1 Regular Meeting
AGENDA
Regular Meeting
March 12, 2025 06:00 PM
City Hall
35 Third Ave, Portola, CA 96122
https://www.cityofportola.com/
https://zoom.us/j/3583067836
Mayor Jim Murphy • Mayor Pro-Tem Bill Powers • Councilmember Leah Turner • Councilmember Mikki Battaglia • Councilmember Pat Morton
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The City Council welcomes you to its meetings which are regularly held the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers. Your interest and participation is encouraged and welcome.
As a courtesy, the City Council meeting is also accessible to the public via live streaming at:
https://zoom.us/j/3583067836 or by phone at: Phone Number 1.669.900.6833; Meeting ID: 358 306 7836. Online and telephonic access does not guarantee the public the ability to observe the meeting in the event there is a disruption or connectivity issues that affect broadcasting. Members of the public who want to be assured that they have the ability to observe the meeting and make comment during the meeting, should attend the meeting in-person.
Any person desiring to address the City Council or any committee, commission or agency under the jurisdiction of the City Council, on any item not on the agenda may do so during public comment period. Public comment during the meeting will be accepted in person only.
Public Comment can be made by clicking on the "comment" section directly from the agenda, next to each agenda item.
Meeting facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate the participation of persons with disabilities in the City’s public meetings. If special accommodation is needed, please notify the City at 530.832.6801 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting
1. Call to Order
A. Roll Call
B. Pledge of Allegiance
2 2. Public Comments
Discussion Comment
This section is intended to provide members of the public with an opportunity to comment on any subject that does not appear on this agenda. Please note that California law prohibits the City Council from taking action on any matter which is not on the posted agenda, unless it is determined to be an urgency item by the City Council. Any member of the public wishing to address the City Council during “PUBLIC COMMENT” shall first secure permission of the presiding officer, stand; may give his/her name and address to the Clerk for the record. Each person addressing the City Council shall be limited to five minutes ordinarily, unless the presiding officer indicates a different amount will be allotted.
3. City Communications
Discussion Comment View Item
A. City Council Communications
B. Reports: Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District / Plumas County Sheriff / Northern Sierra Air Quality
C. Staff Communications
D. City Manager Report
4. Consent Agenda
Discussion Possible Action Comment View Item
These items are expected to be routine and non-controversial. The City Council will act upon them at one time without discussion. Any Councilmembers, staff member or interested party may request that an item be removed from the consent agenda for discussion. Additional budget appropriations will require a four/fifths roll call vote.
A. Claims-
Adopt Resolution No. 2606. The resolution authorizes payment of payroll from February 8th, 2025, through February 21st, 2025, and payment of accounts payable from February 8th, 2025, through March 6th, 2025.
The amount of accounts payable claims to be paid is $105,512.49.
The amount of payroll claims to be paid is $33,372.28.
The total amount to be paid is $138,884.77.
B. Adopt minutes of the February 26th, 2025 Regular Meeting.
5. Planning: 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Discussion Possible Action Comment View Item
Staff has prepared the attached report for City Council review.
3 6. Grizzly Lake Community Service District: Potential Water Project Discussion Possible Action Comment View Item
Staff has prepared the attached report for City Council review. In addition, Jennifer Stephenson from LAFCo will provide additional information to the City Council.
7. CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Discussion Possible Action Comment View Item
Staff has prepared the attached report for City Council review.
8. Adjournment
From: Jack Rosevear
To: Ryan Bonk, City Manager
Cc: Cary Curtis; Larry Smith
Subject: Fire District Update for Council Meeting
Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025 8:05:59 PM
Hi Ryan- here's the highlights of Fire District activities:
2025 Calls for Service to date: 88
Strategic Planning: The Board has directed staff to begin a comprehensive strategic planning process, which will begin in late March. The first meeting will be with outside stakeholders, which includes our partner agencies, including the City of Portola. An invitation letter will be coming soon for a lunch meeting on a weekday. It is our hope that the Mayor, City Manager and another Council member can attend. The meeting will be approximately two hours and facilitated by a retired Fire Chief Officer with extensive experience with the strategic planning process. The process will create a roadmap for the District's future, including creation of a mission and values statements, the development of strategic initiatives, which will tie into future budgets. Input from Board, Staff and Outside Stakeholders is imperative to create a comprehensive plan, which will be highly productive for our organization and the Community. The plan is designed to be flexible and will be formally updated every three years.
Insurance Services Office: Commonly known as ISO, the new District just completed an extensive evaluation of our operations, training, staffing, equipment, dispatch and water supply. Fifty percent of the rating is an evaluation of water supply from our four water providers. Led by the ISO representative, we flow tested 11 fire hydrants in the 4 hydranted areas of the District, including four hydrants in the City. The hydrants were selected by ISO and are tied to commercial or residential occupancies nearby. The purpose of the evaluation was to establish Beckwourth Peak FD as a new entity in their system and to combine the various ISO ratings from the five consolidated districts into one rating for hydranted areas and those areas where there are no fire hydrants (water provided by water tenders). We will receive results of the evaluation in the next 2-3 months. Fire hydrant flow testing, required by ISO, will not be needed for ten years.
