MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ETNA CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, August 17, 2015
Members of the Etna City Council met this 17th day of August, 2015, at the Etna City Council Chambers.
Mayor Marilyn Seward called the meeting to order and led in the salute to the flag of the United States of
America.
Roll Call
Council Members Diana Callahan, Lori Fleck, Mitch Trost, Marilyn Seward were present. Chuck Jopson was
absent.
Oral Comments from the Public on Non-Agenda Items
Amanda Schmalenburger, president of Scott Valley Chamber, expressed thanks to the city, and PAL
for their help with Jammin on Main. She also gave a reminder that the event is taking place this Saturday
(August 22, 2015) starting at 6:00 pm.
Che’usa Wend stated that she was reminded of the employee task list while she was going over the
minutes online from 2011 to present, instituted when Mike Duguay was mayor, and she felt that it worked
well. Wend also stated that the list seemed to disappear when Mike Duguay left, and she would like to see it
re-instituted. Furthermore, Wend mentioned a post that she saw on Facebook about “Transparent
California” website, she clicked on salaries for the city of Etna and it said “refusing to produce.” Wend
asked Transparent California in an email to their staff, if Pamela Russell sent something to them stating
“refusing to produce,” or if that is automatic when you don’t receive any information. The director of
Transparency Research California Policy Center emailed Wend back stating that they have sent eight emails
to the city since July 18th of 2013 and have not received a response of any kind, and can only assume that the
city is refusing to produce the information. Also, California state law mandates a response within ten days
of all public record requests. Lastly, Wend points out that yet again we had another mandated state law
request that went unanswered.
James Roseman shared additional information regarding Transparent California. Roseman was the
chair of the Scott Valley Protection District when Transparent California was requesting information.
Roseman sent information to the county council asking them if this was a requirement, the county council
responded back with yes this is something we are required to do. Roseman suggests to the council to
rethink this and give the information that is required of them to give to avoid a potential law suit, and
because it is public information. Roseman also expressed his support to Chief Short’s request for more
ammunition so they can be well prepared.
Linda Moak with a two part question, “Who does the city council represent, and who does the city
council answer to?” Mayor Seward responded stating that the city council represents the entire community,
and the city council answers to the entire community. Moak then asked if the citizenship has any rights to
ask a question, or get information. Mayor Seward reminded Moak that this is a time where the council
listens during public comment period, not necessarily respond with answers.
Gareth Plank stated in the past he has spoken in passing as a member of the community, and has
professionally as an expert regarding real estate finance, and he was dismissed in all of those regards. Now
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he would like to suggest again to the mayor that not paying attention to speakers is impolite, and gave an
example of turning your back as a universal sign of disrespect. Plank again reminded the mayor of her
fiduciary responsibilities to the public when they are speaking. Plank gave a printed photo of what he
referred to as “Sewerville” to the city council, to the clerk, and one to share with the residents of Scott
Valley. Plank explained to everyone that this is a pictorial of what individuals who miss their fiduciary
responsibility, who misunderstand malfeasance, and do not listen to the constituents, this is what the
community will look like. Plank asked the council if that is the “Sewerville” you want to be remembered
for, this is what happens when the city council turns their backs on the concerns, and heritage of
community. Plank states that is not to be in our horizon.
Consent Calendar
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 3, 2015, and Check Register, were presented for approval. Fleck
pointed out one correction that needed to be made, changing the “Public Hearing” to “Public Meeting.”
Sarah Griggs stated that we will make the correction changing “Public Hearing” to “Public Meeting.”
