111 E. COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA 95490
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WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 22, 2025
Mayor Stranske called a regular meeting of the City Council to order at 6:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers. The meeting was preceded by the pledge to the flag.
Roll Call: Councilmembers Gerardo Gonzalez, Tom Allman, Vice Mayor Matthew Alaniz and Mayor Larry Stranske 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; Davey Bowles, Building Official; Walter Kolon, Services and Facilities Director; Scott Herman, Utilities Superintendent; Phillip Davidson, Code Compliance Officer; Mike Parish, Interim Police Chief; and Delores Pedersen, City Clerk.
2. Public Communications
• Denise Jessie, Branch Manager for the Willits Library, thanked the Council for the donation that was made to the library. The funds were used to purchase a Bibliobike, a mobile book circulation device. Which will allow Library Staff to go to parks and schools to allow citizens to check out books.
• Olga O'Neal, of the Library Advisory Board, reported that the metal roof for the Library has been approved. The Advisory Board will be discussing the solar panels for the Library in March, it is hopeful that a contract will be awarded at that time. • Bear Kamaroff reported that the Willits Weekly will not be back in circulation for another month. At the present time they are posting reports to the Willits Weekly Facebook page. • Nicole Caldwell requested that the City Council disregard the statements about "squashing rumors" that were made by Saprina Rodriguez at the January 21, 2025, Special City Council Meeting.
• Deane Moore expressed concern for the heritage trees in Willits. Ms. Elliott requested that the Council continue to advocate for the heritage trees and natural resources. • Raghda Zacharia stated that the Willits Community as a whole needs to support the City Council and that the negative remarks need to stop.
• Willy West stated that he heard that the City of Willits bought the rail cars that are sitting on the train tracks on Railroad Ave. City Manager Bender asked that Mr. West to leave his contact information, and he would contact him to discuss the City's strategy when it comes to the rail cars.
3. Public Matters
a. Update from the Little Lake Fire District.
Chief Eric Alvarez reported that the LLFD is continuing State mandated inspections of schools, hotels and motels. January there were CPR and first aid trainings as well as
EMT refreshers. Chief Alvarez requested that addresses be posted clearly to make it easier for the Fire Department to respond to emergency calls. He also reminded the community to check their carbon monoxide and fire alarms to make sure they are working.
b. Update from Third District County Supervisor John Haschak. • The Mendocino County Pet-Care-A-Van was in Willits the week of January 13th • The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors attended a two-day workshop. Issues identified during the workshop were public safety, fire safety, water security, economic development and effective government.
• Social Services reports that they will need to cut $34,000 from the Senior Center. When the Board of Supervisors has their budget workshop it is very important for the community to let the board know if they have concerns about the cut for the Senior Center. During the budget workshop there was also talk about homelessness issues throughout the county.
Public Comment -
• Robin Leler thanked Supervisor Haschak for the Pet-Care-A-Van being in Willits.
Ms. Leler requested that animal control services and spay and neuter services be available for Covelo.
• Madge Strong commented that at the end of the month there will be a count done to determine how many homeless there are in the Willits Area. Willits Economic Localization (WELL) is raising funds to assist with getting homeless people into a motel room one to two nights a month.
Enactment of Ordinances
a. Second Reading and Adoption by Title Only a Revision to Section 8.26.090 - Suspension, Termination or Revocation of License Provisions of the Willits Municipal Code.
Public Comment:
• Garrett Moore inquired if this ordinance includes the vape liquid. Mr. Davidson stated that it does.
• Hellen Sims inquired if the public would be able to access information on what businesses are fined.? Mr. Davidson responded that it is not information that he publicizes but that members of the public can submit a Public Records Request to obtain this information.
Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Alaniz and carried unanimously to waive the second reading and Adopt Ordinance 2025-01 Amending Chapter 8.29 of the Willits Municipal Code to Update Penalties to Coincide with Assembly Bill 935 that went into effect in 2023 to Strengthen and Add Penalties to Senate Bill 793 Stop Tobacco Access to Kids' Enforcement (SAKE) Act.
b. Second Reading and Adoption by Title Only to Insert Chapter 8.24 - Nitrous Oxide Sales into the City of Willits Municipal Code, Making it Unlawful for Any Person in the City, with Exceptions, to Sell or Attempt to Sell, Offer, Distribute, or Provide Nitrous Oxide to Any Person.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Alaniz/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to waive the second reading and Adopt Ordinance 2025-02 Adding Chapter 8.24 (Sales of Nitrous Oxide) to Title 8 (Health and Safety) of the Willits Municipal Code.
Willits City Council Minutes of January 22, 2025 Page 2 of 6
8. Che for Can tems) are recommended for approval or denial, as follows:
a. None.
Monthly Activity Reports
Matters that do not require action by the City Council but are of public interest a. None.
Commissions, Agencies and Authorities
None presented.
8. City Manager Reports and Recommendations
a. Adopt a Resolution Approving a Raise in the Monthly Allotment Given to Councilmembers.
• Councilmember Gonzalez would like to wait until the City's audits are in order before voting on this matter.
• Councilmember Allman feels that the Council should wait until the audits are complete and there is a full council seated to vote on this matter. • Vice Mayor Alaniz stated that he does not feel that he has warranted a raise after being on the Council for two months and that he too would like to see that the audits are completed
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Allman/received no second therefore the Resolution to raise Council Salaries to $500 Per Month did not pass.
b. Adopt Resolution Approving the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 1245 and the City of Willits and Effective January 1, 2025, Through June 30, 2025. Additionally, Adopt a Resolution Approving Commensurate Benefits and Salary Increases for Unrepresented Employees (Excluding Contract Employees Regarding Salary Increases) and adopt a Revised Master Classification and Compensation Schedule reflecting the salary increases.
Public Comment:
Madge Strong requested that public comment happens before the motion and second on any item.
• Robin Leler inquired who represents the City during negotiations. City Manager Bender responded that he and Patrick Clark, an outside consultant, represent the City.
Ms. Leler asked who are the unrepresented employees? Mr. Bender responded that there are about eight employees that fall into this category, and instead of negotiating with them separately they would receive the same package as the IBEW employees.
Sherrie Ebyam inquired what the salary increase will cost the City and how much of an increase percentage wise. Mr. Bender responded that it is a four percent increase across the board, approximately $58,760.
• Garrett Moore responded that he feels the increase is reasonable.
Willits City Council Minutes of January 22, 2025 Page 3 of 6 Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Allman and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 2025-06 approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1245 and the City of Willits, effective January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025.
c. Verbal Reports - No Action.
Public Comment: None presented.
9. Department Recommendations (Action Items)
a. Section of an Individual to fulfil the remaining portion of Greta Kanne's City Council Term.
The City Council will consider each application in the order of its submission date. (1) Franklin Rockwell. (2) Robin Leler. (3) Raghda Zacharia. (4) Sherrie Ebyam. (5) Bruce Burton. (6) Daniel Sansom. (7) Ithaca Moore. (8) Garrett Moore. • Franklin Rockwell was not in attendance.
• The Councilmembers interviewed seven out of eight candidates.
Public Comment:
• Robin Leler gave a suggestion on how the Council should start the voting process to appoint the fifth Councilmember.
• Garrett Moore commented that maintaining roads in the City of Willits is something that the Council needs to make sure is done.
• Hellen Sims spoke in support of the nomination of Bruce Burton. • Ithaca Moore suggested that the Council go into Closed Session to continue the process. Ms. Moore asked that the Council have guts and care about the City. • Daniel Sansom expressed his disappointment over the nomination of Bruce Burton to fill the vacant Councilmember seat. Disappointed in Councilmember Alaniz, he ran on a platform of brining new members to the City Council. • Bear Kamaroff supported the nomination of Bruce Burton. • Sherry Ebyam offered her help with financial assistance • Dan Lowden invited the Candidates and the General Public to apply to be on the Grand Jury. The application process starts in about two months.
