SUSANVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2025 – 4:30 PM
Mayor Schuster called the meeting to order at 4:30pm.
Roll Call of Councilmembers Present: Schuster, Brown, Bortle, Parrish, Miller
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Mr. Newton requested no additions or deletions to the agenda but requested that item 12A and 9E be heard prior to 5A.
Moved by Parrish; seconded by Brown to approve the agenda with the requested changes.
Motion Carried: 5 - 0
Voting For: Schuster, Brown, Bortle, Parrish, Miller
Voting Against: None
2. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (if any): No public comment.
3. CLOSED SESSION:
City Council convened in closed session at 4:31pm to discuss the following:
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - pursuant to Government Code Section §54957.6
1. Admin Unit
B. CONFERENCE WITH PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT- pursuant to Government Code Section §54957
1. City Manager - Evaluation
4. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION: City Council reconvened in open session at 5:00pm.
The Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation were provided.
Mr. Newton stated that prior to the Council meeting in closed session the agenda was approved with the above-mentioned changes. He added that the Council then met in closed session to discuss the above-mentioned items. He concluded by stating that direction was provided to staff with no reportable action taken.
Bob Godman, Public Works Director, introduced Jordyn Hurtado, the Public Work's Department newly hired Admin Staff Assistant.
12. CONTINUING BUSINESS:
12.A Consider Sierra Theater Performing Arts Center Business Plan Mr. Newton provided an explanation of the item and stated that there will be a presentation on the plan.
Chris Gallagher, public, shared that it is the intent for the symphony to take the lead on this plan and provided an overview of what will be covered.
Mr. Gallagher then turned it over to the presenter of the plan, Charlie, who provided the presentation.
Council Member Parrish inquired about the additional money needed and if they had a plan to which Mr. Gallegher responded.
Council Member Parrish asked who would be in charge, would it be a board or one person.
Mr. Gallagher stated that right now it is the Board. However, once the building is purchased, it will have a manager. He stated that it will probably be him as he is retired.
No less than four members of the public spoke highly of the plan presented and requested that the project move forward.
Mr. Gallagher concluded the presentation by stating that this is the dream of Ray White and shared the number of hours he worked on it and requested that the Council honor him by making this happen.
Mayor Schuster thanked Council Member Miller and Parrish for their participation on the ad hoc committee as there are extra meetings.
Council Member Parrish continued requesting clarification on the project, voiced his concern with various items but stated that he hoped the project will prove to be successful.
Council Member Bortle stated that he is in favor of the project. He continued that they have competent people, and they have jumped through every hoop the Council has given them, and they have come back with a solid plan.
Council Member Miller stated that, being on the ad hoc, there were many discussions and there are still a lot of letters of support and grant opportunities that were discussed as well as a lot of momentum with the remaining members. She stated that she is in favor of the project.
Council Member Parrish stated that, financially, it would be more responsible to pay off the city debt and asked why the Council would support the project to which Mayor pro tem Brown responded, “because we believe in the people".
Council Member Bortle agreed.
Council Member Brown stated that he respects Council Member Parrish's opinion and respects him for saying it aloud, but he is in support of this agreement.
Mayor Schuster stated that she hates the idea of the theatre being closed. She stated that it would be foolish not to let the project happen since every challenge has been met. She added that she agrees with Mayor pro Brown and believes in the people and their ability to make this successful.
Mr. Newton requests a motion to direct the ad hoc to begin the negotiations with the symphony to lay the framework to be able to move forward. Ayes: Bortle, Miller, Brown, Schuster, Noe: Parrish.
Motion carried.
Sierra Theater Business Plan 3.0.pdf
A 15-minute recess was requested at 6:15pm.
Council reconvened in open session at 6:30pm.
9.E Consider discussion regarding local gas pricing.
Mr. Newton provided an explanation of the item and why it was being brought before the Council.
Council Member Parrish stated that he has heard about an agreement between the City and the Susanville Indian Rancheria regarding the gas pricing.
Mr. Newton stated that there is no written agreement that he is aware of although there may have been a gentlemen's agreement.
Council Member Parrish inquired about whether there is a special tax or some other tax that the city charges that makes it harder to make a profit in Susanville.
Mr. Newton responded with the taxes that are charged but added that it would not equate to the difference in the amounts charged in Susanville versus Chester or other locations.
Maria Fregulia, public, stated that with her coming from a trucking background, the difference of twenty-four miles from here to Westwood could result in a price difference.
Mayor Schuster, having some experience in the industry, provided an explanation of how fuel costs are calculated. She added, however, that she does feel that something is off, but the community does have a choice to go to Staub or to the casino for gas.
Council Member Parrish stated that he has heard that the gas stations in town are all owned by the same person therefore there is no competition, and they can charge what they want. He said he has been in the middle of nowhere that has cheaper gas than in Susanville. He continued that he wants nothing to do with price setting for a private business. He added that, as a council, they should not have anything to do with setting prices in town. However, he would offer to send a letter to the state like the County did, even if it did nothing.
Council Member Bortle stated that the only thing the city can do is streamline the process for others who may want to open their own gas station to compete with the current stations. He added that the upcoming truck station would offer some competition, and it has the potential to lower the prices in town. He stated that it is free market capitalization and the only thing the city can do is make the process of opening a business as un-cumbersome as possible.
Council Member Miller requested that staff reach out to the County to see if they received a response on the letter they sent.
5. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR:
Dan Peaz, LHS baseball coach, shared that they used a shed at Riverside Park for equipment that is no longer there as it was torn down. He added that there is funding available with the high school to put in a connex.
