[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6155634,"mediaKeyId","5474226-4c69946e7e40a2d1d82ee833c77f07a2","parentId",5474226,"title","Ukiah council appoints two to Planning Commission; brief exchange over appointee’s political role","audioSeconds",146,"startMs",5284000,"endMs",5430000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5474226-4c69946e7e40a2d1d82ee833c77f07a2&start=5284&end=5430","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5474226-4c69946e7e40a2d1d82ee833c77f07a2/thumbnail_5284000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6155634/Ukiah-City/Mendocino-County/California/Ukiah-council-appoints-two-to-Planning-Commission-brief-exchange-over-appointees-political-role","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6155634-96c118d38b4055f14eb5dc62469d7276/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143604&Signature=ac0eOva5oiJWA2NYHXP2Pd0z1gz~xIxr1iG~e5CINKhVyo-jGDx-RnB7mjmkTJzuxUq8W8uv-V9FZSHjpKerZpe-dUGewGV2u4dqiNJt0j4yy5kHO4~ar66jaJLR6ifosxl9Q4RxnZMSrJIUkOcbQ5ubAwEO9nuzY26pip9Z6IS7-vQcc6P9w2dZi9b19s1odT~GJNceNXy2ok~hs-YI2m8luxwB2NtBV9CV5XfxggerqMosYZXqR1G7ZccNi9n9NPG90z9-OW9CPSpzd0TKKfUl6ugmfpeom2VUu9PDmSJRUZWJZPXfwlKyU5tmchD~Zn8Jm9433~pit9Du4WiUXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ukiah City, CA","date","2025-07-16T00:00:00Z","article","The Ukiah City Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution appointing two applicants to fill two vacancies on the Planning Commission, restoring the commission toward a full roster.

City Clerk Christine Moller told the council one seat is for an unexpired term ending Feb. 2027 and the other is a full four‑year term; applicants had agreed which seat they would take. The council adopted the appointments by resolution.

During the meeting, applicant Michael (last name Brown) introduced himself and said he wanted to support local growth and opportunities for young people. Council members then asked about Brown’s role in partisan politics after the speaker listed prior service on the Republican Central Committee during his application. One council member asked if Brown’s party leadership might affect his ability to serve the community impartially on the Planning Commission; Brown said his commitment was to the local community and that he would serve in a nonpartisan, ‘‘common‑sense’’ way.

Several council members said they were reassured by Brown’s answers and noted the Planning Commission’s work is intended to be apolitical. Council adopted the resolution to appoint the two candidates; one appointee was present at the meeting and the other was unable to attend.

No formal vote counts for each appointment were read beyond the roll call on the resolution; roll call on the resolution showed affirmative votes from members present.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Regular Meeting - July 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council appointed two applicants to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission; during public remarks a council member questioned one applicant about his role as chair of the local Republican central committee and whether partisan views would affect local planning decisions.","taxTitle","Ukiah City, Mendocino County, California","taxId",71852,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6155638,"Ukiah renews local emergency and approves report on emergency contract for Western Hills mudslide repairs",107,5161000,5268000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5474226-4c69946e7e40a2d1d82ee833c77f07a2&start=5161&end=5268","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5474226-4c69946e7e40a2d1d82ee833c77f07a2/thumbnail_5161000.jpg","/articles/6155638/Ukiah-City/Mendocino-County/California/Ukiah-renews-local-emergency-and-approves-report-on-emergency-contract-for-Western-Hills-mudslide-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6155638-f77979e32381e0fb0cf305a106295798/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143604&Signature=kdleJ87oNY4nRTLmaigA--lNhU4IqbL6IYY~-mLD6voe1knPjRz5jdPyqkCn45hotbsw4KngkEPM3Rpba3TyPmQukFkwN8S3qqiF0xmSFnMVLTD3eOadIFCoO-wgp2sQfBNgU7ynWdqzJydE8skjMO1CqZc-dt1mx8hLOZ~vyWhjQQTQh5NN5uXGfM9MIK-qRArksKqO5yN1WRCmugubfOIb8vM85yekSE9RsdPPzUeLNjKCjK9ZOLDE2~~H3jgjHbVSwi6CZagvkxhIZvLhGDEcUGnYoTOKht87muSKZG0iRtQcMytcaln6aA12isqGJlWSA57M1-IBj70~VNmH8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ukiah City Council renewed a proclamation that a local emergency remains in effect because of infrastructure damage from recent atmospheric rivers, and the council received a status report on an emergency repair contract for a Western Hills mudslide that threatened a city water tank pressure zone.

