ALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Matt Romano at 6:00 PM.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Councilmembers John McDermott, Terrie Barr, Vice Mayor JC Tolle and Mayor Matt Romano
Councilmembers Absent: Councilmember Brandon Smith
Staff Present: City Manager Joe Goodman, City Attorney Scott Drexel, City Clerk Jennifer Schmitke, Labor Negotiations Attorney Greg Einhorn Arrived at 6:30 pm: Police Chief Joe Vlach, Officer Roenspie, Officer Sanchez, Sgt. Cessna, Officer Flores
CITIZENS COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION
An unidentified speaker expressed concerns regarding Government Code Section 54956.8 related to property negotiations and housing-related items or inventory. The speaker emphasized the need for adequate security measures to protect City-owned property and assets.
MEETING ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 6:01 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 real property negotiators, as noted on the Closed Session agenda, Mayor Romano shared that there was no reportable action.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
County resident Valerie Johnson with Hidden Treasures Cat Sanctuary provided an update on the new surgery center at the sanctuary. Ms. Johnson requested that the Council consider placing the voucher program and the ongoing support needs of the sanctuary on a future agenda. She also asked to meet with the Ad Hoc Committee regarding the voucher program and invited the Council to attend the sanctuary’s grand reopening event.
ORLAND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Mayra Monarch, a Shasta County resident, asked the Council to consider adopting a caste resolution addressing and condemning silent discrimination, and requested that the item be placed on the next City Council meeting agenda.
Jake Hackett shared concerns regarding fair representation and voting rights within the City of Orland and requested that the issue be brought forward for discussion at a future meeting An unidentified speaker expressed concern regarding the City’s ongoing budget deficit and urged the Council to review businesses collecting funds within the community that may be bypassing City oversight. The speaker also suggested that the City review its fee schedule and contracts, and expressed disappointment regarding the decision to hire additional staff for duties they felt should be performed by the City Manager and City Attorney.
Diana Ramirez and Ashley Veneman, representatives from Waste Management, introduced themselves and provided updates on past City clean-up days and upcoming County cleanup days.
An unidentified speaker also raised concerns regarding non-functioning showers at Harmony House.
Orland resident Lolita Byrd shared her concerns regard the water being turned off at Harmony House.
County resident Yvonna Bennett spoke about records requests and shared concerns about her personal information.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (Payable Obligations)
B. Approve City Council Minutes from October 7, 2025
C. Receive and File Public Works & Safety Commission Minutes from June 12, 2025 D. Receive and File Arts Commission Minutes from September 17, 2025 E. Keep America Beautiful Memorandum of Understanding
Jake Hackett provided corrections to the spelling of speaker names from the previous meeting.
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, to approve the consent calendar. Motion carried by a voice vote 4-0.
PUBLIC HEARING
A. Public Hearing to provide public input regarding Unmet Transit Needs - Carlos Hernandez, Glenn County Transportation Planner
Carlos Hernandez, Glenn County Transportation Planner, stated that the Glenn County Transportation Commission is required to hold a minimum of one public hearing to receive comments from the public on unmet transit needs that may exist.
Mayor Romano opened the Public Hearing at 6:55 P.M.
No comments were made and Mayor Romano closed the Public Hearing at 6:56 P.M.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
City Council discussion and possible action for Glenn County Notice and Order for Orland City Dump
City Manager Joe Goodman presented a staff report prepared by City Engineer Paul Rabo regarding the Orland City Dump located at the north end of County Road E. Mr. Goodman provided background information from Glenn County Environmental Health, which has conducted three site inspections (June 2024, December 2024, and June 2025). During inspections, the County identified creek bank erosion along Stony Creek that has exposed old burn waste, raising concerns about potential impacts to water quality and public health.
On July 16, 2025, the County issued a Notice and Order citing violations related to drainage, erosion control, and slope stability, along with three required corrective actions. The City requested and received an extension to allow Council review. Mr. Rabo provided attachments that included the County Order, inspection reports, site photos, and the Geo-Logic remediation alternatives report.
