AGENDA
City Council Meeting Council Chamber, Chowchilla City Hall 130 S. 2nd Street, Chowchilla, CA 93610
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Open Session: 4:00 p.m.
Agendas for all City Council meetings are posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in the kiosk just outside of City Hall, 130 S. Second St., Chowchilla, CA 93610.
The City of Chowchilla complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA of 1990). The Council Chambers is accessible to the physically disabled. If you need special assistance, please call (559) 665- 8615, ext. 102 at least 4 days prior to a regular meeting, 1 day for a special meeting.
California Levine Act Statement:
California Government Code Section 84308, commonly referred to as the "Levine Act," prohibits any Chowchilla City Council Member from participating in any action related to a license, permit, contract or entitlement for use application if he or she receives any political contributions totaling more than $250 within the previous twelve months, and for twelve months following the date of a final decision, from the business/board or applicant.
The Levine Act also requires a member of the Chowchilla City Council who has received such a contribution to disclose the contribution on the record of the proceeding.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor: Kelly Smith
Mayor Pro Tem: Waseem Ahmed
Council Members: Ray Barragan, John Chavez, Jeff Troost City staff and contract employees present will be recorded in the minutes.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Additions and/or Deletions:
OPEN SESSION – 4:00 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION:
PRESENTATIONS/WORKSHOP - Section 1
1.1 Proclamation: Fire Prevention Week, October 6 – 12, 2024
PUBLIC ADDRESS
This time is reserved for members of the audience to address the City Council on items of interest that are not on the agenda and that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council.
It is recommended that speakers limit their comments to no more than 3 minutes each and it is requested that no comments be made during this period on items on the Agenda. Speakers are not allowed to cede their public comment time.
City Council Meeting AGENDA September 24, 2024
Members of the public who are joining the meeting via Zoom and would like to address the Council on items on the agenda should follow the policy on page 4 of this agenda packet.
The Council is prohibited by law from taking any action on matters discussed that are not on the agenda.
No adverse conclusions should be drawn if the Council does not respond to public comment at this time.
COUNCIL AND STAFF VERBAL REPORTS – Section 2
2.1 COUNCIL VERBAL REPORTS
Legislative, Collaborative Agency, Ad Hoc
2.2 STAFF VERBAL REPORTS
CONSENT CALENDAR – Section 3
All items listed under Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. For discussion of any Consent Item, it will be made a part of the Regular Agenda at the request of any member of the City Council or any person in the audience.
3.1 Approval of the September 10, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes (McClendon)
3.2 Consideration and Acceptance of the August 2024 Financials Report (Williams) PUBLIC HEARINGS – Section 4
DEFERRED BUSINESS – Section 5
5.1 Discussion and/or Direction of the City of Chowchilla’s Former Library and Future Use of the Facility (Rogers)
NEW BUSINESS – Section 6
6.1 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Approving the Installation of Commemorative Veterans Boulevard Signs atop the Existing Wayfaring Signs Along the North and South Side of 5th Street (Wisener)
ANNOUNCEMENTS – Section 7
OCT 8 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, CITY HALL, 4PM
OCT 16 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, CITY HALL, 5PM
OCT 19 TRINITY PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER ANNUAL BANQUET, CORNERSTONE CHURCH, 5:30PM
OCT 26 HALLOWEEN TREAT TRAIL, VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, 6PM
ADJOURNMENT
I, Joann McClendon, CMC, City Clerk, do hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing agenda was posted at Chowchilla City Hall, 130 S 2nd Street, Chowchilla, CA and made available for public review on this 19th day of September, 2024 at or before 5:00pm.
Joann McClendon, CMC, City Clerk
September 24, 2024 City Council Meeting – 3pm
ZOOM LOGIN INSTRUCTIONS
Use the following URL to start Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83642746783?pwd=0ZZ2EpMMFRrzTTWKEMcLmN9rQMp0 bj.1
Passcode: 436 636
To participate by phone:
Dial 1-669-444-9171
Webinar ID: 836 4274 6783
Passcode: 436 636
Staff highly recommends that participants log into Zoom 15 minutes before the meeting begins to perform an audio check and ensure they have an optimal internet connection.
