MINUTES
CITY OF DELANO
CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR MEETING
March 17, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Morris called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1015 – 11th Avenue.
INVOCATION
Pastor David Vivas offered the invocation.
FLAG SALUTE
Isaac Santoya led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL
Council members present: Liz Morris, Mario Nunez, Joe Alindajao, Bryan Osorio, Salvador Solorio-Ruiz Council members absent: None
OFFICIALS PRESENT
City Manager Reyna, City Clerk Chavez, City Attorney Hensley, Finance Director Lara Rios, Chief of Police Nicholson, Human Resources Director Zamudio, Interim Community Development Director Evanson, Public Works Director Nunez, City Engineer Rodriguez Fire Chief Crist, and IT Manager Enriquez
PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS
• Mayor Morris and Chief Nicholson presented Life Saving Awards to Police Officer Perez, Police Officer Ramirez, Public Safety Dispatcher Chavez and Public Safety Dispatcher Rodriguez. • Mayor Morris recognized the Delano Thunder Football Team • Mayor Morris recognized the Delano Bengals Football Team
ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC
1. Irma Arredondo – “Good afternoon, honorable City Council members. My name is Irma Arredondo. My address is 1946 12th Avenue here in Delano. I belong to the Delano Guardians Committee and I'm here just to remind you all the invitation for next Friday, March 21st at 5:00 PM for a community meeting that we're going to be having a CRP office here at 10 12 Jefferson Street. So, it will be our pleasure.
2. Carolyn Carolina Cruz – “Good evening counsel. My name is Carolyn Carolina Cruz, and I am here as a concerned citizen in this community. My concern is the crossing of children on Cecil Avenue and Vassar. I feel, if it is not a traffic light, then crossing lights are needed. I am a crossing guard and at times for the school and have had two parents tell me that they and the children have almost been run over. And this also includes another coworker of mine who also were crossing guards. So I am a crossing guard at times for school. And like I said, I've had those parents. There's also, I've noticed that when people are turning to the left from the south side going west and people that are on the east side turning south, they almost collide. And that's a concern of mine too as we're crossing the children. And there's also a little bit of road rage. The intersection would be Vassar and Cecil. Cecil. We also need a crosswalk on Baar where the parents are entering. We need a small crosswalk right there. The people, the parents that pick up the children that are across the street. We need that small crosswalk right there so they can cross their children without any problems. There will be a crossing guard there crossing them of course. And I feel it's very important to keep our people of this community safe and what can I do to make this possible? Thank you for your time for listening.”
3. Maria Martinez – “Good evening, everyone. I am only here because I would like to give thanks, I don’t know who was the one that did it, if it was the ex-mayor or Mario for fixing her sidewalk.
Thank you.”
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 $2,761,691.74
3) Minutes of regular Council meeting of March 5, 2025
4) Second and final reading of an ordinance adopting revisions to the City’s Military Equipment Use Policy No. 706 to incorporate changes under California Assembly Bill 2546 and Facilitate Future Policy Review (Ordinance No. 2025-1359)
5) Termination of the existing golf course lease agreement with Delano Golf Management Group, LLC and simultaneous approval of a license agreement with Delano Golf Management Group, LLC for the operation, management, and maintenance of the Delano Municipal Golf Course for a ten-year term (Agreement No. 2025-17) (Agreement No. 2025-18) 6) Report on the Status of the Local Emergency regarding the failed Waterline located on Garces Bridge Pursuant to Public Contracts Code § 22050
7) Axon Air Purchase for the Delano Police Department through BSCC ORTP Grant (Agreement No. 2025-19)
8) Citizen RIMS Purchase for the Delano Police Department as a Match Fund Expense for the BSCC CalVIP Grant (Agreement No. 2025-20)
9) iRIMS LE Software Purchase for the Delano Police Department as a Match Fund Expense for the BSCC CalVIP Grant (Agreement No. 2025-21)
10) Light Tower Purchase for the Delano Police Department as a Match Fund Expense for the BSCC CalVIP Grant (Agreement No. 2025-22)
11) Purchase two (2) vehicles from Delano Chevrolet Buick GMC under the Kem County Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force Fund (Agreement No. 2025-23) Motion was made by: Solorio-Ruiz to approved items 1-11 on consent items; 2nd by: Alindajao
Vote: 5-0
Ayes: Morris/Nunez/Alindajao/Osorio/Solorio-Ruiz
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstentions: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
13) Resolutions establishing the formation of a Community Facilities District, calling a Special Election for a Community Facilities District, and declaring results of a Special Landowner Election and directing the recording of a Special Tax Lien. Introduce an ordinance authorizing the Levy of Special Taxes in a Community Facilities District (Resolution No. 2025-14) (Resolution No. 2025-15) (Resolution No. 2025-16)
Mayor Morris opened public comment.
No public comment.
Mayor Morris closed public comment.
Motion was made by: Solorio – Ruiz to approve resolution formation of a Community Facilities District;
2nd by: Nunez
Vote: 5-0
Ayes: Morris/Nunez/Alindajao/Osorio/Solorio – Ruiz
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstentions: None
Motion was made by: Solorio – Ruiz to approve resolution calling a Special Election for a Community Facilities District;
2nd by: Nunez
Vote: 5-0
Ayes: Morris/Nunez/Alindajao/Osorio/Solorio – Ruiz
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstentions: None
Motion was made by: Solorio – Ruiz to approve resolution directing the recording of a special tax lien;
2nd by: Nunez
Vote: 5-0
Ayes: Morris/Nunez/Alindajao/Osorio/Solorio – Ruiz
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstentions: None
Motion was made by: Solorio – Ruiz to approve introduction and first reading of an ordinance authorizing the levy of Special Taxes in a Community Facilities District; 2nd by: Nunez
Vote: 5-0
Ayes: Morris/Nunez/Alindajao/Osorio/Solorio – Ruiz
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstentions: None
REGULAR AGENDA
13) Mayor Appointments to General Fund Budget Committee and Enterprise Funds Budgets Committee
Mayor Morris appointed Council Member Solorio-Ruiz and herself to serve on the general fund budget committee. Mayor Morris appointed Mayor Pro Tem Nunez and Council Member Osorio to serve on the enterprise fund budget committee.
14) Adoption of an Interim Ordinance Prohibiting the Issuance of Any Land Use Permit Authorizing the Operation of Mobile Food Truck on Private Property Within the City in Accordance with Government Code § 65858 (Ordinance No. 2025-1360) Mayor Morris opened public comment.
No public comments.
Mayor Morris closed public comment.
Council Member Solorio-Ruiz – ”No questions. Just I think we hashed it out. Last council meeting. We're expecting to get an ordinance coming through. This is for educational purposes. This is just to stop future food trucks until we get that ordinance cleared up, fixed up. And so I support this, so thank you.” Council Member Osorio – “Yeah, thanks Mayor. Just keep my comments brief from the previous meeting where we had this discussion in favor of moving forward with a framework that is more explicit and also aligns with our general ordinance. However, I do believe that there is one outstanding conditional use permit and for that reason I would've liked for that specific business, business owner to be heard. And so for that, I'll be voting against this.”
Motion was made by: Solorio-Ruiz
2nd by: Alindajao
Vote: 4-1
Ayes: Morris/Nunez/Alindajao/Solorio-Ruiz
Nays: Osorio
Absent: None
Abstentions: None
15) Designate Specific Events as City Events That are Fully or Partially Funded by the City and Authorized to Use the City Seal and Logo and the Funding Amount for These Events; Determine That any Event Seeking to be Deemed a City Event Must Receive Prior Approval from the City Council; Establish a Process for the Public to Request Financial Assistance from the City for non-City Events; and Establish a Maximum Financial Assistance Level for non- City Events and an Annual Maximum Budget for Financial Assistance for these Events (Item moved to No. 16)
City Attorney Hensley provided staff report.
