BIGGS, CA (MPG) - On Nov. 12, Biggs City Council voted to hire Gridley’s former City Administrator Cliff Wagner to serve as interim city administrator during the continued absence of Josh Cook.

Wagner addressed the mayor and council, outlining his many years of experience and suitability for the position.

“While I served as the administrator of Gridley, one of the things that I worked very hard to accomplish was at the staff level, with as much transparency and to avoid controversy whenever and wherever possible,” Wagner said. 

Wagner said that his goal is to be visible and available for appointments with anyone. 

Voting by the council was unanimous, with plans to draw up a contract for 32 hours per week at $75 per hour.

Items on the Consent Calendar were all approved, with the exception of Item A regarding warrants for October in the amount of $554,980.58, some of which had not been reviewed.

Department reports were next on the agenda.

Public Safety was first, including Butte County Sheriff’s Office and the Fire Department. CAL FIRE negotiated a new labor contract that reduces the firefighter’s work week from 72 to 66 hours. As a result, the city will need to increase the firefighting staff by one, adding $40,256.00 to the contract for the current fiscal year. The council did not vote on the contract to allow time for further budget evaluation.

Next, the Public Work department reported on the previously-suggested Landscape Services Agreement that would be “as needed” or “on-call.” The item was tabled for discussion until spring 2025.

The Planning Department provided an informational update on the home to be built at 328 Aleut St. Some revisions to the original plan have been made.

An Engineering Department report followed, regarding the 2nd Street Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Project. Some details were presented about the NEA compliant ramps, high visibility crosswalks, a bike lane and some street parking. Five bids were received and the low bidder was Franklin Construction for $725,749. City Council voted to approve the contract for $800,000 with a 10.2% contingency.

The big item on the agenda was the vacancies in the City Council and vice-mayor positions, due to the resignation of Vice-Mayor Chuck Nucholls on Oct. 10. Nucholls’ resignation was accepted and there was discussion about how the vacancy will be filled. The council voted to wait until the Dec. 10 meeting to appoint a new vice-mayor after newly- elected council members are seated.

Applications for the council member vacancy will be accepted until Nov. 26 and a special meeting will be held Dec. 3 to interview the applicants.

Budget shortfall adjustments for Fiscal Year 2024-25 were discussed. Some projects, such as the 2nd Street Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project, were under-budgeted and additional funds were needed. The Sheriff’s Department, Animal Control and the Hazard Mitigation Plan were under-budgeted as well. The council voted to accept the adjustments to the budget and suggested a budget study session in the near future.

Staff reports were given concerning:

Flood Control — there is a $9-million rehabilitation project at Oroville Wildlife Area to be completed in 2025.

Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control — A plane was lost a few months ago. The pilot walked away and is fortunately back to work. A new airplane is being purchased for $1.6 million.

Residents with mosquito concerns can go to mosquito.com and fill out a service request or for any questions, call 530-533-6038 between 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays,

For schools, the weekly Bike Bus has been a big success. Girls’ volleyball playoffs are underway and the boys’ varsity team will host Weed on Friday.