Options to participate / view / listen to the meeting:
• If you wish to speak on an item using the Zoom platform on your computer/laptop or smartphone, please use the “raise hand” icon, and you will be unmuted when it is your turn to speak. Please provide your name when unmuted. You can address the Council for up to 3 minutes. • If you are calling into the meeting only (no camera/video) and wish to comment, press *9 to “raise your hand” and *6 to unmute yourself.
Item 3.1
CLICK HERE
TO RETURN TO
THE AGENDA
MINUTES
City Council Meeting
Council Chamber, Chowchilla City Hall
130 S. 2nd Street, Chowchilla, CA 93610
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Closed Session: 3:00 p.m. | Open Session: 4:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor: Kelly Smith
Mayor Pro Tem: Waseem Ahmed
Council Members: Ray Barragan, 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, Deputy Director of Recreation & Community Engagement Stacy Wisener, Finance Director Kerri Williams, IT System Administrator Kurt Wlodarczyk, City Clerk Joann McClendon
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Additions and/or Deletions: No additions or deletions.
PUBLIC ADDRESS – CLOSED SESSION
None.
CLOSED SESSION – 3:30 PM
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d) (1)
Name of Case: Chowchilla Real Estate Holdings, LLC v. City of Chowchilla, Madera Superior Court Case No. MCV090718
OPEN SESSION – 4:00 PM
CLOSED SESSION REPORT: Nothing to report.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION: Pastor Doug
PRESENTATIONS/WORKSHOP - Section 1
PUBLIC ADDRESS
No one spoke.
COUNCIL AND STAFF VERBAL REPORTS – Section 2
2.1 COUNCIL VERBAL REPORTS
Legislative, Collaborative Agency, Ad Hoc
City Council Meeting MINUTES September 10, 2024
On September 9, Council Member Troost attended the Citizens Advisory Committee Valley Air Board meeting.
Council Member Barragan today, since 1:30 p.m., attended an economic development ad hoc meeting, along with Mayor Pro Tem Ahmed.
Mayor Smith attended a Chowchilla Task Force meeting. He learned from attending that meeting that Madera County Action Partnership assists people having financial difficulty paying their PG&E bill, up to $6k. he added that if anyone struggling to contact MCAP, they have very nice people ready to help. He also attended a food give away at Cornerstone Church where 400 cars drove through.
2.2 STAFF VERBAL REPORTS
Deputy Director of Recreation and Community Engagement Wisener went out to visit the parks to see where to place “reservation” signs. Pickle Ball Courts will be reservable for tournaments, etc. Been working on Measure N, website updates, and upcoming Halloween and Christmas events.
City Clerk McClendon reported that the Transit Department has received one of the last gas busses and will be in circulation soon.
Police Chief Palmer went over latest departmental stats and reported he attended a Chief’s Conference. the Police Department also purchased LPR’s for Greenhills area via Measure N proceeds.
Fire Chief Gaumnitz reported on a gas leak at corner of 11th Street and Monterey and another fire vent near Evans Feed due to a car accident against a power pole. One of the reasons there was such a quick response was due to a mutual aid training where firefighters from several agencies attended that evening, allowing an 18-minute response time. 9/11 ceremonies tomorrow, he will be attending the Madera County ceremony unveiling a 9/11 tower beam.
There they will also honor a previous Chowchilla Fire Chief Cecil M.
Mayor Smith thanked the firefighters for their quick response. He also added that the Patriot Day at Fuller School is a great event and appreciates that the CFD fire truck will take the place of the usual helicopter; this is due to a parking lot project that will not allow the helicopter to land at its usual spot.
Public Works Director Rogers reported he and the City Administrator have continued to meet with Caltrans and Rancho Calera regarding the SR 99/233 Interchange project and Right-ofWay acquisition needs. We are currently working with a consultant on developing a grant funding application for the Interchange project, with applications due in November. The Urban Runoff Project (Sonoma Storm Drain Project) construction is still ongoing. The contractor did hit a marked PG&E gas line near Fuller Elementary about a week and a half ago. We appreciate the Fire Department’s response and PG&E for fixing it. Staff met with the contractor to go over their procedures and modifications to them to mitigate at fault strikes. Related to the Sonoma Project, due to the road subsurface conditions encountered, staff identified the potential for additional costs and reached out to the State for additional funding. The SWRCB Fiscal Unit approved our additional funding request of $605,000 for the project. He thanked the Parks Staff, Chuck, Rudy, and Logan for all their hard work on our parks and dedication to the City.
