CITY OF 111 E. COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA 95490
(707) 459-4601 TEL
WILLIS (707) 459-1562 FAX
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2022
Mayor Rodriguez called a regular meeting of the City Council to order at 6:33 p.m., via teleconference/video conference. The meeting was preceded by the pledge to the flag.
Roll Call: Councilmembers Madge Strong, Gerardo Gonzalez, Larry Stranske loined at 6:40pm), Greta Kanne, and Mayor Saprina Rodriguez were present.
Also present were staff members: Brian Bender City Manager; Jim Lance, City Attorney; Dusty Duley, Community Development Director; Scott Herman, Utilities Superintendent; Kenan O'Shea, Public Works Superintendent; Karen Stevenson, Human Resources Manager; Cathy Moorhead, Deputy City Manager | City Clerk; and Contract City Engineer, Rod Wilburn.
Due to the provisions of the Governor's new Executive Order N-15-21 (Assembly Bill 361) which continues to suspend certain requirements of the Brown Act, and the Order of the Health Officer of the County of Mendocino to continue to impose/recommend measures to promote social distancing to minimize the spread of COVID- 19, the City Council will be participating by tele/video conferencing
2. Public Communications
• Katherine Lovere expressed her concerns regarding gatherings at Babcock Park. She informed the City Council that the groups gather on Friday afternoon at the height of rush hour, which distracts drivers, and feels is very dangerous. Ms. Lovere has contacted the Police Department, but groups are still gathering in the Park. Police Chief Lizarraga commented that he would look into this matter further, but what they have observed has not been an issue for the department. Further, commenting this is a public park and groups have the right to gather, but the department will monitor it a little more closely.
3. Public Matters
a. PUBLIC HEARING - Discussion and Possible action approving a Resolution to adopt an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Plan for the City of Willits Groundwater Resiliency Improvements Project and approve said project.
Presenting staff member: Contract City Engineer Wilburn.
City Engineer Wilburn introduced the topic and used a PowerPoint presentation to highlight revisions to proposal since the City Council last reviewed the proposal at their November 10, 2021 meeting. After nearly two-hours of discussion that included staff explaining the project's intent to supplement the City's existing water production capacity, comments from Andrew Ramos relating to the legal provisions of the Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, Mayor Rodriguez opened the Public Hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:13PM
Public Comments: Members of the public commented on the plan specifics. City staff answered questions put forward by the City Council and the public.
PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED 7:30 PM
After further discussion by the City Council, City staff offered to compose an Operations Plan (or a policy statement) describing how the Groundwater Facility will be utilized to supplement the City's water supply. The proposed Operations Plan will contain provisions limiting groundwater production to so many gallons per month and restricting usage to system maintenance and emergency events. Staff intends to prepare the Operations Plan and present it to the Council at an upcoming meeting. The Council members did express support for the project however, they want to have reassurance that the Facility does not extract more groundwater than necessary. (2^° Motion)
Upon completion of further discussion, Councilmember Gonzalez and Mayor Rodriguez withdrew their motions and the City Council agreed to take no action on this agenda item.
(1s' Motion)
Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Rodriguez to approve the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and approve said project. Adding an Operational Use Plan to put in place and brought back to the City Council.
4. Enactment of Ordinances
None presented.
Consent Calendar
The following items) are recommended for approval or denial, as follows:
a. City Council Minutes:
i. January 26. 2022
b. Resolution (No. 2022-11) ratifying and extending for an additional 30-days, approval of continuing Virtual City Council, Commission, and Committee meetings pursuant to AB Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Strong/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to approve Consent Calendar item(s) (a&b).
Monthly Activity Reports
Matters that do not require action by the City Council but are of public interest. a. Business License Activity for January 2022.
Commissions, Agencies and Authorities
None presented
City Manager Reports and Recommendations
a. Adopt a Resolution declaring six vehicles and equipment at the Wastewater Facility as Surplus Property.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Strong/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution (No. 2022-12) to allow the city to surplus these vehicles and equipment.
Willits City Council Minutes of February 9, 2022 Page 2 of 4 b. Verbal Reports - No Action Verbal Reports.
• Update from Dr. Coren regarding COVID-19 - Masking up is due to end statewide on February 15th, but Mendocino County is being asked to continue wearing them for several more weeks, looking at possibly March 15'
• City Manager Bender reported attending the League of California Cities, City Manager Conference.
Public Comment: None presented.
Department Recommendations (Action Items)
a. Adopt Resolution accepting the Construction Completion of the Willits Airport Runway Rehabilitation Project, (Project No. 2020-03), and authorizing the filing of the Notice of Completion.
Presenting staff member: Community Development Director Duley Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Strong/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution (No. 2022-13) accepting construction of the Willits Airport Runway Rehabilitation Project, (Project No. 2020-03), and authorize the City Manager to file the Notice of Completion.
b. Adopt Resolution accepting the Construction Completion of the California-Penn Water Main Replacement Project, (Project No. 2021-01), and authorizing the filing of the Notice of Completion.
Presenting staff member: Project Manager Ronco.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Strong/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution (No. 2022-14) accepting construction of the California-Penn Water Main Replacement Project, (Project No. 2021-01), and authorizing the City Manager to file a Notice of Completion.
10. Department Monthly Reports (presented at the second meeting of each month None presented.
11. City Council Announcements, Communications and Reports - Vice Mayor Kanne reported: Finance Committee met on February 8"h to discuss the current budget and how our new Finance Manager is getting the finance department in order and is also working with the auditors to get the city's audits up to date. • Councilmember Gonzalez reported: Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) met on Monday, February 7' to appoint members to the committee; Councilmember Gonzalez will now serve as an alternate.
• Councilmember Strong reported: Sonoma Clean Power met and discussed how gas prices are on the rise, and electricity cost will be going down; discussed the new changes with rooftop solar projects; and may be looking into raising rates.
Economic Development and Financing Corporation (EDFC) - will be holding its regularly scheduled meeting on February 10, 2022
Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority (MSWMA) - will be holding its regularly scheduled meeting February 17, 2022.
Willits City Council Minutes of February 9, 2022 Page 3 of 4 Public Comment: None presented.
No action taken.
12. Good & Welfare
• Members of the City Council commented on attending the birthday parade for Edie Ceccarelli; was a true honor to be a part of her 114 Birthday. • Councilmember Gonzalez informed the community of the upcoming Willits Sober Grad Pulled Pork Luncheon, tickets can be purchased from Cat's Meow and Scoops Deli. • Councilmember Strong mentioned last week's Town Hall meeting with Supervisor John Haschak - hosted by WELL.
AJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 8:54 PM
13. Closed Session Notice
a. Pursuant to Government Code §54957 - Public Employee (Annual) Performance Evaluation - City Manager.
Council reconvened to open session at 9:55 p.m., reporting out the following action from Closed Session:
The City Council with a full vote of confidence unanimously agreed to extend City Manager Benders employment contract for an additional three years, for a total of six years of service.
14. Adjournment
Mayor Rodriguez declared the meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m. oche
ATTEST:
The faul
CATHY MOORHEAD
Deputy City Manager/City Clerk
Willis City Council Minutes of February 9, 2022 Page 4 of 4