City Council

CITY OF CORNING SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 794 THIRD STREET A. CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 p.m. B. ROLL CALL: Council: Dave Demo Jose “Chuy” Valerio Shelly Hargens Lisa Lomeli Mayor: Robert Snow Present: Snow, Demo, Valerio, Hargens, Lomeli The Brown Act requires that the Council provide the opportunity for persons in the audience to briefly address the Council on the subject(s) scheduled for tonight’s closed session. Is there anyone wanting to comment on the subject(s) the Council will be discussing in closed session? If so, please come to the podium, identify yourself and give us your comments. C. PUBLIC COMMENTS: D. REGULAR AGENDA: 1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (§ 54956.9) Name of Case: Fountain v. City of Corning, Case No.24CI-000071 2. Public Employment: City Manager Performance Review Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b) E. ADJOURN TO REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION: 5:55 pm, Mayor Snow reported that there were no reportable actions. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 794 THIRD STREET This is an Equal Opportunity Program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law. Complaints of discrimination may be filed with the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VI. If you need special assistance or translation services to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (530) 824-7033 or via email at rordaz@corning.org. Notification in advance of the meeting will enable the city to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. A. CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m. B. ROLL CALL: Council: Dave Demo Jose “Chuy” Valerio Shelly Hargens Lisa Lomeli Mayor: Robert Snow THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER Present: Snow, Demo, Valerio, Hargens, Lomeli C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by the City Manager. D. INVOCATION: Led by Councilor Hargens. E. PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, APPOINTMENTS, PRESENTATIONS: F. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR: Gary Strack- As a 78-year resident of Corning he is worried about losing the sales tax from TA closing their business. He would like to see some action taken. He also asked City Manager, Brant, if any council members or Corning Chamber of Commerce members accompanied him to the Board of Supervisors meetings. Brant stated no members accompanied him. Mr. Strack stated that numbers make a difference, and more members should have gone with him. He also questioned the approval of the purchase of an $800,000 fire truck from the capital funds, and if the funds are available. The City Manager clarified that yes, those funds are available. Mr. Strack also asked if the council members could give him a monthly total that is spent on wages/salaries. Mayor Snow said they could not give an exact total at the moment. Gary thinks council members should know this information since it’s provided each month as part of their council packet. Brooke Smith- The Senior Center will be hosting a Candidates Night Oct 7th at 5:30pm. Police Chief Bassett will be the moderator. Closed Public Comments: 6:35pm G. CONSENT AGENDA: It is recommended that items listed on the Consent Agenda be acted on simultaneously unless a Councilmember or members of the audience request separate discussion and/or action. 1. Waive reading, except by title, of any Ordinance under consideration at this meeting for either introduction or passage, per Government Code Section 36934. 2. Waive the reading and approve the Minutes of the August 27, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting with any necessary corrections. 3. September 18, 2024, Claim Warrant in the amount of $ 216,704.58 4. Business License Report 5. Accept Mayor Snow’s recommendation of appointment of Ulises Graciano Salas to the city’s Recreation Commission to fill in the last vacancy set to expire 6/30/2025 Councilor Valerio moved to approve consent items1-5; Councilor Hargens seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli, and Valerio Absent: None Abstain/Opposed: None Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote H. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA: I. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS: J. REGULAR AGENDA: 1. Review and adopt the revised and updated City of Corning Heat and Illness Prevention Program Presented by City Manager, Brant Mesker. Attached is the updated 2024 version of the City’s Heat Illness and Prevention Program. This plan was last updated on July 14, 2020. Due to recent changes through NCCSIF to make it current and compliant. This plan is mainly updating our program to match OSHA regulations with indoor work. THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER Councilor Demo moved to approve the proposed updated and revised 2024 City of Corning Heat Illness Prevention Program, approve the program and authorize dissemination of the document to city department heads and supervisors; Councilor Valerio seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli, and Valerio Absent: None Abstain/Opposed: None Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote 2. Adopt Resolution No. 09-24-2024-01 