January 10, 2023
MINUTES
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Reynosa, Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado, Thusu-via zoom
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
None.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Alaniz, Bear, Hernandez, Hurtado, Iriarte, James, Montejano, Patlan, Solis, Yanez
1. Work Session - 6:00 PM
1.1. Proposed City Council Stipend Adjustment (DJ)
Mayor Reynosa opened the Work Session at 6:00 p.m.
Assistant City Manager James presented information on the current City Council stipend compensation of $300 that was set by ordinance in 1985. James provided a compensation analysis that determined that the current City Council stipend falls short of similar comparison cities. James stated state law allows for an increase of up to $870, equal to a 5% increase per year since the last adjustment in 1985. James recommends that the City Council consider an adjusted stipend of $425 based on the average compensation of cities surveyed. If adjusted, the new stipend amount would become effective until the next regular City Council election.
City Manager Patlan advised that the stipend is meant for services rendered to the community in the form of participation in various city and county boards and committees aside from regular council meetings.
Council Member Launer asked that the auto allowance stipend of $75 also be reviewed for a potential adjustment.
Council Member Thusu asked if the adjustment followed a legal process and for the city attorney to review it if necessary. Assistant City Manager James advised that the city attorney has already reviewed the information.
Mayor Reynosa asked the City Council if they had a recommended amount for the stipend/car allowance in mind.
Council Member Prado asked to review recent city employee increases and their percentages for comparison.
Council Member Launer asked if the City Council was allowed to seek input from the public and their constituents. City Manager Patlan advised her that it is acceptable.
Council Member Thusu asked for staff to compile information from other communities similar to Dinuba's population and budget for review. James advised that the current analysis contained the information and based on the information the stipend amount of $425 is recommended.
Patlan stated staff will wait to hear further from the council as to when they would want to bring the item back for review.
Mayor Reynosa adjourned the Work Session at 6:20 p.m.
2. OPENING CEREMONIES
2.1. Welcome and Call to Order
Mayor Reynosa called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2.2. Invocation
The invocation was led by Chaplain Garcia.
2.3. Pledge of Allegiance
The pledge of allegiance was led by Battalion Chief Bear.
3. 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.
4. PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS
4.1. Recognition of Cecilia Bobst, Senior Center Manager, Retiring (SH) Parks and Community Services Director Hurtado recognized Cecilia Bobst, Senior Center Supervisor on her retirement after 25 years of service with the City of Dinuba. Hurtado stated Bobst has excelled within the City of Dinuba and has been an important member of the Parks and Community Service department. Hurtado presented Bobst with a City of Dinuba retirement parchment and a recognition plaque.
Bobst thanked the city staff for their guidance and support throughout her years of employment.
The City Council congratulated Bobst on her well-deserved retirement and thanked her for the hard work at the Senior Center and wished her a healthy and happy retirement.
Administrative Director Solis shared her memories of working with Bobst and congratulated her on her retirement.
City Manager Patlan congratulated Bobst for her commitment and hard work with the community.
Assistant City Manager James congratulated Bobst on her retirement and wished her well.
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 - El Monte Way Sewer Main Replacement Project (JW)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council accepts the El Monte Sewer Main Replacement Project 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. 2023-01 Amending the Fiscal Year 2022/23 Salary Schedule to Reflect Minimum Wage Adjustments (MA)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council adopt Resolution No. 2023-01 amending the FY 2022/23 salary schedule to reflect increase in the minimum wage as required by state law.
6.3. SUBJECT
Resolution No. 2023-03 Adopting and Amending the Purchasing Policy (KS)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council approve amendment to the City’s Purchasing Policy to include an appeal provision.
6.4. SUBJECT
Resolution 2023-02 Authorization to Execute Program Supplement for the use of Measure R funds for the Avenue 416 and Road 56 Roundabout Project (IH)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to adopt Resolution No. 2023-02 approving the Program Supplement for the use of Measure R funds in the amount of $385,000 for design of the Road 56 and Avenue 416/El Monte Way Roundabout project and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement.
6.5. SUBJECT
Authorization to Purchase Two (2) HVAC Units for City Hall (KS) a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to authorize city staff to purchase two (2) new HVAC units from Allbritten for City Hall totaling $44,141.
6.6. SUBJECT
Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes (MA)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to review and approve City Council meeting minutes of December 13, 2022 as presented.