As part of the Order, the County provided a Geo-Logic report outlining three conceptual remediation alternatives:
1. Stabilization and Scour Protection ($522,900)
2. Gabion Retaining Wall Creek Bank Restoration ($787,800)
3. Clean Closure ($12,372,440)
The County has requested the City evaluate these options and prepare a Corrective Action Plan identifying the selected alternative and timeline for completion. Due to required environmental permitting, final design and construction could take a year or more to complete.
Council asked several questions about the three proposed options and discussed the most costeffective approach to completing the project. Mayor Romano inquired about available CalRecycle grants, and the City Manager noted that while some funding might be available, the exact amount remains uncertain. Vice Mayor Tolle expressed concerns about potential impacts on nearby properties, while Councilmember Barr emphasized the importance of addressing liability issues and ensuring the project is done correctly the first time. Councilmember McDermott supported having City staff explore grant opportunities and asked about the potential for community volunteer involvement. City Attorney Scott Drexel advised that, because the project involves federal funding and waterways, the City must comply with federal regulations.
Mayor Romano suggested tabling the discussion until staff can prepare additional supporting information. The Council directed City staff to table the item and bring it back at a future meeting.
Consideration and Possible Adoption by Resolution of a City Flag Display Policy City Attorney Scott Drexel presented two policy options for the display of flags on City property and City-maintained rights-of-way, following Council direction from the October 7, 2025, meeting. Mr. Drexel spoke about the two policies and explained that the proposed policies are designed to provide clear guidelines, ensure constitutional compliance, and establish a framework for reviewing flag display requests.
Policy Options:
1. Government Speech Only: Limits displays to official government flags and City event banners (U.S., California, Orland, POW/MIA, and City-sponsored banners). Establishes City flagpoles as government speech, reduces legal risk, and requires minimal administrative oversight.
2. Government Speech with Limited Commemorative Flags: Allows official flags plus limited commemorative flags approved by Council for specific periods (7–30 days), excluding religious, commercial, political, or electoral messages. Maintains government speech designation while allowing flexibility but requires additional administrative oversight.
Mayor Romano asked what would happen if the City chose not to pass the resolution. City Attorney Drexel explained that the City has control over flagpoles located on City-owned property and stated that adopting a policy would help guide future decisions. He noted that State Route 32 is a Caltrans right-ofway and said he would look into whether Caltrans has a document allowing the City to regulate sidewalks along SR 32. The Council directed Mr. Drexel to obtain additional information from Caltrans.
Public Comment:
Earl Megginson, Orland resident, expressed support for a government-speech-only policy.
An unknown speaker voiced concerns that flag issues could become racially divisive and has resulted in some local business boycotts. She emphasized the need for a banner policy and suggested enforcement measures such as fines for violations. She supported a government-speech-only policy for flags.
Mayor Romano encouraged community members to respect one another’s freedom of speech and to treat each other with dignity and kindness.
Rosa Luis expressed concern about political signs being displayed outside the Carnegie Center during the meeting.
An unknown speaker supported displaying only the American flag along SR 32, 4th, and 5th Streets.
Coreen Deleon, Orland resident, urged unity within the community and expressed support for a neutral flag policy.
Tzitlaly Tinoco-Correa spoke in Spanish and then translated into English, sharing that everyone comes to America seeking a better life. She described growing up in Orland and expressed support for the American flag and the government-speech commemorative flag policy.
George Martinez expressed concern about racial tension related to the flag discussions and stated that only the American flag should be flown along SR 32.
Janet Jonet asked questions about the banner policies. Mr. Drexel explained that banners must be for City-approved, nonprofit events, not political in nature, and require City Manager approval. Ms. Jonet expressed hope for continued community unity.
Michaela Ponce, speaking on behalf of the Mexican Heritage Flag Society, described her efforts to have the Mexican flag displayed along SR 32 and her frustration that the City was moving quickly to create a policy against the Mexican flag. She stated that the society will continue to find ways to display the Mexican flag and cannot be silenced.
Cindy Ussery expressed hope that residents can unite under the American flag.
Beth Borkland shared concerns that the City is not allowing the Mexican flag to be displayed and encouraged community togetherness.