New Apparatus: The Board recently approved the purchase of a replacement water tender (2500 gallons) and a Type 1 (structure fire) engine. The water tender was purchased used from a small volunteer department in Colorado. Two personnel will travel to Green Mountain, Colorado next weekend to drive the truck back. The Type 1 engine was purchased at a reduced rate from the Chester FD, which is merging with the Peninsula Fire District. We will use the engine as a reserve in the event a primary engine is out of service and out of District deployments to fires and disasters.
Fire Hazard Mapping: Cal Fire has recently introduced fire hazard severity mapping into local responsibility areas (LRA), which includes the City of Portola. We are in communication with Cal Fire to determine the impacts of what they have done and what their program is intended to do. I will report back to the Board and City Manager with our findings and what are the expected next steps. We are concerned that the mapping will affect insurability, but the areas surrounding the City, in the State Responsibility Areas (SRA), are already determined to be rated Very High Fire Severity. More information is coming soon.
Agreement with Gold Mountain CSD: The two Districts are working on an agreement for a trial period for Fire Season 2025. The agreement would allow the Fire District to operate the GMCSD Type 3 fire engine and incorporate their Fire Cadre staff into the Fire District for certified training and will be wildland firefighters for the Fire District. The added personnel and fire engine will have a positive effect on our wildland response capability.
Cal Fire Dispatch: The District is moving forward with an agreement with Lassen County and Cal Fire for dispatching services (Susanville/SIFC). The Fire District and Cal Fire recently entered into a dispatch agreement for the Highway 395 corridor, where radio transmissions are difficult and multiple agencies responding. Using the Cal Fire radio repeaters and trained fire dispatchers, we believe the result will be improved communications and safer operating conditions for firefighters. Full dispatch transition would begin after the Board reviews and approves a proposed agreement and fees for service, hopefully in the Spring.
Business Inspections: The District will begin fire safety inspections of commercial businesses within the next thirty days, beginning with occupancies considered high hazard, including public gathering places, overnight sleeping, hazardous materials, and cooking facilities. The inspections are intended for educational purposes, but will involve fire code compliance for issues which could cause a fire and/or become a life safety threat.
Please contact Chief Rosevear @ 530-816-0525 for questions or additional information.
Thanks
Jack
Jack Rosevear, Fire Chief
Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District
180 Main Street
Beckwourth, CA 96122
Office: 530-832-1008
Cell: 530-816-0525
Document Name City Manager Report
Document Number TBD Revision Letter A
Document Location Server Revision Date 12/06/2024
Document Type Report Council Adoption Date Not Applicable Resolution No. Not Applicable
Page
1 | 2
City Manager Report
03/12/2025
General Updates
Gulling Street Bridge
• Automated monitoring system:
o Series of meetings held with engineering team and vendors o Trendline modeling is continuing to be analyzed by engineering team o Expect a final dashboard in April
• FEMA Funding (Riprap):
o Remaining funding activity process flow:
Final FEMA Signatures>Cal OES Review & Signatures> City Review and Signatures> Obligation
o Staff are hopeful this process can be completed by April • Structural Rehabilitation Funding (Highway Bridge Program):
o Application has been drafted
o Sent for review by Caltrans Program Manager
o Received letter of support from the following:
United States Congressman Kevin Kiley
California State Senator Megan Dahle
California Assemblymember Heather Hadwick
Plumas County Sheriff’s Office
Eastern Plumas Health Care
o Target Submission: End of March
Document Name City Manager Report
Document Number TBD Revision Letter A
Document Location Server Revision Date 12/06/2024
Document Type Report Council Adoption Date Not Applicable Resolution No. Not Applicable
Page
2 | 2
Planning
• Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJLHMP) Update o Consultant has requested a Risk Assessment Worksheet to be completed
o City staff and Planning Consultant will prepare document Public Records Requests (PRR)
February 2025 PRR Metrics
Total Number of PRR1 4
Number of submissions by Unique Requestor(s)2 4
Number of submissions by Repeat Requestor(s)3 0
1 Total PRR indicates PRR entered via the CivAssist system during the month 2 Unique Requestor(s): Individuals or entities that have submitted at least one request within the reporting period, with each requestor counted only once
3 Repeat Requestor(s): Individuals or entities that submit multiple requests over the reporting period 20 4
0 5
10 15
20 25
Jan Feb
2025
2025
Monthly Total PRR
Total
Resolution No. 2606 March 12, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 2606
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORTOLA
AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF CLAIMS FOR PAYROLL FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 8TH, 2025, THROUGH FEBRUARY 21ST, 2025 AND ACCOUNTS
PAYABLE FROM
FEBRUARY 8TH, 2025, THROUGH MARCH 6TH, 2025
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Portola has been fully advised that all such claims and demands are legal obligations of the City; and, WHEREAS, the City Council has fully considered the claims and money demands and payment thereof as set forth below and in "Exhibit A" attached hereto and incorporated herein.
Check Nos: Amount
46754-46806 $105,512.49
46785 VOID
Total Accounts Payable $105,512.49
Payroll:
2/08/25-2/21/25 $33,372.28
Total Payroll $33,372.28
Total Claims $138,884.77
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 12th day of March, 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: _______________________________________
NOES: _______________________________________
ABSTAIN: ___________________________________
ABSENT: ____________________________________
Jim Murphy, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Malachi Mansfield, Deputy City Clerk
I, Malachi Mansfield, Deputy City Clerk of the City of Portola, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing Resolution was duly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Portola at a regular meeting thereof held on March 12th, 2025.