6.7. SUBJECT
Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2022-12 adding Section
17.75 entitled “Electrical Vehicle Charging Station Permitting” to the Dinuba Municipal Code (DY)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council waives second reading and adopts Ordinance No. 2022-12 adding Section
17.75 to the Dinuba Municipal Code entitled “Electrical Vehicle Charging Station Permitting”.
A motion was made by Council Member Launer, second by Vice Mayor NerioGuerrero, to review and approve as presented.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
7. WARRANT REGISTER
7.1. SUBJECT
Warrant Register December 16 & 30, 2021 and January 6, 2022 (KS) a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to review and approve the Warrant Register as presented.
A motion was made by Council Member Launer, second by Council Member Prado , to review and approve the Warrant Registers as presented.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
8. PUBLIC HEARING
8.1. SUBJECT
Ordinance No. 2023-01 Introduction and First Reading of the 2022 Edition of the California Fire Code (JB)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council introduce, read title and waive full reading, conduct a public hearing and take the following action by one motion:
1. Approve Ordinance No. 2023-01 adopting the 2022 Edition of the California Fire Code with local amendments; and,
2. Schedule second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-01 for January 24, 2023.
Battalion Chief Bear presented ordinance 2023-01 on the 2022 Edition of the California Fire Code. Bear explained the Fire Code is revised every 3 years to reflect local jurisdiction's needs.
Bear stated that city staff is recommending the amendments to automatic sprinklers for building over 5,000 square feet and are to be placed throughout the building. Bear recommended that an amendment to open burning be added that meets current regulations and supports public safety.
Mayor Reynosa opened the public hearing.
No comments were made.
Mayor Reynosa closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Council Member Prado , second by Council Member Launer, to approve Ordinance No. 2023-01 adopting the 2022 Edition of the California Fire Code with local amendments; and, to schedule second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-01 for January 24, 2023.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
8.2. SUBJECT
Ordinance No. 2023-02 Amending Chapter 5.34 of the Municipal Code in Regard to Fireworks (JB)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council introduce, read title and waive full reading, conduct a public hearing and take the following action by one motion:
1. Approve Ordinance No. 2023-02 amending Chapter 5.34 of the Municipal Code.
2. Schedule second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-02 on January 24, 2023.
Battalion Chief Bear presented Ordinance No. 2023-02 amending Chapter 5.34 of the Municipal Code regarding Fireworks.
Bear recommends an amendment to the language that supports firework enforcement and that meets all safety codes. Bear also requested changes to the fireworks regulations include the annual lottery moved under the Fire department, the sale and possession of fireworks, including storage guidelines that support fire codes and public safety.
Council Member Launer asked if there was language prohibiting children in or within feet of a fireworks booth. Launer requested clarity on the rules regarding fireworks booth safety exits and requested the posting of a non-emergency number other than 911.
Bear advised that children are not allowed to be in the fireworks booth and anyone 16 years of age or over can purchase fireworks but cannot sell fireworks or be present in the booth. Bear advised that booth doorways must be clear but fans are permitted as long as they do not block the exit. Bear reported that a sevendigit telephone number can be posted at all booths for Fire and NonEmergency Police service.
City Attorney Yanez advised that specific wording can be added to the ordinance regarding rules for children, exits, and non-emergency numbers if the council wishes.
Launer requested that the language be added to the instructions on the permit packet.
Mayor Reynosa opened the public hearing.
No comments were made.
Mayor Reynosa closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Council Member Launer, second by Vice Mayor NerioGuerrero, to approve Ordinance No. 2023-02 amending Chapter 5.34 of the Municipal Code.; and to schedule second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-02 on January 24, 2023.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
9. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
9.1. SUBJECT
Council to set a date for City Council Strategic Goals Workshop (LP) a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to set a date for workshop to review and update the city’s Strategic Goals.
City Manager Patlan requested that City Council set a date for a Goal Setting Workshop to review and update the City’s Strategic Goals. Patlan reported that the previous Goal Setting Workshop in 2021 was completed with the assistance of a facilitator. Patlan advised that the facilitator is available in February and asked for the council's availability, there was not a cohesive date selected. Patlan will check with the facilitator for availability for a Friday in March from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
9.2. SUBJECT
Review of Outside Agency Boards and Committees Appointments (MA) a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to review current outside committee assignments and adjust appointments as necessary.
City Clerk Alaniz requested that Council review the current outside committee assignments and adjust appointments as needed.