approving a rural fire capacity assistance (RFC) agreement in the amount of $9,255.00 with CALFIRE, and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement Presented by Fire Chief, Tom Tomlinson. He has received a notification that the City of Corning Fire Department’s 2024 RFC Application was selected for funding from the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in the amount of $9,255.00. As stated in the Grant Application, these funds will be utilized to aid the Corning Volunteer Fire Department in the purchase of outdated radios, antennas, batteries, and additional gear needed. Councilor Hargens moved to adopt Resolution No. 09-24-2024-01 approving agreement no. 7GF24026 between the City of Corning and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and authorize the City Manager to sign and execute the agreement and any amendments on behalf of the City of Corning; and approve the expenditure of the budgeted $9,255.00 from fund 001-6552-2300 for the grant matching fund criteria. Councilor Valerio seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli, and Valerio Absent: None Abstain/Opposed: None Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote 3. Approve purchase of new in car radios, handheld radios, and repeater for Police Department communications Presented by Police Chief, Craig Bassett. The Corning Police Department is experiencing communication issues with its current handheld radios, in car radios, and repeater. These issues are impacting officer and dispatch communications and efficiencies. Staff is requesting the immediate replacement and upgrade of the communication equipment to ensure the ongoing safety and effectiveness of our police force. The quote was received from Precision Wireless utilizing NASPO (National Association of State Procurement Officials) pricing to ensure the most cost-effective solution. Councilor Demo moved to approve that the city council determines that this purchase is exempt from the city’s purchasing policy per section 3.12.082 A-4 of the Corning Municipal Code; authorize the city to opt into the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) contract pricing and approve the purchase of new handheld radios, vehicle radios, and a repeater without going out for formal bid, and authorize the city manager to sign any necessary procurement documents, for a total cost of $48,588.80, and authorize a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $48,588.80, for the police department communication equipment. Councilor Valerio seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli, and Valerio Absent: None Abstain/Opposed: None Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote 4. Approve plans and specifications and authorize staff to solicit bids for the 2024 City of Corning Library Remodel Project THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER  Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. Staff is seeking City Council approve the plans and specifications and authorize Staff to seek bids for the 2024 City of Corning Library Remodel Project. The project consists of the removal of existing flooring, ceiling tiles, lighting, and other finishes as called out in the project documents; installation of new carpet tiles, lighting fixtures, casework, and other finishes throughout the building; along with the removal and installation of new restroom fixtures including ADA improvements. A storefront-type Tutor Room is included as a Bid Alternate. The Contract, Proposal, and Plans are attached for Council review. The complete Project Bid packet, including Specifications, are available for review at Corning City Hall. Bids would be do by Oct 30th at 2:00pm. Councilor Hargens moved to approve plans and specifications and authorize staff to solicit bids for the 2024 City of Corning Library Remodel Project. Councilor Demo seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli, and Valerio Absent: None Abstain/Opposed: None Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote 5. Approve agreement with Walberg Inc. for the Solano Street Valve Replacement Project in the amount of $40,000.00 Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. Staff has identified three (3) water valves on Solano Street that need to be replaced. Due to the City’s aging infrastructure, Staff has been unable to turn the water off fully at these locations. Because of this and the need to perform the work at night to minimize the impact on the public a request to bid was sent out to local contractors. Staff received two (2) responsive bids in response to the request. Councilor Demo moved to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Walberg Inc., as the lowest responsible bidder for the Solano Street Valve Replacement Project at a cost not to exceed $40,000.00; and authorize the City Manager to execute change orders not to exceed 10% of the overall contract price; and authorize a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $40,000.00 for the Solano Street Valve Replacement Project. Councilor Valerio seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli, and Valerio Absent: None Abstain/Opposed: None Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote 6. Award bid for the Almond and Fig Street Rehabilitation Project to VSS