Corey Middleton, Mayor Jason Ledbetter, City Manager
Rhetta Hogan, Asst. City Manager and Clerk
IFOR
YREKA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
February 21, 2023
Regular Session: 6:30 PM
Yreka City Council Chamber, 701 Fourth Street, Yreka, CA Phone 530-841-2386, Facsimile 530-842-4836, email: [email protected]
1. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Middleton called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Present were Councilmembers Colleen Baker, Drake J. Davis, Duane Kegg, Paul McCoy and Corey Middleton.
2. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND/OR ANNOUNCEMENTS:
This time slot is for informational presentations, appointments, or awards to be presented by the City Council or to the City Council.
There were none.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Public participation is welcomed and invited at all City Council meetings. This time is set aside for residents to address the City Council on matters listed on the Consent Agenda as well as other items not included on the Regular Agenda. If your comments concern an item noted on the Regular Agenda, please address the Council when that item is open for public comment.
The City requests that persons addressing the City Council refrain from making personal, slanderous, profane, or disruptive remarks.
Councilmembers, when recognized by the Mayor, may ask questions of presenter but no action may be taken by the City Council during the public comment section of the meeting. Under the Brown Act, the City Council is prohibited from discussing or taking action on any item not listed on the posted agenda.
This time is set aside for residents to address the City Council on matters listed on the Consent Agenda as well as other items not included on the Regular Agenda. If your comments concern an item noted on the Regular Agenda, please address the Council when that item is open for public comment. • Please speak into the microphone from the podium. The podium electronically adjusts up and down to accommodate speaker. (Should you need an additional special accommodation, e.g., remote microphone, please notice the City Clerk prior to the start of meeting for arrangements). • Please state your name for the record prior to providing your comments. • Please address the Council as a whole.
• If you have documents to present, please provide a minimum of seven (7) copies. • Please limit your remarks to five (5) minutes.
Public comments period is not intended to be a "Question and Answer" period or conversations with the Council or City staff.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT FOLLOW-UP:
This is the time for City Council or the City Manager to respond to public comments and may direct staff to prepare a report or place an item on a future agenda.
Public comment was heard from Mason McCoy.
5. CONSENT AGENDA:
All matters listed under the consent agenda are considered routine and non-controversial and will be enacted by one motion unless any member of the Council wishes to remove an item for discussion, a. Approval/ratification of payments issued from January 30, 2023, through February 12, 2023. b. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting held February 7, 2023. c. Cash Balances, Quarterly Report on Investments, Budget to Actual and Fiscal Performance Reports for December 2022.
d. Adopt Resolution 2023-06 Approving the City's Comprehensive Salary Schedule for Calendar Year 2023.
e. Approval of the Waiver for Employment of a Family member pursuant to Yreka Municipal Code
02.50.020.
f. Continuation of Urgency Ordinance #864: Fireworks.
g. Waive Full Text Reading of All Ordinances on the Agenda, Ordinances shall be introduced and adopted by title only.
Recommended City Council Action: Motion to Adopt the Consent Agenda of the City Council of the City of Yreka as presented.
Motion to Adopt the Consent Agenda of the City Council of the City of Yreka as presented.
MOTIONED: Councilmember Kegg
SECONDED: Councilmember McCoy
AYES: Councilmembers Baker, Davis, Kegg, McCoy, and Middleton NOES: -0-
ABSENT: -0-
6. OLD BUSINESS
City Manager
a. Agenda Title: Prom on Miner Street follow up.
Mayor Middleton, City staff, Fire and Police Chiefs along with Yreka High School (YHS) Principal, Rhonda Daws and YHS Student Representatives met Tuesday afternoon on February 14, 2023, to evaluate options for Senior Prom on Miner Street, (an event scheduled for May 13, 2023, from 8- 11pm) as directed by the City Council at the February 7, 2023, meeting. This evening City Staff and YHS representatives are presenting a community center proposal for City Council's consideration.
Recommended City Council Action: Motion to waive the facility and building attendant fees for the Yreka High School Senior Prom to be held on May 6', 2023, at the Yreka Community Center.
There was no public comment.
David Nelson spoke to the City Council about using the Community Center due to the safety issues surrounding the Miner Street venue.
Councilmember Baker and Councilmember Davis both asked about the City's policy for fee waiver and asked that the City Manager draft a policy for consideration for fee waiver requests for City facilities and events.
Mayor Middleton concurred.
Motion to waive the facility and building attendant fees for the Yreka High School Senior Prom to be held on May 6th, 2023, at the Yreka Community Center.
MOTIONED: Councilmember McCoy
SECONDED: Councilmember Kegg
AYES: Councilmembers Baker, Davis, Kegg, McCoy, and Middleton NOES: -0-
ABSENT: -0-
b. Agenda Title: Recap of Special Event known as the City of Yreka's "Night of Lights" and Consideration of $10,000 Sponsorship for the Special Event known as Gold Rush Days, June 10-11, 2023.
