or designee per Guidelines 503(b)) *If a designee is signing the Annual Report, a letter on official letterhead from the Authorized Executive Official identifying the name and title of the designee must accompany the report (if not previously submitted to SGM)
Title of Authorized Executive Official
CITY OF NEVADA CITY
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEETING OF: July 25, 2024 Agenda Item No. 05
Subject: Consideration of the Acceptance of Abandoned
Vehicle Abatement Funds for Reimbursement of One Police Vehicle and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute and Required Documents.
From: Dan Foss, Chief of Police
Date: July 17, 2023
Reviewed & Approved:
City Manager: STG
City Attorney:
Recommended Action: Accept the funds and authorize the City Manager to execute documents.
ISSUE STATEMENT AND DISCUSSION:
The Nevada City Police Department (NCPD) purchased a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE upon City Council approval in January of this year. As noted in the council report for the purchase of this vehicle, one of its primary uses would be as a supervisor vehicle for abandoned vehicle abatement. NCPD is seeking $20,000 from the Abandon Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Fund to offset the total vehicle expense.
The Nevada City Police Department is required by law to post a 72-hour notice to abate for any vehicle suspected of being abandoned on a public roadway prior to removal. The notice is extended to ten days if a vehicle is suspected of being abandoned on private property. The supervisor for the abandoned vehicle abetment program will, when feasible, attempt to contact the registered owner of the abandoned vehicle before enforcement activity. AVA funds are made available to offset some of the City’s cost in meeting this requirement.
The (AVA) Fund is generated through DMV registration fees and dispersed throughout all Nevada County law enforcement entities. The AVA fund administrator has identified funds designated for use by NCPD for abandoned vehicle enforcement. The State of California allocates these funds quarterly. AVA funds must be spent in alignment with guidance established in Section 22710 California Vehicle Code (VC) and Section 9250.7 VC. The expenditure reimbursement in the amount of $20,000 meets the requirements set forth in the code as the vehicle will be utilized partly to identify abandoned vehicles and the need for abatement.
In order for the City to receive the reimbursement, an action of the City Council is required. Approval of this item represents the City Council’s action of acceptance.
FINANCIAL AND/OR POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
The $20,000 will be reimbursed to Nevada City from AVA funds. The reimbursed funds will be purposed for parking related activities in a future action of the City Council.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This action is consistent with the embedded strategic initiative of Engagement: Community engagement and communications with stakeholders.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
None.
LEGAL REVIEW:
City Attorney Pucci has reviewed this item and finds that the recommended action complies with the law.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
CITY OF NEVADA CITY
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEETING OF: July 25, 2024 Agenda Item No. 06
Subject: Consideration of 1) the New Appointment of Anne Shisko and the Reappointment of Amy Cobden, Rod Brown,
and Thomas Nigh as Nevada City Planning Commissioners;
and 2) Recognition of the Contributions of Planning
Commissioners Past and Present for Their Service to the Community.
From: Sean Grayson, City Manager
Date: July 14, 2024
Reviewed & Approved:
City Manager:
City Attorney:
Recommended Action: Receive and file the individual City Councilmember appointments.
ISSUE STATEMENT AND DISCUSSION:
Chapter 2.36 of the Nevada City Municipal Code provides that Planning Commissioners serve on the commission for a term concurrent with each appointing councilmember. Each member of the City Council is responsible for appointing one Planning Commissioner who serves at the will of the City Council.
Councilmember (current Vice Mayor) Adam Kline’s appointed Planning Commissioner, Wendy Ermshar, resigned effective July 3, 2024. A notice of vacancy for a mid-term commissioner vacancy was adopted by the City Council and posted on the City website and at City Hall. Councilmember Kline has appointed Anne Shisko to the vacancy and with a term ending concurrent with the Vice Mayor’s, ending June 30, 2026.
Nevada City voters reelected Daniela Fernández, Doug Fleming, and Gary Petersen (current Mayor) to a four-year term beginning July 1, 2024. Each councilmember has chosen to reappoint their commissioner (appointed from their previous term) to their new four-year term ending June 30, 2028: Amy Cobden, Rod Brown, and Thomas Nigh respectively.
Councilmember Ceci’s appointed commissioner’s term continues through June 30, 2026 and is unchanged in this action.
Current and previous Planning Commissioners will be recognized at the meeting in addition to the action to receive and file the councilmember appointments.
FINANCIAL AND/OR POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
Not applicable.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This action is consistent with the embedded strategic initiative of Engagement: Community engagement and communications with stakeholders.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Not applicable.
LEGAL REVIEW:
City Attorney Pucci has reviewed this item and finds that the recommended action complies with the law.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
CITY OF NEVADA CITY
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEETING OF: July 25, 2024 Agenda Item No. 07
Subject: Consideration of an Update on the Nevada Street Bridge Replacement Project.
From: Bryan McAlister, City Engineer
Sean Grayson, City Manager
Date: July 17, 2024
Reviewed & Approved:
City Manager: STG
City Attorney:
Recommended Action: Receive a presentation and provide any direction needed.
ISSUE STATEMENT AND DISCUSSION:
On August 9, 2023, the City Council awarded a construction contract for the Nevada Street Bridge Replacement Project to replace the existing bridge on Nevada Street over Deer Creek. The project is located at the south end of Nevada Street, near Broad Street in Nevada City. The bridge has been programmed for replacement as a result of routine bridge inspections conducted by CalTrans and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) which identified numerous deficiencies. The City Engineer has worked to develop and fund the project for several years culminating with the City receiving award of Highway Bridge Project (HBP) funds to pay for more than 88% of the project.
On August 9, 2023 three (3) qualified bids were presented to the City Council of the City of Nevada City for consideration of award at its regularly scheduled public meeting. The City Council awarded the base bid of $7,685,504 to Golden State Bridge Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Notice to Proceed was issued on August 8, 2023 which allowed the Contractor to prepare shop drawings and material submittals and start scheduling the labor and equipment throughout the winter of 2023. In December of 2023 a tentative schedule for the project began to be distributed to the community including in the January/February 2024 City Newsletter and direct mailing to surrounding properties. Office of Emergency Services and Police staff made contact with each business adjacent to the bridge closure in January of 2024.
Full closure of the bridge and the majority of the Nevada Street parking lot began on February 26, 2024.
The Contractor started work on the jobsite on March 4, 2024 commencing with demolition, shoring and utility relocations. This work continued throughout March, April, and May with some weather delays, however the contractor was able to make substantial progress on demolishing the old bridge and walls and installing the shoring which is necessary for construction of the new foundations.
On June 1, 2024 the work in the creek zone began as permitted by California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California Water Resources Control Board which allows work in the creek and riparian zone from June 1, 2024 to October 1, 2024. This includes a ‘Clear Water Diversion’ pipe system that conveys natural creek water from above the jobsite to an area below the jobsite at the Broad Street bridge.
Installation of the ‘Clear Water Diversion’ required coordination with biologists who carefully moved fish and invertebrates out of the work zone. After this installation was complete, the contractor was able to do the remainder of the shoring and excavations for the new foundations. Foundation work consists of 36” Cast-In-Drilled-Hole piles (12 on each side of the creek) that vary in length from 18’-22’. The piles are below the concrete footings at each end of the bridge and have reinforcement that connects to the bridge foundations. There have been some differing soil conditions to deal with, but this work is expected to be complete prior to the end of July. The contractor will start to see the abutment walls which support the bridge being formed within the next few weeks.
Concurrently with the work being performed on the jobsite, there is work occurring offsite at Sierra Metal Fabricators on Searls Avenue. This is the steel for the railing and truss sections of the bridge. Steel is being delivered, cut, formed and welded at shop so that it can be ready for installation after the concrete work is complete.
There have some schedule delays, initially with the weather and also with some differing ground conditions which has affected the overall schedule by approximately three weeks. However, we are working with the contractor to make up for some of the schedule delays and expect to have the bridge open for traffic by mid- to late-November.
