CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
THIS MEETING WAS CONDUCTED IN-PERSON AT 33 CHURCH STREET, THE PUBLIC WAS ABLE TO VIEW FROM HOME:
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1. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9:
(One potential case)
2. CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM FOR REGULAR MEETING Council members present:
Feist, Sierk, Swift and Gunselman
Vicky Runquist, City Treasurer
Absent: Riordan
Staff Present:
Sandra Spelliscy, Interim City Manager
Karen Darrow, City Clerk
Derek Cole, City Attorney
Jim O’Connell, Police Chief
Mason Peters, Finance Supervisor
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
4. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Gunselman reported that there was no reportable action.
5. PUBLIC FORUM
Helen Bierce of Sutter Creek suggested that the city implement a fire warning siren. She noted that she had made the same suggestion several years ago and would like the Council to consider it again.
Council member Swift noted that he will bring it up at the next Fire District meeting because he believes they still have the old siren that was used in the past.
Al Bierce of Sutter Creek thanked the Council for providing funding for the Visitor Center.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
City Council Minutes of City Council Minutes of September 5, 2023 Recommendation: By motion approve minutes as presented.
M/S Council member Swift/Gunselman to approve the City Council Minutes of September 5, 2023, as presented.
AYES: Feist, Sierk, Swift and Gunselman
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Riordan
MOTION CARRIED
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Outside Agency Appointment
B. Adopt Resolution 23-24-08 Appointing members to the Design Review Committee C. Extension of Interim City Manager Contract
M/S Council member Swift/Sierk to Consent Items 7A & 7B, as presented.
AYES: Feist, Sierk, Swift and Gunselman
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Riordan
MOTION CARRIED
M/S Council member Sierk/Swift to Consent Items 7C as presented.
AYES: Feist, Sierk, Swift and Gunselman
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Riordan
MOTION CARRIED
8. ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARING
Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) (SCH #2023080086) for the Zoning Ordinance Amendment, Zoning Map Amendment and Circulation Element Update General Plan Circulation Element
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment
1. Conduct a public hearing to receive public input;
2. Adopt Resolution 23-24-09 Certifying the Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) (SCH #2023080086) for the Zoning Ordinance Amendment, Zoning Map Amendment and Circulation Element Update; and
3. Adopt Resolution 23-24-10 Adopting the 2023 Circulation Element of the Sutter Creek General Plan.
4. Adopt an Ordinance, by title only, amending Title 18, Zoning Ordinance, of the Sutter Creek Code of Ordinances (first reading).
Erin Ventura, Planning Consultant presented and outlined the process.
Mayor Gunselman opened the public hearing at 7:37 p.m. there was no comment and the public hearing was closed.
M/S Council member Sierk/Swift to Adopt Resolution 23-24-09 Certifying the Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) (SCH #2023080086) for the Zoning Ordinance Amendment, Zoning Map Amendment and Circulation Element Update.
AYES: Feist, Sierk, Swift and Gunselman
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Riordan
MOTION CARRIED
M/S Council member Sierk/Swift to Adopt Resolution 23-24-10 Adopting the 2023 Circulation Element of the Sutter Creek General Plan.
AYES: Feist, Sierk, Swift and Gunselman
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Riordan
MOTION CARRIED
M/S Council member Swift/Feist to Adopt an Ordinance, by title only, amending Title 18, Zoning Ordinance, of the Sutter Creek Code of Ordinances.
AYES: Feist, Sierk, Swift and Gunselman
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Riordan
MOTION CARRIED
9. ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
A. Greenstone Terrace no parking zone- for discussion and staff direction.
Council member Swift stepped down due to a conflict.
City Engineer Matt Ospital presented a recommendation as outlined in the staff report.
M/S Council member Sierk/Feist to Direct staff to take steps to install no parking signs along the section of Greenstone Terrace from Church Street to Frakes Street, and to update the city’s parking map.
AYES: Feist, Sierk and Gunselman
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Swift
ABSENT: Riordan
MOTION CARRIED
B. Sutter Creek-ACRA pool contract- for discussion and staff direction This item was brought up by Council member Sierk.
Council member Sierk noted concern that the pool expenses absorbed by the city are for ACRA uses only and that the pool may price the city out unless ACRA step up but she noted that the City will have to initiate the conversation.
Council member Sierk noted that she has brought this up to the ACRA Board several times.
Interim City Manager Spelliscy recommended that the City renegotiate before signing the next pool contract.
The Council directed staff to request a negation with ACRA before signing the next pool contract.
10. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mayor Gunselman reported that she attended the School Site Council meeting with Fire Chief Moreno and Police Chief O’Connell where they reviewed the districts emergency plan.
Council member Sierk reported that the Bike/Ped committee will meet again in October to talk about the information that was collected at the last meeting. She noted that she has possible access to three free bike racks that can be used throughout town to help enable bicyclists to stay in town longer. She also noted that the marketing committee met to discuss seasonal décor with the business owners.
Council member Swift noted that there is an ARSA meeting and Ad Hoc Special Event meeting and a Fire District meeting tomorrow.
Council member Feist noted that the city controls the website and social media pages and the SCBPA is not happy with it and wants to be able to have their events posted.
Mayor Gunselman suggested scheduling another marketing committee and agendize social media to discuss it.
11. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Interim City Manager Spelliscy noted that they are working on the drainage issues at 310 Gopher Flat Rd.
The city has received notice that the two FEMA projects -- the armor wall at the sewer plant and the debris behind the flushing dam -- have been identified as projects that possibly need environmental permits. Still trying to move forward and stay eligible for reimbursement.
She also noted that they are moving forward with the crosswalk painting.
Interim City Manager Spelliscy noted that a Closed Session meeting for City Manager finalist interviews will be held on September 27th from 5pm-9pm. She also noted that the October 2nd meeting will be cancelled with the next meeting being held on October 16th and a Special meeting on the 30th from 3pm-5pm.
12. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT- None.
13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Council member Feist requested:
Heritage Oaks
Polystyrene Ordinance
Social Media- suggest hiring a professional social media manager.
14. INFORMATION/CORRESPONDENCE
A. Monthly Police Report
B. Monthly Public Works Report
C. Monthly Building Report
D. Treasurer’s Report
E. Monthly Administrative Services Report
F. Monthly Finance Department Report
G. Warrants- Sept 5th & 18th, 2023
H. Monthly Engineer’s Report
I. Monthly Planning Report
J. Public Communications
Mayor Gunselman noted that the water fountain at the park is not working.
So noted.
15. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
_________________________________
Claire Gunselman, Mayor
___________________________________
Karen Darrow, City Clerk
Date Approved: September 27, 2023