ORLAND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, March 4, 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; City Clerk Jennifer Schmitke
Arrived at 6:30: Public Works Director Zach Barber; Police Chief Joe Vlach
CITIZENS COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION - None
MEETING ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 6:01 PM.
CLOSED SESSION ENDED AND RECONVENED TO REGULAR SESSION AT 6:28 PM.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION - Mayor Romano announced that Council met with City Staff and City Attorney Greg Einhorn in Closed Session to discuss the real property negotiations, anticipated litigation and labor negotiations as noted on the Closed Session agenda. Mayor Romano shared that direction was given to staff.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (Payable Obligations)
B. Approve City Council Minutes from February 18, 2025
C. Adoption of Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Map D. Accept Maverik – Commerce Lane Improvements
E. Receive and File Arts Commission Minutes from November 20, 2024 F. Receive and File Economic Development Commission Minutes from January 14, 2025 G. Receive and File Public Works and Safety Commission Minutes from October 10, 2024 H. Appointment to Queen Bee Capital Board
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Tolle, to approve the consent calendar as presented. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
FY26 Budget Discussion #1 – Assumptions, Projects, Staffing Mr. Carr presented the initial segment of the draft proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-2026 (FY26), set to begin on June 3, 2025.
Mr. Carr highlighted key assumptions for FY26, including moderate economic growth, projected increases in property and sales tax revenues, and significant infrastructure and housing developments.
Mr. Carr provided an overview of key capital projects, including various infrastructure improvements. Mr. Carr outlined staffing changes across several departments.
The Council reviewed major projects for FY26, highlighting priorities such as water, sewer, and street master plans, relocating City Hall, updating design standards, and expanding ballfields and parkland. Discussions also covered the need for additional staffing for multiple departments, and the Council unanimously recognized the School Resource Officer (SRO) position as a valuable asset to the community.
Design Consultants
At Mayor Romano’s request, Mr. Carr revisited the discussion on design consultants for vision, circulation and revising objective design standards. He noted that bringing in additional consultants for City projects could overburden the current budget.
The Council engaged in a discussion on the potential addition of consultants, sharing their perspectives on the matter. Mayor Romano expressed interest in a traffic engineer's plan and praised GHD’s work on the Dutch Bros. intersection. Councilmember Barr advocated for a comprehensive plan for Sixth Street, spanning from the arch to Les Schwab, emphasizing the value of a master plan for a more cohesive vision. Councilmember Smith also supported a fullscale plan rather than a project-by-project approach. Vice Mayor Tolle echoed the need for a complete plan for Sixth Street. Councilmember McDermott agreed he would like to see a full picture plan but also raised concerns about the costs of additional consultants.
Orland resident Jan Walker shared her opinion on the importance of a master plan.
County resident Susie Smith shared she felt the Council was headed in the right direction and shared she would like to see a community task force to allow for community input.
Orland resident Shawn Hibdon shared that the City has traffic and safety issues that need to be addressed including storm drain problems on Walker Street.
Mayor Romano summarized the discussion and provided direction to staff on key items. For Item 3, he instructed staff to engage GHD to review transportation planning and obtain pricing for a charrette—an interactive workshop where citizens can discuss streets, funding, and potential City actions. The Council supported this approach.
For Item 4, Mayor Romano directed staff to develop an RFP for a two-day charrette focused on exploring potential objective design standards that the City can implement, ensuring a tangible outcome from the sessions. He also requested staff to reach out to the four firms listed in the staff report and the Council agreed.
Installation of Pedestrian Safety Improvements N. 6th Street Public Works Director Zach Barber presented a recommendation from the Orland Public Works & Safety Commission to improve pedestrian safety in high-traffic areas. Citing increased incidents at unsignalized crosswalks, he emphasized the need for flashing pedestrian signage to enhance visibility and driver awareness. Based on community feedback and data analysis, staff identified 6th Street at Monterey Street (near Moe’s Market) as the optimal location. The solar-powered, push-button-activated signs will cost $3,500, funded through the Streets Fund.
Public Works staff will complete the installation within one month of material delivery.
The Council discussed safety concerns and the recommended action. They agreed that while not a permanent solution, this measure would be effective in the interim until a comprehensive master plan is developed.
Ms. Smith expressed her concern about the City not having a dedicated grant writer.
Orland resident Earl Megginson voiced his support for the City hiring a consultant and commended the decision to work with a designer who has access to a grant writer.
Joanie Woods raised concerns about lighting at the intersection.
ACTION: Vice Mayor Tolle moved, seconded by Councilmember McDermott, to approve installing flashing pedestrian crosswalk signage at the identified location and allocation the necessary funding ($3500) for implementation. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
City Manager Verbal Report
• Nothing to report.
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Ms. Walker shared her thoughts on the color of the water tank and the surrounding landscaping.
Ms. Woods announced that a group of downtown business owners on Fourth Street are organizing a car show, Honey & Hotrods, set for April 5th.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
Councilmember Smith:
• Attended a HOWL for wildlife conference call meeting, regarding the State passing a new bill regarding the reintroduction of utilizing hounds in hunting.
Vice Mayor Tolle:
• Attended the Transportation & Transit meeting;
• Attended the Waste Management regional meeting.
Councilmember Barr:
• Thanked the community for showing up to Council meetings and providing input.
Councilmember McDermott:
• Attended the State High School wrestling Championship; • Will be out this weekend for Fire Department ticket drive.
Mayor Romano:
• Thanked the Woman’s Improvement Club for putting on the Annual Rummage Sale.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
• Nothing noted.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:21 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Mathew Romano, Mayor