________________________________
Malachi Mansfield, Deputy City Clerk
1 Regular Meeting
Minutes
Regular Meeting
February 26, 2025 06:00 PM
35 Third Ave, Portola, CA 96122
https://www.cityofportola.com/
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Mayor Jim Murphy.
A. Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Mayor Jim Murphy
B. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Jim Murphy, Mayor Pro-Tem Bill Powers, Councilmember Mikki Battaglia, Councilmember Pat Morton
Absent: Councilmember Leah Turner
Staff Present: City Manager Ryan Bonk, Finance Officer Susan Scarlett, City Attorney Steve Gross (Remote), Administrative Clerk Malachi Mansfield
2. Public Comments
No Public Comment
3. City Communications
A. City Council Communications
Councilmemeber Pat Morton: Attended the January 27th and February 24th meeting of the Transportation Commission. The meetings were used to discuss road projects. It was agreed during the meetings that upcoming meetings will be open to the public to solicit public comments. Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District meetings are moving to a bimonthly schedule.
Mayor Pro-Tem Bill Powers: Attended the Transportation Commission and LAFCo meetings. Powers, Bonk and Mansfield met with the Feather River Land Trust. The meeting was an introduction to the people and the organization.
Councilmember Mikki Battaglia: Battaglia commented on an upcoming Firewise meeting.
Mayor Murphy: Attended LAFCo meeting as well and had nothing new to report.
B. Staff Communications
2 None
C. Reports: Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District / Plumas County Sheriff / Northern Sierra Air Quality
Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District: None
Plumas County Sheriff: None
Northern Sierra Air Quality District: Councilmember Mikki Battaglia reports. · Two-cord voucher program flyers were distributed to the citizens with the March 2025 water bill.
· Burn curtailment was called for 24 days in January
· Year to date 84 opacity observations
D. City Manager Report
As reported by City Manager Ryan Bonk:
The Gulling Street Bridge FEMA funding is nearing completion with final review and CalOES being the next steps. Additionally further funding is being sought through the Caltrans highway bridge program.
Code enforcement is continuing to address properties that are out of code.
Public Works fixes potholes three times per week as well as their other duties.
MJHMP is in progress.
Liberty Utilities: Community event discussion is in the works. The City has expressed concern over rate increases and inefficient street lights.
Public Relations on social media: The City is targeting weekly social media posts across a variety of topics to maintain public engagement.
Public Records request in January 2025 continued to be significant.
City Manager Ryan Bonk and Deputy City Clerk Malachi Mansfield attended SCORE quarterly meeting.
City Manager Ryan Bonk attended a City Manager's conference.
4. Consent Agenda
A. Claims- Adopt Resolution No. 2605. The resolution authorizes payment of payroll from January 11th, 2025, through February 7th, 2025, and payment of accounts payable from January 23rd, 2025, through February 26th, 2025.
The amount of accounts payable claims to be paid is $213,643.09.
The amount of payroll claims to be paid is $70,396.45
The total amount to be paid is $284,039.54.
B. Approval of the amendment to the previously adopted Minutes from 01/08/2025.
Approval of the Minutes from 01/22/2025
3 C. Renewal of Proclamations:
State of Emergency Gold Complex Fire July 22nd, 2024
State of Emergency Winter Storms January 27th, 2023
A. Claims- Adopt Resolution No. 2605. The resolution authorizes payment of payroll from January 11th, 2025, through February 7th, 2025, and payment of accounts payable from January 23rd, 2025, through February 26th, 2025. The amount of accounts payable claims to be paid is $213,643.09. The amount of payroll claims to be paid is $70,396.45 The total amount to be paid is $284,039.54.
B. Approval of the amendment to the previously adopted Minutes from 01/08/2025. Approval of the Minutes from 01/22/2025
C. Renewal of Proclamations: State of Emergency Gold Complex Fire July 22nd, 2024 State of Emergency Winter Storms January 27th, 2023
Public Comment: None
Councilmember Pat Morton motioned to approve. Councilmember Mikki Battaglia seconded the motion.
The roll call vote:
Aye Mayor Jim Murphy Aye Mayor Pro-Tem Bill Powers Aye Councilmember Mikki Battaglia Aye Councilmember Pat Morton Absent Councilmember Leah Turner
5. Grant Closeout- Senate Bill 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Act The City Council voted to follow the advice of city staff and initiate a return of unspent funds.
Staff has prepared a report detailing the recommendation to the City Council to close out grant number OWR2-21-0060.
Consultant Tom Valentino gave professional testimony over the city's compliance with SB 1383.
City staff expended $6,796.07 of a $20,000 grant aimed at compliance. The city must reimburse Cal recycle with the remainder of the balance which is $13,203.93.
Public Comment: None
Mayor Pro-Tem Bill Powers motioned to approve. Councilmember Mikki Battaglia seconded the motion.
