111 E. COMMERCIAL STREET
WILLITS, CALIFORNIA 95490
(707) 459-4601 TEL
WILLITS (707) 459-1562 FAX
WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 27, 2025
Mayor Allman 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 Allaniz and Mayor Tom Allman were present.
• Mayor Allman called for a moment of silence for Terry Harvey. Mr. Harvey was a City of Willits Councilmember from 1996 - 2000. Mayor Allman remembers that Mr. Harvey and his wife, of forty-seven years, Stephanie, owned Ardella's Café when it was on Commercial Street. Mayor Allman thanked Stephanie for the four years that Mr. Harvey served on the City Council and added that Mr. Harvey served the City well.
• Councilmember Burton spoke regarding being on the City Council with Mr.
Harvey. Mr. Harvey was active with the downtown merchants. • Councilmember Gonzalez added that Mr. Harvey was active with the Chamber of Commerce and that Mr. Harvey served on the City Council during a portion of the time the Mr. Gonzalez was Police Chief.
Official; Manuel Orozco, Finance Director; Walter Kolon, Services and Facilities Director; Brian Fay, Police Chief; and Delores Pedersen, City Clerk.
2. Public Communications
• Richard "Tootreese" Jeske sang a song that he wrote about Willits in 1985. "Comin' Down the Hill".
• Dawna Cash Vargus expressed concern over the lack of lighting at crosswalks in several locations in town.
Mayor Allman requested that item 9a be presented at this time to allow for the audience to leave if they would like after the item is presented.
9a. Discussion and Possible Introduction of Proposed Ordinances to Amend Title 17 (Loning) of the Willits Municipal Code Including the Modification of Chapter 17.06 Entitled Use Group Classifications and the Addition of Chapters 17.23 Entitled Main Street Mixed Use (DU) Zone and 17.25 Entitled General Mixed Use (GU) Zone.
• Dusty Duley, Community Development Director presented a PowerPoint.
The Power Point highlighted the following topics.
• Overview of the 2024 General Plan Land Use Element Update.
Review new zoning districts.
• Highlight key provisions, including special off-street parking standards and formula-based business restrictions in DU zoning districts. • Present Zoning Map amendments consistent with General Plan Land Use Map.
• Outline environmental review findings.
• Provide schedule and next steps: Second reading and adoption on September 10, 2025.
• Mayor Allman asked with Senate Bill 9 that requires the Council to approve Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's) for properties why would the City put a single-family residence zone anywhere in the City? Mr. Duley responded that it makes the argument that single family zoning is defeated, the city is subject to SB 9 in 95% of the City. Mayor Allman responded that it would take away a hurdle for those that want to build an ADU. Mr. Duley stated that the way the City's Municipal Code reads, the City allows ADU's in the Singe Family Residential Zoning.
Councilmember Burton would like to get more information on the Assessor Parcel Numbers listed in the Staff Report. Mr. Duley responded that the Parcel Numbers in question were not part of the Land Use Element Update, they were found to be zonings that were inconsistent with the Land Use Element prior to the changes adopted on October 24, 2024. These Parcels General Plan designation did not change but it is recommended that the zoning be changed to be consistent with the General Plan designations required by State Law.
Public Comment:
• Ryo Muto, owner of Hatake Farm Kitchen spoke in support of the proposed Ordinance to Amend Title 17 of the Willits municipal Code. Mr. Muto spoke to council regarding his proposal to establish the first Sake Brewery in Mendocino County.
Larry Gunther, new owner of the Odd Fellows Lodge, spoke in support of the proposed Amendment.
• Trinity Clark, tenant of Mr. Gunther, attempting to establish a business in Willits. Spoke in support of the Ordinance Amendment.
• Riley Mitchelle, tenant of Mr. Gunther, is also attempting to establish a business in Willits. Ms. Mitchelle spoke in support of the Ordinance Amendment.
• Misha Zaed feels the city should be more discretionary in who is allowed to start a business in the vacant storefronts in town.
• Matt Goines spoke in support of the proposed Amendment.
Willits City Council Minutes of August 27, 2025 Page 2 of 8 • Tom Mann, owner of Brickhouse Coffee, stated that there is a need to improve on the ability to get the vacant buildings filled. • Holly Madrigal spoke in support of the proposed Amendment. She urged the council to support the entrepreneurs to make Willits a thriving community. • Councilmember Burton would first like to see the vacant businesses on Main St. filled.
Motion by Gonzalez/ Second by Stranske and carried unanimously to approve the introduction and to waive formal reading of the proposed ordinances to amend title 17 of the Willits Municipal Code (Zoning) to include the modification of Chapter 17.06 and the addition of Chapter 17.23 entitled Main Street Mixed use Zone and Chapter
17.25 entitled General Mixed-Use Zone.
