SUSANVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022 – 4:30 PM
Mayor Schuster called the meeting to order at 4:30p.m.
Roll Call of Councilmembers Present:
Thomas Herrera, Quincy McCourt, Kevin Stafford, Brian Moore, Mendy Schuster
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Moved by Thomas Herrera; seconded by Brian Moore to approve.
Motion Carried: 5 - 0
Voting For: Thomas Herrera, Quincy McCourt, Kevin Stafford, Brian Moore, Mendy Schuster Voting Against: None
2. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (if any): None.
3. CLOSED SESSION:
The council convened in closed session at 4:31p.m. to discuss the following:
A. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT – pursuant to Government Code 54957
1. City Administrator – Evaluation
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – existing litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1): Case number 63745, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Kathleen Allison, Gavin Newson Vs. City of Susanville
4. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION:
The council reconvened in open session at 5:05p.m.
Mayor Schuster started the pledge and offered the Invocation.
A request was made by Dan Newton, City Administrator, to move agenda item 9B prior to agenda item 5, Business from the Floor.
Mr. Newton noted council met in closed session regarding the above listed items and there is no reportable action out of closed session, direction was provided to staff.
Councilmember McCourt presented a Proclamation designating June as Pride Month.
5. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR:
Approximately 5 community members approached the podium and discussed whether they were for or against the Cannabis Ordinance.
Approximately 3 community members approached the podium and expressed concerns about the pedestrian crossing concerns on Main Street.
Approximately 2 community members approached the podium and expressed appreciation for proclamation designating June as Pride Month and discussed LGBTQ+ awareness.
Michael Blaschak, LARP, public, provided an update on the activities happening at the Community Garden, noting that a second plot sign up day occurred and there is a waitlist for spots. He stated that fundraising efforts had begun and LARP's high tunnel house located in Janesville was completed. Mr. Blaschak noted that June 11, 2022, is the first farmer's market. Mr. Blaschak provided a brief update that LARP is intending to apply for a grant funding that will aim to bring produce to local school districts and is seeking grant applications partnerships and possibly project partnerships, noting that further information will continue to be provided by LARP.
Laura, Lassen County Arts Council, stated that there has been community interest in the repair, maintenance, and additional entries of Susanville's murals. She inquired about the design committee and Susanville Municipal Codes that prohibit further progress of mural projects. Laura asked the council to consider reducing restrictions of mural easements and consider partnering with the Lassen County Arts Council to move forward with projects David Teeter, public, thanked City of Susanville and the Public Works Department for work completed at Pancera Plaza and noted it looks the best it has in several years.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR:
6.A Minutes of the City Council's April 27, 2022, special meeting and the May 4, 2022, regular meeting.
220427.spec.cc.min.pdf
220504.cc.min.draft2.pdf
Motion to waive oral reading and approve minutes of City Council’s April 27, 2022, special meeting and the May 4, 2022, regular meeting.
Moved by Kevin Stafford; seconded by Thomas Herrera.
Motion Carried: 5- 0
Voting For: Thomas Herrera, Quincy McCourt, Kevin Stafford, Brian Moore, Mendy Schuster
Voting Against: None
6.B Monthly Financial Reports for March & April 2022 Motion to receive and file monthly financial reports.
Cash Report 03_2022 US Bank.pdf
Cash Report 03_2022.pdf
DAILY DEPOSIT REPORT TriCounties 03_2022.pdf
DAILY DEPOSIT REPORT US Bank 03_2022.pdf
Fund Balances Report 03_2022.pdf
Cash Report 04_2022 US Bank.pdf
Cash Report 04_2022.pdf
DAILY DEPOSIT REPORT TriCounties 04_2022.pdf
DAILY DEPOSIT REPORT US Bank 04_2022.pdf
Fund Balances Report 04_2022.pdf
Motion to receive and file monthly financial reports.
Moved by Kevin Stafford; seconded by Thomas Herrera.
Motion Carried: 5- 0
Voting For: Thomas Herrera, Quincy McCourt, Kevin Stafford, Brian Moore, Mendy Schuster
Voting Against: None
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
8. COUNCIL DISCUSSION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Councilmember Herrera thanked the Council for the Proclamation designating June as Pride Month and spoke on behalf of the proclamation's importance to him and encouraged all to move toward a goal to learn to understand and accept others. Councilmember Herrera shared a quote.
Councilmember McCourt asked public to challenge themselves to not villainize those who have different opinions, and thanked constituents and city staff.
Councilmember McCourt offered the City's Mission Statement and the Land Acknowledgement Statement.
9. NEW BUSINESS:
9.A Consider Resolution No. 22-5998, authorizing a budget amendment transferring $8,060 from the Airports CIP Fund to the Airports 7201 Fund for new helipad landing lights.
Bob Godman, Public Works Director, presented the need to provide lights for the helipad, noting current lights are out of compliance with night vision equipment so the Airport would like to fix and update.
Councilmember McCourt inquired about the CIP funds. Mr. Newton noted that the city stopped contributing the $15,000 noting that the airport is now sustaining itself and therefore the city has not made a contribution the last two years.
