CORNING CITY OF CORNING
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2024
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
794 THIRD STREET
A. CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL: Council: Dave Demo
Jose "Chuy" Valerio
helly Hargen
isa Lome
Mayor: Robert Snow
Present: Snow, Demo, Valerio, Hargens, Lomeli
The Brown Act requires that the Council provide the opportunity for persons in the audience to briefly address the Council on the subjects) scheduled for tonight's closed session. Is there anyone wanting to comment on the subjects) the Council will be discussing in closed session? If so, please come to the podium, identify yourself and give us your comments.
C. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
D. REGULAR AGENDA:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (§ 54956.9) Name of Case: Fountain v. City of Corning, Case No.24C1-000071 E. ADJOURN TO REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION: 6:25 pm, Mayor Snow reported that there were no reportable actions.
CITY OF
CORNING
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2024
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
794 THIRD STREET
This is an Equal Opportunity Program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law.
Complaints of discrimination may be filed with the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VI. If you need special assistance or translation services to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk's Office at (530) 824-7033 or via email at [email protected]. Notification in advance of the meeting will enable the city to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
A. CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL: Council: Dave Demo
Jose "Chuy" Valerio
Shelly Hargens
Lisa Lomeli
Mayor: Robert Snow
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER
Present: Snow, Demo, Valerio, Hargens, Lomeli
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by the City Manager.
D. INVOCATION: Led by Councilor Hargens.
E. PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, APPOINTMENTS, PRESENTATIONS:
1. Proclamation: October 2024 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Present to accept the Proclamation will be Empower Tehama's Bilingual Legal Advocate, Susana Reyes.
F. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR:
Opened public comments: 6:36 pm
Delores May thanked all candidates for showing up at the Senior Center Candidates Night Fire Chief-for $8 pancake breakfast 7am - 10am. Also, the Corning Volunteer Fire Dept. will be hosting a Battle of the Badges blood drive on the 26" of October. You must make an appointment to reserve a spot. (See their Facebook page for the link) Brooke Smith thanked everyone for showing up to the candidate's night as well. Also, the Senior Center is hosting a Savor the Flavor Soup or Salad lunch on October 19'h from 11:30 am - 1:30pm
Ayman Khalil- He would like to see more resources offered to the 20,30,40-year-olds. Financial education is something he sees many lack specifically with dealing with credit score. What plan can the city come up with to include this age group? Councilwoman Lomeli directed him to George in the audience since his church has offered a life skills class including this subject.
Brant Mesker- Regarding the TA closure he looked into the sales tax revenue the city receives from them and it's just under $250,000 in sales tax a year. Sales tax is mainly coming from the gas tax. He anticipates volume to continue to be similar since there is still access to gas with Loves and Petro still providing fuel services. Also, both businesses are making positive improvements to their stores with new food being built in. He anticipates this will continue to attract people to pull off of 15 and take the South Ave exit.
Closed public comments: 6:44 pm
G. CONSENT AGENDA: It is recommended that items listed on the Consent Agenda be acted on simultaneously unless a Councilmember or members of the audience request separate discussion and/or action.
1. Waive reading, except by title, of any Ordinance under consideration at this meeting for either introduction or passage, per Government Code Section 36934.
2. Waive the reading and approve the Minutes of the September 24, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting with any necessary corrections.