Mayor Morris opens public comment.
Annette Salim Weezer: “I reside at 410 Main Street here in Delano, California and I am an active volunteer person within our community of Delano. Seeing that you guys are going to be putting a cap upon the donations that you guys do upon the Point Merit System, my question is what about the ones that have been grandfathered in for Harvest holidays that we have and then we also have our Veterans Day parade. So will we be getting an explanation of more detail in it? Because I do know that since we're a city event, sometimes things have been waived. I'm not too sure familiar with what may have been. I know we pay our permits and we do our applications, our parades that we do have. So I was just wondering, and I do know that we get the city to be able to do the blocking with the, what are those called? The things that they put up to be able to have the streets blocked for the parades that we have throughout the community of Delano and also to be able to have the officers to help us along with the explorers, with the areas to be covered so that we would be able to have a parade and safety. So will that be any kind of barrier? And if we can get more detailed explanations, nor will that be when we apply for our permits when we do have our parades.
Thank you.”
City Manager Reyna: “Any parade that council has already authorized to be grandfathered in that would continue. This doesn't affect the parade. It only affects the sponsorship requests that have been coming to the council. So if Harvest or any other organization is already grandfathered in, then that is left alone for the parade and at that level. But if they're coming to request sponsorship from the council, then yes, they would fall Currently as it's written, they would fall under this limit.” Mayor Morris: “So the grandfather just means that they can have the parade, but that doesn't mean funding for the parade, right?”
City Manager Reyna: “The grandfathering is grandfathering the organizations at a certain limit for the parade fee and then other organizations that come on have to pay at the new fee. So those grandfathered organizations are already getting a discount, so to speak on that parade fee. So this would not affect the fee. They would still get that lower fee, but they would have to pay the fee.” Steve Kinsey: You probably expect me to be here on behalf of Kiwanis and other organizations that I belong to. I just had a couple of things, and I guess I'd have to wonder where in the municipal code and the ordinances that it says that those organizations are grandfathered in the Harvest holidays, Cinco de Mayo, Philippine weekend, and those types of events. What's recommended here by staff very clearly states that there only would be two designated city events and that would be the Christmas Tree lighting and the 4th of July event. But they're all recommending even though that they're designated as city events, that only the Christmas tree lighting and parade activities would be funded. So that concerns Kiwanis. This year's show, we've already got the estimate for the show or actually the contract for the show, it's 32,500. It went up $500 from last year. And as you know over the years we've been doing this since 2006 with the 4th of July events and the cost of that show has doubled since the Covid times due to lots of reasons. But that's a problem. Last year the city gave $16,000, which represented a half of the cost of the show, and we were going to come to you here in the next meeting with our request for a proposal and asking to continue that co-sponsorship. That's how we see the event as the city co-sponsoring the event. There's no other event in the community that brings out the number of people to the event. I would estimate 30 to 40,000 people, not just Delano, but all around the surrounding communities that come in to see that show and just all the reasons that were stated by the union folks regarding their Cedar Chavez Day all match up to what the firework show and Family Day does for the community. It brings in that economic benefit. It's something that represents the entire community. It also has a historical value to it over 200 years, the birth of our country. Okay, so all those things apply and council, you need to remember that there's certain things as a council and as a community that you want to keep that going. Those things like Harvest Holidays and Philippine Week weekend, Cinco de Mayo, I think they're supposedly coming back with a parade. I hope so. All those things are very important. Cesar Chavez Day, all those things that have historical value and it's negligent. I know you need to be fiscally responsible and you have fiscal constraints but you also need to be available to the public. We passed a couple measures, measure I and others that fund things and those things are a public benefit. I don't see it as a gift of public funds. I see it as a public benefit.” Sunshine Hernandez: “Good evening, honorable Mayor, city Council member City staff Sunshine Hernandez, 733 Vassar Street. I'm also here on behalf of the Delano Chamber of Commerce. I did want to ask for clarification on the, I guess city designated events. You do mention the parade events, which the Chamber does coordinate the parade, the Christmas parade. So I guess my question is how does that designation affect our event? Because normally when we ask for sponsorships for any event, it includes our public relations and marketing. So when we do use any logos, whether it's the city logo or any other business that is sponsoring our events, it's usually because they are a sponsor of the event. So I'm kind of trying to understand what that actually means.”
City Attorney Hensley: “The proposal by staff was to designate that event for purposes of using the logo and the City seal, but it was not to provide any funding other than it can be an applicant for the $500 for the parade.”
City Manager Reyna: “I think the confusion may come in at the last meeting or when council approved the sponsorship, I mean the logo policy, they said that any organization that wanted to use the City Seal or the City logo had to get it approved by the council. So each and every time that you would want to use the City Seal or the city logo, you would have to come to the council for approval in this item before the council.
Now the Christmas parade would have that approval and you wouldn't have to come to the council for the use of the City seal or the city logo for that event.”
Mayor Morris: “But that would still include the fees. I mean it wouldn't include the fees, but they would have to go through this process.”
City Manager Reyna: “Yeah, it doesn't affect the fees, doesn't affect the sponsorship. It purely applies to the use of the logo, which I guess is kind of would be free sponsorship for the city if we decided to use the logo is what it seems like. If counsel approves that, it's basically granting the use of the City seal and logo for the Christmas parade. Should you choose to submit an application for sponsorship and the council approve it, then the sponsorship would be there. But that is separate from authorizing the use of the seal and the logo for the Christmas parade. It would be considered a city designated event, so you would be free to use it without having to come to them each and every year. That's what this item does.” Sunshine Hernandez: “I guess I have one more question. The regular events that occur annually, which some of them are from the chamber, some of them are Kiwanis or Harvest Holidays, they kind of become accustomed to, I get that you have to limit yourselves because of fiscal school responsibilities. However, I think it's going to affect many of our organizations who really rely on these funds and if 500 is all each organization can get every year, I think we're going to have a lot of issues going forward with continuing some events. So if there's still consideration for higher amounts or even for those events that occur annually and it's been long time traditions that they occur, maybe it's another consideration to include them in a different bucket so to speak, if it's a consideration to the council to look into that as well. Thank you so much.”
Dan Madriaga: “Good evening Honorable Mayor and Councilman Dan Madriaga from here in Delano, also president of the Kiwanis Club. I just want to elaborate on what Steve stated. The Kiwanis Club is a very active club here in town. A lot of our activities enhance the community and of all our activities, 4th of July is the one that we need help on because of the exorbitant costs of the fireworks. Last year we teamed up with Chamber of Commerce and we kind of enhanced the whole event. It wasn't just a fireworks show.
We had an event at the park. We had 50 vendors, food and games and everything. We had a car show and we provided this great activity for the community and we just don't want that to, we want to grow, we want to progress on that instead of regress. So I don't know if you want to think about it and table it, but I just wanted to add that for your consideration. Thank you.”
Lupe Martinez: “Honorable mayor, council members. I guess I'm all confused now. Totally. So those who are already grandfathered in, they would get all of the fees and permits waived? Mayor Morris: No. They'll have to apply it just like everyone else for sponsorship.” Lupe Martinez: “And the request, what is the cap on that request?” Mayor Morris: “$500 is the cap.”
Lupe Martinez: That’s just a couple of gallons of gasoline. Never mind.” Mayor Morris closed public comment.
Councilmember Alindajao: “Do you mind if I start this off? I have a few questions. Is it okay if I go first? Okay, thanks. Mark, the funding cap, is that on an annual or biannual basis? The $5,000.” City Attorney Hensley: “Annual.”