The roll call vote:
Aye Mayor Jim Murphy Aye Mayor Pro-Tem Bill Powers Aye Councilmember Mikki Battaglia Aye Councilmember Pat Morton Absent Councilmember Leah Turner
6. 2024-2025 Midyear Financial Review
City Manager Ryan Bonk presented an executive summary on the midyear financial position of the city.
4 Finance Officer Susan Scarlett presented the midyear financial review to the City Council.
The City Council approved a budget amendment to transfer funding from payroll to professional services in the planning department as recommended by staff.
Additional budget amendments in the amount of $20,000 for a public records request and $25,000 for legal litigation were approved on the recommendation of staff.
The city manager presented the budget schedule to the City Council for review and approval.
Councilmember Pat Morton motioned to approve. Councilmember Mikki Battaglia seconded the motion.
The roll call vote:
Aye Mayor Jim Murphy Aye Mayor Pro-Tem Bill Powers Aye Councilmember Mikki Battaglia Aye Councilmember Pat Morton Absent Councilmember Leah Turner
7. Closed Session
A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) No Action
8. Report from Closed Session
All four Council members present unanimously approved a motion to reject the claim of Lindsey Shaw dated January 10, 2025 and as revised, amended, and/or supplemented by her response to notice of insufficiency dated February 21, 2025.
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:11 PM
1 MEETING DATE: March 12, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: 5. Planning: 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report FROM: Karen Downs
RE: Review of the 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report BACKGROUND:
California Government Code Section 65400 requires all cities to file a General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR) to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR). The purpose of the Report is to monitor the City's implementation of the General Plan over time, to help identify statewide trends, document progress in meeting the City’s share of regional housing needs, and inform local decision makers. Prior to submittal to the state, the APR must be presented to the City Council for review and acceptance. The City's current General Plan was adopted on June 12, 2024.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Analysis
The Annual Progress Report provides an overview of the activities completed or currently being undertaken during 2024 to implement or update the General Plan. As the General Plan 2045 was adopted in 2024, there were no additional updates to any elements of the General Plan during the 2024 calendar year. The City has prepared the Housing Element APR in accordance with State requirements, which will be submitted to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by April 1, 2025.
The City is in the process of preparing the required Housing Element, which is a part of the General Plan that is adopted separately in accordance with HCD requirements. It is expected that the Housing Element will be adopted in 2025 following HCD approval. Similarly, the City’s Safety Element is a part of the General Plan that is adopted separately in accordance with State requirements related to the Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). The City will begin preparation of an update to the Safety Element in 2025, along with the HMP.
The City’s General Plan APR is formatted in accordance with the State of California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) memo regarding General Plan APR Guidance dated October 6, 2022. The City will submit the APR to the State in compliance with the California Government Code.
Environmental Review
No environmental review is required for this item.
2 RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council review and accept the General Plan APR, and direct staff to submit the APR to OPR.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to the staff recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. 2024 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report
CITY OF PORTOLA
General Plan Annual Progress Report: 2024 Reporting Period City Council Review: March 12, 2025
CITY COUNCIL
Jim Murphy, Mayor
Bill Powers, Mayor Pro Tem
Leah Turner, Councilmember
Mikki Battaglia, Councilmember
Pat Morton, Councilmember
City of Portola
2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 2
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 3 About the General Plan
About the Annual Progress Report
General Plan Status............................................................................................................................................... 3 Status of the General Plan Elements
General Plan Amendments and Updates.............................................................................................................. 4 Amendments
Comprehensive Update
Housing Element & APR Reporting Requirements
Safety Element
General Plan Implementation: Summary of Activity ............................................................................................ 5 Activity
Planning Commission
Building and Public Works Division
Planning Activities Initiated
General Plan Policies and Programs
Major Development Applications Processed
Compliance with OPR General Plan Guidelines ................................................................................................... 7 General Plan Update (General Plan 2045)
Priorities for Land Use Decision Making ............................................................................................................... 7 Strategy for Monitoring Long-term Growth
City of Portola
2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 3
Introduction
About the General Plan
California Government Code Section 65300 mandates that each planning agency prepare, and the legislative body shall adopt, a General Plan for guiding physical change in the City. The General Plan is the foundational development policy document of the City of Portola. It defines the framework by which the resources of the City are to be managed and utilized over time. The General Plan is available for public review at City Hall and on the City’s website. The General Plan acts to clarify and articulate the intentions of the City with respect to the rights and expectations of the public, property owners, and prospective investors and business interests.
About the Annual Progress Report
Government Code Section 65400 and 65700 mandates that all cities and counties submit an annual progress report on the status of the General Plan and progress in its implementation to their legislative bodies, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and Housing and Community Development (HCD) by April 1 of each year. The General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR) provides local legislative bodies and the public with information regarding the implementation of the General Plan for the City.
This 2024 General Plan APR covers the period from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. This General Plan APR does not describe Portola’s progress toward implementing the Housing Element. This information can be found in the 2024 Housing Element APR, which will be submitted to HCD by April 1, 2025.
General Plan Status
Status of the General Plan Elements
State law requires that the General Plan includes seven elements. These mandatory elements must cover the following topics: Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Safety, Noise, Conservation, and Open Space. State law allows the City to adopt any additional general plan elements that the City deems necessary. The City has adopted the Community Design, Economic Development, Public Services and Facilities, and Air Quality as optional elements, which have the same decision making weight as the mandatory elements.
