GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - As Gridley embarks on a period of growth and increased housing development, it is essential for the city’s planning commission to have all committee vacancies filled. There remains one seat open and, at the Gridley City Council meeting Monday evening, Council heard two highly qualified candidate proposals and applications for the position. 

Candidates Mel Dewsnup and Shelley Ingram are both being considered for the commission position. Dewsnup brings his experience from serving the town of Rexburg, Idaho on its planning and zoning commission and multiple local boards, such as the Orchard Hospital Board. Ingram has previous experience as a land-use planner for 5 years in Santa Barbara County, a federal grants planner in Marin County for two years and is currently working as a development specialist for CHIP housing in Chico. Both candidates agree that Gridley needs to grow but do so in a structured manner and in the right ways to preserve the spirit of the town.

Gridley City Council then authorized the Gridley-Biggs Police Department to do some clean up. The department has two police vehicles that have outlived their uses, have major mechanical issues, and which have been used as parts vehicles. The time has come to get rid of them, and the GBPD feels that it is best just to junk the vehicles than to try and send them to auction as they are basically worthless. Council agreed and voted to approve the measure.

Five other city vehicles have also met their limits, but are not all in total disrepair. The discussion focused mainly on the city's Freightliner which is a road patch truck. It is in need of repair but a wire harness cannot be found. Colusa is interested in purchasing the truck, which could financially benefit the City. The other four trucks in question would be sent to auction, primarily because they are too expensive to keep repairing and not worth the cost. Council voted to surplus the vehicles out.

Council then retired to closed session where they met with Gridley-Biggs Police Chief to discuss the details of the potential contract renewal with Biggs for Law Enforcement services. The resulting approved contract will be submitted to the City of Biggs for their review.