Councilmember Alindajao: “Annual. And the process by which organizations can apply for the funding, is that administrative or is that coming to the council for every request? Administrative.” City Attorney Hensley: “Administrative, Yes.”
Councilmember Alindajao: “I guess I'm going to have just a think out loud conversation with the city manager so that there's no confusion. We're talking here, for example, the fireworks show is not a grandfathered event. Is that right?”
City Manager Reyna: “Honorable council member, when the term grandfathered is being used, I believe they're referring again to certain traditional events or such as parades that council years ago decided we're going to kind of cap the parade fee. And so those specific organizations, and they know who they are, they pay a certain fee. If we were to receive any other requests for new parades, then they would be subject to the newer costs. The cost of, again, PD and public works, everything that we have to do for a parade to take place. But historical parades, the Christmas being one, the Harvest Filipino, I believe Cinco, there's a certain number of parades that were grandfathered in the sense that they have now limited that parade fee, but it doesn't mean that those organizations don't pay any other fees. And so this again, is only addressing sponsorship requests. It does not address parade fees or parade permits.” Councilmember Alindajao: “Alright, I just wanted to make sure we were clear about that.” City Manager Reyna: “The parades get a discount. If they are part of an organization that grandfather is listed as one of those being grandfathered in.”
Councilmember Alindajao: “As far as this proposal, again, as I mentioned in item 16, I think the policy of this council, I think is moving in a direction where, I guess the bottom line is at the end of the day, the city of Delano is not a charity. It is a government organization that is in care and custody of taxpayer funds.
And we have to make responsible decisions and choices about each if you live in Delano your taxpayer money. And there's been a trend in the last few years of giving lots of money away from the general fund.
And I don't think that's good policy. I think we should limit it. And again, the onus of raising money and funding events is on the organization that's sponsoring that event or that's putting the event on. And a lot of these organizations that are in our city, for example, I founded and headed the Delano Hometown Heroes Parade committee. It was the establishment of Delano's First Veterans Day parade. Other than being grandfathered, I believe that's the only money that we've asked from the city. I think we were grandfathered in, I think it was three years ago, but I don't recall. I may be misremembering that, but I don't recall asking the city for any money. We've raised every dollar to put that fundraiser on or that parade on every single year for the last three years. So the responsibilities on the organization, I understand that it's difficult and it's tough, and especially with today's value of the dollar and expenses, it can be a very difficult thing to do, but the city cannot be an organization's or nonprofit organization's net. Those are taxpayer monies that we have to be responsible for. So that's why I'm in support of enacting this policy so that we can limit it and we can stop the bleeding, so to speak. In terms of money, I mean, I don't know if the public understands after we've given away so much money, I don't think the public understands how many people have since then asked for money for all sorts of things almost on a monthly or bimonthly basis. And we just cannot be giving taxpayer money away year after year, month after month and be responsible over those dollars. So that's why I'm in support of the policy change in item 15.” Councilmember Osorio: “Yeah, thanks Mayor. So I do want to start off by saying I appreciate city staff going through this process of designing a first draft of a scoring matrix for gifting funds to organizations that are ideally giving public benefits through events such as the fireworks show or a cultural parade and so forth. I think for me to really limit my comments today, I received a few phone calls and texts because I believe this conversation started last year, and so I take them at their word, but this conversation was also proceeded by this guarantee that there would be more direct community conversation with those organizations that had some of these events that do cost a significant portion. And so for me, I would be in support of tabling this discussion at least until those organizations have an opportunity to be heard. I feel like right now what I would want to avoid is us going back and forth as to what's a reasonable amount. I know there's some disagreement or imagine there was going to be some disagreement about whether $500 is enough given some of the public comments we received today, and then we're going to go back and forth.
Maybe do we go at a higher amount or do we make an exception to some of these grandfather organizations or other organizations? So rather than I think balling ideas here, I think whether the mayor or other council members would like to take a lead and having conversations with those organizations, I would be strongly in support of that. But again, I do believe in a standardized process, so we're not just giving large amounts of money to some organizations over others with just the reasoning that this council offers. But if we're using a matrix like this, I think it makes it more fair in the long run. So again, I'm in support of tabling this discussion just because of those calls from including some of the folks who made pull the comment today.
But also I think I would just like to hear a bit more from those organizations. Thank you, mayor.” Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “Yes. I have a question. How much is, I know we talked about the difference from folks who are grandfathered in to folks who are not in regards to parade fees and things like that. Do we know that costs the difference of that?”
Vice Mayor Nunez: “If I may? These are two separate items, which I believe were not, it's going to be a violation, correct?”
City Manager Reyna: “Yeah. This is a sponsorship request policy establishing a policy for sponsorship requests, which is, it can be anything that somebody brings to the council, right? We've seen sports, we've seen musical folks, we've seen medical students, I mean seen, and that's aside from our typical KIS or chamber or what have you. I mean not just the civic organization. We've seen all kinds of folks come to council. So this is just to again, provide a starting framework as to how council would like to see some boundaries or limits being placed on those requests. The parade is again, when, I don't want us to get hung up on the word Yeah, grandfathered because again, that was one point in time when the council at that time decided to limit for our existing civic organizations. And there are numbered in the Delano municipal code for all to see if you're part of that again, you know that you are. And they just limit the parade fee. It doesn't affect any other sponsorship or donation or assistance that that organization might receive from the city.” Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “I guess the reason I was just asking just for clarification was because we talked about how to sponsor and limiting sponsorships, limiting those city events, those events that happen in our city. And so I just wanted to get those numbers of what that difference was because it pertains to the events that normally we support or a sponsor. If that goes against the idea, then of course city attorney can step in.”
City Manager Reyna: “So council member, a typical parade fee might be in the range anywhere between 12 to $1,500. And I believe the grandfathered ones are at a thousand dollars. So it's not a big, but they again, counsel at that time decided to kind of cap it because they felt it was important to have some of these major recognition of the parades.”
Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “I appreciate that. Okay. Thank you for that analysis. Are we good?” City Manager Reyna: “I apologize. That's a flat fee, but the fees could go up to 4,000. It could be four to six thousand.”
Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “Okay. Of course. Okay. Thank you. Thank you for that information. I appreciate it. So I absolutely hear community folks as well as my colleagues. I think I can also say that during my time on the council, we have absolutely seen an influx of folks come in, not necessarily only for the firework show or harvest or you name it, but we've had clubs, we've had afterschool clubs from school that they want to go to a trip and things like that. And while I'm not saying that that's not important, the question I think is to ask is are we spending the funds appropriately and responsibly? And I think that we absolutely need a policy in place to dictate how this works. But I also understand, and I do agree with council member Alindajao, that we should be responsible with taxpayer money. But I will also make the argument that this is your money as well. Because when you have an influx amount of people attend a firework show, for example, or attend our events, I would assume that that means the people love those events. And that's an amenity that we of course collaborate to provide. And I think that that's important to know. We often hear, oh, we don't have this anymore. We don't have that anymore. And I think it's important, at least the traditions that we have to make sure that we of course try to support. So with that said, I understand that currently right now the policy is 500 and that would be given to approximately 10 organizations or individuals et cetera. One of the questions that I also had city manager, I believe you mentioned that this was administrative, so meaning they wouldn't have to come to council and we wouldn't have to vote on it. It would be more so on your call or admin's call.” City Manager Reyna: “Correct. Again, this is the starting Rubik's, if you will, or Matrix so that there could be some consistency because currently if there's a request for sponsorship, we just put it on the agenda, it goes to the council, people make their best pitch. But that doesn't mean it's fair. It doesn't mean it's uniform.
