Kelly Kulikoff - Mayor
Ronald Smith - Mayor Pro Tem
Jim Creighton - Councilmember
Michael Kulikoff - Councilmember
LaShelle Cooper - Councilmember
AGENDA
CALIFOFNIA
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
CITY COUNCIL/ HOUSING AUTHORITY/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY
SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2024
SPECIAL MEETING @5:00 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS & VIA ZOOM
21000 HACIENDA BLVD., CALIFORNIA CITY, CA 93505
If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, contact the City Clerk at (760) 373-7140 or via email at [email protected]. We request a 24-hour notification prior to the meeting in order for the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility. (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 American Disabilities Act Title II)
Zoom instructions and notes:
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Comments
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Public is urged to listen to the meeting in a quiet place, to avoid background noise. We also request public to MUTE your audio device when not commenting to avoid disruption during meeting. ** At this time, please take a moment to turn off your cell phones ** 4:00 PM CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers: Cooper, Creighton, Kulikoff, Mayor Pro Tem Smith & Mayor Kulikoff
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Members of the public are welcome to address the City Council only on those items listed on the Closed Session agenda. Each member of the public will be given (3) three minutes to speak.
CLOSED SESSION
CS1. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957
Title of Position: Fire Chief and Fire Services
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
SPECIAL MEETING @ 5:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers: Cooper, Creighton, Kulikoff, Mayor Pro Tem Smith, & Mayor Kulikoff
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENTS
This portion of the meeting is reserved for the public to address the City Council on any matter NOT on the agenda and over which the City Council has jurisdiction. Comments are to be limited to three (3) minutes.
The City Council will receive the comments but cannot engage in back-and-forth discussion with the public 2 or make any decision. The City Council can direct staff to bring the item back to a future agenda for discussion.
PUBLIC HEARING
PH1. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PUBLIC SAFETY SPECIAL PARCEL TAX a. Open Public Hearing
b. Staff Report by City Attorney, Robert F. Messinger
c. Public Comment
d. Close Public Hearing
e. Discussion
f. Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the City Council; 1) Conduct a public hearing to receive public input on the issue of a special parcel tax ballot measure; 2) Provide staff any further direction desired by the City Council, and 3) Adopt a Resolution calling and giving notice of the special municipal election to be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
CB1. Options for Airport Management.
a. Letter of Intent from Tech 45 Airport Management
b. Letter of Intent from Dr. Eugene Rajaratnam & Team
NEW BUSINESS
NB1. Salary Schedule Change-Police Chief
Staff Report: Latisha Lamberth, Acting City Manager
Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the City Council approves the new salary range as presented.
ADJOURNMENT
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
1, DARYL A. BETANCUR, City Clerk for the City of California City, California, DO HEREBY CERTIFY under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that the foregoing notice was posted at the City of California City, City Hall bulletin and all other official bulletin boards and the City's website at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in compliance with the provisions of the Brown Act. board at 21000 Hacienda Boulevard, California City, CA and on all official City bulletin boards Dated: April 29, 2024
DARYL A BETANCUR MM
City Clerk
4 COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
APRIL 30, 2024
PREPARED BY: Victor Ponto, City Attorney
Robert F. Messinger, Esq.
SUBJECT: Public Safety Special Parcel Tax
BACKGROUND
In 2018, the California City electorate approved the California City Public Safety Only Special Parcel Tax Ordinance of 2018 (the "2018 Tax Ordinance") by a two-thirds vote.
The proceeds of the tax is divided evenly to fund police services and fire services within the City. The 2018 Tax Ordinance contains a sunset provision and will expire following the 2023-2024 tax year.
Subsequently, on November 14, 2023, the City Council ordered a special municipal election to be held on March 5, 2023 for the purpose of submitting to the voters a ballot measure on a special parcel tax to finance essential services only. The measure failed to obtain a 2/3rds majority vote.
The City Council now desires to consider for adoption a resolution ordering a special municipal election to be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, for the purpose of submitting to the voters a ballot measure on a special parcel tax to finance public safety only. The resolution calls and gives notice of holding an election, directs the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis, and adopts regulations for ballot arguments. Priority for arguments is given to the City Council, or members thereof. The due date for submittal of direct arguments to the City Clerk would be Friday, May 3, 2024, by five p.m., followed by a public review period, with rebuttal arguments filed no later than five p.m. on Monday, May 13, 2024.
