Craig Bassett

The council approved the award of the City Plaza project construction contract to the lowest responsive bidder, Ginno Construction, Inc., for $9,772,000. The discussion covered the background of the bidding process, noting that this was the second solicitation for the project to ensure compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act. The council also authorized the City Manager to negotiate and sign the contract and execute change orders up to 3% of the total contract price.

The City Council meeting covered several administrative and fiscal matters. Key discussion topics included the approval of a special event permit fee waiver and a donation for the Corning Community Egg Hunt, a review of a proposed five-year water and sewer rate study, the mid-year budget review for fiscal year 2025/2026, and amendments to the position allocation list. Additionally, the Council accepted the Notice of Completion for the well drilling project performed by Well Industries, Inc.

The council reviewed matters regarding public employment for the position of Police Chief and conducted real property negotiations concerning a lease. A public hearing was held to adopt an ordinance creating standards for detached structures and cargo containers on residential properties. Additionally, the council approved a resolution affirming the city's commitment to fair treatment and condemning caste-based discrimination, and authorized staff to solicit bids for the 2026 Fourth Street Rehabilitation Project. Communications included a report on local events and firefighter recognition.

The meeting agenda for the City Council included several key items. The consent agenda covered the waiver of reading for ordinances, approval of previous meeting minutes from February 24, 2026, approval of a Claim Warrant, review of business license reports, treasurer's report, wages & salaries report, building permit valuation report, wastewater operations summary, consideration of fee waivers for four Chamber of Commerce community events, and the second reading of Ordinance 717 regarding standards for detached structures. Regular agenda items included declaring the Corning Community Easter Egg Hunt a community event and considering a fee waiver for it, providing input on the proposed water and sewer rate study, conducting the annual mid-year budget review for fiscal year 2025/2026, approving a contract for new Police department cabinets, and accepting the Notice of Completion for a well drilling project.

The combined session addressed matters in both closed and regular formats. The closed session agenda included discussions concerning Public Employment regarding the Police Chief position and Conference with Real Property Negotiations concerning a lease for property APN 067-260-082-000. The regular meeting agenda covered several key items: the introduction and potential adoption of Ordinance 717, which establishes standards for detached structures and prohibits cargo containers in zoning districts; approval of Resolution No. 02-24-2026-01 affirming the city's commitment to fair treatment and condemning caste-based discrimination; authorizing staff to solicit bids for the 2026 Fourth Street Rehabilitation Project, budgeted at $685,000.00; and ratification of three separate one-year Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Public Safety, Dispatcher, and Miscellaneous Bargaining Units, including provisions for salary increases, holiday additions, and increased health insurance contributions. Additionally, the Council reviewed and recommended approval for the Claim Warrant and Business License Report listed on the consent agenda.