1 City of Portola
Minutes
Regular Meeting
January 11, 2023 06:00 PM
35 Third Ave Portola 96122
https://www.cityofportola.com/
Mayor Tom Cooley • Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers • Councilmember Pat Morton • Councilmember Stan Peiler • Councilmember Leah Turner
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Mayor Tom Cooley.
A. Pledge of Allegiance
Lead by Mayor Tom Cooley
B. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Tom Cooley, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers, Councilmember Pat Morton, Councilmember Leah Turner
Absent: Councilmember Stan Peiler
Staff Present:
Interim City Manager Jon Kennedy and Deputy City Clerk Jason Shaw attended in person; Financial Officer Susan Scarlett and City Attorney Steve Gross attended remotely by Zoom
2. Public Comments
There were no public comments.
3. CITY COMMUNICATIONS
A. City Council Communications / Committee Reports
Leah Turner: Nothing to Report.
Pat Morton: Attended 2 LESS-G Meetings. Angels program provided Christmas for 183 children and provided meals for 118 families
Tom Cooley: Attended LESS-G meetings; This weekend there are public workshops for the new fire district; he encourages the public to come out and both meetings are open to the public. There will also be refreshments served at the meetings.
Bill Powers: Contacted by some of the previous bands for Music in the Park that they are interested in playing again; Needs to book bands soon as their schedules are filling up fast, no later them April; may have to cut down the number of days by 1 because the budget was spread thin last year Stan Peiler: Absent so no report.
B. Staff Communications / Fire Report / Sheriff's Report / Air Quality Report Fire Report: Nothing to Report
Sheriff's Report: Next meeting will give a report as things are very busy Air Quality Report: First curtailment day since Christmas. If anyone wants to know the days or has any other questions, they can always be reached online or by phone. 2 C. City Manager Report
Fire workshops this weekend; Saturday is the Portola one. We have been updating personnel policies.
Wants to take credit but much of the praise should go to Susan Scarlett. City sent out a notice to all utility customers that shut offs will begin again starting April first. Over $200,000 on accounts are in arrears. Customers will be offered to pay off the balance due over a 12 month period and have to stay current on their current bills. City is still dealing with snow removal. We are working on a better system for affordable housing in the town. There may even be an ordinance on tiny homes in the future.
4. Resolution No 2537 Concerning COVID Remote Meetings Councilmember Pat Morton motioned to approve. A second was made by Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers. The roll call vote:
Aye Mayor Tom Cooley Aye Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers Aye Councilmember Pat Morton Aye Councilmember Leah Turner Absent Councilmember Stan Peiler
5. Consent Agenda
A. Claims- Adopt Resolution No. 2538 authorizing payment of claims for the period of December 15, 2022 though January 11, 2023
Accounts Payable: $ 287,902.34
Payroll: $ 48,562.98
Total: $ 336,465.32
Payroll Checks 17221 – 17226
AP Run Checks 44495 – 44567
B. Minutes - Approval of December 14, 2022 Minutes
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers motioned to approve. A second was made by Councilmember Leah Turner.
The roll call vote:
Aye Mayor Tom Cooley Aye Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers Aye Councilmember Pat Morton Aye Councilmember Leah Turner Absent Councilmember Stan Peiler
6. Public Hearing on Proposed 2023 Refuse Collection rates Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers motioned to approve. A second was made by Councilmember Pat Morton. The roll call vote:
Aye Mayor Tom Cooley Aye Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers Aye Councilmember Pat Morton Aye Councilmember Leah Turner Absent Councilmember Stan Peiler Pat Morton said we may need additional ordinances to address complaints. Tom Cooley mentioned that this is just for a rate increase and that the wording in the agreement is very specific. Jon Kennedy said he could help address some of these complaints but the rate itself was figured out with formulas. Most of the complaints received about IMD are clerical in nature; not a week goes by without the City Manager handling a complaint about IMD; They do a decent job of picking up the garbage but the complaints are legit and there are things they need to work on. Jon Kennedy said he will make sure IMD is compliant with the franchise agreement.
Steve Gross mentioned the current agreement was for a 10 year period starting in 2017. The agreement between the city and IMD is typical for garbage agreements as a large amount of capital investment is required for a business of this nature. The agreement has been amended twice since it started. Tonight though is really just about the 2023 rates.
Tom Cooley pointed out another thing to consider is the nature of the relationships with county services; IMD also has contracts with other agencies in the county.
Tom Cooley then officially opened the Public Hearing for the IMD rate increase. Lindsey Shaw left a public comment asking about possible public assistance for refuse fees. Steve Gross responded that he was not aware of any such programs for refuse pickup. Mikki mentioned that air quality does offer free E-waste pickup. Tom Cooley then closed the public hearing.
7. Closed Session pursuant to Government Code section 54957 No reportable action was taken.
8. Adjournment
3 Meeting was adjourned at 7:38 PM by Tom Cooley