Cities Index.
Agenda

Susanville City Council
March 19, 2025

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Agenda
Meeting
March 19, 2025
Body
Susanville City Council
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Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on susanvilleca.api.civicclerk.com. That file is the official record.

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: (Additions and/or Deletions)

2. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: No closed session.

3. CLOSED SESSION: No business.

4. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION: (recess if necessary)
Reconvene in open session at 5:00pm
Pledge of allegiance
Invocation
Report any changes to agenda
Report any action out of Closed Session
Proclamations, awards or presentations by the City Council

5. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR: Any person may address the Council at this time upon any subject on the agenda or not on the agenda within the jurisdiction of the City Council. However, comments on items on the agenda may be reserved until the item is discussed and any matter not on the agenda that requires action will be referred to staff for a report and action at a subsequent meeting.

Presentations are subject to a three-minute limit.

6. CONSENT CALENDAR: All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine by the City Council. There will be no separate discussion on these items. Any member of the public or the City Council may request removal of an item from the Consent Calendar to be considered separately.

6.A Minutes of the City Council March 5, 2025 regular meeting.

6.B Vendor and payroll warrants

7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: No business.

8. COUNCIL DISCUSSION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

9. NEW BUSINESS:

9.A Consider co-sponsorship of the 35th Annual Junior Fishing Derby to be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025

CITY OF SUSANVILLE
66 N. Lassen Street • Susanville CA
Mendy Schuster, Mayor
Russ Brown, Mayor pro tem
Curtis Bortle • Patrick Parrish • Dawn Miller
Susanville City Council
Regular Council Meeting • City Council Chambers
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 – 5:00 PM
MEETING TO START AT 5:00PM DUE TO NO CLOSED SESSION
1 9.B Discussion regarding Citywide Strategic Planning

9.C Consider Planning Commission Moratorium

10. SUSANVILLE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: No business.

11. SUSANVILLE MUNICIPAL ENERGY CORPORATION: No business.

12. CONTINUING BUSINESS:

13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS:

13.A Department Reports

14. FUTURE COUNCIL ITEMS:

14.A Future Council Items

15. ADJOURNMENT:

The next regular meeting of the Susanville City Council will be held on April 2, 2025 at 4:30PM.

Reports and documents relating to each agenda item are on file in the Office of the City Clerk and are available for public inspection during normal business hours and at the meeting. These reports and documents are also available at the City’s website www.cityofsusanville.net, unless there were systems problems posting to the website.

Accessibility: An interpreter for the hearing-impaired may be made available upon request to the City Clerk seventy-two hours prior to a meeting. A reader for the vision-impaired for purposes of reviewing the agenda may be made available upon request to the City Clerk. The location of this meeting is wheelchair-accessible.

I, Heidi Whitlock, certify that I caused to be posted notice of the regular meeting scheduled for March 19, 2025 in the areas designated on March 14, 2025.
2 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.A
Action Item
Submitted By: Heidi Whitlock, City Clerk
Action Date: March 19, 2025
SUBJECT: Minutes of the City Council March 5, 2025 regular meeting.

PRESENTED BY: Heidi Whitlock, City Clerk
SUMMARY: Attached for the Council’s review are the minutes of the City Council’s March 5, 2025 regular meeting.

FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Motion to waive the reading of and approval to receive and file the City Council's minutes from the March 5, 2025 regular meeting.

SUSANVILLE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ATTACHMENTS:
250305.cc.min.draft.pdf
3 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.
4 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. 5 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. 6 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
7 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. 8 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:
9 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6.B
Action Item
Submitted By: Stefanie Steward, Finance
Action Date: March 19, 2025
SUBJECT: Vendor and payroll warrants
PRESENTED BY: Chandra Jabbs, Finance Director
SUMMARY: Warrants dated February 20, 2025 through March 5, 2025 numbered 223560-223626.

