CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Vice Mayor Enriquez at 6:30 PM.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Councilmembers John McDermott, JC Tolle, Matt Romano and Vice Mayor Alex Enriquez
Councilmembers Absent: Mayor Terrie Barr
Staff Present: City Manager Joe Goodman, City Clerk Jennifer Schmitke, Police Chief Joe Vlach, City Attorney Scott Drexel
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Warren Roll, President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, spoke regarding plans for veterans to host a hospitality space and display a Vietnam War photo exhibit at Memorial Hall during the Wall That Heals event scheduled for March 26–29. Mr. Roll explained that the group would like to close a section of Monterey Street between Spence Field and Memorial Hall to display military vehicles. He requested that this item be brought forward to the City Council for discussion at a future meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING
City Attorney Scott Drexel briefly spoke about the City’s transition from an at-large election system to by-district elections following the Council’s adoption of a Resolution of Intent on December 2, 2025. He explained the public hearing process required under California Elections Code Section 10010, including gathering input on neighborhoods and communities of interest before draft district maps are created.
Mr. Drexel reviewed the remaining schedule of public hearings, including:
• March 17 – Second public hearing to gather input on district composition factors. • April 7 – Third public hearing and first review of draft maps (to be posted by March 31). • April 21 – Fourth public hearing and continued discussion of draft maps (additional maps to be posted by April 14).
• May 5 – Fifth public hearing for selection of the final district map and adoption of the election sequencing plan.
ORLAND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Due to technical difficulties, the public hearing was briefly delayed until the speaker was able to join the Zoom meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (Payable Obligations)
B. Approve City Council Minutes from February 17, 2026
C. Receive and File Planning Commission Minutes from January 22, 2026 D. Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of a Grant Application for Remediation of a Portion of the City Dump
ACTION: Councilmember Romano moved, seconded by Councilmember Tolle, to approve the consent calendar as presented. Motion carried by a voice vote 4-0.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Lely West Field Naming – Follow-up Information and Consideration of “Boyles Wilson Field” City Manager Joe Goodman reported that, following the City Council’s February 17, 2026 discussion regarding the Recreation Commission’s recommendation to name the Lely West baseball field in honor of Bob Boyles and Wes Wilson, staff conducted additional research to address Council’s questions regarding naming practices and potential impacts to Lely Park’s name.
Mr. Goodman confirmed that the proposal would apply only to the baseball field and would not change the name of Lely Park. Staff also contacted Wim Lely, grandson of former Mayor J. Wim Lely, who expressed support for recognizing community members and indicated he is comfortable with the proposal.
Mr. Goodman noted that individual fields within Lely Park have previously been named to recognize community contributions, including Darron Galvan Field (2017) and Joe Quail Field (1997), without changing the park’s overall name. Staff recommended naming the field “Boyles Wilson Field” in recognition of Wes Wilson’s longtime service as a coach and baseball commissioner and Bob Boyles’ service as a police officer and volunteer in youth athletics. Staff also proposed installing a wooden sign consistent with existing park signage and noted that additional historical recognition options could be explored in the future.
Council discussed adding the first names of both men to the field name and considered signage ideas to provide additional information about the naming.
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Romano, Approve naming the Lely West baseball field “Boyles Wilson Field.” And to direct staff to install appropriate signage recognizing the dedication, consistent with other field naming practices at Lely Park.
Motion carried by a voice vote 4-0.
Ratification of Prior Building Inspection Services and Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Paxton Family Inspection Services
City Manager Joe Goodman reported that on November 16, 2022, the City entered into a Professional Services Agreement with Paxton-Scott Enterprises to provide Building Official, inspection, and plan review services, with the agreement set to expire on June 30, 2024 unless extended in writing.
In December 2024, it was identified that the agreement had expired and required renewal. At that time, the consultant submitted a revised agreement reflecting a business name change to Paxton Family Inspection Services and updated service rates. Due to administrative transitions, there is no record of a fully executed updated agreement or Council approval; however, the updated business name was entered into the City’s accounting system and invoices have been paid at the revised rates since that time.
Mr. Goodman noted that Paxton Family Inspection Services has continued providing Building Official, inspection, plan review, and code enforcement support services at the direction of City staff to ensure continuity of operations.
Mr. Goodman shared that the Paxton’s recently requested clarification of authority to continue services and formal ratification of prior services. Staff determined the situation was an administrative oversight during a transition period rather than a contractual dispute. Staff expressed satisfaction with the quality and professionalism of services provided and emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity in building services for development and permitting activities.
Staff recommended that the City Council ratify services provided since July 1, 2024 and approve the attached Professional Services Agreement moving forward to ensure proper documentation and compliance with contracting practices.
