Gridley City Council - Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, August 17, 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
Dave Harden, City Engineer
Ryan Carlson, Electric Director
Jerry Cox, Public Works. Director
Christopher Smith, Principal Planner
Carmen Santana, Deputy City Clerk
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Roberts led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PROCLAMATION - None
INTRODUCTION OF NEW OR PROMOTED EMPLOYEES
Electric Director Ryan Carlson introduced the new electric department employees: Mike Clayton, Electrical Ground Support worker and Alex Barajas, Lineman.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
The community forum was opened and seeing as no one was present to speak, was closed.
CONSENT AGENDA - None
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: Regular Meeting of 8-17-26 Page 1 of 5
1. Acquisition of Real Property - 860 Cedar Street
The City Council to consider purchasing 860 Cedar St. from Butte County for a future sewer lift
Recommended Action(s):
a. Approve the purchase of the real property located at 860 Cedar Street, Gridley, California (APN 010-123-007) from the County of Butte for a purchase price of $125,000, plus customary closing and transaction costs;
b. Approve Resolution 2026-R-029: a Resolution of the City of Gridley authorizing a supplemental appropriation for the acquisition of real property located at 860 Cedar St. c. Authorize the City Administrator to open escrow and make the necessary arrangements to proceed with the acquisition, including coordinating with the County of Butte, escrow, title, and other applicable parties; and
d. Authorize Mayor to execute the necessary escrow and transaction documents on behalf of the City, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney.
City Administrator Arteaga presented the item and requested Council approval of the purchase of real property located at 860 Cedar Street from Butte County for $125,000, plus escrow and customary closing costs, for the future development of a sewer lift station. Arteaga further explained potential uses of the property by the Public Works Department.
Public Works Director Jerry Cox added that the existing sewer lift station adjacent to the property is aging and will require increasing maintenance and repairs. He explained that acquiring the property would allow the City to plan for a future sewer lift station project and include it in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
ROLL CALL
Motion: Johnson
Second: Roberts
Action: Approve Items A, B, C, and D as presented.
Ayes: Calderon, Farr, Roberts, Sanchez
Noes: None
Absent: Sanchez
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 4-0
2. Pink Patches Fundraiser - Gridley Police Department
City Council to consider approval of the Police Department Commemorative Pink Patch Fundraiser Benefiting Orchard Hospital's Breast Cancer Screening/Mammography Program Recommended Action(s):
a. Authorize the Gridley Police Department to conduct a commemorative pink police patch fundraiser and authorize the donation of all net proceeds to GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: Regular Meeting of 8-17-26 Page 2 of 5 Orchard Hospital's Breast Cancer Screening/Mammography Program in support of community healthcare initiatives
Police Chief Todd Farr requested City Council authorization for the Gridley Police Department to conduct a commemorative pink police patch fundraiser, with all net proceeds donated to Orchard Hospital's Breast Cancer Screening/Mammography Program. Farr explained that the fundraiser would involve selling commemorative Gridley Police Department patches to the public, law enforcement collectors, and community supporters. He noted that the fundraiser is solely charitable and not intended to generate revenue for the Police Department or City. Following the tundraiser, all proceeds, less authorized expenses directly related to the event, would be donated to Orchard Hospital.
ROLL CALL
Motion: Roberts
Second: Calderon
Action: Authorize GPD to conduct the pink patch fundraiser and authorize donation of all net proceeds to Orchard Hospital's Breast Cancer Screening/Mammography program Ayes: Calderon, Farr, Roberts, Sanchez
Noes: None
Absent: Sanchez
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 4-0
3. Tentative Parcel Map 1-26: Woodruff
Council to review and approve Resolution 2026-R-029: a Resolution accepting and approving TPM 1-26: Woodruff the tentative parcel map for 800, 804, and 820 Spruce Recommended Action(s):
a. Approve Resolution 2026-R-030: a Resolution of the City of Gridley approving TPM 1-26 (APN 009-122-004) for the division of one parcel into two (2) parcels located at 800, 804 and 820 Spruce Street
Principal Planner Christopher Smith presented the proposed Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) and recommended approval. Smith explained that the TPM would only subdivide the existing property into two parcels, with the commercial building on one parcel and the residential units on the other.
He clarified that approval of the TPM does not authorize any renovations or demolition. The subdivision would provide the property owner greater flexibility in selling the parcels separately.
Adam Nako of Sanner Land Surveying addressed the City Council and provided additional background and information regarding the project.
ROLL CALL
Motion: Calderon
Second: Johnson
Action: Approve Resolution 2026-R-030
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: Regular Meeting of 8-17-26 Page 3 of 5 Ayes: Calderon, Farr, Roberts, Sanchez
Noes: None
Absent: Sanchez
Abstain: None
Motion passed, 4-0
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilmember Calderon reported that Sister City Comala, Colima, Mexico, plans to visit Gridley during the Butte County Fair.
Vice Mayor Johnson reported on his attendance at the Mosquito and Vector Control District meeting and advised that West Nile virus activity is currently high and residents should take precautions.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS - None
DEPARTMENT UPDATE REPORTS
City Engineer Dave Harden reported that the City has been placed in the queue for CMAQ funding for the Cherry Street and Fairview Street projects.
Public Works Director Jerry Cox reported that 390 Virginia Street has been secured with fencing and provided an update on recent Public Works activities.
Police Chief Todd Farr reported that the Police Department is preparing for the Butte County Fair.
Fire Chief Jason Dyer reported that the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) has been completed and will be brought before the City Council for review.
Electric Director Ryan Carlson reported that the Electric Department is currently replacing deteriorated utility poles.
Principal Planner Christopher Smith provided an update on the current status of the Steffen Estates project.
POTENTIAL FUTURE CITY COUNCIL ITEMS - (Appearing on the Agenda within 30 days):
Master Fee Schedule Study Session 9/8/2026
Noise Ordinance Amendment 9/8/2026
AMI Metering 9/8/2026
Electric Distribution System Study 9/8/2026
Records Retention RFP 9/8/2026
Code of Conduct Handbook 10/19/2026
CLOSED SESSION -
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: Regular Meeting of 8-17-26 Page 4 of5
4. LIABILITY CLAIMS Cal. Gov. Code Section 54956.95(a): Claimant: Leon B. Ward; Agency Claimed Against: City of Gridley
Reportable Action: Claim denied 4-0 as untimely.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Farr adjourned to the next regular meeting on September 7, 2026.
Approve: _
GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: Regular Meeting of 8-17-26 Page 5 of 5