[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[43:22] If you have any cell phones, please silence them at this time. It creates havoc with our sound system, and with all the notifications from the zone haven, and it may pop out and disrupt the meeting as well. Okay, today's Tuesday, June 28th at 7 p.m., any person with a disability who requires accommodations to participate in this meeting should telephone the city clerk's office. And the phone number for that is 273-530-274-484.
[43:52] At least 48 hours prior to the meeting to make a request for a disability related modification or accommodation City Council welcomes you to attend the meetings electronically or in person at City Hall council chambers.
[44:06] The address here is 125 East Main Street. This is grass Valley. Regular meetings are scheduled at 7 p.m. on the second and work Tuesday of each month.
[44:15] Your interest is encouraged and appreciated.
[44:18] This meeting is broadcast live on Comcast Channel 17,
[44:22] find about accounting media on the internet
[44:24] at cityagrassvalid.com,
[44:27] or on the City of Grass Valley YouTube channel.
[44:30] Members of the public are encouraged
[44:32] to submit public comments via voicemail at 530-274-4390
[44:38] or you can email public at cityagrassvalid.com.
[44:43] comments will be reviewed and distributed before the meeting it perceived by
[44:47] IPM. Comments received after that will be addressed during the item and or at
[44:52] the end of the meeting. Council have the option to modify their action on items
[44:56] based on comments received. Action may be taken on any agenda item.
[45:00] Agenda Materials, staff reports, and background information related to regular agenda items are available on the city's website in that city of grassvalid.com. We also have agenda items, materials in the back by the door. Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the council after distribution of the agenda packet will be made available on the city of grassvalid.com.
[45:26] Subject to city staff's ability to post the documents
[45:29] for the meeting. Council chambers are wheelchair accessible and listening devices are available.
[45:35] Other special accommodations may be requested to the city clerk 72 hours in advance the meeting by calling 530-274-4390. We are happy to accommodate.
[45:46] Okay, call the meeting to order.
[45:49] Please stand and join me in the pledge of allegiance.
[45:57] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,
[46:02] and to the republic of which it stands,
[46:05] legislation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
[46:13] Okay, Taylor, please call the rule.
[46:15] Councilmember Rancho. Councilmember Hodge is absent. Councilmember Ivy. Vice Mayor
[46:22] Arbuckle. Mayor Aguilar. Yes. Okay, agenda approval. I mean, changes to the agenda tonight.
[46:30] No changes for staff. Okay, I look for a motion to approve you. Second. Second, all in favor?
[46:38] Okay. We have an agenda. Let's see here. Public comment. Members of the public are encouraged to submit public comments via voicemail at 530-274-43090 and emailed to public at city grassfile.com.
[46:55] comments will be reviewed and distributed before the meeting if received by 5 p.m.
[47:01] Comments received after 5 p.m. will be addressed during the item and or at the end of the meeting.
[47:06] Council have the option to modify their action on items based on comments received.
[47:11] Action may be taken on any agenda item.
[47:13] There's a time limitation of three minutes per person for all e-mail, voicemail, or in-person comments.
[47:19] And only one type of public comment per person.
[47:22] Any items not on the agenda and within the jurisdiction or interest of the city, please come to the podium at this time. If you wish to speak regarding a scheduled agenda item, please come to the podium with that item is announced.
[47:36] When recognized, please begin by providing your name and address for the record. So I will open the public comment this time for people who would like to speak.
[47:44] Please come up.
[47:45] up the state, your name, you have three minutes.
[47:47] What's the address?
[47:54] Hello.
[47:55] Hello.
[47:56] My name is Greg Thrush.
[47:58] I live at 220 Lloyd Street, downtown Cross Valley.
[48:01] I just want to say kudos to the city staff
[48:03] for the strategic plan update.
[48:06] It's really readable, the adjusters are clear.
[48:10] I had a really good idea of what the plans were
[48:13] for the city, what the future looks like,
[48:16] and what's been accomplished.
[48:17] it's really good document. Thanks. I want to talk about the strategic plan and I'm going to read my
[48:26] notice because it's coast faster and the general plan and how they're affected by the proposed use
[48:31] of the centennial site under the current application before the county to open a mine. While the county
[48:37] makes the decision about the application, the consequences of that decision will primarily impact the
[48:42] city of Grass Valley and its development opportunities, I think.
[48:48] The fact that the Centurion site is in the city's near-term sphere of influence and annexation
[48:53] plans indicates that Grass Valley has thought how to best use these parcels for a while.
[48:58] I'm pretty certain re-hosting a mind-waste disposal site isn't at the high on the list of the
[49:04] desirable uses, even with a promised industrial bid pad on top of the pile after it's filled.
[49:09] So the strategic panel and the general plan are reminders that Grass Valley is and has been thoughtful about the planning and development options that it has.
[49:20] And it seems to me that the mine complicates the city's ability to control or implement a significant part of the general plan.
[49:28] I mean, the use of the centennial as a mind waste disposal site locks the land and locks the land use and constrains the flexibility of utility required to make rest valid what it wants to be as it is laid out in the strategic plan.
[49:45] I worry that the county could make major decisions without the city's input in the capacity it would want to have and should have.
[49:56] I read the public comments prepared by the city.
[50:00] The first thing that's useful about the project, and the scope of the comments was limited to traffic primarily. They made clear a mine would have a significant impact on the infrastructure of town.
[50:13] And a project of this scope will have consequences beyond the ones presented by the consultant certainly. I just reread the city's NOP comments this afternoon, submitted by the county in August 2020.
[50:28] and almost none of the issues Grass Valley said should be addressed in the Environmental Impact Report were addressed.
[50:37] Again, it worries me that the city's concerns are not being taken seriously by the mine-amplicate and that the county is not making sure that they are.
[50:46] And it's easy to imagine many better uses for the site.
[50:49] raise goal will not clean up the centennial, unless it's allowed to mine for gold here.
[50:54] But one thing that came started in the voluntary agreement, three minutes is that,
[50:58] if you could submit the rest of your committee, just to conclude, I'm sorry, it can finish this,
[51:03] but I would like to know if the City Council is able and willing to take a position
[51:07] on the future use of this incident, I don't want to say given the circumstances.
[51:11] Thank you.
[51:20] Good evening, Ralph Silverstein for C.E.A Foundation and echoing what Greg said, we are thrilled
[51:28] to see the city as an escrow to purchase the properties on the quarter-setting away at
[51:33] Idaho Merman Road. It is nice to see this opportunity for a key part of the trail to jump
[51:39] forward. Thank you for your efforts on this. I also want to compliment the strategic plan
[51:46] And it is good to see that climate change is mentioned, the harsh reality is that global
[51:53] warming is driving an increase in wildfires, drought, and severe storms, all of which have
[51:58] impacted us correctly.
[52:01] We all need to take steps to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions as fast as possible.
[52:07] What can the city do?
[52:10] So fortunately, a lot of the things that the city is doing, including some items in the strategic
[52:14] plan do address greenhouse gas emissions,
[52:18] coodles for that, but we at CEA would like to encourage the city to do a lot more.
[52:24] For example, all commercial projects need to be net zero emissions.
[52:29] Okay, this is tough, but what is our future if we keep increasing emissions?
