ORLAND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order by Mayor Chris Dobbs at 6:00 PM.
Pledge of Allegiance led by City Attorney Greg Einhorn
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Councilmembers Jeffrey Tolley, Matt Romano, John McDermott and Vice Mayor Bruce Roundy
Councilmembers absent: Mayor Chris Dobbs
Staff present: City Manager Pete Carr; Director of Administrative Services Rebecca Pendergrass; City Clerk Jennifer
Schmitke; Library Director Jody Meza; Police Chief Joe
Vlach; City Attorney Greg Einhorn
Staff present online: Recreation Director Joe Fenske; Fire Chief Justin Chaney
PROCLAMATION
Vice Mayor Bruce Roundy read a proclamation recognizing the First Baptist Church of Orland being in existence for 150 years. Pastor Darin Wilt came forward to accept the proclamation, spoke briefly on the church history, and invited the community to come out on Saturday October 21st to celebrate.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (Payable Obligations)
B. Approve City Council Minutes for September 19, 2023
C. Receive and file Planning Commission Minutes from August 17, 2023 D. Receive and file Recreation Commission Minutes from April 26, 2023 E. Receive and file Recreation Commission Minutes from May 24, 2023 F. Maximum Building Height Standards – Planning Commission Report G. Enterprise Software Service Agreement
H. Fiscal Year Objectives Quarterly Report
I. Interstate Beautification Project Maintenance
Councilmember Tolley noted that he had spoken to City staff about correcting margins on future meeting minutes.
Councilmember Romano pulled item 5.F.
Action: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Tolley, to approve the consent calendar except for 5.F. Motion carried by a voice vote 4-0.
Councilmember Romano stated that the item was reviewed, and input was given from the Commission but that there was no action taken by the Commission. Councilmember Romano shared that he would like that corrected. City Manager Pete Carr stated that he would have the staff member who created the staff report review the item and it could be brought back to the October 17th meeting with any revisions necessary.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
A. Proposal for Streetscape Phase 1
City Manager Pete Carr presented a proposal to move forward with the implementation of the Walker Street Streetscape Master Plan. Mr. Carr reminded Council that at the September 19th meeting Council reviewed initial proposal concepts, heard input from the public directed City Staff to bring the item to the next City Council meeting. Mr. Carr reviewed the revisions to the Streetscape Phase 1 concept proposal, budget estimate, diagrams, and examples.
Councilmembers discussed, asked questions and shared their opinions about the project. All Councilmembers stated they were in favor of the project.
Orland resident, Cindy Smith shared her opinions on the project and stated she is in favor of the project.
Orland resident and Economic Development member, Dee Dee Jackson shared her opinions on the beehive design on top of streetlamps and stated she is excited for the project to begin.
Action: Councilmember Romano moved, seconded by Councilmember McDermott, to approve the proposal for Streetscapes Phase 1 as presented. Motion carried by a voice vote 4-0 B. Consider Local Transactions Tax for Specific Local Purposes City Manager Pete Carr shared background information about Measure A that was on the 2016 ballot, sharing its intent and how it is currently being used. Mr. Carr provided examples of similar local taxes in nearby communities.
Mr. Carr brought forward for public discussion and consideration whether the City would like to ask voters to approve another half-cent local add-on transaction and use tax. Mr. Carr shared that the Council would need to know by February 2024 if they want to put this item on the November 2024 ballot. Mr. Carr explained that he has heard from Council members in the past that they would like to see the City have dedicated funding for specific City services such as funding for ambulance services, street maintenance repair, library, and recreation services. Mr. Carr provided examples of possible tax structures. Mr. Carr shared that the current sales tax rate in Orland is 7.75% and if the half cent transaction and use tax was approved the new rate would be 8.25%. Mr. Carr explained a partnership program with the State through Caltrans to encourage cities to have their own local dedicated street maintenance tax.
Vice Mayor Roundy stated that “Council must be in lock step” on this item and that it is Council’s job to educate the public. Vice Mayor Roundy shared that he hears the most complaints from residents about road maintenance.
