Orland City Council Minutes – February 7, 2023 1 | P a g e
MINUTES OF THE ORLAND CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 7, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order by Mayor Dobbs at 6:29 PM.
Meeting opened with Pledge of Allegiance
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Matt Romano, John McDermott, Jeffrey Tolley, Vice Mayor Bruce Roundy, and Mayor Chris Dobbs
Councilmembers absent: None
Staff present: City Manager Pete Carr; Assistant City
Manager/Director of Administrative Services Rebecca
Pendergrass; City Attorney Greg Einhorn; Police Chief
Joe Vlach; City Clerk Jennifer Schmitke; Fire Chief Justin Chaney
Staff present online: Public Works Director Ed Vonasek
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Dee Dee Jackson, Orland Chamber President, shared with Council that the Chamber is working on a proposal for a Farmers’ Market.
Vice Mayor Roundy asked about the location of the farmer’s market and asked if it would be certified.
Ms. Jackson stated at this point a location has not been determined, but she is hopeful that it can be in the downtown area, and she is working on getting the farmer’s market certified.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (payable obligations)
B. Approve City Council Minutes for January 17, 2023
C. Amendment Agreement: City-Sponsored Community Gift e-Card D. Receive and file Planning Commission Minutes for November 17, 2022 E. Receive and file Arts Commission Minutes for January 18, 2023 Councilmember Tolley stated he requested to have an updated chart of the well levels on this agenda but was told it would be available on the next City Council agenda for February 21st. Councilmember Tolley stated he wants the charts available for the public to view.
Action: Vice Mayor Roundy moved, seconded by Councilmember Romano, to approve the consent calendar as presented. The motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
Item 4.B.
Orland City Council Minutes – February 7, 2023 2 | P a g e
PRESENTATIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REVIEW – POLICE CHIEF JOE VLACH Chief Vlach shared a slide show presentation on his department’s 2022 activities. Currently there are eight patrol officers (1 K-9 and 1 SRO), two sergeants and one Chief of Police. Orland Police Department (OPD) has filled all non-sworn positions: one Admin/Records Supervisor, one Property & Evidence/CSO and one Public Safety Clerk. OPD currently has two vacancies for officers.
A summary of activity for 2022 shows total activity of 4,379, which was slightly down from 2021 which had 5,215.
Chief Vlach stated suspicious circumstances/vehicles/persons was the top call for his officers, with disturbing the peace coming in second and assisting other agencies coming in third. Citations most often given out are for running stop signs (48 citations), driving with no insurance (56 citations) and unlicensed or suspended license (50 citations). Traffic Collisions for 2022 are down from previous years with a total of 125 collisions: 118 non-injury and 7 with injuries.
Chief Vlach shared that there are a few multi-year projects that are currently in progress, most notably the property and evidence storage building remodel. The new cameras and card-key access are also in progress from City Hall/PD and the City yard.
The VIPS put in 1356 volunteer hours, with a total of 16 members.
Vice Mayor Roundy asked if the School Resource Officer (SRO) could come to a meeting in the future to talk to the Council about how her experiences with her new position and also asked Chief Vlach to let Council know if there is anything they can do to help the PD.
Councilmember Tolley asked Chief Vlach his thoughts on why crime has decreased in the community.
Chief Vlach shared that there could be many factors as to why there has been a decrease in crimes such as less people reporting crimes or the fact that due to staffing challenges there are less officers patrolling. Chief Vlach shared that if residents are unhappy with the State “decriminalizing theft” they should contact state legislators.
Councilmembers thanked Chief Vlach for all he does for the community and the department.
B. FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REVIEW – FIRE CHIEF JUSTIN CHANEY Chief Chaney reported on the Fire Department’s 2022 activities with a slide presentation.
The Orland Volunteer Fire Department (OVFD) presently has 40 volunteers along with a full-time office assistant. There were 706 calls, 344 within the city limits (201 medical calls, 125 fire calls and 18 vehicle collision calls), 320 rural calls and 42 mutual aid calls.
Chief Chaney stated this year the budget replaced 9 sets of turnouts, 9 structure helmets, 9 structure boots, 20 wildfire helmets, pants, coats and 4 radios and 1 repeater.