FISCAL IMPACT: Accounts payable vendor warrants totaling:$645,890.81 plus $245,936.15 in payroll warrants, for a total of $891,826.96.

ACTION REQUESTED: Motion to receive and file

SUSANVILLE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ATTACHMENTS:
02-20-2025.pdf
02-27-2025.pdf
02-28-2025.pdf
10 11
12 13
14 15
16 17
18 19
20 21
22 23
24 25
26 27
28 AGENDA ITEM NO. 9.A
Action Item
Submitted By: Jolene Arredondo, Administrative Services Action Date: March 19, 2025
SUBJECT: Consider co-sponsorship of the 35th Annual Junior Fishing Derby to be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025
PRESENTED BY: Dan Newton, City Manager
SUMMARY:

The Lassen Sportsmen’s Club is hosting the 36th Annual Junior Fishing Derby at Memorial Park and on the Susan River on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The event draws around 500 children/youth ages 2 to 15 each year.

The Lassen Sportsmen’s Club is requesting the City of Susanville cosponsorship for the Junior Fishing Derby. As part of that sponsorship, Lassen Sportsmen's Club is requesting:

Use of civic contribution in the amount of $2,000 for the purchase of fish (23/24 FY and 24/25 FY contribution)
Insurance coverage for the event
Use of Memorial Park and Bandstand for event - fee waived Usage of Power Panel - fee waived
Printing of the Derby entry forms
FISCAL IMPACT: $212 unearned revenue (waived fees), event insurance of $350, expenditure of $2,000 of civic contribution funds, and estimated $250 for cost of printing entry forms
ACTION REQUESTED: Motion to approve co-sponsorship of the 35th Annual Junior Fishing Derby to be held on May 17, 2025 at Memorial Park; waive power panel and park rental fee; provide insurance for the event; and expend $2,000 civic contribution to Lassen Sportsmen's Club for the purchase of fish.

SUSANVILLE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ATTACHMENTS:
2025 Fishing Derby.pdf
29 .,....-.---:.
/
J°R«/~f Lassen Sportsmens Club
ALM2Sv!tJ/}tc~tb J..- 259 Maple Street • Susanville, CA 96130 assen portsmen s u
{7
January 25, 2025
Susanville City Council
Attn: Dan Newton, City Administrator
66 N Lassen Street
Susanville, CA 96130
Dear Mr. Newton:

The Lassen Sportsmens Club will be holding its 36
th Annual Junior Fishing Derby on Saturday,
May 17, 2025 at Memorial Park and on the Susan River. The derby is the only one sanctioned by the California Fish & Wildlife Department to operate outside the normal fishing season.

We would like to again invite you and the County of Lassen to officially co-sponsor this event, along with the S.I.R. Tribal Business Council. As part of that sponsorship, we would request the following items be provided from the City:
• Donation of $1,000 for the purchase of fish
• Insurance coverage for the event
• Use of Memorial Park and Bandstand for event-fee waived • Usage of Power panel - fee waived
• Printing of the Derby entry forms
Our event budget is $8,500, with the purchase of approximately one thousand pounds of fish accounting for $7,000 of that amount.

The past few years we have averaged around 500 youngsters, ages 2 to 15, which participate in this event. Over the past 30+ years we have had more than 16,000 young people locally and from Northern California develop the love of fishing. We are starting to see the grand children of some of our earliest participants now taking part in the Junior Fishing Derby.

For tax purposes, the Taxpayer ID Number (TIN) for the club is 81-1970187. The Lassen Sportsmens Club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

If you have any further questions, please contact our club president, Wade Workman at (530) 310- 0151 or the club treasurer, Carla Dieter at (530) 251-6240.

Thank you for the long term support the city has given this event over the past 36 years and for your consideration.

