Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
  Led by Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers
2. Roll Call
  
  Present: Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers, Councilmember Pat Morton, Councilmember Stan Peiler, Councilmember Leah Turner
  
  Staff Present: Interim City Manager - Jon Kennedy, Deputy City Clerk - Jason Shaw, Financial Officer - Susan Scarlett (remotely), City Attorney - Steve Gross (remotely)
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.

Tracey Ferguson from Plumas County Planning, provided an update on the micro-business technical assistance grant program.
Arielle left a public comment in regards to railroad monitoring, waste water spillage, and emergency planning.
Ashlee Sims left a public comment about wanting Railroad Days back and concerns with Beckwourth Fire District.
Discuss Filling Vacancy on City Council.
Interim City Manager Jon Kennedy explained there was a vacancy on the City Council due to Mayor Tom Cooley passing on March 6th. Jon Kennedy went over the possible ways the Council could fill the vacancy. The first was the council could call for a special election to fill the seat. The second way was the council could just leave the seat open till the next election. The third way was the council could take letters of interest from the public and determine if they want to fill the seat from one of those interested.
City Attorney Steve Gross further explained that the council has 60 days from when the vacancy first occurred to fill it or the seat must remain empty until the next general election. The council does not have to fill the seat and whomever fills the seat will take over the rest of Tom Cooley's term. The council, staff, and public shared good memories of Tom Cooley. Leah motioned to fill the council seat with the third option by taking letters of interest from the public. The letters are due by April 15th to allow the Council time to review them and allow those who submitted letters of interest to speak at the City Council meeting scheduled for this 26th of April.
Councilmember Leah Turner motioned to approve. A second was made by Councilmember Stan Peiler.

The roll call vote:

Aye Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers Aye Councilmember Pat Morton Aye Councilmember Stan Peiler Aye Councilmember Leah Turner
City Council Reorganization
Motion by Stan Peiler for Bill Powers as Mayor, and Pat Morton and Mayor Pro Tem. No public comments.
Councilmember Stan Peiler motioned to approve. A second was made by Councilmember Leah Turner.

The roll call vote:

Aye Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers Aye Councilmember Pat Morton Aye Councilmember Stan Peiler Aye Councilmember Leah Turner
CITY COMMUNICATIONS
1. City Council Communications / Committee Reports
  
  Leah Turner: Met with Susan Scarlett at her office to go over the budget.
  Pat Morton: Attended Beckwourth and Sierra Valley fire meeting. Watched them pass both their LAFCo resolutions.
  Bill Powers: Attended the Plumas County Wildfire Long Term Planning meeting. Met with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and they passed a major action plan involving the Plumas County youth.
  Stan Peiler: Didn't attend County Transportation meeting because it was rescheduled.
2. Staff Communications / Fire Report / Sheriff's Report / Air Quality Report
  
  No fire report
  No Sheriff's report.
  Air Quality: April is the last month of curtailment days. Only had one in March so far. For information about when the days occur, they can check online or give their office a call.
3. City Manager Report
  
  Dealing with cobbling together broken down equipment due to the massive winter storms. Still getting calls about IMD on a regular basis.
Consent Agenda
1. Claims- Adopt Resolution No. 2544 authorizing payment of claims for the period of February 23, 2022 though March 22, 2023
  Accounts Payable: $147,965.04
  Payroll: $63,353.21
  Total: $211,318.25
  Payroll Checks 17236 – 17243
  AP Run Checks 44671 – 44743
2. Minutes - Approval of Minutes from January 25th, 2023, February 22nd, 2023 and March 14th, 2023.
No public comments.
Councilmember Pat Morton motioned to approve. A second was made by Councilmember Stan Peiler.

The roll call vote:

Aye Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers Aye Councilmember Pat Morton Aye Councilmember Stan Peiler Aye Councilmember Leah Turner
Plumas County 2021 Wildfires Long-Term Recovery Plan Process Presentation
Tracey presented the Plumas County Recovery Plan that covers the 2021 Dixie and Beckwourth fires. The plan is a collaborative effort with multiple agencies across the county, state, and federal government for the short and long term recovery of the areas effected by the Dixie and Beckwourth fires. Jason Christian from the public left a comment wishing for more involvement with local businesses with the recovery plan. Ashlee Sims from the public asked for the presentation's slide show. Stan thanked Tracey for the presentation.
2023 Lost and Found Gravel Grinder Funding
Greg Williams from the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, gave an overview of the event and the benefits to the city and area. Last year the event had over 600 riders and this year its capped at 1,499. Greg stated the organization felt that $16,000 was a good comfort level for the city's contribution and that they hope to grow the event organically. The city partially recoups its costs through fees from camping, and last year the event collected over $8,000.
The event also greatly benefits local businesses in the area, who are notified before the event occurs. The day of the event is June 3rd. Arielle from the public asked about the impact of the event on the trails and indigenous lands. Ashlee Sims from the public asked what the total cost of the event was. Lindsey Shaw from the public said she thinks the event is awesome and a benefit to the area. Mikki from the public left a comment on how well organized the fire department is during the event. Pat Morton motioned to approve a $16,000 expense for the Gravel Grinder Event.
Councilmember Pat Morton motioned to approve. A second was made by Councilmember Stan Peiler.

The roll call vote:

Aye Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers Aye Councilmember Pat Morton Aye Councilmember Stan Peiler Aye Councilmember Leah Turner
Public Comment – 2023/2024 Budget Preparation.
Financial Officer Susan Scarlett said that this is the first of two opportunities for the public to comment on the 2023-2024 City of Portola budget preparation. Next time will be April 12th. Susan Scarlett then opened for public comment on the budget. Ashlee Sims left a public comment in favor of bringing back Railroad Days. Susan Scarlett explained that the city lacks the current staff to handle such an event and had to hire an event planner in the past.
Adjournment
Adjournment by Mayor Bill Powers at 7:48 PM