TOWN COUNCIL
Meeting Minutes
6:00 PM – February 14, 2023
1. OPENING
The Regular meeting of the Paradise Town Council was called to order by Mayor Bolin at 6:10 p.m. in the Town Council Chamber located at 5555 Skyway, Paradise, California who led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. An invocation was offered by Council Member Crowder.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Crowder, Steve “Woody” Culleton, Ron Lassonde, Rose Tryon and Greg Bolin, Mayor
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Town Manager Kevin Phillips, Town Attorney Scott E. Huber, Town Clerk/Elections Official Dina Volenski, Finance Director/Town Treasurer Ross Gilb, Information Systems Director Luis Marquez, Public Works Director/Town Engineer Marc Mattox, Community Development Director Susan Hartman, Community Development Director Tony Lindsey, Recovery and Economic Development Director Colette Curtis, Business and Housing Manager Kate Anderson, Police Chief Eric Reinbold, Police Lieutenant Anthony Borgman, Police Lieutenant Cameron Kovacs and Fire Chief Patrick Purvis.
Mayor Bolin proposed moving item 6h to the top of Council Consideration. All Council concurred.
Mayor Bolin stated that in order for the Council to discuss and consider authorization and approval of a letter to be written in opposition of the placement of a sexually violent predator in Paradise, and to sponsor legislation related to property tax post Camp Fire, these items must be formally added to the agenda. It takes two thirds vote to add the item to the agenda, or if less than two thirds are present a unanimous vote of those present.
As such, Council is requested to take the following actions:
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(2) the Town Council finds that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need came to the attention of the Town after the posting of the agenda concerning the following items:
1(a)1. Consider Council authorization and approval of a letter to be written in opposition of the placement of a sexually violent predator in Paradise; and, 1(a)2. Consider sponsorship of Legislative Bill 556 related to property taxation post Camp Fire.
Motion by Culleton, seconded by Tryon, the Town Council finds that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need came to the attention of the Town after the posting of the agenda and added Agenda Item 1(a)1 and 1(a)2 to the agenda. Roll call vote was unanimous.
1(a)1. Consider Council authorization and approval of a letter to be written in opposition of the placement of a sexually violent predator in Paradise.
Town Attorney Scott Huber proposed the letter be drafted by the Town Manager and himself. Police Chief Eric Reinbold informed the Town Council that an informational Town Hall meeting would be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at the Paradise Alliance Church, 6:30 p.m. to allow the public to provide information relating to the implications of a sexually violent predator living in the neighborhood of 1550 Gate Lane.
Motion by Culleton, seconded by Crowder, authorized and approved of a letter to be written, and signed by all Town Council Members, in opposition of the placement of a sexually violent predator in Paradise. Roll call vote was unanimous. (180-30-100)
1(a)2. Consider sponsorship of Legislative Bill 556 related to property taxation post Camp Fire.
Town Manager Phillips spoke to this item and shared that Assemblyman Gallagher has authorized a bill to extend the property tax base for those rebuilding from 5 years to 10 years.
1. Carrie Max spoke in favor of this item.
Motion by Culleton, seconded by Lassonde, approved sponsorship of Legislative Bill 556 related to property taxation post Camp Fire. Roll call vote was unanimous.
1a. Mayor Bolin presented proclamations recognizing Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Alex Padilla and Congressman Doug LaMalfa for their assistance in securing funding for the Roe Road Project. Teri DeBose accepted Congressman LaMalfa’s proclamation on his behalf. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla were not in attendance. (180-40-27) 1b. Mayor Bolin presented a proclamation recognizing Alliance For Workforce Development. (180-40-27)
1c. Police Chief Eric Reinbold and representatives from Assemblyman Gallagher and Congressman LaMalfa’s offices presented special recognitions to the following sworn and non-sworn police personnel and volunteers for their exemplary contributions to the department:
Police Officer of the Year: Officer Derek Archuleta
Civilian Employee of the Year: Support Services Supervisor Jeannette Huggins
VIP of the Year: Frank Dodini
PASH Volunteer of the Year: Richard Abbott
1d. Camp Fire Recovery Updates - Written reports are included in the agenda packet. (110-60-061)
Colette Curtis, Recovery and Economic Development Director - Recovery Projects, Advocacy, Economic Recovery and Development,
Communications and Emergency Operations.
Marc Mattox, Public Works Director/Town Engineer - Infrastructure and sewer Update
Tony Lindsey, CDD-Building and Code Enforcement - Code Enforcement Update
Kate Anderson, Business and Housing Manager - Business and Housing Update
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION by Crowder, seconded by Lassonde, approved consent calendar items 2a through 2g. Roll call vote was unanimous.
2a. Approved the Regular, January 10, 2023 and Special, January 17, 2023 meeting minutes of the Paradise Town Council.
