Here are promoted city employees Jerry Cox, interim public works director, and Ryan Carlson , interim utililty director. 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Two Gridley employees were recognized at the Gridley City Council meeting on May 19.

Ryan Carlson is the new interim utility director and Jerry Cox is the interim public works director/supervisor. Both have taken over for retired director Ross Pippitt who did both jobs. City Administrator Elisa Arteaga complimented both men for a smooth transition. 

Carlson has been working for the city for 11 years as an electrical supervisor. He assists with the Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) to ensure quality power delivery for Gridley residents.  

Cox was formerly the public works supervisor and has worked for Gridley Public Works Department since 2008. 

The first item for consideration was to approve the project list for Senate Bill 1 (SB1) that is submitted annually to the California Transportation Commission. This earmarks funds for road maintenance. SB1 the Road Repair and Accountability Act passed in 2017 addressing road rehabilitation and critical safety needs. Project revenue for Fiscal Year 2025-26 estimate is $192,211   

“This is really important to the city,” said Arteaga. “We do have a plan for the roads but we don’t have enough funds.”

Some discussion followed, concerning funds that might come to the city through Governor Gavin Newsom’s new gas tax hike. Arteaga pointed out that during the time of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encampment after the Camp Fire, money that was received was utilized for roads.

“Now we don’t have that funding. We have to look for other resources,” Arteaga said. 

Cox and Arteaga indicated that equipment for the road repairs would have to be done either with an antiquated paver that needs frequent repairs or rent it for $1000 per day. 

City engineer Dave Harden joined the meeting remotely. Harden commented that roads are prioritized on the rate of return, in other words, how much they are used. In addition, some pavements were not done in the last few years because of the upcoming 99 Rehabilitation project, saving the money for payments that would be needed for that, according to Harden. 

Next, approval was given for a professional services agreement with Utility Design Services that was proposed by representative Al Smatsky. About 40 utility poles have been deemed rotten and were replaced by Utility Design Services in Gridley and Biggs. Smatsky said. O-Calc analysis (an assessment of structural integrity for each pole) and Joint Pole paperwork for those poles can be carried out by Utility Design Services. 

“The work is estimated to cost $32,050 but it’s projected to bring in about $400,000 in revenue,” Smatsky said.

Questions were raised by councilmembers about the possibility of reusing the old poles, which would otherwise be disposed of as hazardous waste. Smatsky indicated that could be done. 

Continuing, Gridley Police Chief Todd Farr requested and was given approval to continue the School Resources Officer (SRO) agreement. The School Resources Officer agreement has been in place for four years and has been successful. Gridley Unified School District will provide $91,453 in funding and the expense is expected to be $118,297, resulting in a cost to the city of $26,944, Farr said.

Committee reports were given by Councilmember J Angel Calderon, who attended the Homeless Continuum. A 10-year plan for decreasing homelessness was presented, with optimism. Calderon outlined some of the reasons for homelessness, including those on Social Security who cannot pay rent anymore. 

Vice-Mayor Johnson attended a mosquito abatement meeting and reported that there have been 12 pounds in Butte County that have tested positive for Lyme Disease. West Nile Virus has been identified in nine dead birds. Mosquito fish are available through the agency and can be helpful in reducing the mosquito population, Johnson said. The state is severely limiting the amount of pesticide that can be used in sprays to one drop per 100 gallons, not very effective.

“It all comes down to the health of our citizens,” Johnson concluded. 

City Administrator Arteaga spoke positively about not needed to purchase as much power this summer, although there will still be a need to purchase some at a cost of $4.1 million. Arteaga added that the wage study is nearly completed for the upcoming labor negotiations. 

Financial Director Martin Pineda supplied figures for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) funds received by Gridley, totaling $6.4 million. This information had been requested at a previous council meeting. 

Police Chief Farr and Fire Chief Chip Fowler reported that there were no major incidents on Red Suspenders Day.