Fortuna council unanimously approves seven-item consent calendar

The Fortuna City Council unanimously approved a seven-item consent calendar that included minutes, disbursement reports, land-use and contract authorizations, and a promissory-note amendment tied to property at 320 Main Street.

Council members voted to: approve the October 20 special meeting minutes; accept a report of disbursements; authorize filing a subdivision final tract map and acceptance of dedications; authorize the city manager to execute an amendment to an existing franchise agreement; authorize the city manager to execute a professional services agreement with CSG Consulting to assist with a Recology franchise agreement; approve the first amendment to a promissory note secured by deed of trust for the City of Fortuna and Deborah Chisholm at 320 Main Street; and approve pay-step placement for the senior administrative assistant/deputy city clerk candidate. The motion was made, seconded and carried with all members voting "Aye." (Roll call earlier in the meeting recorded Council members Connolly, Diaz, Stevens, Mayor Pro Tem Trent and Mayor Johnson as present.)

During discussion on the promissory-note amendment, a council member asked about consequences if the borrower cannot meet an upcoming balloon payment. Staff responded that, if the borrower defaults, the city would need to pursue foreclosure proceedings but that the borrower indicated she expects to sell or otherwise pay by April. The transcript records the borrower's reason as ongoing property rehabilitation and sales efforts. The councilor said the borrower has had five years to prepare and emphasized the council would need to pursue the foreclosure process if payment is not made by the April deadline.

A council member also asked whether the funds to pay the CSG Consulting contract come from solid-waste revenues. A staff member (not identified in the transcript) said the amount in the agenda is from solid-waste funds, which derive from self-haul fees at the transfer station and are restricted to solid-waste activities; staff said using those funds for the Recology franchise work is an appropriate use and would not affect the general fund.

The consent calendar passed without further amendment or recorded dissent.