2b. Approved January 2023 Cash Disbursements in the amount of $3,196,412.63. (310-10-034)
2c. Declared itemized list of equipment from the Fire Department as surplus property; and, adopted Resolution No. 2023-04, “A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Paradise Declaring Certain Property to be Surplus and Authorizing Disposal Thereof”. (380-10-003)
2d. Adopted Resolution No. 2023-05, "A Resolution of the Town Council of Town of Paradise accepting the work performed under the On-System Culvert Repair Project (Contract No. 7301.CON) Performed by Escheman Construction Company.” (950-40-052, 510-20-327)
2e. Adopted Resolution No. 2023-06, "A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Paradise Amending and Re-Adopting Conflict of Interest Code for the Agencies and Departments of the Town of Paradise Which Incorporate by Reference the Fair Political Practices Commission's Standard Model Conflict of Interest." (540-20-033)
2f. Adopted Resolution No. 2023-07, "A Resolution of the Town Council of Town of Paradise Accepting the Work Performed Under the Off-System Culvert Repair Project (Contract No. 8408.CON) Performed by Allen Gill Construction, Inc." (950-40-060, 910-30-004, 510-20-350) 2g. Reviewed and filed the 2nd Quarter Investment Report for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023. (360-30-006)
3. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR - None
4. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
1. Steven Vasquez spoke about his desire to keep his RV on his property for the storage of maintenance equipment for the property.
2. Carrie Max spoke about the letters sent out by the Building Resiliency Center notifying residents of the end of the RV urgency ordinance.
3. Ward Habriel read a quote from a book on the “seeds of thought”.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
6. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
6h. This item was moved to the top of Council Consideration: Provide direction regarding future spending of transient occupancy tax revenues.
Council Member Culleton recused himself at 6:53 p.m. due to a potential conflict of interest.
Economic Development Director Colette Curtis presented on the proposed future spending of transient occupancy tax revenues.
1. Kelley Conner of the Paradise Performing Arts Center spoke in favor of this item.
2. Bill Hartley of the Gold Nugget Museum spoke in favor of this item.
3. Heidi Elick Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor of this item.
4. Monica Nolan Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor of this item.
5. Mark Thorp of the Gold Nugget Museum spoke in favor of this item.
6. Ward Habriel suggested money be given to the Garden Club to plant daffodils.
7. Kathy Dysert of Paradise Arts Center and Cultural Hub spoke in favor of this item.
Council provided direction to staff to bring back two proposals regarding future spending of transient occupancy tax revenues.
1. A fixed amount held back for the Town with excess to be given to the following organizations: the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Gold Nugget Museum, Paradise Performing Arts Center, Theatre on the Ridge, Paradise Art Center and Cultural Hub. Funding for the Chico Municipal Airport will be reviewed and decided on when the City of Chico brings the item to the Town Council for consideration.
2. A proposal with a percentage split between the multiple organizations with deliverables including contracts with the organizations and reporting on how the funds were spent with the impact to the organization. (395-70-008) Council Member Culleton returned to the dais at 7:42 p.m. 6a. Economic Development Director Colette Curtis and Kristi More from the Ferguson Group reviewed the updated draft Federal Advocacy Platform.
This item will be brought back on the March Agenda for Council approval. (550-30-001)
6b. Consider appointment of Charles Holman to fill the existing vacancy on the Planning Commission.
1. Charles Holman expressed his desire to serve the community.
MOTION by Lassonde, seconded by Crowder concurred with the recommendation of the interview panel and appointed applicant Charles Holman to fill the existing vacancy on the Planning Commission, effective immediately, with term to expire June 30, 2024. Roll call vote was unanimous. (760-45-021, 760-45-030, 760-45-012)
6c. Business and Housing Manager Kate Anderson provided an overview on the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Entitlement Community and roles and responsibilities of the proposed public service subcommittee. (710-10-103) MOTION by Tryon, seconded by Bolin, approved the formation of a public services sub-committee to consider input and requests for public services funding; and, appointed Council Members Culleton and Lassonde to the public services sub-committee. Roll call vote was unanimous. 6d. Mayor Bolin recused himself at 8:07 p.m. due to a potential conflict of interest.
Public Works Director/Town Engineer Marc Mattox reviewed the proposed Inter-Municipal Agreement with the City of Chico.
MOTION by Culleton, seconded by Crowder, 1. Approved the proposed Inter-Municipal Agreement with a modification to 15(b), that it become a reciprocal duty to provide audit documents for review, and authorized the Town Manager to execute the agreement with the review and approval by the Town Attorney, City of Chico City Council and City Attorney; and 2.
