CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Barr at 5:30 PM.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Councilmembers JC Tolle, John McDermott (arrived at 5:33 pm), Wade Elliott, Vice Mayor Alex Enriquez and Mayor Terrie Barr Councilmembers Absent: None
Staff Present: Interim City Manager Justin Chaney, City Clerk Jennifer Schmitke, City Attorney Scott Drexel, Negotiation Attorney Greg Einhorn, Public Works Director Zach Barber, Library Director Jody Meza, Recreation Manager Olivia Esquivel, Police Chief Joe Vlach
CITIZENS COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION - None
MEETING ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION AT 6:01 PM
CLOSED SESSION ENDED AND RECONVENED TO REGULAR SESSION AT 6:37 PM REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION - City Council met in Closed Session with City staff and City Attorney Scott Drexel to discuss public employment appointments and conference with labor Negotiators, Conference With Legal Counsel — Anticipated Litigation, Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Government Code Section 54956.8), as posted on the agenda. Pursuant to Government Code § 54957.1, Attorney Drexel reported that no reportable action was taken.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Waste Management representative Joantha Guthrie shared that she had a positive experience meeting with City staff and the Interim City Manager.
PG&E local representative David Mung introduced himself and provided information about PG&E's new wildfire coalition initiative.
Orland resident Heather LeDonne expressed her support for Hidden Treasures Cat Sanctuary and inquired about the reimbursement process for spaying and neutering.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Warrant List (Payable Obligations) - July 7, 2026
B. Warrant List (Payable Obligations) - July 21, 2026
C. Approve City Council Minutes for June 16, 2026
D. Resolution Establishing the Classification of Director of Administrative Services/City Clerk; Adopting the Class Specification and Salary Range; and Approving a Mid-Term Side Letter of Agreement with UPEC Local 792 Adding the Classification to the Mid-Management Unit E. Consider Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Golden State Connect Authority F. Consider Cost Share Agreement for Enhanced Ambulance Services G. Consider Extra Help Contract for Janet Wackerman
H. Consider update to Boards and Commissions
I. Consider School Resource Officer (SRO) MOU
J. Consider Turf Tank Robotic Field Painter
K. Consider Commission Appointment
ORLAND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Councilmember Elliott requested clarification on Item G, Consider Extra Help Contract for Janet Wackerman, noting that the agreement was missing the effective date, hourly rate, and drafting notes.
He requested that these items be corrected before the contract is finalized. He also requested that the agreement clearly identify who Ms. Wackerman would report to and who would determine her work hours.
Councilmember Elliott also requested that Item C, City Council Minutes for June 16, 2026, be removed from the Consent Calendar. He expressed concern that several questions raised during the meeting were not reflected in the minutes because they remained unanswered. He stated that these issues are important to the community and requested that the minutes be updated to include the unanswered questions and returned to the Council for review and approval at a future meeting.
Mayor Barr noted that regarding Item H, Update to Boards and Commissions, Councilmember Elliott volunteered to serve on the two highlighted boards, including LAFCo and Waste Management. Mayor Barr requested that Item K, Commission Appointment, be removed from the Consent Calendar and discussed under Administrative Business.
ACTION: Councilmember Elliott moved, seconded by Councilmember Tolle, to pull items C, pending revision. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
ACTION: Councilmember Elliott moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Enriquez, to item K and move it to administrative business. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
Orland resident Ron Lane asked questions regarding the ongoing costs associated with item J, Turf Tank Robotic Field Painter. Recreation Manager Olivia Esquivel provided information regarding the equipment and its use.
Glenn County resident Jeremiah Hackett requested clarification regarding the services provided by the Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA). Kyle Zimbelman, GSCA Representative, provided information regarding GSCA services available to Glenn County and the City of Orland. Mayor Barr asked whether there was a separate contract specific to the City of Orland, noting that the agreement included in the agenda referenced Glenn County. Mr. Zimbelman stated that he would update the contract and provide the revised agreement to the City.
ACTION: Councilmember McDermott moved, seconded by Councilmember Tolle, to approve the consent calendar as corrected and presented. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARING - Ordinance No. 2026-XX Establishing By-District City Council Elections City Attorney Scott Drexel presented the staff report regarding the ordinance establishing district-based City Council elections. He provided an overview of the City’s transition from at-large elections to districtbased elections under the Elections Code section 10010 safe-harbor process.