Additionally, the elements of the general plan may combine elements as it deems necessary. The City of Portola General Plan combines the Conservation and Open Space elements into a single element. The following is a breakdown of the City’s General Plan:
General Plan
Element
Date of
Adoption
Next Update Examples of Topics Covered
Land Use June 12, 2024 Anticipated
review- 2029
Provides for the types, density or intensity, design and distribution of existing and potential City areas.
Community
Design
June 12, 2024 Anticipated
review- 2029
The Community Design Element defines specific details
for development of the City. These details address
building characteristics and common area features such
as landscaping, signs, neighborhood design, and
community form.
City of Portola
2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 4
General Plan
Element
Date of
Adoption
Next Update Examples of Topics Covered
Circulation June 12, 2024 Anticipated
review- 2029
Identifies the street pattern and other circulation
infrastructure and transportation systems needed to
support the uses identified Land Use Element.
Economic
Development
June 12, 2024 Anticipated
review- 2029
Defines the objectives, policies and proposals for
improved employment, business retention and
expansion, and fiscal growth of the community.
Public
Services and
Facilities
June 12, 2024 Anticipated
review- 2029
The Public Services and Facilities Element is focused on ensuring that the community infrastructure is in place
to accommodate the growth and development
identified in other elements of this General Plan. This element addresses both hard infrastructure (such as
sewer and water) and the public services (such as police and fire).
Conservation
and Open
Space
June 12, 2024 Anticipated
review- 2029
Define policy for the protection of significant natural resources, providing the setting or context for urban
land use development and incorporated City areas.
Noise June 12, 2024 Anticipated
review- 2029
Identifies the sources and outlines policy to protect land uses against adverse noise levels associated with
necessary circulation and related activity.
Air Quality June 12, 2024 Anticipated
review- 2029
Identifies air quality goals and policies to protect the health and welfare of the community in aspects of
development, transportation, and activity affected by
the General Plan.
Housing
(Separate
Document)
July 2019 to be
updated in
2025
Identifies and provides an analysis of existing and
projected housing needs, an evaluation of housing
constraints, a statement of goals, policies, quantifiable objectives and financial resources, and scheduled
programs for the preservation, improvement, and
development of housing.
Safety
(Separate
Document)
April 2019 to be
updated in
2025
Provides for the protection of lives and property from
the adverse effects of natural and manmade hazards.
General Plan Amendments and Updates
Amendments
To ensure that the General Plan is true to the original vision and principles it should be reviewed at regular intervals of approximately five years, and as required by State law. Periodic adjustments to the General Plan may occur from time to time, as development opportunities emerge. The General Plan 2045 was adopted in June 2024 and no amendments have been made since its adoption.
City of Portola
2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 5
Comprehensive Update
On June 12, 2024, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2579, adopting the City of Portola General Plan 2045. The General Plan was updated to reflect changes in State and Federal law, including the California 2017 General Plan Guidelines; updated to reflect completed projects and current operations, and conditions which had been changed since the previous General Plan was adopted; eliminated goals and policies that had been accomplished and engineering standards that are maintained by the City or other externally-regulating agency, such as Caltrans, in standalone documents; updated to reflect the current status of approved projects; and typographical and editorial corrections.
Housing Element & APR Reporting Requirements
Portola adopted the 6
th Cycle Housing Element of the General Plan in July 2019 as required by State Law.
The update addressed state mandated goals of fair housing, ensuring sufficient sites and zoning to meet larger RHNA requirements, removing constraints to housing development, maintenance, and improvement. The 7th Cycle Housing Element is due to be updated in 2025.
The city submits an APR to HCD annually, as required by State law. This General Plan APR does not describe Portola’s progress toward implementing the Housing Element. This information can be found in the 2024 Housing Element APR which will be submitted to the State by April 1, 2025.
Safety Element
Portola adopted the Safety Element of the General Plan in April 2019 as required by State Law. The update addressed the protection of lives and property from the adverse effects of natural and manmade hazards.
The City’s Safety Element is adopted separately in accordance with State requirements related to the Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). The City will begin preparation of an update to the Safety Element in 2025, along with the HMP.
General Plan Implementation: Summary of Activity
General Plan policies and objectives are implemented via the Portola Municipal Code and Zoning Map, Development Agreements, Design Guidelines, other implementation documents associated with General Plan elements and area plans, and through review and approval of private and public projects by the Planning Commission and City Council.
The objectives and policies reflected in the Municipal Code translate the General Plan’s vision into specific rules for private development. Review and approval of private projects must also incorporate assessment of the proposed project against General Plan policies and objectives. This comes in the form of “Findings” that affirm a project’s compliance with specific objectives and policies of the General Plan, and consistency with the Municipal Code.
Portola’s Municipal Code requires that certain actions be referred to the Portola staff for evaluation of consistency with the General Plan prior to their consideration by the City Council. Projects requiring a finding of consistency with the General Plan or using public funding are generally reviewed to be in conformance with the General Plan.
City of Portola
2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 6
Activity
The policies and programs identified in the General Plan include tools already in place and used on a dayto-day basis in the City. Some of the various tools available to further the City’s goals and objectives include the City Council’s annual goals and priorities, Budget/Capital Improvement Program, Municipal Code regulations, grant funding, etc.
