Gridley City Council - Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 15th, 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 at 6:00 pm.
ROLL CALL
Present: Roberts, Calderon, Farr, Johnson
Absent: Sanchez
Arriving after roll call: None
Staff Present: Elisa Arteaga, City Administrator
Todd Farr, Police Chief
Landon Little, Deputy City Attorney •
Martin Pineda, Finance Director
Ryan Carlson, Electric Director
Jerry Cox, Public Works Director
Christopher Smith, Principal Planner
Carmen Santana, Deputy City Clerk
Jamie Luevano, Recreation Manager
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Johnson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PROCLAMATION - None
INTRODUCTION OF NEW OR PROMOTED EMPLOYEES - None
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
The community participațion forum was opened and seeing as no one was present to speak, was closed.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Council Meeting Minutes
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 6-15-26 Page 1 of 9 City Council to review and approve City Council minutes Recommended Action(s):
a. Approve regular City Council meeting minutes dated June 1st, 2026 b. Approve special City Council meeting minutes dated May 14th, 2026
2. Operational Bylaws and Procedural Rules for the City of Gridley Planning Commission City Council to review and approve Resolution 2026-R-018: a Resoltion of the City of Gridley establishing operational bylaws and procedural rules for the City of Gridley Planning Commission
Recommended Action(s):
a. Approve Resolution 2026-R-018
3. Sister City Comala, Colima Invitation to Visit for Butte County Fair City Council to consider sending an invitation letter to Sister City Comala, Colima to attend the Butte County Fair.
Recommended Action(s):
a. Approve invitation
ROLL CALL
Motion: Johnson
Second: Roberts
Action: approve consent agenda as presented
Ayes: Calderon, Farr, Roberts, Johnson
Noes: None
Absent: Sanchez,
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 4-0
INFORMATIONAL ITEM
4. Strategic Planning Session - Administration
City Council to receive a presentation highlight the strategic planning initiatives for the Administration Department to include:
• Finance
• Planning
• Recreation
• Administration
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 6-15-26 Page 2 of 9 Recommended Action(s):
a. Receive presentation and provide direction to City staff as needed City Administrator Elisa Arteaga opened the Strategic Planning Session by explaining that its purpose was to provide the City Council with an overview of each department's strategic priorities, current initiatives, and future goals. She noted that the presentations were intended to keep the Council informed of ongoing operations, highlight recent accomplishments, and identify key projects and objectives that will guide each department's work moving forward.
Department representatives then presented their respective strategic planning initiatives, outlining departmental goals, upcoming priorities, and significant projects. Each department also provided a brief overview of its daily operations and highlighted recent accomplishments.
The City Council received and discussed the presentations. No action was taken.
5. Firework Ordinance Amendment
Provide direction to staff regarding potential amendments to the City's fireworks regulations, including any desired changes to the current municipal code and the manner in which Council would like those changes implemented.
Recommended Action(s):
a. City Council to consider potential amendments to the City's current Fireworks Ordinance
City Attorney Landon Little returned to the City Council with proposed amendments to the City's fireworks ordinance, as directed at the previous Council meeting. Mr. Little presented draft language for the Council's consideration and recommended incorporating specific dates during which safe and sane fireworks would be permitted. He explained that establishing the allowable dates within the ordinance would eliminate the need for the City Council to take annual action each year.
Vice Mayor Johnson expressed support for strengthening the ordinance to provide law enforcement with clearer authority and stronger enforcement tools for addressing fireworks- related violations.
Following brief discussion, the City Council provided direction to City Attorney Little to prepare the proposed ordinance amendments for formal consideration at a future City Council meeting.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
6. Potential Land Exchange Between the City and Gridley Unified School District City Council to discuss a potential land exchange with Gridley Unified School District.
Recommended Action(s):
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 6-15-26 Page 3 of 9 a. Provide staff direction regarding whether to pursue appraisals, utility planning analysis, park expansion feasibility, and additional due diligence before entering into negotiations
City Administrator Elisa Arteaga presented a potential land exchange between the City of Gridley and the Gridley Unified School District (GUSD). The purpose of the discussion was to review the potential benefits and impacts of the proposed exchange and to receive City Council direction on whether to proceed with appraisals, utility planning analysis, park expansion feasibility, and other due diligence before entering into negotiations. Ms. Arteaga provided a brief overview of recent discussions with GUSD and explained that the former Portuguese Hall had been demolished by the District to make way for a steel storage building.
