111 E. COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA 95490
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WILLITS (707) 459-1562 FAX
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY JuLY 24, 2024
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, Larry Stranske, Greta Kanne, Vice Mayor Gerardo Gonzalez and Mayor Saprina Rodriguez were present.
Also present were staff members: Brian Bender, City Manager; Cathy Moorhead, Assistant City Manager; Jim Lance, City Attorney; Dusty Duley, Community Development Director; Manuel Orozco, Finance Director; Davey Bowles, Building Official; Walter Kolon, Services and Facilities Director; Scott Herman, Utilities Superintendent; Karen Stevenson, Human Resources Manager; Chris Dewey, Interim Police Chief; and Delores Pedersen, City Clerk.
2. Public Communications
• Melissa Coughlin expressed concern over a Police Stop that occurred on Saturday, July 20th, that involved her son.
• Kirstin Johnson expressed concern over a Police incident that involved her and her children.
Ordinance to protect the trees in the community.
Oak Street.
3. Public Matters
a. Update from Third District County Supervisor John Haschak. • Reported that Measure D has passed, and that Fire Districts will receive their money quarterly.
• A Request for Proposals has been put out for the construction of a Psychiatric Hospital Facility. Groundbreaking will happen in early August. It is expected that construction of the facility will take four hundred days. • Tax Sharing Agreement, Supervisor Haschak voted no for the agreement because north of Ukiah has fourteen of the twenty-five largest tax generators in the county and annexing Ukiah could mean a net loss of three million dollars for the County.
The county will be moving mental health services to the Willits Justice Center. • Karen Matson of the Mendo county museum presented a presentation to the Board of Supervisors on transitioning to a non-profit model. The Friends of the Mendocino County Museum will take over the operational responsibilities to make the Museum a viable entity and keep up the quality of service they have at the Museum. • Special assessment for the emergency road for Brooktrails passed.
• A $290,000 Grant for software was repurposed for the Vegetation Abatement Ordinance.
• The County applied for the Brick Grant through FEMA, this will be used to perform Vegetation Abatement along Sherwood Road. The County has been awarded phase one of the Grant which is $3,500,000. This will be used to start planning and establishing which homes will need the abatement.
Councilmember Kanne asked about traffic safety on Sherwood Rd. Supervisor Haschak responded that CHP will be performing a study to determine if there are any measures that can be done to slow traffic and reduce the amount of collisions that occur on Sherwood Rd.
• City Manager Bended reported that the City provided a letter of support to the County for the FEMA Brick Grant. The City is hoping this will help with thinning the forest coverage adjacent to the airport.
b. Update from the Little Lake Fire District, Fire Chief Alvarez.
Fire Chief Alvarez was unable to attend the City Council meeting because he was out on a fire. A written report was made available to council members and the public. c. Introduction of Police Officer Garza.
Police Chief Chris Dewey introduced new City of Willits Police Officer Alex Garza. d. Noticed Public Hearing - Conduct Annual Review of Rates and Charges for Various City Services and Adopt the Accompanying Resolution Approving Changes in Certain City Fees and Charges, Effective September 1, 2024.
Public Comment: Raghda Zacharia asked if the increase in fees is based on talking to surrounding Cities. Mayor Rodriguez responded that many times it is based on what it truly costs the City to provide the service.
The Fee Schedule was postponed to the August 14, 2024 meeting.
Enactment of Ordinances
None presented.
5. Consent Calendar
The following items) are recommended for approval or denial, as follows:
a. City Council Minutes:
i. June 26, 2024
il. June 26, 2024 (Special Meeting)
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Stranske/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to approve Consent Calendar item(s) (a).
Monthly Activity Reports
Matters that do not require action by the City Council but are of public interest. a. Business License Activity Report - June 2024.
b. Building Activity Report - June 2024.
Commissions, Agencies and Authorities
a. Discussion and possible action to approve the accompanying Resolution authorizing the execution of a shared parking agreement between Calvery Chapel Willits Church and neighboring businesses including Coast Hardware, Safeway and Willits Smoke Shop.