Sincerely,
1/ut
WADE W
lf
OR
~
KMAN, President
Lassen Sportsmens Club
30 AGENDA ITEM NO. 9.B
Discussion Item
Submitted By: Dan Newton, Administrative Services
Action Date: March 19, 2025
SUBJECT: Discussion regarding Citywide Strategic Planning PRESENTED BY: Dan Newton, City Manager
SUMMARY:

On January 15, 2024, City staff introduced a strategic planning approach that will provide a solid foundation for implementation.

Council directed staff to develop a new mission statement for consideration that accomplishes two things:

1. The mission statement should express the identity and purpose of our organization.

2. The mission statement should convey the message as to why we exist.

Staff will provide an update on the mission statement development at the meeting for discussion.

Background:

Strategic planning is a way to help an organization succeed by making sure plans, resources, and results match what the community needs. The City of Susanville offers many services, from public safety to parks and recreation, but sometimes it tries to do more than it has the resources to handle. This is why it is important to decide what is most necessary and focus on that.

Planning starts with figuring out what services the City should provide and creating a mission and vision. The mission explains what the City stands for, and the vision describes its hopes for the future. The statements help the City Council and staff set clear goals and make decisions. A good strategic plan ensures that projects are chosen because they fit these goals and can be done well with the resources available.

SUSANVILLE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
31 Warren Buffet once said, “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” A strong plan helps City leaders know when to say yes to an idea and when to say no, so they can focus on what matters most.

Good strategic planning helps leaders make better decisions, use resources wisely, stay accountable, and create positive results for the community. Input from residents will help ensure the creation of strong mission and vision statements and set clear goals.

By using a clear strategic planning process, the City of Susanville can manage its services better, reach its goals, and improve life for residents and visitors.

Staff is proposing to start the strategic planning process by discussing the City's mission statement, explaining its importance and purpose, and sharing examples from other cities. The City Council's input will guide staff as they develop draft mission and vision statements to present for Council consideration. Once the mission and vision statements are established, the City will begin setting goals and objectives. This will likely involve multiple drafts and revisions. While the process may be clunky and require discussions at multiple meetings, it will allow for growth and help refine our goals and objectives.

Toward the end of the process, we may identify a need to bring in a consultant to evaluate our resource capacity for project implementation. This information will be critical for the City to establish its priorities and select projects to implement.

FISCAL IMPACT: None at this time.

ACTION REQUESTED: Provide direction to staff
ATTACHMENTS:
32 AGENDA ITEM NO. 9.C
Discussion Item
Submitted By: Dan Newton, Administrative Services
Action Date: March 19, 2025
SUBJECT: Consider Planning Commission Moratorium
PRESENTED BY: Margaret Long, City Attorney
SUMMARY:

Pursuant to Government Code section 65100, “The legislative body of each city and county shall by ordinance assign the functions of the planning agency to a planning department, one or more planning commissions, administrative bodies or hearing officers, the legislative body itself, or any combination thereof, as it deems appropriate and necessary. In the absence of an assignment, the legislative body shall carry out all the functions of the planning agency.”
In Susanville, the Planning Commission has been established by ordinance to be five members and two alternates who are residents and registered voters of the City. SMC 2.36.020-030. These positions are filled by a majority vote of the Council, and are compensated a salary of $75 per month.

The functions of the Planning Commission are established by state law and include:

1. Prepare, periodically review, and revise as necessary, the general plan;

2. Implement the general plan through actions including, but not limited to, the administration of specific plans and zoning and subdivision ordinances;

3. Annually review the capital improvement program of the city and the local public works projects of other local agencies for their consistency with the general plan, pursuant to Government Code section 65400 et seq.;

4. Endeavor to promote public interest in, comment on, and understanding of, the general plan, and regulations relating to it;

SUSANVILLE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
33 5. Consult and advise with public officials and agencies, public utility companies, civic, educational, professional, and other organizations generally concerning implementation of the general plan;

6. Promote the coordination of local plans and programs with the plans and programs of other public agencies;

7. Perform all functions of a board of zoning adjustment that have not been otherwise delegated to the zoning administrator in the city zoning ordinance;

8. Perform other functions as the legislative body provides from time to time, including conducting studies and preparing plans other than those required or authorized by this title;

9. Develop and publish procedural rules for conduct at hearings, pursuant to Government Code Section 65804.

The question before Council to discuss, is whether the Council wants to continue to have a separate group of citizens sit as the Planning Commission or if they want to allow City Council to sit as the Planning Commission.

