ORLAND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, October 15, 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, Jeffrey A. Tolley, Vice Mayor Matt Romano and Mayor
Chris Dobbs
Councilmembers absent: None
Staff present: City Manager Pete Carr; Director of Administrative Services Rebecca Webster; City Attorney Greg Einhorn;
Police Chief Joe Vlach; City Clerk Jennifer Schmitke;
Public Works Director Zach Barber; City Planner Scott
Friend
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (Payable Obligations)
B. Approve City Council Minutes from October 1, 2024
C. Receive and File Recreation Commission Minutes from July 31, 2024 D. Receive and File Economic Development Commission Minutes from September 10, 2024 E. Receive and File Public Works and Safety Commission Minutes from August 14, 2024 F. Receive and File Public Works and Safety Commission Minutes from September 12, 2024 G. Approve letter of support for Purpose Place Services Center H. Upgrade to City Telephone Communication System
I. Request for Contract Service with Tyler Technology for Year-End Payroll Processing Support J. Orland Apartments Loan Assumption
K. Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act of 2024 (Proposition 36) Councilmember Tolley asked to pull item K.
ACTION: Councilmember Tolley moved, seconded by Councilmember Roundy, to approve items AJ on the consent calendar as presented. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
Councilmember Tolley explained that he pulled Item K for further discussion after conducting research on Prop 36 and asked Police Chief Vlach about Prop 36’s threshold increase and consequences. Chief Vlach noted that under Prop 47, the threshold for a misdemeanor to escalate to a felony was adjusted to $950. He emphasized that Prop 36 is designed to address this threshold and critical issues, including repeat theft offenses and drug trafficking, while also providing support for individuals dealing with addiction. Councilmember Tolley stated how important it is for the City to endorse this proposition.
ACTION: Councilmember Tolley moved, seconded by Councilmember Roundy, to approve item K on the consent calendar as presented. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
PRESENTATIONS – Police Officer Recognition
Police Chief Vlach was joined by Sergeants Kyle Cessna and Sean Johnson, as well as Assistant Fire Chief Dave Kelly, to recognize Officer Ryan Martindale for his exemplary service. On February 24th, Officer Martindale responded to a medical emergency in Orland, and due to his quick actions and professional training, he was able to save the patient's life. Sergeant Cessna commended Officer Martindale for his heroic efforts and presented him with a life-saving award in honor of his actions.
PUBLIC HEARING - Revise Orland Municipal Code (OMC) Title 8 – Health.and.Safety to include standards for Massage and Bodywork Establishments City Planner Scott Friend introduced the first reading of a proposed amendment to the Orland Municipal Code (OMC), Title 8, which would add a new section (8.44) focused on regulating massage and bodywork establishments. The amendment was initiated by the Planning Commission due to concerns about proximity to I-5 and issues related to human trafficking. Mr. Friend explained that the current code lacks any guidelines or standards for these establishments, which are currently allowed to operate in the C-1, C-2, and DT-MU zoning districts without specific regulations. While businesses must obtain a City business license to operate, no additional certifications or standards are required for massage and bodywork professionals in the City.
Although state regulations on such establishments are minimal, Government Code 51030 allows local governments to regulate them. The proposed ordinance would establish regulations to address operational standards, health and safety protocols, and state license certification requirements. The Planning Commission unanimously approved the draft ordinance on September 19th, which aims to improve safety and ensure cleanliness in massage and bodywork establishments.
Councilmember Tolley clarified that the latest massage establishments could operate under the proposed ordinance would be 10 PM, Mr. Friend noted that some providers had requested this closing time. He also asked how the new regulations might help prevent human trafficking. City Planner Scott Friend responded that while the amendment may not directly stop or prevent human trafficking, the lack of any existing regulations in the Orland Municipal Code raised concerns among the Planning Commission, especially given the City’s location along a major transportation corridor. The new standards signal that the City is prepared to address potential issues.
Councilmember Tolley then sought Police Chief Vlach’s perspective, who agreed that adding regulations is a proactive step to prevent unregulated businesses and could serve as part of a broader approach to deter illicit activities.