The resolution will also direct the City Clerk, as the City's Election Official, to take any and all steps necessary for the holding of the election, including, but are not limited to, the appointment of all required election officers and establishment of polling places; publishing the notice of appointment of election officers, preparing and mailing the official and sample ballots including arguments, process vote by mail ballots; obtain all needed materials for polling places; conduct the election, canvass the election returns and certify the results.
DISCUSSION
The draft special parcel tax ordinance presented with this agenda report reflects the input and direction from the City Council from its meeting of April 9, 2024, with respect to the preferences for a special tax to be placed on a July 30, 2024 special election ballot. As a 1 preliminary matter, a special parcel tax may be enacted only as a special tax requiring a two-thirds vote and the proceeds dedicated to a special purpose.
The draft special parcel tax ordinance will enact a special tax for a period of six years at a rate in the initial year of $120 for improved parcels and $60 for unimproved parcels, to be reduced by 1/6th in each successive year until it expires completely after the sixth year.
The ordinance contains the accountability requirements mandated for voter approved special taxes set forth in Government Code Section 50075.1, including:
(a) A statement indicating the specific purposes of the special tax. (b) A requirement that the proceeds be applied only to the specific purposes identified. (c) The creation of an account into which the proceeds shall be deposited. d) An annual report by the City's chief fiscal officer.
The proceeds of the special tax will continue to be divided evenly for deposit into the Police Special Tax Fund, for the exclusive use for police equipment, vehicles, supplies, training, facilities, administrative expenses, operating expenses (including dispatch), maintenance expenses, personnel costs and associated overhead costs, and deposit into the Fire/EMS Special Tax Fund, for the exclusive use for fire, emergency medical services, code enforcement, equipment, apparatus, vehicles, supplies, training, facilities, administrative expenses, operating expenses (including dispatch); maintenance expenses, fire prevention program expenses, personnel costs and associated overhead costs.
The ordinance provides that the special tax would sunset following the 2030-2031 tax year. The ordinance also increases the appropriation limit to account for the collection and expenditure of the special tax.
Also presented with this staff report for City Council input is draft ballot question language.
Ballot question language is limited by statute to 75 words. The draft language presented contains 75 words.
FISCAL IMPACT
The existing special parcel tax generates approximately $6.5 million in revenue. The proposed special parcel tax is anticipated to generate approximately $3 million in revenue in its first year and to decrease by 1/6th in each successive year until it expires completely following fiscal year 2030-2031.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
(1) Conduct a public hearing to receive public input on the issue of a special parcel tax ballot measure, and
(2) Provide staff any further direction desired by the City Council, and 2 (3) Adopt a Resolution Calling and Giving Notice of the Special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Special Parcel Tax Ordinance
2. Draft Ballot Question Language
3. Resolution Calling and Giving Notice of the Special Municipal Election ORDINANCE NO. 24-813
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CALIFORNIA CITY, CALIFORNIA AMENDING THE CALIFORNIA CITY MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING DIVISION 5 OF ARTICLE 1 OF
CHAPTER 2 OF TITLE 3 BY ENACTING FOR A PERIOD OF SIX YEARS
A PUBLIC SAFETY ONLY SPECIAL PARCEL TAX TO BE LEVIED ON
ALL PARCELS OF REAL PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF CALIFORNIA
CITY, AND ESTABLISHING AN APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT
The people of the City of California City do ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. Title 3, Chapter 2, Article 1, Division 5, Special Parcel Tax, of the California City Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
"DIVISION 5: SPECIAL PARCEL TAX
3-2.1.501. Short title.
This Division may be referenced to as the California City Public Safety Only Special Parcel Tax Ordinance of 2024.
Sec. 3-2.1.502. Tax levied.
An annual special tax is hereby levied by the City on all lots and parcels within the boundaries of the City other than lots and parcels that (i) are exempt from this tax pursuant to the Constitution or laws of the United States or of the Constitution or laws of the State of California or (i) are exempt from the ad valorem property tax or have an ad valorem property tax liability of zero.
Sec. 3-2.1.503. Maximum rate.