[52:34] It'd be a whole lot tougher.
[52:37] When you think about that and then look at the centennial site in the plans of
[52:41] rise cold, the stark contrast seems almost insane.
[52:46] The mine project will produce around 10,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases per year in
[52:51] the Gates of the city's energy action plan.
[52:54] And to top it off with regards to the Wolf Creek Trail, if the mine is approved, there will
[52:59] be a massive mine waste biodegradation to a large portion of the trail.
[53:03] Now, the mine waste will form in a abrupt treeless 30%
[53:07] gray slope up to 55 feet.
[53:11] And then when done, they're great to top of you limited
[53:14] to industrial use.
[53:16] There's really no same way to think about what
[53:19] we need to do to address climate change
[53:22] and then think that the mine is a good idea.
[53:24] But the idea of dumping more mine waste on this large close
[53:28] to downtown Parcel is ludicrous.
[53:32] Without adding the mine waste, imagine what the centennial site could be.
[53:37] If the plan talks to cleanup is crafted to anticipate smart growth instead of more mine waste,
[53:43] it could provide opportunities of mixed use and housing on a walkable community close to town.
[53:49] And it's pre-zone, business park and urban medium density housing.
[53:53] And there are a number of ways that the cleanup project could be improved.
[53:56] without adding the mine waste file, one could plan to locate the cap contaminates away from the road berm on the east side,
[54:02] which is where the city plans to run the Centennial Drive extension of east bed. The intersection with Idaho, Maryland road could be properly real line.
[54:10] A solar farm could then go over the cap materials, set back out a site and provide power to a local microgrid.
[54:17] And summary, we encourage the city to strategize on better solutions for the Centennial site to consider a different future for it and to take a position on the mine project.
[54:28] That's stop 80 years of excessive greenhouse gas emissions and guide the city's future in the right direction.
[54:35] Thank you very much.
[54:39] Anybody else from the in person side for public comment, then we will move on to the digital world.
[54:47] And we do have one public comment.
[54:50] Play that now.
[55:02] This
[55:08] is Sandra Spargo. I led a 2-3-0 Elysium Place in Morgan Ranch. Dear City Council members, I submitted a letter to you for the City Council meeting of June 14. The letter points out the contrast between Morgan Ranch Web and Morgan Ranch Unit 7 summit resolutions regarding the City Future Drainage Improvement. These improvements contrast with the neglect of the City's stormwater
[55:36] drainage on the last eight easement that Carolos Ridge wrote. The easement is composed of 19 private
[55:43] lots, 19 owners who have no expertise regarding stormwater laws and frankly they cannot stop the
[55:50] ditches pollution directly into slave creek. This stormwater drainage is a shallow ditch non-line
[55:57] built to River Rock that is sinking into mud. Greenwich was both in 2001 and is covered with
[56:03] I'm Edelton Flora. There is a dilemma between Morgan Ranch restrictions and the city's funded
[56:09] landscape resolutions of June 14. First, Morgan Ranch's declaration of restrictions
[56:16] states owners are responsible for maintaining all such easements and all facilities they're in.
[56:22] At the same time, home owners pay tax to the city for the landscape easements upkeep that includes
[56:28] storm water drainage. Second, storm water drainage paralleling, Ridge Road is an
[56:35] improvement for the city's definition of Morgan Ranch Unit 7th and Morgan
[56:40] Ranch West Landscape Resolution. They define storm water drainage as
[56:51] storm
[56:51] water drainage is an improvement. The city's resolution supported by the
[56:56] landscape lighting act of 1972.
[57:31] Seeing that there's no more public comment we will
[57:33] close the public comment and go on to the next agenda item consent. All matters listed under the
[57:39] consent calendar, RTV, considered routine by the City Council and or the Grass Valley redevelopment
[57:45] agency. We'll be enacting by one motion in the form listed. There will be no separate discussion
[57:52] of these items, unless before the City Council and the Grass Valley redevelopment agency boasts
[57:56] of the motion to adopt members of the Council and their agency staff or the public request specific
[58:02] items to be removed from the consent calendar. For separate discussion and action, the council
[58:07] action is required to do so. This is a roll call vote. Unless the council removes an item from
[58:13] the consent calendar for separate discussion, public comments earned by it as to the consent calendar
[58:18] as a whole and limited to three minutes per person. So we will open up the public comment on, well,
[58:25] first I'm going to ask, are there any changes to consent? I have just a couple of announcements,
[58:29] It's not so much changes. I just need to get back up so I get the right numbers.
[58:35] One second here.
[58:38] Starting
[58:48] with item
[59:02] nine and item 10.
[59:04] Council have an attachment that's been put on the DS to attach to the amount of you.
[59:11] The salary schedules for both those two MOUs.
[59:27] I'm just going to show you the
[59:31] increases that were proposed.
[59:34] Item 11, just for clarification purposes.
[59:39] This item represents a cool adjustment for the executive contracts,
[59:45] which includes employees of the city manager of the city.
[59:48] I'm just going to show you the increases that were proposed.
[59:49] the administrative services director of the community,
[59:51] development director, the public works director,
[59:53] operations, the city clerk,
[59:56] the deputy administrative services director,
[59:59] the deputy city.
[1:00:00] Mr. Clerk, administrative services director. The police chief, we did not list the deputy police chief or the city engineer or the utility director, and then finally the fire chief. In all these positions, we would be providing the same for units 1, 6 and 8 of 5%. In addition to that, similar to unit 1, the executives would be giving up equivalent of 8 hours of
[1:00:29] Personally, to kind of offset a little bit of the impact of COLA,
[1:00:34] those would both occur in years 10 through 20,
[1:00:38] four hours would be reduced,
[1:00:40] and then another four hours would be reduced in years 20 plus for a total of eight hours,
[1:00:46] just as in unit one.
[1:00:48] Just as a clarification, making sure for meeting current requirements.
[1:00:54] Okay, thank you.
[1:00:55] Okay. All right. At this time, we'll open up public comment on consent. Like I mentioned earlier, public comment would be for every item is a whole three minutes.
[1:01:09] Can anybody like to speak on any might items of the consent?
[1:01:14] How about any phone is.
[1:01:17] There are no public comments.
[1:01:18] Okay. We'll close the public comment on consent.
[1:01:22] I look for a motion to pass the consent items.
[1:01:28] Okay.
[1:01:28] All right, Taylor. Can you please call the roll?
[1:01:30] Councilor Branchon.
[1:01:31] Yes.
[1:01:32] Councilor Member Ivy.
[1:01:33] Yes.
[1:01:34] Vice Mayor Arbuckle.
[1:01:35] Yes. Mayor Aguilar.
[1:01:36] Yes.
[1:01:37] Yes.
[1:01:37] Four yeses.
[1:01:37] Okay.
[1:01:40] Next item is our public hearing item.
[1:01:44] And number 20, a collection of delinquent sewer and water accounts on the Nevada County
[1:01:51] tax roll.
[1:01:52] Now, I'll handle this.
[1:01:53] You've city manager Tim Kieser.
[1:01:55] Tonight's staff is before you to again request the collection of the delinquent sewer and
[1:02:01] water accounts and putting them on the tax rolls.
[1:02:04] On the DS is an updated list of delinquent accounts, compared to what was in the staff report.
[1:02:11] This updated amount we've already reduced it from, I think it was like $97,000, that has already dropped down to $78,000, a little bit of change.
[1:02:22] My guess is by the time we actually get this to the tax accounting, it will actually be lower than that.
[1:02:28] This is an annual process that we do for individuals that have not paid their taxes or missed their taxes.
[1:02:36] That have missed their sewer and water account payments made to bend the link went for more than to pay periods or to payment periods.
[1:02:49] With that, I can answer any questions.
[1:02:52] This does require four hits.
[1:02:55] Guy, okay.
[1:02:57] Any questions for staff?
[1:02:59] Okay, this is a public hearing, we'll open up public comment on this item. Anybody would like to speak on this? Please feel free to come up.
[1:03:08] Seeing none, how about digital world? There are no public comments. Okay, we'll close public comment and bring it back for what looks like a motion.
[1:03:21] We have a motion and second, second.
[1:03:28] Is this a roll call vote?
[1:03:30] Yes.
[1:03:31] Taylor, can you please fill the roll?
[1:03:32] Council Member Anstrum.
[1:03:33] Yes.
[1:03:34] Council Member Ivy.
[1:03:35] Yes.
[1:03:35] Vice Mayor Arbuckle.
[1:03:36] Yes.
[1:03:37] Mayor Aguilar.
[1:03:37] Yes.
[1:03:38] Yes.
[1:03:38] Four yeses.
[1:03:39] Okay.
[1:03:40] Good.
[1:03:40] All right.
[1:03:42] Item number 21.
[1:03:43] Some cannabis selection appeals to Sarah Flower, LLC, and Nugging, doing business as Nuggest Valley regarding storefront, retail, commercial cannabis permit selection.
[1:03:55] Before you proceed, Tom, I just want to remind the council, I was representing staff in the appeal in this matter. And as a result, I cannot offer the City Council legal advice on this item.
[1:04:07] So I will be stepping down from this illustrious table.
[1:04:12] Okay.
[1:04:12] Okay.
[1:04:15] It's
[1:04:16] the same.
[1:04:18] Or where do you work?
[1:04:21] In the air, there's the council.
[1:04:24] I'm sorry.
[1:04:24] I'm not.
[1:04:26] Since the since the city adopted.
[1:04:31] It's
[1:04:31] 2020 late.
[1:04:34] 2019.
[1:04:35] As far as the cannabis, he said that the city council established on rules,
[1:04:40] regulations for cannabis businesses, and we also put a limit on that in terms of a
[1:04:44] limiting the number of types of licenses we would issue. So as part of that process because of that,
[1:04:50] we created a two-step process to evaluate applications that came in and also to score those
[1:04:56] and then allow them to move, you know, the top firms to move.
[1:05:00] If there was a competitive need for it, they would be a score and then be allowed to apply for natural permit for a canvas business. So the first step was called the screening process in the city received seven applications for to allow a single retail store fund dispensary in the city. That was the one that was the most competitive and the only one that required the need for actual scoring because there was the other types of licenses. There was adequate permits available.
[1:05:29] all based on what was submitted.
[1:05:32] So as a result of that,
[1:05:34] the, as it, as it comes recalls,
[1:05:36] it created a cannabis selection committee,
[1:05:38] which then reviewed and scored each of the applications,
[1:05:40] the screening applications.
[1:05:42] And as a result of that process,
[1:05:44] the ranked grass die provisions
[1:05:47] is a top ranked applicant
[1:05:48] for a commercial cannabis dispensary,
[1:05:52] retail dispensary.
[1:05:53] As soon as that was completed that process,
[1:05:55] two of the applicants here are power and Nug,
[1:06:00] on the city's decision. And then those appeals were referred to a city council appointed
[1:06:06] on hearing officer, which was the Honorable Al Dover, retired judge. So he conducted,
[1:06:13] he looked at all the evidence, the information, the brief filed by both parties and everybody who participated in that process.
[1:06:21] And based on that record, the hearing officer did make a tentative decision on the April 22nd of this year.
[1:06:27] And then he recommended both both appeals to be able to roll into the city's decision to be upheld and the applicants are the appellants then requested an actual oral hearing before the judge and or the hearing officer.
[1:06:40] And I was completed on May 19th and both all the parties were appeared and provided additional information to the hearing officer on May 25.
[1:06:50] The hearing officer issued his final findings and made a recommendation that the city selection committee decision decision be affirmed and the appeals be denied.
[1:07:03] So before you today is is that final decision and and and so the council has a couple different actions tonight they can take as one you can adopt or modify the hearing officers recommendation.
[1:07:15] and or you can remand that back to the hearing officer for additional additional information or input if you desire that.
[1:07:23] If you do decide to move forward, the city has, you know, there are two options listed in the report, but in a sense we've already, because we've conducted or we've, we've posted a hearing on this public hearing.
[1:07:36] And we've invited the appellants to this to have weren't a sense we're following item number two in that recommendation.
[1:07:41] So based on that staff is recommending City Council allow the appellants to have an opportunity, which are Sarah Flower and now to and also grass by provisions if they wish to speak to comment on the process and their concerns or.
[1:07:56] And then also open the after that open the public hearing for additional public comments and then give an opportunity for the appellants if they want to respond any comments made.
[1:08:04] We are recommending that you allow that process to occur and then we did, I would point out that we did receive a letter mid afternoon from Doug, their attorney and they've included their own scoring sheet as part of that.
[1:08:17] How they felt the scoring should have taken place and the attorney for that is requesting that be entered into the record.
[1:08:25] So with that, I'll hear your answer questions, and if not, we can, again, our direction is
[1:08:32] to allow you to be a telling us off to you to speak and make our case before you.
[1:08:37] Okay. Thank you, Tom.
[1:08:38] Are there any questions for staff?
[1:08:42] Just to make sure I understand where we are in this process and what we're here for tonight.
[1:08:46] The previous council in 2020 passed the ordinance that set up the correct
[1:08:53] criteria for evaluating the applicants and the scoring process.
[1:09:01] This council passed the appeals process as to how people could challenge the scoring that
[1:09:11] was done. My understanding is that our purpose is to, in the whole appeals process, is to determine
[1:09:19] whether or not the process set up to evaluate was followed correctly and fairly.
[1:09:27] Is that an accurate statement of what we're here for?
[1:09:30] Yes, that's an accuracy.
[1:09:31] Okay, so we're not here to come up with changing the original ordinance or anything like that.
[1:09:37] No, it's just okay.
[1:09:38] Yeah, thank you.
[1:09:40] Any other questions? Any questions?
[1:09:44] We're going to bring up Steera Flower and Nug and they will have time to speak on this
[1:09:52] matter.
[1:09:55] Anybody from Steera Flower here today?
[1:10:08] Thank you, Honorable Mayor and Council for hearing this item this evening. I am Elana Haley, CEO of
[1:10:15] Sierra Flora Company and resident of Grass Valley. I am here today on behalf of my team to request
[1:10:21] the council read a broader interpretation of the ordinance to allow for two dispensaries,
[1:10:27] allowing a second retail cannabis permit will ensure that consumers have a choice about where to purchase
[1:10:31] candidates, create a fair market, and support licensed cannabis farmers in Nevada County.