Willits City Council Minutes of July 24, 2024 Page 2 of 8 Public Comment: Calvery Chapel Church members spoke in support of the Parking Agreement.
Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Kanne and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 2024-33 to allow Calvary Chapel Willits to enter into three parking lease agreements with Safeway, Willits Smoke Shop, and Coast Hardware to fulfill their parking requirements.
City Manager Reports and Recommendations
a. Folsom Ranch Conservation Project Letter of Support: Presentation by Conrad Kramer, Executive Director of the Mendocino Land Trust.
Conrad Kramer, Executive Director of the Mendocino Land Trust, reports that Mendocino Land Trust has protected 40,000 acres around the County mostly using conservation easements. This land stays private ownership but Mendocino Lant Trust takes ownership of the development rights. At Folsom Ranch, Mendocino Land Trust has the first opportunity to do Public Access Projects inland, they have completed twenty of them along the coast. This project would also be a tribal land return project. Folsom Ranch was put up for sale a year ago, Mendocino Land Trust has been working on this project for a year. They would like to keep this land protected from subdivision and find a way to open the property to the public. Portion of the land was purchased by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the remaining was purchased by three Local Tribes with State funding for Trible Acquisition, Mendocino Land Trust was able to secure these funds. Because of the State funding the tribes are not allowed to build on the property, the tribe will be the stewards of the land and encourage the growth of traditional foods and materials, they will also take ownership of the existing buildings and the best pasture on the land. Mr. Kramer asked the council to approve the signing of a letter of support to allow them to request emergency funding from BLM. Mr. Kramer also mentions that the Mendocino Land Trust will soon need another letter of support to allow them to apply for grant funding from the Wildlife Conservation Board.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Gonzalez and second by Kanne to direct City Manager to write two letters of Support for the Folsom Ranch Conservation Project.
b. Request to Provide the Willits Community Services Food Bank with up to $50,000 from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) Monies to Support Ongoing Operations.
Public Comment: Kim Tippett, Executive Director of the Willits Community Services and Food Bank thanked the Council for their consideration. Ms. Tippett states that they have been doing everything they can to look into other grants that may be available to them. Ms.
Tippett has also been in contact with two grant writers as well as writing grants herself. She is hoping that this money will buy the Community Services and Food Bank time while they wait for money to come from the grants they have already applied for as well as looking into fundraising sources and more grants.
Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Kanne and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 2024-38 to amend Resolution 2024-15 to revise the allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to provide additional $50,000 to the Willits Community Food Bank.
Willits City Council Minutes of July 24, 2024 Page 3 of 8 c. Verbal Reports - No Action.
i. Current Status of ARPA Approved Projects.
• City Manager Bender wanted to let the Council know that the ARPA Projects are not set in stone. Changes can be made to the projects list to adjust to community needs. Mr. Bender then provided an update on the status of the Approved ARPĂ Projects. The four priority projects are:
1. Solar lighting at the Wood St. and School St. parking lot.
2. Highway 20 Park gateway sign and directional signs.
3. Community Center renovations.
4. Urban Forestry Ordinance.
Public Comment: None presented.
Department Recommendations (Action Items)
a. Adopt Resolution approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Willits and the Willits Police Officers Association, effective July 25, 2024 - June 30, 2025.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Stranske and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 2024-34 approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the Willits Police Officers Association and the City of Willits, effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025.
b. Approve Resolution for the 2024/2025 Classification and Compensation Schedule.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Kanne/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 2024-35 approving a 2024-2025 Classification and Compensation Schedule for the Willits Police Officer Association.
c. Delegate Authorization to Execute Master Agreements, Program Supplemental Agreements, Funds Exchange Agreements and/or Fund Transfer Agreements with the California Department of Transportation to the City Manager.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Stranske/Seconded by Strong and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 2024-36 delegating authority to the City Manager or their designee to execute agreements and any amendments for the California Department Of Transportation's Local Partnership Program (LPP).
d. Adopt a Resolution Awarding a Construction Contract to Argonaut Construction Inc., for the Steel Water and Sewer Mains Replacement, Project No. 2023-08, and Approve a Budget Amendment to Cover Higher than Anticipated Costs. In an Amount not to Exceed $1.709,505 and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Contract and Approve Construction Change Orders up to a Cumulative Total of 10-percent of the Total Contract Amount.