Pros for having a separate Planning Commission:

Dedicated Expertise and Focus: A separate commission allows for a dedicated focus on planning and development issues, potentially leading to more in-depth analysis and informed decisions.

Community Input and Representation: Planning commissions can serve as a platform for community input and representation, ensuring that the needs and concerns of residents are
considered in development decisions.

Long-Term Vision: A separate commission can help develop a long-term vision for the community, ensuring that development aligns with the overall goals and needs of the area.

Independent Review: The commission can provide an
independent review of development proposals, ensuring that they meet the standards and policies of the community.

Specialized Knowledge: Commission members can bring
specialized knowledge and skills to the planning process, such as expertise in urban design, environmental planning, or transportation planning.

Citizen Involvement: Serving on a planning commission allows citizens to contribute to the future vision and direction of their community, fostering civic engagement.
34 Cons:

Potential for Conflict: A separate commission can lead to potential conflicts with the main governing body, especially if the commission's recommendations are not aligned with the governing body's priorities.

Increased Complexity: Having a separate commission can add complexity to the decision-making process, potentially leading to delays and inefficiencies.

Duplication of Effort: There is a risk of duplication of effort between the planning commission and the main governing
body, if their roles and responsibilities are not clearly defined.

Lack of Accountability: Some argue that planning commissions can be less accountable to the public than the main governing body, as they are not directly elected.

Time Commitment: Serving on a planning commission can be a significant time commitment, which can be a barrier for some potential members and make the positions hard to fill.

FISCAL IMPACT: $375/month, $4,500 annually
ACTION REQUESTED: Direction to staff
ATTACHMENTS:
35 AGENDA ITEM NO. 13.A
Discussion Item
Submitted By: Heidi Whitlock, City Clerk
Action Date: March 19, 2025
SUBJECT: Department Reports
PRESENTED BY: Dan Newton, City Manager
SUMMARY: The City Manager's Report is designed for Department Heads to address the Council on a variety of topics, is needed. Also, for the Council to address any questions or comments regarding that Department Head.

FISCAL IMPACT: None.

ACTION REQUESTED: Information only.

SUSANVILLE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ATTACHMENTS:
36 AGENDA ITEM NO. 14.A
Discussion Item
Submitted By: Heidi Whitlock, City Clerk
Action Date: March 19, 2025
SUBJECT: Future Council Items
PRESENTED BY: Dan Newton, City Manager
SUMMARY: Council may provide direction to staff to bring back items for discussion or action at a future meeting.

FISCAL IMPACT: None.

ACTION REQUESTED: Possible direction to staff.

SUSANVILLE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ATTACHMENTS:
250319.Future.Items.List.pdf
37 7/16/2024
Consider doing away with the Planning Commission and have the planning department handle the duties - IN PROGRESS
1/15/2025 Consider creation of advisory committee to assist with economic development efforts. 2/19/2025
Consider an upgrade to the city's livestreaming software/hardware and possible partnerships with other agencies.
3/5/2025 Request to allow a conex box to be placed at Riverside Park for team equipment 2/19/2025
Request to add three additional positions to the Public Works Department as well as a list of vacancies within that department
2/19/2025
Request to provide a report on the status of Susanville's fire hydrants due to the recent fires in Southern CA.
3/5/2025 Request to bring back discussion item regarding council chamber sound system LAST THREE MONTHS (12/19/2024 to current)

BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR
Council requested - FUTURE COUNCIL ITEMS
Completed List Items
38

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