It means that whoever makes the best pitch, gets the most funds. So we're just trying to provide, again, some guidelines for the council as well as for the public. Many times we get asked, what do I need to put in the letter? What do I need to do? What does council fund? So it's again, a starting point to provide some uniformity, not just for the public, for the council as well. So you guys know if there's a sponsorship, what you're sponsoring, and the public knows that if it's a, well, I'll probably get sponsored, but if it's B, they don't sponsor that, it can be whatever council decides, whatever you guys choose to do. We're trying to provide some starting point so that there could be some consistency. It's not just if they get you on a good day.”
Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “I appreciate that because I think it's important to note that being it more so administrative, it takes the power in a way away from our hands and it, it's a less of a bias approach.
And I think it's the more fair and objective approach. I will say as well that I have heard from several folks, and of course not that this is a bad thing, but I have heard the sentiment that it's very difficult to do events here in the city of Delano. And again, like I said, it's not a bad thing. I think it's important for us to take things in a safe manner, and I think staff is working well in that. But with that said, let's work together.
Let's sit down, let's look at the permit costs, et cetera, and let's see in the future how we can make it more better to make more events here in the city. I think it's important to make sure that we offer events here in the community. And so maybe that's something that we can all get together, sit with city staff, have a conversation, lower the temperature and see how we can navigate that. Because maybe we can dictate tonight of a policy and limit, but ultimately we can in the future still change the way we do certain things possibly. And so I know that currently right now we have 500 on the table, and so that's 500 maxed per organization, right? And that's fiscal year, right? Okay, so I'm going to try to meet everyone in the middle.
I know that inflation is up. I know everything's up if I'm in favor, quite frankly of 500 or the 10 organizations, but if my colleagues are okay with at least a thousand, that maxes to 10,000. And let me tell you, we've had times where we've already had a budget for events and we always go more and more and more. Let's not do that anymore. If we have a budget, let's stick to it. I'm going to offer a thousand for 10 organizations and capped at 10,000.”
Vice Mayor Nunez: “I'm actually the one that brought this up. I brought it up about a year and a half ago.
It actually came to when the city attorney's office got ahold of it. I believe they got it back in August, late July, early August. Started working on it and it was presented to us as a council in October. So us as a council, with the exception of council member, I can't think of your last name, right, I'm sorry, with Council member Sorio, all of us were here on council and we had it brought to us and we all looked at it and it was tabled in October. So October, November, December, January, February, March, it's going on six months that we've had an opportunity to have these conversations, have people come forward and tell us a concern so we can work on it. Working with staff and talking to staff. Staff has very few limited information. People have come forward and brought any kind of ideas. I think the time is now we need to deal with this now.
We keep pushing it off, pushing it off, pushing it off, and it's time that we deal with it. It's been, like I said, over a year and a half, we have a muni code. Everybody was talking about the grandfathered. It's a totally separate item from this. That Muni is muni code 10.2490 dash c4 that covers the parade stuff that has nothing to do with what we're working on tonight. It's totally, totally different. On that muni code, it specifically states which events or parades are covered under this grandfathered that we talk about for the fees that is the Chamber of Commerce parade, Philippine Weekend Committee Parade, Cinco, the Mayo Parade, Delano Harvard's Holiday Committee Parade and Delano Skilled, I'm sorry, Delano School District Kitty Parade and also covers the Hometown Heroes Parade. Again, that is totally separate from what we're working on tonight. I think we need to go based on staff's recommendations and move forward with this. Again, it's been going on six months. Everybody's had plenty of time to come forward and bring their stuff to council and staff, yet we have little or no responses. We talk about sponsorships. The city currently does have an RFP 4th of July for the fireworks show any nonprofit can put in for A RFP to do a firework show, I'm sorry, to do a firework booth to help offset the cost related to a firework show. So that's also already on the books. That is not new.”
Mayor Morris: “Thank you. Well, as you know, back in October, I wasn't in favor of this matrix also. Okay.
And may I add, for those organizations that are here, if you're going to apply under this new matrix, you have to apply 60 days prior to the event. That means like two months before the event happens. But that being said, we tabled this item in October and we thought maybe we could come up with something better, but obviously we haven't come up with any, and if you know me, I'm involved in a lot of organizations in this community because I know if it wasn't for the organizations in this community, nothing would happen here. And these organizations are what makes this community go and brings us all together. As much as I would love to help every organization I know in these times there's a lot of uncertainties in our government and what funds that we're going to get. So I know we have to have set some parameters for everyone because we just keep getting more and more requests for sponsorships and donations. And I am with Councilman Solorio in saying that I think we should raise the limit to a thousand dollars and make that budget or yearly budget of 10,000, but you still going to have to meet this matrix right here. And although until we find something better than what we have, we're probably going to go with this. And if this doesn't work, then we can bring it back for a discussion again and discuss the item again. I would also like to carve out the firework show from this policy and have it come up on a separate funding request every year because depending on who has the fireworks show, whether it's Kiwanis or somebody else, the amount or the cost of the fireworks show, we don't know what that's going to be. I truly feel that we need to come together and to celebrate our country's birthday and to unite us, especially in these times when our country really is expressing a big divide. So this is truly a country and community affair to remind us that we are truly blessed to live in these United States. So I'm asking that we exclude the firework show from this policy and have it come up to us every year for whatever donation we can give to the fireworks. And yes, I'm in favor of adopting this policy with these changes to the agenda item that we have. So that would be the $10,000 budget limit, the thousand for the award for the sponsorship and carve the firework show out of this particular policy.”
Councilmember Alindajao: “I have a question first. Yes, but we can protect the integrity of the vote. Do you currently serve on the Kiwanis board or a member of Kiwanis?” Mayor Morris: “I'm a member of Kiwanis, but I don't serve on the board.” Councilmember Alindajao: “I'm not sure if that's a conflict or not. I just wanted to make sure we're clear on that.”
Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “Can I just get clarification on the fireworks side? Can you explain a little bit, you want it to not follow this policy? It'll be completely separate.” City Manager Reyna: “That's my understanding. The mayor is requesting that this policy, the firework show, would be exempt from this policy if the fireworks sponsor of putting on the show would have to come separately in a separate request before the council.”
Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “How would that impact the RFP process?” Vice Mayor Nunez: “That would be my question as well, because the RFP was designed to, as a city not having to go to the process to get a firework booth to use that money to offset the firework show.” City Attorney Hensley: “Well, as I understand the way it's been working in practices that the group that's been awarded the last few years, I guess numerous years, that their proposal is that the city pay half of whatever the contract amount is for the fireworks. And so the RFP has been structured that way. So I assume then if you were going to want to approve that every time that when that proposal comes in, staff would bring that to council to approve the proposal in that method that you're accepting the group that's saying, okay, we'll pay for half, you pay for half, which apparently is about $16,000. That would be part of that process.”
Vice Mayor Nunez: “How would do RFP work? Would it go, would that boost go back into the general for everybody to get it? Because now we're doing the full.” City Attorney Hensley: “Well, it is out to the general. I mean, the way it's structured currently, it's not given to any particular entity. Anybody can make a proposal as I understand it for the firework show.” Councilmember Alindajao: “But part of the ordinance analysis is that the booth is awarded to that particular organization to offset the cost. So how does that work in terms of now wanting a sponsorship from the city? It's almost like double dipping.”
City Attorney Hensley: “Well, I assume the way that could work is if one organization says, well, I don't need any matching funds and I'll put it on, then they would be the top proposer. If another organization says, well, I'll pay 75% and it's X dollars. It just depends on what comes in. I don't know that you've had a lot of choice as I understand it in reality that there's not been multiple proposals given, and you could correct me if I'm wrong on that.”
Councilmember Alindajao: “Sure. Still in the spirit of trying to change a policy that caps the amount of funding the city makes, I mean, it's nice to have one event where funding is coming from the award of the booth to the RFP winner, and that's really the conduit by which the city is contributing to the show. It's not giving them the booth and then adding more cash on top of that. That doesn't seem like a fair or a good process.”
