Brant Mesker

The Closed Session agenda included discussions concerning labor negotiations with Public Safety, Dispatcher, and Miscellaneous bargaining units, as well as a conference regarding Real Property Negotiations for APN 067-260-082-000 concerning a lease. The subsequent Regular Meeting agenda covered several topics including the proclamation of Teen Dating Awareness and Prevention Month, approval of claim warrants and financial reports, and reconsideration of the temporary closure of West Street to support construction activities for the West Street Elementary School Phase III Improvements. Other regular agenda items included approving a three-year grazing lease renewal with Norman Oilar for Corning Airport Properties, approving an agreement to defer impact fees for Salado Orchards Phase II, conducting a public workshop on a proposed amendment to the Corning Municipal Code, and ratifying Memorandums of Understanding with the City of Corning Miscellaneous, Dispatcher's, Public Safety, and Management bargaining units. The council also addressed approving a Task Order for the Burch Creek Sanitary Sewer Force Main Repair and Creek Debris Mitigation project and adopting a resolution to amend the City's Conflict of Interest Code.

The Closed Session Agenda included discussions on labor negotiations with Public Safety, Dispatcher, and Miscellaneous bargaining units, pursuant to section 54957.6. Additionally, the Council planned to conference with Legal Counsel regarding anticipated litigation involving significant exposure pursuant to § 54956.9(b). This session preceded the Regular Meeting Agenda.

The proceedings began with a closed session addressing labor negotiations with various bargaining units and a public employment matter concerning a Waste Management Consultant. Discussions also included anticipated litigation initiation and a conference regarding a Grazing Lease Review for multiple Assessor's Parcel Numbers (APNs), specifically negotiating the price and terms of the lease. Following the closed session, the regular City Council meeting included public comments regarding the final bulky item drop-off event and Christmas tree disposal. Key actions in the regular session involved approving several consent agenda items, including financial reports and the cancellation of the December 23, 2025, meeting. Regular agenda items included approving an amendment to the Police Chief's employment agreement requiring 90 days' notice for resignation or retirement, authorizing a $1,500 budget increase for the City Council to attend the California League of Cities Mayors and Council Members Academy, approving a 60-day extension for the Refuse Collection Agreement with USA Waste of California, Inc. DBA Corning Disposal, and approving updated plans and authorizing solicitation of bids for the City Plaza Project, following the rejection of initial bids due to non-compliance with Build America, Buy America requirements.

The meeting included a Closed Session with discussions concerning labor negotiations with multiple bargaining units, a review of grazing lease terms for specific properties (APN: 075-020-023, 075-020-004, 067-260-080, 067-260-079, 067-260-019, 067-260-077), and negotiation regarding the terms of the AT&T Wireless Services Tower Rent for property APN: 071-115-007. The Regular Meeting covered proclamations designating January 2026 as National Stalking Awareness Month and National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, both to be presented to Empower Tehama's Bilingual Legal Advocate. The agenda also included the review and approval of consent items such as claim warrants, license reports, treasurer's report, wages & salaries, and building permit valuation reports. Key regular agenda items involved appointing the Vice Mayor and City Representatives to various commissions/committees, authorizing the purchase order for police vehicle upfitting, accepting the Notice of Completion for the small pool resurfacing project, and an informational presentation reviewing 2025 achievements and the vision for 2026.

The council meeting addressed multiple topics, including a discussion on installing a free little library at the Senior Center and updates on the Corning Recreation Center and Plaza. The winners of the Halloween Decorated house contest were announced. The council authorized the City Manager to apply for a commercial purchasing credit card through Tri Counties Bank. They also approved agreements for the Small Pool Resurfacing Project, the Fire Hall painting project, and the Generator Project. Additionally, job opportunities for Maintenance Workers in Public Works were announced, and council members shared updates on upcoming events and meetings they attended.