Chief Chaney informed Council that an average volunteer puts in about 125 hours of training.
Orland City Council Minutes – February 7, 2023 3 | P a g e Chief Chaney shared that in the future critical needs for OVFD would be the completion of the radio repeater project and radio replacement, a new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) compressor, continuing to replace outdated gear, continue necessary trainings for volunteers, continuing to apply for available grants, replacing the roof of the main fire department building and building a pump testing facility.
Councilmember McDermott shared with the Council that he felt Chief Chaney is an excellent asset to the community, and stated Chief doesn’t only work from 7 am – 4:30 pm but he also does a lot of afterhours calls. Councilmember McDermott stated that of the 208 incidents within City limits between the hours of 5 pm – 7 am, Chief Chaney went to 91 of those calls which is 43.8%. Councilmember McDermott reminded Council that average volunteers are asked to attend 20% of calls in a year. Councilmember McDermott stated his gratitude and appreciation for all Chief Chaney does for the community.
Mayor Dobbs thanked all the Orland Volunteers for the hard work and dedication they put into keeping the community safe.
Vice Mayor Roundy asked Chief Chaney if Measure A would be able to cover all OVFD expenses if there were no grants being received. Chief Chaney stated Measure A would be able to cover expenses and expressed that grants are a helpful addition with department needs. Vice Mayor Roundy asked if the City is setting aside money for the possible new safety facility. City Manager Carr shared that the City has set aside funds, but it does not happen every year. Vice Mayor Roundy thanked Chief Chaney and stated he is doing a marvelous job with the community.
Councilmember Romano shared his appreciation for the OVFD stating it is a great community organization. Councilmember Romano stated that the volunteers are a very important part of the community.
Councilmember Tolley stated he was in favor of using Measure A money for the new safety facility.
Councilmember Tolley thanked the volunteers for keeping the community safe and quiet.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
A. UPDATE CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS
Mayor Dobbs shared that he attended a meeting in Willows with the new Willows Mayor to discuss appointments to boards. Mayor Dobbs stated that a few corrections were made to the Councilmembers’ appointments for Transit Committee. Vice Mayor Roundy would stay the first seat with Councilmember Romano being the second and Councilmember Tolley being the alternate. Mayor Dobbs shared that the other change was to the Transportation Commission with Vice Mayor Roundy being the first seat and Councilmember Romano being the second seat.
Councilmember Tolley asked if he could switch from being primary seat holder to alternate on both Economic Development Commission (EDC) and Planning Commission due to work time conflicts. Mayor Dobbs asked for a motion so it could be reflected in the minutes.
Orland City Council Minutes – February 7, 2023 4 | P a g e ACTION: Tolley moved, seconded by Councilmember McDermott to make Councilmember Tolley the alternate on both the Planning Commission and EDC, making Councilmember Romano the main representative on EDC and Councilmember McDermott the main representative on Planning Commission. The motion was carried 5-0 by a voice vote.
B. CITY COUNCIL MEETING LOCATION AND FORMAT
City Manager Carr spoke to Council about possible changes to the City Council meeting location and possible agenda formatting changes.
Mayor Dobbs shared that he attended the League of California Cities New Mayor and Councilmember Seminar with Councilmembers McDermott and Romano in Sacramento. Mayor Dobbs stated that at the seminar they learned that some communities place the Oral and Written Communications: Public Comments at the end of the meetings to avoid meetings getting out of order. Mayor Dobbs stated that in the future if Public comments start to get out of hand this may be an option for the City.
Mayor Dobbs shared about the option of the Council possibly moving from paper agendas to digital agendas. Councilmember McDermott welcomed the idea of electronic agendas and stated he was in favor.
Mayor Dobbs brought forward the idea of moving locations of the City Council meetings from Carnegie to a building that is already American for Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. Mayor Dobbs asked Public Works Director Ed Vonasek what updates need to be made currently on Carnegie to bring the building up to code for ADA accessibility. Director Vonasek currently stated the only thing ADA compliant in the Carnegie building is the restroom which was completed in 2021. Director Vonasek shared that before Covid the City had investigated ramp options that are ADA compliant but shared that the ramp would go into the middle of Library park, and added another option would be installing an elevator. Director Vonasek shared that no research has been done since covid for these projects.