Discover Siskiyou has submitted a request for temporary street closures for the special event known as the "Gold Rush Days 2023" scheduled for Saturday, June 10-11th, 2023. Discover Siskiyou, as the event organizer, is requesting a $10,000.00 match, waiver of the Stage Rental Fee ($250.00 per day), and in-kind services from Public Works (street closures, stage setup, and extra trash removal).
Discover Siskiyou expects to be able to match to $20,000 for the event. Total visitor attendance is expected to be over 5,000 during the two-day event.
Recommended City Council Action: Motion to Adopt Resolution 2023-07 Approving Street Closures and other requests for the Discover Siskiyou's special event known as "Gold Rush Days 2023" and approve a supplemental appropriation of $11,000 in Fiscal Year 2022-23 as the City's cash and in-kind contribution to the event.
Presentation of 2022 Night of Lights, short video. Sarah Eberenz and Heather Dodds spoke about the planned event.
Public Comment was heard from Lorenzo Love and Dawnmarie Autrey.
Councilmember Kegg spoke to hosting a cornhole tournament as a popular event. Councilmember Baker requested thoughtful consideration of child friendly alcohol-free event. Councilmember McCoy asked about event security, k-rails as vehicular barriers.
Motion to Adopt Resolution 2023-07 Approving Street Closures and other requests for the Discover Siskiyou's special event known as "Gold Rush Days 2023" and approve a supplemental appropriation of $11,000 in Fiscal Year 2022-23 as the City's cash and in-kind contribution to the event.
MOTIONED: Councilmember Kegg
SECONDED: Councilmember McCoy
AYES: Councilmembers Davis, Kegg, McCoy, and Middleton
NOES: Councilmember Baker
ABSENT: -0-
Fire Chief
c. Agenda Title: Discussion to Staff and City Attorney of Proposed Ordinance Use and Prohibitions of Use of Fireworks within City Limits
Staff is seeking direction from the City Council on drafting a Fireworks Ordinance that would address the sale and use of fireworks (or ban) and use of fireworks at permitted events (e.g. pyrotechnic shows and displays at the Fairground or Casino).
Recommended City Council Action: Provide direction to City Attorney on drafting Fireworks and related Special Event Ordinance.
Public Comment was heard from Dawnmarie Autrey.
Councilmember Davis asked about Safe and Sane fireworks and how authorized permitted events might work.
Councilmember Baker and Middleton asked about how enforcement would work if codified.
Councilmember McCoy asked about the fire calls and volunteer staffing levels during the 4* of July.
Councilmember Kegg spoke to cancelling just prior to the 4 during adverse weather conditions, and frustration that caused for service clubs and confusion.
Direction to draft a Fireworks Ordinance was given to address banning the sale and use of all fireworks (including safe and sane) and and to include a provision to allow the use of fireworks at permitted events (e.g., pyrotechnic shows and displays at the Fairground or Casino) to the City Attorney. Direction to staff on drafting the ordinance was described above was supported by Councilmember Baker, Kegg, McCoy, and Middleton.
Councilmember Davis proposed no ordinance and continued use of safe and sane fireworks.
Public Works
d. Agenda Title: Award Professional Services Agreement with Remedy Engineering for Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) Services for the Environmental Cleanup of the S. Foothill Drive Brownfield Site.
The City issued a Request for Proposals on November 30, 2022, for a Qualified Environmental Professional for the site cleanup and has received one submission, pursuant to its QEP solicitation.
After staff review, it was determined that the consultant, Remedy Engineering, is qualified; the company and project engineers are appropriately registered and licensed; and the proposal meets the City's needs.
Recommended City Council Action: Motion to Authorize City Manager and Staff to Negotiate and Enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Remedy Engineering for Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) Services for the Environmental Cleanup of the S. Foothill Drive Brownfield Site.
Public Comment was heard from Dawnmarie Autrey.
Motion to Authorize City Manager and Staff to Negotiate and Enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Remedy Engineering for Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) Services for the Environmental Cleanup of the S. Foothill Drive Brownfield Site
MOTIONED: Councilmember McCoy
SECONDED: Councilmember Kegg
AYES: Councilmembers Baker, Davis, Kegg, McCoy, and Middleton NOES: -0-
ABSENT: -0-
Additionally, the City Manager would like to meet with Dr. Sarah Collard, Councilmember Kegg and Councilmember McCoy regarding options for the property in serving the unhoused.
7. NEW BUSINESS
City Manager
a. Agenda Title: Formation of a Communications Ad Hoc Committee The City of Yreka has the need and obligation to effectively communicate and engage its residents and general public. The City Council and City staff currently have various media channels and outreach to facilitate a high level of engagement, however the City recognizes it can do more to increase public and residential communications and engagement levels. The formation of the Communications Ad Hoc to act upon that desire, and adoption of the resolution formalizes the function and mission of the Recommended City Council Action: Motion to Adopt Resolution 2023-08 of the City Council of the City of Yreka Creating an Ad Hoc Committee Focused on Improving Citywide Communications Public Comment there was no comment.
