Gridley City Council - Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, April 20, 2026; 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
ROLL CALL
Present: Roberts, Calderon, Johnson, Farr, Sanchez
Absent: None
Arriving after roll call: None
Staff Present: Elisa Arteaga, City Administrator
Todd Farr, Police Chief
Landon Little, Deputy City Attorney
Martin Pineda, Finance Director
Jerry Cox, Public Works Director
Ryan Carlson, Electric Department
Christopher Smith, Principal Planner
Jason Dyer, Fire Chief
Carmen Santana, Deputy City Clerk
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -
Councilmember Roberts led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PROCLAMATION - None
INTRODUCTION OF NEW OR PROMOTED EMPLOYEES - None
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
The community forum was opened, and seeing as no one was present to speak, was closed.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Council Meeting Minutes
City Council to review and approve City Council minutes Recommended Action(s):
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 4-20-26 Page 1 of 7 a. Approve special City Council meeting minutes dated March 16th and April 6th, 2026
b. Approve regular City Council meeting minutes dated April 6*h, 2026
2. Temporary NCPA Commission Appointment
City Council to consider a letter temporarily appointing Electric Director Ryan Carlson as a voting member for the April NCPA Commission Meeting.
Recommended Action(s):
a. Appoint Electric Director Ryan Carlson as a voting member for the April NCPA Commission Meeting.
b. Authorize Mayor Farr to sign the appointment letter
3. Employment Agreement - City Administrator
Council to review and approve Resolution 2026-R-011: a Resolution of Gridley City Council adopting the amendment of City Administrator Employment Agreement Recommended Action(s):
a. Approve Resolution 2026-R-011: a Resolution of Gridley City Council adopting the amendment of City Administrator Employment Agreement b. Authorize Mayor to execute on behalf of the Gridley City Council
4. Employment Agreement - Public Works Director
Council to review and approve Resolution 2026-R-012: a Resolution of Gridley City Council adopting the Employment Agreement with Jerry Cox, Public Works Director Recommended Action(s):
c. Approve Resolution 2026-R-012: a Resolution of Gridley City Council adopting the Employment Agreement with Jerry Cox, Public Works Director d. Authorize Mayor to execute on behalf of the Gridley City Council
5. Employment Agreement - Electric Director
Council to review and approve Resolution 2026-R-013: a Resolution of Gridley City Council adopting the Employment Agreement with Ryan Carlson, Electric Director Recommended Action(s):
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 4-20-26 Page 2 of7 e. Approve Resolution 2026-R-013: a Resolution of Gridley City Council adopting the Employment Agreement with Ryan Carlson, Electric Director f. Authorize Mayor to execute on behalf of the Gridley City Council Items number 1 and 5 were pulled from the consent calendar by Councilmember Sanchez.
ROLL CALL
Motion: Sanchez
Second: Roberts
Action: approve items 2, 3 and 4 on the consent agenda
Ayes: Calderon, Sanchez, Farr, Roberts
Noes: Johnson
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 4-1
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
1. Council Meeting Minutes
City Council to review and approve City Council minutes Recommended Action(s):
c. Approve special City Council meeting minutes dated March 16th and April 6t, 2026
d. Approve regular City Council meeting minutes dated April 6th, 2026 Councilmember Sanchez stated that she pulled the item to seek clarification from the City Attorney regarding how the roll call vote was recorded. City Attorney Landon Little confirmed that the vote was clear as presented.
ROLL CALL
Motion: Sanchez
Second: Roberts
Action: approve items 1 as presented
Ayes: Calderon, Sanchez, Farr, Roberts, Johnson
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
i: Motion passed, 5-0
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 4-20-26 Page 3 of 7
5. Employment Agreement - Electric Director
Council to review and approve Resolution 2026-R-013: a Resolution of Gridley City Council adopting the Employment Agreement with Ryan Carlson, Electric Director Recommended Action(s):
g. Approve Resolution 2026-R-013: a Resolution of Gridley City Council adopting the Employment Agreement with Ryan Carlson, Electric Director h. Authorize Mayor to execute on behalf of the Gridley City Council Councilmember Sanchez stated that she pulled the item to express her support for the Electric Director, acknowledging his hard work and the knowledge he brings to the City. She clarified that her vote was not a reflection of him personally. However, while the wage study results support the proposed compensation, she noted concerns raised by City residents regarding the contract amount and stated that she would respectfully vote no on the item.
Councilmember Calderon stated that he supports the employee, and the salary proposed.
ROLL CALL
Motion: Roberts
Second: Sanchez
Action: approve Resolution 2026-R-013, and authorize Mayor to execute on behalf of the Gridley City Council
Ayes: Calderon, Farr, Roberts
Noes: Johnson, Sanchez
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 3-2
INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION
6. Expansion of Public Benefit Programs
Council will receive a presentation on potential programs related to energy efficiency and utility assistance initiates for Gridley residents
Recommended Acton(s);
a. Provide direction and feedback regarding the development and implementation of additional programs designed to increase participation in energy efficiency and utility assistance initiatives
Finance Director Martin Pineda presented potential programs that could be offered to City residents related to energy efficiency and utility assistance, funded through the Public Benefit GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 4-20-26 Page 4 of 7 Account, which has restricted allowable uses. The presentation included an overview of existing programs, as well as a brief introduction to several new program options. Pineda requested direction from the City Council on which programs they would like to prioritize.
