Gridley Council puts energy project on hold

After nearly an hour of discussion between Gridley City Council members on Monday night, the decision was made to not reactivate a contract with the Department of Energy for an alternative energy project. Councilman Dan Boeger was the one descending vote.

Councilman Owen Stiles was named the City's primary Energy Commissioner, with Boeger and City Administrator Rob Hickey as alternates.

City Planning Commissioner Mike Trainor remarked at the podium, "I think the DOE (Department of Energy) would understand putting the people first in the current financial climate and keep us abreast of future projects. I don't think it will jeopardize us with any of the groups."

Councilman Boeger remarked that Gridley would be more likely to see the potential $1 million in sales from a Bio Mass project if it happens, with Sanford as consultant and he as his assistant.

Garner presented a chart outlining Sanford's hourly cost of $180 as Energy Consultant reimbursed by DOE and Gridley's Energy Commissioner at $120 per hour.

In comparison, Garner pointed out that the California Energy Commission Chairperson is paid $39.10 per hour, with the Governor of California being paid $101.62 per hour.

When Garner asked if the City's Attorney Brant Bordsen could answer questions, Hickey answered that attorneys have specialties and there may be questions about the Electric Project that Bordsen can't answer.

Mayor Jerry Fichter stated that if the project comes up again, that Tom Sanford should be considered as the City's consultant.

During the Community Participation Forum, business owner Jeanne Hart stated she had received a statement from North Valley Disposal and was confused, because it was written on City letterhead and they do not cover Gridley.

Hickey agreed he did not like the company using the City's letterhead and stated the City got the message out to the residents 45 days in advance regarding increases and a future public hearing on May 18, 2009. Residents are invited to attend this public hearing and speak.

Councilman Stiles remarked that he was very pleased with the code enforcement being done around the City.

"This report shows a lot of activity. I had heard some complaints in the past, but when I get a report like this, I'm impressed."

Councilman Dave Garner was also quick to acknowledge and thank City staff on the report for open accounts over 90 days in electrical residential and commercial accounts.

As of June 2008, the amount was $40,000, but that amount had gone down drastically to $10,000, because of Hickey and his staff.

Former City Councilperson Marlena Sparks was appointed to represent the City to the Butte Countywide Homeless Continuum of Care Council.

She thanked Council by stating, "I have been interested in this subject for several years, mainly because of families affected by something out of their control. I believe there are times when people need a helping hand and I want to make sure children are getting their education."

Representing Manzanita Elementary School, Kelly Fredericks approached the Planning Department with a request to develop a non-permanent pocket park/community garden at the corner of Spruce and Virginia Streets.

Community Development Director Andrea Redamonti told Council members that the two property owners, Gridley Growers and the Estate of Arnold Gridley have agreed to the pocket park.

Council approved Hickey preparing a lease agreement of $1 per year.

This community partnership honors the active parents and Booster Club members of Manzanita Elementary School.

Fredericks explained that the park will be called "Gridley Story Court" and will be a community based literacy project provided by the City and the parents of Manzanita, to promote reading and the exchange of stories within our community.

"The park will provide a place for families to read together with large reading thrones to demonstrate our community's commitment to reading and to the appreciation of literature," Redamonti's report read.

Fredricks said that display cases will first honor Arnold Gridley, ancestor of one of the town's settlers, George Gridley.

The proposed length of time for completion is five to six years, depending  on how much economic help the group receives.

Stiles remarked, "I think it sounds like a beautiful project. I love it. When I see an empty lot I wonder why we can't do anything in those lots."

Garner agreed stating, "I think it is a great idea. It certainly takes something that detracts into something nice. Let us know if there is anything we can do."

Fichter said she was very happy with the idea and could see a smile on resident Karen Duncan's face who was in the audience. Duncan had approached the City recently regarding a community garden project in another location.

Council agreed to help with leveling the land, connecting the water service and waiving the impact fee (for the water meter of $1,450) for a total of $4,300 in help for the project.