Mr. Drexel explained that the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-20 on December 2, 2025, initiating the transition process and retained National Demographics Corporation (NDC) to assist with the required public hearing process and map development. Following the required hearings, the Council selected Map 501 as the City’s district map at the May 5, 2026, meeting.
Mr. Drexel reviewed the ordinance provisions, including adoption of Map 501, the election sequence, future district boundary adjustments following each federal census, and requirements for filling mid-term vacancies. He explained that district-based elections would begin in November 2028, with Districts 2, 4, and 5 holding elections in 2028 and Districts 1 and 3 transitioning in 2030.
Mr. Drexel noted that the ordinance was presented for first reading at a noticed public hearing, with second reading and adoption scheduled for the next regular Council meeting. He also referenced NDC’s report confirming Map 501’s compliance with the FAIR MAPS Act criteria.
Mayor Barr opened the public hearing regarding the ordinance establishing district-based City Council elections at 6:57 pm.
Mr. Hackett expressed his appreciation for the ordinance being placed on the agenda and stated that he was pleased with the proposed 501A map. He thanked the City Council for listening to his input throughout the process.
Mayor Barr closed the public hearing at 6:58 pm.
Councilmembers discussed the proposed ordinance establishing district-based City Council elections.
Councilmember Elliott expressed his opposition to the transition. He shared concerns regarding the requirement to update district maps every four years and stated that he believed the Council’s intent in adopting the ordinance was to ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
Councilmember Elliott noted that he had met with the City Attorney regarding potential changes to the California Voting Rights Act following the Louisiana decision. Mr. Drexel stated that there is potential for changes as the law continues to evolve. Councilmember Elliott clarified with the City Attorney that no legal suit has been filed against the City of Orland based on a violation of the California Voting Rights Act. Councilmember Elliott suggested to Council to not adopt the ordinance at this meeting, sharing the council could revisit the ordinance in the future if needed.
Councilmember McDermott shared that the Council was brought the district-based elections with the idea that if the City did not adopt an ordinance, it would get sued, felt that the Council had to move quickly. Councilmember McDermott agreed with Councilor Elliott that the topic can be brought back at a future meeting if needed.
Mr. Drexel reminded Council that demand letters are still going out by all the same firms and small cities are still being sued. And stated that his legal opinion is now that the California Voting Rights Act has somehow been affected.
Councilmember Tolle asked why the ordinance had been placed back on the agenda, stating he thought it had already been “put to bed”. Mr. Drexel shared that the last step is to adopt the ordinance.
Vice Mayor Enriquez shared that districting creates a fair representation of people, not just by race .
Vice Mayor Enriquez shared his concern about districting areas not having representation due to people not running in a certain area. Vice Mayor Enriquez is in favor of the districting.
Mayor Barr questioned whether not adopting the ordinance at this meeting and potentially making changes in the future would leave the City exposed to potential legal challenges. Discussion followed regarding the risks of delaying adoption versus moving forward with the ordinance.
Mr. Drexel explained that if the City chose not to adopt the ordinance and a challenge arose, the City could still proceed with adoption at that time; however, the City would remain exposed until action was taken. He further noted that if the ordinance were adopted and future legal changes occurred, the City could evaluate whether amendments or other actions were necessary. He stated that the City would not have control over how future legal requirements develop.
ACTION: Vice Mayor Enriquez moved, seconded by Mayor Barr, to waive the first reading and introduce, by title only, Ordinance No. 2026-XX establishing district elections for the City Council; and (2) direct that the ordinance return for second reading and adoption at the Council's next regular meeting. Motion failed by a roll call vote 2-3.
Ayes: Vice Mayor Enriquez and Mayor Barr
Noes: Councilmembers McDermott, Tolle and Elliott
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Consider Commission Appointment
City Clerk Jennifer Schmitke presented the staff report regarding current vacancies on the City's Commissions. She explained that vacancies had occurred due to resignations and forfeitures and that the City was currently accepting applications for the Library Commission and Arts Commission.
Ms. Schmitke reported that one qualified application had been received for the Arts Commission from Eneas Rosales to fill the unexpired term ending in December 2026. She also noted that the Library Commission vacancy remained open until filled, with the term ending in December 2027.