Willits City Council Minutes of July 24, 2024 Page 4 of 8 Public Comment: Matthew Alaniz inquired if the project could be divided over a couple years to make it easier on the budget. Walter Kolon responded that the way that the water lines and sewer lines are it makes sense to take care of the project all at once. Also, the contractor has a mobilization fee, that would make the costs go up if we divide the project into multiple years.
Moved by Strong/Seconded by Stranske and carried 4/1 with Kanne dissenting to adopt Resolution No. 2024-37 awarding a contract to Argonaut Constructors Inc., in an amount not to exceed $1,649,505.00, for the Construction of the Water Main & Sewer Main Replacement Project (Project #2023-08), approve a Budget Amendment to cover a bid higher than the Engineer's Estimate (Overage Of $481,550), and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract and approve construction change orders up to a cumulative total of 10-percent of the total contract amount. e. Introduction of FY 2024/2025 Budget with an Explanation of its Methodology and Distribution of Measure K Funds.
Presenting Staff Member: Manuel Orozco, Finance Director.
Manual Orozco, Finance Director, provided the council with explanations as to the changes in the Budget. Notes are also included on the actual draft budget that was presented in the agenda packet.
• Councilmember Kanne requested to have the Councilmembers expense added to the employee list of the Budget.
• Vice Mayor Gonzalez inquired if the city is looking to update the PD's radio system.
City Manager Bender reported that Interim Chief Dewey has identified some shortcomings in the Department, as well as funding opportunities. City Manager Bender states that the city would like to hire a new fulltime chief and allow him to perform his own assessment of what resources we need and how the services need to be upgraded. There will be opportunities in the near future to identify budget amendments for the Councils consideration based on recommendations that Interim Chief Dewey has set in motion as well as the recommendations made by the new fulltime chief. Vice Mayor Gonzalez expressed continued concerns over the possibility of the PD's radio system going down. City Manager Bender responded that the City would look into initial prices of a full suite of options from a stop gap to a more permanent solution. Council direction is for city staff to explore the options that are available, the needed necessary funding and if there is any outside assistance that may be pursued. The staff would then present a package back to council with a plan for approval, a budget amendment would be needed at that time.
City Manager bender added that this is the first budget that includes Measure K Funding. He would like to know if the council understands how the city is utilizing Measure K, staff is confident that guidelines established in the ballot measure are being followed. Items have been presented to the Measure K Committee. Mr. Bender would like to make sure the council understands what the City has accomplished and what staff is looking to accomplish.
10. Department Monthly Reports - (presented at the second meeting of each month). a. Airport.
• Airport Manager Cathy Moorhead reported she is still planning to reschedule the City Council Tour once the weather cools down.
• Ms. Moorhead thanked the FAA for granting the relief of grant funds that was awarded to the City for the AWOS system that was not completed.
b. Community Development.
Willits City Council Minutes of July 24, 2024 Page 5 of 8 • Community Development Director, Dusty Duley reported the Rail with Trail Project designs are complete and ready for the construction phase. Mr. Duley reported that the project will be on the October meeting agenda of the California Transportation Commission to seek allocation of funds received by the Caltrans Active Transportation Program. Mr. Duley thanked the council for their support of the Construction Manager position that will play a key role in the construction management of the Rail with Trail Project. There are funds allocated from the Grant Funds received for the project to support the Construction Manager position. Mitigation lands component design work is wrapping up in October. sive up to B50.00 City of unds to support giving out no interest loans t Applicants may receive up to $50,000 to support improvements to their homes that may be falling into disrepair. Applications are being accepted through August 5, 2024. • Releasing the Environmental Impact Report for the Land Use Element Project on July 25th A notice of availability will be sent to stakeholders and those that have signed up for notifications on the Land Use Element Project. The public draft of the Land Use Element Project is available on the project website willitslanduseupdate.com. Staff anticipates bringing the item forward for discussion with council at the August 28th City Council Meeting with follow up discussion at the September 11 meeting.