[1:10:38] The present ordinance indicates the city understands the appropriate ratio of cannabis retail
[1:10:42] businesses to the population as one retail store per every 7,500 residents. With a present population
[1:10:51] of about 14,000 people, and daytime of over 20,000, thousands of residents are underserved.
[1:10:58] That number only increases if the population of surrounding areas without access to tested
[1:11:04] and safe cannabis is considered, as you may come to Grass Valley for their purchase.
[1:11:10] A second permit would build healthy competition and create a fair market by ensuring that consumers
[1:11:15] have a choice about where to purchase and offer farmers more opportunity to bring their product
[1:11:21] to market. It will generate additional and needed revenue for the city of Grass Valley.
[1:11:26] Our goal is not to negatively impact provisions. Our goal is for the City Council to permit
[1:11:32] Sierra Flower the ability to open and offer a different perspective and opportunity for
[1:11:37] the consumers, employees and farmers that choose to live and work here in our community.
[1:11:42] I am an owner of two local businesses, Belundis, Salon, and V. Tape are from Body Care. Both
[1:11:48] are family owned and operated. Sierra Flower will be the same, a place where the clients
[1:11:53] and the people that work there become friends and more often family.
[1:11:57] Sierra Flour will bring a unique perspective to cannabis and Gross Valley.
[1:12:01] We have the experience to bring a broader view into the cannabis space and a different approach
[1:12:06] with a focus on natural alternatives. Sierra Flour will be a place that allows our farmers to showcase
[1:12:11] their craft cannabis products, a space for anyone to feel comfortable to come in and learn about
[1:12:16] alternative for themselves and their pets. I was raised here, my kids were raised here and now I
[1:12:22] grandchildren. This is home. Over the last 16 years, I have contributed through my other
[1:12:29] businesses to our local nonprofits and significantly, significantly today, the local fire departments
[1:12:37] and plan to do the same with Sierra Fire Company. I want to ensure that grass-fally flourishes
[1:12:44] and then succeeds for the future, and we hope the Council will grant us the opportunity
[1:12:48] too late for a fully proud. Thank you.
[1:12:53] And it's my understanding that Nugge is not here but they
[1:12:56] gave us that packet from what we got earlier. We'll have grass-felling provisions.
[1:13:05] Are you going to have one person speak on behalf of Sierra Flour in provisions and in public comment?
[1:13:13] Is what I would assume for a public or are you going to have all of Sierra Flour speak how would you
[1:13:17] How many people are raised your hand if you're from CERA Flower and you'd like to speak?
[1:13:23] Okay, we'll do that. We'll have CERA Flower speak and then we'll have a commission last.
[1:13:45] Thank you for having us here tonight and for considering CERA Flower's appeal of the city's decision on its pre-screen application for cannabis dispensary permit.
[1:13:55] My name is Arianna Van Olsen and here's counsel for CERA Flower Co.
[1:13:59] Before I get into the details of our request here this evening, I want to clarify one piece
[1:14:06] that wasn't, I don't think, illuminated before Council, which is that CERF hours request
[1:14:11] for on appeal in for the hearing officer was not to redo the process. Yes, we think there
[1:14:20] was the process was unfair and there were numerous issues throughout it. But I've gone through
[1:14:27] this process in cities across California and in other states as well.
[1:14:32] And I've seen how the process can drag out for years and in RITs and appeals and costs
[1:14:40] cities, you know, hundreds of thousands of dollars and applicants and thousands of
[1:14:43] thousands of dollars.
[1:14:45] So and in my experience, the hearing officer typically comes to a kind of a meet in the
[1:14:57] Our approach was very simple.
[1:14:59] Allow us.
[1:15:00] Second license, which is consistent with the ordinance. It's not disallowed by the existing ordinance. It would simply require an interpretation by council to direct staff to interpret the existing ordinance to allow for two retail dispensaries and not one. There are a number of problems with just having one dispensary. It creates, it's a government-created monopoly. And that creates numerous issues with the process and
[1:15:31] So, rather than do that, our request on appeal was simply to allow a second retail dispensary license.
[1:15:38] I think that connection was a bit lost.
[1:15:41] And the reason we requested that as well is because it creates a win-win situation for everyone.
[1:15:47] This city has an additional source of revenue from an additional business.
[1:15:52] Sarah Flour has the ability to open provisions is not injured by having another business.
[1:15:59] They're not forced to close.
[1:16:00] There isn't a review of the entire licensing process.
[1:16:03] We specifically did not ask for the entire process to be redone, although we did not think it was fair.
[1:16:10] The second highest scoring applicant, Sarah Flour, is the most eligible to receive that second dispensary license.
[1:16:17] it's allowed for it's provided for within the existing ordinance and with the city's strategic plan,
[1:16:24] the daytime residents are 20,000 people, which is well over that 15,000 threshold that the city
[1:16:30] required to have two licenses. Even without that, even if you considered the 13,000 change residents
[1:16:37] that are full-time residents of Grass Valley, that's still a broad interpretation of the ordinance,
[1:16:43] for allow for the second license.
[1:16:47] I've got a little off my plan here, but I wanted to kind
[1:16:51] of connect the dots for you, as you can see, where we've come from and that our request has been,
[1:16:55] since the request for Sierra Flaher has been consistent throughout to make it easier for everyone,
[1:17:02] to make it easier for the city, to make it easier for residents, and to make sure also that consumers
[1:17:07] in Grass Valley have a choice when they're purchasing retail cannabis. And it also supports the local,
[1:17:12] the local cannabis ecosystem. It's a forced local farmers, it's forced local distribution,
[1:17:18] it's the sports local manufacturers, and like I said, allows for consumers to have a choice.
[1:17:24] And it's consistent with a strategic plan of economic development, specifically the short-term
[1:17:31] project number four is to collaborate with the downtown association to create a unique shopping
[1:17:35] experience and help influence patrons to linger and shop longer.
[1:17:41] Sacramento just completed a massive economic study that indicated that retail rent prices,
[1:17:49] near retail cannabis businesses tended to go up and other stores do better.
[1:17:54] We want to be consistent with your mission and my client has my clients have lived in
[1:17:58] value their entire lives, they want to be a positive impact on the community.
[1:18:05] So, in fact, on behalf of Sierra Fowler, I urge Council to move to instruct staff to
[1:18:13] interpret the existing ordinance in a manner consistent with its intent to allow for two
[1:18:18] retail campus dispensaries and a Sierra Fowler score second highest in the pre-screen application
[1:18:24] to allow Sierra Fowler to apply for the second permit.
[1:18:27] Thank you for your time and consideration.
[1:18:43] Good evening, Mr. Mayor, members of the council.
[1:18:49] Thank you for the opportunity to be before you tonight.
[1:18:53] My name is Joseph Devlin.
[1:18:54] I'm a government relations professional with over 20 years of experience in the state and local government level.
[1:19:01] I've worked on complex policies such as water rights, minimum wage and cannabis.
[1:19:07] I work on cannabis dates back to 2013, including some of the states first work on licensing significantly, the states work around land years, as well as local government licensing structures, as well as one of the first youth prevention campaigns that was timed with cannabis regulation.
[1:19:28] I've spoken on panels and then you know presenters on before municipal associations across the state and across this country.
