First, I would like to thank our residents for staying engaged with City Hall and continuing to take an active interest in how we’re improving operations and services across Weed. Transparency and communication remain top priorities for our team.
City Hall Closure for Environmental Testing
City Hall will be closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday next week—Monday in observance of the holiday, and Tuesday and Wednesday (and possibly Thursday). At the same time, we conduct indoor environmental testing following the recent removal of City Hall’s old roof.
This testing is being done as a precautionary measure to ensure that no asbestos or other dust or debris entered the building during the roofing work. We have contracted professional environmental specialists to perform the testing, and our roofing contractor will remain involved to assist as needed.
We are also coordinating with staff and the Planning Commission to identify an alternate meeting location if needed, depending on test results and building access. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we take this critical safety step.
At our City Council meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2025, several necessary actions were taken that will shape the way the City conducts business moving forward:
City Engineering Services
The Council approved Resolution No. 30-2025, renewing our contract with Pace Engineering to continue serving as the City’s Engineer. Pace has provided reliable support to Weed for many years, and we look forward to continuing that partnership.
In addition, the Council approved a list of on-call engineering firms that the City can contact during emergencies or when specialized assistance is required on a project. This ensures we have rapid access to technical expertise when our community needs it most.
Updated Policy on Discontinuation of Residential Water Service
I recently revised the City’s policy governing residential water service disconnections for non-payment. The update clarifies associated fees—$75 or $125, depending on the customer's stage in the disconnection process—and introduces a new payment arrangement form. This form streamlines communication between residents and our front office staff, creating a clear paper trail and helping ensure consistency and fairness in every case.
Under the updated policy, the City Manager now serves as the final authority for approving payment arrangements, thereby maintaining accountability and ensuring a timely resolution of disputes.
Credit and Debit Card Convenience Fees
Beginning soon, the City will implement a convenience fee for all electronic transactions using credit or debit cards. Whether payments are made online, at City Hall, or within other departments (including the Police Department), this policy will standardize how processing costs are recovered across all City services. We understand this change affects many of our residents and appreciate your understanding as we work to maintain fiscal responsibility and reduce the City’s overall transaction costs.
Recognition of the Finance Department
I want to take a moment to recognize our Finance Department for the exceptional work they’ve done during the 2023–2024 audit year. Thanks to their diligence and attention to detail, the City reduced its audit findings from three or four in prior years to just one finding this year. That is a remarkable achievement, and it speaks volumes about the hard work, dedication, and professionalism of our finance staff. Please join me in congratulating Finance Director Jill Porterfield and her team on their outstanding efforts and commitment to excellence.
Approval of Local Business Liquor License Recommendation
At the request of local business owner Valerie Chang, the City Council reconsidered its prior decision regarding a liquor license application for a proposed store located at 175 East Vista Drive. While Weed is already near saturation for certain types of liquor licenses, any new or transferred license requests must come before the Council for a recommendation to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).
After discussion, the Council voted to approve the transfer and issue a formal recommendation to ABC in support of Ms. Chang’s request. This action was authorized under Resolution No. 36-2025, which allowed her to proceed with the state’s licensing process. We appreciate Ms. Chang’s continued investment in our community and wish her success as she moves forward with ABC.
Addressing Downtown Fire and Dilapidated Properties
Many residents are aware of the recent structure fire downtown, which tragically destroyed five buildings. I am currently awaiting official investigation reports from both the Police Chief and the Fire Chief before making any final determinations or policy recommendations related to this incident.
In the meantime, I would like to take this opportunity to explain what the City has been doing to address these long-standing property challenges. Before my tenure began, in February 2024, the City retained a law firm specializing in property enforcement and receivership actions.
While I cannot discuss specific details of the process, I can share that the City has already invested nearly $100,000 in legal work related to various properties. The process has been complex due to multiple parties/entities holding varying levels of interest or ownership across several of these parcels. Each must be legally notified and given due process before any enforcement action, such as nuisance abatement or placing it into receivership, can proceed. This process takes time.
This process may seem lengthy, but it is a constitutional requirement designed to protect the right to private property, one of the most fundamental rights in our nation. Property ownership is one of the purest expressions of individual liberty, and if the government could take property without due process, that liberty would be undermined. That is why these proceedings are so deliberate and legally rigorous.
I want to assure the public that the City is actively confronting these issues through the proper legal channels, that the City Council has already taken action to move these efforts forward, and that we will continue to pursue every lawful avenue to protect both public safety and property rights.
Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill – October 16, 2025
The City of Weed will participate in the Great ShakeOut on Thursday, October 16, 2025, alongside other communities throughout California. This statewide event, promoted by the California Office of Emergency Services and supported locally by the Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services, is an opportunity for everyone to practice earthquake preparedness.
We encourage all residents, schools, and businesses to participate and ensure that you and your families are aware of what to do in the event of an earthquake. For more information or to register your participation, visit www.shakeout.org/california
Looking Ahead
In the months ahead, the City will continue advancing several key initiatives designed to modernize our operations and strengthen collaboration across the community.
We are finalizing a series of ordinances to clarify that the City Manager Ordinance supersedes outdated references to a “City Administrator,” modernize the Fire Department Ordinance, and update the City Clerk Ordinance, which still references roles and structures that no longer exist. These updates will improve accuracy and transparency within the City’s code.
I’ll also be launching a new Community Calendar initiative in partnership with the Weed Union Elementary School District, the Weed High School (Siskiyou Union High School District), College of the Siskiyous, the Chamber of Commerce, and other civic partners. The goal is to create a single, shared calendar for public events and programs, thereby reducing redundancy, improving coordination, and fostering stronger community engagement.
We’ll also continue to pursue progress on critical projects, such as the citywide water tank inspection program, Main Street revitalization, and other efforts supported by our partnership with Roseburg Lumber, which provides ongoing reinvestment in Weed through 2032.
Thank you again to our residents, City Council, and staff for your continued partnership, patience, and engagement as we move the City of Weed forward together.