MINUTES
CITY OF DELANO
CITY COUNCIL – SPECIAL MEETING
December 16, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Alindajao called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1015 – 11th Avenue.
FLAG SALUTE
Police Chief Nicholson led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL
Council members present: Mayor Joe Alindajao, Mario Nunez, Jr., Salvador Solorio-Ruiz Council members absent: Mayor Pro Tem Morris, Veronica Vasquez
OFFICIALS PRESENT
City Engineer Dowling, City Clerk Chavez, City Attorney Hensley, Police Chief Nicholson, Finance Director Rios, Human Resources Director Zamudio, Interim Community Development Director Evanson, Transit Manager Alapisco, Fire Chief Crist and IT Manager Enriquez
SPECIAL AGENDA ITEM(S)
1. Resolution reciting the facts of the General Municipal Election held on November 5, 2024, declaring the results and such other matters provided by law (Resolution No. 2024-58) Staff report provided by City Clerk Chavez.
Motion was made by: Solorio-Ruiz to approve item no. 1; 2nd by: Nunez
Vote: 3-0
Ayes: Alindajao/Nunez/Solorio-Ruiz
Nays: None
Absent: Morris/Vasquez
Abstentions: None
2. Council Member Statements
Councilmember Nunez – “I don't have anything long. It just, I hope these past two years or this past year as a City Council, at least for myself, that you've gotten what you voted for and did as a city. You see us progressing and I hope that in the future we continue to progress.” Council member Solorio-Ruiz – “Of course. Yeah. I didn't write anything down, but I guess when I was first selected, I was elected in 2020 and that was during the time of the pandemic and so I wasn't able to have a lot of my family and friends present. So I think tonight I'm repaying myself back for that. I want to of course give a special thanks and support who have supported me. Of course my family who's present here, my mom, my dad, all of my family. It means a lot as well as folks who have, are here who have provided, whether it's support or guidance throughout my term. I know Chris and Alexis and Aaliyah and Jordan and Terry and all of you who are here present the pastor, all of you who have tooken a part in making sure that we have a successful city that thrives. These past four years, I can definitely say that we have contributed more than we criticized. And that's one thing that I promise you this upcoming term is that I will focus on to make sure that we bring forward solutions that work for everyone, that work for all of us. I always say that it's important that oftentimes we think about when we think about politics, we think about the presidency or Congress. And while that's important, local government is so important and vital to the success of our community because local government is where you can make instant change.
And so I encourage you all to as much as you're here tonight, continue to attend meetings, continue to be engaged because this is your body, this is your government, this is your seat. We rent it. That's all we do.
We rent it for four years with an option for renewal. But this is your seat and so be engaged and be involved and I am honored to serve the city another four years and God bless you all. Thank you.” Mayor Pro-Tem Morris – Absent.
Mayor Alindajao – “I first want to say thank you to my wife Cheryl, who's in the audience, and my son's Costa, Jagger and Ari, one of which thought it was so important to be here but the other two didn't. So I'll get them back for that. I'm kidding. We had more important things to do, but I want to thank you love. I want to thank you son and my other two sons for all their love and support. Serving on the City Council isn't easy and neither is running a campaign or running for reelection. It's always a lot of sacrifice, time, sacrifice with family, money, et cetera. You put your heart and soul into it. And so I want to also thank the community for all their love and support. It's an honor to sit in this seat in any seat, whether it's the middle seat or any of these seats, it's always an honor to serve my community in this capacity and to represent more than 50,000 people who live in the city and be their voice, be their representative in this chamber. I also want to say that it's been an honor being your mayor for the past two years in that role.
I've met many, many community members at various events or individually to help solve problems or just be someone to hear their complaints, their concerns and their ideas. The love and goodwill I've received from the community during my term has been overwhelming, gracious and humbling. I want to thank the community for that. I really appreciate it. I also want to thank my colleagues on the City Council, some of which are not here, some of which we're praying for. They're going through a tough time right now. I want to thank them for the opportunity to serve as the mayor of this city for the last two years to my successor. I pray and hope that you continue to unify this council, stay focused on the business of the people and create an environment of respect and civility. I wish you the very best and you have my full support no matter who that person may be. So with that, thank you very much.
3. Presentation of Plaques
Mayor Alindajao presented a plaque of recognition to Council Member Vasquez.
Mayor Alindajao – “I first want to present one to council member Veronica Vasquez, recognition of your service on the city council, serving the city of Delano from 2020 and 2024. I want to personally thank Ms.