City Attorney Hensley: “I know, and that's a council call, and I was just explaining what I understand has occurred so that we're talking about what's actually been happening, but if you want to change that path, that's fine. Also. That's a council decision. I just didn't want to walk out of here with misunderstanding of what's been occurring.”
Councilmember Alindajao: “I think the cleaner version would be Councilman Solorio-Ruiz’s version of it, and that's to 10 organizations cap it at a thousand if they go through the matrix or whatnot. I mean, if we're going to make any changes to it, other than that, that's what I'd support.” Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “And leave the fireworks show through the RFP process.” Councilmember Alindajao: “That's on its separate track. Again, if in a factual scenario where let's say an organization gets the fireworks RFP, then they get the booth, which should at least on some level offset the cost of the fireworks show, but they then can come back through the new process and get a maximum of a thousand dollars. That's how it'd work.”
City Attorney Hensley: “I want to clarify because it could be that you'll have an organization, maybe several organizations that need less than a thousand dollars. So you might end up with more than 10 possibly. That's true. Okay. I just wanted to clarify.” Mayor Morris: “Yeah, because it is typical when you have a firework show of $32,000, the booth is not going to make up that much money to make up the rest of that cost to offset that. And this is important because only because you get thousands of people that go out there and watch a show. And it is just not, and as far as I figure, it's community funds. All of us are out there watching the fireworks and we all participate in the events, that particular event to celebrate our nation's birthday.” Councilmember Alindajao: “However the policy should reflect fairness to all organizations. We cannot advocate for one organization. We have to advocate for all of them. Can't just mean as good as much as I respect Kiwanis and Steve Kinsey and all the work he's done. It's got to be fair across the board, not just for the fireworks show. And we don't know who the RFP winner's going to be anyway at this point.” Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “I would also make the argument too, mayor, is that I know you have a passion for the fireworks show, and I do too. I support it fully and however we can help out. I would also make the argument that I think an important event that we have here in the city, I think it's our Christmas parade, I think it's our Christmas celebrations that we have. So I think I echo what council member Alindajao was saying, and I think let's kind of meet in the middle. I think keeping the fireworks show through the RFP process, letting them, allowing them to raise those funds, and of course still being able to dip into the max of total 10,000, 1000 given to each organization. I'll go ahead and make a motion for that.” Councilmember Osorio: “Mayor, if I may add a closing thought, I'd be in favor of discussing who we make exceptions to, but in agreement with Councilman Melinda, how I think we made an exception to one. I feel like others who are present Delano Harvest Holidays Association, maybe the Filipino weekend, they may want exceptions as well. And so again, I apologize for missing the context that this has been an ongoing discussion. But if we continue the conversation and rather than again, limit ourselves to 500 or a thousand, but continue to have conversations with these organizations and not limit it to just one, getting the exception, I'd be in support. Because what I'm thinking of if I'm in their shoes, whether we want to use the city of Delano Seal or not, is whether $500 or a thousand dollars is a fair amount to contribute to be like a partner in an event because given budgets range, the previous applicant who requested a sponsorship, 35 to 40,000, if you gave $500 as a city, do you feel like that's a contributing amount? And again, we can go about how feeling quantifies any type of decision, but ultimately, again, I think just for the sake, at least for more, I sit, if we want to have discussions on exceptions, we should continue the conversation rather than just limit it to one. I think to the city attorney's point, one question that came up to me right now is ideally if we had 10 organizations asking 10 organizations asking for a thousand dollars each would be a significant amount. But if we run into a scenario where we have maybe 20 organizations applying and they all want the max amount, I think we come into a staggered amount where some organizations may receive a hundred dollars, $300 or even less if we want to award all those. And so it's those that it would be essentially become a first come first serve basis. And then maybe bigger organizations who are here today or may catch win of this, they'll be the ones applying first. And so in this matrix we have residents can apply, schools can apply. And so maybe some of those other entities that we want to be applying, they may not be eligible or they'll receive even a smaller amount. And so I still think there are things to work out, but I just want to share that as we make a motion here.”
Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “I know I made a motion, but do we have a response for that? What happens if one takes 100 and then what if we have extra funds?” City Attorney Hensley: “It is on a first come serve basis, and I mean this will be done annually as part of the budget. So it's March people and they're supposed to do it 60 days in advance. I assume what's going to happen is City probably is going to put some information out that this is available and then organizations are going to hopefully get their information in sooner rather than later so that they get put in line. But it is designed on a first set basis. And part of that I think was in result in response to, as the city manager explained, I don't know if it was every meeting, but maybe every other meeting you were getting requests and so it was sort of a rolling basis that you were getting these requests. I hope that completely answers the concern. It probably doesn't, but that's what the process would be.” City Manager Reyna: “The funds too, sir, would continue to be issued until we were depleted. I don't doubt we'll deplete the $10,000.”
Councilmember Alindajao: “Okay, so what's the motion on the table? So not everyone is going to get the thousand, right? Depending on the score that they get on the matrix will depend upon their request.” Mayor Morris: “The amount of money or they're going to receive, right? So if you only get 15 points or whatever, then you only get less than a little half, right? Or 500 or 400?” Councilmember Alindajao: “Or something like that. In the bigger picture, organizations should not be depending on the government to fund their activities and events. It's just that's the bottom line. And I think the policy, the new policy reflects that, and I think that's fiscally responsible for taxpayer money.” City Attorney Hensley: “This is helpful. Again, it's council policy, but just the way the process would be set up is that an event that is serving a high number of people in the public. It's open to the public, it's put on by a nonprofit. There's no money being retained by the nonprofit. It's going exclusively in the event that's going to be near a hundred percent. The other end of the scale is a private entity is putting on for a limited number of people, not open to the public. It's going to get very little and in between is a whole range of percentages, but the higher dollar mouth will go to those events that are open to the public and that aren't for fundraising purposes.”
Councilmember Alindajao: “Which makes sense. Just should be some sort of policy principles that the money that giving the money of or funds should be based on. It shouldn't just be for whoever asks. It should be based on some city purpose or benefit to the city as a whole it should be the driving principle behind giving away of funds.”
Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “The motion that I provided was to bump up the 500 to a thousand, so total amount from 5,000 fiscally every year to 10,000 total.” Motion was made by: Solorio-Ruiz to approve a $1,000 and fiscal year sponsorship amount be $10,000
2nd by: Alindajao
Vote: 5-0
Ayes: Morris/Nunez/Alindajao/Osorio/Solorio-Ruiz
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstentions: None
16) Request for sponsorship of the Cesar Chavez Day Event not to exceed the amount of $5,000 (Item moved to No. 15)
City Manager Reyna provided staff report.
Mayor Morris opened up public comment.
Andres Chavez: “I'm the executive director of the National Chavez Center. You may be familiar with our work here at the 40 acres. I'm also one of Helen and Caesar's 31 grandkids. Today I'm joined by quite a bit of folks from the community who support me, including members of the United Farm Workers there in the corner, as well as the staff and other folks in favor of this item and who wish to speak on behalf of it.
On March 31st, we're looking to celebrate Caesar Chavez Day. It's a state holiday in eight states throughout the country, including here in California. And really what we're hoping to do with this march is to celebrate and commemorate Caesars and during legacy as well as celebrate workers, specifically immigrant workers.