The maximum rate of the tax against each parcel in the initial tax year shall be one hundred twenty dollars ($120.00) for improved parcels and sixty dollars ($60.00) for unimproved parcels.
Sec. 3-2.1.504. Rate reduction.
In each tax year following the initial tax year, the rate of the tax levied against improved parcels shall be reduced by twenty dollars ($20.00) and the rate of the tax levied against unimproved parcels shall be reduced by ten dollars ($10.00).
Sec. 3-2.1.505. Annual proceedings.
The City Council is authorized to set for each tax year, by ordinance or resolution, the tax levied against each lot or parcel. The tax for each tax year shall be calculated 1 pursuant to Section 3-2.1.504. The ordinance or resolution shall list each taxed lot or parcel by assessor's parcel number. The ordinance or resolution shall constitute the official record of the assessment of the special tax, and a copy thereof, together with any other pertinent data, shall be transmitted to the appropriate county officials to facilitate collection of the tax.
Sec. 3-2.1.506. Collection.
The tax shall be collected by the County of Kern in the same manner and subject to the same penalty and procedure as ad valorem property taxes collected by the county.
Unpaid taxes shall bear interest at the same rate as the rate for unpaid ad valorem property taxes until paid. The county may deduct its reasonable costs incurred for the service before remittal of the balance to the city.
Sec. 3-2.1.507. Use of funds.
All tax proceeds received pursuant to this Division shall be divided evenly between two (2) special funds: (i) the Police Special Tax Fund and (i) the Fire/EMS Special Tax Fund.
Funds in the Police Special Tax Fund, and earnings thereon, shall be used only for police equipment, vehicles, supplies, training, facilities, administrative expenses, operating expenses (including dispatch), maintenance expenses, personnel costs and associated overhead costs.
Funds in the Fire/EMS Special Tax Fund, and earnings thereon, shall be used only for fire, emergency medical services, code enforcement, equipment, apparatus, vehicles, suspalies, maintenacie, admi, israire exon prograperatien see pers in clin and associated overhead costs.
Sec. 3-2.1.508. Accountability.
The chief fiscal officer of the City shall file a report with the City Council no later than January 1 of each year. The annual report shall contain both of the following:
(a) The amount of funds collected and expended.
(b) The status of any project required or authorized to be funded under this ordinance.
Sec. 3-2.1.509. Duration.
The levy of tax shall commence with tax year 2024-25. The final levy of the tax shall be for tax year 2030-2031 unless the tax is extended by a vote of the people.
Sec. 3-2.1.510. Amendment.
2 The City Council may, by ordinance, amend, repeal, renumber or recodify any or all of the provisions of this section; provided, however, that no ordinance extending the tax beyond the dates set forth in Section 3-2.1.509 or increasing the maximum rate of the tax shall be effective unless submitted to, and approved by, the voters of the City as required pursuant to the applicable law at the time of such action.
Sec. 3-2.1.511. Appropriations Limit.
Pursuant to the California Constitution, article XIIIB, the appropriation limit for the City of California City will be increased by the maximum projected aggregate collection authorized by the levy of this special tax, as indicated in section 3-2.1.503 of this division, in each of the years covered by this division plus the amount, if any, by which the appropriations limit is decreased by law as a result of the assessment of the special tax set forth in this division."
SECTION 2. If any section or portion of this Ordinance is found to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such finding shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the Ordinance, which shall continue in full force and effect, and to that extent, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
SECTION 3. The City hereby determines that this Ordinance is not in-and-of-itself a "project" pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq., including without limitation CEQA Guidelines 15378(b)(4) and 1506l(b)(3), as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the adoption of the ordinance itself may have a significant effect on the environment.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance, and all the provisions thereof, shall become effective only upon affirmative passage of two-thirds of the voters voting on the Ordinance. This Ordinance shall be considered adopted on the date that the City declares the results of the election at which it was voted upon and shall be effective ten (10) days thereafter.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of California City on the _ day of -, 2024.
