ORLAND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Matt Romano at 6:30 PM.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Councilmembers Brandon Smith, John McDermott and Vice Mayor JC Tolle
Councilmembers Absent: Councilmember Terrie Barr and Mayor Matt Romano Staff Present: City Manager Joe Goodman, City Attorney Scott Drexel, City Clerk Jennifer Schmitke, Police Chief Joe Vlach, Library Director Jody Meza
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Orland resident Byron Denton commented on recent media coverage, noting that new City Manager Joe Goodman has already been interviewed by Action News.
Valerie Johnson, a resident of the County, provided a brief update on the activities of the Hidden Treasures Cat Sanctuary.
Yvonna Bennet, a County resident, addressed the Council regarding a public records request related to a victim compensation form.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (Payable Obligations)
B. Approve City Council Minutes from August 5, 2025
C. Receive and File Economic Development Commission Minutes from June 10, 2025 D. Appointment to Waste Management Regional Agency
E. FY 2024-2025 Letter of Engagement – Financial Auditor F. Treasurer’s Report
Councilmember McDermott expressed his appreciation for City Treasurer Leticia Espinosa's dedicated work on the City's finances, stating that the City is fortunate to benefit from her knowledge and experience.
ACTION: Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember McDermott, to approve the consent calendar as presented. Motion carried by a voice vote 3-0.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Black Butte Reservoir Infrastructure Enhancement Project MOU City Manager Joe Goodman presented a recommendation for the City Council to consider a nonbinding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with regional partners to study potential improvements at Black Butte Reservoir. The project aims to enhance flood protection for Orland, increase water storage capacity, and improve regional water supply and recreation.
Mr. Goodman shared that the proposal would evaluate adding spillway control structures, potentially increasing reservoir capacity by up to 200,000 acre-feet. The MOU includes 11 local agencies and provides a collaborative framework through March 2029, with no financial commitment required from the City unless specifically approved in the future through a cost-sharing process.
Participation in the MOU allows Orland to advocate for its interests in a project with direct local benefits.
The City maintains full discretion and can opt out if the project no longer aligns with its priorities.
Councilmembers discussed the MOU and agreed it is important for Orland to be involved in the project or have a “seat at the table”. Councilmember Smith stated he has been attending many meetings involving the project and stated the project will significantly benefit Orland.
Orland resident Lloyd Green expressed concerns about the City’s involvement in the project, emphasizing that any final decisions ultimately rest with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Mr. Denton voiced his support for the project, stating that it is a logical and beneficial initiative.
The Council collectively agreed that demonstrating support and fostering collaboration among all participating agencies is an important and appropriate first step.
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Tolle, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for the Planning and Implementation of the Black Butte Reservoir Infrastructure Enhancement Project and authorize the Vice Mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the City of Orland. Motion carried by a voice vote, 3-0.
City Manager Verbal Report
Mr. Goodman briefed Council on his first 9 days on the job, including:
• Attending the Orland Area Chamber of Commerce August 17th • Attending Glenn County's special town hall meeting August 11th • Attending Glenn County Board of Supervisors meeting.
• Attended the Orland Economic Development Commission on August 12th. • Attended the new playground ribbon cutting at Mill Street on August 13th. • Is planning on meeting with Victor Perry soon.
• Attended the Glenn Colusa Groundwater Authority ad hoc. • Attended a Sacramento Valley Division of City Managers meeting. • Has spoken with William Shepphird regarding the Carnegie building and is hopeful the City will be getting some budgetary numbers soon.
• Shared that the Orland High School football team will be hosting a scrimmage on August 15th. • Shared that the Orland Junior Trojans' first football game is August 16th.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
Councilmember Smith:
• Attended National Night Out in Library Park on August 2nd. • Attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting on August 7th. • Attended Glenn Groundwater Authority meeting on August 11th. • Attended the County’s special meeting on August 11th.
Councilmember McDermott:
• Shared that Glenn Medical announced it may be closing its doors, which will impact Orland PD, Fire, and Westside Ambulance
• Shared that Westside Ambulance will be a big area of discussion in the coming months. • The next Glenn County Veteran Stand Down will be January 21st • The next Glenn County Senior Expo is in the works.
Vice Mayor Tolle:
• Attended National Night Out
• Attended the Glenn County Town Hall meeting.
• Will be attending Glenn County Transportation meeting on August 21st.
MEETING ADJOURNED 7:07 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Mathew Romano, Mayor