Callahan moved to approve the Consent Calendar and the Minutes of the Regular Meeting on August 3,
2015. Trost seconded, and the motion passed 4-0 with Callahan, Fleck, Seward, and Trost voting yes.
Current Business:
Discuss/Approve advertising for bids for the 2015 Water Main Installation Project. Morgan
Eastlick, the City Engineer, explained they are ready to advertise for this project starting Monday August 24,
2015, as long as the council is accepting. Eastlick would like to have the bids open just before the second
meeting in September. Fleck requested more clarification on whether or not the public will be able to
attend when the bids are opened. Eastlick explained that the bids will be opened in the council chamber
during a public meeting, and the contractors will also receive a notice. The lowest priced responsive bidder
will be selected for the project at the next council meeting. Eastlick confirmed with Fleck that the public
will be able to attend this meeting. Fleck wants to be certain that we select the best contractor, and possibly
a local contractor despite costs. Eastlick said that it is a process and that the chance of the contractor being
from Siskiyou County is good, but we still have to select the lowest responsive bidder. Callahan moved to
approve the advertising for bids for the 2015 Water Main Installation Project. Fleck seconded, and the
motion passed 4-0 with Callahan, Fleck, Seward, and Trost voting yes.
Discuss/Approve purchase of Cold Patch for pot holes and one box of ceiling tiles for City Hall
Council Chambers. Brandon Facey from the Public Works Department, is asking for the approval to
purchase these budgeted items. Facey said it is about $780.00, and it weighs about six tons for the Cold
Patch. Callahan moved to approve the purchase of Cold Patch for pot holes and one box of ceiling tiles for
the City Hall Council Chambers. Trost seconded, and the motion passed 4-0 with Callahan, Fleck, Seward,
and Trost voting yes.
Discuss/Approve the purchase of ammunition. Chief Short requests approval from the council to
purchase more ammunition. Chief Short explained that this is “Duty” ammunition that he needs to be
available to them at all times. There are policies and procedures that require them all to carry the same Duty
ammunition with the same specifications. It has been several years since he has requested to purchase
ammunition, and he anticipates this purchase lasting for a long time. Officer Stacher researched for the best
deal for this ammunition, and total cost will be around $1,090.00, which is a budgeted item. Fleck moved to
approve the purchase of ammunition. Callahan seconded, and the motion passed 4-0 with Callahan, Fleck,
Seward, and Trost voting yes.
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Discuss/Approve Officer Stacher and Wes Dunkin to attend a one day training on Medical
Marijuana. Chief Short spoke on Wes Dunkin’s behalf due to a family emergency. Chief Short explained
that the training will be in Redding on September 9, 2015, and is about new active laws and procedures for
Medical Marijuana. Chief Short feels that this would be a good training for the both of them to attend. The
cost is about $80.00 for the two of them for the day. Fleck moved to approve officer Stacher and Wes
Dunkin to attend a one day training on Medical Marijuana. Callahan seconded, and the motion passed 4-0
with Callahan, Fleck, Seward, and Trost voting yes.
Discuss/Approve membership with the California Association of Code Enforcement Officer. The
cost of this membership is $75.00 a year. Chief Short explained that $50.00 of this is included in the budget,
but the additional $25.00 is not. He also stated that this networking is crucial for the code enforcement
officer to have, it enables Dunkin to reach out to other code enforcement officers to obtain necessary
information. Fleck asked if this membership is for him personally. Chief Short explained that he is the
code enforcement officer for the city. Fleck wants to make sure that the membership stays with the city,
not with him. Sarah Griggs clarified that the membership is with the position, which will stay with the city.
Fleck moved to approve the membership with the California Association of Code Enforcement Officer.
Callahan seconded, and the motion passed 4-0 with Callahan, Fleck, Seward, and Trost voting yes.
Discuss/Approve the purchase of a camera for CSO Department. Chief Short explained that Wes
Dunkin is requesting this camera to help him with the code enforcement aspect of his job. Dunkin found a
camera that will cost $499.99. Callahan moved to approve the purchase of a camera for the CSO
department. Fleck seconded, and the motion passed 4-0 with Callahan, Fleck, Seward, and Trost voting yes.
Discuss/Approve Wes Dunkin to attend the Code Enforcement Officer Advanced Course (11/1611/20,) and Intermediate Course (9/14-9/18.) Chief Short stated the cost for the intermediate is $1,472.00,
which includes travel, and is included in the budget. The advanced course will cost $1,310.10, which
exceeds the budget by $527.61. These two courses are the last in the series of CSO classes to be a certified
California Code Enforcement Officer, as outlined by the California Association of Code Enforcement
Officers. Callahan moved to approve Wes Dunkin to attend the Code Enforcement Officer Advanced
Course, and Intermediate Course. Fleck would like to amend the motion to approve it dependent upon a
budget transfer. Trost seconded, and the motion passed 4-0 with Callahan, Fleck, Seward, and Trost voting
yes.