Kelly Kulikoff, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:
Victor M. Ponto, City Attorney Daryl A. Betancur, City Clerk, MPA, MMC 3 CERTIFICATION
1, Daryl A. Betancur, City Clerk of the City of California City, California, hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance was adopted at a Special meeting of the City Council held on the 30th day of April 2024, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of California City, California, this _ day of April 2024 Daryl A. Betancur, MPA, MMC,
City Clerk
4 DRAFT
Special Parcel Tax Ballot Question Language
(75 Word Limit)
Shall the measure to enact a public safety only special parcel tax on all real property within the City of California City, California in an annual amount not to exceed $120 for improved parcels and $60 for unimproved parcels, reducing by one-sixth in each subsequent year and expiring in six (6) years, estimated to generate approximately $3 million in the first year, solely to fund police services, and fire protection and emergency medical services, be adopted?
RESOLUTION NO. 24-3024
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CALIFORNIA CITY, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE
SUBMISSION TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE
CITY AT A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD
ON JULY 30, 2024, A PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO ENACT
A SPECIAL PARCEL TAX ON REAL PROPERTY IN THE
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY; CALLING AND GIVING
NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE
HELD IN THE CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY ON TUESDAY,
JULY 30, 2024, FOR A VOTE ON SAID BALLOT
MEASURE; DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO
PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS; AND SETTING
PRIORITIES FOR BALLOT ARGUMENTS
WHEREAS, pursuant to Article XIII A of the California Constitution and Section 50077 et seq. of the California Government Code, the City has the authority to levy a special tax following notice and a public hearing; and
WHEREAS, the California Constitution Article XIIIC, Section 2(d) requires a proposed tax to be submitted to the qualified electors at an election; and WHEREAS, on April 17, 2024, the City published notice of the time and place of the hearing on the special tax and a general explanation thereof in the Mojave Desert News, a newspaper of general circulation; and
WHEREAS, on April 30, 2024, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing where all interested persons were heard on the matter of holding an election in the matter of levying a special tax on parcels of real property in the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of California City intends to submit to the qualified electors, a ballot measure on a proposed ordinance to extend a special parcel tax on real property in the City of California City, as described in this Resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY,
CALIFORNIA DOES RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to California Elections Code Sections 9222 and 10201, the City Council, pursuant to its right and authority, does hereby order that a ballot measure be submitted to the voters at a Special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in the form set forth herein.
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby orders that the question to be submitted to the qualified electors at the said Special Municipal Election shall appear and be printed on the ballot as follows:
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY RESOLUTION NO. 24-3024
Shall the measure to enact a public safety only YES
special parcel tax on all real property within the
City of California City, in an annual amount not NO
to exceed $120 for improved parcels and $60
for unimproved parcels, reducing by one-sixth in
each subsequent year, expiring in six (6) years,
estimated to generate approximately $3 million
in the first year, solely to fund police services,
and fire protection and emergency medical
services, be adopted?
SECTION 3. The text of the proposed ordinance to be submitted to the qualified electors, as attached hereto as Exhibit "A," is hereby approved and incorporated herein by reference. The type of tax proposed is a Special Parcel Tax on each parcel of real property as specified in the proposed ordinance for a period of six (6) years. The measure shall not take effect unless and until approved by a vote of least 2/3 of the voters voting on the question at the election.
SECTION 4. The ballots to be used at the election shall be in the form and content required by law.
SECTION 5. The City Clerk is hereby designated as the official to conduct such special election in accordance with and subject to the applicable provisions of the Elections Code of the State of California, and is authorized, instructed, and directed to procure and furnish any and all official ballots, notices, printed matter and all supplies, equipment and paraphernalia that may be necessary in order to properly and lawfully conduct the election.
SECTION 6. The City Clerk is hereby directed to submit to the City Attorney a copy of the ordinance, and the City Attorney is hereby authorized and directed to prepare an impartial analysis of the ballot measure showing the effect of the measure on the existing law and operation of the measure. The impartial analysis shall be submitted by the City Attorney to the City Clerk as required by Elections Code Section 9280 and shall not exceed 500 words in length, and otherwise shall comply in all respects with the applicable provisions of the Elections Code of the State of California.
SECTION 7. The last day for filing direct arguments for or against the measure shall be May 3, 2024, and all such arguments shall be filed with the Office of the City Clerk in the City of California at 21000 Hacienda Boulevard, California City, California, 93505, and shall not exceed 300 words in length. The City Clerk, upon receipt of arguments and after the filing deadline, shall immediately transmit copies to any known opposing parties who may then submit rebuttals no later than May 13, 2024. The City Council authorizes any and all members of the City Council to file a written argument in favor or against the above referenced measure.
