Alturas City CouncilRegular Meeting City Hall Council ChambersOctober 11, 2011 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Mayor John Dederick at 7:04 p.m. Councilmembers present: John Schreiber, Cheryl Nelson, Bobby G. Ray, Keith Jacques. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Clerk Cary L. Baker, City Treasurer Kathie Alves, Asst. City Treasurer Heather MacDonnell, City Attorney Al Monaco, DPW Chester Robertson, Asst. DPW Joe Picotte, Police Chief Ken Barnes, City Planning Commissioner Tom Romero, Planning Director Kim Hunter. Public attending: 5. All present joined together in the pledge of allegiance followed by a moment of silence for City employee Greg Harris who passed away over the weekend. Under the public forum, Councilmember Keith Jacques would like to take this time to acknowledge City Treasurer Kathie Alves; this is her last City Council Meeting and she will be retiring November 1, 2011 with 37 years of service to the City of Alturas. Mrs. Rubio is present to represent herself and her husband regarding their request for an animal permit to keep one horse on their property located at 611 W. Henderson Street (1.5 acres); as set forth in Ordinance #202. Police Chief Barnes reports that he received complaints from neighbors who expressed concerns for the horse who is already being kept on the property. There isn’t adequate feed, no running water on the property, and no real shelter for the horse. Chief Barnes further states he checked on the horse and found little to no feed. Before this item is considered for approval, the Council consensus is to bring this issue back to the next Council meeting, and have definite guidelines established for the care of the animal. The Animal Control Officer will be involved in the process. Troy Lowrey, 719 East 8th Street, is present and requests Council consideration to place a stop sign at East 8th & Josephine Street to improve traffic control in that area. He states he and his family have lived there for over 10 years and they have seen a steady increase in the stream of vehicles traveling 55 – 60 mph; this happens while pedestrians and bikers are present in the area. He has contacts the Police Dept. when this happens and realizes that it is hard to catch people in action. He presents the Council with a request signed by his neighbors. Police Chief Barnes reports he has seen vehicles speeding and it is generally kids racing and speeding up to the cemetery. He could put patrol there at different times and possibly a “school zone” sign. Councilmember Jacques would like to increase the patrol first, before signs are put up. Tom Romero states he lives on Josephine Street and people are using 6th Street, which is partly a dirt road, to speed on through by his house. Planning Director Hunter states that sometimes you have to look at other traffic calming remedies such as speed tables. The City Council assures Mr. Lowrey they will try something to help with the traffic problem. Byron Gibbons requests Council approval to lease the City’s property on Centerville Rd. to pasture his steers and horses on a year round basis. He can also provide liability insurance to cover the City. To cover the legal requirements, Council directs the City Clerk to run the ad in the paper again asking for proposals to lease the City property on an annual basis. Mr. Gibbons can submit a proposal at that time. Building Inspector Traugott introduces Suzanne Park of Willdan Engineering Services. Staff is requesting Council approval to contract the plan check services for the US Forest Service building project; a proposed contract has been given to the Council for their review with an amendment to change the 10 day payment process to 30 days. Ms. Park states the contract provides for the fees for the plan check to be assessed to the project applicant. Willdan Engineering Services will keep 70% of the fee and the City will keep the other 30% to cover its related costs. Ms. Park works out of the Sacramento office and will be on the job from start to finish. Councilmember Ray questions what the estimated cost for this project will be in regards to plan check fees. The contract should not be open ended and should be project specific and end when the project ends. Also, the last page/Exhibit B should state Building Plan Check “Fees” instead of “Services.” Council also requests a statement of qualifications be sent to the City for review. Building Inspector Traugott responds that the City has the plan check fees in place, which is based on the overall cost of the project. She can’t make that determination until the final cost of the project is calculated. City Attorney Monaco suggests changing the wording on the first paragraph of the contract to state that the City of Alturas will hereinafter be referred to as “City” instead of “Client”, and would like to see the type of project specified in the contract. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to approve the contract with Willdan Engineering Services to provide Plan Check services for the US Forest Service project with the following amendments: 1) The contract will be project specific and state the type of project; 2) the turnaround time for payments will be changed from 10 days to 30 days; 3) the City of Alturas will be referred to as “City” in the contract; and 4) Exhibit B will state Building Plan Check “Fees” instead of “Services.” ALL AYES. Public Hearing: Baird – Site Plan, Architectural & Environmental Review, Use Permit and Parcel Map: Project applicants Robert G. Baird and John Love, representing the Baird Family Trust, are requesting a Site Plan, Architectural and Environmental Review, Use Permit, and Parcel Map for the development of a proposed commercial office building complex on Assessor’s Parcel Number 002-140-01, which is located at 225 W. 8th Street in Alturas. The proposed commercial office building, if approved, will house a number of US Department of Agriculture (USDA) offices including the US Forest Service. This is the second review; the first review and public hearing for the above referenced project was held by the Alturas Planning Commission on September 28, 2011. This matter will now be considered. Discussion: Planning Director Hunter reviews the application for the above referenced project covering the Environmental Review, Site Plan, Landscaping Plan, ingress and egress for the project. The proposed building would be 23,000 sq. feet and will sit on 3.44 acres. Two parcels will create one legal parcel. The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on September 28, 2011, and considered the proposed project. The Commission recommended that the City Council approve the Site Plan and proposed project with specific conditions of approval. The other conditions will be worked out later through the Use Permit and Parcel Map process. Rees Miller, Project Manager for Schlumpberger Consulting Engineers, is present and reviews the proposed Site Plan, Conceptual Landscaping Plan, all