Changes made:
To add Kings Tulare Area Agency of Aging to the Outside Agencies list with Launer as the primary representative.
Council of Cities--added Reynosa as the alternate representative Upper Kings Basin Integrated Regional Water Management Authority --added City Manager as the alternate representative.
Tulare County Regional Transit Agency--added Reynosa as the alternate representative.
Tulare County Economic Development Committee-- change the primary representative to Prado and the alternate to Nerio-Guerrero
10. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Thusu thanked city staff for their work in resolving the downtown flooding. Thusu reported that he received citizen concerns regarding slow draining.
Thusu thanked Police for their work during recent crimes.
Council Member Launer reported attending the GSA meeting. Launer reported that the Tulare Kings Aging Commission meets every month and is a promising committee led by a professor from Fresno State and includes various agencies throughout the county.
Launer shared that the committee is dealing with the lack of education on services and resources for the senior community. Launer shared that she spoke at the Lions Club and presented on city programs and activities. Launer reported recent graffiti in her district at Lincoln between Davis and Bel Aire and traffic violations including the public not stopping at stop signs.
Council Member Prado thanked Public Works for their hard work during the storm. Prado reported meeting with Parks and Recreation staff member Elijah Luna and participating in the training of sports officials. Prado thanked the Police Department for their work with the recent tragedy. Prado congratulated city staff on their work with the homeless including recent housing opportunities.
Vice Mayor Nero-Guerrero reported attending a Saturday recreation basketball game.
Nero-Guerrero offered condolences and prayers to the family involved in the recent tragedy. Nerio-Guerrero thanked the Police Department for their hard work.
Mayor Reynosa reported attending the Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting where County Supervisors Valero and Townsend were sworn into office. Reynosa recently learned that Lake Kaweah is at 50,000 feet of water. Reynosa reported attending the grand opening of Sierra Village Phase II Apartments. Reynosa suggested communication with State officials regarding more basins for water storage. Reynosa thanked Police and Fire for their work in the community and thanked Parks and Public Works staff for their work during the recent storms.
11. CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Patlan reported the appointment of Abel Iriarte to the permanent role of Chief of Police. Patlan commended staff for their hard work during the recent rainstorms.
Patlan reported that the State and the County of Tulare have issued a state of emergency. Patlan shared that Code Enforcement Officer Angie Molina has assisted 7 local homeless with housing, and 3 have already received a key to their apartment. Patlan shared that since 2018 with Molina's efforts, 18 homeless have been assisted with housing and are no longer on the streets, a successful process thanks to Molina's hard work.
Patlan reported that City Hall will be closed Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Launer asked if Dinuba has a flood emergency plan. Patlan advised that there is a plan and it will be presented to the council.
12. CITY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Assistant City Manager James reported keeping track of Tulare County emergency updates.
Parks and Community Services Director Hurtado reported that for the basketball season, they have upgraded the jerseys. Hurtado shared that the Sportsplex has had high attendance and that the transition from Cece to Beverly at the Senior Center has gone well.
Public Works Director Hernandez reported staff has been working hard to mitigate flooding. Hernandez reported that the Pamela basin has been an issue and staff has been working on prevention. Hernandez reported that Public Works staff worked throughout the night to prevent flooding and will continue to work throughout the storms.
Hernadez advised that several trees were downed during the storm and staff has been working on clearing the roadways.
Police Chief Iriarte thanked staff and the City Manager for considering him for the role of Chief of Police. Iriarte thanked police staff, especially Detectives for their hard work in recent criminal cases. Iriarte thanked Public Works for their help with lighting at the crime scene. Iriarte shared that retired Police Sergeant Robert Canales recently passed away.
Iriarte reported that oral boards for Dispatch and Reserve Officers went well and conditional offers will be made soon.
Battalion Chief Bear reported staff has been hard at work during the recent storms. Bear advised that self-serve sandbags are available at the Fire Department. Baer advised that city and county sandbag information has been posted on the Fire Department's social media site.
13. CLOSED SESSION
13.1. Liability Claim (MA)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.95; Claimant(s) Rachel Nunez.
Agency Claimed Against: City of Dinuba.
Council rejected the claim.
13.2. Conference with Labor Negotiators (MA)
Pursuant to GC Subdivision 54957.6; Agency designated representative: Maria Alaniz; Karina Solis; Luis Patlan; Daniel James
Employee Organization: Firefighters' Association
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Reynosa adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.