MINUTES
Regular Meeting
TULELAKE CITY COUNCIL
June 16, 2026 - 5:30PM
Mayor Cordonier made an amendment to add Adkins Street Improvement.
Mayor Tom Cordonier called the meeting to order at 5:34PM. Mayor Pro Tem, Penny Velador and Council Members, Margie Cordonier, Patricia Taylor and Teresa Williams were present. Also in attendance were Chief Resilience Officer, Jenny Coelho; Director of Public Works, Jose Perez; City Hall Administrator, Aissa Martinez; City Clerk, Anna Perez; Library Branch Manager, Kailee Wood; Chief of Police, Tom Hoy, and Assistant City Admin, Christian Marquez. Finance Director, Whitney Cantrell and City Treasurer, Sara Luscombe, were absent.
APPROVAL OF MAY 26, 2026, SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Mayor Pro Tem Velador made a motion for the approval of May 26, 2026, special meeting minutes. Council Member Cordonier seconded the motion. All votes were aye. Motion carried. (Motion 26-91) APPROVAL OF JUNE 2, 2026, REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Council Member Cordonier made a motion for the approval of June 2, 2026, regular meeting minutes. Council Member Taylor seconded the motion. Four votes were aye and one abstained. Motion carried. (Motion 26-92)
APPROVAL OF THE PAYMENT OF BILLS
Mayor Pro Tem Velador asked whether there is a way to include descriptions, so it is clear which expenses belong to Public Works, and which belong to the Police Department or City Hall. City Hall Administrative Clerk Anna responded that all Bank of America credit card bills are consistently assigned to the Police Department, while all Capital One credit card bill is allocated to City Hall and Public Works. Velador replied that they didn't know that but now they do. Mayor Pro Tem Velador made a motion to approve to approve paying the bills as presented. Mayor Cordonier seconded the motion. All votes were aye. Motion carried. (Motion 26-93)
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Kathy, the owner of Don's Deli in Newell, CA, came forward to express concerns regarding a fundraising event held by Brant's Burgers. She stated that the event negatively impacted local businesses, including Don's Deli Market, and questioned why Officer Mauk was hosting a fundraising event that she felt did not benefit the local community, noting that the funds were directed toward Malin rather than Tulelake.
Chief of Police Hoy responded, stating that Officer Mauk did not intend for the event to become as large as it did.
He further indicated that the event will not be held again until proper permits are obtained.
PUBLIC HEARING PURSUANT TO PROPOSITION 218 TO RECEIVE AND TABULATE WRITTEN PROTESTS, CONSIDER WRITTEN OBJECTIONS UNDER AB2257 AND CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSED FIVE-YEAR RATE SCHEDULES FOR SOLID WASTE, WATER AND WASTEWATER ENTERPRISE FUNDS (FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 THROUGH 2030-31).
Mayor Cordonier asked Cameron Weist to explain Proposition 218 to the community members in attendance. Mr.
Weist provided an overview of Proposition 218 and explained the reasons for the proposed rate increases. The Public Works Director stated that licensing and state fees alone cost approximately $35,000 annually. He further explained that, due to rising costs and inflation, the City cannot sustainably operate under the current rate structure. Mayor Cordonier made a motion to close the public hearing to proposition 218 to receive and tabulate written protests, consider written objections under AB2257 and consider adoption of the proposed five-year rate schedules for solid waste, was and wastewater enterprise fun fiscal year 2026-27 through 2030-31. Council Member Taylor seconded the motion. All votes were aye. Motion carried. (Motion 26-94) APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 2026-09, "RESOLUTION OF THE CIY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TULELAKE DECLARING THE RESULTS OF THE PROPOSITION 218 MAJORITY PROTEST PROCEEDING FOR THE PROPOSED FIVE-YEAR SOLID WASTE, WATER AND WASTEWATER RATE SCHEDULES; MAKING FINDINGS PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION ARTICLE XIII D, SECTION 6 AND GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 53750 THROUGH 53759.2; AND ADOPTING A NEW UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE."
