Gridley City Council — Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday November 4, 2024; 6:00 pm
Gridley City Hall, 685 Kentucky Street, Gridley, CA 95948 "Our purpose is to continuously enhance our community's vitality and overall quality of life. We are committed to providing high quality, cast-effective municipal services and forming productive partnerships with our residents and regional organizations. We collectively develop, share, and are guided by a clear vision, values, and meaningful objectives."
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Farr called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
ROLL CALL
Present: Farr, Johnson, Roberts, Calderon,
Absent: None
Arriving after roll call: Sanchez
Staff Present: ElisaArteaga, City Administrator
Todd Farr, Police Chief
Anthony Galyean, City Attorney
Martin Pineda, Finance Director
Chip Fowler, Fire Chief
Ross Pippitt, Utility Director
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Johnson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Mayor Farr read the Homeless Youth Awareness Month Proclamation and presented it to the Voices United Youth Group.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW OR PROMOTED EMPLOYEES -None
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
No one was present to speak during the community participation forum.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Procurement Policy Update
6RIDl.EY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 11-4-24 Page 1 of 7 Introduction Purchase Policies and Procedures and Introduction of First Reading by Title Only of Ordinance 850-2024: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gridley Amending Chapter 3.16 of the Gridley Municipal Code Relating to Procurement Policy Recommended Action(s):
a. Staff respectfully requests that the Mayor and City Council review and accept the introduction and first reading by title only Ordinance 850-2024 the updates to the Gridley Municipal Code related to procurement policy to comply with the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act ("CUPCCAA") b. Review and Approve the Purchasing Polices and Procedures
ROLL CALL
Motion: Roberts
Second: Sanchez
Action: to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Ayes: Sanchez, Roberts, Farr, Johnson, Calderon
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 5-0
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
2. Transmission Rate Case Program through NCPA
Council consideration of the Transmission Rate Case Program authorizing NCPA to advocate on behalf of the City in rate cases and proceeding affecting transmission costs.
Recommended Action(s):
Approve Resolution 2024-R-042: Approving the City's participation in the Transmission Rate Case Program through an agreement with the Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) to help manage and limit Gridley's exposure to rising transmission costs associated with CAISO and other markets. b. Authorize the City Administrator to execute the agreement with NCPA and ensure City Administrator Arteaga presented the staff report and explained that the attached agreement is designed to protect the interests of its participants, including Gridley, intransmission-related matters as rising transmission costs impact the City's ability to provide affordable power to residents and businesses. For this program, the FY 2025 budget is $580,000, so at a 0.45% share of the costs, Gridley's expected budgeted cost would be $2,610 per year.
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 11-4-24 Page 2 of 7 Councilmember Sanchez asked if this would be an on-going program, Administrator Arteaga answered that it would be on-going until terminated by consent of all Parties.
ROLL CALL
Motion: Sanchez
Second: Roberts
Action: to approve Resolution No. 2024-R-042 approving the agreement with NCPA and authorize the city administrator to executed the agreement and ensure funding allocation within the FY budget.
Ayes: Sanchez, Roberts, Farr, Johnson, Calderon
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 5-0
3. Fire Department Contract Update: 66-Hour Work Week
Council consideration of the first contract amendment with the California Department of Forestry and Fíre Protection (CalFire) to allow for the recent CAL HR negotiated labor agreement to reduce the firefighter workweek from 72 hours to 66 hours.
Recommended Action(sJ:
a. Staff respectfully requests that the City Council approve Resolution 2024-R-043: a Resolution of the City of Gridley Authorizing the amendment of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protections Contract for FY 24/25 approving the "First Amendment" to the contract agreement (No. 2CA06877) with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) for services from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. This amendment adds $142,042 to the existing contract, bringing the maximum total amount to $1,250,114
b. Alternatively, the Council may direct staff to negotiate a different agreement with CALFIRE to achieve a reduced level of service at a lower cost.
Fire Chief Chip Fowler presented to Council a request for approval of the first amendment to Contract No. 2CA06877 with CalFire. This amendment is necessary to align with recent labor agreements made between CalFire Local 2881 and Cal HR. Chief Fowler explained that the amendment would require the City of Gridley to fund an additional Fire Apparatus Engineer position for the remainder of FY 24/25, at a cost not to exceed $142,042.
Vice Mayor Johnson expressed concerns about the increasing cost of the contract, noting potential challenges in the City's ability to afford it in the coming years. Chief Fowler clarified that, under the current contract with CalFire, the City is not responsible for employee benefits or retirement obligations, which remain managed by CalFire.
GRIDIEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 11-4-24 Page 3 of 7 Councilmember Calderon inquired about the recommendation to approve the amendment made by Administrator Arteaga in the staff report. She reminded the Council that this increase had been anticipated when the original contract was approved in June, as negotiations between CalFire Local 2881 and Cal HR were underway. She further noted that establishing and staffing an independent fire department, along with providing all necessary equipment, would impose significantly higher costs on the City.
