Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Mayor Pat Morton.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
  Led by Mayor Pat Morton
2. Roll Call
  
  Present: Mayor Pat Morton, Councilmember Phil Oels, Councilmember Stan Peiler, Councilmember Bill Powers
  
  Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Tom Cooley
  
  Staff Present: Interim City Manager, Jon Kennedy, Financial Officer, Susan Scarlett, Deputy City Clerk, Jason Shaw
Public Comments
This section is intended to provide members of the public with an opportunity to comment on any subject that does not appear on this agenda. Please note that California law prohibits the City Council from taking action on any matter which is not on the posted agenda, unless it is determined to be an urgency item by the City Council. Any member of the public wishing to address the City Council during “PUBLIC COMMENT” shall first secure permission of the presiding officer, stand; may give his/her name and address to the Clerk for the record. Each person addressing the City Council shall be limited to three minutes ordinarily, unless the presiding officer indicates a different amount will be allotted.

Ashlee Sims left public comment and stated she had an open record request. Susan Scarlett responded that Ashlee Sim's record request was addressed by the city attorney twice.
CITY COMMUNICATIONS
1. City Council Communications / Committee Reports
  
  Councilmember Oels attended the latest Fire Wise meeting.
  Councilmember Powers had nothing to report.
  Councilmember Peiler wished everyone a happy holidays.
  Mayor Morton reported Christmas in Old Town and the tree lighting will be held on Dec 2nd.
  Mayor Pro Tem Cooley was absent.
  No reports from city staff.
  No report from Fire, Sheriff, or Air Quality.
Resolution No 2532 Concerning COVID Remote Meetings
A note from Leah Turner was read aloud. Mayor Pat Moton responded that she feels safe at some places but not others. She feels the city hall meeting room is too small for safe social distancing. Bill Powers stated that any allegations of secret meetings were false and he congratulated Leah for being elected to the council. Councilmember Stan Piler stated he was bothered by the letter. He stated he has tested positive for Covid twice in the past and that the city council is not hiding anything and was doing this for public safety. Councilmember Phil Oels stated that nothing has been hidden. Ashlee Sims left public comment. Councilmembers responded that they have had friends die from Covid. Interim City Manager Jon Kennedy also gave examples of bad cases of Covid and stated that the council shouldn't feel pressured based on what other agencies are doing.
Councilmember Bill Powers motioned to approve. A second was made by Councilmember Phil Oels.

The roll call vote:

Aye Mayor Pat Morton Aye Councilmember Phil Oels Aye Councilmember Stan Peiler Aye Councilmember Bill Powers Absent Mayor Pro Tem Tom Cooley
Consent Agenda
1. Claims- Adopt Resolution No. 2533 authorizing payment of claims for the period of October 27, 2022 though November 15, 2022
  Accounts Payable: $40,816.64
  Payroll: $42,821.14
  Total: $83,637.78
  Payroll Checks 17205 – 17212
  AP Run Checks 44366 – 44405
Councilmember Bill Powers motioned to approve. A second was made by Councilmember Stan Peiler.

The roll call vote:

Aye Mayor Pat Morton Aye Councilmember Phil Oels Aye Councilmember Stan Peiler Aye Councilmember Bill Powers Absent Mayor Pro Tem Tom Cooley
IMD Rate Increase
The amount requested includes carry over from previous years. Asking for a 16.8% increase. Council can decide to accept that amount or less. Councilmember Bill Powers asked for clarification on tipping fees. Councilmember Stan Piler asked if IMD would be willing to take any less. Bill Powers requested information from Tom Valentino. Tom Valentino broke down how the various fees were incorporated into the rate. Phil Oels said the increase wasn't too bad at an average of 2 dollars a customer. Ashlee Sims left public Comment. Lindsey Shaw left public comment.
Motion by Councilmember Stan Peiler to approve a rate increase for IMD in the amount of 14.3%.
Councilmember Stan Peiler motioned to approve. A second was made by Councilmember Bill Powers.

The roll call vote:

Aye Mayor Pat Morton Aye Councilmember Phil Oels Aye Councilmember Stan Peiler Aye Councilmember Bill Powers Absent Mayor Pro Tem Tom Cooley
LESSG Funding Request
Two large expenses remain: inform the public of the new proposed fire district and the LAFCO application fee. $20,000 has been spent already by the committee. Ashlee Sims left Public Comment. Mayor Pat Morton mentioned its likely not all of the money will be spent and that its being spent to provide better services to the public. Motion by Councilmember Phil Oels to approve $20,000 for LESSG Funding.
Councilmember Phil Oels motioned to approve. A second was made by Councilmember Bill Powers.

The roll call vote:

Aye Mayor Pat Morton Aye Councilmember Phil Oels Aye Councilmember Stan Peiler Aye Councilmember Bill Powers Absent Mayor Pro Tem Tom Cooley
Public Purpose use of ARPA funds/Sierra Ridge
City Manger Jon Kennedy and Finance Officer Susan Scarlett explained that certain tax defaulted properties could be acquired by the City for a “public purpose”. This initially would be to clean up the properties as they have been a health and safety issue for years. At some time in the future another purpose could be identified such as partnering for affordable housing. Finance Officer Scarlett said that the rules for the State and Local Fiscal Recover Funds is consistent with this use. Ashlee Sims commented.

The Council approved having the City Manger sign the Application to purchase tax-defaulted properties and the next step will be for this to go to the Board of Supervisors.
Councilmember Stan Peiler motioned to approve. A second was made by Councilmember Phil Oels.

The roll call vote:

Aye Mayor Pat Morton Aye Councilmember Phil Oels Aye Councilmember Stan Peiler Aye Councilmember Bill Powers Absent Mayor Pro Tem Tom Cooley
Adjournment
Mayor Pat Morton Adjourned the meeting at 7:52 PM.