MINUTES
CONCH A CAN
GATEWAY City Council Meeting
CITY OR Council Chamber, Chowchilla City Hall
T0 130 S. Second Street, Chowchilla, CA 93610
PROSPERI 1923 Tuesday, July 11, 2023
FEBRUARY
7, No Closed Session ~ Open Session: 4:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: 4:06 PM
Mayor: Ray Barragan
Mayor Pro Tem: Kelly Smith
Council Members: Waseem Ahmed, John Chavez, Jeff Troost City staff and contract employees present: City Administrator Rod Pruett, City Attorney Mary Lerner, Police Chief Jeff Palmer, Fire Chief Fred Gaumnitz, Public Works Director Jason Rogers, Community & Economic Development Director Mark Hamilton, Finance Director Kerri Williams, Deputy Director of Recreation & Community Engagement Stacy Wisener, IT Systems Administrator Carlos Berrocal, Deputy City Clerk/Sec I! Stacy Weaver
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Additions and/or Deletions:
Motion by Council Member Waseem Ahmed, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Smith to Approve the Agenda as Presented. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
OPEN SESSION - 4:07 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION: Rev. Rick Pruitt
PRESENTATIONS/WORKSHOP - Section 1
PUBLIC ADDRESS
Rachelle Gibbs spoke on behalf of the homelessness and requested assistance.
COUNCIL AND STAFF VERBAL REPORTS - Section 2
2.1 COUNCIL VERBAL REPORTS
Legislative, Collaborative Agency, Ad Hoc
Council Member Troost participated with Public Works Director Rogers in a water round table meeting with Congressmen John Duarte.
Mayor Pro Tem Smith attended the 4th of July event that the Lion Club sponsored at the Chowchilla Airport, held on Saturday, July gth , a well attended the event. Mr. Smith wanted to thank the Public Works department for their dedication, and Doug Thiel's business, which is located at the Chowchilla Airport.
City Council Meeting MINUTES July 11, 2023
Council Member Ahmed attended an Economic Development meeting with Mayor Barragan. He wanted to publicly thank the Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil from District 4 for securing a permanent cap of 10% on the Caltrans oversight meeting and reported that it would help the City of Chowchilla save over $800,000 regarding the Roundabout Overpass project.
2.2 STAFF VERBAL REPORTS
Community & Economic Development Director Hamilton reported the status of potential projects moving forward. He spoke with the Builder of Lone Oak, who is moving forward with a lot line adjustment to sell part of the project to a potential regional builder. In June, the City of Chowchilla had fifty-nine (59) new building permits and five (5) new single-family dwellings; thirty-six (36) active locations have permits. The City of Chowchilla's inspector did two hundred and twenty (220) inspections in the past month, and he spends 3 - 4 hours each day at the Autozone site keeping the project moving forward. The Autozone project is ahead of schedule and moving along quickly. The staff has worked with Deputy Director Wisner at the Park doing the Concerts at the Park. This event is a positive community event and a pleasure to participate in.
Public Works Direction Rogers reported the department is working on several annual State reports for utilities. He met with Caltrans staff to discuss the proposed improvements discussed with Council at their last meeting. Caltrans is still working on the conceptual designs and asked to present to Council on July 25th instead of tonight's meeting, as requested. The Mt. Bullion Fire Crew and Public Works Staff completed the weed abatement around the Truman Storm Drainage Ponding Basin. They will conduct similar operations at the City's Kennedy Court Ponding Basin.
And finally, he and Council Member Troost attended a Madera County Water Roundtable meeting with Congressman John Duarte. The meeting focused primarily on agricultural water needs. Mr.
Rogers was able to provide perspective on municipal needs and requested more funding sources be made available to rural water areas.