During this time, we're seeking $5,000 in sponsorship and all of those funds will be used solely for fees, solely to cover our city fees. So none of the funds will be used for any other March activities only to cover the city fees. Today we had a great meeting with the chief of police as well as members from the HR department, community development and public works. They were there with us where we outlined the logistics of the event and there's a lot of alignment and we are moving forward in all of our permitting applications and so we're having some great progress there. I really see this as a partnership between us and the city and far it's been incredible. We've had some great help from different city departments to make this possible and I think this gets us over the edge and so we appreciate your consideration on sponsoring this item. Again, this is an incredible opportunity for us to commemorate and celebrate the life and legacy of somebody who did so much, not only for this community, but nationwide. And we look to celebrate all those things that they taught us. The importance of solidarity when Filipinos and Latinos joined together and something that's very important at this day and time, the importance of service. My thought that Caesar said that it is my deepest belief that only by giving our lives do we find life. When I think about service, it takes place in so many different ways. It takes place in the way that you all do your work on a daily basis.
When the chief of police and the city manager and everybody does their work to make sure that we can make Delano the community that we want it to be, but most importantly, that CIP by the attitude, that idea that we only lose when we give up. Delano is an incredible community of resilience, of grit in this celebration will really help that come to life. The final thing I'll add is that we expect about 5,000 people to join us. And so we imagine that this event will create a lot of economic activity for the area. I know that people are coming in from throughout the state and staying at the local Hyatt. We are trying to take advantage of utilizing local food vendors to feed their marchers. And we're doing everything that we can to support local businesses with all of our purchases outside of these $5,000. And so with that, I'm happy to answer any questions, but I thank you for your consideration.” Anna Landeros: “I'm with the United Farm Workers. I think he had said enough, but I'm here with the same request as well. I do want to thank you for allowing me to speak today. I do stand before you to address an important issue regarding the permit fees for the upcoming March dedicated to honoring Cesar Chavez.
As you guys know, he has done a lot of contributions to the immigrant workers in our community. Cesa Chavez has a tireless advocate for the rights of farm workers and the border immigrant community. His commitment to social justice and equality continues to inspire us today. The march we're organized. It is not just a celebration for his life, but also a call of action to the rights and dignity of all workers who contribute to our economy and society.”
Maria Martinez: “I am really excited about the march because that’s what I was involved in. You guys have made donations? About 5,000, $8,000 to other organizations. The leader taught me to be who I am right now. Well, and for you to donate this $5,000, if you can do more, that's fine too. Thank you.” Steve Kinsey: “Hello, Steve Kinzie, resident of Delano. I don't rise in opposition to this. I think it's a good cause and something Delano should be proud to be participating in. But I do have a question about the timing of the movement of it on the agenda since right behind this will be an item that will prohibit your ability possibly to donate to programs and sponsorships like this. So I'm wondering how that's going to affect the next round, just the timing of the event and the possibility of how it's going to affect the next action.”
Lupe Martinez: “Honorable Mayor and Council members. Good evening. Certainly. I don't have to tell you where I say it at this point or how I feel about it. Certainly I'm in favor as Maria, my wife Martinez just mentioned right now. We've been here before and other organizations have received the support from the city, so I don't see why it would be different with Cesar Chavez. Maria and I gave our lives to this movement, and we're still here barely, but we're still here. This march is very much needed in the timing and the need for the community to be at peace, more calm, and hopefully that'll show the unity that is needed at this time.
As Mr. Kinsey said, the timing of it, but the timing of the other item, of course war makes it somewhat difficult. But $5,000 is not much for the city, for something that the farm workers have done for this community and where it's at. Not just Latinos but Filipinos at one time, the colored ourselves that we were all working together hand in hand in the fields. So I think it's not only a good gesture, but also I think something that is due. And I hope that you all vote, I guess. I don't know if there's a vote, but that you all say yes. Anyway, thank you.”
Mayor Morris closes public comment.
Councilmember Osorio: “I first want to express my gratitude to city staff from Mr. Chavez to Ms. Reyna, to Mr. Nunez chief, and others who are present today in moving this along. Regardless of the sponsorship or not, I know this is an incredibly important event to me personally, but also to some members in the audience. This request for a $5,000 sponsorship for the United Farmworkers and collaborating partners for Caesar Chavez Day offers an opportunity to support a celebration of historical significance while benefiting the city. It's not just a commemoration of Caesar Chavez's legacy, but also an important moment to showcase our role. The City of Delano's role in the broader farm worker movement, which continues to shape California's agricultural history and impact hosting around 5,000 people. This event will draw attention to Delano, and it'll provide an opportunity to promote the city as a historically rich community.
In addition to the cultural value, the event presents economic benefits as Mr. Chavez mentioned, with attendees traveling from across California. Here locally, the influx of visitors will support local businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and shops, which will lead to a direct boost in activity. This strengthens our economy and increases our visibility within the state. This sponsorship request, which covers essential city fees, will help facilitate the event's success without putting significant strain on our budget. While concerns around sponsorships are valid, this event stands out as a unique and meaningful occasion that aligns with our history, values, and commitment to supporting community initiatives. The sponsorship would not only honor the legacy of Caesar Chavez, but also I believe it will foster civic pride, promote our community as a cultural hub, and generate again economic benefits. And so for these reasons, I believe that this request should be seen as an investment in our past, present, and future. That is my statement, mayor.” Councilmember Alindajao: “If you don't mind answering your questions. What is the total budget for the event?”
Andres Chavez: “The total budget for the event? Yeah. We're still running through numbers, but it's going to be to the tune of about 30 to $40,000 we imagine. And this is us taking care of everything from granola bars and water to staging to portable toilets to meals for volunteers, so on and so forth.” Councilmember Alindajao: “What efforts is the organization making to raise the budget?” Andres Chavez: “Sure. So there's already been, all those fees have already been raised, the $40,000. We're getting support from different labor groups from throughout the state who are supporting the purchasing of water, the portable toilets, all the critical infrastructure needed to carry out a successful march.” Councilmember Alindajao: “And if the budget's met, how does the $5,000 request from the city, how does that factor into the overall budget?”
Andres Chavez: “Let me understand your question a little bit. Can you restate it?” Councilmember Alindajao: “Yeah. The $5,000 request from the city, how is that going to fit in terms of this event in the budget, if all the money's already been raised for the event. So you're asking if there's a gap, will we be able to cover it? Is that what you're getting at? Yes. Yeah, we would have to see, I imagine that we would be able to find a way to raise the money and total transparency, but as I mentioned, we see that as an opportunity for us to partner with the city and celebrate this very historic leader and movement that really was accepted here in Delano.”
Councilmember Alindajao: “Thank you.”
Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “Yes. I have one question for you, sir. Sorry about that. I know getting your steps in. So when was the last time this has ever been done in the City of Delano?” Andres Chavez: “I don't know if there's ever been a Caesar Chavez Day march here in the city of Delano.
I think there was an attempt a couple of years ago. The last that I recall, the last time that the city of Delano probably saw a march of this size was when Caesar passed away in 1993. I imagine many of you were here.
There was close to 50,000 people who attended that funeral possession. The ideas for this march is to actually follow that exact same route. Another thing that we're doing with the March council member, so Ruiz, is we're actually bringing out the standard of a Guadalupe that led marchers from Delano to Sacramento in 1966. And that'll lead the march, which is really cool. So we're also bringing in parts of our history in the past and bringing it to the present.”
Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “Thank you. So as far as my comments goes, when I received a call from some members of the union requesting for this, the biggest thing was that they wanted to do it the right way.
