CITY OF CORNING
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2026
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:
Present:
Council: Dave Demo, Chuy Valerio, Shelly Hargens
Mayor: Robert Snow
Absent: Lisa Lomeli
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by the City Manager.
D. INVOCATION: Led by Councilor Hargens.
E. PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, APPOINTMENTS, PRESENTATIONS:
1. Proclamation: National Public Works Week May 17 – 23 2026. Present to accept the Proclamation is Corning Public Works Director, Elijah Stanley.
2. Proclamation: May 2026 – Building Safety Month. Present to accept the Proclamation is Corning Building Official, Benjamin Mierzwak.
Building Official, Benajmin, invited the community to an event he’s hosting at Ace Hardware. Codes and Coffee gives the community an opportunity to ask any construction project questions.
F. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR:
Fire Chief, Tom, presented a gift to Chief Bassett and congratulated him on his retirement coming up next month.
David Maung, a local government affairs representative from PG&E introduced himself to Council.
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 April 28, 2026, Closed and Regular City Council Meeting with any necessary corrections.
3. April 23 - May 6, 2026, Claim Warrant in the amount of $ 281,007.68.
4. May 6, 2026, Business License Report
5. April 2026 Treasurer’s Report
6. April 2026 Wages & Salaries: $ 694,163.42
7. April 2026 Building Permit Valuation Report in the amount of $ 109,776.
8. April 2026 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
Absent: Lomeli
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote with Lomeli absent.
H. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA: None
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS:
1. Tentative Parcel Map 2026-01 Pacific West Communities- Map to split parcel 071- 020-074 into two parcels.
Councilmember Hargens recused herself from this item.
Presented by Planner, Christina Meeds. Pacific West Communities has applied to split a parcel at 260 Toomes Ave, where a previously approved 2025 Conditional Use Permit allows the construction of three 8-unit apartment buildings. The site is designated for residential use and zoned as Planned Development. The project qualifies for a CEQA exemption as a minor development consistent with the General Plan and Zoning Code, with access to existing infrastructure, and is not expected to create significant environmental or cumulative impacts with added conditions.
Opened and Closed the Public Hearing at 5:43pm with no comments.
Councilor Demo moved to make a motion to adopt the 3 factual subfindings and legal findings and 1 condition as presented in the staff report and approve tentative parcel map 2026-01; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Valerio, Demo
Absent: Lomeli
Abstain/Opposed: Hargens
Result: Motion was approved by a 3-0 vote with Lomeli absent and Hargens abstaining.
J. REGULAR AGENDA:
1. Informational presentation and feedback on the Encampment Resolution Funds Program.
Local organizations (PATH, FCCC, and TCHSA) updated the City Council on services currently provided in Corning for unhoused and low-income residents, including recent outcomes. The Tehama Continuum of Care (CoC) will also seek Council feedback on potential new services and gauge interest in applying for the state’s Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) grant, which could support outreach, housing, and related services tailored to the community.
City Council has tabled a decision on this item for a future date. There is more information they would like before making a decision.
2. Presentation and acceptance of the annual city audit for the fiscal year 2024/2025.
Presented by City Manager, Brant Mesker. The City’s auditor presented a staff report for the FY 2024–2025 audit results. Overall, the City remains in a strong financial position with no findings.
Councilor Valerio moved to accept the annual audit for fiscal year ended June 30, 2025; Councilor Hargens seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Valerio, Demo, Hargens
Absent: Lomeli
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote with Lomeli absent.
3. Presentation and provide direction on proposed funding allocations. Prioritize projects for inclusion of the fiscal year 2026/27 budget and approve fiscal year 2026/27 Capital Improvement Priorities.
Presented by City Manager, Brant. City staff are presenting the FY 2026–2027 Capital Improvement Plan, which combines project proposals from Fire, Police, Public Works, and Administration/Finance. The plan outlines proposed public improvement projects to support current needs and future growth. Council adoption sets spending priorities, but does not guarantee funding, which will be decided during the final budget process. Staff is requesting Council direction on project priorities.
Councilor Hargens moved to provide direction on the proposed Measure A funding allocations, prioritize projects for inclusion in the fiscal year 2026/2027 budget; and approve the fiscal year 2026/2027 capital improvement priorities.; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Valerio, Demo, Hargens
Absent: Lomeli
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote with Lomeli absent.
4. Accept the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program income grant for the Clark Park Parking Lot Project and authorize city staff to solicit bids for the project.
Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. The City of Corning secured a $74,247 CDBG Program Income grant to fund the resurfacing of the Clark Park parking lot. The project, identified through a public process and approved by the City Council, will replace the existing gravel lot with a chip-sealed surface, improving safety, accessibility, and reducing ongoing maintenance.
Councilor Demo moved to accept the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program income grant and authorize City Manager to sign the contract in the amount of $74,247.40 for the Clark Park Parking Lot Resurfacing Project; and authorize city staff to solicit bids for the project; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Valerio, Demo, Hargens
Absent: Lomeli
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote with Lomeli absent.
5. Adopt Resolution 05-12-2026-01 calling for the municipal election and requesting it to be consolidated with the county’s November 3, 2026 statewide general election.
Presented by City Manager, Brant. The City of Corning will hold its next election on November 3, 2026, consolidated with the statewide General Election. The Council must adopt a resolution to formally call the election and request election services from Tehama County. Positions up for election include one Mayor (2-year term) and two City Council members (4-year terms). Tehama County will handle all election operations, and the City will cover the associated costs.
Councilor Hargens moved to adopt Resolution No. 05-12-2026-01 calling for the municipal election and requesting that it be consolidated with the county’s statewide general election to be held on November 3, 2026; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion.
Ayes: Snow, Valerio, Demo, Hargens
Absent: Lomeli
Abstain/Opposed: None
Result: Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote with Lomeli 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 a Senior Center meeting.
Lomeli: Absent
Valerio: A new restaurant will be coming to town, BABS Southern Bistro.
Hargens: No meetings.
Snow: No meetings.
N. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:04pm by Mayor Snow.