[1:19:39] I come before you tonight to first say thank you.
[1:19:42] Thank you for your efforts to regulate cannabis as someone who's thought deeply about cannabis and the illicit market as well as youth prevention and the economics that leave them all together.
[1:19:54] I firmly believe that the act of regulating cannabis is the single most effective tool that we have.
[1:20:21] The key element in our state's success, overall, in reducing youth access and curbing the illicit market is active.
[1:20:29] access to licensed retail.
[1:20:32] There just simply isn't enough of it in the state as a whole.
[1:20:37] Populations simply require access to the regulated market.
[1:20:41] In a short time, a tradition of ratios of population numbers,
[1:20:46] two dispensaries has emerged,
[1:20:48] and those have evolved over a short period of time
[1:20:54] and including what you have currently adopted,
[1:20:57] to the one to every 70, 500 people.
[1:21:01] Before you to the tonight is the opportunity
[1:21:03] to solve multiple problems with one solution,
[1:21:06] expand your licensing to include a second license.
[1:21:11] By doing so, you will help the your community transition,
[1:21:15] the illicit market, reduce access to cannabis
[1:21:18] by young persons, and improve your existing licensing process
[1:21:23] by eliminating the monopoly.
[1:21:27] Policymaking is a difficult task, a new policymaking on limited information can be extra
[1:21:33] challenging.
[1:21:34] However, it is widely recognized that monopolies and government-created monopolies in particular
[1:21:39] are facial problematic for many reasons.
[1:21:44] The good news is that the opportunity before you tonight is that you can avoid a government-created
[1:21:51] and monopoly and advance the public policy goals of reducing the illicit market and including the
[1:21:57] reduction of access to cannabis by young persons. Your existing city code allows you to add
[1:22:02] a second dispensary. Additionally, your current population supports the addition of a second
[1:22:07] dispensary.
[1:22:10] And your current population lives within your city limits itself are sufficient
[1:22:15] and let alone the additional daytime residents,
[1:22:19] daytime population that occurs here.
[1:22:22] I encourage you to view cannabis licensing
[1:22:24] more broadly than that of issuing
[1:22:26] a single retail permit.
[1:22:30] By adding a second license,
[1:22:31] you can achieve broader public policy goals,
[1:22:33] including those to which I've spoke of tonight.
[1:22:36] Thank you.
[1:22:44] Good evening, council members.
[1:22:46] My name's Cameron Brady.
[1:22:48] I don't see the timer here,
[1:22:49] but I'm gonna keep this well under three minutes
[1:22:50] for you guys. As each of you know, and as Tom just stated, the Canvas selection committee found
[1:22:58] that grass-fally provisions was the top-ranked applicant for the forefront license, subsequent to
[1:23:03] this two applicants filed notices of appeal. After review of the legal brief from all parties involved,
[1:23:10] Judge Dover issued a tentative finding that opponents failed to show the selection was unsupported
[1:23:15] by substantial evidence, which they were required to do so, and further failed to meet their burden
[1:23:21] to produce evidence of reverse school error. A balance then requested an oral hearing which
[1:23:26] judged over health. After the oral hearing, Judge Gilbert issued his final findings and recommendations,
[1:23:32] which we have here today. He concluded that the City of Grass Valley did not err in its decision
[1:23:37] and recommended to infirm in their entirety decisions appealed. I'm in a receipt of the statement
[1:23:44] that Mr. Del Real submitted tonight on behalf of NUDD, the applicant rated lowest by all committee
[1:23:49] members requesting to modify Judge Shovers final findings and recommendations. As detailed
[1:23:55] in a brief file by the City Attorney's Office, Mr. Del Real falsely denied under penalty of perjury
[1:24:01] that he did not have ownership in a cannabis business that was denied a permit. Thus, even if NUDD's
[1:24:07] arguments had merit, which they do not, NUDD's unclean hands prevent them from equitable relief.
[1:24:15] Briefly, just to respond to Sierra Flower because I did not have an opportunity to review their filings ahead of time, if they wanted the City Council to allow a second license before this 15,000 threshold, then they should have came to you and proposed that this appeal process is not the opportunity for them to do so, and it was very costly and it was just not the appropriate process for them to follow.
[1:24:42] which is why Judge Gover issued his final findings and recommendations in our favor.
[1:24:48] I recognize that each of you is aware of his timeline, but I just wanted to inform the public
[1:24:53] of the lengthy and time-consuming and expensive process that is taking place to ensure the
[1:25:00] More importantly, I wanted to thank the city staff, the city attorney, Judge Jover, yourselves for conducting such a professional appeals process. I respectfully request the council to approve Judge Jover's final findings and recommendations and adopt the proposed resolution in front of you today. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. This is a public hearing item. Anybody who'd like to speak on this, but we'll open up the
[1:25:31] The public comment at this time, you come up to the podium, you will, please state your name, you will have.
[1:25:38] What's there?
[1:25:39] I don't think she can speak again.
[1:25:42] You'll have three minutes to speak.
[1:25:45] I just have one point to clarify.
[1:25:47] Well, that's part of the presentation.
[1:25:51] Three minutes.
[1:25:53] I
[1:25:57] apologize.
[1:25:57] they're just going to clarify that we did make the request to counsel prior to filing the
[1:26:02] kill and would have preferred to work with counsel directly instead of going through the kill process.
[1:26:08] Also during the oral hearing, attorney Michael and Donna recommended that we go through the policy
[1:26:14] process and they get so we're making that request again here. Thank you.
[1:26:25] Anybody else put a comment?
[1:26:27] three minutes. Do we have anybody if phone or email?
[1:26:31] We do. We have two separate emails.
[1:26:38] First email says, good evening, Council and staff.
[1:26:41] I am the General Counsel of Knowing California Cannabis Alliance.
[1:26:44] Please accept my comment in support of allowing two cannabis retail dispensaries
[1:26:48] in the city of Grass Valley. Specifically, I would like to urge the City Council
[1:26:52] to direct staff to read broader interpretation of the existing ordinance.
[1:26:57] 5.60.070, an issue of permanent to Sierra flowers company, the second place applicant.
[1:27:05] In the state of California, fewer than 40% of jurisdiction licensed commercial cannabis
[1:27:09] retail activity. This means that consumers are undeserved or underserved. When people do
[1:27:18] not have access to licensed tested cannabis, they turn to the illicit market, restricting
[1:27:24] access to legal cannabis necessarily result in increased demand for illegal cannabis
[1:27:29] and adds to the already significant law enforcement and public health burdens in our great state.
[1:27:36] Equally important consumers deserve a choice regarding where to purchase cannabis.
[1:27:42] A second dispensary aligns with the city's strategic goals, the economic development and vitality,
[1:27:48] by bringing an additional highly taxed business to the city.
[1:27:51] Since some surrounding cities have not authorized cannabis retail, consumers travel to
[1:27:56] Grass Valley to purchase cannabis, further increasing the number of potential consumers
[1:28:00] to be served by the Grass Valley retail cannabis dispensaries.
[1:28:04] The demand exists, not only in Grass Valley, but in the surrounding communities and should
[1:28:09] be considered when interpreting ordinance 5.60.070.
