CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Barr at 6:00 PM.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Councilmembers JC Tolle, John McDermott , Vice Mayor Alex Enriquez and Mayor Terrie Barr
Councilmembers Absent: None
Staff Present: Acting City Manager Janet Wackerman, City Clerk Jennifer Schmitke, City Attorney Scott Drexel, Library Director Jody Meza and City Engineer Paul Rabo
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CITIZENS COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION - None
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 Barr announced that the Council met with the City Staff and City Attorney Scott Drexel in Closed Session to discuss public employment: City Manager, and Anticipated Litigation-Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4):
One (1) potential case as noted on the Closed Session agenda, Mayor Barr shared that there was no reportable action.
PUBLIC HEARING
A. 5th Public Hearing: Requesting Public Input Regarding the Composition of Potential Council Election Districts
Douglas Johnson of National Demographics Corporation presented via Zoom an overview of the City’s transition from at-large to by-district elections following the Council’s adoption of a Resolution of Intent on December 2, 2025. This was the fourth of five required public hearings.
Mr. Johnson reported on the City’s ongoing districting process, noting that the required public hearings were being held pursuant to Elections Code Section 10010. Mr. Johnson stated that no draft maps were submitted by the public and reviewed two draft maps prepared by the City’s demographer for Council consideration. He also noted the Council’s previous preference for a five-district map and
ORLAND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
implementation of by-district elections beginning in 2026. Mr. Johnson reviewed the proposed election sequencing and reviewed the two maps that were presented in the agenda.
Mr. Johnson reviewed the next steps for the Council, which include holding a public hearing, selecting a preferred map, and determining an election sequence, either three districts in 2026 or two districts in 2028, followed by the formal introduction of the ordinance. He also advised that final adoption of a district map is recommended by the end of May to allow sufficient time for implementation by the County Registrar.
Mayor Barr opened the public hearing at 6:45 p.m.
County resident Jake Hackett expressed support for Map 501 and voiced concerns about delaying the implementation process.
City resident Andy Ramirez requested clarification regarding upcoming Council seat openings and the proposed election sequence.
Council discussed their preferences between maps 501 and 502. Councilmember Tolle shared his preference for map 501; Vice Mayor Enriquez and Councilmember McDermott did not have a preference for either map, while Mayor Barr shared her support for map 502.
City Attorney Scott Drexel briefed the Council on the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, Louisiana v.
Calais, issued April 29, regarding the use of race in drawing district boundaries. He advised that the City of Orland is currently in compliance with applicable legal requirements and that the City’s draft maps were developed using traditional redistricting principles. Mr. Drexel further noted that the ruling may create uncertainty regarding how the California Voting Rights Act will be interpreted moving forward, which is the law that initiated Orland’s districting process.
ACTION: Councilmember Tolle moved, seconded by Councilmember McDemott, to select map 501 for the 2026 election. Motion carried by a voice vote 3-1.
AYES: Councilmembers McDermott, Tolle, Vice Mayor Enriquez NOES: Mayor Barr
Councilmembers discussed the direction of the election sequence and agreed that, in fairness to the community, they would like to postpone implementation of district-based elections from the 2026 election cycle and delay the districting process until the 2028 election.
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Tolle, to postpone the district elections till 2028. Motion carried by a voice call vote 4-0 Mr. Irvin expressed concerns that the Council had voted to postpone district-based elections until 2028, while the map selection vote referenced implementation for the 2026 election cycle. He asked whether public comment would be allowed regarding the postponement of district elections to 2028.
City Attorney Scott Drexel stated that the mayor could reopen public comment and noted that the Council could amend its original motion if desired.
Mr. Johnson clarified that all motions approved by the Council would be incorporated into the final ordinance.
Mr. Hackett shared his concerns about not immediately following through with the district election in 2026.
Orland resident Earl Megginson asked if the City was going to have to pay to go through the process again in 2028.
Orland resident Sharon Lazorko shared her preference for the council to hold off on district elections until 2028.
Mr. Ramirez asked if the 2026 election will be at large and if the City will know the districts by that election. Mr. Johnson said districts will be known.
ACTION: Vice Mayor Enriquez moved, to reconsider the previous vote. With no second the motion failed.
Mr. Drexel clarified that the reason there isn’t a roll call vote is because staff is just looking for direction from Council to write the ordinance.
Mayor Barr closed the public hearing at 7:05 p.m.
Mr. Johnson verified that there will be three seats available in 2028 and asked council to decide which district will be open for district election in 2028. Council discussed and agreed that 2, 4 and 5 should be the open seats for the district election.
ACTION: Vice Mayor Enriquez moved, seconded by Councilmember McDemott, to have districts 2,4 and 5 in the 2028 election cycle. Motion carried by a voice vote 4-0.
Mr. Johnson shared that he is always available to help the City if they have questions.
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
APPOINTMENT TO FILL COUNCIL VACANCY AND ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE City Attorney Scott Drexel provided a brief overview of the council vacancy that opened at the beginning of November and outlined the Council’s decision to appoint a new councilmember rather than hold a special election. Mr. Drexel explained the next steps the Council would take in the appointment process.
Mayor Barr invited the three applicants who submitted applications to step forward and address the Council. All three candidates were interviewed separately and in alphabetical order. Wade Elliott, Dennis Hoffman, and Billy Irvin have all previously served as City Councilmembers. Each candidate spoke briefly about themselves and answered three questions from the Council, including: “What do you believe are the most important issues currently facing the City of Orland, and how would you approach them during the remainder of the term?” “How do you view the relationship between the City Council, the City Manager, and City staff, and how would you operate within that relationship?” and “Describe your approach to decision-making when constituents, fellow Councilmembers, or staff hold differing views on a matter before the Council.”
Elliott emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline and prioritizing active listening, referencing his experience during the 2008 recession when the Council adopted reduced hours and implemented a hiring freeze.
Hoffman noted his experience with the county tax-sharing agreement and his involvement in significant development negotiations, including the Pilot Flying J truck stop project.
Irvin emphasized his readiness to ask difficult questions and his commitment to staying engaged in challenging issues rather than avoiding them.
Mr. Megginson asked the candidates a question regarding outstanding finance issues. Each candidate responded.
Ms. Lazorko stated the City was very fortunate to have the three candidates come forward and shared her preference for Candidate Elliott.
Orland resident Jan Walker stated that all three candidates had helped make Orland successful and shared her preference for Candidate Hoffman. She also asked a question regarding the proposed revenue increase for the City. Each candidate responded.
Councilmembers were given an opportunity to ask additional questions of each candidate. The Council then discussed the candidates, noting that each appeared highly qualified. However, the Council ultimately agreed that Wade Elliott should be appointed. Councilmember McDermott asked if the decision could be postponed until the next meeting, but Mr. Drexel explained that a special meeting would be required because the appointment deadline was May 17 and the next regular Council meeting would not be held until May 19.
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Tolle, to appoint Wade Elliott to fill the vacant Council seat immediately. Motion carried by a voice vote 4-0.
Mayor Barr abstained from the vote as she had personal connections to all three candidates.
City Clerk Jennifer Schmitke administered the Oath of Affirmation to the newly elected Councilmember Wade Elliott. Councilmember Elliott will serve the remainder of past Councilmember Romano’s term till December 2026.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (Payable Obligations)
B. Approve City Council Minutes from April 21, 2026
C. Receive and File Recreation Commission Minutes from January 28, 2026 D. Approve Library Park Music Garden
E. Approve the use of Vinsonhaler Park requested by Orland Historical and Cultural Society (OHCS) for Fourth of July Celebration
F. Approve Temporary Use Request – Orland Jr. Trojans Football & Cheer Fireworks Stand at 517 Walker Street (APN 040-184-002)
ACTION: Councilmember Elliott moved, seconded by Councilmember Tolle, to approve the consent calendar as presented. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Commission Appointments
City Clerk Jennifer Schmitke requested guidance from the Council regarding the appointment to a vacant Public Works and Safety Commission seat (two-year term) following a resignation in February 2026. The appointment would fill the remainder of the term, expiring December 31, 2026. Ms. Schmitke reported that, after several months of advertising, the City received three applications from qualified candidates: Alyson Johnson, Joshua Owings and Garrett Passero.