International in the amount of $575,000.00 and authorize staff to execute the contract Presented by Public Works Director, Eli Stanley. On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the City received and opened five (5) Formal Bids for the Almond and Fig Street Rehabilitation Project. The project consists of pavement maintenance, rehabilitation, and striping on Almond Street, from 2nd Street to Marguerite Avenue, and Fig Street from Fig Lane to Almond Street, and Hickory Street from Fig Street to Marguerite Avenue. Staff is seeking authorization to award the project to VSS International who has been determined to be the lowest responsible bidder. Councilor Hargens moved to award the bid and authorize the City Manager to sign the contract for the Almond and Fig Street Rehabilitation Project to VSS International in the amount of $575,000.00; and authorize the City Manager to execute change orders not to exceed 10% of the overall contract price. Councilor Valerio seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli, and Valerio THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER Absent: None Abstain/Opposed: None Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote 7. Approve purchase of two new 2024 Police Interceptors from Napa Ford Presented by Police Chief, Craig Bassett. Due to delays in the vehicle ordering process, the Corning Police Department cannot receive new vehicles promptly and has a need to replace vehicles in their fleet. City Staff found an opportunity to purchase new Police Interceptors that are on the lot at a dealership. To expedite acquisition, staff is requesting to waive the bid process subject to the City’s Purchasing Policy Section 3.1.082(A)(6) the equipment being sought should not go out to formal bid because the City's needs will be better met by negotiating prices from a single vendor. The total cost for each 2024 Ford Police Interceptor is $64,519.35, which includes all fees, taxes, and delivery Mayor Snow would like staff to be sure that the vehicle will actually be available on the lot and deliverable within 2 days and not be placed as an order for future delivery. Chief Bassett added that they have 16 vehicles on their fleet, and 7 of them have high mileage on them. They need to be replaced to ensure safety for our officers while out on patrol. Gary Strack asked for clarification on how many vehicles had high mileage and if they were planning on getting rid of them. Chief Bassett stated they will, and they have some that are needing high cost work, so they will not invest in fixing those vehicles due to the high mileage and needing to be replaced. Councilor Demo determines that this purchase is exempt from the city’s purchasing policy per section 3.12.082 A-6 of the Corning Municipal Code; authorize the City Manager to sign necessary purchasing documents for two new ford police interceptors without going out for formal bid, for a total cost of $129,038.70, and authorize a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $65,000, for the one unbudgeted police interceptor vehicle. Councilor Hargens seconded the motion. Ayes: Snow, Demo, Hargens, Lomeli, and Valerio Absent: None Abstain/Opposed: None Result: Motion was approved by a 5-0 vote K. ITEMS PLACED ON THE AGENDA FROM THE FLOOR: L. COMMUNICATIONS, CORRESPONDENCE, AND INFORMATION: City Manager Brant Mesker wanted to thank department heads and staff for all the work being put into preparing the agendas and a lot of things going on within the city. The city is fully staffed, and they are all working hard to get things done so that community members can see improvements. M. REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS: City Councilmembers will report on attendance at conferences/meetings reimbursed at City expense (Requirement of Assembly Bill 1234). Demo: Had TCTC meeting but was unable to attend due to doctor appointment. He also thanked Chief Bassett and Public Works Director, Eli, for cleaning up the homeless encampment. Lomeli: Community Action Agency of Tehama County is hosting a Trivia Night to raise funds for Meals on Wheels on Oct 5th at 6:00pm at the Red Bluff Community Center. Also, they are looking for volunteers and donation baskets for prizes. THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER  Hargens: Nothing to report. Valerio: 77th Annual Olive Festival/Car Show on Saturday Oct. 12th. Olive festival shirts are available for purchase for $20. Car and vendor registration is still available for the event. The car show will be from 8am-3pm, Olive Festival from 10am-3pm, and CVFD pancake breakfast from 7am-10am. Snow: No meetings but does have a 2x2x2 meeting with the Corning High School superintendent on the 8th of October. He will attend the Candidates Night at the Senior Center and if anyone has any questions for the candidates that are running you are encouraged to attend. Additional Comments: Fire Chief, Tom, reminded everyone of the Tuesday Night Market along with the bed races coming up on October 1st from 5:00pm-8:00pm Judy Turner- The Friends of the Library will be having their semi-annual book sale on October 5th from 9:00am to 4:00pm N. ADJOURNMENT: 7:19pm __________________________ Rubi Ordaz, City Clerk THE CITY OF CORNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER