SUSANVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022 – 4:30 PM
Mayor McCourt called the meeting to order at 4:30pm.
Roll Call of Councilmembers Present: McCourt, Stafford, Schuster, Brown
Absent: Herrera
Herrera arrived at 4:31pm.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Moved by Schuster; seconded by Brown to approve.
Motion Carried: 4 - 0
Voting For: McCourt, Stafford, Schuster, Brown & Herrera 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): one case
1. Case number CJC-21-005208, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Vs. city of Susanville.
B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATIORS – pursuant to Government Code §54957.6:
1. Admin Unit
2. Miscellaneous Unit
3. Public Works Unit
4. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION: The City Council reconvened in open session at 5:03pm.
Mayor McCourt requested Christian, public, to start the Pledge of Allegiance and requested that Tiffany, public, provide the Invocation.
Mr. Newton stated the agenda was approved with no changes. He continued that the Council met in closed session to discuss the items listed above. Direction was provided to staff with no reportable action taken on Item 3A; however, Council will reconvene in closed session immediately following open session.
5. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR: No public comment.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: No business.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: No business.
8. COUNCIL DISCUSSION/ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor McCourt offered both the Land Acknowledge Statement and the City's MIssion Statement.
9. NEW BUSINESS:
9.A Presentation from SHINE, their progress and proposal for future Skatepark Project.
Mr. Newton stated that members of the SHINE organization have requested a moment of the council's time to share a presentation.
John Chan stated that SHINE is a youth inspired outreach program. He stated that they started a non-profit ministry to be able to build a new skatepark for the community. He added that SHINE has been fundraising however, they cannot yet apply for grant funding as they will need to have a project with hard numbers that they are raising money for, which would require plans. He stated that they need an engineering company to draft the plans but they need to raise approximately $30,000 to do so. Part of the fundraising has been the creation of short local business #shoplocal, #supportlocal campaign videos. SHINE creates videos for local businesses and those businesses then provide a service for them, for instance, the donation of paint.
Mr. Chan continued by requesting permission to add a small sidewalk path for the purpose of additional skateboarding obstacles. He added that, should the council apporove the project, a concrete company has already provided a verbal that they would donate the concrete and work to install it.
Mr. Chan provided a visual of the pump track that they would like the city to purchase. He added that this particular item is precast cement, which will last longer and can be easily moved if needed. He added that the ultimate plan would be to create a skatepark that is a map of local points of interest.
Logan, youth in the public, stated that he has been a part of SHINE since it was formed. It has given him an opportunity to help him in the community instead of being around other kids that get into trouble. He said the addition of the pump track could provide something for youth to do. He added that, while the skatepark build may be expensive, it will bring people together and it could be a great place that is safe for people to have a great time. For him, when things get tough, it's free to just go to the pumptrack when he is stressed so, it's a good thing. "Helping people not only relieves stress but, being with people makes you feel wanted and helping people makes your heart feel good."
Mayor McCourt inquired of the Council as to whether or not the sidewalk area could be added.
Mr. Newton responded that he has met with Mr. Chan, and he would like city staff to review the project as it does appear to be doable. He added that it would have to come back to Council after that occurs to get final approval.
9.B Consider Resolution No. 22-6081, authorizing Mayor to sign a Cooperative Agreement with Caltrans and a Maintenance Agreement for the S.E. Gateway Project.
Mr. Newton provided an explanation of the item, what it is and where the funding comes from, and requested approval of Resolution No. 22-6081.
David Teeter, public, inquired as to who would be responsible for the snow removal of the new sidewalk.
Mr. Newton responded that yes, the city will have to take care of the snow on the city property as the propoerty owners are responsible.
Amy Holley, public, thanked staff for wanting to beautify both ends of town. 02-0217 Finalv2 12.13.2022.docx
Susanville Gateway Ped PSMA DRAFT 9-6-22.docx
Susanville Gateway 2021 Exhibit A.pdf
22-6081.pdf
Motion to approve Resolution No. 22-6081, authorizing Mayor to sign a Cooperative Agreement with Caltrans and a Maintenance Agreement for the S.E. Gateway Project.
Moved by Schuster; seconded by Brown to approve.
Motion Carried: 5- 0
Voting For: McCourt, Stafford, Herrera, Schuster, Brown Voting Against: None
10. SUSANVILLE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: No business.
11. SUSANVILLE MUNICIPAL ENERGY CORPORATION: No business.
12. CONTINUING BUSINESS:
12.A Consider Resolution No. 22-6076, authorizing the purchase of a pump track speed ring from American Ramp Company and authorizing the City Administrator to execute contract with American Ramp Company.
Mr. Newton provided an update on a previous grant recieved and stated the pump track can now be procured by itself and with volunteer work and the company providing the ramp doing the install, the city should be able to get the pump track installed. The grant contacts have given their blessing on moving forward as the ramp is a sole source item. He then requested the approval of Resolution No. 22-6076.
Councilmember Schuster asked about the proximity of the addition of the pump track to the toddler play area to which Mr. Chan stated that it would be along the same line but, it would not be closer to that area.
