MINUTES OF THE ORLAND CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 5, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order by Mayor Chris Dobbs at 6:00 PM.
Pledge of Allegiance
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Councilmembers Jeffrey Tolley, Matt Romano, John McDermott, Vice Mayor Bruce Roundy, Mayor Chris Dobbs
Councilmembers absent: None
Staff present: City Manager Pete Carr; Director of Administrative Services Rebecca Pendergrass; City Clerk Jennifer
Schmitke; Public Works Director Ed Vonasek; Police Chief Joe Vlach; City Attorney Greg Einhorn
Staff present online: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (payable obligations)
B. Approve City Council Minutes for August 15, 2023
C. Second Reading: Ordinance 2023-04 Late Fee Waiver
D. Treasurer’s Report
E. Annual Posting of Salary Schedule
F. 2023 Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant Resolution
G. Receive and file Library Commission Minutes from May 8, 2023 H. Receive and File Public Works & Safety Commission Minutes from August 8, 2023 I. Receive and File Planning Commission Minutes from May 18, 2023 J. Receive and File Planning Commission Minutes from June 15, 2023 Mayor Dobbs stated City Staff pulled check number 57712 written to Cal Signal to be reviewed further by City Staff.
Councilmember Tolley asked to pull item 4.E. to discuss.
Action: Councilmember Roundy moved, seconded by Councilmember McDermott, to approve the consent calendar without item 4.E. Motion carried unanimously by a voice vote 5-0.
Councilmember Tolley shared his concerns that item 4.E. Annual Posting of Salary Schedule was placed on the consent calendar and stated it is an important item that should be discussed in more detail before voting upon it. Councilmember Tolley asked what changes have been made to the salary schedule since the budget was passed in June 2023. Mr. Carr shared that he is recommending a change to the Director of Administrative Services/Assistant City Manager (ACM) salary range to better reflect the labor market for that position. Mr. Carr stated that the salary schedule is in the public domain, and it is posted on the City website. Councilmember Tolley stated he is not opposed to a pay raise for the position but explained that he felt the amount was too high.
Mayor Dobbs shared that the City needs to stay competitive on salaries.
Action: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Roundy, to approve item 4.E. from the consent calendar. Motion passed by a voice vote 4-1.
Ayes: Councilmembers Romano, McDermott, Vice Mayor Roundy and Mayor Dobbs Noes: Councilmember Tolley
Councilmember Tolley stated for the record he is following the citizens’ will.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
A. ARPA Update
Mr. Carr provided Council an update on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects list and briefly spoke about progress and status of each project. Mr. Carr shared that a few projects have not started yet but most ARPA programs and projects are completed or underway. Mr. Carr also stated that no projects are currently overspending.
Mr. Carr spoke with the Council about the Community e-Gift Cards (Queen Bee Bucks), sharing sales stats. Mr. Carr asked Council to decide if they want to sunset, hibernate, or add more funding to the program.
Councilmember Romano asked if there was any information about the match with the County for the ball field updates. Mr. Carr stated the City has not received an official agreement with the County yet.
Councilmember Tolley stated that since the Queen Bee Bucks are phasing out why not put the money into a skatepark, since not all people play soccer, softball, and baseball. Vice Mayor Roundy shared that the skatepark is on a project list, that once a site and funding is found will be brought back forward to Council. Councilmember McDermott shared that the people who filled out the skatepark survey wanted open spaces and the Council should make that a priority.
Orland resident and small business owner Terrie Barr shared her experience and voiced her concerns on how ARPA has had limited impacts on local small businesses. Ms. Barr suggested that any additional ARPA money may have a bigger impact if it was put into a marketing program that showed new customers coming in.
Vice Mayor Roundy remarked that ARPA money was not only for businesses that had a loss during Covid but also for City’s loss of revenue. Vice Mayor Roundy stated that the Council at that time chose to administer the funds in multiple ways instead of one project and shared that he felt the City used the funds wisely and it helped the City make up any lack of sales tax.
Mayor Dobbs and Councilmember Tolley shared that they thought it was a good idea to table this item and bring this item back on a future agenda.
Councilmember Romano pointed out that multiple items on the Use of ARPA Funds list are projects that will help local businesses.
B. Replacement of Enterprise Software
Director of Administrative Services/ACM Rebecca Pendergrass brought to Council a proposal from Tyler Technologies to replace the current enterprise software (MOMs), Corbin Willits System, Inc. Ms.