Finance Director Williams submitted the GFOA report and working on grants.
City Administrator Pruett gave AutoZone project updates; Rancho Calera updates; he attended a demo with HR Manager Martinez for employee evaluation software; tax sharing agreement City Council Meeting MINUTES September 10, 2024
from County update; the City was approved for an $8-million Maple Meadows project, 80 units of apartments on Washington.
CONSENT CALENDAR – Section 3
3.1 Approval of the August 27, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes (McClendon)
3.2 Consideration and Acceptance of the August 2024 Check Register (Williams) Motion by Council Member Barragan, Seconded by Council Member Chavez to Approve the Consent Calendar as Presented. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – Section 4
4.1 Consideration and Adoption of a City Council Resolution Approving General Plan Amendment Application No. 24-0297 Approving the 2024-2032 6th Cycle Housing Element and the Accompanied Environmental Review (Perea) Mayor Smith opened the public hearing at 4:38 pm. No one came forward for or against the item.
Mayor Smith closed the public hearing at 4:39 p.m.
Motion by Council Member Troost, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ahmed to Approve City Council Resolution #53-24, Approving General Plan Amendment Application No. 24-0297 Approving the 2024-2032 6th Cycle Housing Element and the Accompanied Environmental Review. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
DEFERRED BUSINESS – Section 5
5.1 Discussion and/or Direction of the City of Chowchilla’s Former Library and Future Use of the Facility (Rogers)
Spoke:
Dale Thomas
The City Council directed staff to verify if the state received the application sent in by the Chowchilla Historical Society and bring back the result at the next City Council meeting.
NEW BUSINESS – Section 6
6.1 Consideration and Approval of a Well Installation Permit Application Pursuant to Chowchilla Municipal Code Section 8.20 and 13.04 Requested by Pheasant Run, LLC (Rogers)
Council Member Troost recused himself prior to the presentation.
Spoke:
Dan Bacci, Pheasant Run, LLC
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Ahmed, Seconded by Council Member Barragan to Approve a Well Installation Permit Application Pursuant to Chowchilla Municipal Code Section 8.20 and 13.04 Requested by Pheasant Run, LLC. Motion passed by roll call vote with Council Member Troost abstaining.
City Council Meeting MINUTES September 10, 2024
ANNOUNCEMENTS – Section 7
SEP 18 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, CITY HALL, 5PM
SEP 24 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, CITY HALL, 4PM
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Smith Adjourned the September 10, 2024 City Council Meeting at 5:05 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Joann McClendon, CMC, City Clerk Mayor Kelly Smith
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
Item 3.2
CLICK HERE
TO RETURN TO
THE AGENDA
Meeting of: September 24, 2024
AGENDA SECTION: Consent
SUBJECT: Consideration of Monthly Financial Statements
PREPARED BY: Kerri Williams, Finance Director
ATTACHMENTS: August 2024 Budget vs Actual and Balance Sheet
REVIEWED BY
ADMINISTRATOR ☒ REVIEWED BYATTORNEY ☒ REVIEWED BY FINANCE ☒ RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the August 2024 Financial Statements shown in the attachment.
BACKGROUND:
Staff provides Council with monthly financial information as an ongoing financial status update.
REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION:
The monthly financial statements consist of a Budget vs Actual and a Balance Sheet for the General Fund. The Budget vs Actual shows the current Month (Period Activity) and current Year (Fiscal Activity) Revenues and Expenses by Department in summary form compared to the current year Original and Current budgets. The Balance Sheet shows the Assets, Liabilities and Fund Balance at the time the report is generated. This provides an overview of cash, amounts owed to the City, amounts the City owes and the fund balance at a specific point in time.
The financial statements are being presented as an overview of the City’s finances and are not meant to be a comprehensive in-depth review. As a reference to compare to the percent remaining column in the report, the percentage of the year remaining 83.33%.
If the percent remaining column for Revenues is higher than the above-mentioned percentage, that is an unfavorable variance and should be explained if significant. If the percent remaining column for Expenses is lower than the above-mentioned percentage, that is an unfavorable variance and should be explained if significant.
