MINUTES
CITY OF DELANO
CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR MEETING
August 7, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Alindajao called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1015 – 11th Avenue.
INVOCATION
Pastor Anthony Cortez offered the invocation.
FLAG SALUTE
Vice Mayor Solorio-Ruiz led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL
Council members present: Mayor Joe Alindajao, Mayor Pro Tem Salvador Solorio-Ruiz, Mario Nunez Jr., Liz Morris
Council members absent: Veronica Vasquez
OFFICIALS PRESENT
City Manager Reyna, City Clerk Garcia, City Attorney Richman, Finance Director Lara Rios, City Engineer Dowling, Interim Community Development Director Monsibais, Human Resources Director Zamudio, Interim Chief Nicholson, Economic Development Fernandez
PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS
Per Mayor request, Kary Desque & Destinie Aguirre from Flood Ministries gave a presentation about their organization.
Proclamation for Benny Alcala Jr. Day
The proclamation was presented by Mayor Alindajao. The family of Benny Alcala Jr. was present to receive proclamation.
ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC
1. Claribel Gutierrez on behalf of Assembywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains, commended the mayor and city council of providing the Alcala family the proclamation. She extended her gratitude and blessing towards the family. On behalf of Assembywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains, they will also be moving forward with recognition.
2. Yolada Vega (Via Zoom) shared that the proclamation was a great presentation, and it was nice to see the recognition. She shared that she has concerns about the cameras near her home.
She had an officer inquire about utilizing her home cameras during an incident on July 21st. She concluded that the cameras near her home do not work. She was hoping to address these concerns at a future meeting.
3. Pastor David Vivas offered an apology to staff on remarks that he made towards City Code Enforcers at the last council meeting. He came forward with information that was provided to him by the community and business complaining about vendors. He appreciated how staff were able to clarify his concerns. He commended staff and the city council for going the extra mile anytime he called.
4. Gloria Herrea has concerns about the shade structures and benches at Cesar Chavez Park.
She asked for that to be made a priority. She knows it will take a long time since the entire place needs to be rebuilt.
CONSENT AGENDA
1) Authorization to waive the reading of any ordinance in its entirety and consenting to the reading of such ordinances by title only.
2) Warrant Register in the amount of $5,181,998.96
3) Minutes of the regular Council meeting of July 17, 2023 4) Acceptance and Approval of the City of Delano Quarterly Investment Report for the period ending June 30, 2023.
5) Authorization to enter into an Agreement with Kern Valley State Prison/Wasco State Prison & North Kern State Prison Crisis Response Team
6) Authorization for the City Manager to enter into an Agreement with the Delano Joint Union High School District (DJUHSD) for School Resource Officer Services. 7) Approve side letter to Agreement No. 2022-49 of the Miscellaneous Employee Bargaining Unit Memorandum of Understanding
8) Adopt resolutions approving the revised class specification for Equipment Mechanic I and Equipment Mechanic II
9) Approve and Ratify the First Amendment to Agreement for the Operation and Use of a Shelter and between The Open Door Network formerly known as “Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault”, and the City of Delano (City) in order to manage and operate a domestic violence center through 2027
10) Resolution of the City Council of the City of Delano adopting the 2023 Delano Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report
11) Second Reading of an Ordinance of the City of Delano revising Section 10.20 of the Delano Municipal Code related to Traffic Speed Zones
Motion was made by: Solorio-Ruiz to approved items 1-4, 7-8, and 10 on consent items; 2nd by: Nunez
Vote: 4-0
Ayes: Alindajao / Solorio-Ruiz / Nunez / Morris
Nays: None
Absent: Vasquez
Abstentions: None
Item No. 5 pulled by Anthony Cortez
Reason: Had a question for Interim Chief Nicholson. How often does Delano Police Department, Kern Valley State Prison, Wasco State Prison and North Kern State Prison gather for this response team?
Interim Chief Nicholson provided the staff report. He shared that they have meet with this team 5 times in the last year for tactical responses, search warrants, investigating homicides or investigating the introduction of drugs into a prison facility. This agreement is strictly for declared emergencies by the county, state, or council.
Item No. 6 pulled by Anthony Cortez
Reason: Was curious on why the Elementary School District has not requested theirs? Based on what he read the Delano High School is requesting 2 SROs. If the Elementary is requesting SROs, how many and can we provide that for them as well? Interim Chief Nicholson stated that this contract is for 2 SROs. We are currently in negotiations with the Elementary School District and are also requesting 2 SROs.
City Manager Reyna clarified that after speaking with Rosalina Rivera they are currently taking the contract to their board and should be expected at the next council meeting.
Item No. 9 pulled by Anthony Cortez
Reason: Is curious on Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. Why was it changed to Open Door Network? Or is there something going on withing the organization that it was changed?
City Manager Reyna clarified that there were two different entities, the Bakersfield Homeless Center and the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. The two entities merged resulting in the name change of the Open Door Network.
Item No. 11 pulled by Anthony Cortez
Reason: Shared that this is based off collision records. How does CHP data relate to local data stats?
Engineer Dowling clarified that they use the SWITRS data system.
Interim Chief Nicholson stated that every month our records division submits records through SWITRS. It’s a program that the state used to account for all traffic accidents withing all jurisdictions within the State of California.
