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111 E. COMMERCIAL STREET
8 WILLITS, CALIFORNIA 95490
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WILLITS (707) 459-1562 FAX
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022
Mayor Rodriguez called a regular meeting of the City Council to order at 6:31 p.m., in Council Chambers. 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; Cathy Moorhead, Assistant City Manager; Jim Lance, City Attorney; Manuel Orozco, Finance Director; Scott Herman, Public Works Director; Karen Stevenson, Human Resources Analysist; Taylor Perry, City Planner and Delores Pedersen, City Clerk.
2. Public Communications
None presented
Public Matters
None presented.
4. Enactment of Ordinances
None presented.
5. Consent Calendar
The following items) are recommended for approval or denial, as follows:
City Council Minutes:
i. October 12, 2022.
ii. October 26, 2022
b. Resolution Ratifying and extending for an additional 30-days, approval of continuing Virtual City Council, Commission, and Committee meetings pursuant to AB 361.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Stranske/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to approve Consent Calendar items) (a&b).
Monthly Activity Reports
Matters that do not require action by the City Council but are of public interest.
Business License Activity for October 2022.
Commissions, Agencies and Authorities
None presented.
City Manager Reports and Recommendations
a. Verbal Reports — No Action.
Public Comment: None presented.
Department Recommendations (Action Items)
a. Discussion and Possible Adoption of the Willits Urban Forest Management Plan.
Presenting staff member: Community Development Director, Dusty Duley.
Abby Beissinger of Dudek presented a PowerPoint on the Urban Forestry Management Plan.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Stranske/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to approve Resolution No. 2002-66 Approving Environmental Review and Adopting the Urban Forestry Management Plan
b. Approve a Reclassification of the Existing Water Plant Operator/Meter Reader Position Presenting Staff Member: Human Resources Manager, Karen Stevenson.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Stranske/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to approve Resolution No. 2002-67 Approving a Reclassified Position and Corresponding Salary Range.
10. Department Monthly Reports
Chief Lizarraga reported that staffing levels are rising. Willits Police Department is one Sergeant down with Sergeant Brady leaving, there is currently a recruit in the Police Academy, and we are hopefully sending another one in January. The Willits Police Department is still looking for a School Resource Officer (SRO).
Public Comment: None presented
11. City Council Announcements, Communications and Reports • Councilmember Gonzalez - Attended Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) as alternate. LAFCo had a joint public workshop about Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence updates with the City of Ukiah and Ukiah Valley Sanitation Districts.
• Councilmember Kanne - Attended Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG), received a report on the state of finances, they received their tri-annual performance audit. There were qualified audits for both MCOG and Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA).
Mayor Rodriguez - reported that she received a question and concern from a member of the community regarding traffic and public safety in the Brookside School area. Brookside School continues to enforce Covid restrictions which is impacting our City Streets. Residents in the area are still experiencing challenges gaining access in and out of their property before and after school. There are complaints from parents not being able to go on site to drop off and pick up their children. She has been asked to find out if the city would be able to support a safer traffic plan.
The other schools in the Willits Unified School District are allowing parents to go on campus to pick up their children.
Willits City Council Minutes of November 9, 2022 Page 2 of 3 Public Comment: None presented.
No action taken.
12. Good & Welfare
Councilmember Strong stated she is thankful for Howard Memorial Hospital.
Mayor Rodriguez stated that we are thankful that we have two councilmembers with us for four more years.
13. Closed Session Notice
None presented
14. Adjournment
Mayor Rodriguez declared the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Dar Loone
SAPRINA RODRIGUEZ, Mayor
City Council for the City of Willits
ATTEST:
Deleres Peelersen
DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
Willits City Council Minutes of November 9, 2022 Page 3 of 3