If there are questions regarding the actual amounts or budget vs actual variances, please forward your questions to me in enough time before the meeting for staff to research them.
FISCAL IMPACT: Revenues
General Administration- Property tax and VLF, which are 2 of our biggest revenues, are only received 2 times a year in February and May, we have yet to receive a distribution. We are teetered which means we do not have to worry about delinquencies, because the County pays us and goes after the delinquencies themselves. Sales tax payments run a couple months behind and we have yet to receive July’s payment.
Sales tax is our 2nd largest revenue.
Police Department- Budgeted revenue is from school reimbursements for SRO service, which we have not billed the schools yet as we bill them annually in September. Also, it has $1.3M Transfer-in from Measure N for the RIMS Software, recruitment and retention of employees, communications upgrade, recording system, and fleet/upfitting costs.
Fire Department- This revenue is for fines/penalties and fire inspection fees which is completed throughout the year.
Community & Economic Development- This will fluctuate as building permits are pulled. We budgeted for the following projects like Rancho Calera, Solar Permits, 2 commercial facilities and various other projects within the City. So far, we have Self Help building their part of the Montgomery Farms lots. We still have other miscellaneous permits for other items that are happening as well. This also includes $23k of REAP 1.0 Funding.
Parks and Facilities- $31k of this is from a grant that we have not spent yet so we have not requested reimbursements. There is a transfer in of $88k from DIF Fees to cover the Pickleball court. The rest is overhead allocations from the LLMD that happen at the end of the year.
Community Relations- Revenues are from sports program reimbursements, park pavilion rentals and donations.
Expenses
General Services- Budgeted Expenses are more than usual as of right now due to the POB Transfer out.
Police Department- Budgeted Expenses are more than usual as of right now due to the POB Transfer out. Also, included in their expenses is the Evidence Freezer and the updated recording system.
Community Relations- Budgeted Expenses are more than usual as of right now due to the purchase of Archive Social Subscription.
ALTERNATIVES:
Pull the item for further discussion.
ACTIONS FOLLOWING APPROVAL:
None.
9/9/2024 8:25:49 AM Page 1 of 3
Budget Report
Chowchilla, CA Group Summary
For Fiscal: 2024-2025 Period Ending: 08/31/2024
Fiscal
Activity
Variance
Favorable
(Unfavorable)
Period
Activity Account Typ…
Current
Total Budget
Original
Total Budget
Percent
Remaining
Dept: 1600 - General Administration
Revenue 10,268,367.00 10,268,367.00 59,147.01 73,086.27 -10,195,280.73 99.29% Expense 292,415.00 292,415.00 24.46 1,194.96 291,220.04 99.59% Dept: 1600 - General Administration Surplus (Deficit): 9,975,952.00 9,975,952.00 59,122.55 71,891.31 -9,904,060.69 99.28% Dept: 1605 - City Council
Revenue 1,775.00 1,775.00 568.80 711.00 -1,064.00 59.94% Expense 104,452.00 106,468.00 5,349.88 7,904.34 98,563.66 92.58% Dept: 1605 - City Council Surplus (Deficit): -102,677.00 -104,693.00 -4,781.08 -7,193.34 97,499.66 93.13% Dept: 1610 - City Clerk
Expense 347,984.00 347,984.00 22,460.27 52,610.80 295,373.20 84.88% Dept: 1610 - City Clerk Total: 347,984.00 347,984.00 22,460.27 52,610.80 295,373.20 84.88% Dept: 1615 - City Attorney
Expense 300,000.00 336,000.00 0.00 36,000.00 300,000.00 89.29% Dept: 1615 - City Attorney Total: 300,000.00 336,000.00 0.00 36,000.00 300,000.00 89.29% Dept: 1705 - General Services
