THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER
CITY OF CORNING
CITY COUNCIL
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
794 THIRD STREET
A. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Snow at 5:00pm.
B. ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers present:
Jose “Chuy” Valerio
Dave Demo
Mayor- Robert Snow
Absent: Lisa Lomeli & Shelly Hargens
Staff present: City Manager-Brant Mesker
City Attorney- Collin Bogener
Assistant Finance DirectorKhrystie Shoemaker
C. PUBLIC COMMENTS: No audience. No comments.
D. REGULAR AGENDA:
1. Conference with labor negotiator pursuant to section 54957.6:
Agency Negotiator: Sophia R. Meyer, Labor Relations Consultant Bargaining Units: Management, Public Safety, Dispatcher, and Miscellaneous
2. Public employment: City Manager performance review pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)
E. ADJOURN TO REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION: Ended the closed session at 5:31pm. Mayor Snow stated there were no reportable actions.
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER
CITY OF CORNING
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
794 THIRD STREET
A. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Snow at 5:32pm.
B. ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers present:
Jose “Chuy” Valerio
Dave Demo
Mayor- Robert Snow
Absent: Shelly Hargens & Lisa Lomeli
Staff present: City Manager-Brant Mesker
City Attorney- Collin Bogener
City Clerk Rubi Ordaz
Public Works Director Eli Stanley
Fire Chief Tom Tomlinson
Police Chief Craig Bassett
Building OfficialBenjamin Mierzwak
City Engineer-Robin Kampmann
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by the City Manager.
D. INVOCATION: Led by Councilor Hargens.
E. PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, APPOINTMENTS, PRESENTATIONS: None F. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR:
Ross Turner- He wanted some feedback on how the city felt in regards to being represented by the Tehama County Chamber of Commerce.
Ashlee Veneman introduced herself as the Waste Management Recycle Education Representative. She provided some updates and resource booklets.
Brant Mesker recognized Julie’s last meeting as part of the local newspaper. Thanked her for the service she has provided to the community.
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER 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 August 26, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting with any necessary corrections.
3. September 3, 2025, Claim Warrant in the amount of $ 133,726.13
4. September 3, 2025, Business License Report
5. August 2025 Treasurer’s Report
6. August 2025 Wages & Salaries: $474,333.35
7. August 2025 Building Permit Valuation Report in the amount of $1,073,434
8. August 2025 City of Corning Wastewater Operations Summary Report.
9. Consider waiver of Special Event Permit fee for the annual Homecoming Parade to be held on October 10, 2025.
Councilor Valerio moved to approve consent items 1-9; Councilor Demo seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Valerio
Absent: Lomeli & Hargens
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 3-0 vote with Lomeli and Hargens absent.
H. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA: None
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS:
1. Tentative Tract Map, Subdivide an approximately 8.75-acre parcel to create a commercial development with lots ranging in size from 0.56 acres to 2.05 acres and Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration
Presented by Christina Meeds. The tract Map 25-1002 proposes to subdivide 8.75 acres into six commercial parcels within the C-3 CBDZ zoning district in the Corning Business Development Zone. The site lies just west of Interstate 5 and south of South Avenue, approximately 670 feet from the I-5 southbound on-ramp. The project includes construction of a new access road and widening of South Avenue. The project is consistent with the City’s General Plan and the Highway 99W Corridor Specific Plan, which guides commercial growth in this area Public Hearing Opened at: 5:47pm
Closed with no comments at: 5:48pm
Councilor Demo moved to make a motion to adopt the 7 subfindings and findings as presented in the staff report for Tentative Tract Map 25-1002; Adopt the mitigated negative declaration filed on Tentative Tract Map 25-1002; Approve tentative tract map 25-1002 subject to the following conditions; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Valerio
Absent: Lomeli & Hargens
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 3-0 vote with Lomeli and Hargens absent.
2. Adopt Resolution no. 09-09-2025-01 amending the schedule of fees and charges for city services and authorize automatic annual updates
Presented by City Manager, Brant Mesker. The City Council previously approved a Comprehensive User and Development Impact Fee Study, which led to the adoption of updated
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER fees in July 2024. To avoid large, infrequent increases, staff recommends applying an annual adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
For 2025, the West region CPI-U rose by 2.7%, and staff is recommending the Council adopt a resolution to increase all user fees accordingly. Going forward, staff proposes automatic annual fee adjustments each September 1 based on the prior June CPI-U, capped at 5%.