Planning Commission
Generally, the Planning Commission is designated as the Planning Agency as authorized by Section 65100 of the Government Code. The Planning Commission has the discretionary and advisory responsibilities that are authorized by Chapter 2.36 of the Portola Municipal Code.
During 2024, there were fewer than three planning commissioners seated, so the City Manager, as Hearing Officer, exercised the powers and authorities of the Planning Commission (Section 2.36.140). The Hearing Officer took action on the following application:
• Lot Merger- 425 Cedar Ridge Avenue
• Conditional Use Permit for Recycling Center – 225 Taylor Avenue Building Department
The City’s Building and Life Safety Division reviews project plans, issues permits, and provides inspection services for compliance with California's building, fire, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy, and disabled access codes, as well as City ordinances. In 2024, the Building Division received 101 building permit applications and issued 57 building permits.
Planning Activities Initiated
No planning activities, such as master plans, specific plans, environmental assessments, annexation studies, or similar studies or plans, were initiated in 2024.
Planning staff continued work towards completing the General Plan 2045 and associated environmental review; 7th Cycle Housing Element, including submitting the draft Housing Element to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD); the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) and ultimately working with Plumas County and the selected consultant towards development of the Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan; review of development agreements; review of the Municipal Code, and processing planning applications.
General Plan Policies and Programs
On June 12, 2024, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2579, adopting the City of Portola General Plan 2045.
Major Development Applications Processed
No major development applications were submitted to the City.
City of Portola
2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 7
Compliance with OPR General Plan Guidelines
Portola’s General Plan update ensures conformance with the 2017 OPR Guidelines:
General Plan Update (General Plan 2045)
In 2016, the state adopted an amendment to Government Code §65302 that added to the required elements of the general plan either an environmental justice element, or related goals, policies, and objectives integrated into other elements. In 2017, OPR released an updated version of the General Plan Guidelines, including detailed information on statutory requirements of the mandated general plan elements and complying with the new environmental justice mandate. Portola’s General Plan 2045, adopted June 12, 2024, is intended to ensure conformance with the 2017 OPR Guidelines.
The General Plan elements outline the City’s updated and reorganized general plan elements and policies to the OPRs “Completeness Checklist” of statutory requirements in the 2017 General Plan Guidelines.
Each Element has been updated as necessary to meet State mandates, to respond to new state and local planning priorities, or to react to emerging climate change indicators or other physical changes in the City.
Priorities for Land Use Decision Making
Strategy for Monitoring Long-term Growth
The City has not adopted specific priorities, such as the passage of moratoria or emergency ordinances, for land use decision making, apart from the General Plan and Municipal Code. Any projects are reviewed to be in conformance with the City's General Plan, Municipal Code, or any other planning documents as applicable. In this review, staff addresses the public service and infrastructure needs of any project land use impacts.
1 MEETING DATE: March 12, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: 6. Grizzly Lake Community Service District: Potential Water Project FROM: Ryan Bonk
RE: Grizzly Lake Community Service District: Potential Water Project BACKGROUND:
Grizzly Lake Community Services District (CSD) and their Engineering Consultant (GHD) met with City Staff on 02/24/2025. Grizzly Lake CSD has requested that the City assist in evaluating potential options to supply water to Grizzly Lake CSD.
Various conversations between Grizzly Lake CSD and the City of Portola on similar topics have been occurring for more then a decade. Staff has dedicated a substantial amount of staff time with Grizzly Lake CSD over this time period.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
During the meeting on 02/24/2025, City staff provided Grizzly Lake CSD and GHD with a multitude of concerns we had with the potential project as a whole. City staff indicated that a wide array of challenges exist for the project including technical feasibility. In order to better understand the project intent and scope, city staff recommended that the two parties perform an engineering feasibility study to present to the City Council.
On 03/03/205, the City has received correspondence from GHD informing the city that the State would like GHD to present a whole project not just a feasibility study. GHD also stated that the project plan draft would be provided to the City with comments requested back from the City within two weeks of receiving the plan.
Staff responded to this request by informing GHD that we believe the process is progressing prematurely as the necessary steps required by the City have not yet been completed. Staff informed GHD that the City Council would need to be informed and approve continuation of staff work towards this potential project prior to the continuation of efforts from the City's end.
In addition, the request was made to GHD and Grizzly Lake CSD to provide the following:
1. Written confirmation from the State, or party authorized to act on behalf of the State, that all funding related to the project will be provided from external resources with no financial liability or exposure to the City for project related expenses including design, construction, and all project phases.
2. Contractual agreement in place for the City to be reimbursed for costs associated with the
2 proposed project including but not limited to staff time for reviews, meetings, legal counsel, planning consulting (if required), engineering consulting, etc.
All parties met again on 03/05/2025 along with the California Water Board. During this meeting, GHD clarified their initial requests from the City as initial project planning level of effort from City resources and review of a draft contract for reimbursement for city staff time.