Senior management analyst Tracy Boyle described the agenda item as a routine 60‑day renewal of the city’s local‑emergency proclamation tied to ongoing repair work and noted the council will be asked to renew the proclamation every 60 days while work continues. Boyle also presented an update on the city’s emergency contract with Diamond D Construction LLC for repair work at the Western Hills mudslide site serving the Z1 pressure zone.

Council approved the proclamation renewal by roll call and approved continuing the emergency contract status as recommended. No additional public debate or alternative contracting options were presented on the floor during the meeting; council asked no substantive questions during the summary report.

The renewal preserves municipal authority to expedite contracts and repairs related to the slide and allows the city to continue coordinating emergency repair work. Staff said they would return with further status updates as the contract work progresses.","Council renewed the local emergency proclamation linked to atmospheric‑river damage and received a status report on the emergency contract with Diamond D Construction LLC for repair work at the Western Hills mudslide affecting the city’s water tank pressure zone Z1.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6155644,"PG&E accepts responsibility after two gas‑line strikes during Main Street grinding; city seeks better notifications",138,4230000,4368000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5474226-4c69946e7e40a2d1d82ee833c77f07a2&start=4230&end=4368","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5474226-4c69946e7e40a2d1d82ee833c77f07a2/thumbnail_4230000.jpg","/articles/6155644/Ukiah-City/Mendocino-County/California/PGE-accepts-responsibility-after-two-gasline-strikes-during-Main-Street-grinding-city-seeks-better-notifications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6155644-7a4fdf4309b3613e1bd683d74841625e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143604&Signature=I3D14~S3VuxNBoELzvKv9uEDXQCUQ0zp1Gtx7UY4kC03TrfHoXBZ9oE~25TK1WhsYWQ4lyZif9dtf1r2l5nihIu9UtJKctJUSNSvB5DR73hQuEOijdUFovcjRIY4WXv8IfXXSJj6MU18hq~UjC~vST4OhSGNm4eQ-RqwkpTU83E6ebwTjE2wfsxYQA2eZXuYRIe-4tTF8xv3EzWGoy-RBlSsasK~CpL~InUPHRQP8hSq8pjBFLtw3Zw6DUrnjChaUzWxGfyY3chartufDCS2TVUFh2tCcW6xNV1u111YrPTftMXhSAdhv5rNAwgFqQo5LnwtPdUGbL1gUMOPYyLrIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City public‑works staff and public‑safety officials told the Ukiah City Council on Wednesday that PG&E has taken responsibility after two separate incidents in which unmarked, former gas laterals were struck during Main Street grinding operations.

Public Works Director Tim Erickson said crews were aware of a main gas line but that the strikes involved unmarked laterals that were not shown in current marking. PG&E sent crews to the scene both times; Erickson said the utility ‘‘has taken full responsibility’’ and brought specialized equipment and personnel to the site.

The incidents occurred while the city’s contractor was grinding and preparing Main Street; the city paused work and coordinated with PG&E and public safety. Erickson said the contractor will continue work beginning the following Friday on a route designed to avoid further conflict with the eastern gas main. He emphasized the utility is responsible for its lines but that older, abandoned laterals are a known issue and that PG&E crews have been responsive.

Council members raised concerns about public notifications. Several said Nixle (emergency alert) messages went out with minimal detail and that follow‑up updates on social media were delayed; staff said Nixle messages are character‑limited and are focused on immediate life‑safety information, but that they will improve coordination between Nixle alerts and the city’s social‑media posts. Staff also noted the automated Spanish translation system sometimes produces awkward translations and said the city will review translations for future alerts.

