The Portola City Council convened Oct. 9 for a session that addressed community concerns, including stalled housing developments and infrastructure improvements. Throughout the meeting, councilmembers discussed and passed several motions to tackle the issues raised.
Housing development agreements under review
Councilmembers devoted significant time to the status of two housing projects — the Highlands and Portola 192. Both have faced delays. Residents criticized the developers and the city for the lack of construction activity, citing unmet promises to create affordable housing units. Councilmembers expressed concern about the developers’ inaction and agreed that public accountability was needed.
Highlands and Portola 192 are at the heart of a controversy focused on the Plumas Unified School District and a developer fee, approved Sept. 11 that would have increased residential building by $5.17 per square foot. The fees were intended to generate revenue to address the strain on public schools that might result from population growth spurred by the new developments.
City officials joined the Plumas County Board of Supervisors in criticizing the school district for not consulting with them or the developers before adopting the tax. The lack of coordination created tension between the district and city, and the council argued that the impact fees could deter developers from moving forward with the housing projects. PUSD officials rescinded the controversial fee Oct. 9.
Councilmember Bill Powers viewed that action as a necessary step to encourage progress on the stalled developments. “We have been waiting for years for these projects to break ground,” he said. “The impact fees were a hurdle that could have further delayed or derailed these much-needed housing initiatives.”
The Portola council unanimously approved a motion to schedule public reviews for both development agreements involved in the school fee. They will require developers to present their progress and future plans before the council. These reviews will allow the council to determine whether further steps, including cancellation of the agreements, should be considered. Members emphasized the importance of transparency, noting that the city must notify property owners and public agencies within 300 feet of the developments before any cancellation process could begin.
Bridge monitoring to ensure safety
Councilmembers reviewed plans to monitor the structural integrity of the Gulling Street Bridge, which was damaged during the 2023 storms. With Federal Emergency Management Agency funding still under review, the council discussed the installation of monitoring equipment as a temporary measure to ensure public safety during the winter.
A motion to approve the emergency purchase of bridge monitoring equipment from ETI Instrument Systems, a specialist in hydraulic monitoring systems, passed unanimously. The council emphasized that the equipment would help detect potential issues in real time, ensuring that the bridge remains safe until more comprehensive repairs can be made.
Local hazard mitigation plan strategy adopted
City officials discussed the expiration of the city’s local hazard mitigation plan in November 2025 and the need for an update. They debated two options: conducting a full, independent plan update or participating in Plumas County’s multi jurisdictional plan. The council ultimately decided that collaborating with the county would be more cost effective.
The council unanimously adopted a motion to proceed with the county’s multijurisdictional plan and conduct a “light” policy review in the interim. Officials emphasized that the city’s participation would still meet FEMA guidelines and provide sufficient hazard mitigation planning for the community.
Council advances public health initiatives
Council members also addressed ongoing public health efforts aimed at reducing youth access to tobacco and vaping products. Regina Martinez, representing the California Health Collaborative, met with city officials to discuss targeted efforts in Portola, where youth tobacco use remains a concern. A motion to include the issue on the Nov. 13 council meeting agenda was approved without opposition.
Council reports and upcoming events
During council communications, members reflected on recent events, including the successful Railroad Days celebration. They also discussed plans for a fire-risk presentation Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Portola branch of the Plumas County Library. The event is organized in partnership with the Plumas County Fire Safe Council.
Council members attended multiple meetings with local agencies, including the Tri-Counties Action Agency, which funds public services and nonprofits across three counties. These partnerships provide essential resources, such as senior nutrition programs and housing support, to the community, specifically for nonprofit agencies serving low-income and special-needs individuals in Plumas, Lassen and Sierra counties. Mayor Pat Morton reported that she had attended the Portola Junior-Senior High School homecoming parade and recent Railroad Days event, as well as a recent Local Agency Formation Commission meeting, along with Councilmember Bill Powers. Powers expounded on that meeting, stating that Indian Valley and Crescent Mills were both holding up the Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District as an example as they worked through their own department consolidation efforts.
Sheriff’s report
Sgt. Tom Klundby of the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office reported that officers responded to 251 service calls over the past two months, including 13 property crime investigations, two arrests for public intoxication, and multiple welfare checks. The council also noted efforts to manage fire risk in collaboration with the Beckwith Peak Fire Protection District, focusing on areas vulnerable to wildfires.
Consent agenda Iitems approved
During the meeting, the council reviewed several routine items on the consent agenda. A motion to approve payments for city expenses, including a $10,850 consulting fee and reimbursements for travel expenses, was passed unanimously. Questions from the public were raised about some of the expenditures, such as vehicle repairs and voided checks, but city staff clarified that the voided checks resulted from training errors.
Moving forward
The council concluded the session by reiterating its commitment to reviewing the housing developments and pursuing public health initiatives. With public reviews of the Highlands and Portola 192 projects scheduled, officials hope to gain clarity on the status of these developments and hold developers accountable for delays.
The next council meeting is set for Nov. 13, where further discussions on the housing element, tobacco ordinance, and other agenda items will take place.