Longtime Corning resident hired as town's new city manager
Oct. 2—Corning's new city manager is definitely no stranger to the community. In fact, he grew up here, graduated from Corning High School and has been incrementally involved in city events and government as an adult.
Brant Mesker was unanimously and enthusiastically approved by the City Council for the position during the Sept. 26 meeting to lead the city for at least the next three years — the span of the contract agreement between Mesker and the city.
Mesker comes to city employment having served as administrative office management analyst II for Glenn County since May 2022. Previous to that he worked in Tehama County's administrative office since 2011.
He has served on the Corning Planning Commission for several years and most recently the City Plaza/Recreation Center Project Ad Hoc Committee.
"I want to continue raising my family in Corning while making the community stronger and more prosperous for everyone," said 39-year-old Mesker. "I want to create a community that our future generations can thrive in."
City Mayor Robert Snow said he is very happy to have Mesker on board.
Tehama County Supervisor John Leach, who was attending the meeting, said it has been his privilege to have worked with Mesker in the past.
"Hire Brant (Mesker) was a real wise choice," he added. "He is young, smart and energetic."
The city had hired the firm of Peckham and McKenney to perform the city manager recruitment services to fill the vacancy left when previous city manager, Kristina Miller, resigned back in May.
"It was a wide search. But by a five to zero vote, you are ours now," said City Councilman Dave Demo referring to Mesker.
In response to the comments, Mesker said, "Thank you for the kind words. "To the community, I thank you for this opportunity. I also want to thank my wife and family for the support. It has been an honor and a privilege to grow up here. This is a special place and I'll do what I can to make it better."
He earned a Bachelor of Science and Business Management degrees at California State University, Chico, and achieved a California Senior Executive Credential — California State Association of Counties.
According to Mesker, a few of his goals as city manager will be economic development, improving the streets and infrastructure.
"I look forward to working on efforts to encourage economic development, recreation opportunities and public safety in the interest of all citizens," he added. "I support opportunities to collaborate and facilitate a process to help bring people and their interests together, driving positive change to foster a happy, healthy, safe, and productive community."
Mesker went on to say he strongly believes Corning is a great fit for him professionally and personally.
"My knowledge, background, and character meet the desires of the citizens and business community. Corning's diverse, small tight-knit community with a family-oriented lifestyle is appealing to me. It has a lot of potential for growth and opportunity for citizens of all ages," he commented.
Mesker's annual salary will be $128,532.60. He is an at-will employee, which gives him the ability to resign at any time or for the city to terminate his contract at any time. He will receive health insurance benefits, a monthly cell phone/technology allowance and reimbursement for office use of his personal vehicle.
Tim Potanovic, who had been serving as the interim city manager until the position was filled, thanked the city council for the opportunity to serve in the interim capacity.
"This goes to show, you are never too old to learn how to do new things. I congratulate Brant (Mesker). You couldn't have found a better person, and I say this with first hand knowledge having worked with him for years," he added.
Mesker and his wife, Christina, have a daughter, Addisyn, 10, and son, Payten, 6.
