ORLAND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Matt Romano at 3:00 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
Arrived at 5:30 PM: City Attorney Scott
Drexel, Negotiation Attorney Greg Einhorn
Arrived at 6:30 PM: City Clerk Jennifer Schmitke, Police Chief Joe Vlach, Library Director Jody Meza
CITIZENS COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION - None
MEETING ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:00 PM.
CLOSED SESSION ENDED AND RECONVENED TO REGULAR SESSION AT 6:30 PM.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION - Mayor Romano announced that Council met with City Staff and City Attorneys Scott Drexel and Greg Einhorn in Closed Session to conference with labor negotiators as noted on the Closed Session agenda, conference with real property negotiators, and public employee appointment. Mayor Romano shared that there was no reportable action.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Orland resident Byron Denton shared that he recently spoke with a county representative regarding the shared support for Westside Ambulance. He was told that the public may not be receiving the full story and that the County views the cost-sharing arrangement differently. Mr.
Denton recommended inviting a County Supervisor to a future Council meeting to provide clarity on the matter.
County resident Valerie Johnson invited the community to attend the upcoming 4th of July picnic in the park. She also reminded the Council of her request to place “Hidden Treasures” on a future agenda for consideration of funding support to assist with the local cat population.
Orland resident and County Supervisor Monica Rossman thanked the community for their strong turnout at this year’s Glenn County Senior Expo. Mayor Romano noted the event saw increased participation with more booths and services than the previous year and expressed appreciation to the County and staff for their efforts in organizing the event.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (Payable Obligations)
B. Approve City Council Minutes for June 17, 2025
C. Approve City Council Special Meeting Minutes for June 24, 2025 ACTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Barr, to approve the consent calendar as presented. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Romano read a Proclamation stating that The City of Orland proudly proclaims July 11, 2025, as “Gene H. Russell Day” in honor of his decades of dedication to preserving local history, educating youth, and serving the community. A lifelong Orland resident, teacher, author, and community leader, Mr. Russell, is especially recognized for 30 years of leadership with the Orland History Camp.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Planning Consultant Contract
Ms. Wackerman provided a brief overview of the Planning Consultant selection process and reminded the Council that on June 17th, they authorized her to negotiate a contract with NorthStar of Chico. Ms. Wackerman stated that Mr. Wolfe of NorthStar reviewed the agreement and determined that his firm could not meet the contract’s terms as presented. Ms. Wackerman reported that the next firm recommended by the interview panel, SHN of Redding, reviewed the contract, found it acceptable as written, and proposed no changes. The proposed agreement with SHN is for a one-year term, not to exceed $200,000.
Mayor Romano stated that the firm gave an excellent interview and expressed confidence that they will be a valuable asset to the community.
ACTION: Councilmember Barr moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Tolle, to authorize the Interim City Manager to offer a contract to SHN for 1 year and not to exceed $200,000. Motion carried by a voice vote, 5-0.
Discussion regarding 824 Fourth Street Building
Mayor Romano noted that there was no staff report for this item, Councilmember Smith wanted to bring it back to continue a previous discussion. Mayor Romano recalled that at a previous meeting, the Council had proposed using the site at 824 Fourth Street as a potential new City Hall location and approved issuing an RFP for an architect to evaluate the site, along with the possible expansion of the police department into the current City Hall space.
Councilmember Smith remarked that while Council had not yet made a final decision regarding the site's role in the General Plan, he felt the building should not be left in its current deteriorating condition. Councilmember Smith recalled a past discussion off issuing an RFP for demolition. Mayor Romano confirmed that the project had been put on hold due to staffing changes at City Hall but asked that it now be added back to the city's active project list with a new City Planner starting soon.
Mr. Denton expressed strong support for demolishing the building, emphasizing the police department’s space needs and the urgency of moving forward.
Orland resident Jan Walker questioned whether the building should be preserved due to its potential historical significance.
Council discussed project funding, if there was a need for a building inspection, and emphasized the importance of revisiting the project once the new City Manager and City Planner are fully up to speed.
Discussion regarding downtown lampposts
Mayor Romano noted that there was no staff report for this item but clarified that the removal of the downtown lamp post pedestals had previously been approved. While the City did receive a few bids for the work, they were considered excessive in cost. Vice Mayor Tolle recalled that Councilmember Smith had requested more formal bids; however, due to staff turnover at City Hall, the process was never completed.
Councilmember Smith suggested that instead of simply removing the pedestals, the City should consider a larger, more strategic approach to the lamp posts—one that could prove more costeffective in the long term. Council agreed to revisit past records to clarify the previous direction and decisions on the matter.
The Council also discussed the need for a specific and cohesive plan for the downtown corridor—from 6th Street to 3rd Street—that addresses the historic district and incorporates concepts related to Highway 99. Councilmembers suggested involving the City’s new planning consultant to help develop a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) and explore the possibility of reallocating funds to support the effort. There was consensus on the importance of a comprehensive plan that balances preservation of the historic character with goals for increased walkability and revitalization.
Mr. Denton provided a brief overview of the history of the downtown streets and what the Orland Business Association did to help with the design.
Ms. Johnson offered her perspective on the pedestals, noting that Farwood has creatively incorporated flowers on the pedestals, making it an attractive feature.
Ms. Walker expressed appreciation that the Council recognizes the importance of having a comprehensive plan for the City. She also shared concerns about ensuring that any future light pole installations are done professionally and to appropriate standards.
Council asked city staff to bring this item back for discussion and action at a future meeting.
Council directed staff to bring the item back for further discussion and potential action at a future meeting
City Manager Verbal Report
• Ms. Wackerman shared that the population numbers have increased to 8704 people (1.2%) and Glenn County is the second of the 10 fastest growing counties by population behind Lassen. Glenn County now has 29,369 people.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
Councilmember Smith:
• Will be attending Orland Chamber of Commerce meeting July 10th.
Councilmember Barr:
• Thanked Valerie Johnson for comments and asked that her request be put on a future agenda be heard.
• Attended the Orland Chamber of Commerce meeting.
• Met with the Superintendent of Schools for Orland, Victor Perry • Attended both sessions for the City Manager position interviews • Attended the Regional Transit Committee meeting.
Councilmember McDermott:
• Will be attending the 4th of July parade and Old-Fashioned Picnic in the Park, Vice Mayor Tolle:
• Attended Regional Transit Committee meeting.
• Will be attending the 4th of July Old-Fashioned Picnic in the Park Mayor Romano:
• Nothing to Report.
MEETING ADJOURNED 7:10 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Mathew Romano, Mayor