3. October 3, 2024, Claim Warrant in the amount of $ 331,470.07
4. September 2024 Wages & Salaries: $391,148.32.
5. September 2024 Treasurer's Report.
6. September 2024 Building Permit Valuation Report in the amount of $182,240.00.
7. September 2024 City of Corning Wastewater Operations Summary Report.
8. Approval of Resolutions & Policies (required) in preparation for the submittal of the 2024 CDBG application
a) Resolution 10-08-24-01
b) Resolution 10-08-24-02
c) Resolution 10-08-24-03
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER d) Resolution 10-08-24-04
e) Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Plan
f) Americans with Disabilities Act
g) Complaints-Procedures Policy
h) ADA Grievance Procedure
i) Fair Housing Policy
j) California Civil Rights Law Certification
k) City of Corning Drug & Alcohol Policy
Environmental Review
m) Signed Language Assistance Plan (LAP)
n) City of Corning Taxpayer ID Form
o) CDBG Application Certifications
p) Jurisdiction Certification
9. Approve waiver of special event permit fee for the Chamber of Commerce Trick or Treat Street event
10. October 3, 2024, Business License Report
Councilor Valerio moved to approve consent items1-8 and 10; Councilor Hargens seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli, and Valerio
Absent: None
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote
H. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA:
• Approve waiver of special event permit fee for the Chamber of Commerce Trick or Treat Street event
Lisa Lomeli- Would like the event to be extended down further. In previous years it went down to Rancho Grande. Council decided this is an event by the Chamber of Commerce and they would need be the ones to make that change to their application. This agenda item is only about waiving the fee.
Brant Mesker- Moving forward special event permits are required a fee. This is something that has changed due to the recent fee study and new fees implemented from that study. City staff doesn't have any authority to waive those fees so this will be an item that may frequently come to Council for approval to waive the fee. Forms should be turned in timely to ensure these items can be taken to the City Council for approval.
Councilor Demo moved to approve the waiver of special event permit fee for the Chamber of Commerce Trick or Treat Street event and authorize staff to make adjustments to the sphere of the event as needed. Councilor Valerio seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli, and Valerio
Absent: None
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS: None.
J. REGULAR AGENDA:
1. Award purchase of two (2) new F-150/Half ton 4x2 Regular Cab Pickups to Corning Ford in the amount of $88,004.00.
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the city received two formal bids from Growney Motors and Corning Ford for the new F-150/1500/half ton 4x2 regular cab pickups. It is being requested that Council awards the purchase to Corning Ford as they were the lowest bidder. The bid amount will include racks and lighting installed by the dealer. This purchase was accounted for during the creation of the 24/25 fiscal year budget.
Demo questioned if staff only request F-150's. Eli clarified that the bid went out request F-150, 1500, and half ton pickups. The bids were sent to multiple dealerships including Ford, GMC, Ram, and Chevy.
Councilor Hargens moved to award the purchase and authorize Public Works to procure two F- 150/Half ton 4x2 regular cab pickups from Corning Ford in the amount of $88,004.00; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli, and Valerio
Absent: None
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote
2. Approve the bid specifications and authorize staff to solicit bids for the 2024 Presented by Public Works Director, Ell Stanley. Staff is requesting approval for the bid specification document and authorize staff to seek bids for the Transportation Center Roof Replacement Project. The project includes but is not limited to removing and replacing the existing tile roofing system, replacing all failed wood, and all edge metal, gutters, and downspouts. This was a budgeted item in the 24/25 fiscal year budget under repair/replacement fund for the roof at the Transportation Center. The roof is over 25 years old and replacing it would help with leaks inside the building.
Councilor Demo moved to approve the bid specifications and authorize staff to solicit bids for the 2024 Transportation Center Roof Replacement Project; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli, and Valerio
Absent: None
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote
3. Consider approval of first amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement increasing salary compensation to Step C
Presented by Mayor, Robert Snow. Council has had 2 closed sessions to review Brant's performance for this last year. Council had provided a packet with their review and it's general consensus from all council members that it is appropriate to move him to step C ($139,484.80) and amend his Employment Agreement to reflect the increase in salary.
Councilor Hargens moved to approve first amendment to the employment agreement between the City of Corning and Brant Mesker increasing salary compensation to step C; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli, and Valerio
Absent: None
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote
4. Approve a three-year audit services contract with JJACPA Presented by City Manager, Brant Mesker. Historically the City of Corning has utilized Independent Auditor and CPA Donald R. Reynolds to provide the required annual audi services. This year when Mr. Reynolds presented the audit, he notified staff and City Councit
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER that this would be his last audit. City staff released a request for proposals (RFP) and received two responses. Staff recommends awarding the contract for audit services as a result of the RFP to JJACPA. Staff is recommending a three-year contract for fiscal year end 2024, 2025, and 2026 at a flat rate of $34,000 not to exceed amount each fiscal year with no cost increase.
