CITY OF AVENAL
“Pistachio Capital of the World®”
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PFA MEETING
JULY 13, 2023; 5:00 P.M.
AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST., AVENAL, CA VIA ZOOM VIDEO/WEB CONFERENCING:
Web Link: bit.ly/AvenalCouncil or use https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87243440488 Or by calling +1 669 900 6833 and use meeting ID 872 4344 0488 to join.
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: by Mayor Preciado at 5:15 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Councilmembers: Louis Gravelle, Ricardo Verdugo, Pablo Hernandez, Mayor Alvaro Preciado, Mayor Pro Tem Alejandro Ramirez joined meeting at 5:07 p.m.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF: Lopez, Ortiz, Bermudez, Verdugo, Williams, Davis, Nevarez, Lara-Nieto.
LEGAL COUNCEL: Joseph Beery.
CITY CLERK:
Government Code Section 54952.3: The members of the City Council/Successor Agency are entitled to receive a total of $300.00 per month because of being elected to the City Council. They receive no other compensation for sitting as a member of Successor Agency.
CLOSED SESSION: (City/Successor Agency):
It is the intent of this governing body to meet in closed session to review its position and to instruct its designated representatives: Any person may directly address the Council/Agency at this time on items of interest regarding Closed Session.
A. Conference with Labor Negotiator(s) (Government Code § 54957.6).
It is the intent of this governing body to meet in Closed Session to review its position and to instruct its designated representatives:
Designated representatives: City Employees Bargaining Units 1-5 / APOA.
B. PENDING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9).
a. Conference with legal counsel – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)).
Significant exposure to litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2)).
Number of potential cases is: 1
Facts and circumstances clearly known to potential plaintiff (if any) that might result in litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(e)(2)): none. b. Conference with legal counsel – PENDING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9).
Deciding whether or not basis exists for closed-session for anticipated litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(3)).
Number of potential cases is: 1
C. Personnel (Government Code §54957(b)).
Consider Public Employee Performance Evaluation for the Position of:
• City Manager
Mayor Preciado re-opened the City Council meeting at 6:44 p.m. with nothing to report.
PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS & UNSCHEDULED APPEARANCES:
Chief Nevarez, Chief of Police introduce one of our newest employees, Guadalupe Celis. Ms. Celis has been with the Police Department for several months and she's been doing a great job, hardworking, great attitude and happy to have Ms. Celis in the Police Department.
Guadalupe Celis stated that is grateful and thankful to be part of the team. Also, basically born and raised in Avenal and privilege to work with Avenal Police Department.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5. – A.
Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – July 13, 2023
Shelia Verdugo, Recreation Supervisor introduce Summer Staff as follows: Edgar Garcia, Bryanna Padilla, Giselle Laborin. So, they have been doing a great job for the Summer Program and will let Anna Lara, Senior Recreation Leader speak a little bit more about their duties with the kids.
Senior Recreation Leader Lara-Nieto will say a little something about each one of the Summer Staff. Bryanna Padilla, who recently graduated high school. Ms. Padilla was a recipient of the scholarship from the City Incentive Committee. Ms. Padilla is a fast learner, adapts very well to the program. Giselle Laborin recently graduated brings balance, usefulness, crafty and help with kids. Edgar Garcia who is currently comes with us with a lot of experience. Mr. Garcia currently works for the Reef Sunset Unified School District. He is a quick learner, self-motivated and has a passion just for wanting to help the community.
Senior Recreation Leader Lara-Nieto mentions this is our Summer Staff and they have been working for three weeks and are doing a wonderful job. So, we're thankful to have them on board. Kidz Spot is open from: Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 2:30PM.
Councilman Verdugo BBQ for them one Friday and Mayor Preciado visited. All City Council is welcome and help BBQ.
Ms. Padilla mentioned that ever since she was little, she enjoys the community events and Kidz Spot and likes that she is was able to be a part of arranging events this summer to see both sides.
Ms. Laborin mentioned that she really like this job, loves the kids and all are very different in their own ways. Also, when out in public and see children form the Summer Program their excited to see her call her teacher, teacher, and she loves it and thanked them for the opportunity.
Mr. Garcia stated that his is honor and privileged to work with City of Avenal, especially along with Shelia Verdugo & Anna LaraNieto. Also are the ones that inspired me to walk to do more for City and team.
