THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER
CITY OF CORNING
CITY COUNCIL
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
794 THIRD STREET
A. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Snow at 4:45 pm.
B. ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers present:
Dave Demo
Shelly Hargens
Jose “Chuy” Valerio
Lisa Lomeli
Mayor- Robert Snow
Absent: None
Staff present: City Manager-Brant Mesker
City Attorney- Collin Bogener
Assistant Finance DirectorKhrysite Shoemaker
The Brown Act requires that the Council provide the opportunity for people in the audience to briefly address the Council on the subject(s) scheduled for tonight’s closed session. Is there anyone wanting to comment on the subject(s) 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 labor negotiator pursuant to section 54957.6:
Agency Negotiator: Sophia R. Meyer, Labor Relations Consultant Bargaining Units: Management, Public Safety, Dispatcher, and Miscellaneous E. ADJOURN TO REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION:
The closed session was adjourned at 5:24pm. Mayor Snow reported there were no reportable action and gave directions to staff.
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER
CITY OF CORNING
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 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
Shelly Hargens
Jose “Chuy” Valerio
Lisa Lomeli
Mayor- Robert Snow
Absent: None
Staff present: City Manager-Brant Mesker
City Attorney- Collin Bogener
City Clerk Rubi Ordaz
Public Works Director Eli Stanley
City Engineer-Robin Kampmann
Planner/Rec. CoordinatorChristina Meeds
Building OfficialBenjamin Mierzwak
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by the City Manager.
D. INVOCATION: Led by Councilor Hargens.
E. PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, APPOINTMENTS, PRESENTATIONS:
Recognition: Halloween House Decorating Contest winners. • 457 Stanmar- Best Over all
• 250 Eller Dr- Best Quality
• 1262 Fig Lane- Most Creative
Christina Meeds presented a certificate to the contest winners for the House Decorating Contest.
F. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR:
Brooke Smith- Presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the Corning Senior Center in appreciation of the city’s collaboration with their program.
Tom Tomlinson-Thanked the community that participated in the blood drive. Also, CVFD served about 130 hot dogs to the Veteran’s for the annual Veteran’s lunch. They held it at the Fire Hall due to the Veteran’s Hall not being available.
Brant Mesker- Well drilling will start soon with 24 hour noise. They do have noise wall barriers, but they could possibly still be heard. Also, the Fripp valves will be replaced tomorrow night.
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER Mayor Snow mentioned that all of Corning’s Corning Lions Football teams made it to the Super Bowl Championship, but only 8u came home with a win. Congratulated them and recognized their hard work.
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 October 28, 2025, Closed Session and Regular City Council Meeting with any necessary corrections.
3. November 5, 2025, Claim Warrant in the amount of $ 234,484.69
4. November 5, 2025, Business License Report
5. October 2025 Treasurer’s Report
6. October 2025 Wages & Salaries: $664,110.64
7. October 2025 Building Permit Valuation Report in the amount of $ 164,496.
8. October 2025 City of Corning Wastewater Operations Summary Report.
Councilor Valerio moved to approve consent items 1-8; Councilor Hargens seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Valerio, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli
Absent: None
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote
H. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA: None
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS: None
J. REGULAR AGENDA:
1. Approve first amendment to the Airport Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Lease Agreement with Tony Cutter DBA Cutterbilt Aero Services Presented by City Manager, Brant Mesker. The City Council previously approved a 5-year Fixed Base Operator Lease Agreement with Cutterbilt Aero Services, including the option for three additional 5-year extensions with 60-day advance written notice. The agreement originally required the tenant to complete $20,000 in annual improvements. The tenant is requesting to amend the contract to lower this requirement to $15,000 per year. The proposed amendment includes a one-time settlement payment of $22,253.50 due in August 2026 to cover past shortfalls, followed by $15,000 annually for the remaining term of the lease.
Councilor Hargens moved to approve the first amendment to the Fixed Base Operator Lease Agreement with Tony Cutter dba Cutterbilt Aero Services.; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Valerio, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli
Absent: None
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote
2. Informational presentation regarding the pool schedule and operations and consider pool user fee increase.
Presented by Recreation Coordinator, Christina Meeds. Staff recommend updating pool fees, operations, and schedules at the Northside Park Pool to help offset rising costs and improve community access. Fees haven’t been raised since 2016 despite increased wages and maintenance expenses. A comparison with nearby cities supports the proposed fee adjustments. Staff also propose a new 2026 trial schedule to expand program offerings and are considering a seasonal stipend for an existing employee to manage daily pool operations due to ongoing turnover in the pool manager position.
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER Councilor Hargens asked about extending the season, and Christina clarified that it would be brought back to Council for approval as long as they had enough staff to operate it.
Mayor Snow was not in favor of increasing the daily fee. He would like to see the pool be utilized more often, so he would recommend decreasing the fee to draw more swimmers.
Councilor Snow moved to approve the revised pool fees as shown in the attachment and noted discussion during the meeting to be effective January 1, 2026 ; Councilor Hargens seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Valerio, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli
Absent: None
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote
3. Adopt Resolution No. 11-11-2025-01 approving a Rural Fire Capacity Assistance (RFC) Agreement in the amount of $7,875 with CAL FIRE, and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement.
Presented by Fire Chief Tomlinson. The Corning Fire Department has been awarded a $7,875 CAL FIRE RFC grant to help purchase radios, wildland fire shelters, a vehicle charger, helmets, and goggles totaling $15,750. The grant requires a 50% match, which the City budgeted for in the 2025/2026 Safety Item/Fire Fund. Adoption of the attached Resolution is needed to approve the agreement with CAL FIRE and authorize the City Manager to execute it and any amendments.
Councilor Demo moved to adopt Resolution No. 11-11-2025-01 approving Agreement No. 7gf25031 between the City of Corning and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; and, authorize the City Manager to sign and execute the agreement and any amendments on behalf of the City of Corning; and, approve the expenditure of the budgeted $7,875.00 from fund 001-6552-2300 for the grant matching fund criteria; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Valerio, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli
Absent: None
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote
4. Introduce Ordinance No. 716, an Ordinance updating Building Codes for the City of Corning
Presented by Building Official, Benjamin Mierzwak. The proposed Ordinance adopts the 2025 California Building Standards Code to keep Corning’s construction regulations aligned with current statewide safety, design, and energy standards. No local amendments are recommended due to recent legislation restricting modifications to residential building standards.
The 2025 Code covering building, residential, fire, energy, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and green building standards takes effect January 1, 2026, and must be adopted by local jurisdictions within 180 days. Adoption ensures consistency with state law, prevents code conflicts, and maintains up to date construction requirements.
Councilor Hargens moved to Introduce Ordinance No. 716 (first reading), an Ordinance adopting by reference the 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations); and waive reading of full Ordinance and direct the City Clerk to read by title only; Councilor Demo seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Valerio, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli
Absent: None
Abstain/Opposed: None
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote
5. Approve agreement with Lamb Unlimited General Engineering for the Toomes and Loleta rehabilitation project in the amount of $441,957 Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. The City received eight bids for the Toomes and Loleta Rehabilitation Project, which includes pavement rehabilitation and striping along Toomes Avenue and Loleta Avenue. After review, Lamon Construction and Lamb Unlimited General Engineering were found to be responsive bidders. Although Lamb’s bid of $441,957 is slightly higher than Lamon’s, the City’s 5% local preference makes Lamb the lowest evaluated bidder. Staff recommends awarding the contract to Lamb Unlimited General Engineering. Only $400,000 was budgeted for the project, staff also request authorization to use Measure A funds to increase the budget by $47,831 to fully fund the project and related costs.
Councilor Demo moved to allocate an additional $47,831.00 of Measure A monies to fully fund the road project; and approve agreement with Lamb Unlimited General Engineering for the Toomes and Loleta Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $441,957.00; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Valerio, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli
Absent: None
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote
6. Approve the amendment to the agreement with COAR Design Group to revise the method of payment to an hourly rate for the construction support and closeout phase of the City Plaza Recreation Center Project.
Presented by City Manager, Brant Mesker. Staff request approval of an amendment to the City’s agreement with COAR Design Group for the City Plaza Recreation Center Project. The amendment changes payment for the Construction Support and Close-Out phases from a lump sum to an hourly rate to accommodate additional work needed to revise plans for compliance with Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements tied to newly awarded CDBG funding.
COAR will complete about $27,800 in additional revisions, but the overall contract amount remains unchanged at $898,000. The amendment adjusts the payment method only and stays within the existing budget.
Councilor Hargens moved to approve the amendment to the agreement with coar design group to revise the method of payment to an hourly rate for the construction support and close-out phases of the city plaza recreation center project and authorize the city manager to execute the amendment and any related documents; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Valerio, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli
Absent: None
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote
7. Approve agreement with Larry Walker Associates, for the City of Corning report of waste discharge services in the amount of $23,284.
Presented by City Engineer, Robin Kampann. The State Water Boards require the City to submit a Report of Waste Discharge (ROWD) by May 30, 2026 to maintain compliance and support renewal of the City’s NPDES permit, which expires in 2027. Staff obtained three bids for preparing the ROWD, and Larry Walker Associates was identified as the lowest responsive bidder at $23,284. Because the project is under $60,000, the City may procure it via quotes. The work will be funded through the WWTP Professional Services budget line, which has sufficient funds allocated in FY 2025/26.
THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER Councilor Demo moved to approve agreement and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Larry Walker Associates, as the lowest responsible bidder for the City of Corning, report of waste discharge services in the amount of $23,284.00; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Valerio, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli
Absent: None
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote
8. Adopt Resolution No. 11-11-2025-02 authorizing the City Manager to sign required project documents for application and acceptance of state matching grant funds for the Municipal Airport Improvement Program.
Presented by City Engineer, Robin Kampann. The City is eligible to receive State of California Aeronautics matching grant funds to help cover its local share of the FAA-funded Runway 17/35 Rehabilitation Project, which includes pavement repairs and marking improvements. These state funds available for the first time in several years will offset the City’s required 5% match for the FAA grant previously approved by Council on September 25, 2025. The grant will reduce project costs to the City with no General Fund impact, as funding will come through the State’s California Airport Assistance Program.
Councilor Demo moved to adopt Resolution 11-11-2025-02 authorizing the City Manager to sign required project documents for application and acceptance of state matching grant funds for the municipal airport improvement program; Councilor Hargens seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Valerio, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli
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:
Demo: Attended a Senior Center Meeting. They have a lot of holiday events coming up.
Lomeli: No meetings.
Valerio: The Hometown Christmas Parade will be on December 6th with a Sweet Treat theme. $35 entry fee.
Most attended parade. Walk the block from 4-7.
Hargens: No meetings.
Snow: No meetings but keep an eye out for Volunteer Firefighters selling raffle tickets for the Christmas program fundraiser.
N. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:23pm by Mayor Snow.
Attest:
______________________________
Rubi Ordaz, City Clerk