ORLAND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was 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: Interim City Manager Janet Wackerman; City Attorney Scott Drexel, City Clerk Jennifer Schmitke City Engineer Paul Rabo; Arrived at 6:39: Police Chief Joe Vlach; Library Director Jody Meza (arrived at 7:09 pm)
City Clerk Jennifer Schmitke administered the oath of office to Scott Drexel, the newly appointed City Attorney from the law firm Jones & Mayer.
CITIZENS COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION
Orland resident Cindy Batchelder addressed the Council to express concerns regarding the APN listed on the closed session agenda, noting that her property borders the parcel in question. She raised issues about the potential future management of the site and its possible impacts on nearby homes, including concerns related to privacy, quality of life, traffic, fire safety, and flood risk. Ms. Batchelder urged the Council to maintain transparency on the matter.
MEETING ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 6:01 PM.
CLOSED SESSION ENDED AND RECONVENED TO REGULAR SESSION AT 6:33 PM.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION - Mayor Romano announced that Council met with City Staff and City Attorney Scott Drexel in Closed Session to discuss real property negotiations as noted on the Closed Session agenda. Mayor Romano shared that there is no reportable action regarding property negotiations.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (Payable Obligations)
B. Approve City Council Special Meeting Minutes from April 1, 2025 C. Approve City Council Minutes from April 7, 2025
D. Approve City Council Minutes from April 9, 2025
E. Receive and File Economic Development Commission Minutes from February 11, 2025 F. Quarterly Project Reports
G. Approve and Adopt Second Reading of Ordinance 2025-03, an Ordinance of the City Council approving modifications to the Orland Municipal Code Title 17- Zoning Regarding Accessory Structures
H. Letters of endorsement for credit union expansion into the area I. Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Audit Report
Councilmember Barr noted that Item I was not included in the packet. The City Clerk explained that the Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Audit Report had been emailed to all Councilmembers.
Councilmember Barr indicated she had not seen the email and requested that Item I be pulled for further review, with the intention of bringing it back for approval at the May 6th meeting.
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilor Smith, to approve the consent calendar items A-H. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
PRESENTATIONS
A. Orland Area Chamber of Commerce Update
Danielle Hernandez, President of the Orland Area Chamber of Commerce and Michael Hering Chamber member, addressed the Council to highlight the Chamber’s efforts in supporting the community and the resources available to assist local businesses. She reviewed the Chamber’s budget, provided updates on current and key events, and discussed community growth and future goals aimed at continuing the Chamber’s progress. Ms. Hernandez also spoke about ongoing projects, including a community commercial promoting Orland’s growth. She concluded by expressing her gratitude for the continued support the Chamber receives from the City.
Councilmember Barr asked clarifying questions regarding the Chamber’s budget and its need for additional storage space. Councilmember Barr also commended the Chamber for its outreach efforts in the community, particularly for having someone actively engaged with local businesses to share the resources and support the Chamber offers.
B. Architectural Presentation: Carnegie Center
William Shepphird of Shepphird Associates gave a presentation to the Council featuring a slideshow on the Carnegie Center building. He spoke about Andrew Carnegie’s inspiration from Vitruvian architectural principles — emphasizing commodity, firmness, and delight — in the design of public libraries across the United States. Mr. Shepphird highlighted and displayed photos of the needed repairs and upgrades to the building systems, including the roof, exterior, interior, basement, and accessibility features. He outlined proposed renovations for the basement, main floor, a new vestibule, and a rear stairway and elevator. Mr. Shepphird also shared design concepts for additional City facilities along Mill and Fourth Street, including the proposed new City Hall.
Councilmembers discussed the potential costs of the upgrade project and highlighted the aspects they appreciated in the proposed plans. They also considered a phased approach to the project, prioritizing critical needs such as accessibility improvements.
Orland resident Joser Rosales expressed the need for more recreational facilities in the City.
Christine Stifter, representing the Orland Woman’s Improvement Club, spoke about her meeting with Mr. Shepphird and shared the Club’s concerns regarding the building.
County resident Kristi Rumble, Orland residents Jan Walker and Earl Megginson, and County resident Marilyn Ponci each shared their feedback and suggestions on the proposed plans.
County resident Susie Smith asked clarifying questions regarding the project.
Mr. Shepphird noted that the next step would be receiving direction from the Council.
Councilmembers emphasized that developing the plans is just the first step and agreed they would like to gather further community input before deciding on the next phase. The Council thanked Mr. Shepphird for his presentation.
C. Glenn County Arts & Culture Presentation
Glenn County Arts and Culture Chairperson Joser Rosales appeared before the Council to briefly introduce the organization and its mission. He shared that Glenn County Arts and Culture facilitates collaborative efforts to promote and sustain creativity and the arts throughout Glenn County, helping to advance the cultural, social, and economic vitality of the community. The organization supports, promotes, and advocates for artists and creative endeavors that provide essential cultural opportunities. Glenn County Arts and Culture is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Councilmembers asked questions about meeting dates and times and asked Mr. Rosales to invite Council to future meetings. Council also expressed their appreciation for Mr. Rosales' art murals around town, and thanked him for his presentation and his contributions to the community.
City Council Discussion and Possible Action to Award a Construction Contract for the Removal of Street Light Foundations on 4th Street and 5th Street City Engineer Paul Rabo reminded the Council that at its December 17, 2024 meeting, they approved the removal of 16 reinforced concrete street light foundations previously installed by the Public Works Department. With the project cost estimated under $200,000, the City was able to pursue an informal bid process and was issued to selected contractors on March 21, 2025.
