January 25, 2022
MINUTES
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Nerio-Guerrero, Launer, Thusu, Reynosa-via zoom, Longoria arrived at 6:35 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
None.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Alaniz, Hernandez-via zoom, Hurtado, James-via zoom, Lapsley, Montejano, Patlan, Popovich, Solis, Yanez-via zoom, Webster
1. OPENING CEREMONIES
1.1. Welcome and Call to Order
Mayor Launer called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
1.2. Invocation
Invocation was led by Chaplain Susee.
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance
The pledge of allegiance was let by City Manager Patlan.
2. AGENDA CHANGES OR DELETIONS
To better accommodate members of the public or convenience in the order of presentation, items on the agenda may not be presented or acted upon in the order listed. Additions to Agenda may be added only pursuant to California Government Code section 54954.2(b).
None.
3. NEW EMPLOYEES AND PROMOTIONS
3.1. Ruben Hernandez, Police Officer (DP)
Chief Popovich introduced Ruben Hernandez, which was hired on June 2021 as a Reserve Officer and recently completed his FTO training. Officer Hernandez was recognized for promoting to a full time Police Officer. Officer Hernandez was pinned by his brother. He expressed his gratitude to the council and hopes to have a successful career with the city. Council gave words of encouragement and congratulations to Officer Hernandez.
3.2. Introduction and Oath of Office for Firefighter-Paramedic Thomas Perea (JW) Chief Webster introduced Firefighter/Paramedic Thomas Perea. Perea was hired as a Paramedic and now has been promoted to a Firefighter/Paramedic.
Mayor Launer gave Thomas Perea his oath of office and he was pinned by his father. Perea thanked his family, friends and the City of Dinuba family. Council gave words of support, encouragement, and congratulations to Firefighter/Paramedic Perea.
4. PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS
4.1. Dinuba Chamber of Commerce Annual Report (DJ)
Assistant City Manager James introduced Dinuba Chamber Director Heathe Jones who presented Council the Dinuba Chamber of Commerce Annual report. Jones advised she would be back to provide Council a one-year report.
Jones reported that the Annual Raisin Day celebration went well, even through the current COVID pandemic. Jones praised city staff who provided support during Raisin Day celebration.
Jones is excited to build community involvement and appreciates the Council's support. Council requested a financial snapshot of where the chamber stands to have a better sense of the chamber's finances and event opportunities. Council provided Jones words of support and gratitude.
5. REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
This portion of the meeting is reserved for any person who would like to address the Council on any item that is not on the agenda. Please be advised that State law does not allow the City Council to discuss or take any action on any issue not on the agenda. The City Council may direct staff to follow up on such item(s). Speakers are limited to three (3) minutes. If there is any person wishing to address the City Council at this time please approach the podium and state your name and nature of the request.
None.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion and one vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, a member of the audience or a Council Member may request an item be removed from the Consent Calendar and it will be considered separately.
6.1. SUBJECT
Notice of Completion - Autumn Gate Phase III Subdivision (IH) a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to accept the Autumn Gate Phase III public improvements as complete and authorize the City Engineer to file a Notice of Completion with the Tulare County Recorder's Office.
6.2. SUBJECT
Resolution No. 2022-04 Authorizating Application for CalRecycle Grants (IH)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-04 authorizing the submittal of CalRecycle grant applications eligible to the City of Dinuba within the next five years and authorizing the Public Works Director to execute all required grant documents.
A motion was made by Council Member Longoria, second by Council Member Nerio-Guerrero, to approve the consent calendar as presented.
Ayes: Launer, Longoria, Nerio-Guerrero, Reynosa, Thusu
7. WARRANT REGISTER
7.1. SUBJECT
Warrant Register January 14 & 21, 2022 (KS)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to review and approve the warrant register as presented.
A motion was made by Council Member Thusu, second by Council Member Longoria, to approve the warrant register as presented.
