ORLAND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order by Mayor Chris Dobbs at 6:30 PM.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Councilmembers Jeffrey Tolley, Matt Romano, John McDermott, Vice Mayor Bruce T. Roundy, and Mayor Chris
Dobbs
Councilmembers absent: None
Staff present: City Manager Pete Carr; Director of Administrative Services Rebecca Pendergrass; City Clerk Jennifer
Schmitke; Police Chief Joe Vlach; City Attorney Greg
Einhorn
Staff present online: Recreation Director Joe Fenske; Public Works Director Ed Vonasek; Fire Chief Justin Chaney
Pledge of Allegiance led by City Attorney Greg Einhorn
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (Payable Obligations)
B. Approve City Council Minutes for October 3, 2023
C. Receive and file Public Works and Safety Commission minutes from August 8, 2023 D. Receive and file Art Commission Minutes from September 20, 2023 E. Ordinance 2023-05 Second Reading: Prohibiting Alcohol in Library & Lollipop Land Parks F. Contract to Produce Sidewalk Maintenance Plan
G. Recommendation for Stop Signs and Traffic Calming at Fairview School Zone H. Appointment to Glenn County Drought Task Force
I. Representation on Risk Pool Board
J. Orland Municipal Code – Maximum Building Height Standards – Planning Commission Consideration Report
Action: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Tolley, to approve the consent calendar as presented. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
A. EMS Transport
City Manager Pete Carr reminded Council of recent updates regarding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transport including potential improvements and how cost improvements may be shared. Mr. Carr stated that at the last regularly scheduled meeting on October 10th, the Glenn County Board of Supervisors discussed and approved purchasing a van-type ambulance with its associated equipment for up to $275K and discussed 50-50 participation with Orland in a cost-share of operational expenses; the Board will come back to the item after they receive a report from the Westside Ambulance board of directors.
Councilmember Romano shared that at the EMS ad hoc meeting the proposal that was discussed was for Westside Ambulance to be a north side service and the agreement and cost-share would be between Glenn County and Orland.
Westside Ambulance Board President, Scott Studybaker, shared that Westside is working on getting the City and County up to date operational cost estimates and discussed the purchase of the van-type ambulance. He shared Westside has been meeting with Enloe to discuss the situation and that they are willing to work together to make sure all areas are covered.
Councilmember Tolley shared he would like to discuss with the County whether they will be funding from general funds or from ARPA before the City makes a decision and stated his concerns about using ARPA funding. Councilmember Tolley shared that he felt the EMS transport issue is a public safety matter and would like to look more into using Measure A funding. Councilmember Romano explained that after speaking with supervisors his understanding of their plan was to use ARPA funds for the first 2–3-year period and during that period bring forward a countywide sales or property tax that would allow taxpayers to vote on EMS long term.
Councilmembers discussed using Measure A funding and 50-50 cost share with the County.
City Attorney Greg Einhorn stated that Council has given clear direction to move forward, that the City would like to participate 50-50 ongoing in the operations.
Action: Councilmember Tolley moved, seconded by Councilmember McDermott, to approve the City participating in the ongoing cost of operations of EMS. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
Councilmember Romano asked for clarification that City staff had the leeway to negotiate cost share.
Mayor Dobbs agreed that was implied in the motion.
B. Appointment of EDC Commissioner
City Manager Pete Carr reminded Council that the Economic Development Commission (EDC) had an out-of-cycle vacant seat, and direction was given to staff to solicit applications from prospective candidates. The City had three interested applicants but only two qualified due to residency location (within City limits). Mr. Carr shared that the selection committee met, interviewed the two qualified applicants: Amy Raymondo and Brandon Smith. Mayor Dobbs nominated Brandon Smith to be the new member of the EDC.
Brandon Smith, EDC Commissioner thanked the Council for the opportunity and stated he looks forward to giving back to the community.
Action: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Tolley, to approve Brandon Smith as the new EDC commissioner. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
C. Art Center Improvements Invoice
City Manager Pete Carr presented to Council a $1300 invoice for improvement to the Arts Center building that had been completed prior to Council approval. Mr. Carr explained that the Arts Commission has a spending limit of $1000.00 on the Public Arts Fund and stated that the Arts Commission is supposed to come to the Council for approval in advance of any expenses exceeding the limit.
Action: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Tolley, to approve $1336.10 from the Public Arts Fund to pay for the Arts Commission building improvements. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
D. Art Commission Request to Increase Spending Limit
City Manager Pete Carr shared that the Public Arts Fund is set up by the Orland Municipal Code and the primary source of revenue for this fund is development impact fees (DIF), but they also get funding through donations and sale of artwork. Mr. Carr spoke about the Arts Commission expenditures and provided monthly financials for the Council to review.
Mr. Carr explained that the Art Commission Chair, Rae Turnbull, is requesting that the Council remove the spending limit or increase it. Mr. Carr shared that the Orland Municipal Code would need to be amended.
Vice Mayor Roundy shared, as the Arts Commission liaison, he has watched the Orland Art Center grow and help the growth of the economic development of the city.
Councilmembers discussed expenses and stated their concerns with removing and or raising the spending limit. The Council unanimously agreed that they would like to keep the spending limit as-is due to the fact that they are not exceeding the $1000 limit very often and asked that they still come to Council to get approval for any expenses exceeding the spending limit.
Orland resident Earl Megginson stated his concerns with removing the spending limit.
Action: Mayor Dobbs moved, seconded by Councilmember McDermott, to leave the spending limit at $1000. Motion passed by a roll call vote 5-0.
Ayes: Councilmembers Tolley, Romano, McDermott, Vice Mayor Roundy, and Mayor Dobbs Nays: None
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
Councilmember McDermott:
• Will be attending the Planning Commission Meeting, October 19th; • Congratulated Brandon Smith on his new seat on the EDC; • Thank Monica Rossman for her work on the Board of Supervisors.
Councilmember Romano:
• Nothing to Report.
Vice Mayor Roundy:
• Attended the Resource Conservation District (RCD) October 16th; • Will be attending Transportation and Transit meeting this month; • Will be attending LAFCo meeting in November, LAFCo will be doing Municipal Service Reviews.
Councilmember Tolley:
• Shared his appreciation for the Library and all the services it provides the community; • Attended the Feline ad hoc Committee.
Mayor Dobbs:
• Thanked the public for participating in the meeting.
MEETING ADJOURED AT 7:21 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Chris Dobbs, Mayor