Authorized the Town Manager to approve minor adjustments to the InterMunicipal Agreement as requested by the City of Chico during its review and consideration process; and 3. Directed staff to continue the next steps in the Paradise Sewer Project including supporting the City of Chico in an application to the Butte Local Agency Formation Commission for the extension of wastewater treatment services to the Town of Paradise. Roll call vote was unanimous with Mayor Bolin absent and not voting. (960-70-004, 510-20-370)
Mayor Bolin returned to the dais at 8:34 p.m.
6e. Town Attorney Scott Huber provided an overview of proposed Legislative Committee.
MOTION by Tryon, seconded by Culleton, established an advisory committee of the Town Council entitled “Legislative Committee” and appointed the Mayor and Vice-Mayor to the serve on the committee, including to set the policies and priorities of the committee. AYES: Culleton, Lassonde, Tryon and Mayor Bolin; NOES: Crowder ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None (550-30-003)
6f. Finance Director/Town Treasurer Ross Gilb provided an overview of the proposed changes to the 2022-2023 Operating and Capital Budgets.
MOTION by Lassonde, seconded by Culleton, 1. Filed the financial information provided by staff concerning the FY 2022-23 operating and capital budgets; and, 2. Approved position control from 1.0 to 0.9 FTE for the Senior Accountant position; and, 3. Approved position control from 0.6 to 0.9 FTE for the Administrative Assistant (Public Works) position; and, 4.
Approved the job classification of Engineering Intern and add this new position to the salary pay plan and position control; and, 5. Approved the job classification of Accounting Analyst and add this new position to the salary pay plan and position control; and, 6. Adopted Resolution No. 2023-08, "A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Paradise, California adopting the amended Salary Pay Plan for Town of Paradise Employees for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023; and, 7. Approved staff recommended budget adjustments. Roll call vote was unanimous. (610-10-015, 610-10-017, 610-10-018, 340-40-016)
6g. Business and Housing Manager Kate Anderson provided an overview of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with local non-profits for lot acquisition for affordable homeownership.
MOTION by Tryon, seconded by Lassonde, 1. Approved the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with local non-profits for lot acquisition for affordable homeownership; and, 2. Adopted Resolution No. 2023-09, “A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Paradise Directing the Method of Purchase of Lots for the Construction of Affordable Housing and Making Findings Related Thereto.” Roll call vote was unanimous. (710-10-098)
6h. This item was moved to the top of Council Consideration by full Council concurrence.
7. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS AND REPORTS
7a. Council discussed enforcement of professional landscapers blowing and leaving the leaves in the street. Community Development Director Tony Lindsey provided Council with an example of the courtesy door-hanger being used to inform citizens of Town Code violations regarding organic waste in the rights-of-way.
7b. Council reports on committee representation:
Council Member Culleton attended a Consortium of Care and Solid Waste Committee meeting. Mr. Culleton also participated in handing out the Investment Grant Program checks to the selected businesses.
Vice Mayor Tryon toured the Town’s current Public Works projects with Public Works Director Marc Mattox. She also attended a Butte County Air Quality Management District meeting, a ribbon cutting for “The Best Place for Mom”, and the Solid Waste meeting.
Council Member Lassonde attended the League of California Cities Academy, Butte County Consolidated Oversight Board, the Butte County Air Quality Management District, Building and Industry Stakeholder at the BRC, and participated in a ride along with Code Enforcement. He reported that the BCAG meeting was cancelled this month. Mr. Lassonde also participated in handing out the Investment Grant Program checks to the selected businesses.
Council Members Crowder and Lassonde interviewed candidates for the Planning Commission vacancy. Mr. Crowder traveled to Washington D.C. with a group called “After the Fire” to advocate for fire survivors tax relief.
He also participated in handing out the Investment Grant Program checks to the selected businesses.
Mayor Bolin attended the LAFCo meeting and let Council know that his seat would be up for reelection on the board this spring.
7c. Future Agenda Items
1. Council Member Culleton asked to put the expiring Urgency Ordinance on the March agenda.
2. Council Member Culleton asked to discuss residential zoning to allow storage on property.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
8a. Town Manager Phillips reported on the Butte County Oversight Board meeting. When the Oversight Board asked the Town for a 10-year projection on RDA sustainability, Mr. Phillips shared that the best investment into the RDA was to install the sewer. This would help to revitalize the area and aid in recovery as help with repayment of the bonds. 8b. Community Development Director Susan Hartman reported that two affordable housing projects will be brought to the Planning Commission this month. 1. 140-unit multi-family development on Cypress Lane; and, 2. 21 Senior Apartments. There are also plans for Ross to go into Paradise Plaza.
Ms. Hartman also explained the Water Assessment Process in order to submit the Waste Discharge Waiver Permit.
9. CLOSED SESSION - None
10. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Bolin adjourned the meeting at 9:46 p.m.
Date approved: March 14, 2023
By: Attest:
___________/s/__________ ____________/s/_____________
Greg Bolin, Mayor Dina Volenski, CMC, Town Clerk