Expense 2,068,037.00 2,068,037.00 36,953.04 612,324.79 1,455,712.21 70.39% Dept: 1705 - General Services Total: 2,068,037.00 2,068,037.00 36,953.04 612,324.79 1,455,712.21 70.39% Dept: 1710 - City Administration
Expense 456,792.00 456,792.00 37,542.48 62,248.54 394,543.46 86.37% Dept: 1710 - City Administration Total: 456,792.00 456,792.00 37,542.48 62,248.54 394,543.46 86.37% Dept: 1712 - City Property - Rents
Revenue 165,262.00 165,262.00 30,028.90 30,028.90 -135,233.10 81.83% Expense 53,395.00 53,395.00 692.06 14,760.99 38,634.01 72.36% Dept: 1712 - City Property - Rents Surplus (Deficit): 111,867.00 111,867.00 29,336.84 15,267.91 -96,599.09 86.35% Dept: 1720 - Finance Department
Revenue 19,348.00 19,348.00 616.00 1,375.75 -17,972.25 92.89% Expense 918,252.00 918,252.00 73,266.22 149,034.99 769,217.01 83.77% Dept: 1720 - Finance Department Surplus (Deficit): -898,904.00 -898,904.00 -72,650.22 -147,659.24 751,244.76 83.57% Dept: 2610 - Police Department
Revenue 1,691,430.00 1,691,430.00 9,459.04 10,438.04 -1,680,991.96 99.38% Expense 6,063,553.00 6,095,553.00 372,494.43 1,120,056.25 4,975,496.75 81.63% Dept: 2610 - Police Department Surplus (Deficit): -4,372,123.00 -4,404,123.00 -363,035.39 -1,109,618.21 3,294,504.79 74.81% Dept: 2705 - Fire Department
Revenue 5,500.00 5,500.00 487.80 1,069.20 -4,430.80 80.56% Expense 393,380.00 393,380.00 25,096.62 43,004.10 350,375.90 89.07% Dept: 2705 - Fire Department Surplus (Deficit): -387,880.00 -387,880.00 -24,608.82 -41,934.90 345,945.10 89.19% Dept: 4705 - Community & Economic Development
Revenue 590,804.00 590,804.00 59,602.01 118,199.78 -472,604.22 79.99% Expense 1,173,295.00 1,173,295.00 93,060.37 162,646.26 1,010,648.74 86.14% Dept: 4705 - Community & Economic Development Surplus (Deficit): -582,491.00 -582,491.00 -33,458.36 -44,446.48 538,044.52 92.37% Dept: 6610 - Community Pool (OLD)
Revenue 1,500.00 1,500.00 0.00 1,393.00 -107.00 7.13%
Expense 25,504.00 25,504.00 1,432.24 8,023.81 17,480.19 68.54% Dept: 6610 - Community Pool (OLD) Surplus (Deficit): -24,004.00 -24,004.00 -1,432.24 -6,630.81 17,373.19 72.38% Dept: 6615 - Senior Services
Expense 43,560.00 43,560.00 1,446.29 2,307.22 41,252.78 94.70% Dept: 6615 - Senior Services Total: 43,560.00 43,560.00 1,446.29 2,307.22 41,252.78 94.70% Budget Report For Fiscal: 2024-2025 Period Ending: 08/31/2024 9/9/2024 8:25:49 AM Page 2 of 3
Fiscal
Activity
Variance
Favorable
(Unfavorable)
Period
Activity Account Typ…
Current
Total Budget
Original
Total Budget
Percent
Remaining
Dept: 6620 - Parks & Facilities
Revenue 198,847.00 198,847.00 113.25 113.25 -198,733.75 99.94% Expense 885,598.00 885,598.00 44,465.45 106,850.29 778,747.71 87.93% Dept: 6620 - Parks & Facilities Surplus (Deficit): -686,751.00 -686,751.00 -44,352.20 -106,737.04 580,013.96 84.46% Dept: 6625 - Community Relations
Revenue 22,500.00 22,500.00 400.00 440.00 -22,060.00 98.04% Expense 238,224.00 238,224.00 18,929.83 40,093.57 198,130.43 83.17% Dept: 6625 - Community Relations Surplus (Deficit): -215,724.00 -215,724.00 -18,529.83 -39,653.57 176,070.43 81.62% Report Surplus (Deficit): -399,108.00 -469,124.00 -572,790.83 -2,182,205.72 -1,713,081.72 -365.17% Budget Report For Fiscal: 2024-2025 Period Ending: 08/31/2024 9/9/2024 8:25:49 AM Page 3 of 3
Fund Summary
Fiscal
Activity
Variance
Favorable
Fund (Unfavorable)
Period
Activity
Current
Total Budget
Original
Total Budget
100 - General Fund -399,108.00 -469,124.00 -572,790.83 -2,182,205.72 -1,713,081.72 Report Surplus (Deficit): -399,108.00 -469,124.00 -572,790.83 -2,182,205.72 -1,713,081.72 9/9/2024 8:24:33 AM Page 1 of 1
Balance Sheet
Chowchilla, CA Account Summary
As Of 08/31/2024
Account Name Balance
Fund: 100 - General Fund
Assets
100-0100-0201 Petty Cash 500.00
100-0100-0202 Pre-Paid Postage Account 4,457.20
100-0100-0206 Cash Drawer 1,700.00
100-0100-0219 Lease Receivable 135,233.32
100-0100-0221 A/R - Non Governmental 2,610.54
100-0100-0222 A/R - Intergovernmental 153,980.94
100-0100-0224 A/R MODULE ONLY RECEIVALBLES 140,841.94
100-0100-0225 Accounts Receivable-RDA -24.89
100-0100-0226 Advance to Other Funds 410,031.56
100-0100-0227 Liens Receivables General Fund 177,586.20 100-0100-0228 Pending Charges or Refunds -1.00
100-0100-0230 Accounts Receivable-Utilities 60.00
100-0100-0291 Prepaid Expenses 13,126.76
100-0100-1900 Claim On Cash 8,185,384.94
Total Assets: 9,225,487.51 9,225,487.51
Liability
100-0200-0422 Bonds for Work-Refundable 2,000.00
100-0200-0425 Use Sale Tax 132.91
100-0200-0480 Deferred Revenue 162,921.75
100-0200-0482 Unavailable Lease Revenue 76,235.22
100-0200-2901 Accounts Payable Pending 35,981.71
Total Liability: 277,271.59
Equity
100-0300-0601 Fund Balance 9,794,189.36
100-0300-0604 Reserve for Contingencies 910,223.00
100-0300-0605 Designated for Prepaid Items 239.50
100-0300-0611 Reserve for L/T A/R 418,794.59
100-0300-0615 SB1186 6,975.19
Total Beginning Equity: 11,130,421.64
Total Revenue 236,855.19
Total Expense 2,419,060.91
Revenues Over/Under Expenses -2,182,205.72
Total Liabilities, Equity and Current Surplus (Deficit): 9,225,487.51 Total Equity and Current Surplus (Deficit): 8,948,215.92
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
Item 5.1
CLICK HERE
TO RETURN TO
THE AGENDA
Meeting of: September 24, 2024
AGENDA SECTION: Deferred Business
SUBJECT: Request for Direction of the City of Chowchilla’s Former Library and Future Use of the Facility
APPROVED BY: Jason Rogers, Director of Public Works
ATTACHMENTS: None
REVIEWED BY
ADMINISTRATOR ☒ REVIEWED BYATTORNEY ☒ REVIEWED BY FINANCE ☒ RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests City Council provide direction regarding the City’s former library located at 621 Robertson Blvd. as related to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chowchilla Historical Society to designate the former Chowchilla branch library as a State historical landmark.
BACKGROUND:
In 1940, the City of Chowchilla gave three lots (4,5, and 6 of Block 88 and now currently APN 002-041- 007), located at 621 West Robertson Boulevard within the City of Chowchilla, to Madera County for the purpose of building a library. Madera County contributed $5,400 toward a total building cost of $15,800.
The library, built by the Work Progress Administration (WPA), was made of adobe brick, and included a basement. It is reputed to be the last structure built by the agency in Madera County. The library opened to the public on August 1, 1941. It closed on February 1, 2003, and was replaced by a new library on Kings Avenue.
In March, 2009, the City of Chowchilla purchased the old library from the County of Madera for a purchase price of $225,000. The purchase was made through the City’s Redevelopment Agency.
In March, 2012, the City applied for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds in the amount of $635,500 in order to remodel and restore the dilapidated old library building to create public space for social organizations providing services to low- and moderate-income persons so that it can be used again as a meeting room for a disadvantaged segment of the population. Unfortunately, the City was not awarded any CDBG funds for rehabilitation of the facility.
In 2018, the Chowchilla District Historical Society expressed an interest in leasing the Library building from the City. In January 2019, the City of Chowchilla agreed to allow the Historical Society to enter the building and initiate a survey, collecting measurements and taking photographs of the property in order to submit the building for historical preservation to the State of California, in addition to using the information collected to submit the Old Library for possible grant funds. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Historical Society was only recently able to enter beginning January, 2021.
On April 13, 2021, staff presented an agenda item to City Council to discuss the current status of the facility. City Council provided direction to staff to come back to Council at a later date and conduct a workshop in order to gather additional comment from the public.
On May 11, 2021, the City hosted a workshop as part of the regular City Council meeting to discuss the status of the former library and receive additional comment from the public. Chris Thomas and Dale Thomas of the Chowchilla Historical Society addressed the City Council in support of salvaging the building by using the CA Historical Building Code, which they stated could be used so that a majority of the repairs could be completed for $30,000 to $50,000. Additionally, they requested that the City allow the Historical Society to submit an application to the State, on behalf of the City, to have the facility be considered as a state historical landmark. It was the consensus of the City Council to bring back the item at the June 22, 2021 meeting with additional information.
On June 29, 2021, the City Council reviewed a draft application from the Chowchilla Historical Society for consideration of State historical recognition. Due to concerns regarding the structural safety of the building and potentially significant repairs needed, Council declined to submit the application to the State for review at this time.
On September 14, 2021, after receiving a quote from the Historical Society that a multitude of repairs could be completed for approximately $30,000 to $50,000. The City was not able to assess the Historical Society’s claims that repairs for the facility could be completed for approximately $50,000 as the City was not provided any detailed quotes. As a result, staff was directed to contract with an outside firm to complete a structural assessment and ascertain potential costs to repair the building. Advanced Structural Design, Inc. (ASDI) completed the structural assessment of the former library for the City.
On May 24, 2022, City Council reviewed the structural assessment of the former library from ASDI. The report noted several safety concerns related to the structure and recommended an additional in-depth structural study or construction work necessary to address only the most critical structural deficiencies according to the report. The total cost for the recommended structural repairs by a licensed contractor is $494,565. At the meeting, the Chowchilla Historical Society requested that the City Council once again allow them to submit an application to the State of California for consideration of State historical recognition. At the time, Council declined to submit the application to the State for review and directed staff to look into the effects of such a designation on the building.
On January, 10, 2023, City Council received a verbal presentation on the former library that included past history, current status according to the most recent structural assessment and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) protections and processes to follow if the facility receives State Historical Designation.
Additionally, the City received public comment from the Chowchilla Historical Society and members from the public requesting the City to allow submittal of an application to the State of California for consideration of State historical recognition. As a result, Council directed staff to bring a resolution back at the January 24, 2023 meeting authorizing the Historical Society to submit an application to the State for consideration and subsequently received direction to draft a MOU between the City and Historical Society in regards to terms and time limits for the Historical Society to attain designation and grant funding.
On May 9, 2023, City Council approved entering into an MOU between the City and Historical Society in regards to terms and time limits for the Historical Society to attain designation and grant funding. The MOU was executed in July 2023.
REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION:
The MOU with the Chowchilla Historical Society has expired. Per prior direction of the City Council, the MOU had the following specific terms:
1. City authorizes CHS to submit an application to the State of California requesting recognition of Library as a State historical landmark.
2. CHS acknowledges and understands that if their efforts to preserve and renovate Library are unsuccessful, City intends to demolish Library.
3. CHS will bear the increased costs of demolition in the event, after state recognition, its preservation and renovation efforts of Library are unsuccessful.
4. Submit and obtain State determination of Library’s historic preservation application within ninety (90) days of the Effective Date of this MOU. CHS will not be deemed in violation of this provision if the state exceeds the 90-days to make the determination for an additional 90-day period.
5. CHS has one year from the date of the state historical designation to apply for and receive grant funding for the renovation of the Library.
Per the terms of the MOU, CHS stated they submitted an application to the State for determination of historic preservation.
At the September 10, 2024 Council meeting, staff stated that the State has not provided any determination regarding the former library. Staff has reviewed the agendas for the State Historical Resources Commission (SHRC) and for their upcoming November 7, 2024 meeting. The former library has not been considered for nomination on any of the SHRC agendas. Staff contacted the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) but they stated that they do not have an application on file. Dale Thomas, representing the CHS, stated that they recently met with the State in person and the application had been found.
Staff contacted the SHPO after the last Council meeting. According to SHPO staff, no nomination has been received by their office, and there is nothing logged in to their registration system under the name Chowchilla. Additionally, the staff member asked the only other person in their office who reviews nominations, and their executive secretary, who answers the front desk phone and interacts with the public the most, and neither of them are aware of a meeting with a CHS representative or this nomination’s existence at all. City Staff has requested backup information from the Historical Society related to the certified mail receipt, meeting dates, names of State staff they talked to, and if the application had been submitted to another State agency, but has not received anything from CHS prior to submittal of this report.
FISCAL IMPACT:
As this is a request for direction, there is no fiscal impact.
ALTERNATIVES:
Not to provide direction.
ACTIONS FOLLOWING APPROVAL:
Execute the direction of Council.
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
Item 6.1
CLICK HERE
TO RETURN TO
THE AGENDA
Meeting of: September 24, 2024
AGENDA SECTION: New Business
SUBJECT: Consideration to Approve and Install Commemorative "Veterans Boulevard" Street Signs on Intersection Wayfaring Sign Poles on all of 5th Street PREPARED BY: Stacy Wisener, Deputy Director of Recreation and Community Engagement ATTACHMENTS: Resolution and Veterans Boulevard Street Sign Design
REVIEWED BY
ADMINISTRATOR ☒ REVIEWED BYATTORNEY ☒ REVIEWED BY FINANCE ☒ RECOMMENDATION:
Provide staff with direction to design, manufacture and install Veterans Boulevard street signs atop the corner wayfaring street sign poles on North and South of Fifth Street.
BACKGROUND:
It is a common practice for City Municipality’s to honor Veterans in various ways, such as commemorative street signs. Local Veterans have expressed the desire in years past for the city to explore the idea of honoring Veterans with new street signs on 5th Street as the Veterans of Foreign wars Building is located on 5th Street. 5th Street will not be renamed nor will this commemorative sign serve as an official wayfaring sign for the purposes of address references.
A proposed design of a 6- inch by 32 - inch sign that complements existing wayfaring signs accompanies this report. The proposed design displays the commemorative name "Veterans Boulevard." These signs are the standard adopted street sign used by the City of Chowchilla.
REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION:
Honoring our local Veterans is important because they have made significant sacrifices to protect the freedoms and security we enjoy. Our citizens of Chowchilla are very patriotic and acknowledges their bravery, dedication and hardships they have endured.
FISCAL IMPACT:
A Total of 15 street signs are needed for the length of 5th Street. The cost of the 6-inch by 32 – inch signs are about $40 per intersection sign pole plus the cost of brackets approximately $10 each. The signs will be installed by in-house personnel. Total cost of the project is estimated to be $750.00.
ALTERNATIVES:
Do not proceed with Street Sign project.
ACTIONS FOLLOWING APPROVAL:
Place the order for the Street Signs and install them with a completion date before Veterans Day, November 11, and a commemorative street sign will be presented to the VFW on Veterans Day.
COUNCIL RESOLUTION # - 24
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHOWCHILLA, CALIFORNIA TO
APPROVE THE INSTALLATION OF COMMEMORATIVE VETERANS BOULEVARD SIGNS ATOP THE EXISTING WAYFARING SIGNS ALONGTHE NORTH AND SOUTH SIDE OF 5TH STREET
WHEREAS, it is a common practice for City Municipality’s to honor Veterans in various ways, such as commemorative street signs; and
WHEREAS, a commemorative Street Name Plaque is an honorary street name that is installed as a sign above the existing street name and has a specified honor; and WHEREAS, the existing street name remains that same for official purposes such as mailing addresses, mapping, and emergency services; and
WHEREAS, the location of 5th street was selected being the Veterans of Foreign wars Building is located on 5th Street; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Chowchilla hereby resolves to the following:
1. Approve the design, manufacture and installation of commemorative Veterans Boulevard street signs atop the existing wayfaring signs along the North and South side of 5th Street.
2. This resolution is effective immediately upon adoption. * * * * *
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Chowchilla this 24th day of September, 2024 by the following vote to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
APPROVED:
Mayor Kelly Smith
ATTEST:
Joann McClendon, CMC
City Clerk