They're getting permits, they're getting everything they need in order and in line, and thank you for sharing the fundraising efforts as well as that's important. But the big component is that I think as much as, yes, we're looking at 5,000, which is quite frankly compared to what we approve on the daily is really not that much. Ultimately though, I think the big picture here is that the city is involved in this historical march. I don't think I have to explain historical context, but as you all know, Delano is a birthplace for the farm worker labor movement. And I think we need to uplift that. I think quite frankly, us as leaders, us as community members, I think sometimes we lack that. I think we need to uplift it and say, that's right here in the city of Delano. We absolutely have a huge historical event that occurred. And I go to different places, whether it's the Bay area or even out of state. And all the times, every time that I say I'm from the city of Delano, instantly folks think, oh, that's where Cesar Chavez. That's where all that happened. And so I think it's a beautiful thing. I think we need to also teach our young people the importance of caring about others, the importance of their rights, of fighting for their rights. I think that's one thing that we all need to understand. And so I stand in solidarity with their requests, and it's important for us to, I think, stand in solidarity at this moment, especially with everything going on in the nation. I think it's important because when we all, especially during COVID-19, when we called farm workers essential, when in reality there were essential all the time. And here Delano here in the city of Delano, we have teachers and we should be proud of that. We have doctors, nurses, police officers, some born and raised here, and we absolutely have farm workers, and we shouldn't be ashamed of that. That is the beauty of our city is that we are diverse, a diverse community. I do have one more question. I'm sorry to get you up again. Can you tell me, have you ever, in the history of the foundation, the history of the union and the efforts, has there ever been a collaborative effort in this way? Whether it's asking for a sponsorship, money from the city, that type of stuff?”
Andres Chavez: “I can't speak to the 60 plus year history here, whether there's been requests for financial sponsorship. What I can tell you is that to my knowledge, I don't remember us ever requesting fees. The last time that there was fees associated with any type of event that we had done was when we had partnered Filipino weekend to celebrate Filipino weekend and the 50th anniversary of Banani Village. I will state that we at the National Chave Center, Cedar Chavez Foundation, put well over $15,000 into that event of our own money to make sure that we could make it come to light. In addition to that, when there's been different, whether it be food distributions, vaccination efforts, I don't believe we petition the city for any type of sponsorships. We've always done that by raising money outside of the community or paying for it ourselves.”
Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “For sure. Thank you. We've seen that when we, oftentimes as leaders as well, I get asked, how do we bring in more exposure to the city? How do we bring folks in to say, I want to go to that city, visit in that city, shop there, eat there, spend my money there. And we've seen it. We've seen it with Filipino weekend where we get a phenomenal amount of folks come and spend their money here.
And I assure you that we're going to see it in this as well. And when I got the call as well, I took it upon myself as well to contact some business owners and to help the union and their efforts. And I was able to a small amount, but I was able to fundraise $550. So tonight, I am going to request 4,450 to add up to that.
So I'll put that as my part that I fundraise and I assisted. And so as c Chavez has said, the fight that they had was never about the grapes. It was about the people. And I strongly believe that's still the same fight we're in now. It's always about our people. So I thank you.” Vice Mayor Nunez: “This is a hard one. My dad was one of Cesar Chavez's original bodyguards back in the late sixties, early seventies. My dad went through all this stuff and all the great stuff that the Union and Cesar Chavez did for everyone working in the fields from the Hispanics, Filipinos, and every other nationality that was out there working. And I'm torn because I am responsible to the city of Delano and the taxpayers and the city of Delano of their money. There's a thing called gift of public funds. We're giving away too much money as a city. There's a state law and there's some other federal stuff behind it. I just learned about this week and this past week in Washington DC that we cannot be giving public fund money away just to any group we want, just for whatever reason they have. Mind you, I'm not saying that these reasons are not good reasons or bad reasons. We just continue to keep money away, money away, money away. I've been here for two and a half years, and I'm pretty sure that we've gotten close to about $30,000 if we've given away to the community for different events, from sports teams, to Philippine weekend, to food giveaways, to you name it, we've done it. And I just have a problem with how much money the city has continued to spend and spend and spin and spend.”
Mayor Morris: “This one is a hard one for me too. If you know me, I belong to a lot of organizations in this town and I really like to be generous and make sure that all these organizations work for the betterment of this community because without the organizations, this community, nothing would happen here. Okay. And so that is important, but then again, I had to consider this too, as Councilman Nunez said, these are public funds and we are in lieu. This particular item, I had moved to item 15 and move 16 to 15 and 15 to 16, okay? Because had we done item 15 as it was listed on here, you probably would've only gotten $500.
Okay? So therefore I move the item up so that we can really consider this particular item and be fair. And as much as I would love to give you $5,000 of public funds, I think I'd like to see or meet you halfway and give you like $2,500 for this particular items. I know most of your fees are going to be on March fees because of traffic, and I was going to do permitting and find out how much the permits and stuff like that and see if we could waive those fees for you. But unfortunately, half that fee you're asking for is probably on March fees because of the traffic control. And so with that, I am, my proposal is to give $2,500 to help offset your permit fees and help with some of those traffic control fees. So that's where I stand on this issue.
And not that I have anything against the organization because believe me, I was the one that suggested we give Caesar Chavez Day to all the employees in the city and we got that passed. And so we're glad to celebrate his birthday and for the historical things and the great things that he's done for this community.” Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “I have a question. I'm not sure if we have these numbers off the top of our head. I'm sorry, Rosa, I'm going to ask you a couple questions here. Do you know how much we provided to our fireworks show? Not that it's not important. I stand by it. I think I voted in support of it. How much should we provide to our fireworks show and our Filipino weekend? Can you provide me those numbers please?”
Finance Director Rios: “Good evening, honorable Mayor and city Council? Yes, for the fireworks show, it was about $16,000 that we issued to the Kiwanis, and then it was a co-sponsorship of $10,000 for the Philippine weekend.”
Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “Okay. Thank you so much. And I want to respond real quick and I respect 100% your opinion and perspective. I actually do believe that. I think we need to see how we navigate our sponsorship and guess what? Next item, we're going to do that. And I think that that's great because I do believe that over the years it has gotten out of hand. But I think when we've set the precedent that for fireworks show for Filipino weekend as they are important, and I love to attend those here in the city and we've provided that amount, I think it is appropriate to say that for our farm workers and for the union and the historical presence, I think it's appropriate to provide at least 4,000. I think that would be like I mentioned, I'm not sure if you heard Mayor, but I provided, I tried to fundraise for them and hopefully, as well I can continue and reach out to businesses to get them involved. And I reached 550 and just a weekend.
So hopefully I get more days to assist them. But I am going to go ahead and for 4,000 to provide to the United Farm Workers.”
Councilmember Alindajao: “Before we entertain that Mark, can we construe the mayor's? It wasn't the first motion on the days of $2,500.”
City Attorney Hensley: “We can ask the mayor. I mean regardless, I mean the last motion made now is the one by council member Solorio-Ruiz, so that one would be acted on first.” Councilmember Alindajao: “Mayor, before we go on, I think the issue isn't necessarily, of course, we can find examples of when we gave more than $5,000. I don't think that's the point. I think the point is that the council now sees the error of their ways and we're changing course, we're changing policy and that's what item 16 represents, or item 15 that is. So it's the council taking a different direction in terms of money, cosponsorship, and whatnot. And I think an 11th-hour request, although it is not reflective of the organization asking, it's that they've caught us in a moment where the council is going in a different direction with a different policy. And so this back and forth about how much money we gave, I think it's moot because the council, I believe is taking a different direction. And course in terms of the 11th-hour request, I would be in support of meeting the organization halfway and providing the $2,500, but we'll see how the motions shake out.”
Councilmember Osorio: “Mayor, if I can also interject and just make one final point. I know there's a motion on the floor. I think what separates this event from other events is that while the city will absorb the costs, we're not actually giving them any monetary donation. This is to cover temporary outdoor event permits, special event permit and parade fees, staff time from public works and the police department, administrative staff time, and then processing fees. And so that's where I would make the request for some more flexibility and generosity because again, compared to some of the other organizations, we aren't really giving these folks any direct assistance.”
Mayor Morris: “Well, we really are in essence because we have to pay those officers over time on a Saturday.”