Councilmembers discussed the commission vacancies and thanked Eneas Rosales for his willingness to serve the community. Mr. Rosales expressed his appreciation to the Council for the opportunity to serve the community.
ACTION: Councilmember Elliott moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Enriquez, to appoint Mr. Rosales to the Arts Commission. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
Review of Executive Recruitment Firm Proposals for City Manager Recruitment Interim City Manager Justin Chaney presented the staff report regarding executive recruitment services for the City's next permanent City Manager. He explained that hiring a permanent City Manager had been identified as one of the Council's highest priorities and that staff had solicited proposals from firms specializing in local government executive recruitment.
Mr. Chaney reviewed the three proposals received from Bob Murray & Associates, Peckham & McKenney, and Regional Government Services (RGS). He summarized each firm's qualifications, recruitment process, experience with California public agencies, and proposed costs, noting that the firms provide services including candidate recruitment, screening, interview facilitation, reference and background checks, and assistance with contract negotiations.
Interim City Manager Chaney reported that he had contacted other local communities that had utilized Peckham & McKenney for executive recruitment services and that those communities provided positive feedback regarding their experience with the firm.
Councilmembers discussed the proposals submitted by the recruitment firms, including their geographic proximity to Orland, pricing structures, and services offered. Discussion included the value of a oneyear placement guarantee and a proposal that offered a flat-fee structure. Staff reported that, of the three firms contacted, only Peckham & McKenney and RGS responded. Staff also shared that they had met with Roberta of Peckham & McKenney and found her to be knowledgeable and helpful throughout the discussions. Councilmember Elliott asked whether the selected firm would spend time in Orland to become familiar with the community, City staff, and the City Council.
Glenn County resident Marilyn Ponci asked why the recruitment process had been delayed. Mayor Barr explained that the City initially had information from only one firm and wanted to allow additional firms the opportunity to submit proposals and participate in the recruitment process. Ms. Ponci also asked about the individuals who had applied for the City Manager position. Mayor Barr responded that, while resumes had been received, the applicants did not possess the level of experience the City is seeking.
Orland resident Erin Pasero suggested that, if the City Council authorized Interim City Manager Chaney to select the recruitment firm, the Council should establish a deadline for making that decision.
ACTION: Councilmember Elliott moved, seconded by Councilmember McDermott to give direction to the Interim City Manager and staff to enter into a contract with Peckham & McKenney for their proposal for the purpose of City Manager recruitment. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
Professional Services Agreement with Pete Carr dba City Management Consulting Interim City Manager Justin Chaney presented the staff report regarding a professional services agreement for executive-level consulting support. He explained that the agreement would provide additional management, organizational, and administrative assistance on an as-needed basis to support City operations.
Mr. Chaney reviewed the proposed scope of services, which includes assisting with document preparation, reports, research, special projects, operational recommendations, recruitment and hiring support, and providing advice to department heads and the City Attorney at the direction of the Interim City Manager. He noted that the consultant would serve in an advisory capacity only, would not have decision-making authority on behalf of the City, and would primarily provide services remotely. He also stated that either party may terminate the agreement with notice.
City resident Sharon Lazorko expressed support for bringing back former City Manager Pete Carr.
Glenn County resident Valerie Johnson opposed the proposal, sharing her opinion of Mr. Carr's previous service.
Orland resident Heather LeDonne also spoke in opposition, citing her past experiences.
Orland resident Helen Tolle expressed support for Mr. Carr, stating that he possesses valuable institutional knowledge and experience.
Orland resident Erin Pasero commented that, if Interim City Manager Chaney was requesting Mr. Carr's assistance to support City operations, the Council should consider providing the requested resources.
Councilmember McDermott stated that, based on discussions with department heads and staff, he believed City staff needed additional support and that Mr. Carr's experience and institutional knowledge could help the City get back on track. He expressed confidence in Interim City Manager Chaney's judgment and supported providing him with the requested resources.
Councilmember Elliott stated that he was prepared to vote on the item.
Councilmember Tolle shared that, after speaking with department heads, they indicated that bringing Mr. Carr back in an advisory capacity would provide needed support to staff.
Vice Mayor Enriquez stated that, if Interim City Manager Chaney was requesting assistance, he supported providing him with the resources necessary to perform his duties.
