CITY OF CORNING
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 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, Lisa Lomeli Mayor: Robert Snow
Absent: None
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by the City Manager.
D. INVOCATION: Led by Councilor Hargens.
E. PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, APPOINTMENTS, PRESENTATIONS:
City Manager Brant Mesker presented a clock to Chief Bassett for his 30 years of service to the City of Corning.
F. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR:
A concerned citizen spoke to Council regarding ducks on Blossom Ave. They are ruining her yard and making a mess with their feces. She would like something done since nobody claims them and they are an issue.
Two Corning High School Students from the Friday Night Live Program thanked Council for not allowing marijuana dispensary shops be allowed in the city limits. They invited the community to a Townhall meeting on underage marijuana use at Spring Mountain Apartments on May 28th at 6pm.
Chief Craig Bassett introduced the new Corning Chief of Police upon his retirement. Eduardo Curiel will be taking over on June 7th.
Brooke Smith thanked Council for the new kitchen flooring at the Senior Center.
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 May 12, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting with any necessary corrections.
3. May 7 to May 20, 2026, Claim Warrant in the amount of $ 148,095.06.
4. May 20, 2026, Business License Report
Councilor Valerio moved to approve consent items 1-4; 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 MOU with Corning Union High School for School Resource Officer Presented by City Manager, Brant Mesker. The City of Corning and the Corning Union High School (CUHS) District have renewed their agreement to provide a School Resource Officer (SRO) for the next two school years. The partnership focuses on campus safety, student engagement, de-escalation, and building positive relationships between students and law enforcement. Under the new contract, CUHS will pay $131,500 in the first year and $135,450 in the second year for an officer on campus 210 days annually, with remaining days assigned to city patrol duties.
Councilor Demo moved to approve the proposed MOU between the City of Corning and the Corning Union High School District for the two year school resource officer; 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
2. Approve MOU with Corning Union High School for summer pool use.
Presented by City Manager, Brant. Corning Union High School (CUHS) proposed a two-week summer program using the City Pool from July 13–24, Monday through Friday, with youth attending in two groups to manage capacity. City staff estimated the cost at $1,000 per day to cover lifeguards and increased operational expenses. CUHS agreed to the cost, and an MOU has been prepared between the City and CUHS to formalize the arrangement.
Councilor Hargens moved to approve the proposed MOU between the City of Corning and the Corning Union High School for summer pool use; 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
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the McConnell Fund 2026 Grant Program Agreement and accept the funds of $50,000
Presented by Public Works Director, Eli. The City of Corning was awarded a $50,000 grant from The McConnell Fund 2026, administered by the Community Foundation of the North State, to resurface the large lap pool at Northside Park. The agreement must be signed by May 31, 2026, and staff is requesting authorization for the City Manager to accept the funds. The project will improve the pool’s condition and extend its lifespan. The total cost is estimated at $150,000, with the City responsible for providing matching funds.
Councilor Demo moved to authorize the City Manager to execute the McConnell Fund 2026 grant program agreement and accept the funds of $50,000; 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. Seeking Council support for ATP Cycle 8 Safe Routes to School application for Corning High School.
Presented by Public Works Director, Eli. The City of Corning is applying for Caltrans Active Transportation Program (ATP) funding to improve pedestrian safety near Corning High School.
The project includes sidewalk improvements along 1st Street and new sidewalk construction on North Street to address gaps and enhance safe routes for students. The City has a strong history of successfully completing similar projects, and school representatives support the proposal. There is no immediate cost, and if awarded, staff will return to Council for project approval.
Councilor Hargens moved to receive the report and express City Council support for the city’s ATP Cycle 8 Safe Routes to School Grant Application for pedestrian improvements near Corning High School.; 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
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: Attended a 2x2x2 meeting.
Valerio: Attended a Community Action Agency meeting.
Hargens: No meetings but did attend the Memorial Day Service at the cemetery.
Snow: Attended a 2x2x2 meeting.
N. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:14pm by Mayor Snow.
Attest:
___________________
Rubi Ordaz, City Clerk