LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL met June 20th. Mayor Sarah Jackson announced the last July meeting will be her last and Vice Mayor Gerow will take over.
Under Public Comment, Julie Herod asked at the water/sewer plant, what was being done about the violations and no one licensed properly and violations sent by certified mail. The mayor stated they were actively working with the State and water boards and had a meeting that day with attorneys and they’d not received a fine.
There was an update on the cell tower with no lease signed with a need for a meeting to review language. John Eberhart stated the mill property would be happy to have the tower, saying nobody wants it downtown. He told of 25 “very vocal no’s,”. The mayor stated the boundary limit was the problem and Epic wants to work with the City versus the County, not willing to go through the County planning process.
Fire Chief Shawn Heywood thanked the Council for making the purchase of the brush truck happen and the goal was to have it by the 4th. Assistant Chief Robert DeMartini stated a total of 97 calls for the year; 95% medical and two that night. He spoke of a need for maintenance around the fire station and the need to clear around fire hydrants. It was stated residents should maintain their hydrants and there are a total of 51 hydrants.
A Public Hearing on the Water Infrastructure Fee was held with 10 protest letters and a need of 216 + 1 for a protest to pass.
Julie Herod was “pushing 150 letters” and knew of 30 who didn’t receive a notice. The mayor stated they were legally required to contact the property tax roll for those within the City with access to water. Julie pressed about what they’d do about those missed.
John Eberhart went door to door and 95% wanted to sign against it. He suggested bankruptcy and to go back to the County and “we don’t get hit for $300 for 40 years.”
Sarah stated they’d “absolutely have to pay this whether they were incorporated or not,” adding “The County is not going to make Downieville foot our bill.” She explained the assessment was a way to get matching funds to help. Herod agreed on bankruptcy and no guarantee on funding, stating John Cussins having no authority and Kenny Bennett with no license. The mayor had to keep reminding them it was a Prop. 218 hearing. Council member Joy Markum suggested they apply for the Council vacancy.
Sarah stated they’re not bankrupt and pay their bills.
Concerning disincorporation, she told the need of getting 51% by petition and being on the next general election to dissolve and stated, “LAFCO can decide.” She mentioned pros and cons to being incorporated. She stated, “The State has no money for us for any emergency services.” Under question, the mayor explained the new money was earmarked and is specifically for water. It was stated 30 residents’ water bills are past due. John Eberhart turned in another petition. The hearing will be continued on July 18th.
Under Public Comment, Julie Herod asked at the water/sewer plant, what was being done about the violations and no one licensed properly and violations sent by certified mail. The mayor stated they were actively working with the State and water boards and had a meeting that day with attorneys and they’d not received a fine.
There was an update on the cell tower with no lease signed with a need for a meeting to review language. John Eberhart stated the mill property would be happy to have the tower, saying nobody wants it downtown. He told of 25 “very vocal no’s,”. The mayor stated the boundary limit was the problem and Epic wants to work with the City versus the County, not willing to go through the County planning process.
Fire Chief Shawn Heywood thanked the Council for making the purchase of the brush truck happen and the goal was to have it by the 4th. Assistant Chief Robert DeMartini stated a total of 97 calls for the year; 95% medical and two that night. He spoke of a need for maintenance around the fire station and the need to clear around fire hydrants. It was stated residents should maintain their hydrants and there are a total of 51 hydrants.
A Public Hearing on the Water Infrastructure Fee was held with 10 protest letters and a need of 216 + 1 for a protest to pass.
Julie Herod was “pushing 150 letters” and knew of 30 who didn’t receive a notice. The mayor stated they were legally required to contact the property tax roll for those within the City with access to water. Julie pressed about what they’d do about those missed.
John Eberhart went door to door and 95% wanted to sign against it. He suggested bankruptcy and to go back to the County and “we don’t get hit for $300 for 40 years.”
Sarah stated they’d “absolutely have to pay this whether they were incorporated or not,” adding “The County is not going to make Downieville foot our bill.” She explained the assessment was a way to get matching funds to help. Herod agreed on bankruptcy and no guarantee on funding, stating John Cussins having no authority and Kenny Bennett with no license. The mayor had to keep reminding them it was a Prop. 218 hearing. Council member Joy Markum suggested they apply for the Council vacancy.
Sarah stated they’re not bankrupt and pay their bills.
Concerning disincorporation, she told the need of getting 51% by petition and being on the next general election to dissolve and stated, “LAFCO can decide.” She mentioned pros and cons to being incorporated. She stated, “The State has no money for us for any emergency services.” Under question, the mayor explained the new money was earmarked and is specifically for water. It was stated 30 residents’ water bills are past due. John Eberhart turned in another petition. The hearing will be continued on July 18th.
