‘BRAIN STORMING” turned into a Town Hall on Tuesday, February 13th as 18 Loyalton residents met at the Social Hall. City Council member Joy Markum, under suggestion of nearly-new resident, Jackie Mertton, explained the meeting was a way to express concerns and so as a City, “Can make progress.” Mertton compared it to a church revival.
Lists were prioritized and discussed. Mertton stated at City Council meetings, she’d “heard a lot of heat,” and they’d forgotten Robert’s Rules of Order.
She explained how anybody can ask the Council to consider agenda items.
Issues listed for discussion included those from the State, building and planning, the swimming pool.
Concerning cleaning the city via ordinance, former member Brooks Mitchell stated the City has all the backup it needs and details everything. The problem, he said, is enforcement. He called the “big thing,” a lack of revenue and no means to raise it without cooperation of private property owners.
Joe Dines mentioned the former use of volunteers and Brooks told of the umbrella insurance policy that gets “push back.” He also credited the use of church members; the Community Church with the hotel debris and the Catholic Church a “good asset” to get the community to look better.
Removing old junk cars was well discussed with its regulatory process.
Eileen Benson wanted CC&Rs for the City.
In finance discussion, Brooks stated the City had a $940,000 budget carried over the last seven years. It was urged the City “do a budget.” The lack of general accounting and added confusion were discussed. The City is two years behind on audits, according to Mertton. Brooks told of settling two lawsuits with nearly $3 million in separate accounts and how the Council has to decide on it once it gets a new member. Mertton suggested asking for a summary report on sums of money; a budget report on each account.
Concerning PERS retirement, Brooks stated it was voted to make an offer by legal counsel and was not agreed to. Retirees rejected it, he said.
It was stated there’s “a lot of junk in town,” and previous free dump days were discussed.
Speed bumps and the electronic speed signs were another disappointing topic.
“Elections are coming up,” was a brighter subject.
Another session will be held Tuesday, March 6th at 6 p.m. at Loyalton Social Hall.
LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL held a special meeting February 15th for discussion and possible action regarding the appointment of the Loyalton City Council to fill a vacant council seat. Even before the meeting started, Councilman Mark Marin stated they couldn’t appoint anyone because they can’t have more appointed than elected members.
Once the meeting was started, Marin stated he’d talked to attorney Steve Gross who said they can’t appoint but will go to election. Marin has been suggesting he needs surgery and in the event something happens, the mayor wouldn’t be able to pay bills, etc. without a legal council. “That’s the way it stands,” he stated.
One candidate, Brooks Mitchell, questioned the decision. He asked about the government code.
Member Joy Markum pressed that if something happened, they have two members anyway.
Marin then admitted he wasn’t voting for any candidate.
From the audience, Mark Lombardi complained it was predicated on one person’s health which is “insane,” and talked of risk and reward.
Former councilman Ernie Teague urged the need for a fourth person for the budget and suggested they appoint.
Marin talked about an investigation, missing monies, insurance fraud, CALPers and the sewer plant settlement, indicating a former member’s fault.
Marin then made a motion to appoint Colby Russell.
Joy Markum made a motion to appoint Brooks Mitchell.
Mayor Nancy Rogers called it a “dead issue” and didn’t want to appoint.
Joy stated it “really sad,” with no way of doing anything for the community and the community suffers.
Ed’s Note: According to County Clerk Heather Foster, the City is its own election officials. It has missed the June election deadline of February 11th or calling114 days prior to the next regularly scheduled election.
A special election would cost approximately $4,500 to include number of registered voters, time and benefits for staff, postage and supplies.
Lists were prioritized and discussed. Mertton stated at City Council meetings, she’d “heard a lot of heat,” and they’d forgotten Robert’s Rules of Order.
She explained how anybody can ask the Council to consider agenda items.
Issues listed for discussion included those from the State, building and planning, the swimming pool.
Concerning cleaning the city via ordinance, former member Brooks Mitchell stated the City has all the backup it needs and details everything. The problem, he said, is enforcement. He called the “big thing,” a lack of revenue and no means to raise it without cooperation of private property owners.
Joe Dines mentioned the former use of volunteers and Brooks told of the umbrella insurance policy that gets “push back.” He also credited the use of church members; the Community Church with the hotel debris and the Catholic Church a “good asset” to get the community to look better.
Removing old junk cars was well discussed with its regulatory process.
Eileen Benson wanted CC&Rs for the City.
In finance discussion, Brooks stated the City had a $940,000 budget carried over the last seven years. It was urged the City “do a budget.” The lack of general accounting and added confusion were discussed. The City is two years behind on audits, according to Mertton. Brooks told of settling two lawsuits with nearly $3 million in separate accounts and how the Council has to decide on it once it gets a new member. Mertton suggested asking for a summary report on sums of money; a budget report on each account.
Concerning PERS retirement, Brooks stated it was voted to make an offer by legal counsel and was not agreed to. Retirees rejected it, he said.
It was stated there’s “a lot of junk in town,” and previous free dump days were discussed.
Speed bumps and the electronic speed signs were another disappointing topic.
“Elections are coming up,” was a brighter subject.
Another session will be held Tuesday, March 6th at 6 p.m. at Loyalton Social Hall.
LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL held a special meeting February 15th for discussion and possible action regarding the appointment of the Loyalton City Council to fill a vacant council seat. Even before the meeting started, Councilman Mark Marin stated they couldn’t appoint anyone because they can’t have more appointed than elected members.
Once the meeting was started, Marin stated he’d talked to attorney Steve Gross who said they can’t appoint but will go to election. Marin has been suggesting he needs surgery and in the event something happens, the mayor wouldn’t be able to pay bills, etc. without a legal council. “That’s the way it stands,” he stated.
One candidate, Brooks Mitchell, questioned the decision. He asked about the government code.
Member Joy Markum pressed that if something happened, they have two members anyway.
Marin then admitted he wasn’t voting for any candidate.
From the audience, Mark Lombardi complained it was predicated on one person’s health which is “insane,” and talked of risk and reward.
Former councilman Ernie Teague urged the need for a fourth person for the budget and suggested they appoint.
Marin talked about an investigation, missing monies, insurance fraud, CALPers and the sewer plant settlement, indicating a former member’s fault.
Marin then made a motion to appoint Colby Russell.
Joy Markum made a motion to appoint Brooks Mitchell.
Mayor Nancy Rogers called it a “dead issue” and didn’t want to appoint.
Joy stated it “really sad,” with no way of doing anything for the community and the community suffers.
Ed’s Note: According to County Clerk Heather Foster, the City is its own election officials. It has missed the June election deadline of February 11th or calling114 days prior to the next regularly scheduled election.
A special election would cost approximately $4,500 to include number of registered voters, time and benefits for staff, postage and supplies.
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