If more than one argument is submitted in favor or against the measure, the Clerk shall select the argument based upon the priorities set forth in Elections Code 9287, and CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY RESOLUTION NO. 24-3024
if more than one argument shares the same highest priority, the City Clerk shall use a random selection methodology. Arguments received prior to the deadline shall be confidential until the deadline.
SECTION 8. That the last day for filing rebuttal arguments for or against the ballot measure shall be May 13, 2024, and all such arguments shall be filed with the Office of the City Clerk of the City of California City at 21000 Hacienda Boulevard, California City, California, 93505, and shall not exceed 250 words in length. Arguments received prior to the deadline are confidential until the deadline.
SECTION 9. The ten (10) day public review period for all ballot materials shall open and close pursuant to Elections Code section 9295.
SECTION 10. That the polls (vote centers) for the election shall be open at seven o'clock a.m. on the day of the election and shall remain open continuously from that time until eight o'clock p.m. of the same day when the polls (vote centers) shall be closed, pursuant to Election Code § 10242, except as provided in §§ 14212, 14401 of the Elections Code of the State of California.
SECTION 11. That in all particulars not recited in this resolution, the election shall be held and conducted as provided by law for holding municipal elections.
SECTION 12. That notice of the time and place of holding the election is given and the City Clerk is authorized, instructed, and directed to give further or additional notice of the election, in time, form and manner as required by law.
SECTION 13. The election on this measure shall be held and conducted as provided by law for holding municipal elections.
SECTION 14. The City Manager and all other officers of the City are hereby authorized and directed, jointly and severally, to do any and all things and to execute and deliver any and all documents that they may deem necessary or advisable in order to complete the process for placing the measure on the July 30, 2024, ballot.
SECTION 15. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of California City, California, on this 30th day of April 2024. [THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY RESOLUTION NO. 24-3024
KELLY KULIKOFF, MAYOR
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
ATTEST:
DARYL A. BETANCUR, CITY CLERK
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
[THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY RESOLUTION NO. 24-3024
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF KERN ) SS.
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
1, DARYL A. BETANCUR, City Clerk of the City of California City, California, hereby certify that Resolution No. 24-3024 was adopted by the City Council of the City of California City at a Special Meeting held on the 30th day of April 2024, and that the same was adopted by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
DARYL A. BETANCUR, CITY CLERK
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY RESOLUTION NO. 24-3024
EXHIBIT "A"
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
State of California
County of Kern
I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the County aforesaid; I am over the age of eighteen years, and not a party to or interested in the above-entitled matter. I am the principal clerk of the Mojave Desert News, a newspaper that has been adjudicated to be a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of the County of Kern, State of California on October 13th 1939 Case number 34058 in and for the County of Kern State of California that the notice which the annexed is a true printed copy, has been published in each regular and entire issue of said newspaper and not in any supplement thereof on the following dates, to wit I certify under the penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true.
04/17/2024
signed: The filter
Misty Hickok
04/17/2024
Sultzhod in The Mojave Dosert News
Item No. CB1
CALIFORIIE
COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
April 30, 2024
PREPARED BY: Acting City Manager, Latisha Lamberth
SUBJECT: Options for Airport Management
BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION
As per the request of the council, our staff has researched and evaluated various options to assist with managing the airport and reviving the airport restaurant.
After careful consideration, we have narrowed down our options to two qualified competitors - Tech 45 and Dr. Eugene Rajaratnam. Tech 45 has an excellent track record in managing airports and are known for their innovative ideas to generate revenue.
In order to move this process forward, we have attached two letters of intent from these companies. We believe that both these options have the potential to bring significant improvements to our airport and increase its revenue.
Tech 45 has proposed a comprehensive plan to enhance the overall operations of the airport, including modernization of facilities and implementing cost-effective strategies as well as reviving the restaurant. On the other hand, Dr. Eugene Rajaratnam has presented a unique plan to revive the airport restaurant and attract more customers, ultimately boosting the airport's revenue.
We are confident that either of these options will greatly benefit our airport and help us achieve our goal of making it a successful and profitable facility. We would appreciate if you could review the attached letters and provide us with your feedback and preference.