Councilmember Romano shared he believes road maintenance, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) rescue and parks are all areas that could use support. Councilmember Romano shared information about road maintenance cost.
Councilmember McDermott spoke about the cost escalation of fire apparatus and a possible Countywide tax to support additional EMS services. Councilmember McDermott suggested sending out a survey to see what City residents would like to see their money going toward.
Orland resident, Earl Megginson asked questions about the Caltrans partnership program and about I-5 revenue and shared he is in favor of a half-cent tax.
Ms. Smith spoke about getting taxed from the State, asked about the Caltrans program and stated she is in favor of the additional tax.
Ryan Brannan, Orland resident and Golden State Risk Management representative (GSRMA), stated he is in favor of the additional tax but believes that the key is educating the public.
Jody Meza, Library Director shared that the Library and Recreation departments have been running smoothly lately which is probably why Council has not been hearing too many negative things but stated that the funding could be used as a safeguard for the Library and Recreation departments in the future.
Councilmember Tolley stated his constituents have shared with him they do not want to pay more taxes. Councilmember Tolley shared that he believes this item is an important topic and would like to get resident input by bringing the topic up at meetings once a month.
Councilmembers discussed concerns with asking residents to pay more taxes and agreed that they need to be united before going into the community to educate and get residents’ input.
C. Alcohol Use in the Parks
City Attorney Greg Einhorn introduced to Council amendments to the Orland Municipal Code (OMC) prohibiting the possession and consumption of alcohol in Library and Lollipop Land Parks, after being directed by Council at the September 19th meeting. Mr. Einhorn spoke about the provisions and explained that any person violating any provision of the OMC chapter may be removed from parks upon order of the Orland City Park Superintendent, any Orland City police officer, and/or any authorized employee, or officer of the City. Mr. Einhorn shared the consequences if someone is found to violate the code such as ejection from park, infraction, and or a misdemeanor is at the discretion of the City.
Vice Mayor Roundy asked for the Police Chief’s thoughts on the ordinance. Chief Vlach stated it is important for the Council to discuss the vision they would like to see for Orland parks and then set in place the rules to maintain their vision. Chief Vlach shared that this amendment is a tool in the toolbox for not only the Orland Police Department but for Orland City Staff.
Ms. Smith shared her experiences with activities that go on, living across the street from Library Park.
Mr. Megginson asked about enforcement of violations and about signage in the parks.
Councilmember Tolley asked about alcohol use at Lollipop Land Park. Chief Vlach stated alcohol use comes in waves in Lollipop Land but the new wording on the signage will be nice to have when needed and will set the tone in the children’s park. Councilmember Tolley stated he only felt the ban was only necessary for Library Park.
Action: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Romano, to approve the ordinance amendments as presented. Motion passed by a roll call vote 3-1. Councilmember Tolley stated he didn’t believe the ordinance was necessary in Lollipop Land.
Ayes: Councilmembers Romano, McDermott, and Vice Mayor Roundy Nays: Councilmember Tolley
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Ryan Brannan, GSRMA representative thanked the City for being a valued member since 1980 and shared that the GSRMA board has a vacant City representative seat (2-year term) as of July 2024 and invited Council to consider the position. Last day of nomination will be December 15, 2023.
Orland resident Yvonna Bennett, spoke about Council and board meetings she has attended and stated her concerns about public records requests.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
Councilmember Romano:
• Updated Council on the EMS project;
• Spoke about the new improvements to the Library and City Hall building roofs; • Shared his excitement about the East Street projects, thanked City Engineer Paul Rabo, Director Vonasek and the Public Works team for all the hard work they put in on the project; • Attended the pump track grand opening;
• Shared his concerns with building heights in Orland.
Councilmember McDermott:
• Attended the Planning Commission Meeting, September 21st.
Councilmember Tolley:
• Attended the County joint EMS meeting.
Vice Mayor Roundy
• Shared observations about his recent vacation.
MEETING ADJOURED AT 8:14 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Chris Dobbs, Mayor