Discuss State Water Resource Control Board Settlement Agreement. Erik Ryberg would like to
discuss the $19,000 settlement that was paid to the State Water Board. Ryberg expressed that $19,000 is a
lot of money for the town of Etna, and this was an expensive problem. Ryberg feels that what happened
was dramatically mischaracterized at the last public meeting, and the council didn’t, and doesn’t clearly
understand what happened. Ryberg would like to set the record straight and explained that at the last
council meeting Mitch Trost asked what happened, and the mayor explained that there was no
correspondence between the city and the State Water Board. Ryberg pointed out that the city is at fault, and
explained that in 2012 the city received their first notice of violation that went unanswered. Ryberg called
the State Water Board to confirm that there was no correspondence, and he was told that they did not have
any record of the city responding to any of their notices etc. Then in September of 2014 the State sent a
certified letter stating the city has until October 24th to be in compliance, and if the city is not in compliance
by this date the State will pursue enforcement measures. Ryberg said that when most of us receive a
certified letter they take it seriously, but the city did not, and the city of Etna never responded to this letter.
Then a month later the Water Board sent an email to the city of Etna that said it is imperative that your
agency reviews that attached notice of violation and respond as soon as possible to avoid enforcement
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actions. Ryberg stated that it sounds like the Water Board was begging the city to respond so they didn’t
have to fine us, and we didn’t do anything with that email either. Ryberg explains that another month
passes and they sent another email in December of 2014, and the city again does nothing. Then in January
the Water Board called the city and spoke with Pamela Russell, and Russell assured the Water Board that we
will be in compliance and provide status of progress. Ryberg stated that because the city never responded,
and months go by until May, and then they fine us. Ryberg feels that because we had an employee that
didn’t feel it was necessary to respond to emails and certified letters that is a very expensive liability, as we
now know. The other problem was our misjudgment, we started to comply but never informed the Water
Board that we were beginning to comply. Ryberg explained that the Water Board was trying desperately to
get us to comply, and provided us with plenty of opportunities, and we were discourteous giving them no
other option but to begin enforcement measures. The other problem is that we have to face the facts that
this was our fault. Ryberg stated that the mayor mischaracterized the State Water Board making it seem like
this was their fault, and making all of this sound like a cover up. Ryberg questioned the mayor asking her to
tell us why.
Mayor Seward explained that in 2014, or early in 2015 was the first time she heard of all this, then
she talked to Pam and said we need to jump on this and get this taken care of. Once she found out that all
this started in 2006 when the letters first came out, she explains that from the years 2008 until 2013 she
could not find any correspondence. She asked the Water Board when she was in Sacramento, if there was
any correspondence between those years, her question went unanswered. Ryberg clarified that the reason
why they didn’t answer is because there was no correspondence, just the notice of violations. Ryberg states
that the person responsible for all this was still employed with the city, after proving she was an immense
liability to the city, and the mayor did nothing about that. Mayor Seward explains that the reason she never
saw any letters is because the mail got sorted through by Sarah and Pam for each department. Ryberg stated
that the reason our attorney told us to be contrite is because you didn’t have a defense. Seward explains that
she was unaware of the letters and the emails that were sent to Pamela Russell that she did not respond to.
The community wants to know why we didn’t explain during the hearing that we were unaware that our
employee did not respond to any letters or emails. Mayor Seward again explains that she did not know that
Pamela Russell was not responding to the Water Board. Ryberg stated that it clearly explains in the
settlement agreement that the city did not respond.
Jan Gaynor comments, and wants to know why Pam Russell is still working for the city and why she
is still on the books. She was an inept clerk and never did anything right, in this situation at least. Gaynor
and other members of the community want to know why she is employed now, and why she wasn’t fired.
Mayor Seward explains that she is employed as a consultant to help Sarah with finishing out the financials
for the year. Seward explains she will only be here until the end of August.
