CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Terrie Barr at 6:30 PM.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Councilmembers John McDermott, JC Tolle, Matt Romano, Vice Mayor Alex Enriquez, and Mayor Terrie Barr
Councilmembers Absent: None
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: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (Payable Obligations)
B. Approve City Council Minutes from December 2, 2025
C. Authorization to Update Public Works Equipment Lifts D. Authorization to Install Battery Backup System at Commerce and Newville Stoplight ACTION: Councilmember Romano moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Tolle, to approve the consent calendar as presented. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARING
City Manager Joe Goodman presented a public hearing closing out 3 grants (20-CDBG-CV2-3-00204 – Recreation Center Automatic Doors, 20-CDBG-CV2-3-00205 – City Hall/Police Department Automatic Doors and 20-CDBG-CV2-3-00207- Library Automatic Doors and Shade Structure) Mayor Barr opened the Public Hearing at 6:36 P.M.
With no comments made Mayor Barr closed the Public Hearing at 6:36 P.M.
ACTION: Councilmember Romano moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Enriquez, to approve the approve the matter as presented. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
PRESENTATION
ORLAND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Library Director Jody Meza presented a slideshow highlighting the library’s 2024/2025 status and accomplishments. She reported a diverse and growing collection, including over 400,000 eBooks, 36,482 physical items, Chromebooks and connectivity kits, Learning2Go kits, and specialty items such as Parks Passes and telescopes. Library use increased, with a 9% rise in visits and digital checkouts and a 5% increase in overall checkouts. The library served 10,443 users and hosted 176 programs with 4,163 attendees.
Ms. Meza outlined major facility and service improvements completed in 2024/2025, including a new generator, roof, HVAC system, and ADA doors, along with continued designation as a Clean Air Center. The library also secured multiple grants supporting youth literacy, programming, and facility enhancements.
Looking ahead to 2025, goals include strengthening student success partnerships, expanding literacy initiatives and outreach, increasing community education, and offering more all-ages programming. Ms.
Meza concluded by acknowledging the strong support and partnerships from community organizations and local agencies.
Orland resident Coreen Deleon asked whether the schools were aware of the program schedule and suggested notifying them to help spread the word.
The Council thanked Ms. Meza and Library staff for their continued dedication and outstanding service to the community, noting that the library serves as a true beacon for Orland.
Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the library’s extensive outreach programs and the positive impact they have on residents. When asked about the library’s current needs, Ms.
Meza shared that the library is in a strong position staffing-wise, with a capable and successful team.
The Council also commended Ms. Meza for her success in securing grants for the library and expressed sincere appreciation for her leadership and commitment, as well as for the exceptional contributions of her entire team.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Review of the Community Enrichment Ad Hoc Committee Framework After reviewing the Community Enrichment Ad Hoc Committee Framework at the December 2 City Council meeting, the Council directed City Manager Joe Goodman to return with a revised proposal after receiving feedback from both the Council and the community. Mr. Goodman explained that the committee’s purpose is to expand community events, activate public spaces, and enhance Orland’s social and civic life. He noted that the committee will engage diverse community voices, support downtown activation, promote public gatherings, maintain a neutral mission that does not focus on any one cultural or identity advocacy group, and assist in carrying out Council priorities. Mr. Goodman also outlined the revisions that were made to the policy.
Ms. Deleon thanked the Council for reviewing the policy.
County resident Sarah Bosley shared her perspective on the policy and requested further review, noting that she felt there were areas of ambiguity within the framework.
Following the discussion, the Council agreed that the proposed policy is a solid starting point and expressed interest in having the committee revisit and refine the policy once it is formally established and bring any changes to the policy back to Council for consideration.
Action: Vice Mayor Enriquez moved, seconded by Councilmember Romano to Approve the attached Resolution establishing the Community Enrichment Ad Hoc Committee and authorize staff to begin the application process. Upon voice vote, the motion carried 5-0.
City Accounting and Budgets Update for Q1
City Manager Joe Goodman presented the First Quarter Budget Review for the period ending September 30, 2025, using the City’s new financial reporting system, Tyler ERP Pro 10.
As of the first quarter, the City has expended 17.37% of its total budget, with the General Fund at
27.3%. Most other funds remain below the 25% benchmark. Mr. Goodman noted that some expenditure variances are expected due to the transition to the new accounting system and will be corrected before the next quarterly report.