Mayor Cordonier made a motion to approve resolution 2026-09, "Resolution of the City Council of the City of Tulelake declaring the results of the proposition 218 majority protest proceeding for the proposed five-year solid waste, water and wastewater rate scheduled; making finding pursuant to California Constitution article XIII D, Section 6 and government code sections 53750 through 53759.2; and adopting a new utility rate schedule." Council Member Taylor seconded the motion. Four votes were aye and one nay. Motion carried. (Motion 26-95)
DISCUSSION ABOUT OUT OF STATE LICENSE PLATES
Chief of Police is willing to take out of state license plates left to right. They will get to it. He also mentioned that it will be an uphill battle. Officer Ross said he will keep a spread sheet to keep track of who they cited. Discussion Only.
Minutes of June 16, 2026
DISCUSSION AND UPDATE REGARDING BUILDING INSPECTOR'S REDUCED HOURS OF SERVICE TO THE CITY Mayor Cordonier discussed that the Building Inspector wants to save the City money and will be cutting back on his time. Mayor Cordonier made the motion to approve the Building Inspectors reduced hours at the City of Tulelake. Mayor Pro Tem Velador seconded the motion. All votes were aye. Motion carried. (Motion26-96) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL TO SUPPORT MALIN COMMUNITY SERVICE CLUB FOR THE 2026 FOURTH
OF JULY FIREWORKS AND MALIN PARK CAR SHOW
City Hall Administrator Aissa stated that the City of Tulelake has traditionally supported the City of Malin by contributing $2,000 toward the Fourth of July fireworks display and $500 toward the car show. Mayor Pro Tem Velador made a motion to approve financial support for the Malin Community Service Club for the 2026 Fourth of July fireworks display and the Malin Park Show. Council Member Cordonier seconded the motion. Four votes were aye and one nay. Motion carried. (Motion 26-97)
REVIEW POSSIBLE APPROVAL FOR LOW POWER FM RADIO STATION TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT, TOWER,
ANTENNA AND INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
Chief Resilience Officer Jenny explained that the only costs to the City for the FM radio station would be the construction of a 4-by-4-foot concrete pad and the cost of an inspection by a qualified inspector. She stated that the radio station is needed to provide a reliable communication signal during emergencies when residents lose phone or internet service. Council Member Cordonier made the motion to get more information and bring back the cost to council. Mayor Pro Tem Velador seconded the motion. Motion carried. All votes were aye. Motion carried. (Motion 26-98)
REVIEW OF DRAFT NON-PROFIT BYLAWS FOR TULELAKE CULTURAL VISITOR CENTER Chief Resilience Officer Jenny provided an update regarding a nonprofit grant opportunity. She stated that she is seeking suggestions and input to assist with the grant application process. She also informed the Council that the application period opens on July 2. Discussion only; no action was taken.
REVIEW QUOTE FOR 250 YEAR BANNER
Chief Resilience Officer Jenny reported that she contacted Lana Hickey regarding the cost of a banner. Ms. Hickey provided a flyer outlining the available options and pricing, which vary depending on the material selected and its expected durability. The Council discussed purchasing a banner and agreed not to include the "250 Years" designation so that the banner could be reused for future events. Council Member Cordonier made a motion to purchase a heavy-duty vinyl banner to ensure long-term durability. Council Member Taylor seconded the motion.
Motion carried. (Motion 26-99)
Chief of Police: Tom Hoy, reported that the past few weeks have been busy. He stated that advertising his scholarship program on social media was successful, encouraging more people from the Basin to donate funds to support graduating students from Tulelake High School. As a way of giving back to the community, he awarded two scholarships of $1,200 each and three scholarships of $1,000 each. Chief Hoy noted that, among all the applicants, Anthony stood out the most. He also reported assisting both Modoc County and Siskiyou County, where he helped place eight individuals into custody. Additionally, Chief Hoy said there have been ongoing challenges regarding contracts with Bonanza and Merrill for patrol assistance services.
Chief Resilience Officer: Jenny Coelho stated that the tree cleanup work has been completed. The branches and tree debris were placed on City property, and there are also some junk and trash located on City property that may need to be removed.
City Hall Administrator: Not present for comments.
Director of Public Works: Not present for comments.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Cordonier made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:55PM. Council Member Cordonier seconded the motion. All votes were aye. Motion carried. (Motion 26-100) om Cordoni
Tom Cordonier, Mayor
Attest:
ena oren:
Anna Perez, City Clerk
Minutes of June 16, 2026