Mayor Dobbs opened the Public Hearing at 6:45 PM.
Mayor Dobbs closed the Public Hearing at 6:46 PM.
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Tolley, to approve that the City Council adopt City Council Ordinance #2024-05, approving the first reading of the Massage Ordinance text amendment to Title 8: Health and Safety of the Orland Municipal Code.
Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
A. Camping Prohibition
City Attorney Greg Einhorn presented the first reading of Ordinance 2024-06, following the Council’s directive for staff to draft provisions addressing camping, sitting, lying, sleeping, personal property storage, and sleeping in motor vehicles on public property. The ordinance introduces 4 new chapters—
8.50, 8.52, 8.54, and 8.56—to the Orland Municipal Code, specifically targeting these issues to provide clearer regulations and prohibitions.
Councilmember Tolley inquired about the possibility of someone laying on a blanket in the park. Mr.
Einhorn clarified that the definition of a “public place,” outlined in the first section, refers to sidewalks, streets, alleyways, and other public spaces intended for pedestrian or traffic movement. The intent of the ordinance is not to address sleeping in parks, so much as in areas like public sidewalks, doorways, or similar locations.
Councilmember Roundy expressed support for the flexibility given to the police department in enforcement. He appreciated that, instead of just arresting individuals and taking them to jail, officers have the option to take them to facilities offering social services, such as mental health care, housing assistance, or substance abuse treatment.
Orland resident Alex Enriquez expressed concern that the wording of the ordinance might be too vague.
County resident Susie Smith voiced her opinion that the ordinance would do little to address homelessness.
Council clarified that the intent of the ordinance is to regulate public nuisances, not to solve homelessness. Councilmembers agreed that the ordinance would serve as a tool for the police department, to be used if specific issues arise.
ACTION: Councilmember Tolley moved, seconded by Councilmember Roundy, to introduce Ordinance No. 2024-06, by reading title: An Ordinance of the City of Orland adding Chapters
8.50, 8.52, 8.54 and 8.56 to the Orland Municipal Code: Measures Prohibiting (1) Camping, (2) Sitting/Lying/Sleeping, (3) Personal Property Storage and (4) Sleeping in Motor Vehicles upon Public Property. Motion carried by a roll call vote 5-0.
Ayes: Councilmembers Tolley, Roundy, McDermott, Vice Mayor Romano and Mayor Dobbs Noes: None
B. Request for County Transportation Partnership Funding (Discussion/Action) - Zach Barber, Public Works Director
Public Works Director Zach Barber presented to the Council the opportunity to put out a bid for the reconstruction of E Swift Street. He explained that the Glenn County Transportation Commission (GCTC) and Glenn County Planning Department have identified a surplus of approximately $2 million.
Of that amount, Orland is eligible for $540,000, which can be combined with other grants or local funds to support this project. These funds are separate from the regular State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds, which Orland is already using for the reconstruction of M½ and Shasta/Bryant Streets. Eligible projects must be shovel-ready and focused solely on construction (no planning or design).
Director Barber shared that a recent Pavement Management report highlighted Orland's deferred street maintenance needs, using pavement condition index (PCI) ratings to prioritize repairs. Public Works and the City Engineer have reviewed these priorities. Several street sections were considered for funding, with input from County planning staff and endorsement by the Public Works & Safety Commission. While East Street is a key "complete streets" project, it is not shovel-ready, as it still requires design decisions and has an estimated cost of $1,340,850, plus curbing and striping.
The selected project for funding is a 0.28-mile stretch of Swift Street near the SavMor shopping area (between Woodward and East Street), which is shovel-ready with an estimated cost of $648,450.
Councilmember Roundy expressed his support for the partnership, while Councilmember Romano emphasized that streets play a crucial role in economic development and community connections, requesting updates on roads near schools, specifically Mill Street and Fairview. Councilmember McDermott called for improvements to water lines alongside street upgrades. All Councilmembers commended the Public Works department for having shovel-ready projects.