Motion was made by: Solorio-Ruiz to approved items 5-6, 9 and 11 on consent items; 2nd by: Nunez
Vote: 4-0
Ayes: Alindajao / Solorio-Ruiz / Nunez / Morris
Nays: None
Absent: Vasquez
Abstentions: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
No items.
REGULAR AGENDA
12) Request from Delano Babe Ruth for a sponsorship in the amount of $10,000 to send local teams to the Youth Baseball World Series
Samuel Torres, Jeremiah, Emilio & Isaiah from Delano Babe Ruth spoke about their request.
Public Comment Opened
1. Anthony Cortez shared his support for this item.
2. Claribel Gutierrez shared his support for this item.
3. Yolanda Vega (Via Zoom) shared his support for this item.
4. Gloria Herrera shared his support for this item.
5. Gina Martinez shared his support for this item.
Public Comment Closed
Councilmember Morris: Congratulated the team on their accomplishments. She was going to be conservative since we are spending taxpayers’ money. Then thought 15 boys are going to have their character built by this event in their lives. I don’t think you can put a money value on what that means to them. They represent a whole community. We are counting on you so be and do the very best that you can. Either way we are proud of you. I support the request of $10,000.
Councilmember Nunez: Shared his support to the team. However, we do need to be fiscally responsible to our city. He made a personal donation of $500. Let’s not put this all on the city, lets all get involved.
Mayor Pro Tem Solorio-Ruiz: shared that he was hesitant at the beginning because in this role you have to manage being fiscally responsible and caring for our young people. Will the $8,000- $10,000 cover everything that is needed to be spent in Missouri? Samuel Torres confirmed it will cover the flights, transportation, hotels, and food. This is the Cal Ripken 18 and Under World Series.
Mayor Pro Tem Solorio-Ruiz: asked if the kids are invited to come back next year.
Samuel Torres shared that they are as long as they meet the age requirement.
Mayor Pro Tem Solorio-Ruiz: stated that this would be a great recruitment as well to get more young men involved in sports. This is a unique opportunity because not everyone goes to the World Series. This would give them the opportunity to be able to travel. He congratulated the team and because of the kindness of our hearts we will support you.
Mayor Alindajao: He congratulated the coaching staff and the parents. A lot of time and effort goes into this. It’s a big sacrifice. He remembers the Lions tournament when teams would come from all over the state. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I support this once in a lifetime opportunity. You’ve raised $3,000, your budget is $10,000, would $7,000 meet the budget? Samuel Torres responded in the affirmative.
Motion was made by: Nunez to approve $5,000;
2nd by: None
Vote: No 2nd motion dies
Ayes: None
Nays: None
Absent: Vasquez
Abstentions: None
Motion was made by: Solorio-Ruiz to approve $7,000;
2nd by: Nunez
Vote: 2-2 motion fails
Ayes: Nunez / Alindajao
Nays: Morris / Solorio-Ruiz
Absent: Vasquez
Abstentions: None
Motion was made by: Morris to approve $9,000;
2nd by: Solorio-Ruiz
Vote: 4-0 motion passes
Ayes: Alindajao / Solorio-Ruiz / Nunez / Morris
Nays: None
Absent: Vasquez
Abstentions: None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
None.
COUNCIL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS
Council Member Nunez: None.
Council Member Vasquez: Absent.
Council Member Morris: Welcomed Nancy as the new City Clerk. Welcomed Maribel back as well. It’s been a busy and bittersweet month for her. Her daughter moved out of town and got a job.
Mayor Pro Tem Solorio-Ruiz: Congratulated Nancy as well. Gave a shout out to city staff for assisting in the Back-To-School distribution that we had here in Delano. Gave a shout out to the funders and doners of the backpacks and free haircuts to the kids. Rodriguez & Associates, Adventist Health, Kern County Probation, Mountain Mikes, Well Care Health Net, Kern Family Health Care, MGS Salon, Athletics, Tacos Humildes, DPOA, Central Valley Latino Mayors and Council Members, Mariscos Las Islitas, Emmanuels Furniture, and much more. Claribel Gutierrez and some of my colleagues also attended. I went to congratulate and welcome our third Starbucks into our City. We are going in the right direction in terms of growth for the City. He went on a ride along with Sergeant Nino a few weeks ago. It was a fantastic time and allowed him to view what they do. He encourages his colleagues to do them. He invited the public to a dog adoption event this Saturday from 10AM-12PM at the animal shelter. The first 15 adoptions will receive complementary collars and leashes.
Mayor Alindajao: Welcomed Nancy as City Clerk. Reminded the public of the Delano Police Departments Gun Buyback Program happening on August 19th from 10AM to 3:00PM. It’s a no questions asked event. You bring firearms, the City of Delano will be paying $100 for pistols, rifles, and shotguns. $200 for AR Style Rifles or platforms and ghost guns. On behalf of the Delano Hometown Heroes Parade Committee, he thanked the public for all their support. We had a fundraiser on the 28th and sold more tickets than we printed. We had a lot of walk-ups and callin orders and was a great success. I can’t wait for the public to see our 2nd Annual Veterans Day Parade on November 4th of this year. Flood is our partners at the navigation center. They administer our navigation center here in Delano that is currently under construction.
CLOSED SESSION
No items
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Solorio-Ruiz seconded by Nunez and unanimously carried 4-0 to adjourn the meeting at 6:43p.m.
_____________________________________________
Nancy Garcia, City Clerk