Council also asked whether PG&E’s acceptance of responsibility includes reimbursement for city costs or delay claims; staff said that is a possibility and that the city may seek reimbursement for costs tied to the incidents if appropriate.

No formal council action was required; staff said they will continue after‑action review with PG&E and refine notification protocols for future incidents.","Two unmarked former gas laterals were struck during Main Street grinding; PG&E crews responded and took responsibility, and city staff said they will improve incident communications and follow up after an after‑action review.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6155649,"Local nonprofit appeals planning department after delayed permit and disputed refund",467,3423000,3890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5474226-4c69946e7e40a2d1d82ee833c77f07a2&start=3423&end=3890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5474226-4c69946e7e40a2d1d82ee833c77f07a2/thumbnail_3423000.jpg","/articles/6155649/Ukiah-City/Mendocino-County/California/Local-nonprofit-appeals-planning-department-after-delayed-permit-and-disputed-refund","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6155649-42c815b58c422c4bf74a73dde716c586/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143604&Signature=DVnDuV8i8-D3lVt2uKu9w1bo4wy51VmLrN-EpRlzZWe7ymRvdkOydELc6-201VvlKWQ6S-yNO3Gc1rECd0eNP3eIrjy8j2JalJ0V9~8PNO0VoLw7KD6V9tbb03JaKpIzYiOxT223kB894b-DXu9JT3hXiP2Sr8KGb~GUKFB~07nqhrRAfy2jAHKyXzlgQT5shEgqO6q7dV0KYFzy37JqfGZjGsEC17mdZtV6tPBCBiLver3WGBbAMgervcq5MuDrDjTdX1g7flTOxNCTULZ5HLQORpKruX4O9lXZzIEpRuaEWagHdRh5roAZ2GEf33QYbR1IGQEYmRwy525hfu87qA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Quadruple Threats, a nonprofit that recently moved operations to Ukiah, urged the City Council on Wednesday to intervene after what its founder said was a months‑long, confusing permitting process and an unreturned $1,000 payment.

Founder Ayaz Murray told the council he sought clearance from the Community Development Department to operate a small thrift store as an adjunct to the nonprofit’s services. Murray said staff initially told him no permit would be necessary, then later requested a deposit and subsequently required a discretionary review. He said later staff informed him that the department could not refund the deposit because the money is no longer managed there.

‘‘Information provided to me has been shown to be incorrect time and time again,’’ Murray said, asking the council to review his appeal, order a refund of the $1,000, and ensure staff follow and clearly explain the city code. Murray also said language in a rejection letter — phrased ‘‘elsewhere in the city’’ — felt derogatory to American Indian residents and asked the council to review tone and clarity in staff communications.

Mayor Crane said the city manager’s office will take the appeal and follow up with the speaker. No council action was taken during the meeting; the item was recorded during the public comment period and the mayor directed staff to respond to the appellant.

Murray said the permit process and inconsistent guidance prevented the nonprofit from operating the thrift store, which he said was intended to raise minor funds for snacks and basic items for program participants.","A Ukiah nonprofit, Quadruple Threats, told the council it was charged a $1,000 fee and then denied clear guidance and a timely refund after withdrawing a minor‑use permit application for a thrift‑store operation; the city said it will follow up through the city manager’s office.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6155654,"Ukiah council starts Prop. 218 process to raise sewer rates; hearing set for Sept. 17",2540,436000,2976000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5474226-4c69946e7e40a2d1d82ee833c77f07a2&start=436&end=2976","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5474226-4c69946e7e40a2d1d82ee833c77f07a2/thumbnail_436000.jpg","/articles/6155654/Ukiah-City/Mendocino-County/California/Ukiah-council-starts-Prop-218-process-to-raise-sewer-rates-hearing-set-for-Sept-17","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6155654-2f692843fda939f2595e7db27882a221/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143604&Signature=WI21GmCoOhqitmbm2x5hh5rnWZBscwST-7xyBktKrBRFDpLVEthhIsdxn0S1LoHBXHiQknfUDKexDj5oWUzHnBCTbVBa1ect9eRW05MXQGmGyNlRkuac8eIsjLHrTgGun5reQ7o5v7eqZILkg1teRKUHbB7xrUYQarmXbPc5P2znTWiTq6BJ72zHojQH9eUzM1i-eczvXHWlbMz4flT82Cpm4Tw2bGPoQSugTgC6uxHBQfRr1EL~F0QVe4gpHdSH9zATcbDD-E0unQVj3tjmVdamoXwX~EC-pXR3uqByRZ2D8SgraEGiMF0IgTlzTsIiqwYgQk99o0GNvmZr~5RNxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ukiah City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to begin the Proposition 218 protest process for proposed sewer rate increases and authorized mailing notices to property owners and customers, with a public hearing set for Sept. 17.

