SUSANVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025 – 4:30 PM
Mayor Schuster called the meeting to order at 4:30pm.
Roll Call of Councilmembers Present: Mendy Schuster, Russ Brown, Curtis Bortle, Patrick Parrish, Dawn Miller
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Moved by Dawn Miller; seconded by Russ Brown to approve.
Motion Carried: 5 - 0
Voting For: Mendy Schuster, Russ Brown, Curtis Bortle, Patrick Parrish, Dawn Miller Voting Against: None
2. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: No public comment.
3. CLOSED SESSION:
The City Council convened in closed session at 4:30pm to discuss the following:
A. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT – pursuant to Government Code §54957:
1. Public Works Director
2. Public Safety Chief
3. City Manager - Evaluation
B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - pursuant to Government Code Section §54957.6
1. Agency Negotiator: Dan Newton, City Manager
Bargaining Unit(s):
Miscellaneous
Department Head:
City Clerk
4. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION:
The Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation were provided.
Dan Newton, City Manager, stated that prior to convening in closed session the Council approved the agenda as presented. He continued that they then met in closed session to discuss the above-mentioned items where direction was provided to staff but no reportable action was taken.
5. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR:
Theresa Phillips, LMUD, provided an update on the current power outage, including the ongoing plan, and thanked public safety for their recent assistance.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Moved by Dawn Miller, seconded by Curtis Bortle to approve.
Motion Carried: 5 - 0
Voting For: Mendy Schuster, Russ Brown, Curtis Bortle, Patrick Parrish, Dawn Miller Voting Against: None
6.A Minutes of the City Council October 15, 2025, regular and special meetings Motion to waive the reading of and approval to receive and file the minutes of the City Council October 15, 2025, regular meeting.
6.B Vendor and Payroll Warrants
Motion to Receive and File
6.C Consider Resolution No. 25-6486 adopting corrected Exhibit A to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Susanville Police Officer Association for July 1, 2025 through and including June 30, 2027
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: No business.
8. COUNCIL DISCUSSION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council Member Bortle provided the Land Acknowledgment Statement.
9. NEW BUSINESS:
9.A Discussion regarding Economic Development Strategic Plan Mr. Newton provided an explanation of the item, presented Miriam Valdez of Beacon Economics to provide additional information, and requested Council discussion.
Mayor Schuster stated that she liked the plan, and she believes that it would be useful.
She suggested the front page should state Gateway to Mount Lassen and not Gateway to Shasta.
Council Member Bortle stated that he also liked the plan and that it addresses the outdoor activities available in our area. He stated that it is referenced often therefore it’s obviously a significant asset to Susanville.
9.BConsider Resolution No. 25-6487, authorizing the Finance Director to increase the FY 2025-2026 7301 Geothermal Fund Budget by $3,400
Erik Edholm, Assistant Director of Engineering, provided an explanation of the item and requested Council approval of Resolution No. 25-6487.
Moved by Russ Brown, seconded by Curtis Bortle to approve.
Motion Carried: 5- 0
Voting For: Mendy Schuster, Russ Brown, Curtis Bortle, Patrick Parrish, Dawn Miller Voting Against: None
9.C Consider Resolution No. 25-6488, supporting the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot and authorizing the closure of Riverside Drive from Alexander Avenue to Fairfield Street on Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 7:30AM to 10:00AM
Dan Newton, City Manager, provided an explanation of the item and requested Council approval of Resolution No. 25-6488.
Moved by Russ Brown, seconded by Dawn Miller to approve.
Motion Carried: 4-1
Voting For: Mendy Schuster, Russ Brown, Curtis Bortle, Dawn Miller Voting Against: Patrick Parrish
9.D Consider Resolution No. 25-6489, approving Employment Agreement with Heidi Whitlock, City Clerk
Mr. Newton provided an explanation of the item and requested Council approval of Resolution No. 25-6489.
Moved by Patrick Parrish; seconded by Russ Brown to approve.
Motion Carried: 5-0
Voting For: Mendy Schuster, Russ Brown, Curtis Bortle, Patrick Parrish, Dawn Miller 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. 25-1049, amending section 2.04.070 of the City of Susanville Municipal Code related to the order of business.
Heidi Whitlock, City Clerk, provided an explanation of the item and requested waiving the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 25-1049.
Moved by Curtis Bortle, seconded by Russ Brown to approve.
Motion Carried: 5 - 0
Voting For: Mendy Schuster, Russ Brown, Patrick Parrish, Dawn Miller Voting Against: None
12.B Discussion regarding Memorial Ball Park Grandstand Fire Emergency operations Review emergency actions taken to safeguard the public and determine if it is necessary to continue the emergency action. Motion to authorize continuation of emergency action to remediate fire damage at the Memorial Ball Park.
Mr. Newton provided an explanation of the item and requested Council approval to continue with the emergency item.
Moved by Curtis Bortle; seconded by Russ Brown to approve.
Motion Carried: 5 - 0
Voting For: Mendy Schuster, Russ Brown, Patrick Parrish, Dawn Miller Voting Against: None
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS: No business.
14. FUTURE COUNCIL ITEMS:
14.A Future Council Items
Council Member Brown requested that an item be brought forward regarding the upgrading of the City Council Chambers. Item had support and will be brought back.
15. ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Russ Brown; seconded by Curtis Bortle to adjourn at 6:13pm.
Motion: 5 - 0
Voting For: Mendy Schuster, Russ Brown, Curtis Bortle, Patrick Parrish, Dawn Miller Voting Against: None
_____________________________ __________________________________ Heidi Whitlock, City Clerk Mendy Schuster, Mayor
Approved on: November 19, 2025