Moved by Gonzalez/ Seconded by Allman and failed 2/2 with Stranske and Alaniz dissenting to adopt Resolution No. 2025-07 approving the appointment of Bruce Burton to the City Council vacancy with the term Expiring December 31, 2026.
Moved by Alaniz/ received no Seconded therefore Resolution No. 2025-07 approving the appointment of Robin Leler to the City Council vacancy with the term Expirinc December 31, 2026, did not pass.
Moved by Stranske/Seconded by Allman and carried 3/1 with Alaniz dissenting to adopt Resolution No. 2025-07 approving the appointment of Bruce Burton to the City Council vacancy with the term Expiring December 31, 2026.
Delores Pedersen, City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to incoming Council Member, Bruce Burton.
10. City Council Announcements, Communications and Reports a. Mayor's Appointments to City Committees, Boards and Agencies for 2025.
Willits City Council Minutes of January 22, 2025 Page 4 of 6
STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Finance Committee Tom Allman
3rd Wednesday 9:00 am Matthew Alaniz
Water & Wastewater Systems Committee Gerry Gonzalez
3rd Thursday 10:00 am Larry Stranske
Transportation Larry Stranske
4th Thursday 9:00 am
Bi-Monthly Chamber of Commerce Meeting City Manager
Gerry Gonzalez
REGIONAL BOARDS
League of California Cities / Redwood Empire Division Gerry Gonzalez Alternate:
Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) Tom Allman
1" Monday 1:30 pm Alternate: Larry Stranske
Economic Development & Financing Corporation (EDFC)
2n° Thursday 2-4 pm Larry Stranske
Larry Stranske
Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority (MSWMA) Alternate: Gerry Gonzalez 3r Thursday 9:00 am
Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA) Matthew Alaniz
Last Wednesday 1:30 pm
MENDOCINO COUNTY CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS
Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo)
1 Monday 9:00 am Gerry Gonzalez
Mendocino County Museum Advisory Board Tom Allman
Bi-Monthly 2"d Wednesday 9:30 am (15 meeting February)
AD HOC COMMITTEES
Willits Frontier Days Advisory Committee Gerry Gonzalez As Needed Larry Stranske
Measure K Tom Allman
Meets Quarterly Matthew Alaniz
Sonoma Clean Power
1st Thursday 9:00 am
CITIZEN COMMITTEES
Gary Martin
Art in Public Spaces Margi Guhde
Meets as needed Dan Miller
Judy Fisch
Public Comment: None presented.
Willits City Council Minutes of January 22, 2025 Page 5 of 6 No action taken.
12. Good & Welfare
• Councilmember Burton commented, it's good to be back. • Councilmember Gonzalez welcomed Mr. Burton back.
• Vice Mayor Alaniz welcomed Mr. Burton.
Mayor Stranske congratulated Bruce Burton on his appointment to the City Council.
Councilmember Allman welcomed Mr. Burton.
City Council Adjourned to Closed Session at 9:15 pm.
13. Closed Session Notice
a. Conference with Legal Counsel - existing litigation (CA Govt. Code §54956.9 (d)(1)); in the matter of Craig Anthony Gelber vs City of Willits, et al, Case No. 3-23-cv-00681- JSG, United States District Court for the Northern California District.
Item was pulled from the agenda by the City Manager Bender. b. Pursuant to Government Code §54957 - Public Employee Performance Evaluation - City Manager.
• The City Council reconvened to open session at 10:52 pm, reporting no action was taken.
14. Adjournment
Mayor Stranske declared the meeting adjourned at 10:52 p.m.
For more information on the January 22, 2025, Willits City Council Meeting please view the recording on YouTube.
Les
LARRY STRANSKE, Mayor
City Council for the City of Willits
ATTEST:
Delores Pedessen
DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
Willits City Council Minutes of January 22, 2025 Page 6 of 6