Councilor Demo moved to approve a three (3) year audit services agreement with JJACPA, authorize the City Manager to finalize the agreement, and authorize the City Manager to sign the contract. Councilor Hargens seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli, and Valerio
Absent: None
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote
5. Approve the reinstatement of the K-9 program for the Corning Police Department Robert Snow clarified that the K-9 program was never taken away. Our officer with K-9 Blaze moved to a different department, and Blaze followed his owner after an agreement was made.
Presented by Police Chief, Craig Bassett. On May 23, 2023, Council approved the purchase of K-9 Blaze for $8000.00 by the Tehama County Sheriff's Office, utilizing monies from the Tehama County K-9 Foundation, as Blaze's handler accepted a position with their agency. It was also approved that the City would retain the $8,000.00 purchase price of Blaze in an account to be used to partially fund a future K-9 purchase. There are currently three officers interested in participating in the K-9 program and would like to move forward with K-9 Handler interviews and selection. The Corning Police Department would like to purchase a dog. necessities for housing the dog, and the equipment for upfitting an existing Police vehicle by using the following funds: $8000 in funds set aside from the purchase of K-9 Blaze, funds from the City of Corning PD K-9/PAL/Cadets bank account, and funds from outside organization fundraising
Mayor Snow added that we are in the process of upfitting 2 police pickups and 2 cruisers and that this is perfect timing to include the add-ons for the K-9 so that in the future what is currently being installed isn't taken out to accommodate the K-9. Also, the vehicle we had that was used for Blaze was traded with the Tehama County Sheriffs department for a patrol vehicle during Blaze's departure from the city.
Audience member questions:
How is it going to be sustainable to keep a K-9?
• This will be a budgeted item, donations, also Tehama County K-9 foundation How can we ensure that the K-9 handler will stay around and not leave the department. • The 3 officers that are interested in becoming the K-9 handler have no desire to leave Corning. This was something that was looked at during the screening process.
Can a rescue dog be used to train for the Police department? • The department has a specific plan for the department needs and a rescue dog is not ideal for what the department needs.
Do the dogs come trained, or will the department need to train them? • The handler will need to do training with the dog. There are a few local training locations that will be used.
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER What is the price range for a dog?
• $15,000 - $18,000
What is the timeline to have the K-9 working?
• 3-6 months is the estimated time
Mayor Snow moved to reinstate the K-9 program for Corning Police department city to approve the use of $8,000 obtained from the sale of K-9 blaze to be used for the purchase of a new K-9 and authorize the use of funds from specified K-9 accounts as necessary. Councilor Hargens seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli, and Valerio
Absent: None
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote
K. ITEMS PLACED ON THE AGENDA FROM THE FLOOR: None
L. COMMUNICATIONS, CORRESPONDENCE, AND INFORMATION: None M. REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS: City Councilmembers will report on attendance at conferences/meetings reimbursed at City expense (Requirement of Assembly Bill 1234).
Demo: No meetings. Commended staff for the bed races and Tuesday Night Market.
Lomeli: No meetings but facilitates a Trunk or Treat for the kids. Candy Donations are welcome. It will be at North Side Park on October 26'h. The VFW will be making hot dogs.
Donations can be dropped off at Chata's Brunchies
Hargens: Meeting at the Tehama County Solid Waste Managements. They have been doing outreach with composting information. Tehama County Landfill Agency has been negotiating with Waste Management for hazardous waste making it accessible to have a drop off location in Corning for hazardous waste. Treats and Trails at Black Butte Lake on Oct 1g' from 4:30pm-7pm on the Buckhorn Group Campground
Valerio: Congratulated the new Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians Tribal Chairman, Brandon Paya. The Corning Olive Festival will be this Saturday October 12t with a Car Show from 8am to 3pm. There will be a movie night October g'h from 5pm to 6:30pm at Solano Street Medical Clinic.
El Son del Mariachi at Rodger's Theater. This is a fundraiser for the annual Gerber Children's Christmas Fiesta on October 11* at 7pm. The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a lunch and learn Business 101 on October 24" at 12pm at the Rodger's Theater.
Snow: No meetings but will be at a 2x2x2 meeting October 9" with the High School District Superintendent. They will discuss any upcoming interactions between the City and the schools and work together through any projects.
N. ADJOURNMENT: 7:24 pm
bibles
Rubi Ordaz, City Clerk
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER