LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL met February 21st. The meeting started with a moment of silence for former Mayor Mark Marin.
The City was holding two job interviews the following day. Jonathan Reeves, Water System Operator, had given a Letter of Resignation, citing overall unwise, council decisions, micromanagment and poor treatement of employees and his last day would be February 23rd. Mayor Sarah Jackson thanked Jonathan, stated he’d be missed and wished him well.
WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
It was stated the planning grant had been submitted and an audit and project narrative which was described as “pretty intensive.” It was stated they are doing a federal and State grant to eliminate costs, submitting to the State and USDA on two concurrent grants. The mayor stated they are, “Tackling it at every angle we can.”
HAZARDOUS TREES
Concerning the hazardous trees on Main and Third, Elizabeth Morgan had gotten a letter from her lawyer and was asked by Mayor Sarah Jackson if she’d determined the course of action. Sarah had researched various Loyalton maps and told of a100-year mapping error that never adjusted the property lines around an old alley in which the three overgrown trees stand. Sarah told Elizabeth, “the elbow should have been removed and put into your lot.”
She asked Elizabeth if she wanted the City to fix the map and lot lines or have the City maintain it as an alley and take care of the trees which would require the fence be taken down and Elizabeth’s renter’s cars taken out and not be part of her yard.
Elizabeth said the City needs to provide options to her lawyer. She stated if action is taken for the whole elbow shape, she thought there would be four different property owners affected including the hardware. She didn’t think she should have the expense of a survey. Lorie Horner, who could be affected, was present and said it’s never been an issue. She told how things had been done “on a handshake.”
William Mertton who owns property on Main Street told how they maintain their front easement, stating, “The City doesn’t have money.” He told how he and wife, Jackie, “Try and work with a civic mind.”
Elizabeth indicated she was willing to take back the property after the trees were trimmed. Sarah was adamant that, “If it’s reclaimed as an alley we will maintain it as an alley.”
General concensus of the Council was either choice but not both. This will be further entertained at a special meeting.
WATER SERVICE
Under question, Mayor Jackson explained about new water service. Existing service with an active draw is fine. For vacant lots, the City is not able to provide service until replacement of the 10-inch water line. It depends on the amount of draw. It’s stable with the current amount but may not be with more.
Discussion was held over an account holder having made a “large payment,” of $4,000 and requesting forgiveness of $498.45in late fees. The Council voted unanimously to forgive the late fees on receipt of the remaining $993 owed. Council member Darlene Riede was willing to drop the late fees while Joy Markum felt it was “frustrating” to reward bad behavior but it had been done in the past. The mayor stated the previous person had maintained a positive track record.
USE OF BASEBALL FIELD
The high school has requested exclusive use of Sierra Valley Little League’s Field 1 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and on game days and for an MOU for Field 1. It was stated a moveable mound makes it more attractive. The problem was stated that it ties up the field and makes it problematic for Little League in April. The Council agreed practice time should be on Field 3 if Little League is occupying the field for games. It was felt they need to meet before dedicating practice time on Field 1 over Little League. Joy Markum was appointed point person to meet with Little League President Louis Siqueido and the high school representative.
The City was holding two job interviews the following day. Jonathan Reeves, Water System Operator, had given a Letter of Resignation, citing overall unwise, council decisions, micromanagment and poor treatement of employees and his last day would be February 23rd. Mayor Sarah Jackson thanked Jonathan, stated he’d be missed and wished him well.
WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
It was stated the planning grant had been submitted and an audit and project narrative which was described as “pretty intensive.” It was stated they are doing a federal and State grant to eliminate costs, submitting to the State and USDA on two concurrent grants. The mayor stated they are, “Tackling it at every angle we can.”
HAZARDOUS TREES
Concerning the hazardous trees on Main and Third, Elizabeth Morgan had gotten a letter from her lawyer and was asked by Mayor Sarah Jackson if she’d determined the course of action. Sarah had researched various Loyalton maps and told of a100-year mapping error that never adjusted the property lines around an old alley in which the three overgrown trees stand. Sarah told Elizabeth, “the elbow should have been removed and put into your lot.”
She asked Elizabeth if she wanted the City to fix the map and lot lines or have the City maintain it as an alley and take care of the trees which would require the fence be taken down and Elizabeth’s renter’s cars taken out and not be part of her yard.
Elizabeth said the City needs to provide options to her lawyer. She stated if action is taken for the whole elbow shape, she thought there would be four different property owners affected including the hardware. She didn’t think she should have the expense of a survey. Lorie Horner, who could be affected, was present and said it’s never been an issue. She told how things had been done “on a handshake.”
William Mertton who owns property on Main Street told how they maintain their front easement, stating, “The City doesn’t have money.” He told how he and wife, Jackie, “Try and work with a civic mind.”
Elizabeth indicated she was willing to take back the property after the trees were trimmed. Sarah was adamant that, “If it’s reclaimed as an alley we will maintain it as an alley.”
General concensus of the Council was either choice but not both. This will be further entertained at a special meeting.
WATER SERVICE
Under question, Mayor Jackson explained about new water service. Existing service with an active draw is fine. For vacant lots, the City is not able to provide service until replacement of the 10-inch water line. It depends on the amount of draw. It’s stable with the current amount but may not be with more.
Discussion was held over an account holder having made a “large payment,” of $4,000 and requesting forgiveness of $498.45in late fees. The Council voted unanimously to forgive the late fees on receipt of the remaining $993 owed. Council member Darlene Riede was willing to drop the late fees while Joy Markum felt it was “frustrating” to reward bad behavior but it had been done in the past. The mayor stated the previous person had maintained a positive track record.
USE OF BASEBALL FIELD
The high school has requested exclusive use of Sierra Valley Little League’s Field 1 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and on game days and for an MOU for Field 1. It was stated a moveable mound makes it more attractive. The problem was stated that it ties up the field and makes it problematic for Little League in April. The Council agreed practice time should be on Field 3 if Little League is occupying the field for games. It was felt they need to meet before dedicating practice time on Field 1 over Little League. Joy Markum was appointed point person to meet with Little League President Louis Siqueido and the high school representative.
