CITY
111 E. COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA 95490
(707) 459-4601 TEL
MILLITS (707) 459-1562 FAX
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022
Mayor Rodriguez called a regular meeting of the City Council to order at 6:30 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, 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 Superintend; Karen Stevenson, Human Resources Manager; Cathy Moorhead, Assistant City Manager; Manuel Orozco, Finance Director; Delores Pedersen, City Clerk and Rod Wilburn; Contract City Engineer.
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
City Attorney Jim Lance and Council Member Gonzalez remembered Ross Walker.
Observed a moment of silence for the passing of former City Manager Ross Walker.
3. Public Matters
a. Presentation by Summit Mendocino County - Resource Fair.
Kate Gaston Summit Mendocino County introduced Helen Falandes, Program Manager at Manzanita Services Willits Wellness Center. Helen gave a presentation of what Manzanita Services is. Kate spoke about Summit Mendocino County's upcoming Resource Fair.
b. Presentation of a Proclamation - Recognizing May 11-17, 2022 as National Police Week.
Chief Lizarraga read the proclamation.
c. PUBLIC HEARING - Discussion and possible action approving a Resolution to adopt an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Willits Rail with Trail Project and Approve Said Project.
Community Development Director Duley presented a PowerPoint presentation on the project.
Councilmembers Strong, Gonzalez, Stranske and Mayor Rodriquez all expressed they are excited about the project. Suggested consideration of "Green" concrete in the design stage.
Councilmember Gonzalez, the trail makes a wonderful fire break for our community.
Councilmember Stranske feels the project will be a real asset to our community.
Mayor Rodrigues is excited about the project.
Public Comment:
Jerry Ward asked if there would be a need for recycling and garbage service along the trail? Community Development Director Duley responded that yes this would be needed and that he would get together with Jerry to discuss.
Moved by Strong/Seconded by Stranske and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution (No. 2022-25), to adopt the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Willits Rail with Trail Project and Approve said Project.
d. Discussion and possible action to introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance adding Chapter 8.26 of the Willits Municipal Code Regarding Licensure of Tobacco Retailers (The Action Repeals Chapter 8.24 of the Willits Municipal Code).
Item was tabled until a future meeting.
Enactment of Ordinances
None presented.
Consent Calendar
The following items) are recommended for approval or denial, as follows:
a. City Council Minutes:
i. April 13, 2022.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Strong and carried (4/1, with Stranske dissenting) to approve Consent Calendar items) (5a).
Monthly Activity Reports
Matters that do not require action by the City Council but are of public interest. a. Business License Activity for March 2022
Commissions, Agencies and Authorities
None presented.
City Manager Reports and Recommendations
a. Adoption of Resolution approving an agreement with Apex Technology Management, LLC to provide information Technology managed services for three years commencing on June1, 2022.
City Manager Bender presented the agreement with Apex Technology Management, LLC and answered questions of Councilmembers.
City Manager Bender wanted to thank the council for being supportive of this effort and the staff members that dedicated time to this. Also want to thank the County for their dedication and service that they provided.
Public Comment: None presented
Willits City Council Minutes of April 27, 2022 Page 2 of 5 Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Strong and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution (No. 2022-26) to enter into an agreement with Apex Technology Management LLC to provide information Technology Managed Services for three years commencing June 1, 2022.
b. Verbal Reports - No Action Verbal Reports
Public Comment: None presented.
9. Department Recommendations (Action Items)
a. Discussion and possible action to allow Solid Waste of Willits to increase rates based on the increase of fuel costs over the past seven months.
Presenting staff member: Finance Director Orozco.
Finance Director Orozco introduced Jerry Ward of Solid Waste of Willits. Mr. Ward gave a justification for the rate increase.
Public Comment; None presented
Moved by Strong/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to allow Solid Waste of Willits to increase rates based on the increase of fuel costs. b. Adoption of Resolution establishing the appropriations limit for the 2021-22 fiscal year, pursuant to Article XIII B of The Constitution of the State of California.
Presenting staff member: Finance Director Orozco.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Strong/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to Adopt Resolution (2022-28) establishing the appropriations limit for 2021-22 fiscal year? c. Discussion and possible action adopting a Resolution approving the Park Well Truck Fill Station and the Establishment of a Special Revenue Designation as a Funding Source or Parks Operations, Maintenance and Improvements
Presenting staff member: Public Works Director Herman
Contract City Engineer gave a PowerPoint presentation.
Public Works Director stated that he will be adding the rules to a hard sign that will be placed on the Truck Fill Station.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Stranske and carried (3/2, with Kanne and Rodriguez dissenting) to adopt Resolution (2022-29) approving the Park Well Truck Fill Station and the Establishment of a Special Revenue Designation as a Funding Source for Parks Operations, Maintenance and Improvements adding no water hauling between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. and a notice to go to the end users that the water is non-potable as well being added to the haulers application and the City Website.
Councilmember Strong asked if the park well is tested and where the information, if it is tested, can be found.
Willits City Council Minutes of April 27, 2022 Page 3 of 5
10. Department Monthly Reports
a. Airport - No further questions.
b. Community Development Department - Councilmember Kanne asked how did the cannabis taxes or the 4 quarter fall with the projections. Community Development Director Duley responded that they did not exceed them, that they probably fell a little short. He will follow up with an email once he goes back and confirms this information.
We have some new businesses coming on line so our projections are still looking strong going forward.
c. Engineering - No further questions.
d. Police Department - No further questions.
e. Public Works - Public Works Director added that there were new fences is going to be replaced at the Ball Fields.
Utilities - Reservoir capacity is at 97%, currently over spilling at both reservoirs, have 4 for days of flushing left
No action taken.
11. City Council Announcements, Communications and Reports Councilmember Gonzalez- has League of California Cities meeting on May 6, 2022.
Mayor Rodriguez - At the next Council Meeting she will be at the League of Cities conference for Mayors and Councilmembers. Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA) is hosting the far north transit symposium. Budget committee meeting will be June 1st Councilmember Strong - Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority (MSWMA)- lot of discussion about the illegal dump sites, huge problem site in Brooktrails, Working with the county Department of Transportation to get it cleaned up and to keep it from reoccurring. Still looking for a general manager.
Economic Development & Financing Corporation (EDFC)- Continuing to progress with quite a few loans. They are also administering grants too micro businesses affected by COVID, up to $2500 per applicant.
Public Comment: None presented
No action taken.
12. Good ayor Rode
Mayor Rodriguez would like to show her gratitude to the Mendocino County Museum.
Took a tour of the museum and was impressed with what has been going on there.
Councilmember Strong - having a medical procedure in June that she is looking forward to. Hopes to be able to work around the Budget meetings.
13. Closed Session Notice
14. Adjournment
Mayor Rodriguez declared the meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
Willits City Council Minutes of April 27, 2022 Page 4 of 5 SAPRINA RODRIGUEZ, Mayor
City Council for the City of Willits
ATTEST:
Dolores Pedessen
DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
Willits City Council Minutes of April 27, 2022 Page 5 of 5