Councilmember McDermott shared that he has looked at other buildings to hold Council meetings, one being, 131 E Walker Street also known as Glenn Success Square conference room which would be free for the Council to use.
Councilmember Tolley stated that he is “old school”, and he likes using the Carnegie building.
Councilmember Tolley suggested instead of moving the meeting full time to a new location, to use the alternate location if there is an anticipation of a bigger audience where a bigger building would come in useful. Councilmember Tolley also suggested putting into the Orland Municipal Code (OMC) that if there is anticipation of a bigger meeting the meeting place could be moved to the other location.
Councilmember Tolley shared that he likes the paper agendas but stated he wouldn’t mind if the digital agendas if the City was going to provide Council with an iPads for meetings. Councilmember Tolley shared his thoughts after attending Council meetings in other nearby cities that moving the public comment section to the end of the agenda makes sense.
Councilmember Romano shared he was open to either paper or digital agendas. Councilmember Romano agreed that the City should move the public comments to the end of the agenda to allow enough time for those that are on the agenda their time to talk, then allow others who have comments to speak at the end. Councilmember Romano reminded community members that Councilmembers can be reached by phone or email to discuss issues they would like brought forward on Council agendas.
Orland City Council Minutes – February 7, 2023 5 | P a g e Councilmember Romano expressed his thoughts about moving the meeting location for City Council meetings from Carnegie. Councilmember Romano shared that Carnegie is the most important building in the City of Orland it represents so much to the community, has great history with the town and would like to continue to have meetings in Carnegie and not abandoned the building. Councilmember Romano stated that the City needs to invest in the building by remodeling, landscaping, and bringing the building up to code. Councilmember Tolley agreed with Councilmember Romano’s ideas for keeping the meetings at Carnegie.
Vice Mayor Roundy asked some questions about scheduling with the proposed meeting building. Mr.
Carr shared that the Glenn County Office of Education has been contacted about the days the Council would need and there was no conflict. Vice Mayor Roundy shared that he appreciates the historical aspect of Carnegie but agreed there should be some renovating of the inside to allow for all Councilmembers to be visible to all that attend the meeting. Vice Mayor Roundy shared that as for the digital agenda, he likes paper but if the City was offering an electronic device for digital agendas he would learn how to use it. Vice Mayor Roundy stated that he liked the idea of having the public comment section at the end of the agenda.
Councilmember Tolley asked that if the Council decides to keep the meetings at Carnegie, if there was an expectation for a bigger meeting could there be wording added to the OMC to allow for the movement to a different location for that meeting. Vice Mayor Roundy reminded Council that Carnegie does have a max occupancy which is posted at 80.
Becky Johns, Orland resident, liked the idea of having a marque along Hwy 32 reminding residents of the Council meeting.
Sheree Gray, Orland resident, liked the idea of using the Carnegie building but stated there are liabilities to worry about with the building. Ms. Gray suggested creating a marketing campaign for the community to help fundraise to develop funds needed to make the necessary updates on the building. Ms. Gray shared while the building was being renovated, they could move the meetings to the proposed other meeting location.
Council unanimously agreed they would like more time to discuss the location options for regular meetings and paper versus digital agenda formats.
ACTION: Vice Mayor Roundy moved, seconded by Councilmember Tolley to approve the Placement of “Public Comment” on the agenda to the end of the meeting. The motion was carried 5-0 by a voice vote.
Vice Mayor Roundy suggested that staff investigate what exact improvements are needed in upgrading/updating Carnegie, get a dollar amount, and come back to Council for them to review the information. Mr. Carr questioned if Council would like more time with the paper versus digital agenda as well and Mayor Dobbs confirmed.
C. REQUEST TO UTILIZE PUBLICLY OWNED CITY SPACE
Councilmember Tolley stated that after much thought, prayer, and consultation he has decided to recuse himself on the next item, stating it was being done in the best interests of the City of Orland.