elevations for the building, proposed Floor and Roof Plan, Proposed Site Drainage and Grading, and building materials used. Councilmember Nelson questions the snow removal plans, and the impact on the sewer services. Mr. Rees responds that the east and west sides of the project will have drainage retention storm chambers that will be underground. DPW Robertson responds that the impact to the City’s sewer services will not be significant; basically changing from one building to another. City Attorney Monaco discusses the rain gutters and down spouts; there is the potential of the water flow freezing and this could create ice, especially on the ground. This is a solvable issue and should be given some thought. Mr. Rees will look into possibly changing the flow of the gutters, and other methods such as heat strips. Planning Director Hunter reviews the issue of Howard Street; it is a long, complicated and messy issue at this point. The record of survey needs to be reviewed further before a recommendation can be made. 8th Street is not in the best shape; improvements and decisions will need to be made. The approval of the Parcel Map will be tabled at this time and will be brought back in a month. The applicant needs to move forward now on the Site Plan. The Alturas Planning Commission and staff recommend approval with the conditions (with amendments as reviewed by Kim Hunter) as stated in the attachment to Planning Commission Resolution #2011-02; and that the City Council approve the Site Plan Review on the condition that the approval of this Site Plan allows the Applicant to pursue permitting review, however, the Site Plan is contingent on the approval and issuance of a Use Permit. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to adopt Resolution #2011-44 approving a Site Plan, with the attached conditions and amendments as discussed here tonight, filed by Robert G. Baird and John Love, representing the Robert and Dawn Baird Family Trust for Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 002-140-01, and 001-183-01, with the amendment to the last paragraph, last sentence on page one as follows: strike “prior to the initiation of any construction activity.” ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Ray to approve the MOU between the City of Alturas and County of Modoc for the continuation of Planning Services from October 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011. ALL AYES. Public Hearing: Discussion of a proposed ordinance for “Wireless Communication Facilities”. The ordinance was reviewed by the Alturas Planning Commission, and they have recommended that it be considered for adoption by the City Council. Currently, the City does not have an ordinance specifically addressing wireless communication facilities. These facilities are currently being “negotiated” by the City through specific lease agreements. An ordinance specifically addressing wireless communication facilities will provide uniform and comprehensive regulations for orderly development. In addition, such an ordinance will aid the City Council with setting up lease agreements. At the request of the City Council, Planning Director Hunter will also address co-location in the proposed ordinance. No action needed tonight; Council will have the first reading of the ordinance on the November 8th City Council agenda. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Ray to adopt Resolution #2011-39 regarding the PERS Employer Paid Member Contributions. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Ray to adopt Resolution #2011-40 adopting the final amended 2010/2011 Fiscal Year Budget in the amount of $6,868,780. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Councilmember Jacques to adopt Resolution #2011-41 adopting the 2011/2012 Fiscal Year Budget in the amount of $6,095,464. ALL AYES. Mayor Dederick explains that changing an elected official’s salary in the middle of a term can only be done with the approval of the elected officials, which the current City Clerk and Treasurer have agreed to. He and Councilmember Ray propose to set the elected part of the salary for City Clerk and City Treasurer at $500 per month, and have the other job duties appointed. The appointed portion of the salary would come from other funding sources that are related to the job duties; this will help the General Fund. The City Clerk would be appointed as Asst. Director of Finance, and Heather as City Treasurer would be appointed as Director of Finance; both are agreeable to this restructure. Councilmember Schreiber does not agree with this change. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to adopt Resolution #2011-42 changing the salaries for City Clerk & City Treasurer to $500 per month. AYES: Councilmembers Dederick, Nelson, Ray, Jacques. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Schreiber. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Schreiber to adopt Resolution #2011-43 adopting job descriptions for Director of Finance and Asst. Director of Finance positions. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Councilmember Jacques to appoint Heather Macdonnell as Director of Finance at Range 46/Step F - $43,964; and Cary Baker as Assistant Director of Finance at Range 45/Step M - $52,752. ALL AYES. Council reviews the liability/homeowners insurance cancellation notice received by the City Clerk for Mark Channell. It had been cancelled for three weeks; this violates Section 11/Insurance and Taxes of the Residential Lease Agreement between Mr. Channell and the City of Alturas. The premium was paid today and the policy was reinstated. Mr. Channell was given 60 days from August 9, 2011 to remove sawdust and other flammable debris, personal property, and equipment that he caused to be located on the old mill site property during his commercial lease; this is outlined in Section 6/Removal of Property and Debris. Because of these violations, Council recommends termination of the lease. MOTION by Councilmember Nelson, SECONDED by Councilmember Jacques to direct the City Attorney to write a letter to Mark Channell terminating his lease in 30 days, based on the violations as stated above. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Schreiber to approve final payment to Advanced Truck Body in the amount of $163,103.45 for the snow plow equipment purchased through the FAA contract AIP 3-06-0003-06, and authorize the Mayor to sign the Notice of Completion for the FAA Contract. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Nelson, SECONDED by Schreiber to authorize the Public Works Director to submit pre-application to the Sierra Nevada Conservancy under the Prop 84 Healthy Forests Grant Program for a Category 2 project; NTE $75,000 for study, assessment, and/or project design for the City of Alturas biomass-based district heating project. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Councilmember Schreiber to approve up to $1,250 of expenditures for paint supplies from Community Projects Fund 83 for use in conjunction with $2,500 of PP&L grant funds received for Basque Commemorative Mural. ALL AYES. Agenda item regarding the lease between Crystal Clear Broadcasting, Inc. and the City of Alturas is tabled to the next regular meeting. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Councilmember Jacques to authorize the Director of Public Works to sign, effective 10/03/11, the Waiver Form for Administrative Civil Liability Complaint R5-2011-5091 to waive the 90 day hearing requirement in order to engage in settlement discussions with State Water Resources Control Board. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Ray to authorize the Mayor to sign Agreement No. 81690-B-J102 between the City of Alturas and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the amount of $20,000 in exchange for commitment of management practices on 20 acres of City owned land for a period of 10 years. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Councilmember Jacques to approve a $6,500 annual stipend (to be paid monthly) for Asst. Director of Public Works Joe Picotte retroactive to July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012, at which time the issue will be revisited by the City Council. ALL AYES. DPW Robertson reviews the City has two options to retain a Consulting Engineer for Civil Engineer Review Services for the proposed USDA Forest Service Complex. We can hire Kevin Butler, or add an addendum to the current Omni-Means contract, which would include a Scope of Services Agreement. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to retain Omni-Means as Consulting Engineer for Civil Engineer Review Services for the USDA Forest Service Complex proposal; developer to be billed for cost of services in accordance with City Code. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Councilmember Jacques to approve the consent agenda as follows: a) Approve minutes of September 13, 2011 meeting; b) Approve City warrants $91,547.76. ALL AYES. COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS: Library Advisory Board member Tom Romero reports the Board still has concerns with the funding generated by the Library Tax. The Board will have a meeting tomorrow to discuss the issue. Building Inspector Traugott reports she is proceeding with the nuisance abatements; and is looking at ways to deal with the dilapidated houses in town. Asst. DPW Picotte reports the mosquito spraying is coming to an end; with the new snow plow and street sweeper the City should be able to maintain a good program and keep things moving along. Also, the north and south tanks were cleaned and inspected and were found to be in good shape. Police Chief Barnes has background packets out on four individuals who were interviewed; would like to get someone on board in the next thirty days; the City is still being considered for the COPS funding; and had a prescription drop-off box installed in the lobby of the Police Department. This will help encourage people to not flush or throw away unwanted prescriptions. City Clerk Baker reports she was contacted by Wayne Bethel regarding the heating and cooling system at City Hall. Mr. Bethel would like to start by inspecting the system and balancing and checking all vent connections and registers; this will run $900 - $1,100. Council consensus is to go ahead with this step to try to improve the efficiency of the system. Councilmember Jacques reports the City has started its own Emergency Operation Center (EOC). The EOC starts the ball rolling if there is an emergency in the City. The Incident Commander will be here at City Hall in the Council Chambers. Mayor Dederick reports he and Councilmember Schreiber met with the Labor Negotiator. Asst. City Treasurer MacDonnell reports the part-time person in the front office seems to be working out well. At this time, 10:10 p.m., the Mayor announced the Council will be meeting in Closed Session under Government Code Section 54957/Employee Evaluation – Police Chief Ken Barnes. Reconvened back to regular session at 10:48 p.m. with nothing to report out. With no further business to come before Council, meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m. to return in regular session on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., City Hall. Respectfully,
Cary L. Baker City ClerkAlturas City CouncilRegular Meeting City Hall Council ChambersApril 12, 2011 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Mayor John Dederick at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers present: John Schreiber, Cheryl Nelson, Bobby G. Ray, Keith Jacques. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Clerk Cary L. Baker, City Treasurer Asst. Heather MacDonnell, City Attorney Al Monaco, DPW Chester Robertson, Police Chief Ken Barnes, City Planning Commissioner Tom Romero, Building Inspector Sue Traugott, Fire Marshal Steve Jacques. Public attending: 5. All present joined together in the pledge of allegiance followed by a moment of silence. No one is present under the public forum. Mayor Dederick explains he talked to the Modoc Co. Assessor’s Office and the Modoc County Arts Council Amphitheater Lease, located at the City’s mill site property/APN 022-490-1621, was mistakenly put on the County’s secured tax roll and charged the $185 Hospital District tax assessment. This will be put on the unsecured tax roll which will delete the Hospital District tax. No action needed with regards to changing the term of the lease. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to approve a letter of support for the Modoc County Arts Council to send to the California Arts Council for grant funding. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Councilmember Jacques to approve a letter of support for the Alturas Chamber of Commerce sponsored annual Home Show to be held April 30th. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to approve a letter of support for the Child Abuse Prevention walk, sponsored by T.E.A.C.H. & Families Matter, to be held on April 26th. ALL AYES. Mayor Dederick reviews the proposed contract with Demsher Consulting to provide employee and negotiating services to the City of Alturas. The use will be limited and on an as needed basis for negotiating and other employee issue that may come up. Councilmember Schreiber states he doesn’t have a problem with the contract and it won’t be a lot of money, but the City doesn’t have extra money. We will have to cut somewhere else to make it fit in the budget. MOTION by Councilmember Nelson, SECONDED by Councilmember Jacques to approve the contract with Demsher Consulting for negotiating and employees services for the City of Alturas. ALL AYES. Fire Marshal Jacques updates the Council and staff on the abatement progress at the property located at 109 Rine Street; the home was destroyed by fire in February 2010. A purchase plan has been proposed by Guy Young. The plan includes removing the home by burning and subsequent disposal of the remaining