In conclusion, City Council should carefully consider the recommendations and the potential benefits of approving the recommended action.
FISCAL IMPACT
The fees for the above services will be paid out of Professional Services 53-5310-310 and will be supplemented by the vacated airport manager position. 1 COUNCIL OPTIONS
City Council approves an approved vendor.
City Council continues discussion the vendors
City Council takes no further action.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approves either Tech 45 or Dr. Eugene Rajaratnam. 2 19604 Brite Valley Bivd, Tehachapi, CA 93561 California City City Council PECS [email protected] 21000 Hacienda Blvd.
MAAGCRENT
818-900-4076 California City, CA 93505
April 26, 2024
Dear Members of the City Council,
We at Tech 45 Airport Management are excited to present an opportunity to partner with California City Municipal Airport. Our goal aligns with yours: to create revenue-generating opportunities for the city while minimizing risks and keeping costs low. We have adjusted our pricing to provide the best value for the city and make our partnership even more affordable:
BASIC OPTION: $80,000 (previously $97,500)
• Establishment of Tech 45 Office • Capital Improvement Plan Development • On-Site Support • Regulatory Compliance &
• Full-Service Lease/Rental Management Representation
• Full-Service Billing Management • Fuel Distribution Compliance • Targeted Grant Identification • Airport Caretaking Guidelines With this reduction in cost, we are offering a full team of aerospace and business experts for the expense of one part-time employee. Our aim is to automate operations for long-term sustainability and efficiency.
We've identified key offerings that would greatly benefit the city:
1. Aeronautical Business Development: Bringing in new aeronautical businesses to increase traffic and revenue for the city and local businesses.
2. Active Grant Pursuit: Seeking grants for airport improvements to support growth.
3. Airport Advisory Committee: Facilitating community input and buy-in.
Tech 45 is committed to exceeding your expectations. We've carefully adjusted our pricing to provide you with the most cost-effective proposal while ensuring exceptional quality and value.
To provide you with flexibility and confidence, our one-year contract will include a 60-day cancellation clause. However, we are confident that after experiencing our dedication and achievements in the first year, you'll want to continue with us for the long term! Thank you for considering Tech 45 Airport Management. We believe we can accomplish amazing things for the airport and the city, ensuring sustainable growth and success. sincerely. A Loo
Chaf Rosacke
Founder & Chief Strategist
April 24, 2024
Latisha Lamberth, Acting City Manager
City of California City
21000 Hacienda Boulevard
California City, CA 93505
Subject: Letter of Intent to Manage the California City Airport Dear Latisha Lamberth,
Please accept this Letter of Intent ("LOI"), which shall form the basis for the preparation of contractual documents relative to a Professional Services Agreement to manage the California City Airport (the "Management Agreement", or the "Agreement") between the City of California City as current owner and manager ("City") and an entity to be formed via a collaboration between Dr. Eugene Rajaratnam and his team ("Management Company"). City and Management Company may also be collectively referred to as "the Parties." Management Company partners collectively have decades of knowledge in general aviation, UAS/UAVs, FAA rules and regulations, flight test, engineering, business development, management, and marketing.
• Dr. Eugene C Rajaratnam
Business development, aviation assets management, pilot (plane and helicopter) • William Francis
FAA, DER, and Private Sector Test Pilot; NTSB Accident Investigation and airworthiness certification consultant
• Aleksander Tutunik
Aviation service management, mechanical engineer, aviation maintenance technician, aviation broker/purchase agent,International business development. • Saro Marcarian
Software Engineer / Engineering Manager, Experimental Aircraft and UAS / UAV pilot and Operator
• Veronika Tutunik
Marketing/advertising, social media
• Lualice Murphy
Commercial Property Management
Unless otherwise indicated herein, the terms of this LOI constitute an agreement by the Parties to negotiate entering into a Professional Services Agreement and are not themselves binding.
The Parties anticipate entering into the Agreement on or before six months from full execution of this LOI (such interim period may be referred to as the "Negotiation Period"), consistent with the terms herein, and otherwise mutually acceptable to the Parties, which shall include, among other things, the following basic terms. This LOI shall terminate if an Agreement is not executed within six months of full execution of the LOI.
1. Owner and Current Manager. The City of California City, 21000 Hacienda Boulevard, California City, CA 93505, as represented by the City Manager as Authorized signatory.