Vasquez for her dedication. No one sits in these seats without some level of dedication and commitment to seeing our city advance, and so I want to thank her for her service.” Council Member Nunez – “I'd also like to thank Mrs. Vasquez for all her work and all her talents she brought to our city. Some might not be popular ones, but they were stuffed and she stuck to her grounds and she showed a lot of faith in what she believed in and what voters put her in here for. She and I worked on a couple of projects together, which included the senior center and some of the stuff moved on very well. So again, congratulations to her and enjoy yourself and my prayers and thoughts are really, really with you right now.”
Council Member Solorio-Ruiz – “Yeah, I echo the same. It takes a lot to be in the public eye and in public service. And Veronica brought something to the table. We all bring our own individuality, whether it's our opinions, our life experiences, and she brought hers and I think that that's respectable and that's commendable and we're all praying for her.”
Mayor Alindajao – “Also forgot to mention one other thing. Council member Liz Morriss is not present here tonight. She had a pre-planned prepaid trip out of state to attend. I believe it's her granddaughter's college graduation. So she apologizes in advance for not being able to be here for these two meetings.” Council Member Solorio-Ruiz presented a plaque of recognition to Mayor Alinadajo.
Council Member Solorio-Ruiz – “I want to present this plaque to Mayor Alindajao for his dedication in the city. Myself and Joe have had an interesting relationship, but overall I think I understand and I truly understand and know that he wants the best for this city and he wants to make sure that when one day he leaves this earth, he left the city of Delano better off than we found it. Your work has been commendable as well and it's been an honor to serve with you on the council and to debate back and forth on issues that matter to Delano residents. So thank you for your service.”
4. Oath of Office / Certificate of Election
City Clerk Chavez administered the Oath of Office for Council Member-Elect Joe L. Alindajao, Council Member-Elect Bryan Osorio and Council Member-Elect Salvador Solorio-Ruiz.
5. New Council Member Statements
Council Member Osorio – “Keep my comments brief. Hi everyone, my name is Brian Osorio. Thank you all for being here today to attend the regular scheduled meeting, but also the swearing-in of the council members for the next four years. It's with great honor and humility that I sit before you. I am truly grateful for the trust and confidence that the community has placed in me and my colleagues to continue serving our Delano community. It marks the beginning of a new chapter and I'm excited to once again work alongside my fellow colleagues to continue the progress that we've made and continue tackling the challenges ahead. To my family, my wife Evelyn, thank you for your unwavering support. You've been there lifting, guiding, and pushing me to be the best version of myself. And your sacrifices and values have moved me and I carry them with me as I return to this role to my friends, community members and supporters who've believed in me and voted me in. Thank you. Your dedication to our community is inspiring and I'm grateful for your trust and encouragement. I'm committed to serving you and ensuring our community continues to thrive. Lastly, I understand the responsibilities that come with this position and I will approach you with a rejuvenated sense of purpose and commitment over the next few years will continue to address the issues that matter most to Delano economic development, public safety and quality of life. Together with my colleagues, we'll continue to build on the work that has begun and I'll do my best to ensure that community voices are heard and represented. Thank you again, everyone who's supported me throughout this journey and that is all for you Mayor. Thank you.” Council Member Solorio-Ruiz – “Similar sentiments as I shared earlier, but of course I want to congratulate Councilman Osorio. Welcome back and it's going to be some good four years to work together to move the city forward. I forgot to give another shout. I wanted to give a shout out to one of my previous high school teachers, Mr. Carlson, who's here today. And of course I'm saying that because we don't do it ourselves, we have a village that supports us and that encourages us to do good in this community and in our lives. So I'm excited and let's get to work. I also want to thank of course City staff for the previous four years. Thank you for the guidance, the dedication. I know that I often say we come with ideas, but they're really the ones who kind of put stuff together and execute it and work with it day by day. And so my hat's off to city staff for all the work that you all do. Other than that, let's get to work.”
6. Election of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
Mayor Alindajao opened public comment.