Pendergrass shared that the City has been using its current software since 1974 and is looking to upgrade the software because it is very antiquated. Ms. Pendergrass spoke about the outward-facing benefits for the community/water and sewer account customers, went over what the software included for staff and spoke about the startup costs and ongoing annual costs. Ms. Pendergrass shared that City staff has been trying to reach out to multiple software companies to get additional proposals, but staff has received no additional bids.
Councilmember Romano asked about the current costs the City pays with MOMs. Ms. Pendergrass shared the annual costs and explained how the proposed costs would be allocated for the new software.
Councilmember Tolley commented that the antiquated software and limited customer service can be bad for staff and City customers, and he is open to changes but would like to hear from other software companies before making a final decision. Councilmember McDermott inquired about the efficiency of both programs for City Staff. Vice Mayor Roundy shared he felt an update and upgrade for the citizens of Orland and City staff is much needed.
Action: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Roundy, to direct staff to engage in replacing the current enterprise software with Tyler Technologies. Motion passed by a voice vote 4-1.
Ayes: Councilmembers Romano, McDermott, Vice Mayor Roundy and Mayor Dobbs Noes: Councilmember Tolley
Undeveloped City Property 517 Walker Street
City Manager Pete Carr presented to Council potential utilization of ¾ acre of bare land the City purchased in December 2018, 517 Walker Street. Mr. Carr shared that the property was originally planned for future development as a Honeybee Discovery Center (HDC) museum and visitor center, but the City has not entered into a lease agreement for the land with HDC and now it appears that HDC may be refocusing its discovery center vision to an alternate location.
Mr. Carr stated there is a pending State grant for a “Pollinator Park” which would provide vegetation, pedestrian walkways, seating, and an outdoor plaza-type gathering space, with a small portion proposed for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Mr. Carr invited Council to consider options and preferred alternatives for this key-location property if the HDC chooses to relocate. Mr. Carr shared a few suggested options for this property have been city hall facilities, parking, and recreational amenities.
Councilmember Tolley would like to wait on making any decision on this property until HDC makes their final decision. Councilmember Tolley asked about selling to private developers.
Councilmember Romano suggested planting the pollinator garden now, since trees take a while to grow, make a pad and park and then add more later.
Councilmember Roundy likes the idea of a Pollinator Park and a new bigger City Hall in that location.
Councilmember Roundy stated that the building could include additional office spaces for rent and it would open the City Hall side of the current building up for Police to expand.
Orland resident Terrie Barr spoke to Council about Orland’s branding as the “Queen Bee Capital” and how the City has grown over the past few years. Mrs. Barr presented potential suggestions for the City to consider for the undeveloped property on Walker Street, including pollinator gardens, an educational kiosk or visitor center.
Orland resident Trish St. Evans shared potential ideas on what she would like to see for the property on Walker Street including a charging station, visitor center, City Hall or pollinator garden.
No Council actions.
C. Proposal for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
City Manager Pete Carr presented a proposal for the installation of electric vehicles (EV) charging stations in the downtown area. Mr. Carr shared that the objective is to encourage highway travelers to visit the downtown shops and restaurants while recharging their vehicle.
Mr. Carr shared that Rivian has been the only EV vendor to respond to the City’s solicitations and shared a diagram depicting proposed location of EC spaces and equipment. Mr. Carr stated that the proposed agreement with Rivan would be a lease of parking spaces, with 6 charging stations now and possibly 6 more later.
Councilmember Tolley stated he does not feel ready to move forward on this item just yet, but he does like that Rivian would now offer accessibility to many different car manufacturers. Vice Mayor Roundy shared his support for the proposal.
Orland resident Carolyn Pendergrass asked if there were currently any State or Federal mandates that cities must install EV parking. Mayor Dobbs explained that currently there are no mandates. Ms.
Pendergrass asked what would happen if a non-electric vehicle parked in one of the spaces. Mr. Carr shared that the City has not discussed how enforcement of the spaces would be taken care of.
Trish St. Evans asked about the six additional spaces and stated she saw this as the community working together and likes the idea of people being able charge their EV and then enjoy Pollinator Park or stop into one of the downtown businesses to spend money.
Orland resident Christine Stifter asked if staff or Council has talked with downtown businesses owners to find out if the businesses are for or against the EV chargers. Mayor Dobbs stated he has spoken with many downtown businesses who have all been in favor of the charging spaces. Ms. Stifter shared her concerns for taking up spaces in front of downtown businesses.
Orland resident Brandon Smith asked about the aesthetics of the chargers. Staff presented images of what the chargers and signage would look like.
