LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL met May 20th.
Mayor Bill Mertton announced a change of staff. Kenny Bennett has been let go, Justus Lundy has quit as has Dan Lane. Newly-hired is George Wolley, previous employee licensed in water and sewer at $44/hour, and Dan was replaced by Billy McGarity at $25/hour. Greg Lonergan, at $22/hour continues to beautify Loyalton.
Update on the Prop. 68 Project was reported on by Council member Sue McIlravy who is doing paperwork on the change of scope. Concerning new playground equipment, she stated it would have to fall under new CA rules with 4” of chips. She told of a need for “all estimates.” Since the grant was first for a new building, the question now is if the cost match will still be in force.
Schools Superintendent Sean Snider joined the conversation requesting an easement and parking access for the middle school reopening. He requested an easement across the city-owned property between the Social Hall and backside of the portable classrooms to allow an access road for parent drop-off and pickup. Sue asked if the road would allow better access for emergency services or first responders. Fire chief Shawn Heywood stated it would for better points of access.
Shawn gave the fire update of 66 medical calls to date and talked on a letter of intent to FEMA for firehouse upgrades. He told of building a reserve budget with things to buy. There are two fire checks for Loyalton close to $600,000. They got brush trucks and a water tender. Next step is to replace the Sierra Brooks engine which was $260,000 but now costs half a million dollars in the used market. Firefighter gear runs $4,500. They need a cyclone fence around Station 1 with a quote of $9,000 for 247-feet and they need wider doors on the station. The City owes the fire department $61,000 and Sue was ready to make a motion to pay it but Joy Markum wanted to look at a reconciled amount. Shawn offered help; administration fees given by the State, saying, “The olive branch is there.” Sue suggested they hold a special meeting. She made a motion for City Planner Gary Price to write a letter for funding opportunities for the fire department. It was seconded by Joy and passed.
Sue is a member of the Transportation Committee and talked on a speed survey through Loyalton. There will be a public hearing June 17th at 1:30 p.m. at the Loyalton Social Hall on speed zones.
Projects for 2025-26 funded by SB-1, Road Repair and Accountability Act was moved by Joy, seconded by Jerry Gerow and approved. Its quarterly payments were said to “Not go very far,” by Joy. Sue abstained.
Resolution 5-2025: Joy explained the auditor determined the City sewer owes the General Fund. Redirecting repayment of borrowed funds from the City’s Water and Sewer fund to the General Fund was moved by Joy, seconded by Sue who said they’d transferred before.
Examination of the Sales and Use Tax: City Clerk LeBlanc stated the State had called and needed a resolution to keep track with a new CA law. The mayor and clerk are contacts. Joy moved and Jerry seconded.
The Animal Control Contract: Sue felt this was “very good,” as Humane Society of Truckee Tahoe has a contract with Sierra County, too, and saves money by having people license their dogs. It finds owners rather than sheltering which costs money. Licenses also require Rabies shots. Sue signed the contract with her phone number for after hours. The mayor felt it was not up to the Council to determine who should have a dog. It was moved by Sue, seconded by Joy, approved by the mayor but opposed by Joe Dines and Jerry Gerow.
Musica Sierra was represented by Dick Spencer, who spoke on pursuing a solar system for The Old School House, replacement of all windows, a maintenance schedule, refurbishing the existing front doors to include emergency panic bar previously approved and to repair and install base boards as needed. Sue noted it would cost less to make the building solar than to bring electricity which is 6-8 months out. She requested a plan of what it would look like and wants the building to stay as original as possible. It was approved by concensus.
Discussion regarding the Water Distribution System and the $2 million Federal Appropriations was held with Joy explaining in talks with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the City may need to pay for work done on the Van Daam leak and get reimbursed by EPA. She told of the City to provide funding for a new project plan, stating, “We’re on it.” It was stated the City can only afford to “tap into infrastructure.” She stated, “So much frustration with the State.” Joe asked about the City doing the work with Joy answering the City is under contract with Reno but Joe stating bids are “only good a minimum amount of time.” It was stated the City is “still fighting to access the $2 million.”
Joy stated she and Doug McCoy, CEO at Eastern Plumas Health Care, do the work change plans. “We’ve followed everything,” she said, contacting, “No one higher except Trump.” From the audience, it was suggested to contact KCRA news. Joy suggested Loyalton is “held to a higher standard.” Sue felt they, “Keep changing the goal post.” Joy said the City is now meeting every Friday with EPA. The Council approved using Prop. 218 funding to get the water project started.
NOTE: LOYALTON’S DELINQUENT WATER BILLS are now being sent to the Tax Roll. Pay up!