Scott Davis, Public Works Supervisor mentions that Mrs. Barrera did her internship at the Avenal Animal Shelter. Mrs. Barrera does a wonderful job and probably actually put in more volunteer hours than we can count right now. Mrs. Barrera is a wonderful addition through her internship and her volunteer time and now as an employee. So, welcome aboard New Kennel Technician Teresa Barrera.
City Manager Lopez mentioned that the agendas show as to be determined because we were still in the middle of interviews for interns. So, Angie, City Clerk and City Manager Lopez are excited to announce that we've selected both Lian and Natalie to be our Summer Interns. This is the second year of the program. As the council's aware, we started the program last year with the hopes of enticing our recent graduates from Avenal who maybe looking into a career in local government. The idea of giving them some experience, hoping that they can, come back and continue giving back to the community. City Manager Lopez introduces Interns – Lian Martinez & Natalee Lomeli.
Ms. Martinez mentioned that she is grateful for allowing her to do this internship again. She loves community outreach and working at Veterans Hall with all the seniors. So, excited to be doing this again and helping where needed and any community events that are coming up.
Ms. Lomeli mentioned that she is grateful for the opportunity, wants to give back to the city and get involved in community activities.
Jesse Mendez mentioned that lives in the City of Lemoore, but he was recently an employee, for the City of Avenal - Sergeant with the Avenal Police Department. Mr. Mendez families are present and friends/residents that filled the meeting room. Mr. Mendez thanked all for their support tonight. Mr. Mendez mentioned that a man once told me that, you know, we, and I'm sure you folks have heard the story that we as police officers, we deposited into this emotional bank account, and you can see it paid off. When Mr.
Mendez started in Avenal before Mr. Mendez started here Mr. Mendez called the Chief of Police. Mr. Mendez told him what he was about. Mr. Mendez grew up in a small community within Kettleman City and his dad ran the ranch for 30-plus years and his mom and dad are present here today. Mr. Mendez work in the fields/agriculture and grew up around his people Hispanic/Latino community “mi raza”. A time came and his parents told him they wanted him to be a police officer and 18 years later - Police Officer.
Mr. Mendez continues that he has 18 years of experience came out and now because he was under the impression that they were going to do in this community, was great. And he admired the Chief Nevarez for what his vision was, and Mr. Mendez took that vision, and he started working with it. When Mr. Mendez first started here, they started with the Santa Sleigh/Santa on patrol and brought it to the Chief’s attention. They ran with it his family built a sleigh and they delivered to most of the kids in this community told me you were there. You folks were there, and it was a great event, and they did that event not because we wanted social media attention, not because we wanted to make it seem like we had changed our department was better. It's because it's the right thing to do. Mr. Mendez was told that it's all about building trust and building a relationship with this community and that is exactly what Mr. Mendez dedicated himself on doing. After the sensory thing, Mr. Mendez went on to teach the Citizens Police Academy for Spanish speaking residents, our first one here in Avenal. Chief Nevarez vision, but his not too proud to say that he put that together by himself with the assistance of nobody else. It was the Chief’s vision, but Mr. Mendez did it along covering his shift as a supervisor. That first Citizens Police Academy was a success. They graduated the second class from the Citizens Police Academy. We go back a little bit that Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – July 13, 2023
Citizens Police Academy was all about teaching and building bonds with the community members, letting them know what we do as police officers, what our job is. It's not about the hooking and booking, it's about building relationships and trust. It's about being one with the community.
Amado Cervantes, Maria Morales, Francisco Franco, Cruz Garcia, Sergio Ramirez, Jessy Mendez Fiancée, Ricardo Reyna is in support Mr. Jessy Mendez.
Sergio Ramirez, Thanked the City Council for all they do, there doing a great job and investigate rehiring Jessy Mendez.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
All items listed under the consent calendar are routine and enacted by one motion: (Action).
A. Consider City of Avenal/Successor Agency’s Approval of Minutes for June 22, 2023.
B. Ratify Approval for Kings County Behavioral Health to a Second Digital Signage on the Highway 33/Skyline Blvd.
Intersection.
C. Consider Approval for Out of State Training: Tri-State Seminar 2023/ Water Expo 2024.
Councilman Gravelle/Council Member/Successor Agency Member motioned to approve Consent Calendar, seconded by Council/Successor Agency Member Hernandez, and motion carried.
Roll Call Vote:
AYES: Gravelle, Hernandez, Verdugo, Ramirez, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBERS/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:
A. Designation of Voting Delegates and Alternates: League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, Sept. 20-22, 2023, Sacramento SAFE Credit Union Convention Center: (Discussion/Action).
