111 E. COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA 95490
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WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY JUNE 25, 2025
Mayor Alllman called a regular meeting of the City Council to order at 6:30 p.m., in Council Chambers. The meeting was preceded by the pledge to the flag.
Roll Call: Councilmembers Gerardo Gonzalez, Larry Stranske, Bruce Burton, Vice Mayor Matthew Alaniz and Mayor Tom Allman were present.
Also present were staff members: Rod Wilburn, Interim 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; Kate Reitzel, Human Resources Analyst; Connor Stack, City Planner; Brian Fay, Police Chief; and Delores Pedersen, City Clerk.
2. Public Communications
• Nicole Caldwell expressed concern over comments made by previous Councilmembers and Previous Mayor in the Mendo Voice and to KZYX
• Charlotte Oeding reported on a retaining wall with a drainpipe, located on Mill Creek Court, that empties into the street that is causing a slick slimy area. Ms. Oeding slipped on this area that had grown a slick patch of moss. The result was a broken ankle that needed surgery, 5 days in the hospital as well as a month in a care facility. She had handicap bars and bathroom accessories installed while she was in the care facility.
When Ms. Oeding returned home, she had to pay people to do her daily household activities. Ms. Oeding states that the drainpipe is not up to code. • Saprina Rodriguez expressed concern over what she describes as the lack of accountability, transparency and basic professionalism that she feels has defined the council's first seven months in office.
• Madge Strong expressed her concern the transparency and factual basis of some of what she has heard. Ms. Strong appreciates the research the she says Ms. Rodriguez has done, she believe Ms. Rodriguez has a lot of integrity and Ms. Strong would like to raise the same questions as Ms. Rodriguez as well as what was in the letter from Ms.
Gretta Kanne. Ms. Strong does not feel that KZYX did a good service to the city by reporting with soundbites without fact checking or interviewing those involved that would have information. Ms. Strong states that she does not know what is going on and it does not make sense to her. Ms. Strong would like to see documentation and real transparency.
Robin Leler expressed concern over the toxic atmosphere from all of what is going on.
Ms. Leler states that at the last finance committee meeting it was explained that the City Funds were not miss appropriated but was a matter of getting the City accounts straight while reconciling two financial accounting systems. Ms. Leler goes on to say that there
is a lot she could add about the previous City Manager after personal experience with him as well as speaking with City Staff, but at the Finance Committee meeting Mayor Allman and Vice Mayor Alaniz reiterated that the City is not going to revisit the past the City is going to move forward. Ms. Leler applauds the Council for the work they are doing.
Sherrie Ebyam states that she attended the Finance Committee (June 18th) and Measure K Committee (June 17) meetings. At the Finance Committee meeting the attendees were given a copy of the draft FY 25-26 budget. She expressed concern about the information that was missing in the proposed budget. The draft Budget was missing the total revenues, total expenses, projected beginning fund balances, projected end balance, no reserve and no designated transfer. All of which she feels are essential parts of a budget.
Sarah Unangst asked if there were updates on the Mobile Vendor Food Ordinance, she would like to get involved and advocate for Mobile Food Vendors within the City of Willits.
She feels the rules between Mobile Food Vendor and Brick and Mortar food establishments are not fair across the board. Mayor Allman asked Dusty Duley, Community Development Director, for the next date of the Mobile Food Vendor Ad Hoc Committee Meeting. Mr. Duley responded that there is not one scheduled as of yet but that he does have Ms. Unangst's contact information, and they would keep her updated Mayor Allman is hoping for the next Committee meeting to discuss Food Vendor days at the Rec Grove Park over the summer.
3. Public Matters
a. Update from Third District County Supervisor John Haschak. (Written report) b. Update from the Little Lake Fire District (written report).
4. 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 11, 2025
Councilmember Gonzalez asked to have item 5b pulled for further discussion.
Public Comment:
• Saprina Rodriguez pointed out that on the minutes for June 11, 2025 has the incorrect name as mayor for when the meeting was called to order, City Clerk Delores responded that the minutes have been updated.