Police Chief Palmer reported, since the last Council meeting, the City Police Officers responded to 1,055 calls. Four hundred fifty-one (451) of those calls were self-initiated. As a result of the Officer's activities, they made thirty (30) misdemeanor arrests and two (2) felony arrests. They issued forty-eight (48) traffic citations. The Code Enforcement took six (6) reports, marked thirteen (13) vehicles for violations, and noticed four (4) other properties for various code enforcement violations. The new cadet hired and sponsored to attend the academy the past week decided that the job was not for him and submitted his resignation. There are three (3) current vacant positions. Chief Palmer was happy to say that, at this moment, the CSO positions are fully staffed. Chief Palmer wanted to congratulate Sgt. Inzunza and his family on the birth of their second son this past week. The Chowchilla Police Department is moving forward through the remainder of the summer months, and the focus is to continue providing County Services to homeless people and focusing their efforts on traffic violations and DUl drivers. This upcoming Friday, July 14th, he and Lt. Denny will be in the dunk tank at the Veterans Park for one of our centennial celebrations. Chief Palmer invited Citizens to participate in "Dunk a Cop" for a donation.
Fire Chief Gaumnitz reported that the Truman Pond Crew finished and did a fantastic job with Cal-Fire. On July 4th attended the Annual Volunteer Firefighters Barbeque and wanted to say "Thank you" for their dedication. Chief Gaumnitz attended the July 8th Chowchilla Lions Club Fireworks Show. The contractor for the 2023 Weed Abatement is half way through, and the new fire truck should arrive around this summer's end. Have a new Volunteer Fire Fighter, which is in the background process and should be introduced soon to Council.
City Administrator Pruett reported attending a view meeting already mentioned. Mr. Pruett provided updates for the Fairmead Consolidation Project with the consultants on speeding up that process and getting the information the Water Resource Control Board said they needed to move forward. There is another meeting on Friday, July 14th as well. He also had a meeting with High- City Council Meeting MINUTES July 11, 2023
Speed Rail (HSR) with regards to the Fairmead Consolidation Project; per their MOU, they have a certain financial obligation towards the project, but they also are willing to help with the outreach efforts to get the right of entries signed. The project needs 90 right-of-entries; currently, we only have about 40 for the grant. Staff meeting with the Fairmead Leadership Council and Self-Help are trying to move this project forward. The MCTC and the California Transportation Commission will have a meeting in October where they want to visit the City of Chowchilla for potential projects in the County. The City of Chowchilla project that we will be showing them is the Roundabout Project hoping for their help with any funding shortfall that we might have. Meet with MCTC to go over the RFP for the Measure T renewal. Mr. Pruett attended continuing education courses on a 2023 GAP update.
Deputy Director of Recreation & Community Engagement Wisener reported that Movies/Music in the Park was going well this year and attended. Ms. Wisener wanted Council to know that the Citizens expressed their appreciation for the events and were very thankful. Ms. Wisener wished to thank the City's sponsors; Golden Memorial Insurance, Camarena Health; Madera Arts Council, QK, Steve Chevrolet of Chowchilla, and TF Farms. The "Party in the Park" is coming up this Friday, July 14th. The City will have its time capsule reveal at 7:00 p.m.; in the future, we will be doing a new time capsule, which will be announced later. Yes, we will have a "dunk tank," and the volunteers will include; Lt. Daniel Denny, Chief Palmer, Tony Gaither, George Rocha, and Branden Strain. We still need to fill one more position.
The event will have a bounce house, and the Yard Dog's will be there. Anticipate a lovely event.
Adult recreation started, and the City's refurbished concession stand is running. Ms. Wisener wanted to thank the City's maintenance, and a shout-out to Mario, and thank Mr. Rogers for paying for it out of his budget. The City has refurbished the Senior Center, Ed Ray Park, and now the concession stand, and she anticipates other City locations. The Continental Dinner is coming up and has been in the planning stage, and she wanted to say "Thank you" to the sponsors publicly; Golden Memorial, Camarena Health, Chowchilla Management Zone, Palmer Insurance, Salter's Distributing, Lozano Smith LLP, and we have participants from the Chowchilla Rotary, Chowchilla Chamber of Commerce.
The Summer pool season averages 37 participants a day. Somedays are 60 down to 20, and no problems so far. The cost is $1.00 for youths and $2.00 for adults. She posted on Facebook to get help from the High School Student Body to get their community service hours, and she has had a few students take advantage of it. Some TAP's children are coming this Friday to help at the pool.