[1:28:14] Further, narrowly continuing in the ordinance effectively creates the monopoly for retail
[1:28:20] cannabis and grass-felling. It goes without saying that monopolies are bad for consumers and for
[1:28:25] the marketplace. The negative externalities of a monopoly create certainly outweigh any concerns
[1:28:33] about issuing a second retail dispensary license. Adding a second retail dispensary license will provide
[1:28:40] consumers with the choice about where to purchase cannabis. We'll create competition that will benefit
[1:28:45] for the consumer and will support the existing ecosystem farmers, manufacturers,
[1:28:51] distributors, and grass Valley and Nevada County who need the license retailers to sell their
[1:28:56] products. Finally, the city has already had legal authority to issue a second permit.
[1:29:02] Grass Valley's daytime population is 20,234, with one permit per 7,500 residents.
[1:29:10] The daytime population is more than 5,000 people beyond the threshold.
[1:29:14] the city designated to the permit to the second cannabis retail dispensary.
[1:29:19] The city therefore has the authority to issue the permits for the two cannabis retail
[1:29:24] businesses.
[1:29:25] Under paragraph D1 on the ordinance, no amendment is necessary to grant to the permit
[1:29:30] at CER flowers, allowing CER flowers to open a second retail cannabis business as considered
[1:29:36] in the ordinance.
[1:29:37] We'll ensure that the consumers have the choice about where they purchase cannabis, create
[1:29:41] a fair market and support licensed cannabis farmers in Nevada County.
[1:29:45] This second retail dispensary contemplated with the existing ordinance,
[1:29:49] I urge you to please direct staff to interpret the existing ordinance until
[1:29:53] allow to cannabis retails. Thank you for your time considerations.
[1:30:00] So, I am really Chris, uh, support the subplunk. Carol council of the Northern California cannabis alliance.
[1:30:09] Other, um, public comment are received is from Alicia Brown. She writes, good evening, we live in an Auburn area. And my family supports having two dispensaries and grass Valley. We currently have to drive to Nevada City. I also notice some elderly neighbors that drive that far as well. I find a female rent business empowering Sierraflower has our full support. Alicia Brown.
[1:30:31] And that is the end of the public comments.
[1:30:34] Okay.
[1:30:35] All right.
[1:30:36] Seeing that there's nobody rushing to the volume.
[1:30:38] We will close the public comment at this time and bring it back to council or discussion or any motion.
[1:30:48] We're here today to make a decision based on the appeal process.
[1:30:58] And that is what we're here to do today.
[1:31:01] Would
[1:31:04] anybody like to talk or talk?
[1:31:09] Yeah.
[1:31:10] I understand that this process has been time-consuming
[1:31:14] and appeal process, particularly costly.
[1:31:18] And it's disappointing for anybody to take second one.
[1:31:22] There's only one permit available.
[1:31:24] So I appreciate everyone who has applied
[1:31:27] and who has gone through the appeal process.
[1:31:31] Based on what I have before me, which is the hearing officers report, that there were no
[1:31:37] irregularities in the process, and the appeals were denied, that carries a lot of weight
[1:31:44] with me.
[1:31:46] I have seen nothing tonight of any new evidence that would suggest there were any irregularities
[1:31:53] in the process, in the application process, that would make me change my mind when I
[1:32:00] I have heard is a request for a different interpretation of the code that the city followed and granting one permit.
[1:32:09] And I don't agree with that request.
[1:32:13] The city's population residence is in the neighborhood of 13,000 people a little more than that.
[1:32:21] If we were to grant two permits, that would be one license per 6,500 people, which is
[1:32:32] not what the ordinance says. The ordinance says 7,500, so I can't hear that argument and give
[1:32:40] or any late or supported at this point.
[1:32:44] So I'm tying on a position of wanting to support
[1:32:50] the judges or the hearing officers for presentation.
[1:32:53] Excuse me.
[1:32:58] I'm not exactly sure what my thoughts are on this.
[1:33:04] You wonder if we could change this process
[1:33:07] in the future from start to finish.
[1:33:21] Well, as Bob said, we are here to approve or make a decision on the hearing officer's final findings of whether or not the process and then we're talking about process, we're not talking about the being another dispensary adjusting our ordinance or anything else at this time.
[1:33:42] So, I mean, I think Judge Dover made it best and said what he wanted to say.
[1:33:53] And he came up with the decision that I think is fair.
[1:33:57] And even with Sierra flower there saying that the process is fine.
[1:34:02] But they just want another dispensary because they came in second.
[1:34:06] it. And I get that. I totally get that. But that's not what we're here to do tonight.
[1:34:12] So that's all I'm saying. I'm in the same boat. I trust in the other decision and I look
[1:34:22] for motion. So move. Give a motion. Second. And second. Taylor, can you please call the
[1:34:28] That's a number of branches.
[1:34:30] Yes.
[1:34:31] That's a number IV.
[1:34:33] Stay.
[1:34:35] That's an article.
[1:34:36] Yes.
[1:34:37] May I go?
[1:34:39] Yes.
[1:34:39] Three yeses and one abstaining.
[1:34:41] Okay.
[1:34:44] How's it going?
[1:34:46] Does this require majority vote or?
[1:34:48] Just majority.
[1:34:50] Okay.
[1:34:51] Okay, on to administrative item number 22, CDBG Memorial Park Facilities Improvement Project,
[1:35:12] Good
[1:35:22] evening, council. For the record, beyond Jones, your city engineer. And, yes, tonight, I'm asking,
[1:35:31] proposal to this item for a program amendment. Pretty straightforward. It's with our Memorial Park project,
[1:35:39] which I'm sure we all know by now is underway and think of it.
[1:35:48] The project is primarily funded
[1:35:51] through a CDBG grant which is the Community Development Block Grant. I'm a neighborhood of
[1:35:56] $3.5 million that the city was awarded back in August 2020 and additionally at the time we identified
[1:36:05] about our exactly 160,000 of program income through the CDBG program that would also be
[1:36:16] brought towards the project funding. And so that was our initial budget that was set to the
[1:36:25] Housing and Community Development Department who manages the process for the program. And essentially
[1:36:33] It locks us in at that time to a certain budget within their software.
[1:36:39] In order to change that budget, we have to go back and authorize a resolution and allow for the opportunity of public comment on the use of those funds.
[1:36:50] And so throughout the lifetime of the project, the city is actually seen in the neighborhood of $760,000 of program income.
[1:37:03] Primarily through the repayment of a lot of home loans, those people sold their home loans through the program and then paid back the loans to the city.
[1:37:13] So that amount came in a lot higher than expected and essentially we're just asking to use those additional funds put them towards the active project.
[1:37:23] And that frees up some of the other money that was identified local funds rate funds that were going to be used on that project.
[1:37:32] And free this up to use those maybe on the project, maybe somewhere else, but it also allows us to convert those program income funds effectively with this project rather than having to identify another project to to use us on so at this time we're looking for a motion on the resolution to amend the project budget with the additional $600,000 of program income funds.
[1:38:00] And I wouldn't be happy to answer any questions.
[1:38:03] Thank you, Bjorn.
[1:38:04] Any questions or Bjorn?
[1:38:06] Just to be clear, this is not changing the total costs of the project.
[1:38:12] It's simply acknowledging that we received more funds than CBDG funds and expected.
