GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Current Mayor Mike Farr and Vice Mayor Bruce Johnson were both reappointed to continue for another four-year term at the Dec. 16 Gridley City Council meeting. Voting by the City Council was unanimous. 

The appointment came after newly-reelected councilmembers J. Angel Calderon, Catalina Sanchez and Farr were sworn in. 

The councilmembers swore to uphold the Constitutions of the United States and California “against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

Newly-hired Public Safety dispatcher Lauren Boone was also introduced to City Council.

Continuing the meeting, city Finance Director Martin Pineda presented an informational Power-Point on CalPERS Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL). Pineda defined the unfunded accrued liability as the difference between retirement system assets (resources with economic value) and the value of benefits already accrued. The condition exists when a pension plan’s liabilities (pay-outs owed) are greater than its assets. 

Currently, Gridley’s unfunded accrued liability payment is $846,621. However, because the city is able to pay in one lump sum, there is a 3.4% discount, with a total savings of $27,396. The payment is expected to increase and Pineda presented some options for managing that. 

Some concern was expressed by councilmembers about when action would be needed. Pineda emphasized that no action was necessary at this time, since the presentation was only informational.

Going forward, there was a request for a four-year extension to the Eagle Meadows expansion called “The Village.” Matt Stapley of S&S Construction had submitted a written request with reasons to support the extension, including the current housing crisis. City Administrator Elisa Arteaga stated that the building code does allow for an extension of up to six years. 

Steve Stapley fielded some questions from the council about completion of the subdivision. Stapley indicated that the investor for the project had withdrawn and efforts were being made to secure a different one.

“We’re still optimistic about getting this project built and sold,” Stapley said. 

Vice-Mayor Johnson questioned if the 500 foot rule would create a conflict of interest since his property is close by. Arteaga had someone check during the meeting and the property in question is 1,000 feet from the new development. 

Councilmember Calderon inquired as to why the investor for the project withdrew. Discussion with Stapley ensued, with Calderon indicating prior statements from Stapley had discouraged investors. Stapley denied this statement. Both men agreed that cooperation was needed to bring more housing into Gridley.

Realtor Teri Garcia was in attendance and echoed the need for housing in Gridley, pointing to the fact that she has no homes to offer many of her clients. 

“We need growth. We need the revenue,” Garcia said. 

Mayor Farr and Councilmember Sanchez requested a progress report from S&S Construction in two years. 

With the newly-reelected council, committee appointments were revisited. The only changes were: 1) Mayor Farr and Councilmember Sanchez switched places on the Northern California Power Agency committee. 2) Vice-Mayor Johnson and Councilmember Sanchez were appointed to a new Utility and Public Works Committee. 3) Farr and Johnson were designated for Development and Collaboration, another new committee.  

Finance Director Pineda then gave an update on the Chart of Accounts. Upon completion of recent audits, some of the inactive accounts needed to be cleared. This action was approved. 

Councilmembers then voted to abandon the right of way on the Vermont Street property that has been blocked off for school safety purposes. The city will retain access to the sewer line there.

Gridley Police Chief Todd Farr requested five new ergonomic office chairs and a one-year extension regarding the AT&T maintenance agreement for the 911 system. AT&T will upgrade from the slower copper lines to fiber optics. Both items were approved. 

Committee reports included the Association of Governments, Behavioral Health Advisory Board, Winter Wonderland, NCPA, Moose Lodge, Butte County Disaster Control, Planning, Finance, Gridley Police, and Parks and Recreation.