Item: G-2
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER
CITY OF CORNING
CITY COUNCIL
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
794 THIRD STREET
A. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Snow at 4:30pm.
B. ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers present:
Dave Demo
Lisa Lomeli
Shelly Hargens
Mayor- Robert Snow
Absent: Jose “Chuy” Valerio
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)
3. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Initiation of litigation pursuant to § 54956.9(c): (one case)
E. ADJOURN TO REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION: The closed session was adjourned at 5:29pm. Mayor Snow reported there were no reportable action.
Item: G-2
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER
CITY OF CORNING
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
794 THIRD STREET
A. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Snow at 5:30pm.
B. ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers present:
Dave Demo
Lisa Lomeli
Shelly Hargens
Mayor- Robert Snow
Absent: Jose “Chuy” Valerio
Staff present: City Manager-Brant Mesker
City Attorney- Collin Bogener
City Clerk Rubi Ordaz
Public Works Director Eli Stanley
City Engineer-Robin Kampmann
Fire Chief Tom Tomlinson
Police Chief Craig Bassett
Building OfficialBenjamin Mierzwak
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by the City Manager.
D. INVOCATION: Led by Councilor Hargens.
E. PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, APPOINTMENTS, PRESENTATIONS:
1. Proclamation: October 2025 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Present to accept the Proclamation will be Empower Tehama’s Bilingual Legal Advocate, Susana Reyes
Mayor Snow presented the Proclamation to Susana Reyes, and City Clerk, Rubi, read the Proclamation. Susana shared information regarding domestic violence. Susana shared some resources that Empower Tehama provides. They have provided services to 1255 people in Tehama County. They shared some upcoming events like the Candlelight Walk on Oct.8th at 7pm. Also, on November 1
st That’s Amore event at the Heart S Ranch in Cottonwood.
F. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR:
No Comments.
Item: G-2
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 September 9, 2025,Closed Session and Regular City Council Meeting with any necessary corrections.
3. September 17, 2025, Claim Warrant in the amount of $ 190,714.84
4. September 17, 2025, Business License Report
5. Approval of Grant Funds to be used to support a Grand Opening at the City Plaza and Recreation Center.
Councilor Hargens moved to approve consent items 1-5; Councilor Demo seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Lomeli, Hargens
Absent: Valerio
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote with Valerio absent.
H. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA: None
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS: None
J. REGULAR AGENDA:
1. Authorize staff to seek bids for the resurfacing of the small city pool.
Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. The City of Corning operates two public pools, and the smaller pool requires resurfacing to maintain safety, structural integrity, and compliance with health standards. The pool is an important community asset, offering recreation, exercise, and swim lessons for residents. Without resurfacing, deterioration could render it unusable. The City allocated $150,000 in the FY 25/26 budget to cover labor, materials, equipment, and preparation for the project.
Councilor Demo moved to authorize staff to seek bids and approve the project specifications for the resurfacing of the small city pool; Councilor Hargens seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Lomeli, Hargens
Absent: Valerio
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote with Valerio absent.
2. Authorize staff to seek bids for the replacement of the sewer lift station generator.
Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. The generator serving the City’s primary sewer lift station, installed in 1997, needs replacement to ensure reliable sewer system operations and prevent overflows during power outages. Staff recommends soliciting bids for the purchase and installation of a new generator to secure the best value. The FY 2025/26 budget includes $100,000 from the Sewer Capital Replacement account for this project. Brant Mesker added that this comes at a critical time due to the city of Corning being added to the PSPS map.
Councilor Hargens moved to authorize staff to seek bids and approve the project specifications for the replacement of the sewer lift station generator; Councilor Demo seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Lomeli, Hargens
Absent: Valerio
Item: G-2
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote with Valerio absent.
3. Approve Task Order No. 10 under the engineering contract for the 25/26 street projects on Fourth Street to NorthStar Engineering.
Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. Staff requests Council approval of Task Order No. 10 with NorthStar Engineering under the City’s 2018-07 Engineering Services Agreement to provide project management, topographic survey, civil design, bidding support, and geotechnical investigation for the Fourth Street Rehabilitation Project (South Street to Fig Lane). The work will support preparation of plans, specifications, and contract documents. Funding of $685,000 was allocated in the FY 2025/26 budget for this project.
Councilor Demo moved to approve Task Order “10” to NorthStar Engineering in the amount of $42,785.00 for professional services for engineering/survey services under engineering services contract 2018-07; and, authorize the City Manager to sign the task order authorization; Councilor Hargens seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Lomeli, Hargens
Absent: Valerio
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote with Valerio absent.
4. Authorize staff to solicit bids for the 2025 Toomes and Loleta Rehabilitation Project.
Presented by City Engineer, Robin Kampmann. Staff recommends City Council approve the plans and specifications and authorize bidding for the 2025 Toomes and Loleta Rehabilitation Project, which includes pavement maintenance, rehabilitation, and striping on Toomes Avenue (Loleta Ave. to Fig Lane) and Loleta Avenue (Hwy 99W to Toomes Ave.). Bid documents are available at City Hall, corning.org, and publicpurchase.com. After review, the lowest responsible bid will be presented to Council for contract award. Funding for this project was allocated in the FY 2025/26 budget specifically for street maintenance.
Councilor Hargens moved to approve plans and specifications and authorize staff to solicit bids for the 2025 Toomes and Loleta rehabilitation project; Councilor Demo seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Lomeli, Hargens
Absent: Valerio
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote with Valerio absent.
