1 City of Portola
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
May 27, 2026 06:00 PM
35 Third Ave, Portola, CA 96122
https://www.cityofportola.com/
https://zoom.us/j/3583067836
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Mayor Bill Powers.
1. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Bill Powers, Councilmember Jim Murphy, Councilmember Lauren Miller
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Mikki Battaglia
Staff Present: City Manager Ryan Bonk, Staff Present: Finance Officer Susan Scarlett, Administrative Services Manager Kristen Schiavone, City Attorney Steve Gross (Zoom),
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Mayor Bill Powers
2. Public Comments
No public comment.
3. City Communications
1. City Council Communications
Councilmember Murphy had nothing to report.
Councilmember Miller reported attending the Plumas County Transportation meeting. She also reported that she will tour the property for the proposed Community Forest Project on May 29th and participate in Community Clean Up Day on Saturday.
Mayor Powers reported that he met with the Eastern Plumas Healthcare community group. The group is interested in rehabbing the Feather building on Commercial St. He also attended the Plumas County Transportation meeting.
2. Reports: Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District / Plumas County Sheriff / Northern Sierra Air Quality
City Manager Bonk reported that the Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District has organized biweekly meetings with various community stakeholders, including the City of Portola, Gold 2 Mountain HOA, Plumas County Sheriff's Office, Highway Patrol, and Caltrans, to plan a live drill for the evacuation of Gold Mountain and City of Portola residents in the event of an emergency such as fire. He reported that the second meeting is planned for Thursday, May 29th.
Northern Sierra Air Quality - No report.
3. Staff Communications
No report.
4. City Manager Report
City Manager Bonk announced that the City has earned the designation of a Clean California Community on 5/20/2026 by meeting 10 of the 15 required criteria. The community clean-up days were part of the criteria. He said Portola is one of only 100 communities in California, and the only one in Plumas County, to hold this designation. New signage will be posted in town to display the City’s new designation. A press release will be sent to the Plumas Sun.
A Community Clean-up day is scheduled this Saturday from 8:00am to 11:00am.
Public Works has completed the crosswalk painting.
Preparations for the Pool opening are underway, and the swim team will begin practice this week.
Public Works is continuing work on the Golden Springs water line.
The City's final budget prep is underway, and the proposed budget will be presented to council at our next council meeting.
4. Consent Agenda
1. Claims:
Adopt Resolution No. 2651. The resolution authorizes payment of payroll from May 2nd, 2026 through May 15th, 2026 and accounts payable from May 14th, 2026 through May 27th, 2026 The amount of payroll to be paid is $36,211.02
The amount of accounts payable to be paid is $194,626.99 The total amount to be paid is $230,838.01
2. Minutes
Adopt the minutes of the May 6h, 2026 Budget Workshop Meeting.
Adopt the minutes of the May 13th, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting.
Councilmember Jim Murphy motioned to approve. Councilmember Lauren Miller seconded the motion.
The roll call vote:
Aye Mayor Bill Powers Aye Councilmember Jim Murphy Aye Councilmember Lauren Miller Absent Mayor Pro Tem Mikki Battaglia
5. United States Forest Service (USFS) Beckwourth Ranger District Office: Presentation on 3 Planned Activities
United States Forest Service District Ranger Mike Rahe, along with Sumner Cornacchia and Ivy Kostick from the National Forest Foundation, spoke about upcoming Forest Health Projects in Portola and nearby communities.
6. City Councilmember Resignation & Filling the Vacancy City Council discussed the City Council Vacancy and applicant Stephan Mangum. Council took action to appoint applicant Stephan Mangum to the vacant position on the City Council for the remainder of the term.
Councilmember Jim Murphy motioned to approve. Councilmember Lauren Miller seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
3 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
7. 2026 Election Cycle Resolutions
City Manager Bonk explained that the two resolutions before the council refer to the General Municipal Election to be held on November 3rd, 2026. There are three City Councilmember seats up for election, and the positions are for a full, 4-year term.
Resolution 2650 requests that the Board of Supervisors consolidate the General Election with the City of Portola and authorizes the County Clerk to conduct the election on behalf of the City of Portola.
Councilmember Jim Murphy motioned to approve. Councilmember Lauren Miller seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
3 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
8. Adjournment
The regular meeting of the Portola City Council adjourned at 6:44pm.