Jordan Davis – “Good evening counsel. Jordan Davis, again. I am planning on moving back to Houston and next month as some of you guys know, but I just wanted to point that out because I grew up here in Delano and I've been really involved in this city as much as I can. I love the city and I am proud of the representatives that we do have. Each one of you have made an impact in our city in a positive way and I'm very proud to say that. But I do want to say I do hope that all of you will kind of follow that understanding that council had or has had for the longest time. And you guys give everybody a chance to be mayor. And in saying that, I hope that you will give Sal the chance to become mayor. I think it's his time. He's learned a lot. He's been on council for long enough now, as you all know, the mayor is a ceremonious role compared to other cities. Some mayors run the city more than just being a ceremonious role. But I will say Sal is at almost every City Council city event and some of you guys are too. But I have to say I've seen Sal everywhere and that is a very good sentiment to have because we want a City Council that is involved in our community. And Mr. Alindajao, you have been a great mayor. You have two really been involved in our city and I'm very proud of you for the work that you have done too. But again, just please, I hope you guys will follow that. Everybody should deserve a chance to be our mayor and to represent us. And again, I hope you do support Sal on this. Thank you.” Cristian Serda – “Well, I just want to begin off by thanking Mayor Alindajao for your service. And we're always done to our community. It means a lot and it's greatly appreciate it. Thank you. But I really just want to echo what the previous gentleman said earlier, right before me. Our community has gone through a lot, I've seen a lot, experienced a lot. And I really would like to throw my support towards Council Member Solorio-Ruiz, who was previously served as our vice mayor in the past. He's really been an example of leadership and has really showed what he can do for all of us here in our community. And I still remember the days of when I was a high schooler, probably 15, 16 years old, and him being one to reach out to me and say, you know what? You're interested in this. Why don't you come and tag along? And whether it be when I got accepted to UCLA to when I got a job working at the DOJ or at the Tulare DA's office, Sal's been there every step of the way to congratulate me and to really help me move forward.
So thank you again. Thank you Mayor Alindajao. I would like to throw my support to Councilman Solorio-Ruiz. Thank you.”
Claribel Gutierrez – “Good evening everyone. First of all, I want to congratulate all you guys to coming back and participating. My name is Claribel Gutierrez, I live in Delano. I'm one of your residents of the 35th District and I also work for the Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains. And it's an honor to work with all you guys because community first and then ourselves. So whoever comes the mayor, you got to put your city first. It doesn't matter if you the mayor, I believe that everybody has a strong point. The mayor is only one person, but all of us have to be in one accord to be able to work for the people that we serve.
And so I'm grateful that the mayor has guided this ship in a direction where it's a little bit more cohesive.
And I'm just grateful for that because we need that in our life. And I'm glad, I was really grateful that to hear Osorio said to the guidance of his wife and he's able to analyze things in a different perspective and the growth that Solorio has shown and Mario bringing his strong points to the equation is going to make a better future for all in our residents in Delano. And so I congratulate you all and we are here to work with all you guys and just whatever you think that we need to hear to make sure that our Assemblywoman, Dr. Jasmeet Bain's notes, we are here to serve you guys. So put us to work. Thank you.” Annette Salim-Wesir – “Good evening. My name is Annette Salem-Wesir. I have a residence of 410 Main Street and I have been a long time citizen of Delano and I want to congratulate Brian for being back into City Council and for Sall being able to be back on City Council also. And I'd also like to say congratulations to all of you that are serving for our community of Delano. Speaking as experience of being there, elbow to elbow, side to side, seeing the hard work and the dedication that all of you have done. You guys aren't just there for the pictures. You guys are there for the dirty work and for all that all of you do. And a really shining example that all of you are, and I'm not trying to throw any Mario, I really, really appreciate all that you do for the community with Delano and being able to oversee the things that have going on and to be able to help all of those in Delano. Not just being able to hobnob with the rich. You help everybody, you even help those really, really in need. And that's what shine in my eyes and sees the influence that you do upon our community of Delano. This past two weeks, we have had a very, very trying experience. Yes, we wondered about the press release, our press conference being that we work with the regular, I work with the regular community of Delano members who are saying, how come there hasn't been a press conference? Police haven't spoke. We know we have to follow. Which I tried to explain. We have to follow the jurisdiction that the city has and the CDC has. And I knew that Chief Nicholson was keeping the best interest of Delano even if we got scared, seeing them walking down the streets in our neighborhood with the rifles and the dog and the special agents or the task force team that they had. But on the note after that, when we were able to kind of come back to a little bit normal, it was nice to be able to see our parade, to see our Council Members there, to see the different things that happened with the Guadalupe celebration that we had on Thursday. And to be able to do the Toys for Tots to be able to see yesterday the toy giveaway that we had at First Avenue to see what influence you guys have had on our community of Delano. And a special thing that we also had, which was nice to see Mario at, was the Wreaths Across America that was done on Saturday, which a lot of the veterans appreciated and a lot of the family of the veterans that appreciated it. So I just want to say also that you guys may think it's not about a personal agenda that somebody has, but about what's best for our community of Delano and what's going to make us go forward. Especially after the video that Joe Alindajao showed at the state of the city really saw how much Delano has come from and how much it has grown. Thank you.