Estimated revenues are generally tracking as expected, with sales tax at 23.47%, Measure A at
30.78%, Measure J at 37.48%, Water Enterprise at 40.98%, and Sewer Enterprise at 49.89%. Staff will continue monitoring revenues and recommend mid-year budget adjustments if needed.
Mr. Goodman stated that staff will provide more detailed financial analysis in upcoming meetings and work toward reducing the General Fund deficit while preparing the FY 2026–27 budget.
Councilmembers expressed concerns regarding expenditure amounts, allocation issues, and the underlying reasons for the City’s budget deficit. City Manager Goodman explained that there is no single cause for the deficit, noting that operating costs continue to rise while revenues have remained relatively flat. He also stated that staff is working to bring all City funds into a consistent reporting format and anticipates completing that effort by the next budget cycle.
Councilmembers discussed the new reporting format and expressed their appreciation for its clarity and usefulness. Mr. Goodman added that he will be meeting with all department heads to review individual departmental budgets.
Employment Agreement for UPEC General Unit
City Manager Joe Goodman presented the General Unit agreement, which provides a 2% salary increase effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with a salary reopener scheduled to begin in January 2026. Employees who hold state-required certifications in pool operation, water treatment, Grade I or Grade II water distribution, wastewater treatment, or Class A or Class B licenses will receive a 4.5% salary increase per certification, up to a maximum stipend of 18%.
In addition, the agreement also increases the annual boot allowance from $220 to $300, with an increase up to $380 in special circumstances requiring a medical prescription. Mr. Goodman noted that the action also includes approval of the updated salary schedule.
Council thanked the employees for their patience throughout the lengthy process and expressed appreciation that an agreement was reached. They also shared their hope that future revenue growth will allow the City to continue supporting employees in upcoming negotiations.
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Romano, to approve Resolution 2025-21, a Resolution of The City Council of the City of Orland Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Orland and the Employees Represented by the United Public Employees of California Local 792, Orland General Unit, for One Year, Effective July 1, 2025, through June 20, 2026. Motion carried by a voice vote, 4-0-1. (Vice Mayor Enriquez abstained from voting as he was not part of the negotiations).
Authorization for Carnegie and Purity Building Hazardous Materials Survey City Manager Joe Goodman requested Council authorization to conduct hazardous materials surveys of the Carnegie Center and the Purity Building at a cost of $21,200. The surveys, including limited demolition at the Purity Building, will help identify materials requiring mitigation and provide more accurate cost estimates for demolition and renovation. Funding is proposed from Development Impact Fees allocated for City Hall and future community/recreation facilities.
Council discussed project priorities and reached a consensus that the City Hall/Police Department building is the top priority and should be addressed first. Council also emphasized that Carnegie is an important part of the community and should not be overlooked. Mr. Goodman shared that the survey is expected to take two to three days on site, after which it will be included in the feasibility report.
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Romano, to recommend that the City Council authorize staff to execute a $21,200.00 contract to conduct a comprehensive hazardous materials survey at the Carnegie and Purity Buildings. The motion carried by voice vote, 5–0.
City Council 2025 Appointments to Boards and Commissions Mayor Barr announced the City Council appointments to Boards and Commissions for 2026. 2026 Council Appointments to Boards and Commissions
Updated December 16, 2025
City Commissions
Arts Barr
3rd Wed, monthly, 7 pm Romano (alternate)
Economic Development (EDC) McDermott
2nd Tues, every month, 4 pm Barr (alternate)
Library Barr
2nd Mon, every other month, 5:00 pm Tolle (alternate)
Parks & Recreation Enriquez
4th Wed, meets when called, 6:30 pm Romano (alternate)
Planning Enriquez
4th Thurs, monthly, 5:30 pm McDermott (alternate)
Public Works/Safety Tolle
2nd Tues, every even month, 4 pm Enriquez (alternate)
**************************************************************************************************** City Selection Committee Mayor - Barr
Orland Unit Water Users’ Assoc
Voting delegate (Membership) Romano
Orland Area Chamber of Commerce Tolle
Council Liasion Barr (alternate)
Fire Department Liaison McDermott
2nd Mon, monthly, dinner 7 pm, Barr (alternate)
meeting 8pm
(One Councilmember, One Alt.)