materials. However, there are some concerns regarding the presence of asbestos. Following our normal procedure we had a visual inspection by local authorities and they were unable to determine if asbestos was present. It was suggested that the City employ an authorized testing firm to inspect the house and perform sampling. Three asbestos inspecting firms were contacted and asked for quotes. The low quote is $1,050 from a firm in Reno, NV. Inspection will include 35 samples and a report will follow with the results. When the results have been received, it will be brought back to Council to consider what options are available if asbestos is present. Guy Young is present and states he is interested in purchasing the lot since it is next to his home. The lot is only worth $8,000 at best, and that is all he is willing to invest. He has attorney’s fees that he has paid due to the property title, and there are back taxes of approximately $2,000 that will need to be paid. He will split the cost of the asbestos inspection with the City if that’s agreeable with the Council. This is an eyesore and a detriment to the neighborhood and the City. If the asbestos issue is solved, he would like to have the City Fire Department conduct a practice burn on the remainder of the structure, and possibly the City crews could help clean up. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to accept the proposal from Guy Young, that the City will split the cost of the asbestos inspection fee for 109 Rine Street. AYES: Councilmembers: Dederick, Schreiber, Nelson, Ray. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Jacques. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to adopt Resolution #2011-12 authorizing sole sourcing purchases for the FEMA/AFG grant that was awarded to the Alturas Fire Department. AYES: Councilmembers Dederick, Schreiber, Nelson, Ray. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Jacques. Councilmember Schreiber explains he put the 911 dispatching issue on the agenda so the full Council can get more of an understanding of where we are with the issue. Modoc Co. Sheriff Mike Poindexter is present and states the issue that the County would start charging for the 911 dispatch services was written into the County’s budget and came into play before he took office as Sheriff. He wasn’t ready to implement the fees, but due to a lack of funding he is looking for a solution. There is nothing viable yet; the County’s budget is uncertain across the board. He has submitted two budgets to the Board of Supervisors; one is without dispatch. Anything except what we are doing right now would be a step back. Councilmember Ray asks if the City does its own dispatching, would the City get a share of the 911 funding. County staff Tony Richno replies the state would fund the setup of a PSAP – Public Safety Answering Point, but wouldn’t pay for staff. Police Chief Barnes states he has met with Sheriff Poindexter and has talked about alternate ways to go. One option would be a grant to place computers in each of the police cars to accept the forwarded calls. The maintenance and update of the system would cost between $16,000 - $19,000 a year. Councilmember Jacques states that the City is not looking to leave the County dispatch system, just looking for contingency plans to protect the citizens of the City. It is at the Board of Supervisors and they need to prioritize their budget and funding. We could form a JPA and try to pass a public safety sales tax for a short term solution, or try to fund a stand-alone entity. Sheriff Poindexter would like a committee formed with the three top agencies (County, City, and Hospital) with representatives who can make these decisions. Council consensus is to stay with the Sheriff’s Office for dispatching and try to come up with funding. MOTION by Councilmember Schreiber, SECONDED by Councilmember Ray to approve the second reading and adoption of Ordinance #488 amending the current City of Alturas Building Code Permit Fee Schedule, with the amendment that the per page charge for copies be changed from $1.00 to .50 cents. AYES: Councilmembers Dederick, Schreiber, Nelson, Ray. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Jacques. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to approve a contract with Government Payment Services, Inc. to provide credit card payment capability to City Hall. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Schreiber to authorize the funding of the completion of the Generator Project for approximately $3,000 - $4,000 from the Community Projects fund. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Schreiber, SECONDED by Councilmember Jacques to authorize the City of Alturas to accept a $1,500 credit at the Belligerent Duck from the Modoc Co. Sheriff’s Department in lieu of the payment of $1,500 from the County for marijuana eradication. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Ray approving authorization to sign the NORTEC Personal Services Contract regarding the Energy Efficient Community Development Block Grant Administration. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to adopt Resolution #2011-13 a resolution of intent to provide wastewater to private parties and public partners for the Wetlands Project, which would lead to no discharge into the Pit River in the interest of the overall welfare of the public health and safety. ALL AYES. Police Chief Barnes explains he found rebuilt copy machine s through the Federal Surplus Supply. There are the Ricoh Aficio Series and can do network scanning, fax, staple and provide a 3-hole punch. They have been rebuilt to factory specifications. The large machine runs $8,460, and the smaller version would be $7,422, but we could get the large capacity for the lower price. Mayor Dederick would like to table this issue to get more information on the type of warranty that comes with the machines; this could be brought back to the next meeting. Councilmember Jacques explains he would like Council to consider annexing the city limits over to Glenn Street, and the five houses on East 4th Street. Those sections of town are basically in the city limits and we are providing fire and police services already. This would make it easier on emergency dispatches as to whether city or county should respond. Councilmember Schreiber states he spoke to John Benoit, LAFCO Director, and he said there wouldn’t be a problem but that the City should consider all the property they may want to include in an annexation, and do all of it at the same time. DPW Robertson states that since the Airport, Mill Site property, and Sewer Treatment Plant have different zones and uses versus the residential areas, the City might have to negotiate different tax exchanges during the annexation process. Either way, this will be a good opportunity to get something done. Councilmember Jacques would like Council approval to send a letter to the Lake Railway requesting that they repair the railroad tracks at 4th and East Street. If you have driven over them lately you will understand the need. Our crews have tried to keep if patched in that area, but because the areas around the tracks are in such poor shape it doesn’t do any good. He has received numerous complaints from the community asking if there is something the City can do. Mayor Dederick states that he supports this letter and would like to ask Lake Railway for their rehabilitation plans and timeline response. DPW Robertson is putting together the letter for the entire Council to sign. MOTION by Councilmember Schreiber, SECONDED by Councilmember Jacques to approve a letter to Lake Railway requesting the repair of the railroad tracks at 4th and East Street. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Schreiber, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter to Caltrans regarding the 299 Widening Project. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Schreiber, SECONDED by Councilmember Ray to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for both the General Unit and Police Unit and authorize the Mayor to sign, and that the $500 stipend be approved for all employees including a proportionate amount to the half-time and three-quarter time employees. AYES: Councilmembers Dederick, Schreiber, Nelson, Ray. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Jacques. Mayor Dederick appoints himself and Councilmember Schreiber to the AB #2788/Prop #172 Funds Committee related to the disbursement of Public Safety Sales Tax. MOTION by Councilmember Schreiber, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to approve the consent agenda as follows: a) Approve minutes of March 8, 2011 meeting; b) Approve City warrants $114,072.26; c) Adopt Resolution #2011-11 removing inactive water & sewer accounts in the amount of $222.69. ALL AYES. COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS: Jim Cavasso, Alturas Chamber of Commerce, reports the Home Show will be held on April 30th this year; talked with the County Public Works staff and requested the County pay their water bills this year for the Park and that he would still provide the labor and maintain it. The County’s response to him was go to the City. Building Inspector Traugott reports she is starting to issue some minor building permits; also, the State was here to inspect Nifty’s Trailer Park after the recent trailer fire. City Treasurer Admin. Asst. MacDonnell reviews the utility deposit comparison with other small cities; Alturas falls somewhere in the middle with charges and disconnect time lines. DPW Robertson reports Airport fuel costs are up and he is splitting loads with other agencies so as not to get caught with $5.00 per gallon fuel when prices go down; moving forward with the Airport snowplow; working on a proposal for LAFCO for the Daphnedale Community Services District. Councilmember Nelson reports she is working on getting tables for the Fire Department meeting hall; also has had at least 8 people complain about the intersection at West and Henderson Street with regards to almost hitting kids due to the parked vehicles in that area. Would like to consider placing no parking signs in that area. Police Chief Barnes and DPW Robertson will review the situation and recommend a solution. Councilmember Schreiber reports he attended the Hospital meeting; points discussed were the grant requirements and potential property. Mayor Dederick reports he attended the MCTC meeting; Sage Stage’s lease is expiring and there is money to purchase a building. At this time, 9:28 p.m., the Mayor announced the Council would be meeting in Closed Session under Government Code Section 54957/Personnel Review – Planning Director. Reconvened back to regular session at 10:46 p.m. with nothing to report out. With no further business to come before Council, meeting adjourned at 10:47 p.m. to return in regular session on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., City Hall. Respectfully,
Cary L. Baker City ClerkAlturas City CouncilRegular Meeting City Hall Council ChambersMarch 8, 2011 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Mayor John Dederick at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers present: John Schreiber, Cheryl Nelson, Bobby G. Ray, Keith Jacques. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Clerk Cary L. Baker, Asst. City Treasurer Heather MacDonnell, City Attorney Al Monaco, DPW Chester Robertson, Police Chief Ken Barnes, City Planning Commissioner Tom Romero. Public attending: 6. All present joined together in the pledge of allegiance followed by a moment of silence. No one is present under the public forum. DPW Chester Robertson asks that an urgency item be allowed on this agenda under G.C. Section 54954.2(b) the need to take action arose subsequent to the agenda being posted. The City adopted Resolution #2009-36 relating to the California Energy Commission’s EECBG Program for grants for energy efficient street lights. Now they are requiring more specific language on the resolution; this Resolution #2011-10 complies with this request. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Ray to allow Resolution #2011-10 on this agenda. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to adopt Resolution #2011-10 relating to the EECBG grant to retrofit existing high pressure sodium street light bulbs, cone modules and ballast fixtures with LED bulbs, driver modules and cone modules between the intersections of State Route 299 and Main Street, and Water Street and Main Street. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Schreiber to approve Animal Permits for Angeline Ewing and Tyler Ewing, 1304 W. 6th, to keep and maintain one 4-H goat each at their residence through June 17, 2011 as set forth in Ordinance #202. ALL AYES. Ken Franklin, representing the Modoc County Arts Council, requests the City apply for an appeal of the Hospital District tax assessment of $195 on the city owned property leased to the Amphitheater at the old mill site APN 022-490-1621. He further explains the Arts Council filed an appeal with the Last Frontier Healthcare District and was denied. The reason given for the denial was that the lease to the Amphitheater was more than the 35 years allowed; the current lease is for 50 years. Mayor Dederick replies the City Council can look at a new lease with Arts Council for 30 years to avoid the tax assessment. This will be placed on the next agenda. Building Inspector Sue Traugott requests Council consideration to approve the first reading of Ordinance #488 amending the current City of Alturas Building Code Permit Fee Schedule; this would add re-inspection and submittal fees. Councilmember Jacques responds that he doesn’t agree with the re-inspection fees; a better way to do it would be to increase the basic building permit fees. The contractor should be able to request as many inspections as needed. Building Inspector Traugott states that this charge would be passed on to the contractors that are abusive and call her back for an inspection when they are not ready. She does give the contractors two inspections for the same call out; there aren’t many who abuse it. DPW Robertson states he feels we need some element of authority to keep these people in line and they will bear the costs. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED to Councilmember Nelson to approve the first reading of Ordinance #488 amending the current City of Alturas Building Code Permit Fee Schedule. AYES: Councilmembers Dederick, Schreiber, Ray, Nelson. NOES: Councilmember Jacques. Paula Jessup, Modoc Vitality Group, and Jim Schiffman, Asst. Superintendent of Schools for Modoc County Office of Education, are present to review the Distant Learning and Telemedicine grant program being applied for by the Modoc County of Education (MCOE). Modoc County Office of Education is applying for this grant from Rural Utilities Services, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture. This grant will further educational opportunities for the City and County. At this time, a small Distant Learning Center has been completed at MCOE; it is in the conference room on Henderson Street. The room is available for anyone who would like to take college classes and for employee training. It is also open to high school students who wish to take Advanced Placement classes not offered due to budget constraints. It could also benefit City and County government officials for meetings. The project would open Distant Learning Center hubs in Tulelake, Surprise Valley, and Adin. There will be a Vitality meeting on March 15th, at 3:00 p.m. in the MCOE building on Henderson Street and a demonstration will be given. MOTION by Councilmember Schreiber, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to adopt Resolution #2011-09 in support of the Distant Learning and Telemedicine grant program being applied for by the Modoc County Office of Education. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Schreiber, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to approve a budget amendment to increase revenue to the General Fund from the sale of scrap metal/tank cars (approximately $8,000 and anticipated sometime this month) and approve expenditures as follows: $5,000 from 01 4650 10 for Levee Engineering/Butler Engineering; and $3,000 from 01 42 70 to buy the remaining windows needed for the old Fire Hall building. AYES: Councilmembers Dederick, Schreiber, Ray, Nelson. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Jacques. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to approve the agreement between the City of Alturas and Modoc Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) for City Finance Services of LAFCO funds. AYES: Councilmembers Ray, Nelson, Jacques. ABSTAIN: Councilmembers Dederick, Schreiber. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Ray to accept the proposal submitted by Butler Engineering Group for LOMR work related to the Alturas Floodplain and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract, subject to the Mayor & Director of Public Works’ approval based on the information in the new study. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Schreiber, SECONDED by Councilmember Ray to authorize the Director of Public Works to sign the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAD) NPDES Permit Coalition Monitoring Application and Agreement, and authorize budget amendment to pay coalition membership fees (amount not know at this time, could be up to $600). ALL AYES. DPW Robertson reports the City’s street sweeper is beyond repair and we have been spending a significant amount of money on parts. Staff has been looking at used sweepers in good shape and could possibly pursue term loan financing. We currently get $5,000 a year from the state to sweep Main Street, and get reimbursement for snow removal; we would also have to look at Special Road Funds. At this time would like Council consensus if staff should pursue this. Council agrees and authorizes staff to look into used street sweeper and term financing. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Councilmember Schreiber to authorize the Director of Public Works to sign the Notice of Intent to comply with the terms of the Water Quality Order No. 2004-0008-DWQ; Statewide General Permit for Residual Pesticide Discharges to Surface Waters of the United States for Vector Control Appliances; General Permit No. CAG990004; and authorize budget amendment to pay CA State Water Quality Control Board NPDES permit fee. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to adopt the consent agenda as follows: a) Approve minutes of February 2, 8, 28, 2011 meetings; b) Approve City warrants in the amount of $106,081.80. ALL AYES. Council/Staff Reports: Paula Jessup reports on the sale of fuel at the Alturas Municipal Airport and reviews the pricing increase for both 100 low lead and Jet A fuels. Also, reports on projected fuel sales and temporary hangar leases with the Oregon Fish & Wildlife and BLM for the next fire season. Fire Marshal Jacques reports there is a senate bill that could give counties the authority to extend the requirement for sprinklers in new construction to January 2014. Planning Commissioner Romero reports that at the last Planning Commission meeting, Bill Hall as Tobacco Coordinator presented a preliminary outdoor smoking ordinance at the public hearing. Building Inspector Traugott reports that the Alturas Fire Department did a great job in containing the fire at Nifty’s mobile home park; the state will be here soon to inspect. Asst. DPW Picotte reports he has been working hard at trying to keep up with pothole patching and fixing broken meters. Police Chief Barnes reports he has hired Audrey Hall as Police Clerk to replace Marylou Allen; attended the California Police Chiefs Association conference – they are lobbying hard against the release of 38,000 parolees; also has been checking on 911 systems for patrol cars, and checking with other cities regarding their 911 charges. Councilmember Jacques reports he was asked by residents if the Council could do something about the bad intersection located near T.E.A.C.H. and the mini-lube; possibly a 4-way stop could be put in. Chief Barnes will look into it. Asst. City Treasurer Heather MacDonnell reports staff is looking at a credit card company to provide the capability of paying by credit card at City Hall. The 3.5% charge will be paid by the user. There will be no charge for the equipment and training will be free. There will be a one-time $85.00 charge to install the equipment. Also, is looking into what other cities charge for water deposits, and what their cut-off policies are. DPW Robertson reports the snowplow bids for the Airport came in higher than the budget amount; will search for ways to fund the difference; has hired two new part-time employees John and Debbie Pedersen to replace Mark Channel. Councilmember Schreiber reports he attended the Hospital Coalition meeting; also attended the Hospital District meeting. Mayor Dederick reports he attended two 911 meetings in the last month; the County is still pushing to charge the City for dispatching city calls. There will be another meeting this Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Also, met with a professional labor negotiator. The City could possibly use the services as needed; we will consider a proposal at the next meeting. With no further business to come before Council, meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m. to return in regular session on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., City Hall. Respectfully,