Staff communicated to all parties that we would bring this update to the City Council for consideration.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff seeks input from the City Council on any additional requests or information the City Council would like in order to better inform your decision to continue to commit staff resources to the potential project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City is seeking clarification from Grizzly Lake CSD and/or GHD on the potential financial impacts to the City for this project. Staff has expended resources for two meetings on this project already.
1 MEETING DATE: March 12, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: 7. CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones
FROM: Ryan Bonk
RE: CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones
BACKGROUND:
The City received correspondence from the CAL FIRE State Fire Marshal with the subject of "Official Transmittal of Fire Hazard Severity Zones". A copy of this correspondence and associated CAL FIRE maps are attached to this staff report for reference. Within this correspondence was the following statement:
"Government Code 51179 requires the State Fire Marshal to make recommendations of fire hazard severity zones to local agencies, as defined per GC 51177(e), for their designation and adoption by ordinance. This letter serves as the official transmittal of the recommendation." On 03/03/2025, City Staff and the Beckworth Peak Fire Protection District met with CAL FIRE representatives on to discuss the Fire Hazard Severity Zones mandate. In response to the correspondence received from CAL FIRE and the discussions in this meeting, the City has made the information available for public review and comment via the City's website.
Important Notice: The City of Portola was not involved in the development of the Fire Hazard Severity Zones or the corresponding maps produced by CAL FIRE. In addition, the City cannot decrease the level of fire hazard severity zone as identified by the State Fire Marshal per the government code below. 51179
"(3) A local agency shall not decrease the level of fire hazard severity zone as identified by the State Fire Marshal for any area within the jurisdiction of the local agency, and, in exercising its discretion pursuant to paragraph (2), may only increase the level of fire hazard severity zone as identified by the State Fire Marshal for any area within the jurisdiction of the local agency."
DISCUSSION:
City staff is actively engaged with Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District and CAL FIRE to gain a comprehensive understanding of the broader implications of this state mandate for our community. Additionally, discussions have commenced with legal counsel representing both the City and Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District to provide guidance.
2 RECOMMENDATION:
At this time, the City has met our current responsibility as indicated by the government code below:
51178.5
"Within 30 days after receiving a transmittal from the State Fire Marshal that identifies fire hazard severity zones pursuant to Section 51178, a local agency shall make the information available for public review and comment. The information shall be presented in a format that is understandable and accessible to the general public, including, but not limited to, maps." Staff currently recommends that staff continues to work alongside Beckworth Peak Fire Protection District to continue to address the requirements of this mandate.
FISCAL IMPACT:
While the current actions taken by the City do not have an immediate financial impact, City staff remains uncertain of potential financial impacts related to adoption of this state mandate moving forward.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. CAL FIRE OFFICIAL TRANSMITTAL OF FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES B. CITY OF PORTOLA- WEBSITE POSTING
C. FHSZ CITY LRA 11X17 PORTOLA
D. FHSZ COUNTY LRA 11X17 PLUMASCO
1 Ryan Bonk, City Manager
From: OSFM <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2025 10:02 AM
To: Ryan Bonk, City Manager
Subject: Official Transmittal of Fire Hazard Severity Zones January 22, 2025
Dear: County Chief Administrative Officer, City Manager, Fire Chief, Fire Marshal Re: Official Transmittal of Fire Hazard Severity Zones
The State Fire Marshal is mandated by Government Code (GC) 51178 to identify levels of fire hazard based on consistent statewide criteria and the expected severity of fire hazards. Government Code 51179 requires the State Fire Marshal to make recommendations of fire hazard severity zones to local agencies, as defined per GC 51177(e), for their designation and adoption by ordinance. This letter serves as the official transmittal of the recommendation. For the Statutory requirements for local adoption please review California Code, GOV 51179.
Your City/County has been identified as having Moderate, High, Very High or a combination of Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) within your jurisdiction. The maps and data are available in the FHSZ HUB at https://fire-hazard-severity-zones-rollout-calfire-forestry.hub.arcgis.com/ .
Please complete the Public Contact Survey in the FHSZ HUB using the link above. This information will be used for a public Webmap on the CAL FIRE-Office of State Fire Marshal website to guide your constituents to the appropriate contact person or website for the Local Responsibility Area FHSZ in your jurisdiction.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact our Team at [email protected].
Sincerely,
2 ACCESS FHSZ HUB
DOWNLOAD LETTER
OSFM | 715 P St | Sacramento, CA 95814 US
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CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones in
Local Responsibility Area
FHSZ_City_LRA_11x17_Portola.pdf (/files/1a8a29d3a/FHSZ_City_LRA_11x17_Portola.pdf) FHSZ_County_LRA_11x17_PlumasCo.pdf
(/files/5886f688f/FHSZ_County_LRA_11x17_PlumasCo.pdf)
CAL FIRE Provided Maps
The City of Portola has posted the attached Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones maps provided to the city by CAL FIRE as mandated by government code 51178.5.