Bob Godman, Public Works Director, added that the original skatepark is only one third of the originally planned size. He added that the area that is being proposed by Mr. Chan is within the same original blueprint.
Amy Holley, public, inquired as to whether or not there would be enough grass left for events such as the Main Cruise Show n' Shine to which she was told yes, as it was never planned to go outside of the original suggested area.
PBR0045 Susanville CA Discounted.pdf
22-6076.pdf
Motion to approve Resolution No. 22-6076, authorizing the purchase of a pump track speed ring from American Ramp Company and authorizing the City Administrator to execute contract with American Ramp Company.
Moved by Stafford; seconded by Herrera 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 explanaton of the city priority item, how items come to be on the list and why they are on the list. He added that the council has adopted four priorities including:
transparency, improving the Susan River Trail, Code Enforcment and improving Main Street.
Addittional priorities added include a provision of essential services, homelessness, enhancement of economic development efforts, infrastructure improvements and code and policy updates.
He provided an update on where staff was on the items listed and asked if there were any questions.
Curtis Bortle, public, stated that staff should get through some of the already listed items and, if the revenue streams would allow more employees, staff could. This represents an opportunity for the Council to focus on something that generates revenue.
Councilmember Schuster, stated that much as she thinks homelessness should be a priority, Mr. Newton should be able to move forward with those items he feels are most important since he is here daily.
Mayor pro tem Herrera stated staff should work on the following: 1) code updates 2) economic development 3) homeless.
Councilmember Stafford stated that the cart item needs to move forward as, if it was handled, it could free up staff time.
Mr. Newton responded that there are quite a few more things going on that are not even on this list. He added that he is happy to know that the code itself may not need to be addressed as much as the enforcement needs to happen.
221221 City Project Priorities .docx
12.C Discussion regarding the American Rescue Plan Act - ARPA funds Discussion regarding ARPA funds
Mr. Newton provided an explanation of the ARPA, how it was calulated and, since it was under $10 million, stated that it can all be utilized for loss revenues. He reviewed both the funds remaining and those spent as well as listing four areas up for discussion including economic development external investment, as well as internal investment, economic development marketing and city infrastructure for all departments.
Ann Carlson, public, requested that the tennis courts be restored as she is part of a pickleball group and they would like to get people a place to go outdoors. She is excited about getting the court resurfaced to encourage the social, outdoor activity.
Julie McKee, public, stated that four people came to Susanville a few years ago and taught them how to play. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports currently. She also requested that the tennis courts be resurfaced. DIg it Construction rough estimate - $90k-$130k and she is still awaiting another quote.
Mr. Bortle, public, reiterated that the city needs to put the money in the place that will make money to be the most successful.
Eileen Richard suggested that agriculture and timber come back to Susanville for an income source.
Councilmember Schuster stated that she one hundred percent supports pickleball, the condition of the tennis courts, etc... She added that the Council voted to hire an economic development position and if the Council were patient, that position will be the one to decide as an expert, what to do. She stated that she would like to hold off on everything except the four items as of right now as the position should participate in the workshop process.
Councilmember Stafford responded that he agreed with a lot of what Councilmember Schuster stated and that staff needs to get community input. Mayor pro tem Herrera agreed.
Mayor pro tem Herrera stated that the areas that the city already has needed to be fixed so that the community can enjoy. He stated that marketing needed to occur to really show the city’s outdoor value. He added that a gun range has also been requested. He also wished to wait until the position is filled before any projects were moved forward.
Eileen Richard, public, suggested that the city wait for the workshop but, to provide information to the public to start thinking about it.
It was the consensus of the council to wait on the workshop until the ED person gets hired and then bring the item back. However, be aware of the timeline so the city does not miss out of a financial opportunity.
221207 ARPA DISCUSSION .pdf
13. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORTS:
13.A Department Reports
Mr. Newton made the council aware that he and Mr. Godman have been talking with an individual about the natural gas rates. This December, there have been a record number of therms used. In addition, the pricing for gas is about ten times higher than it was previously. He concluded by stating that the city previously purchased natural gas at a lower rate but, it is something that staff is keeping an eye on.
14. FUTURE COUNCIL ITEMS:
14.A Future Council Items
Mr. Newton provided an explanation of this item and inquired as to whether or not anyone had something to add or remove off the list.
Councilmember Stafford mentioned that he just found out that the animal shelter is currently closed due to it being at capacity. Chief Cochran stated that there is a meeting set up for next week with them to discuss and that he will bring back a report.
Councilmember Herrera inquired about the 99 cent bottles and requested that it be brought back in the next 3-6 months.
20221221 Items from the Podium.pdf
15. ADJOURNMENT:
The council took a break at 7:33pm prior to going back into closed session.
The council reconvened in closed session at 7:45pm.
The council recovenend in open session at 8:42pm.
Mr. Newton reported out of closed that the council reconvened in closed session to continue the discussion. No reportable action was taken however, direction was provided to staff.
Adjourned at 8:43pm.
____________________________
Quincy McCourt, Mayor
Respectfully submitted by:
______________________________ Approved on January 18, 2023 Heidi Whitlock, City Clerk