Che’usa Wend gave copy of an enrollment form dated in 2006 to prove that Marilyn Seward was on
the council for those years because she and Pam signed the enrollment fee check on October 31st of 2006.
Wend also looked up an agenda item for March 16th of this year that showed, “Approve agreement with
SHN Consulting Engineers for preparation of Sanitary Sewer Management Plan $15,000 cost added to
amended budget.” Wend points out that there is no mention of the notice of violations. Wend asks if this
was when they found out about the notice violations and spent the $15,000 to SHN. Seward responds
stating that Pamela Russell had talked to her about it shortly before that meeting, maybe two weeks. Seward
explains that Russell showed her one of the letters at this time, and that was when they decided to jump on
this.
Susan Mayfield asked Seward if she ever saw the certified letter. Seward answered no. Mayfield
expressed her frustration that Pamela Russell is still working for the city. Mayfield wants to know why we
are still paying her, and she heard that we are paying her $30.00 an hour, or more. Seward said that is as a
consultant. Wend answers on May 18th 2015 when the city council chose to accept the resignation of city
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clerk Pamela Russell, just six days after an email from Mr. Elder, from the Water Board. His email
confirmed that Russell had spoken with him the same day as that email. Wend read a part of that email,
which describes the lack of communication and continued noncompliance from the city that resulted into
formal enforcement. Wend points out that on the May 18th meeting one agenda item was to approve
Pamela Russell’s resignation, and then to approve professional agreement and hire her as a consultant for
accounting assistance, and audit preparation. There was no discussion before approving this item. Wend
was under the impression that in order to have an approval, you have to have a discussion, and is wondering
when the discussion took place approving the professional service agreement. Seward explains that it was a
simple decision that did not require a lot of discussion. Wend states you need to discuss something before
you approve something. Lori Fleck replies that at the staff meeting in May we did not have anyone to
replace Pamela Russell’s position, and Russell offered her services to help with the finances, which is critical,
and that was when the discussion took place. Fleck explains that it was not a surprise to have her being
hired as a consultant, that she would not be considered as an “employee,” and we would not be paying for
her mileage, or benefits. Fleck stated that she too was unaware of any notices of violation, and remembers
back in February there was a discussion to complete the SSMP.
Sarah Griggs clarified that Pamela Russell resigned the second meeting in April, and Russell said that
she would work through the 31st of May. Gaynor commented pointing out that the mayor is responsible for
the city’s administration, and Russell was a part of that administration. Gaynor stated that the mayor was
supposed to make sure Russell was doing her job, and she did not. According to Gaynor, the mayor did not
do her job unlike the rest of the council. Gaynor expresses her frustration that we hired Russell instead of
firing her for screwing up, and giving the State Water Board the finger.
Wend asks Fleck how many council members were at that staff meeting in May. Fleck answers
thinking there were three. Wend emphasizes that is another problem that we have, you cannot have three,
four, or five council members at a staff meeting. Wend feels that the Brown Act has been ignored, and if
you have more than two council members at a staff meeting, it is a violation of the Brown Act. Wend
recently attended the last staff meeting, and stated that it was the best meeting that she has ever attended
since 2006. Wend feels that the staff meetings should be recorded so that everyone knows what is going on,
and this current system needs to be changed. Callahan explains that the staff meetings are for staff, it gives
them a voice in order to express their opinions etc. It is for the staff and it is their time, it is not for council
benefit. Callahan feels that if we require minutes and recordings, then the employees may not feel as
comfortable to voice their opinions or feelings etc. Wend disagrees that the staff would have a problem
voicing their opinions, based on what she experienced when she attended the last staff meeting. Also, if an
employee has a problem they would go to their commissioner. Wend explains that after attending the last
staff meeting, she got a sense that the city does actually know how to do things, which she never had in past
years. An audience member asked the council why Dollar General was brought up in a staff meeting before
it was ever brought up to the city, which is not a staff issue.