Cary L. Baker City ClerkAlturas City CouncilSpecial Meeting City Hall Council ChambersFebruary 28, 2011 12:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Mayor John Dederick at 12:00 p.m. Councilmembers present: John Schreiber, Bobby G. Ray, Keith Jacques. Councilmembers absent: Cheryl Nelson. Staff present: City Clerk Cary L. Baker, City Treasurer Kathie Alves, DPW Chester Robertson, Building Inspector Sue Traugott, Fire Marshal Steve Jacques. Public attending: 1. All present joined together in the pledge of allegiance followed by a moment of silence. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Mayor Dederick to approve budget amendment to increase revenue to General Fund from the sale of scrap metal/tank cars (approx. $8,000) and approve expenditures as follows: $5,000 from 01 4650 10 for Levee Engineering/Butler Engineering; and $3,000 from 01 4245 70 to buy the remaining windows needed for the old Fire Hall building. AYES: Councilmembers Dederick and Ray. ABSTAIN: Councilmembers Jacques and Schreiber. Motion failed for lack of a majority. This item it tabled to the next regular meeting in March. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Councilmember Schreiber to authorize the Director of Public Works to advertise for part-time extra help in the Public Works Department due to a recent vacancy. ALL AYES. Agenda item #3, the first reading of Ordinance #488, is tabled to the next regular meeting in March. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Councilmember Schreiber to approve the contract with Modoc Co. CalWorks Employment Program, at no cost to the City, and authorize the Fire Marshal, Police Chief, and Director of Public Works to sign. AYES: Councilmembers Dederick, Schreiber, Ray. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Jacques. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Ray to adopt the Alturas Copper and Zinc Compliance & Permit Application Work Plan. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Schreiber to adopt Resolution #2011-03 approving the City of Alturas Sanitary Sewer Management Plan (SSMP). ALL AYES. Agenda item #7, regarding proposal from Butler Engineering, is tabled to the next regular meeting in March. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Councilmember Jacques to adopt Resolution #2011-08 supporting the “Where Art and Science Comes Alive” event sponsored by the Art Center. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Councilmember Jacques to approve a budget amendment in order to accommodate priority pollutant sampling under NPDES permit; increase Fund 60, Account 4172 $4,500; decrease Fund 60, Account 4240 $4,500. ALL AYES. At 12:39 p.m., the Mayor announced the Council would be meeting in Closed Session under Government Code Section 54947.6 Labor Negotiations General Unit & Police Unit. Reconvened back to regular session at 1:03 p.m. with no action taken. With no further business to come before Council, meeting adjourned at 1:04 p.m. to return in regular session on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., City Hall. Respectfully,
Cary L. Baker City ClerkAlturas City CouncilRegular Meeting City Hall Council ChambersFebruary 8, 2011 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Mayor John Dederick at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers present: John Schreiber, Cheryl Nelson, Bobby G. Ray, Keith Jacques. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Clerk Cary L. Baker, Deputy City Treasurer Heather MacDonnell, DPW Chester Robertson, Asst. DPW Joe Picotte, Police Chief Ken Barnes, Fire Marshal Steve Jacques, City Planning Commissioner Tom Romero. Public attending: 10. All present joined together in the pledge of allegiance followed by a moment of silence. No one is present under the public forum. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to approve an Animal Permit for Kelly Roberts, 317 West Carlos St., to keep and maintain two (2) 4-H lambs at his residence from March 1, 2011 to June 17, 2011 as set forth in Ordinance #202. ALL AYES. Kate Hall, Watershed Coordinator with the Central Modoc Resource Conservation District (CMRCD), is present to discuss the Alturas Log Pond Restoration Project. CMRCD’s proposal seeks to fund a portion of a larger project. The project will convert the log ponds from an abandoned lumber mill site (next to the City’s mill site property) into a 90 acre wetland complex, and 60 acres of a riparian filtration strip. Once the cement rubble is removed, the site will be placed into a wetland reserve program easement that will be managed by the National Resources Conservation Service NRCS. The City’s role in this is to participate with the discharge water from the sewer treatment plant. This would run through the wetland filtration system and eliminate the source pollution from the plant into the Pit River. Once on site, the water will travel through a grassy buffer and wetland filter complex before entering the restored wetland; this process is a proven method of eliminating contaminants from effluent water. There is funding for the wetland development portions of the project, and this funding is contingent on the development of the water source and the site being cleared. The landowners (Ochipini) are willing to contribute heavy equipment for the removal of the cement structures, but to complete the preparation they need technical assistance with permits and financial assistance with labor costs. The installation of the pipe for the water transport also still remains unfunded. This proposal seeks to fund the required permits, the site preparation work, and the installation of pipe to transport the water from the treatment plant to the project site. The City’s contribution could be to provide the labor to install the pipe. Council agrees that this would be a great project and asks if there is a timeline set out. Kate Hall responds that she would like to see it start by June. Mayor Dederick states the City would need the Water Quality Control Board to sign off on this project. DPW Robertson comments that this project would be one of the options for the Water Quality Control Board but they (WQCB) would be concerned with one of the agencies involved in the project not meeting the timelines. If everyone involved demonstrates a good faith effort, they would be receptive to it. MOTION by Councilmember Schreiber, SECONDED by Councilmember Jacques to authorize DPW Robertson to direct consultant Wyatt Troxel to evaluate the terms of the wastewater agreement. ALL AYES. Mr. Doug Knox is present to inform the Council of Section 1602 of the California Fish & Game Code relating to the takeover of the public’s water rights. This section was enacted over 50 years ago and now the State Fish & Game want to redefine what this section means. The State wants to put meters on domestic wells. This would take control of the head gates away from the farmers and ranchers. The reinterpretation will determine how the State can divert the water. Scotts Valley and Siskiyou County is already dealing with this issue and it will come to Modoc County at some point. It’s best to be informed and have local government be proactive. There will be a public meeting on this issue on February 20th, at 2:00 p.m. at Cal Pines, and City Council should be represented. Representatives of Congressman McClintock and Assemblyman Jim Nielsen will be in attendance. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to appoint Tom Romero as the City of Alturas representative on the Modoc County Library Advisory Board for the four year term of January 1, 2011 through January 1, 2015. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Schreiber, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to adopt Resolution #2011-06 authorizing the application for the USDA grant for the Alturas Fire Dept. in the amount of $107,566 for the addition to the Fire Hall. AYES: Councilmembers Dederick, Schreiber, Nelson, Ray. ABSTAIN: Councilmember Jacques. Fire Marshal Jacques notes that the grant is 75% of the cost of the addition; the City will have a 25% match of $26,000, which will come from the Fire Department Equipment Reserve Fund. Resolution #2011-03, regarding the Sanitary Sewer Management Plan is tabled at this time. MOTION by Councilmember Schreiber, SECONDED by Councilmember Jacques to adopt Resolution #2011-04 authorizing the Clerk/Treasurer’s Office to adjust the mileage reimbursement as needed according to I.R.S. rates. ALL AYES. MOTION by Councilmember Ray, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to declare the City’s wooden railroad car stored at the mill site property as surplus and authorize staff to sell/dispose of it. AYES: Councilmembers Dederick, Nelson, Ray, Jacques. NOES: Councilmember Schreiber. Mayor Dederick reports that there have been articles in the paper about the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office charging the Alturas Police Department and the Alturas Fire Department for handling the 911 calls. The Council hasn’t been approached yet, but we can start a formal discussion on the subject. Mayor Dederick further states he wouldn’t object to the City paying a fair share for the minutes used dispatching City calls. The 911 dispatch isn’t providing a service to the City departments or the ambulance service, it’s providing a service to the citizens of Modoc County when they have an emergency and make that call. The County can’t fund a position on the back of the City. Citizens already pay property taxes and phone bill surcharges for this. Police Chief Barnes states that the County receives the 911 funding from the State and they are required to man the service 24/7. Councilmember Jacques states there will be a meeting here on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. to discuss this issue. The Alturas Fire Department, Rural Fire Department, Alturas Police Department, Sheriff’s Department, Hospital, and the Mayor have been asked to attend. We can all sit down with the Sheriff and try to find a solution; public safety is non-negotiable. MOTION by Councilmember Jacques, SECONDED by Councilmember Nelson to approve the consent agenda as follows: a) approve minutes of January 11, 2011 meeting; 2) approve City warrants $126,919.57; c) adopt Resolution #2011-05 removing inactive water & sewer accounts $1,520.48; d) adopt Resolution #2011-07 supporting the annual Children’s Fair on May 21, 2011. COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS: Jim Cavasso, Alturas Chamber of Commerce, reports there is more progress being made on the Main Street Park; the Home Show is April 30th; and thanked Joe Picotte for his backhoe help at the Park. Fire Marshal Jacques reports he was awarded a $68,000 FEMA grant, which will buy eight self-contained breathing apparatuses; there has been progress on the meeting hall with the ceiling being replaced, and new windows installed; and is working on the asbestos issue at the house that burned on Rine Street. Planning Commissioner Tom Romero reports the Commission approved a Home Occupation Permit at their last meeting; also, there was recommendation from staff to not take any position on the medicinal marijuana cooperatives at this time; wait and see what the state does. Police Chief Barnes responds that the federal government is taking a stance on the medicinal marijuana issue and going after counties that are approving cooperatives. PARSAC (the City’s liability carrier) recommends a complete ban on the issue rather than trying to meet in the middle and allow something. At this point they will not cover any liability that may arise. The City could look at adopting ordinances to cover indoor growing of medicinal marijuana to keep it out of the public’s view. Police Chief Barnes reports his department has been busy. The new software installation will be up and running by March 15th; he received $15,000 worth of free rifles from the military and two hummers for the Task Force/City-County emergency operations. City Treasurer Asst. Heather MacDonnell reports she will be attending a labor law class; discusses the inactive water & sewer accounts – the City could look at raising the water deposit or possibly look at a credit card machine. She will try to have a report at the next Council meeting. DPW Robertson reports the water O & M debt only has $920.50 left to pay down, now will be able to rebuild the water reserves. Also, the presentation tonight on the log pond project will have some elements funded and some will not; not a sealed deal. The environmental part of the project will be a significant amount. The Mayor announced the Council would be meeting in closed session under 1) G.C. Section 54956.9/Pending Litigation regarding the Wastewater Treatment Plant; 2) G.C. Section 54947.6 Labor Negotiations General Unit & Police Unit. Reconvened back to regular session at 9:20 p.m. with the following to report out: Authorization was approved for DPW Robertson to enter into an agreement for Mediation Services (relating to the WWTP litigation) with the dollar amount to be approved by the Public Works Committee. With no further business to come before Council, meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m. to return in regular session on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., City Hall. Respectfully,
Cary L. Baker City Clerk |
|---|