City of Gridley = Minutes City Council & Planning Commission Joint Study Session Monday, April 21, 2025; 5:00 pm Gridley City Hall, 685 Kentucky Street, Gridley, CA 95948 "Our purpose is to continuously enhance our community's vitality and overall quality of life. We are committed to providing high quality, cost-effective municipal services and forming productive partnerships with our residents and regional organizations. We collectively develop, share, and are guided by a clearvision, values, and meaningfuld objectives." CALL TO ORDER Mayor Farr called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Present: Johnson, Roberts, Calderon, Sanchez, Farr, Wolfe, Holland, Adams Absent: None Arriving after roll call: Espino Staff Present: Elisa Arteaga, City Administrator Todd Farr, Police Chief Anthony Galyean, City Attorney Martin Pineda, Finance Director Patricia Taverner, Assistant Finance Director Ross Pippitt, Utility Director Christopher Smith, Principal Planner Carmen Santana, Recording Clerk JOINT STUDY SESSION Planning 101 Presentation and Introduction (Presented by Principal Planner Christopher Smith) Recommended Action(s): a. Planning Commission and City Council to receive presentation as foundational training for both Council and Commission members b. City Council and Planning Commission members are encouraged to provide feedback on the Planning 101 presentation and to communicate directly with Principal Planner Christopher Smith regarding any specific topics they would like to see revisited or explored in greater detail at a future Planning Commission or City Council meeting GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Joint Study Session Special Meeting 4-21-2025 Page 1 of1 City Administrator Elisa Arteaga introduced Principal Planner Christopher Smith. Principal Planner Smith provided a comprehensive presentation outlining the role of a City Planner, including collaboration with City staff, the Planning Commission, and the City Council. He discussed the procedures involved in project review and emphasized the importance of key planning documents such as the General Plan and the Housing Element, which guide development within the city. Smith explained that the Planner's responsibilities include working with both developers and homeowners, supporting a wide range of projects-from large-scale developments to smaller residential improvements. He noted that he will serve as a resource to the public, helping ensure that applicants understand, in advance, the requirements applicable to their proposed projects. Councilmember Sanchez expressed interest in establishing a policy or incorporating language into the development review process to ensure that new projects meet a consistent standard and aesthetic. She emphasized the importance of maintaining Gridley's curb appeal and ensuring that future developments align with the community's desired visual character. Planning Commissioner Ken Wolfe raised the topic of development impact fees and suggested that the City Council consider exploring another reduction of these fees as a means to encourage and promote future development. City Administrator Arteaga responded to Wolfes's statement about developmental impact fees, emphasizing their critical role in supporting city infrastructure. She explained that these fees contribute to the improvement of roads, enhancement of parks, and overall maintenance of public infrastructure. Administrator Arteaga informed the Council and Planning Commission that she intends to address this matter through a nexus fee study, ensuring that any adjustments to the fee structure are data-driven and not made without thorough analysis. Following brief concluding remarks from Council and Planning Commission, Mayor Farr closed the study session. CLOSED SESSION - None ADIJOURNMENT With no further items left to discuss, City Council adjourned to the regular meeting scheduled for April 21, 2025, at 6:00 pm. AX Elisa Arteaga, City Clerk GRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Joint Study Session Special Meeting 4-21-2025 Page 1 of1