Important Notice: The City of Portola was not involved in the development of the Fire Hazard Severity Zones or the corresponding maps produced by CAL FIRE. In addition, the city cannot decrease the level of fire hazard severity zone as identified by the State Fire Marshal per the government code below:
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3/7/25, 9:30 AM CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Area - City of Portola https://www.cityofportola.com/cal-fire-fire-hazard-severity-zones-in-local-responsibility-area Page 41 1/3 Government Code 51179
"(3) A local agency shall not decrease the level of fire hazard severity zone as identified by the State Fire Marshal for any area within the jurisdiction of the local agency, and, in exercising its discretion pursuant to paragraph (2), may only increase the level of fire hazard severity zone as identified by the State Fire Marshal for any area within the jurisdiction of the local agency." CAL FIRE has provided additional information to the public pertaining to this mandate which can be found at the following links:
https://fire-hazard-severity-zones-rollout-calfire-forestry.hub.arcgis.com/ (https://firehazard-severity-zones-rollout-calfire-forestry.hub.arcgis.com/) https://fire-hazard-severity-zones-rollout-calfire-forestry.hub.arcgis.com/pages/about-fhszin-lra (https://fire-hazard-severity-zones-rollout-calfire-forestry.hub.arcgis.com/pages/aboutfhsz-in-lra) The city invites the public to make comment to this information mandated by CAL FIRE by submitting comment to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]). (HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CITYOFPORTOLA)
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POWERED BY STREAMLINE (HTTP://WWW.GETSTREAMLINE.COM/) | SIGN IN (HTTPS://WWW.CITYOFPORTOLA.COM/USERS/SIGN_IN?DESTINATION=%2FCAL-FIRE-FIRE-HAZARD-SEVERITY-ZONES-INLOCAL-RESPONSIBILITY-AREA) Join our mailing list 3/7/25, 9:30 AM CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Area - City of Portola https://www.cityofportola.com/cal-fire-fire-hazard-severity-zones-in-local-responsibility-area Page 42 2/3 Join our mailing list
3/7/25, 9:30 AM CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Area - City of Portola https://www.cityofportola.com/cal-fire-fire-hazard-severity-zones-in-local-responsibility-area Page 43 3/3 City and County boundaries as of 10/22/24 (CA Board of Equalization) CAL FIRE State Responsibility Areas (SRA25_1)
CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZSRA23_3, FHSZLRA_25_1) Data Sources:
Daniel Berlant, State Fire Marshal, CA Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Joe Tyler, Director/Fire Chief, CA Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources, CA Natural Resources Agency The State of California and the Department of Forestry and Fire Gavin Newsom, Governor, State of California Protection make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy of data or maps. Neither the State nor the Department shall be liable under any circumstances for any direct, special, incidental, or consequential damages with respect to any claim by any user or third party on account of, or arising from, the use of data or maps. and other relevant factors including areas where winds
have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.
statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, Government Code section 51178 requires the State Fire
Marshal to identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent Waterbody
Federal Responsibility
Area (FRA)
Unzoned LRA
Incorporated City
Projection: NAD 83 California Teale Albers
Scale: 1:29,000 at 11" x 17"
Km 0 1 2
Mi 0 1
Very High High
Very High High
Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in Local Responsibility Area (LRA), as Identified by the State Fire Marshal
Portola
70 UNINCORPORATED
PLUMAS CO.
UNINCORPORATED
PLUMAS CO.
January 22, 2025
As Identified by the
State Fire Marshal
Local Responsibility Area
Fire Hazard Severity Zones
CITY OF PORTOLA – PLUMAS COUNTY
Fire Hazard Severity Zones in State Responsibility
Area (SRA), Effective April 1, 2024
City and County boundaries as of 10/22/24 (CA Board of Equalization) CAL FIRE State Responsibility Areas (SRA25_1)
CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZSRA23_3, FHSZLRA_25_1) Data Sources:
Daniel Berlant, State Fire Marshal, CA Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Joe Tyler, Director/Fire Chief, CA Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources, CA Natural Resources Agency The State of California and the Department of Forestry and Fire Gavin Newsom, Governor, State of California Protection make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy of data or maps. Neither the State nor the Department shall be liable under any circumstances for any direct, special, incidental, or consequential damages with respect to any claim by any user or third party on account of, or arising from, the use of data or maps. and other relevant factors including areas where winds
have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.
statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, Government Code section 51178 requires the State Fire
Marshal to identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent Waterbody
Federal Responsibility
Area (FRA) Unzoned LRA
Incorporated City
Projection: NAD 83 California Teale Albers
Scale: 1:497,000 at 11" x 17"
Km 0 10 20 30 40
Mi 0 10 20
Very High High Moderate
Fire Hazard Severity Zones in State Responsibility
Area (SRA), Effective April 1, 2024
Very High High Moderate
Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in Local Responsibility Area (LRA), as Identified by the State Fire Marshal
Plumas County
S. Fork Feather R.
N. Fork Feather R.
E. Branch N. Fork Feather R.
Fall R.
N. Fork Feather R.
Middle Fork Feather R.
Lake Almanor
Frenchman
Lake
Little Grass
Valley Res.
Butt
Valley
Res.
Bucks Lake
Antelope Lake
Lake Davis
PORTOLA
B U T T E C O .
L A S S E N C O .
S H A S T A C O .
S I E R R A C O .
T E H A M A C O .
Y U B A C O .
284
70 89
36 49
147
70 89
70 70
January 22, 2025
As Identified by the
State Fire Marshal
Local Responsibility Area
Fire Hazard Severity Zones
PLUMAS COUNTY – UNINCORPORATED LRA