[1:38:19] And so we're swapping money out and saving money from one account by putting it in the extra CBDG funds.
[1:38:27] I'm not trying to say it right, but yeah, I've probably said it as well as I tried to.
[1:38:32] Okay. Yeah. Yeah.
[1:38:33] Eventually it's a budgeting kind of maneuver that allows us to spend the funds in their
[1:38:40] account in their system. So they don't allow us to modify the budget in their system until we
[1:38:46] have a resolution showing that we want it. We want to do that. So we went back and forth with
[1:38:53] HCD for a number of months and we're trying to simplify this so we didn't have to go through this process
[1:38:59] but they in the end wanted a resolution to basically spend the funds we already have on the project
[1:39:08] which yeah it should be fairly straightforward but yeah it frees up money that was already in the budget
[1:39:14] to be used elsewhere essentially how makes me happy yeah
[1:39:19] Okay, and it's mostly measuring funds that I just want to be clear that there are no increases
[1:39:24] in the total cost.
[1:39:25] I think the current fiscal year for the next fiscal year is just how it's being funded.
[1:39:30] Yeah, we had about a million dollars in measuring funds identified going towards this project
[1:39:34] for the next fiscal year, and so that'll drop that number down quite a bit if we can use
[1:39:39] the PI funds.
[1:39:40] And just as a side note, I've been out of the park a couple of times recently, I'd love to
[1:39:45] see everything that's going on and it is coming along nicely.
[1:39:48] It's really starting to come together.
[1:39:50] That's all.
[1:39:51] Think about it.
[1:39:53] Also, are the funds that are coming from the mortgage assistance program?
[1:39:58] Is it something like this?
[1:40:00] Is that fair? I was getting their primarily home, the CDBG home program. There's been a few of those paid off recently in the last year, and then also some business loans that were paid off. Do we not roll over the mortgage assistance? And I'd like to offer that again to folks. I believe the program's ongoing. Tom, last in the community development department, what's that manage up? If we have questions or regards. Yeah, so we there's two different times of types of loans.
[1:40:31] We'll give to residents. One is CDBG, which could be for those are older loans that have been used for housing rehab, not for first time home buyers. So I want to clarify, that may have good you.
[1:40:46] So we have home loans, which is what we receive a grant from the state.
[1:40:51] that money is used for first time home buyers.
[1:40:53] That money comes back and revolves into the system
[1:40:56] and we use that for new loans.
[1:40:57] And we're not talking about that.
[1:40:59] That's a separate pool of money.
[1:41:01] CDBG is a separate type of loan
[1:41:03] that is also given through housing and community bill of HCD.
[1:41:07] And that is, with that money in the past,
[1:41:10] we used to do, we used to have business loans,
[1:41:14] as Bjorn mentioned, but also housing rehab loans.
[1:41:16] So people, low income folks could all money from the city
[1:41:20] we have their houses and bring up code and and and delivered better living conditions. So those are
[1:41:26] the types of loans we're talking about. And that money back in about 2013, 2014, the state
[1:41:33] changed everything. How they how that money revolved back into the system and how we we had to
[1:41:37] they created a very I'm not trying to keep this very short. They created a very nightmarish process
[1:41:41] for jurisdictions to try to reuse that money for more housing. We have loans or business loans
[1:41:46] or certain types of grants we could give people,
[1:41:49] they money the water about that time
[1:41:51] and they haven't fixed the system yet.
[1:41:53] So it's been almost nine years.
[1:41:55] And so that money has just been sitting there.
[1:41:58] And so we have to expand it the way the program is worked
[1:42:02] because we have the CTPC loan.
[1:42:03] We have to now expand that money
[1:42:04] that would normally be used for people more housing rehab
[1:42:09] or business loans or some other program.
[1:42:11] There's a handful of programs you can use that money for.
[1:42:13] or because the city or the state has really
[1:42:16] moneyed that whole process and they haven't really
[1:42:18] corrected it 100%.
[1:42:20] Most cities are just saying what we're not going to
[1:42:22] deal with that because it costs too much to run
[1:42:23] the phone around.
[1:42:24] We're going to use it for other programs
[1:42:26] until you guys get your act together.
[1:42:28] So if that, I get it in more detail later,
[1:42:30] but that's the price of it.
[1:42:32] It's the state who has not resolved an issue
[1:42:34] that's been around for about nine years now.
[1:42:36] And what's the name of this program?
[1:42:38] So community development block grant monies
[1:42:40] And that's been, and that money, and that's the committee about block grant is what we received from the state for the Memorial Project. What's the subcategory?
[1:42:49] That was just a, that was for a public improvement.
[1:42:53] And then the, so you can apply for CDBG grant monies for housing rehab for, there's a whole slew of different housing programs.
[1:43:00] You can apply for money for and public infrastructure, public, you know, so we, you know, sewer water programs, fire stations,
[1:43:08] There's a whole list of other programs we can use that for the one we applied for a couple of years ago for the park was for public improvements, right?
[1:43:16] And so we're dealing with all the mess from, you know, we've been collecting money through housing, you know, for CDBG and program income for probably, you know, the past 30 years, we've been collecting money for that.
[1:43:30] And again, we've just been on hold since about 2013 at full when he's just been sitting there and we've been getting more and more and more so we've had to expand it on other things.
[1:43:41] They allow us to use it from part now, so that's a good thing.
[1:43:50] This is administrative, but we'll open it up for public comment. Anybody want to speak on this item? Most of everybody left.
[1:43:56] Thank you.
[1:43:58] Seeing none, we'll ask.
[1:44:01] There are no public comments on the site.
[1:44:03] Okay, thank you.
[1:44:05] All right, we'll close public comment.
[1:44:06] Bring you back or discussion or motion.
[1:44:11] I'll make a motion that we authorize a community block community development block grant program budget and then the tool.
[1:44:18] Okay, additional program income towards the CDBG Memorial Park facilities improvement project.
[1:44:25] So I got you.
[1:44:27] I'm sorry.
[1:44:29] I really get to do seconds.
[1:44:32] That's right.
[1:44:33] Yeah, feels good.
[1:44:34] It's been years ago.
[1:44:36] All right.
[1:44:37] All right.
[1:44:37] Can you please go roll?
[1:44:39] Customer.
[1:44:40] Yes.
[1:44:41] That's a variety.
[1:44:42] Yes.
[1:44:42] Nice mayor.
[1:44:45] I'm going to have to start off with the
[1:44:48] All right.
[1:44:49] Thank you.
[1:44:50] All right.
[1:44:52] Last item.
[1:44:53] Brief reports by council members.
[1:44:54] Start off the top.
[1:44:57] As a
[1:44:57] We're going to see your alarmist, Garden.
[1:45:00] I believe there's some news. Sarah, I was in conjunction with, I believe, all local school districts
[1:45:06] on a memorandum understanding to cook food and locally from scratch is really cool. We should
[1:45:11] have someone present on it. It's got a long time coming and getting whatever nine school districts
[1:45:19] assign the same piece of paper apparently as hard work. So it's pretty exciting news. And I believe that's
[1:45:27] for me for now. Thank you. Thank you.