• Staff is bringing forward the current application for the Alley Abandonment as a discussion item only at the August 14' City Council Meeting.
• Mr. Duley reported that he received an updated landscaping plan that shows the Redwood Trees at the Starbucks location will remain.
c. Finance - Nothing more to add.
d. Police Department. - Nothing more to add.
e. Services & Facilities. - Nothing more to add.
Councilmember Kanne reported that she is continuing to hear from the community about how the Services and Facilities Department is running. The town looks great and showed its pride during Willits Frontier Days. Councilmember Kanne thanked the Services and Facilities Crews, also stated that they are doing a great job. f. Utilities.- Nothing more to add.
No action taken.
11. City Council Announcements, Communications and Reports Councilmember Kanne
Mendocino County Museum
• Attendance is up at the Museum.
• Summer programs are running smoothly.
• Book signing event was held for Author of Mendocino Refuge, Dot Brovarney. • Karen Matson, Museum Director has been regularly meeting with County Employees who are the working group moving the museum towards the transformation. Ms. Matson is pleased with how they are working together. • The Museum Advisory Board is working to change the Bylaws to allow for a smaller quorum due to difficulties having representatives from all districts in the County.
• Finance Committee
• Had another chance to review the budget and allowed them to ask the Finance Director to add notes to the budget presentation.
Councilmember Strong
Willits City Council Minutes of July 24, 2024 Page 6 of 8 Sonoma Clean Power
• Has been instrumental in developing the GEO Zone, this develops new technology for accessing geothermal energy which promises to be an environmentally friendly inexpensive source of electricity. There will be a Town Hall, explaining the Geo Zone, on July 25t in person at Sonoma Clean Power offices in Santa Rosa as well as online.
Councilmember Gonzalez
• Water/Wastewater Committee
• Still waiting on the Memorandum of Understanding for the Railroad Avenue Waterline.
• SHN is still working on plans for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance Building.
• Additional items discussed were Reservoir modeling plan, Ground Water Treatment Plant Steel Water Tank, Waiting on direction from the State for the Little Lake Mobile Home Park connection, Lead Service Line inventory State Requirement update.
• Reservoir level is at 93%, even with releasing water per the State Requirement in the City's Water Rights.
Schmidbauer was honored for livestock of the year, the blue-ribbon award was awarded to Lorainne Patton. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens was honored Exemplary Service Award was awarded to Katrina Kessen.
• Mayor Rodriguez
• Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA)
• MTA was the host of the Transportation Symposium. The big take away was that the State is passing on a mandate that they have hydrogen vehicles. • Delores Pedersen, City Clerk.
Took the opportunity to remind the community that the City is currently accepting Candidate Packets for those interested in running for City Council in the November 5, 2024 election. Please call to make an appointment to pick up a packet, 707-459- 7113. The deadline to file is August 9h
Public Comment: None presented.
No action taken.
12. Good & Welfare
• Councilmember Strong
• Wanted to let the public know about the Cooling Center at City Hall that is open during excessive heat days.
• The first Wednesday of each month there is group that meets at the Methodist Church to learn songs and sing, and the third Wednesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. the group meets in the City Park and then walks around town singing the songs they have learned.
Mayor Rodriguez
• Wanted to let the public know about the community member, Laurie Burghart, that is painting rocks for each business in the community.
Adjourned to Closed Session at 9:40 p.m.
13. Closed Session Notice
Willits City Council Minutes of July 24, 2024 Page 7 of 8 a. Conference with Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 - Agency Negotiator: Brian Bender, City Manager and Patrick Clark, Patrick Clark Consulting.
Employee Organization(s): Management Team.
b. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (d) of CA Govt. Code § 54956.9: One case.
Council reconvened to open session at 10:43 p.m. with no action to report from Closed Session.
14. Adjournment
Mayor Rodriguez declared the meeting adjourned at 10:43 p.m.
City Council for the City of Willits
ATTEST:
Delores Pederser
DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
Willits City Council Minutes of July 24, 2024 Page 8 of 8