Maria Ortiz, City Clerk reported that as the City Council is aware, the League's 2023 Annual Conference is scheduled for September 20-22, 2023, at Sacramento SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. An important part of the conference is the Annual Business Meeting, which is scheduled for September 22nd, where the League Membership will consider and act on resolutions that establish the Cal Cities Policy to vote at this Business Meeting, the City Council must designate a voting delegate and up to two (2) alternate voting delegates in the event the voting delegate is unable to attend. As per Cal Cities bylaws.
Staff recommends by motion: 1) designate voting delegate and alternates for the Annual League Business Meeting scheduled on September 20-22, 2023, at Sacramento SAFE Credit Union Convention Center An important part of the conference is the Annual Business Meeting, which is scheduled for September 22, 2023. Process said form.
Mayor Pro Tem Ramirez designate voting delegate Alvaro Preciado and alternates Ricardo Verdugo for the Annual League Business Meeting scheduled on September 20-22, 2023, at Sacramento SAFE Credit Union Convention Center An important part of the conference is the Annual Business Meeting, which is scheduled for September 22, 2023. Also, have City Clerk process said form, seconded by Councilman Hernandez and motion carried.
Roll Call Vote:
AYES: Ramirez, Hernandez, Verdugo, Gravelle, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
B. Consider Adopting a Resolution Recognizing the Need for a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Program and Taking Steps to Form the Necessary Committee:
Mayor Pro Tem Ramirez requested to table item until further notice and bring back to the City Council with all information needed, seconded by Councilman Hernandez motion carried.
Roll Call Vote:
AYES: Ramirez, Hernandez, Verdugo, Gravelle, Preciado.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
Joint Meeting City Council/Successor Agency/PFA – July 13, 2023
ACTIVITY REPORTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. Activity Reports:
1. Activities Department Report: Shelia Verdugo, Recreation Supervisor Shelia Verdugo, Recreation Supervisor reported the following: 1) June 24 th Patriotic Program; 2) July 11th • Kidz Spot Island Field Trip; 3) July 14th- Friday Night Market; 4) July 7th Community Movie Night showing Journey2 ; two showings - 5:30 & 7:30 p.m.; 5) On going even – Zumba 7-8 p.m.; 6) Coming soon – Karate August 21st Instructor Shihan/ Robert Campos -$55.00 monthly Monday’s 6-8 p.m.; 7) Continue to working on Community Garden; and 8) Kidz Spot has 41 registered.
2. IT Department Activity Report: Humberto Bermudez, IT Manager Humberto Bermudez, IT Manager reported the following: 1) continuing services Internet, Phone system, Emails, Server, Clerk software, Server; and 2) Other: Continuing to work with Kings County Behavioral Health on digital signage across the city.
An MOU may be required due to the cost of two signs and may require taking bringing multiple vendor quotes to the Avenal City Council to bid. follow-up call with Verkada, discussing pricing, features, licensing, and long-term sustainability. Assisting Avenal PD with: Procuring and upgrading devices, working with Kings County IT to discuss the internet issues at the PD building and brainstorming solutions. Continues to work with KCAG to allow regular remote viewing and participation of them monthly meetings.
Continues to maintain the city website and provide tech support across all facilities.
3. Public Works/Code Enforcement/Animal Control Activity Report: Scott Davis, Public Works.
Scott Davis, Public Works Supervisor, reported on the following: 1) Code Enforcement; 2) Park & Landscaping; 3) Streets;4) Water Distribution; 5) Wastewater Collection; and 6) Vehicle, Equipment, & Building Maintenance.
B. Special Presentations/Reports:
1) None.
PUBLIC HEARING(s):
Joint Hearing of the City of Avenal Successor Agency RDA Trust Obligations Fund/Public Finance Authority:
A. None.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. None.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. None.
CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS/CLOSING COMMENTS:
Antony Lopez, City Manager reported the following: 1) Governor signed an appropriation, which includes a $1 million grant to the City of Avenal to help replace roofs at both the Veterans Hall and the Avenal District Hospital building, which includes the Police Department; 2 Also, the City Attorney's office will be doing Brown Act training soon; 3) Cooling Center at Veterans Hall - 2PM6:30PM; 4) He will be out of the state this weekend and available by phone and next City Council meeting will be August 10th . Also,
reminder of
Councilman Gravelle thanked all City Employees for all they do.
Mayor Preciado reported the following: 1) many meetings; and thanked all for attending.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business the City Council meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Ortiz, City Clerk