Susan Mayfield addressed the council stating that we are concerned citizens that the situation is not
being rectified the way it should be. Mayfield wants to know who is going to be held accountable for the
$19,000 settlement. Mayfield expresses her frustration with the city council and stated that her trust has
been broken, and can no longer trust the city to do due diligence to the citizens. Mayfield states that
transparency is paramount to this city, it is so important for a community’s survival. Mayfield does not
understand how Pamela Russell can still work for the city, and how the council could possibly allow her to
still be on the payroll, and feels that she should have been fired. Fleck responds back frustrated and asks the
audience members at the meeting what they want, do they want the council to step down. Fleck states that
it is not as easy as it looks to be a member of the council. Also Fleck states she had no idea about any of
this. Mayfield states that somebody needs to be held accountable in order to go back to the Water Board
and plead with them once again.
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Wend addressed the council asking them if any of them actually read the settlement agreement
before signing it. The council said yes. Callahan stated that what is done is done. Wend turns her back on
the council and addresses the audience stating that there will be a 30 day public review. Wend contacted the
Water Board and spoke with Mr. Elder and clarified that the public review has not taken place yet. There
will be a 30 day public comment period on their website. Wend states that we as citizens can write to them
and plead our case.
Kyle Peterson asks the council when they all found out about the notice of violation. He points out
that the notice of violation was not brought up at the same staff meeting when Pamela Russell resigns.
Peterson asks Mayor Seward if she informed the rest of the council about the notice of violation at this
time. Seward replies stating that since they all voted to hire Mark Chenney the council knew about the
notice of violation. Fleck responds saying that she was unaware of any notice of violation at that time, and
she was led to believe that we need to take care of this because it was a problem, but didn’t know about any
letters. Fleck is appalled at the behavior of the clerk. Peterson again emphasizes that the State made every
effort to make sure the city would comply with the monitoring requirement, and no action was taken.
Peterson feels that everyone deserves truthful and candid answers. Peterson expressed that he has lost his
confidence in the mayor and her abilities to perform her duties as a City Council member, the commissioner
of the City Clerk, and as the leader of the council, and this city. Peterson urged Seward to resign tonight,
immediately.
Christopher Liles spoke about a problem that we have with the idea of the city commissioners may
be illegal and does not work, we need a city administrator that can be responsible for all of the city
employees, and then reports to the council. The council cannot tell the employees what to do. The idea of
commissioners does not work, and you cannot manage by a committee. Seward responds stating that this
has been discussed as council members, they tried very hard to hire a city administrator, or manager this past
year. They put an ad out, and the responses that came in for the position gave them the impression that
they did not have the necessary qualifications to manage the city. They did not receive a single application
that possessed the necessary skills to have a managerial position. Seward agrees that the current system does
not work, and is a problem.
Lori Fleck commented that she attended a conference a couple of years ago with the city clerk
(Pamela Russell.) She learned from an attorney there that what John Kenny has been sharing with us is
incorrect, but cannot get anyone on the council to accept that information. Fleck explains that we can
immediately bring back a task list or some way where they can routinely review the activities of each
department, and the council collectively can direct what happens in this city. Fleck states that if we are not
going to have any way to follow up and have accountability, then there is no point in having a meeting.
Fleck feels that we need to step up, and do our jobs as a commissioner. Fleck describes being met with
crossed arms when she came on the council due to her ideas, and changes that she would like to see be
made. Fleck states that every department needs to have an open door and open file cabinets. Fleck explains
that we need to get into the business of managing our employees.
Mayor Seward explains that because all of this goes clear back to 2006, we had a licensed sewer
person from 2006 to 2011. Pamela Russell recently told Seward that Mike Duguay, and Jay Martin didn’t
want to spend the money to get this done. Dan Burbank was the head of the maintenance department at
the time, and he is only licensed in water, not sewer. So they hired Don McCloud from Fort Jones to do the
sewer reports. Seward checked for any correspondences regarding the sewer issue and could not find any.
