SUSANVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022 – 4:30 PM
Mayor McCourt called the meeting to order at 4:30pm.
Roll Call of Councilmembers Present: McCourt, Stafford, Herrera, Schuster, Brown
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Moved by Herrera; seconded by Brown to approve the agenda with the moving of item 9C to be heard directly after the consent calendar.
Motion Carried: 5 - 0
Voting For: McCourt, Stafford, Herrera, Schuster, Brown Voting Against: None
2. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (if any): No public comment.
3. CLOSED SESSION:
The Council convened in closed session at 4:31pm to discuss the following:
A. 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 Newsom Vs. city of Susanville.
B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATIORS – pursuant to Government Code §54957.6:
1. SPOA Unit
4. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION:
Councilmember Brown started the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor McCourt introduced Dwayne Sherman, SIR Tribal Administrator, to provide the Invocation.
Mr. Newton stated that the Council met in closed session to discuss the above-mentioned items with direction provided to staff and no reportable action taken.
5. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR:
Theresa Phillips, public, approached the city council and let them know that as of November 19, 2022, Lassen Senior Services will no longer be delivering meals to elders in the community or serving meals in the dining room. She requested the city council consider assisting the elders in community with this issue.
Kaitlin Midgley, Lassen County Fairgrounds, discussed a funding opportunity that, if granted, would bring in a minimum of $5 million.
Leann Vanderley, public, addressed the council regarding the cannabis item. She added that the code states that the ordinance cannot be brought back for one year and she hopes the talks will come to an end for now.
Mayor McCourt expressed his appreciation for all Vetaran's and for the holiday and offered his explanation.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Moved by Herrera; seconded by Schuster to approve.
Motion Carried: 5 - 0
Voting For: McCourt, Stafford, Herrera, Schuster, Brown Voting Against: None
6.A Minutes of the City Council's November 2, 2022 regular meeting.
Motion to approve the minutes from the City Council’s November 2, 2022 meeting. 221102.cc.min.draft.pdf
6.B Consider Resolution No. 22-6067, Approving an amendment to the standard agreement for the 2020 Community Development Block Grant Program Coronavirus Response Round 2 and 3 NOFA dated December 18, 2020
Motion to approve Resolution No. 22-6067, Approving an amendment to the standard agreement for the 2020 Community Development Block Grant Program Coronavirus Response Round 2 and 3 NOFA dated December 18, 2020 22-6067.pdf
6.C Consider Resolution No. 22-6069, Approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute Memorandum of Understanding with the Susanville Police Officer Association for July 1, 2022 through and including June 25, 2022
Motion to approve Resolution No. 22-6069, Approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute Memorandum of Understanding with the Susanville Police Officer Association for July 1, 2022 through and including June 25, 2022
22-6069.pdf
2022.2025 SPOA MOU .pdf
9.C Approved Position List (Heard after consent as moved during the approval of agenda) Mr. Newton provided an explanation of the item and the position being proposed as well as the partnership with the Susanville Indian Rancheria (SIR) regarding the position.
Eileen Richard, public, inquired as to whether or not the SIR is only considered a preferred business or something else.
Mayor McCourt responded that the SIR is a partnering agency, not a business.
Arian Hart, SIR Tribal Chairman, stated that this is a big opportunity for the community as a whole and this partnership will have some lasting effects.
Dwayne Sherman, SIR Tribal Administrator, stated that everyone is having a hard time attracting professionals to the community. He added that the City, the County and the SIR all have a CEDS document and suggested that a partnership be had to work together instead of all agencies working separately.
Councilmember Brown stated that he is for it, Councilmember Stafford stated that it needed to go back to the ad hoc, which should include a tribal member, to work out specifics. qualifications and to adjust the pay range. Councilmember Schuster and Mayor pro tem Herrera are also for the position.
Mr. Newton stated that there are still quite a few details to work out but, there will still be an opportunity to do so. He added that there is no budget being requested at this time and he would like to work with the Rancheria.
Mayor McCourt inquired as to whether or not Mr. Newton felt direction was received to which he stated his understanding was to move forward, working closely with both the ad hoc and the SIR, as it would be a collaborative effort. 221116 Draft Approved Position List.pdf
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
7.A Presentation of the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan for the City of Susanville Water Division.
Bob Godman, Public Works Director, provided an explanation of the item to be considered.
Mayor McCourt opened the public hearing at 5:47pm.
No public comment.
Mayor McCourt closed the public hearing at 5:48pm.
It was the consensus of the council to move forward with the item.
Susanville 2020 UWMP_Rev20220727.pdf
7.B Consider Ordinance No. 22-1037, an ordinance of the City of Susanville adding chapter
15.60 of the Susanville Municipal Code relating to electric vehicle charging systems and stations.
Kelly Mumper, City Planner, provided an explanation of the item and requested council consideration.
Mayor McCourt opened the public hearing at 5:50pm.