ROLL CALL
Motion: Roberts
Second: Calderon
Action: to approve the first contract amendment of Contract No. 2CA06877 for services through June 30, 2025 at a cost not to exceed $142,042.
Ayes: Sanchez, Roberts, Farr, Johnson, Calderon
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 5-0
4. Quarterly Budget Review —Informational Only
Council to receive a quarterly budget review from Finance Director.
Recommended Action(s):
a. Receive information, no other action is required
Finance Director MartinPineda provided an overview of the quarterly budget for the period of July 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024. He reported that the utility billing account is performing above expectations, with a likelihood of exceeding initial projections.
In discussing expenses, Finance DirectorPinedanoted that the retirement accounts currently show negative balances due to unfunded liability payments, which were initially projected based on the previous year's data but have undergone significant adjustments this year. To offer further clarity, he prepared a presentation in collaboration with CaIPERS to explain the mechanics of unfunded liability projections and actual costs for the Council.
Councilmember Sanchez inquired about the zero balance in the CalFire salary account, which DirectorPineda clarified was because CalFire operates under a contractual agreement rather than a traditional payroll arrangement.
The Council received the information, and no action was required
5. Contract for Interim Planning Services
Council to review the independent contract agreement for interim planning services with Don Rust.
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 11-4-24 Page 4 of 7 Recommended Action(s):
a. Approve the Independent Contract Agreement for interim planning services with Don Rust.
b. Authorize the City Administrator to amend contract (if necessary) CaIPERS required verbiage, execute the final contract for planning services and assign task orders through said agreement.
c. Authorize the City Administrator, through an RFP process, bring forth Planning Consulting Services for consideration for major planning projects such as the General Plan Update.
City AdministratorElisaArteaga presented the attached contract for Council's review, outlining the terms for interim planning services with Don Rust. Administrator Arteaga highlighted that Mr. Rust has committed to providing in-office counter hours, which will be essential for the City to review proposed projects efficiently and offer timely planning feedback. His role will also include fostering professional relationships with residents and developers interested in building homes and other structures within Gridley.
Administrator Arteaga informed the Council of her intention to issue a request for proposals for a planning services consultant. This consultant would assist Mr. Rust with more extensive tasks, including the General Plan amendment. She noted that Mr. Rust's contract is currently under review by CaIPERS, and she will make any minor adjustments to the contract as needed based on their feedback.
Councilmember Sanchez expressed her support for hiring a young professional to be mentored by Mr. Rust or providing training to an internal employee who could assist and gain valuable planning experience under his guidance.
ROLL CALL
Motion: Johnson
Second: Roberts
Action: to approve the agreement for interim planning services with Don Rust, authorize City Administrator to amend the contract if necessary to include CaIPERS required language and to authorize the City Administrator to issue a request for proposals for Planning Consulting Services.
Ayes: Sanchez, Roberts, Farr, Johnson, Calderon
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 5-0
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 11-4-24 Paqe 5 of 7
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilmember Calderon expressed his gratitude for Utility Director Ross Pippin, Electric Foreman Danny Birkholz, City Administrator Arteaga, and Police Chief Todd Farr.
Mayor Farr expressed gratitude for our City and City staff.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS
The City Administrator provided a brief update to Council on several items, including the recent sign-off for the new Dutch Bros location, which is tentatively scheduled to open on November 14th.
She shared that the city plans to resurface the parking lot at Vierra Park and that a winter newsletter will be sent to residents with helpful information as the colder months approach.
Additionally, she proposed hosting a "Coffee with the City Administrator' event to offer community members an opportunity to meet with her in an informal setting to discuss city matters and address any questions or concerns.
DEPARTMENT UPDATE REPORTS
Finance Director MartinPinedagave Council an update on the recent funds transfer made allowing Meeder Investment Group to begin investing on behalf of the city. Aone-month progress update is tentatively scheduled for the December 2"d regular Council meeting.
Fire Chief Fowler gave a brief update on the Fire Department stating that there were 123 calls for services in the month of October, with 74 of them being within City limits.
Police Chief Todd Farr thanked Councilmember Calderon for the invitation to the Day of the Dead Celebration.
Utility Dírector Ross Pippin informed Council that the Electric Department is done with tree pruning within the City of Gridley.
POTENTIAL FUTURE CITY COUNCIL ITEMS - (Appearing on the Agenda within 30 days):
The Village at Eagle Meadows 11/18/2024
Travel Policy 11/18/2024
Energy Efficiency Contract Review 11/18/2024
Planning Commission Appointment 11/18/2024
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 11-4-24 Page 6of 7
ADJOURNMENT
With no further items left to discuss, Mayor Farr adjourned to the next regular meeting on November 18t", 2024.
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ElisaA eaga, City Cler c
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 11-4-24 Page 7 of 7