Gridley City Council - Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, November 17, 2025; 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, cost-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 6:01 pm.
ROLL CALL
Present: Johnson, Roberts, Farr, Calderon
Absent: None
Arriving after roll call: Sanchez
Staff Present: Elisa Arteaga, City Administrator
Landon Little, Deputy City Attorney
Todd Farr, Police Chief
Martin Pineda, Finance Director
Chip Fowler, Fire Chief
Chris Smith, Principal Planner
Jerry Cox, Public Works Director
Carmen Santana, Deputy City Clerk
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Johnson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PROCLAMATION - None
INTRODUCTION OF NEW OR PROMOTED EMPLOYEES
Finance Director Martin Pineda introduced newly promoted employee, Ruth Moreno as Accounting Technician and new hire Tyler Farr, Administrative Assistant I.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
The forum was opened, and seeing as no one was present to speak, was closed.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Supplemental Appropriation - Gridley Invitational Basketball Tournament GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 11-17-25 Page 1 of 5 City Council to formally approve the supplemental appropriation for the donation request previously approved
Recommended Action(s):
a. Approve Resolution 2025-R-027: a Resolution of the City of Gridley authorizing the donation of $1,500 to the Gridley Invitational Basketball Tournament
ROLL CALL
Motion: Roberts
Second: Johnson
Action: approve consent agenda as presented
Ayes: Roberts, Calderon, Farr, Johnson
Noes: None
Absent: Sanchez
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 4-0
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
2. Proposition 218 Process - Waste Management
City Council to review and authorize City staff to initiate the proposition 218 notice and public hearing process for proposed solid waste rate adjustment by Waste Management Recommended Action(s):
a. Authorize City staff to initiate the Proposition 218 notification and public hearing process
City Administrator Elisa Arteaga presented the item, recommending that the City Council authorize staff to initiate the Proposition 218 noticing process for the waste management rate increase proposed by Waste Management. She noted that the City Attorney also supported this recommendation.
Administrator Arteaga explained that although the City's contract with Waste Management runs through January 2028 and allows for a maximum annual CP increase of up to 5%, the proposed rate adjustment exceeds that limit. The total proposed increase of 6.62% is composed of a 4.83% CPI-based adjustment and a 1.79% increase related to disposal cost changes at the Neal Road Landfill. While the landfill's disposal costs increased by 15.50%, only 1.79% of that increase is being passed on to City residents.
Vice Mayor Johnson requested that the Proposition 218 notice clearly explain that the full 15.50% landfill cost increase will not be passed on to residents and that only the 1.79% portion applies.
Councilmember Calderon asked where residents with concerns about Waste Management services should be directed. Administrator Arteaga responded that residents may contact Waste Management directly and also may notify City staff so the City can assist as needed.
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 11-17-25 Page 2 of 5 Councilmember Sanchez recommended that the City provide educational videos to help residents better understand Waste Management procedures and avoid penalties or additional charges.
Deputy City Attorney Landon Little provided an overview of the Proposition 218 noticing requirements and process.
Following Council discussion, a motion to approve initiation of the Proposition 218 notice process was made by Councilmember Roberts and seconded by Councilmember Calderon.
ROLL CALL
Motion: Roberts
Second: Calderon
Action: Authorize City staff to initiate the Prop 218 noticing and public hearing requirements Ayes: Roberts, Calderon, Farr, Johnson, Sanchez
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 5-0
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilmember Calderon informed the Council that he will be visiting the City's Sister City, Comala, and requested that a letter be prepared reaffirming his role as the City's official liaison and authorizing him to act on the City's behalf during his visit.
Councilmember Roberts announced that the Moose Lodge will host its annual free Thanksgiving Dinner on November 27 for any community member who would like a hot holiday meal.
Mayor Farr reported on the recent Veteran's Day Celebration held at the Veteran's Memorial Hall, noting that the facility is now open for public use.
Vice Mayor Johnson provided an update on his attendance at meetings of both the Mosquito and Vector Control District and the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency.
Councilmember Sanchez asked City Administrator Arteaga for an update regarding prior concerns about the entryways to the Heritage Oak Shopping Center. Administrator Arteaga responded that a formal letter addressing those, and other related concerns is currently being drafted.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS
City Administrator Arteaga reported on her participation in the NCPA Utility Director meeting, as well as several other meetings attended alongside City staff.
DEPARTMENT UPDATE REPORTS
Police Chief Todd Farr reported on recent interviews for the Safety Dispatcher and Police Officer positions and noted that the department is preparing for the upcoming Winter Parade.
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 11-17-25 Page 3 of 5 Finance Director Martin Pineda informed the Council that auditors are currently conducting the 2024-2025 audit, and that the Request for Proposals for the Master Fee Schedule Cost Study has been released. Reporting on Recreation Department activities, he stated that basketball registration has recently closed and that the Breakfast with Santa event will be held on December 6 at the Moose Lodge.
Public Works Director Jerry Cox acknowledged public concerns regarding fading road striping and stated that the City is scheduled on Butte County's list for restriping work this summer.
Fire Chief Chip Fowler reported on a fire that occurred at 110 Virginia Street on November 16. He recommended that the Council require the property's receiver to install fencing around the site for safety purposes. Chief Fowler also noted that Avatar Foods' fire suppression system passed its inspection, and that training for the new ladder truck has begun.
Principal Planner Christopher Smith informed the Council that he has been in discussions with a potential buyer for the property at 110 Virginia Street. He also reported that the Housing Element will soon be brought forward for adoption and that the Request for Proposals for the Safety Element has been issued.
Electric Director Ryan Carlson notified the Council of upcoming PG&E work scheduled for December 11 and stated that he will provide detailed information once it becomes available.
POTENTIAL FUTURE CITY COUNCIL ITEMS - (Appearing on the Agenda within 30 days):
Energy Efficiency Contract Review 12/1/2025
Randolph Lot Use Agreement - GUSD 12/1/2025
CLOSED SESSION - At 6:50 pm, Council adjourned to closed session.
3. Pursuant to Government Code 54957.6: Conference with Labor Negotiator, Elisa Arteaga, City Administrator, for discussion of progress of collective bargaining discussions with City Employee represented classes - IBEW
No reportable action. (Councilmember Roberts stepped down and was not present for this this item).
4. Closed session discussion with City Attorney pursuant to Government Code 54956.95 - Liability Claim presented by Kimber N. Lee vs. City of Gridley
ROLL CALL
Motion: Roberts
Second: Johnson
Action: Rejection of Liability Claim presented by Kimber N. Lee vs. City of Gridley Ayes: Roberts, Calderon, Farr, Johnson, Sanchez
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 11-17-25 Page 4 of 5 Motion passed, 5-0
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:11 pm with no further items left to discuss, Mayor Farr adjourned to the next regular meeting on December 1, 2025.
Elisa Arteaga, City Clerk
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 11-17-25 Page 5 of 5