Councilmember Romano asked about the length of the agreement, and Mr. Goodman shared that it covers the years 2026 and 2027. Councilmember Romano noted that during his tenure with the City Council, he has found the Paxton’s to be very responsive to contractors and effective in working with the public. He added that the lapse in the contract was simply an unfortunate oversight, but throughout that time, their services remained consistent, with only a slight increase in rates. He emphasized that they are a valuable asset and do excellent work.
Councilmember McDermott also shared that, after speaking with various contractors in town, the Paxton’s are highly responsive and provide excellent service to the community.
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Romano, to ratify building inspection, plan review, and related services provided by Paxton Family Inspection Services from July 1, 2024 to present; and Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Paxton Family Inspection Services for Building Official, inspection, plan review, and related services moving forward. Motion carried by a voice vote 4-0.
Introduction of Ordinance 2026-01 Amending Orland Municipal Code Sections 2.32.030 and
2.36.030 – Commission Appointment Procedures: Introduction / First Reading City Attorney Scott Drexel presented a staff report on proposed amendments to the Orland Municipal Code related to commission appointment procedures. The amendments would update the Planning Commission interview panel by replacing the obsolete title “community services director” with “community development director or designee,” and removing the mandatory interview panel requirement for the Public Works and Safety Commission to align its appointment process with other City commissions. Mr. Drexel noted the changes support the standardized commission appointment process previously discussed by the Council and that the process could be formalized by resolution at a future meeting.
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Romano, to Introduce Ordinance No.2026-01, amending Sections 2.32.030 and 2.36.030 of the Orland Municipal Code relating to commission appointment procedures; and Direct the City Clerk to publish notice of the ordinance in accordance with Government Code Section 36933 and schedule adoption at the next regular City Council meeting. Motion carried by a voice vote 4-0.
PUBLIC HEARING
Mr. Drexel introduced Douglas Johnson President of National Demographics Corportation (NDC), who briefly presented a PowerPoint providing an overview of the districting process for the community. Mr.
Johnson explained the three election systems: (1) “At-Large,” (2) “From District” or “Residence Districts,” and (3) “By District.” He also reviewed the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA), its potential impacts, the districting process, districting rules and goals, and a demographic summary.
Mr. Johnson highlighted the launch of the City’s public mapping tool and interactive review website, provided by the districting consultant, National Demographics Corporation (NDC), available at DrawOrland.org. The website includes public mapping and map review tools. He noted that the current hearing fulfills part of the initial statutory requirement by inviting public input on neighborhoods, communities of interest, and other local factors to consider when developing draft district boundaries.
Mr. Johnson also reviewed, step by step, what to expect at each of the five public hearings.
Councilmember McDermott asked what happens if no one runs in a district. Mr. Johnson stated that this is a rare issue in small cities and is treated like any other vacancy: if someone resigns or no one runs for a seat, the City Council can accept applications and appoint someone. Councilmember McDermott also asked how often the City would need to contract with NDC to re-evaluate the community as it grows. Mr. Johnson explained that this generally does not occur unless a heavily populated area is annexed, and that district rebalancing typically occurs after a census.
Councilmember Tolle asked how the process works if the Council selects a four-district model with a mayor elected for two years. Mr. Johnson explained that the mayor would be elected citywide every two or four years, and that this election method should be determined at the beginning of the mapping process.
Vice Mayor Enriquez asked about a past single-member election in another city that NDC worked with, and Mr. Johnson provided an explanation.
Vice Mayor Enriquez opened the Public Hearing at 7:25 p.m.
Orland resident Ron Lane asked whether districting and population are based on total population or registered voters within the district. Mr. Johnson responded that it is based on total population.
Orland resident Daniel Louder asked if, under a five-seat model, the mayor would be elected from among those five seats, and if a four-seat option with a mayor at large were chosen. Mr. Johnson confirmed that his understanding was correct. Mr. Louder stated his preference for the five-seat option.
Vice Mayor Enriquez closed the Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m.
Councilmembers discussed the options and agreed they would like to hear from the community before making a decision. They plan to bring the discussion back to the next meeting after the community has had time to review the five-Council-district model with a rotating mayor and the four-Council-district model with a citywide-elected mayor.
City Manager Verbal Report
City Manager Joe Goodman shared that a budget update will be provided at the March 17th meeting.
He also reported that the Alley Water Line project is on track and is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.
City Council Communications and Reports
Councilmember McDermott:
• The Wall that Heals March 26th-29th – Volunteers are needed Vice Mayor Enriquez:
• Nothing to Report
Councilmember Romano:
• Nothing to Report
Councilmember Tolle:
• Nothing to Report
MEETING ADJOURNED 7:35 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Terrie Barr, Mayor