Ayes: Launer, Longoria, Nerio-Guerrero, Reynosa, Thusu
8. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
8.1. SUBJECT
First drafts of Council Election District Boundaries (DY) a
RECOMMENDATION
City Council receive, review and solicit community input on the first draft maps of council district boundaries that were updated to reflect population changes resulting from the 2020 Census.
City Attorney Yanez presented the Council Election District Boundaries. David Yates, the city consultant presented the new city boundaries maps to Council.
Yanez stated the census numbers increased and districts must be equal for purpose of fair elections.
Yanez informed Council that there is a redistricting process tab on the city website for public view. The next public hearing will be held in the upcoming planning committee meeting. Yanez stated that he would bring the maps to council in March or April to be adopted for the November election.
Yates reported on the new city boundaries and provided a visual presentation with the updated city districts. Yates reported on the redistricting specifications and scenarios that must be in compliance with state law. Yates advised Council that all districts required modification and he provided two scenarios.
Assistant City Manager James reported little to no feedback on the city's website from the community.
8.2. SUBJECT
Resolution No. 2022-05 Authorizing Submittal of Land and Water Conservation Grant in the amount of $2.5 Million for the Viscaya Recreation and Open Space Park (SH)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-05 authorizing submittal of a $2.5 million grant application through the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the construction of the Viscaya Recreation and Open Space Park.
Parks & Community Services Director Hurtado presented on the Land and Water Conservation Grant. Hurtado requested Council to approve the grant application submittal for the Viscaya Recreation and Open Space Park. The grant is for $2.5 million and city will match the $2.5 million to complete the funding for the project, City funds will come from the park impact fees and the general fund.
A motion was made by Council Member Thusu, second by Council Member Longoria, to adopt Resolution No. 2022-05 authorizing submittal of $2.5 million grant application through the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the construction of the Viscaya Recreation and Open Space Park.
Ayes: Launer, Longoria, Nerio-Guerrero, Reynosa, Thusu
9. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORTS
Vice Mayor Reynosa shared concern for city staff during COVID.
Council Member Thusu wished all city staff stay well during pandemic. Thusu reported he attended the Revenue Taxation meeting.
Longoria apologized for being late to the meeting.
Mayor Launer reported the meeting with Supervisor Valero has been moved to February 1, 2022 at the Community Center. Launer reported she met with Joe from Parks on placement of benches at the Nebraska Park. Launer stated she has received positive feedback on the City's homeless efforts. Launer also reported she met with Maria Herrera virtually, she is with the Central Regional Directors Affairs for the office of Governor Newsom.
10. CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Patlan and Assistant City Manager James will be attending the City Manager Conference next week, Administrative Services Director Solis will be acting in charge. Patlan reported that the City continues to struggle with COVID but employees continue to recover.
James shared that the Annual Economics Summit is scheduled for February 18, 2022 and a table has been reserved for those who want to attend.
11. CITY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Administrative Services Director Solis reported that the water shut off moratorium ended on December 31, 2021 and arrearages funding will help bring accounts current for water delinquencies. Solis said the shut off's will begin once all money is received. Solis also reported that there is Self Help money available for the community and a few payments have been received. Solis reported the Billing Clerk testing will be conducted on the January 26, 2022 for the two vacancies. Solis informed the Council that the American Rescue Plan Act final ruling has been released, with some leniency.
Assistant City Manager James is recovering and hopes to be back soon.
City Attorney Yanez reported that he is recovering and feeling better. Yanez reported he is working with the Police department and City Manager Patlan on updating the noise ordinance. Yanez stated an update would be available in February. Yanez shared that he is working with Code Enforcement Officer Angie Molina on the homeless camping issues at the park.
Chief Popovich reported after recent promotions the department is close to being fully staffed.
Chief Webster reported four new staff members are going through the hiring process and hopes to soon be fully staffed.
Parks & Community Director Hurtado reported the department is going through staff hiring process and hopes to have new staff on board soon.
City Engineer Lapsley reported on the delay of the Alta and Nebraska project is on hold for PG&E, Comcast, and AT&T to relocate wires and poles.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Launer adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m.