Alexis Ortiz – “I grew up here in Delano my whole life. I want to thank everybody who won re-election and who's now on the council. So far, I've seen over the past few years, the mayorship has been flown around quite a few times and recently it's been with Mayor Alindajao for the past two years. And without a doubt he's done a great job. But I think it's time to go back to the routine, the ceremonious past that we have had. And I believe Salvador Solorio-Ruiz is in line for the mayorship. Thank you.
Council Member Solorio-Ruiz – “So thank you all for your remarks and comments. First and foremost, I am honored to come back to the City Council and I think that in itself is a win tonight in my books. But let me explain for those who are unaware of also why we are nominating someone tonight and recently the City Council and myself, we voted in favor of having the residents elect their mayor. And that's going to happen in about two years. And so throughout time in Delano we've had the tradition of going council member to council member of every council member having their turn. And so, for years it's been that tradition that each council member has an opportunity to serve as the mayor. So tonight, I'm asking my colleagues to hopefully do the right thing, which is for the remainder. So we have the opportunity to nominate someone here for mayor for two more times. Two more times after that the city residents vote for their mayor. And so I think it's important to see if we can go back a little bit to tradition to find a common ground as Mayor Alindajao has stated before in previous council meetings, and I stand by it is that, and of course I'm paraphrasing, is that this position is very important and it requires of course a special heart for our community that I know we all have, but also that this position and this title is not a game of keep away. And so Council Member Osorio, who's here as well as of course Mayor Alindajao, those two individuals have had their turn to be that title, to have the mayorship. Two of us on this dais have not even with Council Member Morris, Vice Mayor Morris had not had an opportunity to be mayor.
And so myself and Council Member Nunez have not had an opportunity. And so for my first four year term, I did not have an opportunity to serve as mayor. And quite frankly, it is what it is. We still do the job, right? The mayor is not quite different as a council member used to have the same voting power. But I would be honored to serve this year with Council Member Nunez serving as vice next year. He can have the opportunity, as I did in my first term, to serve as to serve as mayor. So my first term, I didn't have that opportunity. And in his first term, he potentially would. And I think that that's a great thing. So tonight, I do believe that we should walk out of here with the new mayor, but those are my sentiments for tonight and my thoughts for tonight and on how I'll move forward. Thank you.” Council Member Osorio – “Thank you Mayor Alindajao. I think with this process, I am really glad and support of the opportunity for voters to decide who will be the mayor in a few years. One of the lessons learned, I was briefly speaking with this about this with Mayor Alindajao, is I was on a two year hiatus and there was a lot of learning and reflecting. And one of the lessons is tradition isn't always a terrible thing. And so I hear folks who spoke during public comment, I'm hearing the public comments being made here. So I would be in support of either Council Member Solorio or Council Member Nunez, council member Solorio from my previous term. There were still a few community concerns that I hope that you can intentionally address. Mayor Nunez, I hope that with your background, law enforcement, that you do so in positive light. And so those are just the quick comments I wanted to share.” City Attorney Hensley – “Just for clarification. The nominations will be made without a second and they'll be voted on in order that the nominations are made.” Nomination made by: Alindajao to nominate Nunez as Mayor Vote: 2 - 2 (Motion Fails)
Ayes: Alindajao/Nunez
Nays: Osorio/Solorio-Ruiz
Absent: Morris
Abstentions: None
Nomination made by: Solorio-Ruiz to nominate Solorio-Ruiz as Mayor Vote: 2 - 2 (Motion Fails)
Ayes: Osorio/Solorio-Ruiz
Nays: Alindajao/Nunez
Absent: Morris
Abstentions: None
Nomination made by: Nunez to nominate Alindajao as Mayor Vote: 2 - 2 (Motion Fails)
Ayes: Alindajao/Nunez
Nays: Osorio/Solorio-Ruiz
Absent: Morris
Abstentions: None
Nomination made by: Solorio-Ruiz to nominate Morris as Mayor Vote: 3 - 1 (Motion Passes)
Ayes: Nunez/Osorio/Solorio-Ruiz
Nays: Alindajao
Absent: Morris
Abstentions: None
Nomination made by: Osorio to nominate Nunez as Mayor Pro Tem Vote: 3 - 1 (Motion Passes)
Ayes: Alindajao/Nunez/Osorio
Nays: Solorio-Ruiz
Absent: Morris
Abstentions: None
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Solorio-Ruiz seconded by Alindajao and unanimously carried 4-0 to adjourn the meeting at 6:20p.m.
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Ricardo G. Chavez, City Clerk