Mayor Dobbs asked Councilmember Tolley if he could give more of a reason as to why he was recusing Orland City Council Minutes – February 7, 2023 6 | P a g e himself and Councilmember Tolley looked to the City Attorney for guidance. City Attorney Greg Einhorn briefly stated that Councilmember Tolley’s statement was the reason he was offering stating it was in the best interest of the City for him to recuse himself. Councilmember Tolley left the meeting at 7:46 pm. Some Councilmembers stated concerns and asked the City Attorney questions about recusing yourself from City topics.
City Manager Carr presented a request to utilize and encroach onto a portion of the City sidewalk/public street right-of-way on Fifth and Colusa Streets. Mr. Carr stated that the request is not to approve the business or overall project.
Mr. Carr shared that the Newville Brewing Company owner, Kristen Baugher, has submitted a site plan application and an Administrative Use Permit (AUP)application. Mr. Carr shared that City Staff was able to approve a portion of the request due to the request for the back outdoor patio being within the authority of City Staff to approve. The request for the use of the front of the building is beyond City Staff’s authority due to the request being for use of City sidewalks, which the City Council must approve or deny.
Mr. Carr stated that the CEO feels the encroachment and use of a portion of the sidewalk is critical to her business model. Mr. Carr shared that if Council approves this request Staff will come back to Council with an encroachment permit for this project.
Mr. Carr presented four different changes that the CEO would like to make on the building located on the northwest corner of 5th St and Colusa St (728 5th St). • Replacing the current awning with a new style the length of 5th St and a portion of Colusa St, overhanging the sidewalk; and
• Sidewalk modifications to accommodate a new entrance with ADA access on the Colusa side; and
• A patio area on the Fifth St side with seating; and
• Addition of flower planters in front of the building.
Mr. Carr did share that City Staff does believe the requested use of the space does encroach on the sidewalk but does still allow ample sidewalk for pedestrians and ADA access.
Mayor Dobbs invited Kristen Baugher to come forward and speak about the proposed project.
Ms. Baugher presented a slide presentation briefly explaining the proposed project and about the improvements she would like to make to the building at 728 5th St.
Councilmembers asked questions about the project and thanked Ms. Baugher for wanting to add more charm and class to the downtown area.
ACTION: Vice Mayor Roundy moved, seconded by Councilmember McDermott to direct City Staff to issue an encroachment permit for the project and to appropriately allow the use of City space. The motion was carried 4-0 by a voice vote.
Orland City Council Minutes – February 7, 2023 7 | P a g e Councilmember Tolley returned to the meeting at 8:11 pm.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
Councilmember McDermott:
• Nothing to report.
Vice Mayor Roundy:
• Shared that he is part of a policy Committee with the League of Cities on a State level – and he attended an environmental control meeting.
• Would like to get the Public Works, Fire and Police Departments together to discuss the lighting around town.
• Attended the Transportation and Transit meeting where a Caltrans representative was in attendance (streetscapes speed limits and additional traffic lights were discussed at the meeting).
Councilmember Romano:
• Attended the Waste Management Meeting.
• Would like to see City Staff address lighting issues on 4th and 5th Streets downtown.
Councilmember Tolley:
• Expressed that he would like his comments on the record. Councilmember Tolley communicated that his faith was the biggest thing he had going into his most recent brain surgery as well as the other 10 brain surgeries he has had. Councilmember Tolley shared that he believes without his Catholic Faith he would most likely be dead. Councilmember Tolley reported that things have been going well with his recovery. Councilmember Tolley stated he is thankful to the town of Orland, his friends, and the parishes he attends, especially the Abbey of New Clairvaux and the brothers at the monastery in Vina. Councilmember Tolley stated that he believes the prayers he has received are the reason he is doing so well.
Mayor Dobbs:
• Mayor Dobbs shared that he will be absent from the next City Council meeting.
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS – NONE
MEETING ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 8:18 PM
RECONVENED TO REGULAR SESSION AT 8:54 PM
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION – No reportable action
MEETING ADJOURED AT 8:55 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Chris Dobbs, Mayor