Moved by Burton/Seconded by Alaniz and carried unanimously to approve Consent Calendar items) (a)
b. Adoption of a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Willits for a Professional Service Agreement for the Creation and Installation of two Murals, in the Amount not to Exceed $26,059 and Authorize the City Manager to Sign the Agreements. • Councilmember Gonzalez inquired about the funding that was available for the Murals. Dusty Duley, Community Development Director stated that the Willits City Council Minutes of June 25, 2025 Page 2 of 6 artist are being paid by the Clean California Grant. Connor Stack introduced the artists that were selected to create and install the Murals at the Rec.
Grove Park
Public Comment:
• Both artists, Ana Judd and Jenn Procacci, expressed their excitement for the opportunity to have their Murals on the stage at Rec Grove Park. • Madge Strong spoke in support of the Murals and the different artwork that has been done within the City.
Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Stranske and carried unanimously to approve Consent Calendar items) (b).
6. Monthly Activity Reports
Matters that do not require action by the City Council but are of public interest.
Commissions, Agencies and Authorities
None presented
City Manager Reports and Recommendations
a. Verbal Reports - No Action.
Rod explained that he has had discussions with City Staff about moving the trash can on the sidewalk near the corner of Wood and Main Steets into the street to stop vehicles passing on the right when vehicles are stopped for a pedestrian. Mayor Allman asked if signs could be placed saying No Passing on the Right. Mr. Wilburn responded that this could be done.
Public Comment: None presented
9. Department Recommendations (Action Items)
a. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Continuation of Municipal Operations Based Upon the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget.
Public Comment:
• Sherrie Ebyam expressed concern over the continuation of municipal operations based on the FY 24/25 budget without knowing what FY 24/25 looks like.
Councilmember Gonzalez responded that this is a legal process where the City does not initial a new budget it continues with the old budget to continue to pay the bills, halt any big projects and not buy anything until the City knows how it stands. • Saprina Rodriguez expressed her concerns that if the City continues with the FY 24/25 budget without making adjustments aside from large purchases or projects the Council many find themselves in a worse position than they think. Ms. Rodriguez added that the City is expecting revenues from big projects to come in, she would like to see a spreadsheet showing the revenues the City expects to come in and when it is expected. If the council is going to pass this resolution, she would like them to state that the city will not have any projects over a specific dollar amount, because there are always projects that the city has an obligation to do. One example she used is if a customer's water line breaks at their home the City has an obligation to repair it.
• Madge Strong asked how long the Council was projecting to go without a starting point or an ending cost. The City does not want to continue deficit spending. She askes what is the schedule for the information and then be able to adopt a budget.
Willits City Council Minutes of June 25, 2025 Page 3 of 6 • Mayor Allman explained that there was a bill received for $850,000.00 for insurance premiums that was never brought forward to Council and there is another one coming in for another $850,000.00 coming in August for this year that Council is already aware of but for some reason the administration did not see it fit to bring it to City Council. The first bill still has not been paid. This is not a time for blame this is a time to get together and figure out a way to keep the City running afloat, keeping the employees paid and that emergencies are taken care of. • Councilmember Burton feels that the public should have a chance to hear what the Council has to say on the topics presented. That the public comment should come after council discussion.
• Nicole Caldwell expresses her appreciation for Interim City Manager Wilburn. Ms.
Caldwell adds that there a minimum amount of operators required for the Water Plant to be certified by the state. She requests that the one vacant position be filled and the one that is expected to become vacant in a year. Ms. Caldwell would also like to remind the council and public on the amount of money that was spent on contracted companies.
• Sherrie Ebyam asked if the funds from the Enterprise Fund (Water and Wastewater) can be used to offset the General Fund. The response that was given, unable to provide by who because camera was on Ms. Ebyam, is that the funds can be used to offset the General Fund but must be paid back. Ms. Ebyam then asked about Measure K, she has heard that Measure K Funds are being included in the General Fund, her concern is that when done this way the transparency is lost, how are expenses charged to Measure K going to be tracked? Ms. Ebyam suggests to keep Measure K separate and do transfer ins to the General Fund when needed. Council member Gonzalez responded that when Measure K funds are needed the City would need to go to the Measure K committee and inform them of the need and then that need would be brought back to council for consideration and possible approval.
Saprina Rodriguez thanked the council for the discussion that has taken place in front of the public. Ms. Rodrigues then provided a copy of the Measure K Resolution to the council for their information.
Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Alaniz and carried 3/2 with Stranske and Burton dissenting to adopt Resolution No. 2025-29 authorizing continuation of municipal operations based upon the 2024-2025 Budget with the stipulation that the City not buy any critical equipment and only high critical staff in Police, Water and Wastewater.
b. Discussion and Possible Action Adopting a Resolution Directing Staff to Proceed with Adjustments to the Water and Wastewater Service Charges Pursuant to Proposition 218.
• Councilmember Burton moved that the rates be raised 3.25% rather than 6%. • Saprina Rodriguez thanked the council for bringing up the rate study and continues that if there is no rate increase that the city will continue to deal with brown water and other issues that there are no funds for.
• Robin Leler is in favor of small increases of the Water and Wastewater rates. Ms.
Leler continues that even with a 6.5% rate increase people can adjust their water use to assist with the amount they are charged.
• Madge Strong added that the rate study was informative on how much it costs to treat water and wastewater. She continues that she feels the Council should stick Willits City Council Minutes of June 25, 2025 Page 4 of 6 with the suggested 6% increase or the next year the increase would need to me more then causing a bigger rate increase for the water users. • Ms. Strong states that she feels public comment should come before council motion to allow council to hear what the public has to add and take it into consideration. • Nicole Caldwell asked for clarification on the business charge for sewer. The businesses are charged based on water flow for sewer. Ms. Caldwell explained that the cost of treating water and wastewater increases every year and she feels the council needs to continue with the 6.5% planned increase.
Moved by Burton/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried 3/2 with Stranske and Allman dissenting to adopt Resolution No. 2025-30 approving Water and Wastewater Rates to Increase for the Third Year with a 3.25% increase.
c. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Finance Director to Increase the Appropriations of the Measure K Funds to Transfer Funding to the General Fund Covering Costs for Overtime Services in the Police Department.
• Saprina Rodriguez read a statement outlining Measure K from the onset, the need for it that was outlined, and the lack of information that was given at the Measure K Committee.
• Sherrie Ebyam, Measure K Committee Member, presented a document that she received during the Measure K Committee meeting of June 16, 2025 outlining what has been spent and for what.
Moved by Alaniz/Seconded by Gonzalez and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 2025-31 authorizing the Finance Director to increase appropriations in Measure K fund transfers to the General Fund for a total of $581,520 for overtime, part time and other paid salaries to the police department staff that is not regular salary and benefits to cover the cost of police services for the fiscal year 23-24 this increase and appropriation replaces the previous appropriation is on top of Resolution No. 2023- 09 a funding for Springbrook implementation of actual cost during the fiscal year which would require a transfer of 109,669 there is also an additional appropriation Resolution No. 2023-69 for Land Logistics also for actual costs of Fiscal Year 23-24 that requires a transfer of $135,565, this would be a total transfer of funding from Measure K Funds from Fiscal Year 23-24 for a total amount of $826,754.
10. City Council Announcements, Communications and Reports Councilmember Stranske
• Mendocino Waste Management Authority (MSWMA)
Solid Waste is going to go up by 2.69% for next year.
The parking lot next to Flying Dog Pizza needs a sign that says no exit, people are going out into traffic and could cause an accident.
Need to have something done by citizens riding power skateboards. They pay no attention to the pedestrians walking on the sidewalks.
Councilmember Gonzalez
League of California Cities/Redwood Empire Division
Even though Proposition 36 was voted in by the voters the Governor did not fund it.
The state is still trying to figure out what the consequences are for people that are breaking the law.
There was also a briefing on wildfires.
• Water/Wastewater Committee
Willits City Council Minutes of June 25, 2025 Page 5 of 6 Bruce Burton will be taking over for Councilmember Gonzalez on the Water/Wastewater Committee.
Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA)- Loss of state funding has hurt MTA MTA is finishing up their budgets and the loss of state funding is hurting them.
Reminds everyone that Jury Duty is important. His Jury Duty was cancelled because no one showed up to serve. He encourages everyone to serve.
Mayor Allman
Mayor Allman reminded everyone that there is only one City Council meeting in July.
Public Comment: None presented.
No action taken.
12. Good & Welfare
None Presented
13. Closed Session Notice
None presented.
14. Adjournment
Mayor Allman declared the meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.
For more information on the June 25, 2025 Willits City Council Meeting please view the recording on YouTube.
TOM ALLMAN, Mayor
City Council for the City of Willits
ATTEST:
Debresteders
DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
Willits City Council Minutes of June 25, 2025 Page 6 of 6