Ashley Hernandez, new Live Oak city mayor. Photo courtesy of City of Live Oak

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - The December 6, 2023 Live Oak City Council meeting quickly saw the election of new officers. Ashley Hernandez won the Mayor’s gavel, and Nancy Santana was elected the new Vice-Mayor. While still mayor, Bob Woten nominated Vice Mayor Jeramy Chapdelaine for mayor but he didn’t garner enough votes. The new officers switched seats at once, and the meeting continued.

Scott Rolls, City Engineer, announced that All American Construction won the low bid for the Pennington Road East Overlay Project bidding $446,797.50. The Council asked how the other applicants bid, and Rolls announced that Leyman came in second at about $448-449,000 and Franklin was third. Rolls explained that once the contract is sent out for signature, All American would have two weeks to return it, then it would go to the city attorney for approval, then come back for final review.

That process would likely take until the second week of January 2024. The Council has provided 45 working days for this project. Weather forecasts suggest a dry winter, said Rolls, so if that holds, the construction company would have enough time to pour concrete, and work on paving when school is out of session, long before harvest traffic would be impacted.

Rolls informed the council that few companies are available to do striping, so scheduling it depends on waiting for free space on the striping company’s calendar.

Bob Woten moved to offer the contract to All American Construction and it passed unanimously.

Resident Laurie Pope made a plea for a stop sign at Kristen Court and Live Oak, near Kristen Court Apts.

Council and staff signaled their approval of the Holiday Stroll, noting it had over 50 vendors. Vice-Mayor Santana noted 4-H and taco trucks helped make it a success.

Council announced some residents have already pulled applications for the holiday lighting contest. The results will be announced on December 20th. The Santa on a Fire Engine event is set for December 21st from 6 to 8 pm.

Councilmember Ghag announced the Feather River Air Quality Meeting has determined funding is available to those who need to replace out-dated equipment.

Councilmember Bob Woten singled out the Live Oak Fire Dept. for praise for helping him when he suffered an accident. He said “Carlos and his crew” prepped and took care of him in advance of his entering the Emergency Room. Woten also thanked Council for covering for him in his absence. Councilmember Chapdelaine also thanked staff for their help.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:26 pm.