Unnamed woman shared her concerns about the dividers on East Street and asked if East Street is a shovel ready project. Mr. Carr shared that the current temporary demonstration design on East Street is a demonstration of the Active Transportation Plan which was approved in 2019. Mr. Carr shared that East Street is currently not a shovelready project due to the need for engineering work that must be completed first.
County resident Marissa Hoke shared her concerns with E. Swift Street and shared she would also like to see the water lines updated at the same time as the street update.
Mayor Dobbs called a 10-minute recess to get the internet back online at 7:20 PM for the meeting and called the meeting back to order 7:30 PM.
Orland resident Joanie Woods voiced her concerns about East Street and suggested putting a meridian down the center of the street with trees and landscaping.
Orland resident Jan Walker shared her concerns on East Street and shared she would like to see a vision for the City of Orland.
County resident Julie Henderson questioned how soon the water lines would be installed and shared her support for updating the water lines while updating E Swift Street.
Council engaged in a discussion of the project, posing questions to City staff. Mr. Carr indicated that City staff could provide a cost estimate for the replacement of water lines at a future meeting. Vice Mayor Romano stated the importance of voting for Measure J which will allow the City to have a plan to design and build the streets and sidewalks that everyone wants.
ACTION: Councilmember Tolley moved, seconded by Councilmember Roundy, to Approve proposed request to GCTC for partnership in the amount of $540,000 to reconstruct a section of Swift Street, with City gas tax funds being utilized for the cost over the GCTC amount. Motion carried by a roll call vote 5-0.
Mr. Carr stated he would come back to Council with an estimate for updating the water line.
C. Update to ARPA Project Budget
Mr. Carr provided an update on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Covid-19 relief funds which have supported Orland’s public safety, businesses, and park improvement projects. Mr. Carr presented the ARPA funds worksheet and shared the current fund allocations and balances which were last reviewed on May 21, 2024, by the City Council.
1. EV Charging Stations (#7): Delayed due to industry changes; $50,000 remains unspent.
2. Facade Improvement Program (#8): Ongoing support for local small businesses, with multiple projects in progress, $6k remaining.
3. Streetscapes Project (#9): In progress with under $20,000 remaining.
4. Lely Ballfield Lighting (#10): Steel pole installation needs rebidding; County ARPA funds are supplementing costs.
5. City Welcome Sign (#14): Design pending; EDC suggests monument signage at I-5 for $30,000+, welcoming visitors to Orland as the “Queen Bee Capital.”
6. Queen Bee Bucks (#18): BOGO offers have ended, but nearly $200,000 in redemptions have supported local businesses.
7. Feral Cat Reduction Program (#19): Awaiting a partnership with the County; Council may redirect or proceed as City-only program, $25,000 remaining.
Mr. Carr reminded Council that an additional $25,000 remains unallocated, available for future designated uses or retention in the General Fund.
Councilmember Roundy provided an update on the feral cat ad hoc committee, noting that while the City approved funding nearly a year ago, they were still awaiting action from the County. After a conversation with Supervisor Yoder, he recommended postponing the discussion until the next meeting to gauge if the County Supervisors remain interested in partnering with the City on the project.
Councilmember Tolley agreed with Councilmember Roundy but suggested the City could wait until the end of the year for the County's response. If no commitment is made by then, he proposed moving forward with the project independently as a City-only initiative.
Vice Mayor Romano echoed Roundy’s support for funding the feral cat program and shifted attention to downtown beautification. He questioned whether funds would be better allocated to murals rather than a welcome sign and recommended coordinating with property owners, local businesses, the Arts Commission, and the Economic Development Commission to gather their input.
Mayor Dobbs shared his belief that signage and outreach along I-5 would be a better investment, noting that many people already recognize when they are entering Orland from the east. He also expressed frustration with Rivian’s demands, suggesting dissolving their contract until a more suitable opportunity arises. Mayor Dobbs advocated for bringing back the Queen Bee Bucks program around Black Friday, with a buy-one-get-one incentive to support local businesses and suggested making this an annual or biannual initiative. While he was open to postponing the decision on the feral cat program until the next City Council meeting, he emphasized that the City has been ready to fund it since last November.
