ORLAND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order by Mayor Matt Romano at 6:00 PM.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Councilmembers Brandon Smith, Terrie Barr, John McDermott, Vice Mayor JC Tolle and Mayor Matt
Romano
Councilmembers absent: None
Staff present: City Manager Pete Carr; City Attorney Greg Einhorn; Police Chief Joe Vlach; City Clerk Jennifer
Schmitke; City Engineer Paul Rabo, City Planner
Scott Friend; Director of Administrative
Services/ACM Rebecca Webster
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CITIZENS COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION
Orland resident Jeffrey Tolley asked for details about the closed session items. City Attorney Greg Einhorn responded that any additional information permissible for disclosure would be shared when the Council reconvenes from the closed session.
MEETING ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 6:05 PM.
CLOSED SESSION ENDED AND RECONVENED TO REGULAR SESSION AT 6:33 PM.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION – No reportable action was taken.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (Payable Obligations)
B. Approve City Council Minutes for December 17, 2024
C. Receive and File Planning Commission Minutes from October 17, 2024 ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Tolle, to approve the consent calendar as presented. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
PRESENTATION
A. Planning Department Annual Presentation - Scott Friend, City Planner Mr. Friend presented an overview of the Planning Department's activities in 2024, highlighting their role in General Plan Amendments, Zoning Code Amendments, Environmental Compliance (CEQA/NEPA), project processing, staffing Planning Commission meetings, and ensuring statutory and regulatory compliance. Additionally, the Planning Department assists City Staff with project tasks and engages with the public and City clients.
Mr. Friend provided a summary of activities and an overview of special projects in 2024, which included the final certification of the 6th Cycle Housing Element, Zoning Code Updates (Accessory Uses/structures), and ongoing efforts for Informational Handouts/Website Updates, encompassing planning applications, a notification page, and an ADU page. Additionally, work is in progress with the County of Glenn on the Glenn County Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan (GCMJHMP). Mr. Friend noted several approved projects in 2024.
Mr. Friend highlighted ongoing projects continuing into 2025, including the DWR/City of Orland/Glenn County Water project, possibly a phase 2 for Butte College, Glenn County Health and Human Services center and the Orland Volunteer Fire Department (OVFD)/Orland Rural Fire Department (ORFD) Fuels Reduction/Fire Break Project. Future residential projects for 2025 include Orland Park – Phase I, General Plan Amendments, Zoning Code Amendments, water tank/well projects and the Road M ½ Rehab Project site.
Mr. Friend thanked City Hall Staff, City Department heads and city staff for helping the Planning Department have another successful year.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
A. Westside Ambulance Update
Mayor Romano noted that Westside Ambulance was on the agenda to address financial challenges stemming from declining reimbursement rates. Scott Studybaker of Westside Ambulance Association briefly outlined the factors contributing to these challenges, including rising equipment maintenance costs, unforeseen expenses, and increases in staff salaries. He provided a detailed overview of essential expenses such as salaries and wages, maintenance, medical supplies, utilities, and other operational costs. Mr. Studybaker emphasized the urgent need for funding to sustain operations and restore Westside Ambulance's financial stability.
County resident Joanie Woods expressed her concern about Westside Ambulance needing to approach the City Council for financial support to maintain its services.
John Poland, a representative of the Sierra-Sacramento Valley (SSV) Agency, highlighted the broader challenges faced by providers statewide, especially in rural areas, including rising costs and declining reimbursement rates.
Councilmembers discussed the service area and inquired about the possibility of Glenn County contributing to the necessary funding. The Council unanimously reaffirmed that ambulance services are an essential aspect of public safety in Orland. They expressed support for Westside Ambulance and committed to continuing the work of the ad hoc committee to address the issue.
ACTION: Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Barr, to approve funding Westside Ambulance splitting costs 50% Measure A and 50% Measure J funds totaling $17k with hope that the County will join in the cost share and continue with the ad hoc committee for future allocation with the time period of one year for funding. Motion carried by a roll call vote 5-0.
Ayes: Councilmembers Barr, Smith, McDermott, Vice Mayor Tolle and Mayor Romano.
Noes: None
B. Quarterly Projects Report
Mr. Carr presented the Council with the quarterly projects report, highlighting the quadrant system used to monitor and track project progress efficiently.
C. DWR Emergency Water Project Update
City Engineer Paul Rabo presented to the Council an update on the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) project, which aims to provide safe and reliable drinking water for residents both within and outside city limits. Mr. Rabo summarized the project's progress and funding allocations for each phase.
Mr. Rabo noted that Phases 2A and 2B are progressing, though federal permits are required for installing water mains across irrigation canals. Phase 3A is complete, and Phase 3B will be funded separately. Construction for Phase 4 is ongoing.
Mr. Rabo also presented a Project Budget Overview. The project has been awarded a total of $16.7 million, allocated as follows:
• $1.25M: Administration, permits, and CEQA documentation. • $2.25M: Design.
• $13.2M: Construction, with costs broken down by phase:
o Phase 1: $1.4M (water services and main extensions).
o Phase 2A: $5.35M (water mains, services, fire hydrants). o Phase 2B: $2.0M (water mains, services, fire hydrants). o Phase 2C: $0.8M (connecting meters to houses).
o Phase 3A: $0.35M (well construction).
o Phase 3B: $0.9M (well equipping and site improvements). o Phase 4: $2.4M (storage tank, booster pumps).
Mr. Rabo concluded by emphasizing the project's progress and the importance of securing federal permits for timely completion.
Council asked questions regarding the project and asked City staff to bring quarterly reports to the Council so they can continue to be informed on the project.
D. Measure A Annual Report
Assistant City Manager Rebecca Webster presented an update to the Council on Measure A, outlining the projected revenues and expenditures for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. She noted that actual revenues were approximately $200,000 lower than initially budgeted.
During the discussion, Council members raised questions regarding the allocation and use of funds from Measures A. Some members emphasized the need for greater transparency in how Measure A funds are utilized for City projects. In contrast, others pointed out that the Council reviews and approves all projects during the annual budget process, ensuring oversight.
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Tolle, to accept the proposed “Measure A” Public Safety Sales Tax Report FY23-24. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
E. Painting Bids for City Facilities
Mr. Carr reminded the Council that $20,000 had been allocated from ARPA funds for repainting both city facilities (815 and 824 Fourth Street). He reported that City staff obtained four bids for repainting 824 Fourth Street and City Hall. After reviewing the bids, staff recommended RJ Painting & Decorating as the contractor.
The Council discussed the necessity of painting 824 Fourth Street and agreed that painting City Hall should be the priority. To remain within budget, the Council decided to proceed with painting only City Hall at this time. When asked about paint colors, Mr. Carr noted that the Arts Commission had provided a recommended color palette, and the Council requested that staff bring the color selection back for their review.
Orland resident Christine Stifter suggested that the arch at Library Park also be repainted.
Mr. Carr clarified that the City Attorney observed RJ Painting was the lowest bidder only if both buildings were painted. For City Hall alone, the lowest responsible, responsive bid was from Platinum Build.
ACTION: Councilmember Barr moved, seconded by Councilmember McDermott, to award the bid for repainting just the City Hall building to Platinum Build Painters. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
City Manager Verbal Report
• Mr. Carr provided an update on the 824 4th St. (Hecho) building, informing the Council that insurance will not cover the repair costs, leaving the City responsible for all expenses. He noted that City staff will present bids to the Council once they are received.
• The City is actively seeking bids for the removal of lamppost pedestals located on 4th and 5th Streets.
• Mr. Carr also gave a brief update on the Queen Bee Bucks program, redemptions now exceeding $220,000.
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Orland resident Mike Gleason expressed concerns about a circus tent erected behind his neighborhood, and expressed appreciation for the assistance of City Staff and Bruce Roundy.
County resident Valerie Johnson provided an update on her cat sanctuary and suggested that the Council consider a future presentation about feral cats by Joy Smith.
Orland resident Jan Walker inquired about the status of painting bids for City Hall.
County resident Kristy Rumble asked if potential artistic enhancements could be made to downtown pedestals.
Orland resident Ryan Mikulovsky also voiced concerns about the circus tent behind his home, echoing Mr. Gleason's remarks and thanked City Staff for the transparent response.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
Councilmember Barr:
• Thanked the community for attending Council meetings; • Would like to see the Orland Arch repainted as it has graffiti stains; • Would like to see more transparency regarding Measure A/J funds; • Would like to see the Planning Commission review the code regarding the circus tent; (Mayor Romano stated he would like Planning Commission to review the information and bring back to Council after their review);
• Would like to see a cat solution on a future agenda by listening to successful agencies; • Attended the December 19th Planning Commission meeting.
Councilmember McDermott:
• Nothing to report.
Councilmember Smith:
• Would like to see the circus tent concerns from Benson residents brought back to Council for code review.
• Would like to see the visioning meeting or a town hall meeting soon.
Vice Mayor Tolle:
• Nothing to report.
Mayor Romano:
• Would like to look into engaging a firm for design standards for the downtown area streets;
• Would like to see a new circulation plan;
• Shared his appreciation for new councilmembers, community involvement and City Staff.
CITIZENS COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION - None
MEETING ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 9:12 PM
MEETING RECONVENED TO REGULAR SESSION AT 9:36 PM
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION - City Attorney will be concluding his service in 60 days and no other reportable action was taken.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:37 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Mathew Romano, Mayor