The City Council congratulated the 2025 Live Oak Major Girls Little League for winning the Tournament of Champions. Photo courtesy of the City of Live Oak

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - The Live Oak City Council presented an award to the Sutter County Sheriff’s Department (SCSD) at its June 4 meeting.

Mayor Jeramy Chapdelaine said that the community faced a “potentially dangerous situation” May 15 when a car-jacking suspect fled from Yuba City into Live Oak. The suspect abandoned the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot through an apartment complex, placing residents at risk. 

Thanks to the “extraordinary service, professionalism and dedication” demonstrated by the Sutter County Sheriff’s Department and other coordinating agencies, according to Chapdelaine, the incident was peacefully resolved The officers responded with “strategy and calm leadership.” Chapdelaine thanked them for upholding the trust placed in them by the community. 

The council also issued a proclamation honoring the 2025 Live Oak Major Girls Little League for winning the Tournament of Champions.

They “achieved an extraordinary and historic milestone by completing a perfect season with a 17 and zero record,” Chapdelaine said. “This outstanding team of athletes demonstrated exceptional skill, sportsmanship and dedication” and are a “source of price and inspiration for the entire city of Live Oak.”

During the public comment, a resident said they were upset about the approved water rate increases. He said, “When people get their bills July 1st, there will be hell to pay.”

Finance Director James Ramsey presented the preliminary Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget for another round of council review and input. 

At the end of the current 2024-2025 fiscal year, the General Fund balance is $2.3 million. For 2025-2026, projected revenues in the General Fund are $5.2 million. Expenditure is expected at $5.5 million, exceeding revenues by $296,679.

The shortfall will come out of General Fund reserves, leaving an ending reserve balance of $2 million.

Vice-Mayor Aaron Pamma previously requested specifics about the cuts that were made to various departments. Ramsey outlined the reallocation of some salaries and benefits, large cuts to professional development throughout departments, and the reduction or complete elimination of funds for travel, lodging, and meals. 

Chapdelaine said there are some overdue capital projects, but he’s worried about cutting into the reserves. 

Ramsey said due to rising costs, the reserves will “take a hit.” He said there are some repairs and maintenance “we can’t really keep deferring.” 

The final budget will come back to the council at the next meeting for adoption.

The council then discussed the potential establishment of a social media policy. Interim City Manager Kary Hauck said the policy aims to protect the council members’ first amendments rights while also ensuring transparency, accuracy and legal compliance in their public communications.

Hauck said the policy would “ensure that we are not posting informal and inaccurate posts that can erode public trust.” 

The policy would help educate councilmembers about the restrictions of the Brown Act, a California law requiring decisions be made in public forums that allow public participation to ensure transparency in government. By understanding the Brown Act restrictions, the council members can avoid any violations and associated consequences. 

Councilmember Nancy Santana said, “I just want to make sure my first amendment rights are not infringed in any way. Because I feel it’s important for me to be able to communicate with the residents. They don’t get very much information from the city.” 

Councilmember Bob Woten said there is “a fine line between our personal rights to express ourselves and also the image and the responsibility that we owe to our positions as council members.” He said it’s important to ensure they don’t cross that line. 

Santana said she wanted to ensure the city wasn’t trying to control what she posts on her personal social media pages.

City attorney Jared Hastey explained that council members are free to post on their own pages but if they identify themselves as a council member and post about city business, then the other council members cannot interact with that post, whether by liking or commenting, because that would be a Brown Act violation. 

Hauck added that if council members post about city business on their personal pages, “you may then be subjected to public records requests.” They would have created a public forum and then “couldn’t delete comments that you didn’t like from other people,” said Hauck. 

Santana asked if the policy itself would be to increase the council’s liability and add additional restrictions. Hastey said the liability is always the same and comes from the Brown Act guidelines. The policy would be a way to warn the council of what activities to avoid on social media to ensure they are legally compliant with the Brown Act. 

Hauck said, “I know there are Brown Act violations occurring” and her goal here is to protect the council. 

The Live Oak City Council presented an award to the Sutter County Sheriff’s Department for peacefully resolving a potentially dangerous situation when a car-jacking suspect escaped into an apartment complex. Photo courtesy of the City of Live Oak 

Pamma provided a specific example of one council member sharing a city press release welcoming the new city manager and a fellow council member commented on the post. He asked if that was a violation, and the city attorney said it was. 

Pamma said, “I think this is long overdue” but before he could continue, Santana attempted to speak over his comments. Pamma said he had the floor but would give her more time to speak. Pamma added, “I think that’s disrespectful to interrupt.” 

Santana did not apologize but brought up a time when Councilmember Ashley Hernadez, who was absent from the meeting, commented on a city post. Santana asked if that was a violation. Hastey said if Hernandez was the only council member to comment, then it was not. If a second council member commented, then that person would have committed a violation. 

Pamma said “I think it’s pretty straightforward. It’s understood that we need a refresher course or even a beginner’s course in this. We should pursue this just for everyone to understand. Sitting up here, we need to hold a level of professionalism and accountability for what we display on the internet and will be put out to the residents. If we’re not able to hold ourselves accountable, then we should think twice before posting.” 

Santana asked the attorney for further clarification, so he explained again that a council member can post about city business but if a second councilmember comments on that post, that is a violation. 

Pamma said, “I gave an example from today. She posted about the welcoming of our city manager, you commented. Per the city attorney, that’s a violation of the Brown Act.” 

Chapdelaine provided directions to the staff, stating he would like to see more training for council members to ensure transparency and accountability. He said the ordinance governing the City Council already has guidelines for council conduct and their interactions with the public.

“I think all too often, it just goes overlooked,” Chapdelaine said.

If the Brown Act violations are not resolved, they can even be referred to the district attorney, so it is in the council’s best interest to ensure they comply, Chapdelaine said.

During public comments, a resident said the policy will be helpful for council members and the public by creating clear guidelines and expectations.  

Hauck said this was her last meeting before the new city manager took over. She thanked the council for the opportunity to serve her hometown.

“I’m excited for the city’s future in the capable hands of Ben Moody,” Hauck said. “I know he’s going to do great work.”

Hauck also thanked the staff for their hard work. 

Chapdelaine and the other council members thanked Hauck for stepping into the role.

“You’ve been able to come in at a really critical time and set the groundwork for so many things that are just going to be instrumental moving forward,” Chapdelaine said. 

The council closed the meeting with a moment of silence for Misti Wiggins, a community member who died on May 20. 

The next Live Oak City Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 18 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 9955 Live Oak Blvd., Live Oak.