Seward explains that they are making sure that something like this does not happen again. Seward felt that
the $19,000 settlement was fair, since we did not do what we were supposed to and comply with the Water
Board. Seward again reminds the audience that they all did not know about any of this. Mayfield asked
Seward if John Kenny knew that they didn’t know any of this, Seward does not recall if she ever told him
that. Seward found the letters and the notices after they hired John Kenny, from files in Pamela Russell’s
office, and from the “dungeon.” Mayfield does not understand why they couldn’t go to the board and tell
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them they didn’t know. Mayfield asked when John Kenny was contacted. Seward stated that she does not
know, and Pamela Russell was the one that contacted him. Seward does not know when Russell contacted
him. Mayfield points out that she had plenty of time to prepare herself to answer these questions tonight,
and we need answers.
Lori Fleck addresses the audience and states that “the horse is dead.” The audience responds saying
no it is not. Wend reminds the audience that the public may be able to change this outcome. Wend asks
the council if we have paid the attorney John Kenny, and demands that he gives back the attorney fees
because he has done nothing for us. Wend has asked for several years now that we get rid of John Kenny.
Wolfgang feels that when he writes his monthly check to the city he is now aware of the massive
lack of trust that has built up towards the city government. We need to figure out how to overcome this
lack of trust. Wolfgang thinks that the mayor and the former clerk should reimburse the city, and also the
city government should be remade by special election. Fleck suggests it get taken out of their pay,
reminding the audience that they do not get paid, and they do this because they love the city. Wolfgang
expresses his frustration about the $19,000 settlement, and he feels we need a new start.
Jamie Tarne proposed to the city council that they take immediate action, and terminate the
professional service agreement with Pamela Russell tonight. The fact is she was incompetent in the way she
handled the issue with the Water Board. Tarne has no trust in Russell’s ability to handle any financials. Lori
Fleck responds stating that she would love to do that, and we can have a special meeting for that. Fleck also
states that there is an out clause that states we need to give her ten days. Fleck thanked Tarne for that
suggestion.
Jill Beckman would like to re-iterate Kyle Peterson’s recommendation for the mayor to resign
tonight. Beckman reminds the council and the mayor of a meeting she attended about the Dollar General
coming, and Chris Reich pointed out that the mayor (Marilyn) could not be trusted. Beckman feels that
after all of this she feels that Reich is correct, there is a severe lack of trust here. Beckman thinks that this
position is not the best for her. Beckman also states that it was inexcusable to not inform the rest of the
council about what she knew with the Water Board. Beckman urges the mayor to resign.
Gareth Plank states that the trust is gone. Plank explains that there are only two reasons to settle,
one being gross misconduct, or incompetence. Plank also states that the reason Dollar General is “banging
down our doors” to turn this into “Sewerville”, is because of misconduct, and gross incompetence.
Janice Gaynor states that the mayor has failed her responsibility, and agrees that the mayor should
resign. Gaynor is concerned how the $19,000 was budgeted for this. The situation does not make sense
and Gaynor feels that Mayor Seward should be held accountable.
Erik Ryberg states that the reason we did not have a defense is because Pamela Russell was still an
employee. As said earlier, if they had terminated Pamela Russell we would have had a defense, and he states
that they still don’t have a defense because Seward is still the mayor. Ryberg joins with the rest who feels
that Mayor Seward should resign. Ryberg thinks that if the mayor steps down the public will have a leg to
stand on, and it would give us a defense to the Water Board during the 30 day period.
Megan Peterson questioned the council about the $19,000 being budgeted to be allocated for this
settlement. Fleck responded that when it became known that it was something that needed to be paid it
became budgeted for. The money was moved from the sewer fund.
James Roseman directs his comment to the mayor stating that she is not passing the barnyard test,
because she is coming across as defensive, and sounding like she is making stuff up. Roseman thinks that
Seward knew what Pam was doing all along.
Susan Mayfield wants to know what the mayor is going to do, and how she is going to rectify the
situation. Mayor Seward responds stating she will not be taking any action at this time, this was a discussion
item.
Discuss/Approve creating an ordinance to ban Formula Stores. Mitch Trost states he would like an
ordinance to ban Formula stores. Trost passed out information to all of the council members, and the clerk.
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The information was a sample of what an ordinance like this would look like. Callahan asked for more
clarification on what a Formula Store is. Trost answered that it is like Taco Bell, McDonalds, and Walmart.