Mr. Rabo reported that only two contractors submitted bids; however, one was deemed nonresponsive due to an incomplete bid package. The sole qualifying bidder was Santos Excavating of Chico, who submitted a bid of $60,000. Mr. Rabo emphasized that he had discussed with the contractor the importance of protecting existing streetscape features, including the decorative brickwork, during the removal process. He also noted that, if awarded, the work would be scheduled during nighttime hours (9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) to minimize disruptions to parking, local businesses, and pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle traffic.
Councilmember Smith asked for clarification on previous discussions regarding the removal of the concrete pedestals and inquired about the project details included in the RFP. City Engineer Paul Rabo explained that the RFP specified the removal of the foundations to a depth of 8 inches below the sidewalk surface, without disturbing the underlying area, followed by pouring new concrete to restore the sidewalk. When asked if sawing off the pedestals had been considered, Mr. Rabo noted that while the RFP outlined the City's desired outcome, it allowed bidders to propose the most cost-effective method to meet the requirements.
During the discussion, Councilmember Barr expressed her dislike for the appearance of the pedestals but recommended delaying their removal until the Council develops a broader vision for downtown. Councilmember Tolle, however, supported removing the pedestals immediately and working on a downtown plan afterward. He also asked about the remaining ARPA funds and suggested reallocating the EV charging funds to support the new plan. Councilmembers McDermott, Smith, and Mayor Romano agreed to wait to remove the pedestals until a comprehensive plan is in place.
Orland resident Don Hibdon asked why the Public Works Department could not remove the concrete pedestals that they installed. Mayor Romano and Mr. Rabo explained that the City does not have the specialized equipment required and that the pedestals are heavily reinforced within the concrete.
County resident and downtown business owner Joannie Woods shared that she is not in favor of the pedestals but noted the need for improved lighting. While she supports their removal, she expressed a preference for the City to wait until a clear plan for their replacement is in place.
Ms. Stifter inquired whether the cost of removal might increase over the next six months. Mr.
Rabo confirmed that construction costs are rising, and it is possible the price could increase if the project is delayed.
Ms. Rumble asked if the Council had considered installing solar lighting downtown.
Council members discussed the use of the informal bid process. Mr. Rabo explained the reasons for selecting informal bidding over a formal bidding process.
ACTION: Councilmember Barr moved, seconded by Councilmember McDermott, to reject all current bids and to put a RFP out for a formal bid. Motion carried by a roll call vote 3-2.
AYES: Councilmembers Smith, Barr, McDermott
NOES: Vice Mayor Tolle and Mayor Romano
City Manager Transition Update
Interim City Manager Janet Wackerman announced that a City Manager Transition Update will be included on each agenda until a permanent City Manager is hired. She shared that the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) has offered assistance with the recruitment process. Ms. Wackerman also noted that the next agenda will include a discussion to gather input from both the Council and the community on the qualities and priorities they would like to see in the next City Manager.
City Manager Verbal Report
• Nothing to Report
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
County resident Valerie Johnson expressed her gratitude for the community and announced that Hidden Treasures will be hosting a Fundraiser and Gala at The Hive on May 2nd.
Mr. Lane shared his efforts to raise Orland’s visibility and address the ongoing confusion between Orland and Oroville. One of his goals is to get Orland featured again on the Action News weather map. He encouraged residents to email the station to support this effort.
County resident and Orland Unit Water Users Association President Kevin Donnelley shared concerns regarding the Orland Police Department.
Ms. Woods spoke about the success of the recent Honey and Hot Rods event held downtown, thanking both the community for their strong turnout and the Public Works Department for their support in making the event possible.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
Councilmember Smith:
• Attended the Glenn Groundwater Authority meeting on April 15th. • Participated in the Honey and Hot Rods event.
• Attended the Civic Engagement Expo at Orland High School. • Expressed interest in moving public comment to the beginning of future Council meetings.
• Discussed the idea of restructuring the Parks Division by creating a hybrid Park Manager position under the Recreation Department, separate from Public Works. Noted that further discussions with Olivia Henderson, Recreation Manager and Zach Barber, Public Works Director are needed on this proposal.
• Announced the upcoming "Sunset Social" event, hosted by the Orland Area Chamber of Commerce, taking place on Sunday, April 27th at The Barn at Old Colony.
Councilmember Barr:
• Welcomed Scott Drexel and thanked Janet Wackerman for stepping up to support the City during the transition.
• Highlighted the upcoming "Sophisticats" event on April 27th at The Hive, benefiting Hidden Treasures.
• Expressed excitement about the "Imagine Orland" initiative and praised Will Shepphird’s vision for helping shape Orland’s future and is ready for Orland to be a destination spot.
Councilmember McDermott:
• Shared Ron Lane’s efforts to raise Orland’s visibility and get the city back on the map. • Attended the Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting on April 8th and highlighted the Capital Rivers presentation given at the meeting. • Participated in the Civic Engagement Expo at Orland High School. • Announced that the next Senior Expo will be held on June 18th.
Vice Mayor Tolle:
• Nothing to Report
Mayor Romano:
• Attended the Honey and Hot Rods event and thanked the Downtown Association for organizing a successful gathering.
• Participated in the Civic Engagement Expo and praised the Orland Unified School District for its outstanding leadership.
• Mayor Romano addressed concerns about negative perceptions of Orland, highlighting the successful passage of Measures A and J and stated that the city now has the financial resources to invest in the community's vision and dreams. He encouraged residents and leadership to focus on building a "beacon on the hill," rather than retreating in fear. He described Orland as having a "river of gold" and urged the City to invest time, effort, and resources into its future. Mayor Romano concluded by proudly stating that Orland is a wonderful community—"the best along I-5”.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
• Nothing was added
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:50 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Mathew Romano, Mayor