[1:45:33] I attended the, I hate this long name, about accounting
[1:45:37] community leadership institute program, graduation, a week and a half ago. And I love this organization,
[1:45:47] I worked with five years ago. And that's where I actually met Deputy Chief Johnson. And I was
[1:45:54] happy to see that the city is still sending people there.
[1:45:58] Sergeant Loveley was one of the graduates.
[1:46:01] It's a wonderful program.
[1:46:03] So glad to support that.
[1:46:06] I also attended the second annual Juneteenth picnic
[1:46:10] in Pioneer Park.
[1:46:12] And that was just a lot of fun.
[1:46:14] People getting together and you haven't seen
[1:46:16] in a couple of years or at least since last year's Juneteenth.
[1:46:20] That was nice.
[1:46:21] I also attended last week the, hope I call this right, the great camp graduation.
[1:46:29] There was two on one for junior high and I went to the elementary school and it was so
[1:46:34] cool.
[1:46:35] All these kids obviously had a ball doing this and it's a partnership between the city, the
[1:46:41] county, and the bread futures for youth, and the kids obviously had a ball, but it's valuable.
[1:46:49] they get trained in communication skills and at that age learning how to communicate
[1:46:57] with their peers and have a good dialogue is really valuable. So I auditioned having fun.
[1:47:04] I think it learns musical skills so that was fun. And Saturday I went up to Truckee.
[1:47:11] I finally got up to see the forest fire exhibit that uses art to communicate our relay
[1:47:20] about how to relay to forest and fire, going back to a lot of Native American approaches.
[1:47:27] But it was just an amazing art exhibit, but I love seeing how art is used to communicate.
[1:47:34] state, what they had four stages, what used to be what happened, what is now, and where
[1:47:42] we could go, and where we could go, we do the climate change actually isn't the same
[1:47:48] as where we were before the gold rush and before cutting down all the trees.
[1:47:53] So it was really educational, how they recommended it, and as Tom said, maybe this is an opportunity
[1:47:59] for presentation of the council. I think the artists who are local to this area would be happy
[1:48:06] to come make a presentation of the council. So, I'll throw it out there. Thanks, Bob.
[1:48:13] Jean. And let's say I attend the RCRC dinner, which was great. Supervisor Miller is the chair
[1:48:23] of rural counties. I know it's that's great. I was trying to figure that out. RC RC is with
[1:48:32] I know I always figure that one out. Anyway, they're supervisors from the rural
[1:48:43] counties within the state of California. And so they were there and then and I were invited
[1:48:52] as well as Tim. And that's a talk to a lot of them. And you know, kind of network a little bit.
[1:48:59] It was really great. It's really great to have those type of people from all of the
[1:49:05] state come to our county, especially Western Nevada County. They were able to go up to the
[1:49:11] the air attack station. Is that in the air attack station? Oh, it's a local. Yeah, it was here.
[1:49:19] It was in
[1:49:22] was, you know, they were very impressed. They had a good time and so that was really, that was fun. I went to, I was into a webinar on wildfire preparedness. I attended and participated in the master plan on aging workshop where they are creating the master plan for Nevada County.
[1:49:46] And so it was very well attended, it was moderated by someone that I feel really bad because she lives in on.
[1:50:01] So, and they are possibly being evacuated. So, and she was one of the moderators and she was too very good and we, I think we got a lot accomplished that day. So, I hope she's, I hope everything is well with her.
[1:50:15] I also attended the great program graduation and I asked Deputy Chief Johnson to provide a presentation for us at our first meeting in July. I hope that was okay.
[1:50:32] I just think that like you, that this is one of the things that we need to let people know because these kids and it's not just the kids, the kids who are loving it.
[1:50:41] It's the parents that made comments that how they saw such a change in their child just in that very short time and the contact they had.
[1:50:53] So I think it's something that I think the rest of the community needs to know exists on was
[1:51:02] it Friday, July 6th, I think it's July 6th.
[1:51:05] and Chuck Valley Division of the League of California cities will be having our membership meeting.
[1:51:11] Everyone's invited to come. It is in Taco, however, this time. So if you want more information,
[1:51:17] I know Charles is probably sent it to you, but if not, I will just email me and I can get you the
[1:51:24] information if you want, if you're interested in going and attending. Let's see. I went and saw Steve
[1:51:30] Hightner used to live here.
[1:51:32] Yes, super funny is I'm really good guy.
[1:51:34] So I saw him and I also want to thank the people
[1:51:39] who spoke rough, sober, staying in the,
[1:51:43] for a positive feedback for the council.
[1:51:47] We don't necessarily always get that,
[1:51:50] especially in public comments.
[1:51:51] So I just want to thank him, I wish they were here
[1:51:53] so they could, they could hear it.
[1:51:55] But when we get positive reinforcement
[1:51:58] for what we're doing, it really makes a huge difference.
[1:52:02] So, and that's it.
[1:52:04] I also attended the rural county representatives in California.
[1:52:08] Oh, really?
[1:52:15] So, Dan is the chair of...
[1:52:18] So, as a supervisor, they have RCRC and he's the president.
[1:52:23] Like, you were the president of the league of California cities,
[1:52:25] which has city representatives.
[1:52:27] and was the supervisor. And so other supervisors from all over the state came. It was great local restaurant. Serenos was packed with a bunch of folks.
[1:52:40] They had a great time in our community. We welcomed them and we welcomed them back too. So we see like everybody had a great dinner and time.
[1:52:47] I also attended the mayor's manager's meeting. The host was in Nevada City. I spoke with the city manager over there. They got a
[1:52:57] master caterer to handle a lot of the rush around their community. They lent it to us for some brush removal of where we are going to be
[1:53:09] lighting the fireworks off this year just to make it a little more safe for more accessible
[1:53:15] for the fire departments access. And since I'm on the fourth, we are going to have the parade
[1:53:24] up in Nevada City this year, where you will be able to see us writing a fire truck. And at 930,
[1:53:34] the fireworks will be held in Cross Valley at the same location
[1:53:39] they have been in the past couple of years.
[1:53:42] Over on Dorsey Drive at the property,
[1:53:48] Dorsey Park places where it is.
[1:53:51] And I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the people
[1:53:56] and the community and businesses that donated to make this
[1:53:59] It's completely paid for by those folks.
[1:54:05] We have MyWall, one of the major sponsors, Peter's well-journaling, another major sponsor,
[1:54:11] Hills Flat, major sponsor.
[1:54:14] We have Pramer Engineering, C&D, Contractors, Stooky Jewelers, Hay Day Air, Conditioning and
[1:54:22] economy, pest control, dock most pharmacy, and New York life house myth agents.
[1:54:29] So big thank you to those folks for taking their hard-earned money and putting that towards
[1:54:37] a great fireworks show that we're going to be having this Fourth of July.
[1:54:43] And I'd also like to note that fireworks are illegal in the county if you buy them and
[1:54:50] and bring them in.
[1:54:51] These are not okay, so please do not do that.
[1:54:55] We are providing a fireworks show for the community.
[1:55:00] So there's plenty of spots to watch. One book and surrounding areas downtown grass Valley has some good viewing areas as well. So please do not risk any fire danger to our community. We are doing this in a very safe manner by professional fireworks person. So please do not do any fireworks. We can take care of that for you. So with that, I hope everybody has a