3. Public Matters
a. Third District County Supervisor John Haschak Monthly update - Written report provided in Agenda Packet.
b. Little Lake Fire District Monthly update. - Written report provided in Agenda Packet.
Enactment of Ordinances
None presented.
Consent Calendar
The following items) are recommended for approval or denial, as follows:
a. City Council Minutes:
i. August 13, 2025.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Alaniz/Seconded Gonzalez by and carried unanimously to approve Consent Calendar item (a).
b. Adopt a Resolution authorizing Continuation of Municipal Operations of another thirty (30) days based upon the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget • Jim Lance, City Attorney, stated that he does not believe there is a requirement to adopt a resolution authorizing continuation of Municipal Operations of another thirty days based upon the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget is a requirement but is good practice.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Gonzalez/Seconded by Stranske and carried 4/1 with Burton dissenting to approve Consent Calendar item(s) (b).
Willits City Council Minutes of August 27, 2025 Page 3 of 8 c. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Willits approving the acceptance of Federal and/or State Funds for Project BRLS-508290680, East Valley Bridge Replacement, Preliminary Design.
• Council member Burton feels the bridge is working fine and he has not heard anything about structural deficiencies and does not feel this is necessary.
Mr. Burton added that the City does not have the financial resources to replace the bridge. Walter Kolon explained that several years ago when the bridge was evaluated there were structural deficiencies identified with the bridge. The bridge does not conform to pedestrian safety, there are seismic deficiencies, and the bridge is not sitting on its supports properly.
Public Comment: None presented.
Moved by Alaniz/Seconded by Stranske and carried 4/1 with Burton dissenting to approve Consent Calendar items) (c).
Monthly Activity Reports
Matters that do not require action by the City Council but are of public interest. a. None presented.
7. Commissions, Agencies and Authorities
None presented.
8. City Manager Reports and Recommendations+
a. Discussion of a Draft Ordinance Establishing an Entertainment Zone in Downtown Willits.
Mr. Wilburn reports that there has been ongoing discussion with the Chamber of Commerce about establishing an Entertainment Zone in downtown Willits, to come up with an established area to eliminate a lot of the issues associated with permitting different events. The purpose is to create an environment to have more events more often and to stimulate the local economy. Mayor Allman inquired if the ordinance can be at a council caspendid coat nee meeting for a first reading in September. Dusty Duley responded that he believes the ordinance can be brought back at the second meeting in September. Council member Stranske expressed concerns over this being described as a family-friendly event and having alcohol allowed at the Entertainment Zone during events. Alaniz spoke in support of the City being able to specify the boundaries of the Entertainment Zone. Council member Burton is in favor of downtown events would like to see them happen every Friday night during the summer months. He is in favor of this to promote the businesses that are trying to make a living on Main Street. Wilburn stressed that the brick-and-mortar businesses would be able to participate in the scheduled events. The idea of this Ordinance is to make it easier to have events.
Public Comment:
Willits City Council Minutes of August 27, 2025 Page 4 of 8 • Michael Dear mentioned that he has attended events where alcohol is present and businesses tend to make more money when alcohol is present.
He spoke in support of the Entertainment Zone.
• John Kvasnicka explained some of the rules that are in Senate Bill 969. • Karen Kavanugh, Willits Frontier Days, requested that the council consider the Rec Grove Park to be included in the Entertainment Zone. • Robin Leler expressed her concern over the current Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber is not in compliance with their own bylaws. • Caroline Reyburger expressed her support of the Entertainment Zone. • Council member Gonzalez would like the city to be able to have an Entertainment Zone but would like to see more of an analysis on other Cities that have Entertainment Zones. Would like the Willits Police Department to be involved.
• Council member Burton spoke in support of the Entertainment Zone being not only on Main street and commercial but would like Rec Grove and the Rodeo Grounds included in the Entertainment Zones.
• Vice Mayor Alaniz spoke in support of multiple Entertainment Zone areas in the city.
• Mischa Zied stated that the local downtown businesses are doing well on Fridays, that other days of the week should be considered to bring more customers downtown.
Rod expressed that South Hwy 20 would like something to benefit the businesses on that side of town.
• Mr. Duley repeated his understanding of the direction of Council is to:
• Work with Willits Police Chief and look at other Cities, talk with their Planning and Police Departments to see what their experience has been. • Create specific boundaries: E. Commercial St. between Main St. and Humboldt St., Main St. between Wood St. and Commercial St., also Rec Grove Park and possibly adding the Museum, Mr. Duley will reach out to them.
• Consistency of security requirements.
b. Verbal Reports - No Action.
Public Comment: None presented.