Vernon Montague, county resident and founding member of the Flag Society, expressed pride in the American flag and suggested that the Society donate its flags to the City while continuing to assist with installation.
Kelli Day said the Mexican Heritage Flag Society was founded on love and unity but expressed feelings of exclusion since the flag policy discussion began. She supported having a clear policy to guide the Society’s activities.
Kristi Rumble, County resident, stated that the Mexican flag represents only one nationality, while the U.S. flag represents all who come to America.
Laurin Moniz read a Facebook post expressing her hope for peace and unity regarding the flag issue.
Kayla Supra expressed support for flying the Mexican flag anywhere.
Kristina Phoumkha shared that she teaches her children that the American flag represents all immigrants, and if the Council approves flying the Mexican flag, her children would like to see their heritage flags represented as well.
Sharon Lazorko, Orland resident, referenced Caltrans regulations allowing only the U.S. and California flags along state highways and expressed support for the commemorative flag policy.
Bridgette stated that the Mexican Heritage Flag Society is only requesting a few days per year to fly the Mexican flag and she didn’t see a problem with that request.
Jose Mojica supported honoring the Mexican community, noting the importance of cultural recognition and inclusivity, and expressed support for celebrating all cultural flags.
Savage, county resident, discussed racism in the community and local businesses.
Mary Viegas, county resident and Patriot Riders member, expressed concern about the timelines in the proposed policies for obtaining flag display approval for military escorts.
Judy Hozapfel supported the government-speech-only policy and voiced concern about City liability related to displaying various flags.
Ms. Johnson asked whether the banner crossing SR 32 is limited to nonprofit organizations; the City Manager confirmed they are.
Susie Smith, county resident, shared concerns about how the two proposed policies might affect the community.
Erin Passero asked questions and expressed concerns regarding the proposed policies.
Froyland Mendoza, Orland resident, questioned why flying the Mexican flag has become such an issue and expressed respect for both the American and Mexican flags. He stated that the proposed policies lack clarity.
Francine Hamlin, Orland resident, suggested that if the American flag is still allowed to be flown on SR32, the flag society should include Cesar Chavez Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Juneteenth.
Virginia Kirkpatrick, Orland resident, expressed sadness about the community division over the flag issue and encouraged celebrating diversity.
Rosa stated that the Hispanic community represents the majority in Orland and should be respected by allowing the Hispanic flag to be displayed.
Cindy Smith, Orland resident, said America is a melting pot and expressed support for the governmentspeech-only policy.
Renee Drake, Orland resident, spoke about raising her family in Orland and expressed pride in the community’s patriotism.
Councilmember McDermott shared minor concerns about policy language but expressed support for Option 1 – the government-speech-only policy, emphasizing unity and togetherness.
Councilmember Barr underscored the importance of fairness and stated that the City will comply with all written guidance from Caltrans. She expressed disappointment that the issue was brought before the City Council when it concerns non–City-owned property but noted the Council’s intent to help resolve the matter. She emphasized that the City must remain viewpoint-neutral and that individuals are free to fly any flag on private property. She also supported Option 1 – the government-speech-only policy.
Mayor Romano expressed appreciation for community input, acknowledged the underlying hurt within the community, and stated that the Council’s goal is to do what is best for Orland. He noted that the absence of a flag policy exposes the City to legal risks and emphasized the need for a neutral policy.
He suggested forming a cultural awareness ad hoc committee and stated his support for Option 1 – the government-speech-only policy, calling it the best option to protect the City from legal challenges.
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Tolle, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-17 a resolution of the City Council of the City of Orland adopting a policy regarding the display of flags on city property and city-maintained rights-of-way with the selected Flag Display Policy Option 1 – Neutral . Motion carried by a voice vote 4-0.
City Manager Verbal Report
City Manager Joe Goodman briefed the Council on various projects around town, highlighting the following updates:
• Reported that the Fire Station roof has received three bids and City staff is evaluating all bids.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
Councilmember McDermott:
• Had nothing to report.
Councilmember Barr:
• Had nothing to report.
Vice Mayor Tolle:
• Had nothing to report.
Mayor Romano:
• Had nothing to report.
MEETING ADJOURNED 8:58 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Mathew Romano, Mayor