The move starts a 45‑day protest window under Proposition 218, the procedural requirement in California law that gives ratepayers a chance to object before a local government may raise utility rates. If a majority of affected ratepayers file timely protests, council cannot adopt the proposed increases.

Rate consultant Mark Hildebrand told the council the city’s sewer utility needs revenue adjustments primarily to rebuild cash reserves drained by recent, grant‑driven capital work, to cover sharply higher insurance costs and a new allocation of recycled‑water debt and operating costs to the sewer enterprise, and because connection‑fee revenue ran below earlier projections. Hildebrand recommended a five‑year schedule that starts with a 6% increase on Oct. 1 (if approved after the hearing) and then 4% increases in each of the next four years as projections allow.

The financial plan shows the sewer utility currently holding about $1.8 million in operating reserves (roughly 25% of annual operating expenses under the city’s reserve policy) but drawing reserves down over the next year unless action is taken. The plan’s target is to build toward a combined operating and capital reserve of roughly $3.5 million by the end of the 10‑year forecast.

To smooth the near‑term cash shortfall while rate increases take effect, staff and consultant proposed a $2 million internal loan from city funds, assumed at 5% interest with a roughly 10–13 year amortization. City staff said the internal loan would use pension‑liability savings set aside earlier and that the loan would be repaid to the city’s reserve pool; the loan repayment was modeled as an operating expense in the plan.

Hildebrand explained the city will not be changing cost allocation or rate structure in this review, only overall revenue levels. He also noted that Ukiah’s current typical single‑family sewer bill sits near the lower third of regional comparables and that being at the very low end can reflect deferred capital reinvestment.

Council members pressed for clarification on several items, including the timing of recycled‑water contract terms (some are staggered 10‑year agreements, with some recipients five years into their terms), whether future customer growth assumed annexation (it did not), and how the internal loan payback appears in the expense forecasts (it is built into operating costs). Staff said more detail on any loan brought back later if council elects that path.

Action: Council adopted a resolution to initiate the Proposition 218 process, authorize mailing of notices and set a Sept. 17 public hearing. Roll call recorded: Council Member Bridal — yes; Council Member Chris — yes; Council Member Orozco — yes; Vice Mayor Schurr — aye; Mayor Douglas F. Crane — aye.

The council directed staff to proceed with the mailed notice and return with final rates for council consideration after the protest period and the public hearing.

Council documents and the consultant presentation list the primary drivers of the proposal: reserve rebuilding after higher than‑anticipated capital spending (much of it grant‑enabled), increased insurance allocations, the newly shared recycled‑water debt and operating costs, lower than projected connection fees, and a preference to fund more capital with cash (PAYGO) rather than new long‑term debt.","The Ukiah City Council voted to begin the Proposition 218 protest process for proposed sewer rate increases after a presentation from rate consultant Mark Hildebrand outlining a five‑year plan to rebuild reserves, cover higher insurance and recycled‑water costs, and avoid new long‑term debt.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Ukiah council appoints two to Planning Commission; brief exchange over appointee’s political role

Ukiah renews local emergency and approves report on emergency contract for Western Hills mudslide repairs

PG&E accepts responsibility after two gas‑line strikes during Main Street grinding; city seeks better notifications

Local nonprofit appeals planning department after delayed permit and disputed refund

Ukiah council starts Prop. 218 process to raise sewer rates; hearing set for Sept. 17