2. Property. The City is the owner of certain real property on and within Assessor Parcel Numbers (APNs): 302-062-49, 216-010-35, in the City of California City, County of Kern, as depicted in the Airport Master Plan.
3. Management Intent. The Parties recognize that the following potential steps as part of the Management Company's business plan:
• Shortly upon execution of this LOI, the City and Management Company will enter into an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement for a period of six months. During that time, the terms of the Agreement will be formalized and the Management Company will be free to start required diligence.
• The Management Company will manage the airport for a percentage of net income from the revenue of the airport or in exchange for the revenue created by airport. • The Management Company will reposition the existing assets of the airport, to include the restaurant, hangars, and general aviation services. Such repositioning may include renovations, but at minimum include optimization and renegotiation of current leases and attracting new tenants and aviation related businesses. • The City will work collaboratively with the Management Company to obtain potential grants and new FAA designations with the objective to attract new and creative aerospace firms into the City.
• Management Company recognizes the need to maintain safe public access to the airport and agrees to manage the airport according to FAA regulations and applicable City Municipal Codes.
4. Agreement Execution. Should the City and Owner agree to execute an Agreement, it shall be mutually prepared and executed by the City and the Management Company upon the expiration of the Negotiation Period following the execution of this professional services agreement. The City and Owner shall use their best efforts to negotiate and enter into the Agreement based upon this LOI.
5. Investigation Period / Good Faith Dealings. Management Company shall have a reasonable time, which will be set forth in the ENA, to perform all feasibility and due diligence investigations regarding the Property. City shall fully cooperate with Management Company's due diligence and feasibility investigations. (Management company is willing to, immediately upon singing of LOI, at no cost, cooperatively with an assigned city employee, manage and operate the airport. In so doing conduct investigative due diligence.)
6. Conditions Precedent. Among other conditions to be specified in the Agreement, Management Company's obligation to advance shall be subject to but not limited to the satisfaction of the following conditions: (a) full financial and operating agreements including current leases, staff payroll, and utilities (b) capital improvement details, (c) historical legal and issue log, (d) filming and still photography log and history
7. Effect of the Letter of Intent. This letter of intent serves as the basis on which Management Company and City will proceed with further negotiations. If during the Negotiation Period either Party elects to terminate discussion of the preparation of an Agreement, then neither City or Management Company shall have a duty to negotiate or consider any other matter set forth above, and this LOI shall terminate and be of no further force or effect. Either party can terminate negotiations and discussion of an Agreement with or without cause
8. Acceptance of LOI: Acceptance of this letter is the first step by which the City and the Manager desire to participate in a coordinated and efficient effort to initiate work on improvement of the Property, ultimately to benefit residents in the surrounding community and potentially provide economic and employment opportunities.
This letter of intent is not binding on the parties; it is only an expression of the basic terms and conditions to be incorporated in a formal written agreement. This letter of intent does not obligate either party to negotiate in good faith or to proceed to the completion of an agreement. The parties shall not be bound unless and until a formal agreement is executed by the parties, which must be in form and content satisfactory to each party and its counsel in their sole discretion. Neither party may rely on this letter of intent as creating any legal obligation of any kind and no third party shall have the right to rely on this letter of intent for any reason whatsoever.
Notwithstanding that this LOI contains many of the essential points regarding the contemplated transaction described herein, this is not intended to be a legally enforceable agreement and no cause of action shall arise in respect of the signing hereof.
Neither City nor any of its affiliated entities, staff, elected officials or consultants shall have any liability (whether direct or indirect or in contract, tort or otherwise) to Management Company or any other person in connection with the delivery of this letter.
If this LOI correctly sets forth the understanding between the Owner and the City with respect to the foregoing, please so indicate by signing below.
Sincerely,
By:_
Dr. Eugene Rajaratnam
Management Company, Authorized Signatory
ACCEPTED:
The City of California City, California
By:_
Latisha Lambert, Acting City Manager
Item No. NB1
CALIFORAA
COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
April 30, 2024
PREPARED BY: Acting City Manager, Latisha Lamberth
SUBJECT: Salary Schedule Change-Police Chief
BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION
As you are aware, our city is currently facing challenging economic times, and the recent reduction in force was a necessary step to balance our budget and ensure the solvency of the city. Therefore, to continue on this path, we must also address the issue of the police chief's salary classification.