Councilmember McCourt provided information on airport CIP funds and project list.
Helipad Lights Estimate.xlsx
Helipad Light Est..pdf
22-5998.pdf
Motion to approve Resolution No. 22-5998, authorizing a budget amendment transferring $8,060 from the Airports CIP Fund to the Airports 7201 Fund for new helipad landing lights.
Moved by Brian Moore; seconded by Thomas Herrera.
Motion Carried: 5- 0
Voting For: Thomas Herrera, Quincy McCourt, Kevin Stafford, Brian Moore, Mendy Schuster
Voting Against: None
9.B Presentation of the Lassen County Local Roadway Safety Study from the Lassen County Transportation Commission.
Mr. Godman presented John Clerici who provided a presentation of the Lassen County Local Roadway Study from the Lassen County Transportation Commission. Presentation given was provided to public in staff report attachment and a copy of this presentation can be seen at www.lassenctc.com
Mr. McCourt inquired about the recent speed survey would help or hurt the transportation commission's goals in identifying future project goals. Mr. Clerici responded that it depends on what the speed survey's objective was. Mr. McCourt noted the goal was to inquire if reducing speed on Main Street was feasible in order to increase walkability of Main Street.
Jim McCarthy, (Public) commented the speed on Main Street is concerning especially regarding the speed of trailers, motor homes, and large trucks. Mr. McCarthy also noted that the cross walks on Main Street should be considered a concern, highlighting Union Street & Main Street, and Weatherlow Street & Main Street. Mr. McCarthy suggested a stoplight at Lassen & Main Street which might slow down traffic and increase uptown Susanville exposure.
LCTC Draft LRSP Report Presentation to Council.pptx
9.C Consider Resolution No. 22-5999, approving and accepting donations from Soroptimist International of Susanville and increasing budget expenditure for attorney expenses. Motion to approve Resolution No. 22-5999, approving and accepting donations from the Soroptimist International of Susanville and increasing budget expenditure for attorney expenses.
Mr. Newton presented the California Correctional Center's Stakeholder's Committee fundraising efforts and introduced community members in meeting attendance.
Lindsey Martin, Soroptimist International of Susanville, thanked the Council, noting her love for the community and thanked the City Council for the support in the fight to keep CCC open and also thanked Prentice Long for their legal support. 22-5999.pdf
Motion to approve Resolution No. 22-5999.
Moved by Thomas Herrera; seconded by Kevin Stafford.
Motion Carried: 5- 0
Voting For: Thomas Herrera, Quincy McCourt, Kevin Stafford, Brian Moore, Mendy Schuster
Voting Against: None
10. SUSANVILLE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: No business.
11. SUSANVILLE MUNICIPAL ENERGY CORPORATION: No business.
12. CONTINUING BUSINESS:
12.A Consider Ordinance No. 22-1034, amending section 8.48 of the Susanville Municipal Code.
James Moore, Fire Chief presented ordinance and received approval from the Council to waive the oral second reading of Ordinance and provided brief explanation of ordinance and community benefit.
Motion to waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 22-1034, amending section
8.48 of the Susanville Municipal Code
Moved by Brian Moore; seconded by Thomas Herrera.
Motion Carried: 5- 0
Voting For: Thomas Herrera, Quincy McCourt, Kevin Stafford, Brian Moore, Mendy Schuster Voting Against: None
22-1034 - Fireworks 2.pdf
13. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORTS:
13.A Department Reports Information only
Mr. Newton updated council on the Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee efforts on the Economic Development Implementation Plan (EDIP) and intends to be presented to Council at the June 15th meeting.
Chief Cochran offered that the Rabies Clinic will be held at Memorial Park on June 11, 2022.
Mr. Godman provided an update on the Natural Gas manual audit that was completed the week prior and with the efforts of Gas Utilities Supervisor, Rueben Downing passed the audit with a job well done.
Mr. Newton wanted to acknowledge this was Public Works Week and thanked the efforts of the Public Works Department.
14. FUTURE COUNCIL ITEMS:
14.A Future Council Items
Mayor Schuster requested that the following language be added to the record. “Knowing that our citizens are collecting signatures to override the decision that was made on May 4th approving the commercial cannabis, including grows in the city limits, I believe that our citizens will arrive at the number of signatures needed, causing the Council to either repeal or place the item on the ballot. I feel like it is putting us in a lose/lose situation. …Just as I asked on April 27th, I would like a future council item to repeal the approved ordinance, No. 22-1033, and begin discussions to get it on the ballot so the citizens can make this important decision and I am willing to call a special meeting for us to do that prior to June 4th. 20220518 Items from the Podium.pdf
15. ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Brian Moore; seconded by Thomas Herrera to adjourn at 6:47p.m.
Motion Carried: 5 - 0
Voting For: Thomas Herrera, Quincy McCourt, Kevin Stafford, Brian Moore, Mendy Schuster Voting Against: None
________________________________
Mendy Schuster, Mayor
Respectfully submitted by: Approved on: June 1, 2022
__________________________
Heidi Whitlock, City Clerk