Code Enforcement Hearing Officer Romano
(One Councilmember, One Alt.) Tolle (alternate)
Queen Bee Capital Committee Barr
**************************************************************************************************** County Committees
Joint City/County EDC Tolle
Barr
LAFCo Romano
Meets 2nd Monday, 9 am, monthly Barr (Alt seat for Orland in 2026) County pays $50 monthly stipend
(Alternate switches between Orland & Willows; 2027 appointment is from Willows) Transit Committee
(Needs two members and one Alt) Tolle
Meets with Local Transportation Comm. Barr
County pays $50 monthly stipend
Transportation Commission
(Need two members) Tolle
3rd Thurs, monthly, 10 am, Barr
County pays $50 monthly stipend
Waste Management Regional Tolle
Agency Barr
(Two members and one alt)
(2026 one member & one alt, 2027 two member & one alt)
Air Pollution Control District Board Mayor
(Council minute order if City asked Vice Mayor (alternate) to serve on board)
(One Councilmember, One Alt.)
Airport Land Use Commission Romano
No meeting schedule No alternates on this commission
Glenn County Groundwater Romano
Sustainability Agency (GGA) & Joe Goodman & Barber (alternate) Drought Task Force
(One Councilmember, One Alt.)
Golden State Risk Management Romano
2nd Wed every other month, 6 pm
GSRMA pays $100 per meeting stipend
Cal Cities Barr
(a.k.a League of California Cities) Tolle (alternate)
Resource Conservation District Enriquez
Glenn County Senior Wellness Roundtable McDermott
Glenn Continuum of Care McDermott
Abandoned Vehicle Abatement City Police Chief – Joe Vlach Services Authority
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Enriquez, to: approve updated Council appointments to boards and commissions. The motion carried by voice vote, 5–0.
Authorization to Retain Demographer for City Council District Voting City Attorney Scott Drexel informed Council that staff will need authorization to engage a demographer to assist with transitioning the City of Orland from at-large to district-based voting for future City Council elections. He noted that he has reached out to a demographer who handles approximately 80% of this type of work in California, and that the estimated cost for their services is $20,000–$30,000. This demographer will ensure the districting process is completed by May 2026, ahead of the November 2026 election.
Mr. Drexel also noted that, while he has contacted one demographer, the City could alternatively issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit additional bids. He further addressed questions from the community and Council that were raised at the previous meeting.
County resident Kristi Rumble asked how community members will determine which district they are in.
Mr. Drexel shared that community members will be notified and that there will be multiple community meetings, as well as notices on the City website, Facebook, and possibly in the water bill.
County resident Sarah Bosley asked questions regarding district voting.
Council directed City staff to do an RFP for a demographer and follow through with the timeline to transition.
City Manager Verbal Report
City Manager Joe Goodman provided the Council with an update on several ongoing projects throughout the community, highlighting the following:
• Roof repairs at the Fire Department are progressing quickly, with only trim work remaining; however, weather conditions are delaying completion.
• An offer has been extended to a candidate for the part-time accounting position, with an anticipated start date of January 5.
• A tree ordinance will be included on the next Council agenda, and landscaping around the water park will also be discussed.
• The City Planner is currently reviewing the Objective Design Standards, and recommendations will be presented to the City Manager for consideration.
• Roy Stewart, Lead Mechanic, assisted in securing the City’s placement on the list for significant funding from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for wastewater pond stabilization, which will allow the City’s wastewater ponds to be cleaned and relined.
• The pre-bid meeting for the downtown water main replacement project was successful, with strong contractor interest in replacing water mains in the alleys. • The City Engineer is working to identify funding opportunities for the City dump location.
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
Councilmember McDermott:
• Had no items to report.
Mayor Barr:
• Had no items to report; wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and thanked the community for attending the meeting.
Vice Mayor Enriquez:
• Had no items to report.
Councilmember Romano:
• Provided a brief report from the 12-hour ambulance committee. • Shared that City support for a 24-hour ambulance service will need to be reviewed at the first meeting in February.
Councilmember Tolle:
• Served as a judge for the City’s light parade along with Councilmember McDermott.
MEETING ADJOURNED 9:04 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Terrie Barr, Mayor