We appreciate the community support and interest in the project. The sidewalk on the Broad Street bridge is a great place to watch the progress. We understand that project has caused inconvenience to residents, businesses, and visitors and we greatly appreciate the patience of those being affected by the loss of parking near the jobsite and by the traffic detours. We will continue to work toward minimizing these inconveniences when possible. Other than to bring in new equipment, the parking spots on the Broad Street overpass of highway 49/20 will begin to have less construction vehicles than have been present during the completed work. The City is partnering with local businesses at the bridge intersection, the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce and others for creative solutions to the challenges presented by the project. Temporary banner signage will be installed in the coming weeks to indicate that businesses in the area are open during construction and to route people to alternate parking locations. Temporary parking signage will be placed to note parking intended for the impacted businesses. The impacted businesses have been and more will be present at summer events such as Hot Summer Nights and Saturday Farmer’s Market to show that they are open for business during construction just a 2-minute walk from the Historic District core.
FINANCIAL AND/OR POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
None with this project update.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This action, reporting on the program, is consistent with the embedded strategic initiative of Engagement:
Community engagement and communications with stakeholders. The project is aligned with the strategic initiative of INFRASTRUCTURE: Parking, Roads, Right-of-Way, and other public and contracted infrastructure.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
None with this action. The construction activities are subject to the environmental conditions and actions identified in the overall project.
LEGAL REVIEW:
City Attorney Pucci has reviewed this item and finds that the recommended action complies with the law.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
CITY OF NEVADA CITY
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEETING OF: July 25, 2024 Agenda Item No. 08
Subject: Consideration of Transmitting City Offered
Partnership Opportunities for the Judicial Council of California to Select 631 Coyote Street (the Current USDA National Forest Service Office) as the Site of the Relocation of the Nevada City Courthouse.
From: Sean Grayson, City Manager
Bryan McAlister, City Engineer
Date: July 17, 2024
Reviewed & Approved:
City Manager:
City Attorney:
Recommended Action: Approve the list of partnership opportunities.
ISSUE STATEMENT AND DISCUSSION:
On March 21, 2024, the Judicial Council of California (JCC) announced the “location for new Nevada City Courthouse narrowed down to three potential sites”. The three sites are:
• USDA National Forest Service Office location
• Melo Pello/Hirschman area—northwest corner of Cement Hill Road and Hwy 49 • Parcels at the corner of Highway 49 and Coyote
On May 22, 2024, the City Council adopted the Nevada City Courthouse Ad Hoc Committee recommendation, “…that the Forest Service site is the best site for the placement of the new courthouse and the only site that should be considered moving forward,” and provided direction on potential ways the City could incentivize the selection of the site and partner with the JCC in developing the future courthouse at the location. Staff will have an opportunity to share the community and City Council input on the topic at the next meeting of the Project Advisory Group (PAG) in August of 2024.
Staff has evaluated the opportunities for partnership shared on May 22, 2024, and other opportunities and recommends the following for the City Council’s consideration. • The City to provide initial design and cost estimates for final design and installation of an upgrade of the existing City sewer line that serves the property to match the size and capacity needed by the new courthouse. The anticipated cost to the City is $15,000 between staff and consultant work. • The City to provide initial design and cost estimates for final design and installation of an upgrade of the City’s water distribution system with a new 1.5-million-gallon storage tank which would be located upgradient of the Forest Service site. The anticipated cost to the City is $30,000 between staff and consultant work. The City would seek grant funding for the project that would include a water main replacement with branch connections on Coyote Street to connect to the downtown system. The tanks and piping system elements all work together to balance and stabilize water pressure while providing necessary water storage for fire flow and peak water demand. • The City to seek to acquire property to the north of the Forest Service site (731 Coyote Street) for use as parking for the Sugar Loaf trail and the courthouse and to serve as an open space buffer for the site.