9. Department Recommendations (Action Items)
b. Approval of the Second Five-Year Extension of the Existing Land Use Agreement between Reach Air Med Services LLC and the City of Willits at the Willits Municipal Airport to Allow for Continued Operations.
Moved by Burton/Seconded by Alaniz and carried unanimously to approve a Second Five-Year Extension of the Existing Land Use Agreement between Reach Air Med Services LLC and the City of Willits at the Willits Municipal Airport to Allow for Continued Operations.
Willits City Council Minutes of August 27, 2025 Page 5 of 8 c. Presentation of Working Capital for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget.
Presenting staff member: Manuel Orozco, Finance Director. • Rod Wilburn, Interim City Manager reported that the plan is to bring back a Budget that is based on changes identified and direction received during the last two budget workshops, for the September 24'h City Council meeting.
Councilmember Burton requested to have the identified changes be announced. Mr. Wilburn reported that Staff Allocations were the primary changes to the budget. Mr. Burton reported that to his knowledge the Council did not give specific budget recommendation other than to get more accuracy in the FTE allocations.
• Councilmember Gonzalez reported that the biggest component in the budget it staffing. Mr. Gonzalez would like to direct the City Manager to look at staffing allocations and suggest potential staffing cuts and bring something back to the council that they can vote on.
• Vice Mayor Alaniz feels that direction was given to the City Manager to suggest cuts. Mr. Alaniz would like department heads to be involved with the process and inform the council what losing employees would mean to their department and what services could be affected
• Mr. Wilburn- What is it that we are trying to achieve. Feels the task is to get the General Fund that is 2.5 m over the next 5 years. There needs to be 500k annual surplus.
• Mayor Allman - The City receives income three ways, small portion of property tax, a small portion of sales tax and through permits, business license and some other fees and fines. The City's income is $4,900,000 and expenditures is $6,600,000. The City cannot continue to be $2,000,000 in the hole year after year. If changes are not made the city will go bankrupt. The biggest cost is the employees. Mayor Allman states there are going to be cuts to City Employees.
• Vice Mayor Alaniz believes Staff Directors understand this and they are going to have to make the decision on what is best for their departments. • Mr. Wilburn stated the city's ultimate duty is to the community. Difficult situation to manage with not very much money to manage it. The problem was created after Measure K Passed.
Public Comment:
• Raghda Zacharia thanked Rod Wilburn for all he is doing. Ms. Zacharia wants to know who is accountable for the mess. The City needs to shave fees across the board in the budget she doesn't feel that this is all because of City Staff, there is another part of the budget that needs to be focused on. The City needs to stop all of the projects that the City is planning. • Council member Burton asked what the goals for the year are for the Enterprise Funds, what capital projects planned, and what are cost saving ideas in the Enterprise Funds.
Willits City Council Minutes of August 27, 2025 Page 6 of 8
10. Department Monthly Reports - (presented at the second meeting of each month).
a. Airport. - Nothing more to report.
b. Community Development. - Nothing more to add.
c. Finance. - Nothing more to add.
d. Police Department - Nothing more to add.
e. Services & Facilities.
Services and Facilities Director, Walter Kolon reported - Rail with trail project is progressing nicely. Hopes the project will be complete by May 2026. f. Utilities. - Nothing more to add.
No action taken.
11. City Council Announcements, Communications and Reports Councilmember Gonzalez
League of California Cities/Redwood Empire Division
Presentation on Wildfire impact.
Elected 2nd Vice President.
Councilmember Stranske
• Transportation
Had discussion about pavement.
Mayor Allman
• Food Truck Meeting - Next meeting September 23rd 5:00 pm.
Public Comment: None presented.
No action taken.
12. Good & Welfare
Councilmember Burton - Announced that he enjoyed the song that Richard "Tootreese" Jeske sang at the beginning of the meeting.
Delores Pedersen, City Clerk announced the Mixer that is being held at the Willits Frontier Days Rodeo Grounds on Thursday September 11th at 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Hosted by North Coast Builders Exchange.
Council member Alaniz - Roots of Motive Power event on September 6th at Rec Grove.
• Council member Burton - Claws for Cause is on August 30th. • / Mayor Allman announce that he appointed an Ad Hoc Committee of Council member Gonzalez and Vice Mayor Alaniz to prepare an initial response to the Grand Jury Report.
13. Closed Session Notice
Willits City Council Minutes of August 27, 2025 Page 7 of 8 None presented.
14. Adjournment
Mayor Allman declared the meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
For more information on the August 27, 2025 Willits City Council Meeting please view the recording on YouTube.
City Council for the City of Willits
ATTEST:
Delores Pederson
DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
Willits City Council Minutes of August 27, 2025 Page 8 of 8