Vice Mayor Johnson commented that he would prefer the assistance programs remain focused on essential needs, such as HVAC support and utility assistance for income-eligible residents.
Councilmember Sanchez emphasized the importance of ensuring income eligibility thresholds reflect the average income levels in Gridley. She also suggested exploring separate eligibility brackets for seniors. Additionally, Sanchez recommended including an option for applicants with green card status to provide alternative identification numbers in place of a Social Security number.
Following Council discussion, and with no public comment, the information was received. No formal action was taken at this time.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION -
7. Steffen Estates Maintenance Assessment District
Council to consider approval of Resolution No. 2026-R-014: a Resolution of the Gridley City Council declaring the formation of maintenance assessment district no. 8 (Steffen Estates Subdivision) pursuant to the landscaping and lighting act of 1972 following proceedings under Article XIII D of the California Constitution
Recommended Action(5):
a. Confirm the Engineer's Report for Maintenance Assessment District No. 8 (Steffen Estates Subdivision);
b. Determine that no majority protest exists pursuant to Article XIII D of the California Constitution;
c. Adopt the Resolution 2026-R-014: Forming Maintenance Assessment District No. 8; d. Levy the annual assessment for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and authorize collection on the County tax roll
Following a previous City Council meeting at which the Resolution of Intention to establish a Maintenance Assessment District for Steffen Estates was approved, Principal Planner Smith presented the item. Smith explained that all required steps under Proposition 218 had been completed, and no majority protest was received in opposition to the formation of Maintenance Assessment District No. 8 for Steffen Estates.
Based on these results, Smith recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-R- 014, approving the Engineer's Report, levying the annual assessment for Fiscal Year 2026/27, and authorizing collection of the assessment on the County tax roll.
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 4-20-26 Page 5 of 7
ROLL CALL
Motion: Sanchez
Second: Johnson
Action: adopt Resolution No. 2026-R-014, approving the Engineer's Report for Maintenance Assessment District No. 8 (Steffen Estates), levying the FY 2026/27 annual assessment, and authorizing its collection on the County tax roll
Ayes: Calderon, Farr, Roberts, Johnson, Sanchez
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 5-0
8. Quota Park Addition Request
City Council to review a request from the Gridley Quota Club to install an archway along the pathway to the fountain, and to place a Little Library on the premises. The Little Library component would be done in partnership with the Friends of the Library Recommended Action(s):
a. Approve the Archway and Little Library additions as proposed Principal Planner Smith presented proposed improvements to Quota Park, including the installation of an archway along the fountain pathway and the addition of a Little Free Library on the park premises. He shared the submitted design and noted that the Quota Club has committed to maintaining both features. Smith recommended that the City Council approve the project, emphasizing its benefit to the community.
Councilmember Sanchez commented that she felt the project would be a great addition to the community.
ROLL CALL
Motion: Roberts
Second: Calderon
Action: approve the proposed improvements to Quota Park, including the archway and Little Free Library, as presented
Ayes: Calderon, Farr, Roberts, Johnson, Sanchez
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 5-0
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 4-20-26 Page 6 of 7 Councilmember Roberts reported on his attendance at the Chamber of Commerce meeting in preparation for Red Suspenders Day.
Vice Mayor Johnson reported on his attendance at the Mosquito and Vector Control District meeting, as well as the Butte County Air Quality Management District meeting.
Councilmember Calderon shared that he is organizing an appreciation day for senior citizens.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS
City Administrator Arteaga reported on various internal and external meetings, including ongoing discussions regarding the potential development of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, as well as follow-up meetings related to grant opportunities the City is currently pursuing.
DEPARTMENT UPDATE REPORTS
Fire Chief Jason Dyer reported on Fire Station 74's emergency response statistics for the month of March, as well as the department's involvement in various local events, including Red Suspenders Day planning efforts and participation in Read Across America with Gridley schools.
Public Works Director Jerry Cox thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve as the official Public Works Director and provided updates on recent departmental activities.
Principal Planner Christopher Smith updated the Council on ongoing development projects within the City.
Electric Director Ryan Carlson also expressed his appreciation to the Council for the opportunity to serve as the official Electric Director and provided an update on current projects within the Electric Department.
POTENTIAL FUTURE CITY COUNCIL ITEMS - (Appearing on the Agenda within 30 days):
Energy Efficiency Contract Review 5/4/2026
Randolph Lot Use Agreement - GUSD 5/4/2026
Planning Commission Ordinance Amendment 5/4/2026
Expenditure Reports 5/4/2026
CLOSED SESSION - None
ADJOURNMENT
With no other items left to discuss, Mayor Farr adjourned to the next regular meeting of May 4th, 2026.
Approve: Eli fatany
Elisa Arteaga, City Clerk
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 4-20-26 Page 7 of 7