Councilmember Osorio: “It's a Monday correction. Sorry.” Mayor Morris: “It's a money question. Right? And I see that in the direction that we're going and this is why I had that particular item moved so that we can provide a little bit more than what the new program on item 15 is going to offer. And so I think meeting you halfway is my request.” Councilmember Solorio-Ruiz: “I have a motion on the floor? Can I get a second?” Motion was made by: Solorio-Ruiz to approve a $4,000 sponsorship 2nd by: Osorio
Vote: 2-3 (Motion Failed)
Ayes: Osorio/Solorio-Ruiz
Nays: Morris/Nunez/Alindajao
Absent: None
Abstentions: None
Motion was made by: Nunez to approve a $2,500 sponsorship 2nd by: Osorio
Vote: 5-0
Ayes: Morris/Nunez/Alindajao/Osorio/Solorio-Ruiz
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstentions: None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Public Works Director Pedro Nunez was introduced.
COUNCIL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS
Council Member Bryan Osorio – “Thanks, mayor. Just very quickly, I also attended the Niagara Bottled Water Company water tour last week. It was great to see the implementation of a business as well as the benefits they give to workers, many of whom live in Delano. Again, I just want to echo my statements from earlier. Thanking city staff, Mr. Chavez, Ms. Reyna, Mrs. Zamudio, Mr. Nunez, chief Nicholson, and I believe Brad, Julian, and Officer Mendoza. Just remembering everyone, I forgot a few folks earlier, but just want to thank them for helping coordinate the discussion around the sponsorship, but also more importantly, the actual logistics of the march. And so I thank you all very much for that. And thank you to my colleagues who voted to allot some money for this historic event. I think everyone else has, but welcome Mr. Brandon Rodriguez to the City of Delano team. You have big shoes to fill. Mr. Dowling was an incredible asset to the city, but we're glad to have you. That is it for me. Thank you.” Council Member Alindajao – No comment.
Council Member Solorio-Ruiz – “Okay, I was invited to go and I know a lot of us have been invited and it's great that we do the Read Across America. I did it for Del Vista, so it was great to read a book to the young folks about a chicken who thinks it's a dinosaur? So I think it's pretty cool. Also, I attended a training through the California Department of Justice through how to regulate tobacco and I wanted to echo what they said, which is that they have a lot of money and hopefully we apply to be rewarded. Those grants.
Lemme see. I also attended the Niagara Tour, which if y'all aren't aware, Niagara is up and running and it's a big beautiful facility and we're all very excited to welcome that company in. I also had a Kern Cog training today. I want to thank Rob and everyone and of course city staff for assisting with that about what the Kern Cog is, what it represents. I also want to give a shout out to some businesses that allowed me to place up, know your rights flyers in their business in regards to immigration and undocumented folks. And I just want to give them a shout out as well in gratitude toward that. I also want to, I know we heard, I believe she's gone, but we heard Caroline Cruz some issues about Cecil Avenue and Vassar. If we can look into that and contact and see if we can figure that out and just thank you city staff for all you guys do. Thank you.”
Mayor Pro-Tem Nunez – “I'd like to thank Noemi and her staff at HR putting on the awards for all our city employees for their accomplishments of years working with the city. A lot of city employees. I think our highest one was 30 this year, correct? Or 40 of those, several employees 5 years, 10 years, 15 years. 20, 25 and 40 I believe. So outstanding job. We're retaining our employees, which that's good. I recently was, the city council pointed me to the mosquito abatement board at the mosquito abatement board. They sent me to Puerto Rico. It was horrible over there. The reason they sent us to Puerto Rico is issues with mosquitoes within our community that Puerto Rico has been dealing with. Unlike here in this area, we get mosquito seasonal. Puerto Rico has mosquitoes every day, 365 days a year nonstop. So we went down there and took some other board members and employees to go learn how they're dealing with mosquitoes. If you have a mosquito problem, get ahold of the Delano Mosquito abatement in Delano. It is free. They will come and treat your house for free. Don't wait. And then last week, or earlier this week, I don't even remember what week I'm in, in three weeks of running around, I was in Washington DC again, went to the National League of Cities and myself along with 3,500 other city mayors, vice mayors council members went down and pretty much voiced our opinion with the current administration of, please don't cut our funding. The City of Delano is currently, if things go bad, where we can look at potentially losing up $13.6 million, which is a huge hit on our economy here locally. So myself with other city leaders went down there and we advocated and we were heard out. It was very interesting, if I can say is both of the aisles as far as local government, were united as one to go down there and advocate for the cities to not lose their funding. So that hopefully that's, they heard us and it went well. Other than that, I have nothing else.”
Mayor Morris - “I've got to tell you where I've been because I've been everywhere but glad to be able to be there. And I was really impressed with the Niagara Bottling Company tour. It is amazing what they do there from the little caps that caps your bottle to the little tiny, little plastic little thing that keeps kicking out and that makes that entire big bottle like that. It's amazing. It’s amazing how automated everything is there, is it, I suggest I ask him, Hey, do you do tours here? You should do tours. Because I think you'll find that they have an amazing facility there. And I wondered, as I was watching everyone who worked there, they have about 63 people that work there. And I said, gee, does anybody work here? Because all they're doing just kind of standing around because everything is so automated, and I guess they're all there for quality control, but still, I said, wow, what a place to work. I just got to watch those little thingies come out or the thing. And all the automation just does, even to including the little robots that pick ups the pallets and delivers them to where they're supposed to be without anybody even maneuvering them. They automatically just go, I'm sure somebody's maneuvering 'em somewhere, but it is amazing. So if you can talk to Bio and Niagara bottling companies sometimes and take a tour out there, it's well worth it. But anyway, I'm glad to be at some ribbon cuttings and out there and glad to be at Regional Cross America and glad to be at League Executive Board meetings, and so grateful for our staff and what they do and helping to make the city run smoothly. I do have one complaint though for Pedro because they said the Mormon church over there has got these pylons up there and they've been there for over a month and a half. Yeah. So you might want to check into that because they keep asking me and I said. I don't know. I'll ask. So check on that and see if we can get that taken care of. Other than that, I don't have anything else. Happy St. Patrick's Day.”
Moved for Closed Session by: Solorio-Ruiz at 8:05pm
2nd by: Nunez
Ayes: Morris/Nunez/Alindajao/Osorio/Solorio-Ruiz
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstentions: None
The City Clerk was excused. City Manager Reyna was appointed as Acting City Clerk. City Manager, Finance Director, Human Resources Director and Attorney Johnson were present.
CLOSED SESSION
13) LIABILITY CLAIMS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.95 Claimant: Jaime Lynn Dano
Claim no.: FR102831
Agency claimed against: City of Delano
14) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency negotiator: City Manager, Finance Director, Attorney Che Johnson (Liebert Cassidy Whitmore) and Human Resources Director
Negotiating parties: Delano City Employee Association (miscellaneous unit) 15) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency negotiator: City Manager, Finance Director, Attorney Che Johnson (Liebert Cassidy Whitmore) and Human Resources Director
Negotiating parties: MEG employee group
16) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency negotiator: City Manager, Finance Director, Attorney Che Johnson (Liebert Cassidy Whitmore) and Human Resources Director
Negotiating parties: Delano Police Officers Association Moved for Open Session by: Solorio-Ruiz
2nd by: Nunez
Time: 8:51 PM
Vote: 5-0
Ayes: Morris/Nunez/Alindajao/Osorio/Solorio-Ruiz
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstentions: None
RETURN TO GENERAL SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Solorio-Ruiz seconded by Nunez and unanimously carried 5-0 to adjourn the closed session meeting at 8:51 pm.
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Ricardo G. Chavez, City Clerk