Vice Mayor Johnson asked whether the School District could utilize one of the available lots in the City's Industrial Park for its storage building. He expressed support for acquiring the former Portuguese Hall property because of its adjacency to Manuel Vierra Park and the opportunity it presents for future park expansion.
Gridley Unified School District Superintendent Justin Kern addressed the Council and stated that the District was open to considering any of the proposed parcels for a land exchange. He noted, however, that the District was operating under a limited timeline and would need to move forward with construction of the storage building within the next few months, regardless of its location.
Maria Espino, 481 Macedo Street, Gridley, addressed the Council and encouraged members to consider the City's future growth when evaluating potential land exchange options.
Mayor Farr stated that he would like to review the appraised values of each parcel under consideration before making a final decision. He expressed support for retaining Parcel 9 within the Industrial Park and instead considering Parcels 3, 4, or 5 as potential exchange properties.
Eric Waterbury, Gridley Unified School District Board Member, explained that the proposed land exchange was initiated because the former Portuguese Hall property directly borders Manuel Vierra Park, making it a logical opportunity for the City to expand the park while allowing the District to relocate its storage facility.
Councilmember Roberts expressed concerns regarding the availability of parking on Norman Street should the City construct a future community center adjacent to Manuel Vierra Park.
Following discussion, Vice Mayor Johnson made a motion directing staff to proceed with the necessary due diligence, including related analyses, for a potential land exchange involving Parcels 3, 4, or 5
ROLL CALL
Motion: Johnson
Second: Roberts
Action: proceed with the necessary due diligence, including related analyses, for a potential land exchange involving Parcels 3, 4, or 5
Ayes: Calderon, Farr, Roberts, Johnson
Noes: None
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 6-15-26 Page 4 of 9
Absent: Sanchez
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 4-0
7. Chamber of Commerce Donation Request
City Council to consider the donation request for the Chamber of Commerce.
Recommended Action(s):
a. Provide staff direction on donation request
City Administrator Elisa Arteaga presented the funding request from the Gridley Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $10,000 to assist with its operational expenses. As part of the request, the Chamber submitted its annual operating budget and expenditure information for the City Council's review and consideration.
ROLL CALL
Motion: Roberts
Second: Johnson
Action: approve the $10,000 donation to the Chamber of Commerce Ayes: Calderon, Farr, Roberts, Johnson
Noes: None
Absent: Sanchez
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 4-0
8. Gridley Sports Complex Ph 1 - Change Order #7
City Council to consider approval of Gridley Sports Complex Phase 1 - Change Order No. 7 (PCO 07) with Franklin Construction, Inc. in the amount of $363,040.00 for the revised sports lighting foundations, associated site remediation, and delay-related costs resulting from unsuitable soil conditions encountered during construction Recommended Action(s):
a. Authorize the City Administrator to execute Change Order No. 7 (PCO 07) with Franklin Construction, Inc. in the amount of $363,040.00 City Engineer Dave Harden presented a proposed change order for the Gridley Sports Complex Phase I project in the amount of $363,040. The change order was requested to cover the cost of revised sports lighting foundations necessitated by unsuitable soil conditions discovered during construction. Mr. Harden explained the reason for the additional work and requested the City Council's consideration of the change order.
ROLL CALL
Motion: Roberts
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 6-15-26 Page 5 of 9 Second: Calderon
Action: approve of Change Order No. 7 (PCO 07) with Franklin Construction, Inc. in the amount of $363,040.00
Ayes: Calderon, Farr, Roberts, Johnson
Noes: None
Absent: Sanchez
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 4-0
9. FY 2026/2027 City Operational Budget
City Council to consider adoption Resolution No. 2026-R-019: a resolution of the City Council adopting the budget for FY 26/27 and Resolution No. 2026-R-020: a resolution of the City Council establishing the appropriations limit for FY 26/27 Recommended Action(s):
a. Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-019
b. Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-020
Finance Director Martin Pineda presented the proposed budget and reviewed the revisions made since the previous City Council budget study session. He highlighted updates incorporated into the budget based on Council feedback.
Fire Chief Dyer presented a budget amendment to the Fire Department budget, explaining that a small line item had been inadvertently omitted from the proposed budget and needed to be included. Chief Dyer stated that the plan is the additional cost would be offset through salary savings within the department.