Councilmember Tolley expressed his support for the return of the Queen Bee Bucks program, citing its past success in boosting local businesses.
During public comments, County resident Valerie Johnson voiced concerns over not being informed about the Feral Cat Program discussion and highlighted her efforts with Hidden Treasures Cat Sanctuary over the past year.
County resident Marissa Hoke expressed her gratitude to the City for its involvement with the feral cat program.
Alane Allison and Heather LeDonne both spoke about their experiences trapping, spaying, and neutering local feral cats. Both expressed hope that the City would follow through with the program.
Ms. Walker raised the need for electric vehicle charging stations and suggested installing one at a local park with restroom facilities for public use.
Mr. Enriquez recommended using the extra $25,000 in the ARPA budget to install bike racks in public spaces like parks, the library, and the pool, emphasizing the benefits of reducing car usage and fostering stronger community connections.
Ms. Walker also expressed her views on the light poles on 4th and 5th Streets, urging the Council to consult with those who have a vision for preserving the historical district rather than promoting an industrial aesthetic. Ms. Smith thanked the local women who care for the town’s feral cats.
An unnamed man expressed concerns over the allocation of Measure J funds, urging the Council to ensure the money is properly designated.
Ms. LeDonne requested the removal of the word "euthanization" from the agreement.
Ms. Henderson voiced her support for the Feral Cat Reduction Program and raised concerns about the structural integrity of the concrete bases for the downtown light poles.
Unnamed woman shared her experiences caring for feral cats and echoed concerns for their welfare.
Orland resident Terrie Barr recounted her own experience with feral cats and raised concerns about City transparency regarding the feral cat issue and future funding for the Feral Cat Program.
Mr. Carr confirmed that the Council intends to wait until the November 5th Council meeting to see if the County Supervisors wish to collaborate with the City on the Feral Cat Program. He also stated there would be no further changes to the rest of the ARPA allocated funds. Mr. Carr mentioned he could reach out to Rivian to explore the possibility of relocating charging stations near a park.
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Orland Unified School District (OUSD) Superintendent Victor Perry expressed the school board’s appreciation for the strong partnership between the City and the school, particularly regarding the School Resource Officer position which is currently funded by a grant. He noted that funding is running out and emphasized the critical importance of maintaining the position for the community. The school board looks forward to collaborating with the City to find a solution to continue supporting this role.
County resident Kristie Rumble shared her thoughts on signs versus murals and requested that Caltrans address the potholes on the highway offramps.
Ms. Barr inquired about an accounting of the ARPA funds.
Ms. Henderson asked about updating the City website with information on new projects.
Ms. Walker voiced concerns about communication on the City website and suggested bringing in a professional to train City Council and Commissions on effective communication strategies.
An unnamed woman raised concerns about poor lighting and overgrown landscaping at the corner of Hwy 32 and P Street. Mayor Dobbs clarified that the area falls under Caltrans' right of way and is outside the City’s jurisdiction.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
Councilmember Tolley:
• Attended the Women’s Improvement Club;
• Attended Code Enforcement.
Councilmember Roundy:
• Attended the Women’s Improvement Club;
• Attended the art show and mentioned that, as the Arts Commission Liaison, he keeps the commission informed about ongoing activities and developments throughout the City; • Attended the Glenn Ground Water Agency meeting October 14th; • LAFCo met October 14th, reconsideration of Modoc Annexation will be December 9th; • Attended the Fire House Dinner which is the second Monday of every month.
Councilmember McDermott:
• Planning Commission meeting is October 17th.
Vice Mayor Romano:
• Nothing to Report.
Mayor Dobbs:
• Attended the California Pistol and Rifle Association; • Attended the Fire Department meeting;
• Library Commission will be November 18th.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:43 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Chris Dobbs, Mayor