Mr. Newton stated that staff will reach out to discuss.
Shonda Smith, softball boosters, also requested consideration to let the new shed be placed at the park as well as checking the bathrooms more often during the season.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Moved by Parrish; seconded by Bortle to approve.
Motion Carried: 5 - 0
Voting For: Schuster, Brown, Bortle, Parrish, Miller
Voting Against: None
6.A Minutes of the City Council February 19, 2025, regular meeting.
Motion to waive the reading of and approval to receive and file the City Council's minutes from the February 19, 2025, regular meeting.
250219.cc.min.draft.pdf
6.B Vendor and Payroll Warrants
Motion to receive and file.
02-06-25.pdf
02-11-25.pdf
02-18-2025.pdf
2-13-2025.pdf
6.C Consider Resolution No. 25-6412, approving and authorizing the modification to the Position Classification Schedule of the memorandum of understanding with the Administrative Bargaining Unit.
Motion to approve Resolution No. 25-6412, approving and authorizing the modification to the Position Classification Schedule of the memorandum of understanding with the Administrative Bargaining Unit.
25-6412.pdf
2024.2027 ADMIN MOU Side Letter No. 2.pdf
6.D Consider Resolution No. 25-6413, Supporting the Susanville Little League Opening Day Parade and authorizing the closure of River St. from Fairfield Dr. to the entrance of the Pat Murphy Little League Park, additional road closure of Fairfield Dr. from River St. to the Midtown South Alley on Fairfield Dr., on April 5, 2025, from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.
Motion to approve Resolution No. 25-6413, Supporting the Susanville Little League Opening Day Parade and authorizing the closure of River St. from Fairfield Dr. to the entrance of the Pat Murphy Little League Park, additional road closure of Fairfield Dr. from River St. to the Midtown South Alley on Fairfield Dr., on April 5, 2025, from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. 25-6413.pdf
2025 Susanville Little League Parade Request.pdf
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: No business.
8. COUNCIL DISCUSSION/ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council Member Bortle provided a land acknowledgement statement.
9. NEW BUSINESS:
9.A Consider Resolution No. 25-6414, Accepting the City of Susanville's Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2023
Chandra Jabbs, Finance Director, provided an explanation of the item and turned it over to Brett Van Lant to provide a presentation of the audit.
Susanville Audit Conclusion Letter FY 2023.pdf
Susanville Internal Control Report FY 2023.pdf
Susanville Management Letter FY 2023.pdf
Susanville Financial Statements FY 2023.pdf
Susanville Appropriations Limit Report FY 2023.pdf
25-6414.pdf
Motion to approve Resolution No.25-6414, accepting the City of Susanville's Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2023.
Moved by Parrish; seconded by Bortle to approve.
Motion Carried: 5- 0
Voting For: Schuster, Brown, Bortle, Parrish, Miller
Voting Against: None
9.B Discussion regarding Hdl Quarter 3 (July-Sept.) 2024 reports.
Tamra Spade, Economic Development Director, provided information related to the most current Hdl reports for Council discussion.
Susanville 3Q24 Newsletter.pdf
California Consensus Forecast 3Q 2024.pdf
9.C Consider Resolution No. 25-6415, authorizing a budget amendment of $9,500.00 to the 7401 fund and $18,500.00 to the 7110 funds for the upgrade of the Public Works Department's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and equipment. Further authorizes the Finance Director to make the necessary budget modifications to complete the work.
Bob Godman, Public Works Director, provided an explanation of the item and requested Council approval of Resolution No. 25-6415.
25-6415.pdf
Motion to approve Resolution No. 25-6415, authorizing a budget amendment of $9,500.00 to the 7401 fund and $18,500.00 to the 7110 funds for the upgrade of the Public Works Department's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and equipment. Further authorizes the Finance Director to make the necessary budget modifications to complete the work.
Moved by Bortle; seconded by Parrish to approve.
Motion Carried: 5- 0
Voting For: Schuster, Brown, Bortle, Parrish, Miller
Voting Against: None
9.D Consider appointments to fill Planning Commission and Sales Tax Oversight Board Heidi Whitlock, City Clerk, provided an explanation of the item and requested Council direction as to whether to appoint Maria Fregulia to a regular Planning Commission position and to the Susanville Tax Oversight Board (STOB).
2025 Fregulia Planning Commission Perm Letter.pdf STOB M. Fregulia letter.pdf Motion to approve the appointment of Maria Fregulia to the Planning Commission and STOB Board Moved by Parrish; seconded by Bortle to approve.
Motion Carried: 5- 0
Voting For: Schuster, Brown, Bortle, Parrish, Miller
Voting Against: None
9.E Consider discussion regarding local gas pricing Information item with possible direction to staff (Item moved to be heard preceding item 5)
10. SUSANVILLE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: No business.
11. SUSANVILLE MUNICIPAL ENERGY CORPORATION: No business.
12. CONTINUING BUSINESS: (Moved to be heard after item 4).
12.A Consider Sierra Theater Performing Arts Center Business Plan
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS:
13.A Department Reports Information only.
The department heads in attendance provided updates on the happenings within their departments.
14. FUTURE COUNCIL ITEMS:
14.A Future Council Items
Council Member Parrish requested that we look at the streaming services/microphones once again. 250305.Future.Items.List.pdf
15. ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Bortle; seconded by Brown to adjourn at 7:32pm.
Motion Carried: 5 - 0
Voting For: Schuster, Brown, Bortle, Parrish, Miller
Voting Against: None
_____________________________ ____________________________ Heidi Whitlock, City Clerk Mendy Schuster, Mayor
Approved on: March 19, 2025