Approve request that minutes be made of staff meetings and be included in council packets. Mitch
Trost explains that he would like to change the time of staff meetings so that all council members can
attend, and in order to comply with the Brown Act. Trost also would like it to be posted 72 hours in
advance. Sarah Griggs stated that it is posted. Seward explains that if you post it 72 hours prior, and all
council members attend, and minutes are done, then it becomes a workshop. Trost said that he is not able
to attend all of the meetings, as well as other members of the council, and he has no idea what was
discussed with the staff. Callahan stated to Trost that when he was asked if he could attend all meetings,
Trost said yes. Trost explains that now he can’t make it to that meeting, and would like it to be changed so
that he can attend. Trost stated that the employees can adjust their time to accommodate a different time
for the staff meetings.
Che’usa Wend states that she recalls when a new council is formed, they decide which department
they will be the commissioner for. Wend commented that when new council members come on, things
need to adjust in order to accommodate everyone. Wend states as human beings we should try to work
together, the council needs to work together.
Lori Fleck asked a question to the mayor and the clerk about having a staff meeting being posted
out front, and whether it states “staff meeting,” or “workshop.” Sarah answered that it is posted as a “staff
meeting.” Fleck states that if decisions cannot be made at a staff meeting, it is a waste of their valuable time.
Fleck would like to find out what is the best venue to do this and take action. Fleck feels that we don’t give
direction and hold our employees accountable. Staff meetings should be changed to Special Meetings so
decisions can be made.
Gareth Plank explains that when the staff requests something that needs to come before the council
for approval, it should be separate from a regular meeting.
Mayor Seward suggests that if the staff meeting can be scheduled enough in advanced so that if
action needs to happen it can be on the regular meeting. Fleck would like written department reports in the
packet so the public can read them for the second meeting of the month. Wend states that is something like
that was in place before, but it got lost. Chief Short spoke on behalf of the staff stating that all department
heads used to be required to attend all of the meetings. When staff meetings were started it gave the
impression that we were no longer required to attend the council meetings, and that was a problem. Chief
Short thinks we are over complicating things by having too many different types of meetings, if changing
the time of the staff meetings needs to happen, his department will not have a problem with that.
Employees can adjust their schedules to accommodate a different time, instead of making this complicated.
Seward explains that they are talking about requiring all department heads to attend council meetings. Chief
Short thinks that would be a good idea. Fleck would like a written recap of what took place at the meeting
in order to capture what we are going to be doing and what they need. Fleck explains we have to figure out
a way to make sure this situation does not happen again.
Trost moved to approve changing the time of the staff meetings to the second Wednesday at 3:00
pm with recap minutes provided. Fleck seconded, and the motion passed 4-0 with Callahan, Fleck, Seward,
and Trost voting yes.
Discuss copies of all correspondence between the City and State of California Water Resource
Control Board. Mitch Trost would like to make sure that they have everything as far as all of the
correspondences between the City and the State of California Water Resource Control Board.
Approve adding $1,000.00 to the budget for the reimbursement for attending functions relating to
the City of Etna. Mitch Trost is requesting reimbursement funds be made available to help with things such
as gas reimbursement. Fleck explains that the amount that was budgeted was $500.00 and she has used that
during her travels back and forth to Collier. Fleck would like to table this.
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Ambulance Department- No Report.
Police Department- Chief Short stated that they have been very busy doing PAL stuff at the fair. He
would like to commend Sarah and thank her for always staying on top of stuff.
Fire Department Report- Alan Kramer stated we have an engine out on one of the fire complexes in
Trinity County. Kramer would not be surprised if they get called out again. Kramer has declined other calls
for requesting resources to make sure that we have enough people here.
Public Works Department- No Report.
City Clerk Statements and Requests- None.
Council Statements and Requests- Lori Fleck informed the council that they have tentatively scheduled
an open house at Collier in September. Mitch Trost wants to confirm if pages have been added to the
employee handbook, and also on the last page there is a typo in the employee handbook.
CORRESPONDENCE
Adjournment
There being no further business; the meeting was adjourned at 10:17 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sarah Griggs
City Clerk
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