ROLL CALL
Motion: Johnson
Second: Roberts
Action: approve Resolution No. 2026-R-019: a resolution of the City Council adopting the budget for FY 26/27 and Resolution No. 2026-R-020: a resolution of the City Council establishing the appropriations limit for FY 26/27
Ayes: Calderon, Farr, Roberts, Johnson
Noes: None
Absent: Sanchez
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 4-0
10. Orchard View Easement Acceptance
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 6-15-26 Page 6 of 9 City Council to consider Resolution No. 2026-R-021, accepting eight (8) separate perpetual easement deeds for electrical, water, wastewater, and storm drain utility networks from Gridley Orchard Associates, LP
Recommended Action(s):
a. Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-021
b. Authorize City Administrator to execute the accompanying Certificates of Acceptance for formal recording
Principal Planner Christopher Smith presented a request for the City Council to accept eight Public Utility Easement Deeds from Gridley Orchard Associates, LP. Mr. Smith explained that the developer had completed the required legal descriptions and surveyor plat maps necessary to convey the public utility and municipal access easements to the City of Gridley. The easements encompass both Phase I and Phase Il of the development.
Mr. Smith further explained that acceptance of the standalone easement deeds satisfies the conditions of approval associated with the underlying development entitlements. He requested that the City Council formally accept the easements.
ROLL CALL
Motion: Roberts
Second: Calderon
Action: approve Resolution No. 2026-R-021: accepting eight (8) separate perpetual easement deeds for electrical, water, wastewater, and storm drain utility networks from Gridley Orchard Associates, LP
Ayes: Calderon, Farr, Roberts, Johnson
Noes: None
Absent: Sanchez
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 4-0
11. City of Gridley Public Works Construction Standards City Council to consider Resolution No. 2026-R-021: a resolution approving and adopting the updated City of Gridley Public Works Construction Standards for public infrastructure improvements and authorizing their use for all applicable public and private development projects within the city.
Recommended Action(s):
a. Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-022
City Engineer Dave Harden presented the updated Public Works Construction Standards and Details following the conclusion of the public review and comment period. Mr. Harden explained that the GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 6-15-26 Page 7 of 9 proposed resolution would adopt the updated standards and includes language acknowledging that corresponding amendments to the Gridley Municipal Code will be brought forward at a future City Council meeting to ensure the Code is consistent with the newly adopted construction standards.
He noted that the ordinance amendments will be presented for Council consideration in the near future.
Vice Mayor Johnson asked whether the updated standards would impose additional restrictions.
City Engineer Dave Harden explained that the purpose of the updated standards is primarily to provide greater clarity and consistency rather than to create more restrictive requirements. Mr.
Harden noted that developers are still required to comply with applicable building codes, and the updated standards are intended to clearly outline the City's expectations and requirements for developers to ensure projects align with the City's infrastructure needs.
ROLL CALL
Motion: Johnson
Second: Roberts
Action: approve Resolution No. 2026-R-021: a resolution approving and adopting the updated City of Gridley Public Works Construction Standards for public infrastructure improvements and authorizing their use for all applicable public and private development projects within the city.
Ayes: Calderon, Farr, Roberts, Johnson
Noes: None
Absent: Sanchez
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 4-0
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilmember Calderon reported on the upcoming Senior Citizen Appreciation Day scheduled for June 17th.
Mayor Farr reported that the Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) recently appointed Tony Zimmerman as its new General Manager.
Vice Mayor Johnson reported on his attendance at the Butte County Flood Control Agency meeting and the Mosquito and Vector Control District meeting.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS - None
DEPARTMENT UPDATE REPORTS
Fire Chief Dyer reported on the Fire Department's activity and response numbers for the month of May.
Principal Planner Christopher Smith reported on a recent inquiry regarding the potential development of a data center in the area. Mr. Smith assured the City Council that should a formal GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 6-15-26 Page 8 of 9 application or request be submitted, the matter would be brought forward through the appropriate review process and the Council would be kept informed.
POTENTIAL FUTURE CITY COUNCIL ITEMS - (Appearing on the Agenda within 30 days):
Noise Ordinance Amendment 7/20/2026
Public Works Standards and Details 7/20/2026
AMI Metering 7/20/2026
Electric Distribution System Study 7/20/2026
CLOSED SESSION
12. LIABILITY CLAIMS Cal. Gov. Code Section 54956.95(a): Claimant: Felipa Franco; Agency Claimed Against: City of Gridley
Action: Claim denied 4-0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further items left to discuss, Mayor Farr adjourned to the regular meeting on July 20th, 2026.
lift Meas
Elisa Artega, City Administrator
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting of 6-15-26 Page 9 of 9