The Mayor allowed each candidate to come forward and briefly speak about themselves and share how they would be best qualified for the seat.
Council discussed each candidate and shared their preference for the vacant seat.
ACTION: Councilmember Elliott moved, seconded by Councilmember McDermott, to appoint Mr. Owings as the new commissioner for the Public Works and Safety Commission. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
Walker Street - Caltrans Capital Maintenance Project Utility Agreements City Engineer Paul Rabo presented the staff report regarding Caltrans Capital Maintenance Project (03- 0J500) on Newville Road and Walker Street from Interstate 5 to the Sacramento River.
Mr. Rabo reported that Caltrans is currently finalizing the Right-of-Way phase of the project. The project includes pavement rehabilitation, drainage system improvements, and upgrades to pedestrian facilities to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The project is scheduled to be advertised for construction during the 2026/27 construction season. The Right-of-Way phase includes acquisition of property, easements, and utility relocations.
Mr. Rabo stated that Caltrans is not acquiring any City property or easements; however, the project will require relocation and adjustment of existing City utilities, including manhole covers, valve covers, and fire hydrants. The project proposes relocation of 20 sewer manhole covers, one storm drain manhole cover, 42 water valve covers, and three fire hydrants. Utility work will primarily consist of adjusting existing facilities to match the new finished grade.
Staff has coordinated with Caltrans to determine prior rights, liability allocations, and associated costs for the affected utilities. The estimated cost breakdown is as follows:
• Sewer Manhole Covers (20): Caltrans 60% ($32,400.00); City 40% ($21,600.00); work performed by Caltrans
• Storm Drain Manhole Cover (1): Caltrans 0% ($0.00); City 100% ($2,700.00); work performed by Caltrans
• Water Valve Covers (42): Caltrans 55% ($32,890.00); City 45% ($27,170.00); work performed by Caltrans
• Fire Hydrants (3): Caltrans 100% ($67,710.00); City 0% ($0.00); work performed by the City Mr. Rabo noted that the costs provided are estimates. The City’s total estimated responsibility is $51,470.00, as reflected in the table above. Upon completion of the project, Caltrans will invoice the City for actual costs incurred.
Councilmember McDermott asked if the storm drains would be address with this project and Mr. Rabo shared limited storm drains would be addressed in this project, and explained the majority of storm drain work will be addressed with the 2030 Caltrans project (IN200-Complete Streets).
Vice Mayor Enriquez shared an idea to plant a seed regarding a beautification project to add artwork to manhole covers sharing it could be an Art Commission project.
ACTION: Councilmember Elliott moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Enriquez, to authorize the City Manager to execute the utility agreements and all other documents necessary to complete the agreement. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
City Manager Verbal Report
Interim City Manager Ms. Wackerman shared that Regional Government Services (RGS) would like to schedule a budget meeting with the Council and staff on May 20. She also noted that City staff would meet with RGS on May 13.
Library Director Jody Meza shared that Keller Williams Reality annually selects a volunteer project and has chosen to assist with improvements to the Library and Library Park areas, including painting parts of the building, painting the drinking fountain, and benches, as well as installing new plants and completing general cleanup efforts. Ms. Meza expressed her appreciation for Keller Williams’ willingness to volunteer within the Orland community.
Ms. Wackerman welcomed Councilmember Elliott back to the Council.
Councilmember Tolle asked whether Ms. Wackerman had received any updates regarding employee negotiations. Ms. Wackerman responded that she is working with RGS to provide accurate information to the employee representative.
City Council Communications and Reports
Councilmember Elliott:
• Thanked the community for attending the meeting.
Vice Mayor Enriquez:
• Shared that the Recreation Commission is very active and currently has many activities underway.
Mayor Barr:
• Reported attending the Hot Rod and Honey Car Show and thanked the community for making the event a success.
Councilmember McDermott:
• Expressed that he was glad to have Councilmember Elliott back on the Council.
Councilmember Tolle:
• Asked whether Councilmember Elliott could take on some additional board and commission assignments.
MEETING ADJOURNED 8:39 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Terrie Barr, Mayor