MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - A proclamation was issued in honor of Officer Osmar Rodarte, who lost his life in the line of duty on March 26, during the June 17 Marysville City Council meeting. 

On behalf of the cities of Marysville, Wheatland and Yuba City; Yuba County; and Sutter County; the proclamation was read by Yuba County District 2 Supervisor Renick House, stating that Officer Rodarte made an “extraordinary commitment to the citizens of Marysville and neighboring communities. He would rush toward danger regardless of the risk, to faithfully stand up for the rule of law.”

Addressing the “profound loss” of Officer Rodarte, House read that the community is “eternally grateful for his service and sacrifice.”

To Rodarte’s family, “no memorial can ever fill the void left in the hearts of those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty,” House read. “His spirit will forever live on in our hearts and he will be remembered as a true hero.” 

Marysville Mayor Chris Branscum said that Officer Rodarte “demonstrated exemplary courage, professionalism, and commitment to public safety throughout his service to the community.” 

Branscum was emotional as he addressed Rodarte’s parents.

“I saw your son get his badge pinned on in this room. He was a great officer,” said Branscum. “His passing is a profound loss to his family, friends, colleagues and the entire community.”

To honor and preserve Rodarte’s memory, Mayor Branscum announced that the City of Marysville would be memorializing Oak Street, where Rodarte patrolled, as Officer Osmar Rodarte Memorial Way, in honor of his “legacy of unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the community.” 

During public comments, a resident shared concerns about an abandoned residence next to her home on 18th Street. She said the home is not being maintained: “It is a health hazard. It’s a fire hazard.” She said there is a rat infestation and the rats are now coming into her yard. 

Branscum said the Marysville Police Department would follow up on the issue. 

City Council then considered approving an agreement with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) for $500,000 in competitive Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhood (RCN) federal grant funds. The city would allocate $5,000 in matching funds from the General Fund. 

The Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhood grant would cover a Downtown Multi-modal Study for E Street and 9th Street to consider possible improvements to get vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians safely across state highways. Traffic calming measures to increase pedestrian and bicycle connectivity would also be considered. 

City Council voted unanimously to approve the funding agreement with Sacramento Area Council of Governments. 

Next, the council considered a $70,510 contract with Acorns Environmental to complete the environmental review process for planned improvements to Ellis Lake.

The city completed a master plan for Ellis Lake last year but an environmental review is required before the improvements identified in the plan can be implemented. Acorns Environmental has been selected to conduct the initial studies and acquire the regulatory permits. 

“It’s an important step in getting something done,” Branscum said.

The city received a state grant of $3 million, which will cover Acorns’ contract as well as a portion of the work at Ellis Lake. 

Design work will be undertaken concurrently with the environmental review. After review and approval, construction of walkways on the north and east sides of Ellis Lake can begin. 

The council unanimously approved the contract with Acorns Environmental. 

A list of potential road maintenance projects eligible for Senate Bill (SB) 1 funding needed council approval for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Acting Public Works Director Jim Schaad explained that it is an extensive list and not all the road projects will be completed. But if the projects are not included in the list submitted to the state, then they won’t be eligible for the funding. 

Schaad said that they do not have bids for these projects yet but the city has more than $800,000 in accumulated Senate Bill 1 funding that can be allocated during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. 

The council voted unanimously to approve the list of potential road maintenance projects. 

Next, City Council considered a resolution requesting the Yuba County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to begin the process of annexing Marysville Fire District into the Linda Fire District. 

Chief Kyle Heggstrom, who acts as chief for both districts, said the council already reviewed a feasibility study that showed annexation would provide cost savings for Marysville and enhanced services for both districts.

The feasibility study will be delivered to the Local Agency Formation Commission, along with the official annexation request. Local Agency Formation Commission will then have to undergo their own review in addition to a public hearing process. 

If approved by Local Agency Formation Commission, the request will then be submitted to the California State Boad of Equalization and annexation could move forward in Fiscal Year 2026-2027. 

Many firefighters from both districts attended the meeting in support of the annexation and the Local Agency Formation Commission request was unanimously approved by the City Council. 

Chief Heggstrom also presented a recommendation to transition the Marysville Fire District dispatch services from the Marysville Police Department to the Yuba County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center at a contract amount of approximately $50,209 this fiscal year.

Marysville Fire Department is the only fire department in Yuba County that is not dispatched through the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office.

“That does cause some complexities with our operations,” said Heggstrom.

Shifting to the county will allow all fire dispatches to operate on the same frequencies and enable a higher level of service. This would also eliminate the need for future investments in capital improvement projects to support the existing frequency, said Heggstrom. 

“Whenever we can coordinate services to ensure a consistent level of dispatch services, it seems to be a prudent course of action,” Councilmember Marjorie Rollins said.

Mayor Brancum agreed: “The time has come. The time is right.” The council unanimously approved the dispatch transition. 

Finally, Branscum brought up a request to look into constructing a bike and pedestrian tunnel on 14th Street under the rail line. Branscum said there are currently no safe and convenient connections between the east and west sides of the city and a tunnel “would provide a wonderful connection between the two parts of town and connect East Marysville to the developing and emerging Bryant Field/Ellis Lake area. I think it would be just wonderful for the city.”

During public comments, three residents spoke in support of the idea, stating that the tunnel would open the city’s center and improve residents’ quality of life.

Public Works Director Schaad said the next step would be to consider a feasibility study and reach out to the railyard to ensure that a project wouldn’t disturb its operations. Schaad added that the city can contact Sacramento Area Council of Governments for possible funding, as well as pursuing other funding sources.