5. Approve the agreement with Walberg Inc. for the Valve Replacement Project.
Presented by City Engineer, Robin Kampmann. Staff received one responsive bid for the replacement of two water valves, needed due to aging infrastructure and inability to fully shut off water at those locations. Work will be performed at night to reduce public impact. The bid received totals $40,201, which is within the $50,000 allocated in the FY 2025/26 budget.
Councilor Demo moved to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Walberg Inc., as the lowest responsible bidder for the City of Corning Valve Replacement Project at a cost not to exceed $40,201.00; and authorize the City Manager to execute change orders not to exceed 10% of the overall contract price; Councilor Lomeli seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Lomeli, Hargens
Absent: Valerio
Abstain/Opposed: None
Item: G-2
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER Result: Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote with Valerio absent.
6. Authorize staff to seek bids for the 2025 Fire Hall Painting Project.
Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. Staff recommends City Council approve the bid documents and authorize solicitation of bids for the 2025 Fire Hall Painting Project, which includes preparation, priming, and repainting of all designated exterior surfaces to match the existing threecolor scheme. The lowest responsive bid will be returned to Council for contract award. Funding of $75,000 was allocated in the FY 2025/26 budget.
Councilor Hargens moved to authorize staff to seek bids and approve project specifications for the 2025 Fire Hall Painting Project; Councilor Demo seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Lomeli, Hargens
Absent: Valerio
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote with Valerio absent.
7. Adopt Resolution No. 09-23-2025-01, Adopting the Tehama County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Presented by City Manager, Brant Mesker. The Tehama County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan is updated every five years to identify community hazards, outline mitigation measures, and ensure eligibility for FEMA and CALOES disaster relief funding. The City of Corning adopted the plan in 2018 and must now adopt the updated version to remain eligible.
Following Council’s approval and resolution, an amendment to the City’s General Plan will be brought to the Planning Commission and then back to Council for final approval.
Councilor Demo moved to adopt Resolution No. 09-23-2025-01; Adopting the Tehama County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan; Councilor Snow seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Lomeli, Hargens
Absent: Valerio
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote with Valerio absent.
8. Approve waiver of special event permit fee for the annual Corning Community Trunk or Treat event to be held on October 25, 2025.
Councilor Lomeli recused herself due to a conflict of interest, as she is the organizer of the event.
Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. Staff requests Council approval to waive the $241 special event permit fee for the Corning Community Trunk or Treat at Northside Park, scheduled for October 25, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. The free, community-based event provides a safe, family-friendly activity for local children.
Councilor Snow moved to approve waiver of special event permit fee for the annual Corning Community Trunk or Treat event to be held on October 25, 2025; Councilor Demo seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens
Absent: Valerio
Abstain/Opposed: Lomeli
Result: Motion was approved by a 3-0 vote with Valerio absent and Lomeli abstaining.
9. Adopt Resolution No. 09-23-2025-02, authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement with the FAA for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant, and all other necessary documents related to this project.
Item: G-2
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER Presented by City Engineer, Robin Kampmann. Staff requests Council ratify the City Manager’s execution of the FAA grant agreement for AIP Project No. 3-06-0053-014-2025, completed to meet FAA’s deadline and secure funding. The grant provides 95% federal funding (up to $305,633) for rehabilitation of Runway 17/35, Taxiways A–D, and the North Aircraft Parking Apron, with the City’s 5% local match already allocated in the FY 2025/26 budget.
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 Hargens seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Lomeli, Hargens
Absent: Valerio
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote with Valerio absent.
10. Amendment to the Corning Municipal Code sections 13.08.150 & 13.04.430 to allow charges for sewer and water service to become special assessments.
Presented by City Attorney, Collin Bogener. The City of Corning is proposing an amendment to Sections 13.04.430 and 13.08.150 of its Municipal Code to streamline the process for collecting delinquent water and sewer bills. Currently, staff must seek City Council approval before recording a lien, causing delays and, in some cases, missed opportunities to recover funds when properties are sold.
Councilor Demo moved to Introduce Ordinance No. 715 (first reading), an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Corning amending Sections 13.08.150 and 13.04.430 of the Corning Municipal Code to allow delinquent charges to be collected through special assessments, and schedule second reading for October 14, 2025 and waive reading of full Ordinance and direct City Clerk to read by title only; Councilor Hargens seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Demo, Lomeli, Hargens
Absent: Valerio
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote with Valerio absent.
K. ITEMS PLACED ON THE AGENDA FROM THE FLOOR: None
L. COMMUNICATIONS, CORRESPONDENCE, AND INFORMATION: None M. REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Demo: Attended the Senior Center Board meeting, where it was announced that they will be hosting a monthly Bingo Night at Marco’s Pizza.
He also attended the 2x2x2 meeting on behalf of Mayor Snow and noted that valuable information is shared during these discussions.
In addition, he participated in the TCTC and TRAX meetings. TCTC is continuing efforts to separate from the County and become its own entity. Several upcoming projects were discussed, including repaving the Highway 99 corridor, widening South Avenue to two lanes, replacing the Woodson Bridge and parking lot, and clearing creeks and bridges along the freeway.
TRAX announced plans to retire the trolley cars due to maintenance challenges and will be exploring the purchase of electric buses. The TRAX shuttle will also be available for the upcoming Olive Festival.
Item: G-2
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER Lomeli: No meetings.
Valerio: Absent
Hargens: No meetings.
Snow: No meetings.
N. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:18pm.
Attest:
______________________________
Rubi Ordaz, City Clerk