City Manager presented the report and called out a correction on the resolution Section 7, that referenced a Fire Ad Hoc Committee and to be changed to Communications Ad Hoc Committee.
Mayor Middleton nominated Councilmember Baker, and himself, and Councilmember Davis as the alternate.
Appointments were accepted as nominated.
Motion to Adopt Resolution 2023-08 of the City Council of the City of Yreka Creating an Ad Hoc Committee Focused on Improving Citywide Communications
MOTIONED: Councilmember Baker
SECONDED: Councilmember McCoy
AYES: Councilmembers Baker, Davis, Kegg, McCoy, and Middleton NOES: -0-
ABSENT: -0-
b. Agenda Title: Informational Update on Video Conferencing of Brown Act Meetings of City Council and City Boards, Commissions, and Committees
On September 13, 2022, Governor Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 2449 (Rubio), which ecame effective on January 1, 2023. The bill further amends the Brown Act regarding remot teleconference) participation in meetings of legislative bodies that are subject to the Brown Act b allowing individual members of legislative bodies increased flexibility to participate in meetings via teleconference in the event of a personal emergency, without a declared state of emergency, provided that certain requirements are met.
AB 361 was initially scheduled to remain available to legislative bodies until January 1, 2024, however the Governor's Office has indicated the intent to lift the state of emergency he proclaimed regarding the COVID-19 pandemic on February 28, 2023, which will impact all legislative bodies' ability to conduct virtual meetings under the provisions of AB 361.
Public Comment was heard from Lorenzo Love.
Councilmember Kegg spoke to his experience in needing to be able to have the flexibility to remote.
City staff will finalize the remote meeting form presented for final use consideration by the City Council.
8. CITY MANAGER/STAFF REPORTS:
City Manager and Staff may make brief announcements or reports at this time.
City Manager Ledbetter spoke to the coordination with the County and Yreka PD will be opening up the warming center February 23rd and 24 at the Methodist Church. Red Scarf Society met with City Manager and Public Works on February 16', to update them on the work at the Community Theater for the HVAC and Roofing projects. City Manager Ledbetter met with downtown merchants and the SCEDC on February 16"" to discuss Business Improvement Districts, Chamber of Commerce and possibly a Main Street organization. City Manager Ledbetter spoke to his Cal Cities City Manager Conference in Carlsbad the week of February 6". City Manager Ledbetter spoke on his two major take aways, (1) Cal Cities misleading item California Business Round Table (CBRT) qualified for November 2024 ballot. Fiscal impacts are an estimated to be $2 billion would be at risk, measure would result in cuts to public services, as the measure will make local ballot measure more difficult to pass and invalidate historic ballot measures that have been passed. Second take conference take away SB1100 that took effect in 2022 on how to manage disruptions at public meetings. City Manager Ledbetter is advocating a workshop outside of the regular City Council meeting to discuss changes in the Code of Conduct and training on SB1100 on managing meeting disruptions. City Manager spoke upcoming items in March, housing inventory assessment from Housing Tools. The assessment document provides guidance for possible housing sites, to team up with developer and best housing development sites as well as for the Homekey grant application..
Police Chief Mark Gilman will present statistics on vehicular traffic within the City.
Police Chief Mark Gilman spoke to where traffic accidents, violations, and particularly speeding. (Report is being included with the minutes).
Fire Chief Lemos spoke to Firefighters Association benefit March 11, 2023, tickets are still available.
9. MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBERS REPORTS, STATEMENTS AND REQUESTS:
AB 1234 Conference and Meeting Report (verbal, if any) *(In accordance with AB 1234, Councilmembers shall make a brief report or file a written report on any meeting/event/conference attended at City expense.) Members of the Council may make brief announcements, reports, or request staff to report to Council on any matter at a subsequent meeting.
Councilmember Kegg asked about enforcement escalation options for cart retrieval and imposing and collection of fines within the shopping cart ordinance. Police Chief Gilman, City Manager Ledbetter, City Attorney Henion will meet on issues and next steps as provided in the ordinance once the history of collection escalation is discussed.
Councilmember Davis and Councilmember Baker met with and spoke about their meeting with staff from the Siskiyou County Economic Development, and the EDC's mission.
Councilmember Baker was able to speak to several groups on housing, public participation recently.
Councilmember McCoy attended the LTC Committee and spoke to the operational audit findings discussed at the meeting.
Mayor Middleton spoke to the staff meeting with Yreka High School representatives regarding Prom on Miner Street to find a workable solution.
10. ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting was adjourned at 9:15PM.
Corey Middleton, Mayor
Minutes approved by City Council,
Motion on February 7, 2023
Pretty H
Rhetta Hogan, City Clerk