Terrie Barr asked about the sound the EV equipment makes. Chelsea Williams, Rivian spokesperson stated the sound from the equipment has been described as white noise as power is going through station. Ms. Barr shared her concerns with adding a new City Hall building, parking for City employees, EV charging equipment and a pollinator park on the vacant lot. Ms. Barr suggested the City move the charging stations to the City owned property on Hwy 99.
Councilmember Tolley suggested tabling the item for now.
Glenn County resident Troy LeDonne shared his opinion on the EV charging station and stated his concerns with the noise the equipment will make and did not feel the EV charging space on the vacant lot would get utilized by an electric truck pulling a trailer.
Mayor Dobbs shared he would like to review the contract first and allow for more public comments once the agreement is available.
Councilmember Romano stated Rivian wants to invest in this community and shared he believes it will bring people to the downtown area.
Ms. Barr stated she has invested in Orland her entire life and shared her concerns for the noise the equipment will make and the effects it will have on the downtown business owners.
Action: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Roundy, to approve the proposal and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and project. Motion passed by a voice vote 3-2.
Ayes: Councilmembers Romano, McDermott, Vice Mayor Roundy Noes: Councilmember Tolley and Mayor Dobbs
D. Appointment to Feline Ad Hoc Committee
Director of Administrative Services/ACM Rebecca Pendergrass presented to Council the opportunity for one or two Councilmembers to represent Orland on the Glenn County Feline Ad Hoc Committee. Ms.
Pendergrass shared that the Glenn County Board of Supervisors recently established the temporary single-focus (ad hoc) committee to explore ways to address the issues of feral cats and services to control the feral population.
Mayor Dobbs asked the Council for volunteers to join the committee. Councilmember Tolley and Vice Mayor Roundy both stated their interest in joining the Committee.
Willows resident/Hidden Treasures Board member Janice Smith stated her appreciation for Councilmembers joining the Committee but shared that Hidden Treasures Sanctuary is running out of money/time to stay open and they need help now.
Orland resident Jody Putnam reminded Council that she has given them all the information that they requested. Ms. Putnam suggested a solution to the problem could be that the City enact a spay/neuter ordinance.
Orland resident Alane Allison shared her experience with rescuing cats in Glenn County and Orland and expressed the need for help now.
Director of Hidden Treasures Valerie Johnson thanked the Council for hearing the concerns of all the volunteers and shared information on the dire conditions at the clinic.
Troy LeDonne asked the City to take care of the cat problem.
Vice Mayor Roundy stated the Council understands it is a problem and everyone agreed to help with short term and long-term problems. Vice Mayor Roundy shared that the ad hoc committee would help with the long term and challenged the Council to come up with a solution to help the sanctuary with the short-term problem.
Ms. Johnson asked the Council for help in the interim to keep the Sanctuary open.
Councilmember Tolley stated he is supportive of the sanctuary and the services they provide but shared fiscally the amount of money it is taking to run the sanctuary is too much. Councilmember Tolley shared he didn’t want to see taxpayers pay for the services but would prefer to see citizens who use the services pay for them.
Councilmember Romano stated that cats are a public safety problem. Councilmember Romano shared he can’t wrap his head around the sanctuary monthly costs but explained if there is a legitimate bill for rent or veterinarians bills the $40-$60k they are requesting may help them till the end of the year.
Mayor Dobbs shared he would be interested in covering rent and utilities but not just giving $40-60k.
Vice Mayor Roundy and Mayor Dobbs asked what the sanctuary would need for 3-4 months on rent and utilities.
Ms. Putnam stated the sanctuary would need $25k-$30k.
City Attorney Greg Einhorn stated that this item is not on the agenda as an action item. He stated that Council can direct staff to draft an agreement with specific parameters so that what is approved is not just dollar figures but a contract. Council agreed this should come back with a dollar figure that Council and Hidden Treasures Sanctuary can both agree on at the next Council meeting.
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
Councilmember Romano:
• Nothing to Report.
Councilmember McDermott:
• Nothing to Report.
Councilmember Tolley:
• Nothing to Report.
Vice Mayor Roundy:
• Attended the ribbon cutting at McDonald’s;
• Attended the ribbon cutting at Purpose Place;
• Shared he attended a fun presentation at the Art Center April 1, 2023; • Will miss Transportation and Transit meeting September 19th; • Will be attending the LAFCo meeting for September;
• Will be attending the Water Authority meeting;
Mayor Dobbs
• Nothing to Report.
MEETING ADJOURED AT 8:50 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Chris Dobbs, Mayor