Council plans for $4M surplus
OROVILLE » The Oroville City Council had planned to discuss the termination of a water truck agreement with the El Medio Fire Protection District at Tuesday’s meeting, however at the start of the meeting Vice Mayor Scott Thomson stated that city staff had asked for it to be on the agenda and later asked for it to be removed.
Thomson made a motion to adopt the agenda minus the agenda item regarding the water tender agreement, the motion was seconded by Councilor Eric Smith and the motion was passed by the council unanimously.
The item was originally put on the agenda by Oroville acting Fire Chief Chris Tenns who said in an administration report the current water tender agreement, approved July 2021, has become an administrative and operational problem. The report stated the district cannot sustain itself financially and has yet to develop programs to maintain equipment or training.
Volunteer firefighter for water truck three at the El Medio Fire Protection District Bobby O’Reilly addressed the concerns, stating in part that each individual that respounds to an emergency from the department has be property trained and certified. O’Reilly said regular training occurs — both hands on during calls and in downtime practice training — and trainings have been documented and provided to the council and city staff. He continued by stating El Medio Fire Protection District is committed to getting back fully operational and encouraged councilors to attend board of directors meetings or to contact the district with any questions.
As part of regular business Tuesday, Oroville Assistant City Administrator for Administrative Services
Ruth Wright presented a financial analysis for the fiscal year which ended June 30.
Wright stated Oroville ended the fiscal year with an excess revenue of $4,043,719. The council voted with a vote of 7-0 to approve staff’s recommendation that $2,480,366 be set aside as restricted funds, $1 million go to CalPERS unfunded liability or to the capital projects fund, $400,000 to open a trust account for post employee benefits and the balance to go to fund balance.
Lastly, the council approved with a 7-0 vote the issuance of pension obligation bonds to refinance outstanding obligations of Oroville, which City Administrator Bill LaGrone and Wright highly recommended to staff.
Consent calendar
The consent calendar, which was discussed by councilors prior to the start of Tuesday’s meeting was
passed unanimously with a vote of 7-0. No items were pulled to discuss separately.
Reports
During the reports and discussions portion of Tuesday’s meeting, Councilor Janet Goodson clarified that there were reports on social media that she had missed the Sept. 15 City Council meeting and was at a rally in Chico. She stated the reports were false — the photos were from approximately five years ago. Goodson, who was wearing a cast at Tuesday’s meeting, said she was at the doctor getting medical work done to prepare for a surgery after getting mauled by two dogs in Sacramento. She stated it was just the third meeting she had missed in five years on the City Council. Reynolds, Smith and other councilors wished her a speedy recovery and said they were glad to see her well and in attendance Tuesday.
Smith thanked the community and others for assistance in putting on the Salmon Festival, which took place Saturday. Reynolds thanked Smith, the president of the Oroville Chamber of Commerce, for his efforts in putting on the event.
During the administration
reports, Tenns reported there are currently three vacancies within the Oroville Fire Department and Tenns and his staff interviewed candidates Monday with hopes of filling the openings soon.
Oroville City Attorney
Scott Huber told councilors about recent legislation recently signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom relating to public agencies being able to continue to meet in a virtual format. Huber informed councilors that an agenda item relating to the new
legislature would appear on the next council meeting’s agenda. Huber stated if local agencies wants to implement the new legislation of no physical location being required, members of the public would not be able to comment remotely.
During closed session, the council was scheduled to meet regarding the employment of its police chief and community development director. Reynolds reported direction was given but no action was taken.
The Oroville City Council will next meet one hour earlier than the regularly scheduled meetings Oct. 19 at 1735 Montgomery St. in Oroville. Closed session will begin at 3 p.m., with open session beginning at 3:30 p.m.