It has come to our attention that the Police Chief's current salary is not aligned with the city's financial situation. We have thoroughly examined the budget and have determined that a modification of the Police Chief's salary range is necessary to maintain parity within the City's departments and ensure the equitable distribution of resources.
Moreover, the police chief plays a vital role in our community, and we fully recognize the importance of their position. However, we must also consider the financial implications and the responsibility we have towards the taxpayers of our city. Therefore, careful consideration and clear communication are essential when evaluating a new salary range.
In conclusion, City Council should carefully consider the recommendations and the potential benefits of approving the recommended action.
Update to Salary Schedule
If City Council adopts Resolution no. 24-3025, then the proposed salary schedule, will be effective on May 7, 2024.
1 FISCAL IMPACT
Salary for this position Is Range 60, hourly rate ranges from $50.94 - $75.26. The city anticipates an annual savings of a minimum of. and a maximum of based on the new salary schedule.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
City Council approves the proposed new salary schedule.
City Council continues discussion on the proposed budget for FY 23-24 City Council takes no further action.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approves the new salary range.
ATTACHMENTS
a. Resolution No. 24-3025
b. 23-24 Salary Schedule
RESOLUTION NO. 24-3025
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CALIFORNIA CITY, CALIFORNIA, UPDATING THE CITY
SALARY SCHEDULE
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of California City ("City") has been undertaking substantive cost saving measures in light of budgetary constraints and, to that end, wishes to reduce the salary range for the Police Chief Classification; and WHEREAS, title 2 of the California Code of Regulations, section 570.5, requires that the City publishes an accurate salary schedule that provides salary ranges for each authorized classification; and
WHEREAS, by adoption of this resolution, the City intends to reduce the salary for the Police Chief Classification by reducing the amount of each of the 9 steps for this classification and to comply with the necessary regulations of the Public Employees' Retirement Law by providing an accurate salary schedule.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE, AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby incorporates the above recitals herein by reference.
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby approves and adopts the revised salary schedule reflecting reduction to the Police Chief Classification attached hereto as Exhibit PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of California City, this 30th day of April 2024.
Kelly Kulikoff,
Mayor
ATTEST:
Daryl A. Betancur, MPA, MMC
City Clerk
1 CERTIFICATION
1, Leanndrea Weible, Acting City Clerk of the City of California City, California, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted at a meeting of the City Council of said City at its meeting held on the 30th of April 2024, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of California City, California, this day of April 2024 Daryl A. Betancur,
City Clerk
2 City of California City
Salary Schedule
2023-2024
8 66.71 5336.85 11563.18
9 70.05 5603.69 12141.33
Class Title Range Step Hourly Bi-Weekly Monthly
Exempt Payroll Generalist 43 1 31.27 2501.60 5420.13
2 32.83 2626.68 5691.14
3 34.48 2758.01 5975.70
4 36.20 2895.91 6274.48
5 38.01 3040.71 6588.21
6 39.91 3192.75 6917.62
41.90 3352.38 7263.50
8 44.00 3520.00 7625.80
9 46.20 3696.00 8008.01
Exempt Planning Tech. Econ. Develop. 39 1 28.42 2273.60 4926.13 2 29.84 2387.28 5172.44
3 31.33 2506.64 5431.06
4 32.90 2631.98 5702.62
5 34.54 2763.58 5987.75
6 36.27 2901.75 6287.13
7 38.09 3046.84 6601.49
8 39.99 3199.18 6931.56
9 41.99 3359.14 7278.14
Exempt Planning/Econ Dev Admin 55 1 32.09 2567.20 5562.27 2 33.69 2695.56 5840.38
3 35.38 2830.34 6132.40
4 37.15 2971.85 6439.02
5 39.01 3120.45 6760.97
6 40.96 3276.47 7099.02
7 43.00 3440.29 7453.97
8 45.15 3612.31 7826.67
9 47.41 3792.92 8218.00
Exempt Police Chief 60 1 50.94 4075.20 8829.60
2 53.49 4278.96 9271.08
3 56.16 4492.91 9734.63
4 58.97 4717.55 10221.37
5 61.92 4953.43 10732.43
6 65.01 5201.10 11269.06