CITY OF CORNING
CITY COUNCIL
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026
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:
Council: Dave Demo, Chuy Valerio, Shelly Hargens
Mayor: Robert Snow
Absent: Lisa Lomeli
C. PUBLIC COMMENTS: No comments
D. REGULAR AGENDA:
1. Conference with labor negotiator pursuant to section 54957.6:
Agency Negotiator: Brant Mesker, City Manager
Management Bargaining Unit, Miscellaneous Bargaining Unit, Public Safety Bargaining Unit, and Dispatch Bargaining Unit.
E. ADJOURN TO REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION:
The closed session was adjourned at 5:29pm. Mayor Snow reported that there were no reportable actions.
CITY OF CORNING
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 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:
Council: Dave Demo, Chuy Valerio, Shelly Hargens, and Lisa Lomeli 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: None F. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR:
Val Cardenas spoke on behalf of two Corning residents regarding their concerns with stray cats.
Mayor Snow re opened public comments at 6:16pm
Corning Resident invited everyone to a town hall meeting with Matt Hansen to discuss the Veteran’s Memorial Hall re-model project.
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 July 14th and July 28th ,2026, Closed and Regular City Council Meeting with any necessary corrections.
3. July 2026 Claim Warrant in the amount of $ 1,393,446.12.
4. July 2026, Business License Report
5. July 2026 Wages & Salaries: $ 521,513.94
6. July 2026 Building Permit Report in the amount of $ 148,573.
7. July 2026 City of Corning Wastewater Operations Summary Report.
Councilor Valerio moved to approve consent items 1-7; 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. Proposed Tentative Parcel Map 2026-02, map to split parcel 073-020-076 into two parcels.
Presented by Planner, Christina Meeds. Jerry Martini has applied to subdivide the parcel at APN 073-020-076 on McLane Ave. The Planning Commission voted 4-0 on July 21, 2026, to recommend City Council approval of Tentative Parcel Map 2026-02. The property is designated Residential and zoned R-1-10. The project qualifies for a CEQA exemption as a minor land division, will continue to receive City water and sewer service.
Mayor Snow opened and closed the public hearing at 5:39pm with no comments.
Councilor Demo moved to adopt the 3 factual sub findings and legal findings and 1 condition as presented in the staff report and approve Tentative Parcel Map 2026-02; 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 J. REGULAR AGENDA:
1. Authorize staff to seek bids for the Lennox Field Rehabilitation Project.
Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. Staff proposes rehabilitating the Lennox Field soccer fields due to deteriorated soil conditions and heavy use. The project includes irrigation inspection, topsoil and soil amendments, weed treatment, hydroseeding approximately 100,000 square feet, 60 days of turf maintenance, and a one-year warranty. Corning Youth Soccer has agreed to contribute $10,000 toward the project. The FY 2026–2027 budget includes $105,000 for the rehabilitation. Estimated time frame for the project is from mid-October to February.
Coach Torres advocated to Council on the importance of rehabilitating the soccer fields. The safety of the players is important, and many teams use this field.
Councilor Hargens authorized staff to seek bids and approve the project specifications for the Lennox Soccer Field Rehabilitation 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
2. Approve the agreement with Commercial Pump & Mechanical, for the City of Corning Fripp Well Investigation Project in the amount of $25,587.90.
Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. The City’s Fripp Well was taken out of service after gravel was discovered in the well, raising concerns about its condition. Commercial Pump & Mechanical provided the lowest responsive quote to conduct an investigation, including pump removal, well brushing, video inspection, caliper logging, and a gyroscopic survey. The investigation will identify the source of the gravel and determine needed repairs or rehabilitation.
The City has budgeted $80,000 for the investigation and subsequent repairs.
Councilor Demo moved to approve agreement with Commercial Pump & Mechanical for the Fripp Well Investigation Project at a cost not to exceed $25,587.90; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement; 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
3. Approve agreement with Thompson Sealcoating for the EQ Basin crack seal and seal coat at the Corning Wastewater Treatment Plant for $45,500.
Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. Staff recommends crack sealing and seal coating approximately 47,905 square feet of asphalt at the Corning Wastewater Treatment Plant EQ Basin to prevent further deterioration and extend the pavement’s useful life. Three quotes were received, with Abriso’s Asphalt Services submitting the lowest responsive quote of $45,500. The project is within the $60,000 budget and qualifies for the informal bidding process under CUPCCAA.
Councilor Hargens moved to approve agreement with Thompson Sealcoating for the EQ basin crack seal and seal coat at the Corning Wastewater Treatment Plant for $45,500.00; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement; 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. Ordinance 718, An Ordinance to amend the cross-connection control.
Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. Staff recommends updating the City’s Municipal Code requirements for backflow prevention and cross-connection control to comply with the State Water Resources Control Board’s current regulations. The ordinance will strengthen protection of the City’s drinking water system by establishing clear requirements for backflow devices, testing, enforcement, and prevention of contamination.
Councilor Demo moved to introduce Ordinance No. 718 (first reading), an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Corning amending section 13.08.170 of the Corning Municipal Code to update the cross-connection control municipal code to comply with the CCCPH, and schedule second reading for August 25, 2026, and waive reading of full ordinance and direct City Clerk to read by title only; 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. Approve & adopt the updated City of Corning Utility Policy.
Presented by City Manager, Brant Mesker. Staff recommends adoption of a new Utility Policy consolidating procedures for establishing accounts, deposits, payments, delinquent accounts, payment plans, service disconnections, and account closures. The policy incorporates updates resulting from the new Tyler utility billing system and updated water and sewer fee study, including a $100 minimum deposit, updated fees, payment options, and procedures for leaks and delinquent accounts. The policy will provide consistent guidelines for staff and customers.
Councilor Hargens moved approve & adopt the updated City of Corning Utility Policy ; 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
6. Approve a supplemental budget appropriation, purchase of a new server, and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement.
Presented by City Manager, Brant Mesker. Staff recommends replacing the Corning Police Department’s outdated server, which is over a decade old and has reached the end of its useful life. Computer Logistics provided a quote of $49,942.82, an increase from the previously quoted $28,000 due to price changes. Staff requests a $21,942.82 General Fund supplemental appropriation to cover the difference, with $28,000 already budgeted for the project.
Councilor Demo moved that City Council determines that this purchase is exempt from the City’s Purchasing Policy per section 3.12.082 A-4 of the Corning Municipal Code; authorize a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $21,942.82 from the general fund; authorize the City Manager to negotiate and sign an agreement with Computer Logistics for the purchase and installation of a new server and equipment; 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:
L. COMMUNICATIONS, CORRESPONDENCE, AND INFORMATION:
M. REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Demo: Attended a Senior Center meeting, and discussed many events they are holding.
Lomeli: Absent
Valerio: Attended the opening day for the Tusker Mesker Memorial Tournament. Also attended a car event at Bartels Giant Burger. La Zacatecana store will be closing, but new business is already lined up to use the space as a broker office. He has also been attending the open gym the Corning Recreation Program holds on Sundays and stated it’s had a good turnout with people coming to play.
Hargens: No meetings, but did thank Pool Manager, Christina Meeds, for a great pool season.
Snow: No meetings.
N. ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Snow adjourned the meeting at 6:17pm