The City would seek funding partnerships with local governmental entities and existing non-profit partners to fund and/or reimburse the city for acquisition of the property. The value of the property is to be determined but is estimated between $260,000 and $490,000 • The City to work with the Bear Yuba Land Trust (BYLT) who is an existing partner to the development of the Sugarloaf Trail which has an easement on the site to determine future alignment of the trail in relation to the courthouse project.
• The City to connect the JCC planning process for the site proactively to the access, circulation, and mobility design process for the planned multi-modal Highway 49 project for which the City is the grantee in partnership with Caltrans, Nevada County and the Nevada County Transportation Commission.
• The City to provide conceptual design of required upgrades to the right-of-way infrastructure on Coyote Street adjacent to the site. The anticipated cost to the City is $3,000 of staff time. • The City to work with the County of Nevada to find alignment of interests for the site including its proximity to County assets, infrastructure, and the needs of the Sheriff for in-custody transportation. • The City to work with Nevada County transit services for project planning for a bus stop on the site that matches the JCC, County, City, and community member needs for transportation. • The City to develop a point-to-point transportation plan allowing for the use of parking at the current courthouse location and providing a shuttle between the downtown, the new courthouse, and the Eric W. Rood Administrative Center as a government-to-government service in support of City economic development. The anticipated cost to the City is $10,000 between staff and consultant work.
JCC staff and local Nevada County Courthouse staff have repeatedly indicated a desire to partner with stakeholders for the best overall location of the courthouse. Staff recommends that the City Council select from the provided list and direct that the City Manager transmit the information to the PAG in August of 2024.
FINANCIAL AND/OR POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
None with this action. Any expense related to partnership opportunities would be identified in future budget processes.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This action is consistent with the embedded strategic initiative of Engagement: Community engagement and communications with stakeholders.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Not applicable.
LEGAL REVIEW:
City Attorney Pucci has reviewed this item and finds that the recommended action complies with the law.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
From: Ian Wolfe
To: Gary Petersen; Daniela Fernandez; Adam Kline; Lou Ceci; Doug Fleming; Sean Grayson; Bryan McAlister; nvcity[email protected]; Sheriff; [email protected]; Library Admin; Nick Wilczek; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Heidi Hall; Public Comment; BOS Public Comment; bdofsupervisors
Subject: Courthouse Location
Date: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 3:32:39 PM
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Repurpose the Historic Courthouse as New County
Library
There is a growing conversation and deepening community support for repurposing the historic courthouse as the county library and relocating the county courthouse to the existing Madelyn Helling Library site.
Unfortunately the Ad Hoc Committee, Nevada City Council and Nevada County Board of Supervisors have moved forward to recommend the Judicial Council of California(JCC) purchase private land further away from existing and appropriate infrastructure which exceeded much of the JCCs criteria; The Madelyn Helling Library sits on its own 6.13 acre parcel, it is directly adjacent to the Rood Center, the county jail and a public park. It is nearly surrounded by county owned property which is already host to the modern water and sewer infrastructure the city is offering to contribute to the prospective Coyote st. transaction. It is easily accessible by public transportation, already on an existing route, while also in convenient proximity to the downtown area. It is county owned.
It is incomprehensible to many members of our community that this is not being considered as an option and that it has been all but ignored by the Ad Hoc Committee and their hurry through the JCC’s process.
The proposal is in alignment with the city council’s stated core values, its mission & vision statements and its “Adopted Strategic Plan” for 2022- 2027.
While sadly, it seems this could be a missed opportunity, there is a second part to this proposition and that is figuring out what to do with our soon to be abandoned building.
The historical courthouse building holds immense architectural significance for our city. Preserving this landmark, even if only its facade and utilizing it as a new county library would not only honor our past, but also provide a unique and inspiring setting for learning and community engagement. This would benefit our community and preserve an important piece of our history.
According to library record keeping and the JCC’s 2022 study, the current Madelyn Helling site accommodates more daily patrons than the courthouse. This promises the downtown area would be host to more visitorship than the courthouse provided and the highway 20/49 junction area would be less trafficked than it is now, enhancing motorist safety in that area.
By repurposing the abandoned courthouse as a new library, we would be creating a hub for literacy, education, and community activities in the heart of our commercial district. This move would ensure the courthouse building does not become another “zombie building” in our downtown, instead it would provide easier access for our school children while attracting both residents and visitors to the downtown area to support local businesses.
The current courthouse building and its annex also have space for a larger library facility. Whether occupied entirely by the library itself, or with room for city/county art and cultural facilities, the 200-500 daily visitors to the Madelyn Helling would surely appreciate the extra space. This location also makes available a convenient parking garage which could be utilized by library staff and physically handicapped patrons. The present courthouse facilities have more parking than is assigned at the Helling site. Parking could be further improved at these facilities with the development of a second parking structure at the present jurors parking area - the city has proposed this in the past.
This proposal not only preserves our history and improves access to library services, but also supports sustainable development by repurposing existing infrastructure and creating a more walkable and clean city.
The financial implications of this endeavor, though they are great, should not be viewed as a cost, but as an investment in a future where our city and community thrives. Measure A provides the majority of revenue for our county's library system. This local sales tax of ¼ of a cent generates around $4 million dollars annually. Along with the essential grants, this tax could be temporarily increased to help fund a project like this. This presumption is based on the broad community support of our libraries and supermajority vote that enacted Measure A in 2016.
As the custodians of our city's future, please consider postponing further recommendations to the JCC and honoring the voices of your constituency.
Please recognize the monumental nature of your decision.
Please recognize the unique and brief window of opportunity you have been presented with.
This is a chance to do something truly great for a city we all love.
Thank you,
Ian Wolfe
Making Cities Stronger: Public Library Contributions To Local Economic Development
https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/46006/1001075-MakingCities-Stronger.PDF Courthouse Turned To Library NYC
https://www.nypap.org/preservation-history/committee-for-a-library-in-the-courthouse/ Courthouse Proposed Parking
https://www.nevadacityca.gov/files/documents/CourthouseProposedParking1318082022012722PM.pdf New Nevada County Courthouse Planning Study
https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/Facilities_Nevada_Planning_Study.pdf Measure A Sales Tax
https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13267/Measure-A-PDF Petition to change the library to the courthouse location change.org/Library2Courthouse
From: Lauren Soito
To: Public Comment
Subject: Urgent: Objection to the Construction of New Courthouse on Hirschmans Pond Trail Date: Friday, July 19, 2024 11:37:11 AM
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Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to express my strong objection to the proposed construction of a new courthouse on Hirschmans Pond Trail. This plan poses a significant threat to Hirschmans Pond and the surrounding natural environment, which is a cherished and tranquil haven for our community.
Hirschmans Pond Trail is not only a beloved recreational area but also an essential habitat for various wildlife species. The proposed construction would have a detrimental impact on the delicate ecosystem, disrupting the natural balance and potentially displacing many of the creatures that call this area home. Such a loss would be irreplaceable and would mar the beauty and biodiversity of our community.
Additionally, the construction of a courthouse in this location would compromise the visual integrity of the trail. The building would be visible from the trailhead, detracting from the scenic and peaceful experience that residents and visitors currently enjoy. The intrusion of such a large structure would be incompatible with the natural aesthetics of Hirschmans Pond Trail, turning what is now a serene escape into a stark reminder of urban development.
Moreover, the construction and increased human activity could lead to further environmental degradation. The risk of pollution, both during and after construction, poses a serious threat to the pond and its surrounding areas. This could result in long-term damage that would take years, if not decades, to reverse.
Hirschmans Pond Trail is a valuable community resource that provides a peaceful retreat and supports a rich array of wildlife. It is crucial that we protect this area from development that would permanently alter its character and ecological health. I urge the city to reconsider the location for the new courthouse and to seek alternative sites that do not endanger our natural environments.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will consider the significant environmental and community impact of this proposal and prioritize the preservation of Hirschmans Pond Trail.
Sincerely,
Lauren Morgan
16305 Alexandra Way, Grass Valley, CA 9594
[email protected]
530-813-4110