The purpose of these adjustments is to ensure fees reflect the actual cost of services, reduce reliance on the General Fund, and ensure that individual users or new development—not the broader community—bear the costs of services that primarily benefit them.
Councilor Demo moved to Adopt Resolution No. 09-09-2025-01 amending the Schedule of Fees and Charges for City Services by applying the 2.7% CPI-U adjustment based on the 12-month percentage change in CPI-U in June for the West region, effective immediately upon approval; Authorize automatic annual updates of the Schedule of Fees and Charges based on the 12- month percentage change in CPI-U in June for the West region with a cap of 5%, with adjustments becoming effective September 1 of each year, beginning in 2026; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Valerio
Absent: Lomeli & Hargens
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 3-0 vote with Lomeli and Hargens absent.
J. REGULAR AGENDA:
1. Adopt Resolution 09-09-2025-02 authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement with the FAA for the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) AIG Grant, project no. 3-06-0053-013-2025, and all other necessary documents related to this project
Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. The FAA approved AIP Project and required the grant agreement to be executed by September 22, 2025. To meet the deadline and secure funding, the City Manager signed the agreement, and staff now seeks Council ratification.
The grant funds the rehabilitation of Runway 17/35, Taxiways A–D, and the North Aircraft Parking Apron, including marking removal, crack sealing, surface treatment, and pavement marking. The FAA will cover 95% of project costs, with a maximum federal contribution of $305,633. The City’s 5% local match is already budgeted for FY 2025/26.
Councilor Demo moved to adopt Resolution 09-23-2025-02 authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement with the FAA for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant, project no. 3-06-0053-014-2025, and all other necessary documents related to this project.; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Valerio
Absent: Lomeli & Hargens
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 3-0 vote with Lomeli and Hargens absent.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with J&J Pumps in an amount not to exceed $10,144.38 for the replacement of the motor at the Edith well.
Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. The Edith Well is offline due to recurring motor failures. After consulting with Feather River Electric Motor Company, staff determined full replacement is the most cost-effective solution. J&J Pumps submitted the lowest responsive bid and can provide timely service. The replacement cost is not to exceed $10,144.38, which is within the $25,000 allocated in the FY 2025/26 budget for well repairs. Approval will restore the well to service and ensure a reliable water supply.
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER Councilor Valerio moved to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with J&J pumps in an amount not to exceed $10,144.38 for the replacement of the motor at the Edith well; Councilor Demo seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Valerio
Absent: Lomeli & Hargens
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 3-0 vote with Lomeli and Hargens absent.
3. Review CDBG-PI funding opportunity, direct staff to prepare application and authorize a Resolution approving an application for funding and the execution of a grant agreement and any amendments.
Presented by City Manager, Brant Mesker. Staff requests City Council approval to apply for up to $74,247.40 in CDBG-PI funds under the 2024 NOFA to resurface the Clark Park Parking Lot. The project meets CDBG requirements by benefiting low and moderate income residents, consistent with Council policies. A public meeting was held on September 4, 2025, with notices published on August 20, 2025, through multiple outlets. Adams Ashby Group, Inc., the City’s grant consultant, estimates application preparation costs at $10,000, excluding environmental or engineering expenses.
Councilor Demo moved to review CDBG-PI funding opportunity, direct staff to prepare application and authorize a Resolution approving an application for funding and the execution of a grant agreement and any amendments thereto from the 2024 funding year of the State CDBG Program, and authorize signature and execution of any contracts, documents in all matters pertaining to such applications; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Valerio
Absent: Lomeli & Hargens
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 3-0 vote with Lomeli and Hargens absent.
K. ITEMS PLACED ON THE AGENDA FROM THE FLOOR: None
L. COMMUNICATIONS, CORRESPONDENCE, AND INFORMATION: No correspondence.
M. REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Demo: No meetings. Thanked Christina and staff for honoring hometown heroes at the Tuesday Night Market.
Valerio: Ice Cream social. Corning in the Morning.
Snow: No meetings. Attended the Tuesday Night Market.
N. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:15pm
Attest:
______________________________
Rubi Ordaz, City Clerk