No comments.
Mayor McCourt closed the public hearing at 5:50pm.
PC Signed Reso to CC.pdf
22-1037.pdf
Moved by Herrera; seconded by Schuster to approved waiving the first review and introducing Ordinance No. 22-1037.
Motion Carried: 5- 0
Voting For: McCourt, Stafford, Herrera, Schuster, Brown Voting Against: None
8. COUNCIL DISCUSSION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor McCourt offers the Land Acknowledgement Statement and the city of Susanville's Mission Statement.
9. NEW BUSINESS:
9.A Consider Resolution No. 22-6065, authorizing the mayor to execute and agreement with Your H2O Pro to replace the well pump and two 86-gallon pressure tanks at the Susanville Airport.
Mr. Godman provided an explanation of the item and requested the approval of Resolution No. 22-6065.
No public comment.
Est_847_from_Your_H2O_Pro_23804 (002).pdf
22-6065.pdf
Motion to approve Resolution No. 22-6065, authorizing the mayor to execute and agreement with Your H2O Pro to replace the well pump and two 86-gallon pressure tanks at the Susanville Airport.
Moved by Stafford; seconded by Herrera to approve.
Motion Carried: 5- 0
Voting For: McCourt, Stafford, Herrera, Schuster, Brown Voting Against: None
9.B Consider Resolution No. 22-6070, pursuant to Public Contracts Code Section 20168 authorizing emergency repairs to the Susanville Police Department Facility Mr. Newton provided an explanation of the item and requested the approval of Resolution No. 22-6070 that would allow the emergency repairs of the Police Department from when a community member drove their vehicle into the front of the building without going out to bid.
Ryan Cochran, Chief of Police, offered his concern with the department being on Main Street and the security risks.
Mayor pro tem Herrera requested that the word "police" be larger on the front of the building so the public knows that it is the Police Department.
22-6070.pdf
Motion to approve Resolution No. 22-6070, pursuant to Public Contracts Code Section 20168 authorizing emergency repairs to the Susanville Police Department Facility.
Moved by Schuster; seconded by Stafford to approve.
Motion Carried: 5- 0
Voting For: McCourt, Stafford, Herrera, Schuster, Brown Voting Against: None
9.C Approved Position List – item was moved and heard after the consent calendar.
10. SUSANVILLE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: No business.
11. SUSANVILLE MUNICIPAL ENERGY CORPORATION: No business.
12. CONTINUING BUSINESS:
12.A Consider Ordinance No.22-1038, adopting by reference the 2022 Building Code and applicable appendices.
Mr. Godman offered an explanation of the item and requested the council waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 22-1038.
22-1038 Building Codes Reg updates (002).pdf
Motion to waive second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 22-1038, adopting by reference, the 2022 Building Code and applicable appendices.
Moved by Herrera; seconded by Brown to approve.
Motion Carried: 5- 0
Voting For: McCourt, Stafford, Herrera, Schuster, Brown Voting Against: None
12.B City Project Priorities
Mr. Newton provided an overview of the city's current priorities.
Mayor pro tem Herrera requested the addition of a "Quality of Life" segment being added as a priority, to be incorporated into the Assistant City Administrator position. He requested that it gets added into the EDIP.
No public comment.
Councilmember Stafford requested an update on the progress of the house at 606 Nevada, the pump track, an alarm policy for the police department, and the animal shelter.
Mr. Newton offered a brief update on 606 Nevada and the pump track project and stated that the paving project had moved other projects back but, it is now completed so the others are moving forward once again. He also provided a brief explanation of the animal shelter item.
Councilmember Stafford asked how long it will take to get 606 Nevada completed and the employees moved in, to which Mr. Newton responded 4-6 months. 221116 City Project Priorities .docx
12.C Historic Uptown Susanville Association (HUSA)
Mr. Newton provided an explanation of the item and requested direction for staff.
Councilmember Schuster inquired about the nominations taking place, if the election was completed, and how it worked.
Mr. Newton responded that the election has not yet occurred as there was a close return date from when the nomination letters went out.
Mayor McCourt stated that, at the last meeting, it was the consensus of the board to conduct the survey. He also added that it seemed that all wanted to support the events. He stated that if this item is approved, we do not need to hear item 12D. However, if the item is not approved, 12D will need to be discussed.
Councilmember Schuster suggested that we table the item until the survey is completed and approve item 12D to ensure that event takes place.
John Shaw, Vice President HUSA Boardmember, read a letter presented to him by the city 20 years ago, and stated that every year, HUSA still has to ask the city for support. He added that there are only a few business owners who complained yet, the council stopped the assessments in 2019. He asked why the assessments would not occur when economic development is being discussed. Mr. Shaw encouraged the council to vote on this item, not to table it, and provide the value of assessments to HUSA. He concluded by requesting that the Council revisit the idea of the pocket park in the uptown area as, even if the city were to take it through eminent domain, it would be better for the community.
Councilmember Schuster inquired about some of the items in the annual budget such as the Main Street Cruise since it no longer happens.
Mr. Shaw stated that they can no longer provide a staff person to run the Main Street Cruise but, they provide the $250 to the Chamber who puts on the Main Cruise Show N Shine.
Mayor McCourt stated that it seems like everyone is openminded to what should happen. He added that, after talks with staff, the survey results should be presented during the first meeting in March and thanked everyone who offered comments.
Jim McCarthy, public, is in favor of the money being assessed in the district, even though he is in the district. He stated that the uptown area is a gem, it is the heart of the community, and requested that the council help it flourish. He requested that a lot of the things on staff's list be removed and focus on only a few items so that they can be done well.
David Teeter, public, reminded the council that when businesses leave the tax will no longer help the city. He is also in favor of assessments. He concluded that he is for the addition of the Economic Development position.
Sherri, Crossroads, thanked HUSA for the events put on for the children in the community and asked the council for approval of the funding.
Mayor pro tem Herrera stated that he is tired of all the talk of economic development and evaluating what HUSA does. He requested that the city let the reigns go and let them do it since we do not have the time. He suggested exemptions to the gun stores.
Councilmember Stafford stated that he was all for this but, then it snowed. A lot of the city sidewalks uptown were not shoveled. He stated that there should be a partnership, the council should provide them the money this year and work on resuming the assessments.
Mayor McCourt stated that the survey needed to go out to determine if the businesses wanted to continue with the district/assessments.
Councilmember Schuster agreed with Mr. Shaw that there should be voluntary assessments and requested that the question be added to the survey. Councilmember Brown agreed that the queston should be asked. She stated that she is okay with funding HUSA this year, but she does not like the funds coming out of the ARPA funding as the meeting to discuss the spending of those funds has not yet occurred. She offered to go door to door uptown to ask the survey questions of the businesses if needed.
Mayor McCourt asked if there would be support of paying HUSA the $14,425 tonight and then staff generating the survey to provide to council to go door to door to conduct the survey.
Further discussion occurred.
Councilmember Stafford made a motion to pay the $14,425 this year and work on reassessing the businesses.
Annual Report 2021-2022.pdf
Motion to approve a budget increase in ARPA funds for Historic Uptown Susanville Association in the amount of $14,425.
Moved by Stafford; seconded by Herrera to approve a budget increase in ARPA funds for Historic Uptown Susanville Association in the amount of $14,425.
Motion Carried: 4- 1
Voting For: McCourt, Stafford, Herrera, Schuster
Voting Against: Brown
12.D Consider contribution request for the Magical Country Christmas Fireworks Motion to approve a contribution of $4,000.00 to Lassen County Chamber of Commerce for partial cost of Magical Country Christmas Fireworks. Authorize Finance Manager to increase ARPA fund budget.
Moved by Stafford; seconded by Schuster.
Motion: 5- 0
Voting For: McCourt, Stafford, Herrera, Schuster, Brown Voting Against: None
12.E Consider the appointment of the final member to the Sales Tax Oversight Board Appoint final board member to the Sales Tax Oversight Board.
Councilmember Stafford requested the appointment of Rita Heath to the Sales Tax Oversite.
Mr. Newton stated that the first meeting is scheduled for November 28, 2022 with the other four members have all confirmed their attendance. Staff will reach out to Ms. Health for her acceptance.
Moved by Stafford; seconded by Schuster to approve the addition of Rita Heath to the Sales Tax Oversite Committee.
Motion: 5- 0
Voting For: McCourt, Stafford, Herrera, Schuster, Brown Voting Against: None
13. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORTS:
13.A Department Reports
Mr. Mumper provided a brief update on an upcoming item.
14. FUTURE COUNCIL ITEMS:
14.A Future Council Items
Councilmember Schuster requested an item to be placed on the agenda to discuss the spending of the remaining ARPA funds. Mayor pro tem Herrera and Mayor McCourt agreed.
Mayor McCourt inquired of Mr. Newton as to how much time it would take to get that item ready to discuss.
Mr. Newton responded that there are a lot of areas that would need to be reviewed and worked on to bring the item forward.
Councilmember Schuster stated that she just wanted to see all the ARPA funds, what was spent and what is left and ideas.
Mayor pro tem Herrera requested the legalizing of ATVs on our city streets. He continued that he would like to see a Veteran's hiring priority process brought back. He added that he would like to see the sale of the excess vehicles being stored in the airport hangar. 20221116 BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR.pdf
15. ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Stafford; seconded by Herrera to approve 7:37pm.
Motion Carried: 5 - 0
Voting For: McCourt, Stafford, Herrera, Schuster, Brown Voting Against: None
_________________________________
Quincy McCourt, Mayor
Respectfully submitted by:
________________________________ Approved on December 7, 2022 Heidi Whitlock, City Clerk