ORLAND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order by Mayor Chris Dobbs at 6:30 PM.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Councilmembers Bruce T. Roundy, John McDermott, Vice Mayor Matt Romano and Mayor Chris Dobbs
Councilmembers absent: Councilmember Jeffrey Tolley
Staff present: City Manager Pete Carr; Director of Administrative Services Rebecca Webster; City Clerk Jennifer Schmitke; City Attorney Greg Einhorn; Police Chief Joe Vlach
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Chief Vlach
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (Payable Obligations)
B. Approve City Council Minutes for April 16, 2024
C. Approve City Council Special Meeting Minutes for April 23, 2024 D. Receive and File Arts Commission Minutes from March 20, 2024 E. Receive and File Planning Commission Minutes from March 21, 2024 F. Annual Assessment for Glenn County Solid Waste Operations G. Renewal of Resolution to Participate in and Directly Fund the Glenn Groundwater Authority H. Supplemental to Master Agreement with Caltrans for Funding on M½ Reconstruction Project I. Approve Request to utilize Vinsonhaler Park and stage; accept invitation to participate in 4th of July event - Orland Historical and Cultural Society
J. Receive and File Public Works and Safety Commission Minutes from February 13, 2024 K. Approve and Adopt Second Reading: Proposed Local Sales Tax Ballot Measure Ordinance and Resolution
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Roundy, to approve the consent calendar as presented. Motion carried by a voice vote 4-0.
PUBLIC HEARING
A. General Plan Amendment (GPA) #2023-02: Supplement to the 2021-2029 6th Cycle Housing Element Updated TO BE CONTINUED TO THE MAY 21, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Dobbs announced that the General Plan Amendment will be continued to the May 21, 2024 City Council Meeting.
City Manager Pete Carr requested Council add an emergency action item to the agenda concerning the approval of a professional service contract for a chief plant operator for the City’s wastewater treatment plant. Council agreed to add the item.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
A. Orland Area Chamber of Commerce: Periodic Update
Dee Dee Jackson, President of the Orland Area Chamber of Commerce, and board member Danielle Hernandez briefed the Council on recent Chamber activities. They emphasized membership expansion, board development, hiring a part-time community outreach employee, and event planning. Hernandez outlined cost-saving initiatives, notably the relocation to Glenn Grows, and highlighted improved financial sustainability. Both stressed the Chamber's vital role in promoting Orland and local businesses, seeking Council support to enhance Orland's growth further.
Ms. Jackson mentioned a future partnership the Chamber is developing with Black Butte Lake and discussed plans to collaborate with the new County Art Council in the future.
Councilmembers shared their appreciation for all the Chamber does for the community and discussed what the Chamber needed from the City for the future.
Brandon Smith, a Chamber board member, discussed the prospect of revitalizing Orland and updating the city's promotional video to showcase its various offerings, including events, businesses, and restaurants.
Mr. Carr reminded Council that last year $32,500 was set aside as a line item in the budget for the Chamber but Council instructed staff to see how the year went. Mr. Carr shared that half the money has been sent to the Chamber.
Council instructed City Staff to release the remaining funds to Chamber and continue to come quarterly with an update. Council thanked the Chamber for their efforts in promoting and supporting Orland.
B. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Discussion #3: Water, Sewer, Gas Tax, DIF, Debt Schedule Mr. Carr presented the third segment of the draft proposed budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 (FY25), outlining revenue projections and forecasts. He provided a revised Public Safety Fund Budget and fleet schedule for the Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments. Mr. Carr reviewed anticipated revenues and expenditures for water, sewer, and Gas Tax street funds. He also discussed Development Impact Fee (DIF) fund balances and an updated schedule of debt obligations.
Council members questioned the prioritization of the Shasta Street project over other city streets leading to downtown that impact the community. They discussed with city staff other streets in need of attention. Mr. Carr indicated that he would consult with the city engineer to discuss this with Council.
Mayor Dobbs stated concerns about how high the amount of supplies was on the water budget and Mr.
Carr stated he would look into the amount.
C. Approval of a professional service contract for a chief plant operator for the City’s wastewater treatment plant
Mr. Carr briefed the Council on the current need for a certified wastewater treatment plant operator and that he had contacted the Regional Wastewater Board for advice. Mr. Carr said there is an individual residing and working in the area with a grade 1 certificate who was willing to work as a contractor for the City of Orland. This contractor would offer supervision of the ponds, testing and reporting, and training of a current employee.
Council members asked questions regarding the operator's hours and obligations, expressing concerns about turnover within the department.
ACTION: Councilmember Roundy moved, seconded by Councilmember McDermott, to approve the emergency action as presented for the contract chief plant operator of the City’s wastewater treatment plant. Motion carried by a voice vote 4-0.
City Attorney Greg Einhorn informed the Council that they are approving a contract tonight with specific terms (month-to-month with a 30-day notice) and amount ($3000). He mentioned that the final version of the contract would be presented on the consent calendar at the May 21 or June 4th meeting.
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Orland resident Joser Rosales informed the Council of his collaboration with the County on establishing an Arts Council. He requested a letter of recommendation from either the Mayor or the City Manager to support his efforts for grant funding applications.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
Councilmember Roundy:
• Attended the Regional Waste Management meeting;
• Attended the Orland Volunteer Fire Department recruitment day; Vice Mayor Romano:
• Nothing to Report
Councilmember McDermott:
• Attended the Planning Commission Meeting April 18th;
• Announced that the May Planning Commission meeting has been cancelled.
Mayor Dobbs:
• Attended Mill Street School Carnival;
• Glenn County Fair starting next week.
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION – NONE
MEETING ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 8:11 PM
CLOSED SESSION ENDED AT 9:26 PM
RECONVENEVED TO REGULAR SESSION - Called to order by Mayor Chris Dobbs at 9:26 PM.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION – No reportable action.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:27 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Chris Dobbs, Mayor