Mayor Barr asked City Attorney Drexel whether Mr. Carr had prepared the consulting agreement. Mr.
Drexel responded that Mr. Carr had provided information regarding the proposed terms, but that he, as City Attorney, drafted the agreement. Mayor Barr expressed concern regarding a provision stating that the consultant would report only to the Interim City Manager and would not be required to respond directly to inquiries from individual Councilmembers. She stated that she opposed restricting direct communication between Councilmembers and the consultant.
Councilmember Tolle asked whether Mr. Carr would attend Council meetings to present information.
Mr. Drexel explained that Mr. Carr's role would be limited to serving as an advisor to Interim City Manager Chaney, that he would have no independent authority, and that he would not be attending Council meetings in that capacity.
ACTION: Mayor Barr moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Enriquez, to approve the contract to hire Pete Carr as a consultant but strike the reference to the city council not being able to ask questions of the contractor.. Motion failed by a roll call vote 2-3.
Ayes: Vice Mayor Enriquez and Mayor Barr
Noes: Councilmembers McDermott, Tolle and Elliott
ACTION: Councilmember Elliott moved, seconded by Councilmember McDermott, to approve the contract to hire Peter Carr as an advisor to the Interim City Manager. Motion passed by a roll call vote 4-1.
Ayes: Councilmembers McDermott, Tolle, Elliott and Vice Mayor Enriquez Noes: Mayor Barr
Temporary Additional-Duties Compensation Agreement with Jody Meza, Library Director Interim City Manager Justin Chaney presented the staff report regarding additional temporary compensation for Library Director Jody Meza. Mr. Chaney explained that due to the City Manager vacancy and current administrative staffing shortages, Ms. Meza has been assigned additional general administrative duties in support of City Hall operations that are outside the regular scope of her classification.
Mr. Chaney explained that the proposed agreement provides temporary additional compensation equal to 10% of Ms. Meza’s base monthly salary while the additional duties continue. He noted that the additional compensation is prospective only, will be reviewed monthly by the Interim City Manager, and will end upon the employment of a permanent City Manager or when the additional duties are no longer needed.
Mr. Chaney stated that Ms. Meza’s classification, salary range, and benefits would remain unchanged and that the agreement confirms the additional compensation is not reportable to CalPERS and does not constitute an out-of-class appointment under Government Code section 20480. He noted that the agreement had been reviewed by the City Attorney.
Mr. Hackett asked what a 10% salary increase would equate to financially. Mayor Barr responded that it would amount to approximately $750 to $800 per month.
Orland resident Janet Jonte expressed her support for providing additional compensation to Library Director Jody Meza for her expanded responsibilities.
Councilmember Elliott stated that Ms. Meza is a hardworking employee who consistently gets things done and would be a valuable asset to the City of Orland's leadership team. Councilmember Elliott also sought clarification that the proposed 10% salary increase was temporary. Interim City Manager Chaney confirmed that the increase was transitional and that Ms. Meza's compensation would return to its previous level once a permanent City Manager was hired.
ACTION: Councilmember Elliott moved, seconded by Councilmember McDermott, to Approve the agreement substantially in the form presented and authorize the mayor to execute. Motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.
City Manager Verbal Report
Interim City Manager Chaney commended City staff, stating that they are among the best employees he has worked with. He shared that the City's department heads and staff make up a strong team with a common goal of seeing Orland succeed. Mr. Chaney acknowledged that challenges will continue to arise but stated that staff is addressing them one day at a time. He concluded by expressing his appreciation for the dedication and teamwork of the City's department heads and employees.
City Council Communications and Reports
• Councilmember Elliott thanked the City Council for allowing him to serve on the LAFCo and Waste Management boards. He expressed his enthusiasm for partnering with the boards and contributing to the City in these roles.
• Mayor Barr encouraged community members to become involved by considering running for City Council.
• Councilmember McDermott expressed his appreciation for the community and highlighted the success of the Senior Expo. He shared his pride in the City and its employees, acknowledged that the City is currently facing challenges, and expressed his gratitude for the dedication and hard work of City staff.
• Councilmember Tolle reminded the community that the nomination period is open for individuals interested in running for City Council and encouraged interested candidates to pull papers for the upcoming election.
MEETING ADJOURNED 8:36 PM
Jennifer Schmitke, City Clerk Terrie Barr, Mayor