CONSENT CALENDAR - Section 3
3.1 Approval of the June 27, 2023 City Council / Redevelopment Successor Agency / Public Financing Authority Joint Meeting Minutes (McClendon)
3.2 Consideration and Acceptance of the June 2023 Check Register (Williams) Motion by Council Member John Chavez, Seconded by Council Member Jeff Troost to Approve the Consent Calendar as Presented. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - Section 4
L... 4.1 Introduction of an Ordinance Adding Section 4.04.105 and Amending Sections
4.04.070 and 4.04.160 of Chapter 4.04 of the City of Chowchilla Municipal Code Relating to Public Purchasing and Procurement (Pruett)
Mayor Barragan Opened the public hearing at 4:35 p.m.
City Council Meeting MINUTES July 11, 2023
No one spoke for or against the item.
Mayor Barragan Closed the public hearing at 4:35 p.m.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Smith, Seconded by Council Member Ahmed to Approve the Introduction of an Ordinance Adding Section 4.04.105 and Amending Sections 4.04.070 and
4.04.160 of Chapter 4.04 of the City of Chowchilla Municipal Code Relating to Public Purchasing and Procurement. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
DEFERRED BUSINESS - Section 5
NEW BUSINESS - Section 6
6.1 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Amending the 2023/24 Salary Scale to Include Accounting Technician I, Accounting Technician II, and Utility Billing Clerk Classifications (Williams)
Motion by Council Member Ahmed, Second by Council Member Troost to Approve City Council Resolution (#53-23) Amending the 2023/24 Salary Scale to Include Accounting Technician I, Accounting Technician II, and Utility Billing Clerk Classification. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
6.2 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Approving the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Coronavirus Aid Small Business Loan Amended Program Guidelines (Hamilton) :
Rachelle Webb Spoke and asked clarifying questions
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Smith, Second by Council Member Ahmed to Approve City Council Resolution (#54-23) Approving the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Coronavirus Aid Small Business Loan Amended Program Guidelines. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
6.3 Consideration and Authorization of the Fireworks Booth Sales Permit Drawing for the Years 2024 and 2025 (Gaumnitz)
Deputy City Clerk Weaver drew the names in the following order:
1) - VFW*
2) - Chowchilla Lioness Lions Club
3) - Fuller School
4) - Chowchilla Family Worship Center
5) - Chowchilla Police Officer Association (CPOA) - Alternate It was the consensus of Council to have Fire Chief Gaumnitz bring back information regarding this year's fireworks sales totals and if an update to the City's resolution adding an additional sales permit is warranted.
6.4 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Declaring an Emergency Condition Necessitating Approving a Specialized Utility Services Program Agreement with California Rural Water Association to Safeguard Life and Property and Continue Essential Services of the City of Chowchilla (Rogers)
City Council Meeting MINUTES July 11, 2023
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Smith, Second by Council Member Troost to Approve City Council Resolution (#55-23) Declaring an Emergency Condition Necessitating Approving a Specialized Utility Service Program Agreement with California Rural Water Association (CRWA) to Safeguard Life and Property and Continue Essential Services of the City of Chowchilla. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote
ANNOUNCEMENTS - Section 7
JUNE 12-
JULY 27 OPEN SWIM PROGRAM, CUHS POOL, MONDAY - THURSDAY, 12:30PM TO 4PM JUNE 16-
JULY 21 SUMMER MARKET IN THE PARK, VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, FRIDAYS @ 5:30PM JULY 14 MUSIC IN THE PARK, 'THE YARD DOGS', VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, 8PM JULY 15 MOVIES IN THE PARK, 'DC LEAGUE OF SUPER PETS', VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, SUNSET
JULY 19 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, CITY HALL, 5PM
JULY 21 MUSIC IN THE PARK, 'JADED', VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, 8PM JuLY 15 MOVIES IN THE PARK, 'SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2', VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, SUNSET JULY 25 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, CITY HALL, 4PM
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ray Barragan adjourned the July 11, 2023 City Council Meeting at 5:07 PM ATTEST: APPROVED:
Joann McClendon, CMC, City Clerk Mayor Ray Barragan