March 14, 2023
MINUTES
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Nero-Guerrero, Reynosa, Launer, Prado, Thusu
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
None.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Alaniz, Hernandez, Hurtado, Iriarte, James, Montejano, Patlan, Solis, Watts, Yanez
1. OPENING CEREMONIES
1.1. Welcome and Call to Order
Mayor Reynosa called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
1.2. Invocation
The invocation was led by Chaplain Garcia.
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance
The pledge of allegiance was led by Council Member Thusu.
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. PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS
3.1. Mid-Year Update from Airica de Oliviera, Tulare County Economic Development Corporation
Airica de Oliviera and Sam Diaz with Tulare County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) expressed their excitement and honor to represent the County of Tulare. De Oliviera stated that the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation is a nonprofit 501c4 and led by twenty-six Board of Directors. The Board's vision is to be the premier location in California to live, learn, work, and play. De Oliviera shared that their key activity is hosting a demographic database on their website. De Oliviera reported the City of Dinuba is a prime example in that they have the largest food manufacture in the county which is Ruiz Foods. De Oliviera shared that she had met with City Manager Patlan and Assistant City Manager James to discuss great opportunities of upcoming projects and the vision they have for the current fiscal year to locate and expand business in Dinuba. De Oliviera shared information about the leads and their projects.
Council Member Thusu thanked them for doing a great job for County and Dinuba. Thusu asked how many leads have shown interest in Dinuba. De Oliviera advised that Dinuba is always at the forefront of conversations. Thusu inquired on what can be done to attract development. De Oliviera advised that creative incentives are an option to help generate business.
Council thanked de Oliviera and Diaz for the presentation.
4. 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.
5. 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.
5.1. SUBJECT
Authorization to Execute an Agreement with Tulare County for the Extension of Water Facilities (JW)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to approve the City of Dinuba Water Main Extension Agreement with Tulare County authorizing the City to include the extension of a water main as part of the Alta/Kamm Avenue Roundabout and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement, and any related documents.
5.2. SUBJECT
Resolution No. 2023-13 Acquisition of Right of Way for the Kamm/Alta Avenue Roundabout (JW)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council adopt Resolution No. 2023-13 by one motion for the following action:
1. Accepts the Irrevocable and Perpetual Offer of Dedication for Right-of- Way dedication for Public Street Purposes.
5.3. SUBJECT
Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes (MA)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to review and approve City Council meeting minutes of February 28, 2023 as presented.
5.4. SUBJECT
Co-Sponsorship of the Leadership Class of Northern Tulare County Annual Cinco de Mayo (JB)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to approve co-sponsorship of the Cinco de Mayo event at Rose Ann Vuich Park on May 3-6, 2023, and the parade downtown on May 6, 2023, hosted by the Leadership Class of Northern Tulare County.
A motion was made by Council Member Launer, second by Council Member Thusu, to review and approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
6. WARRANT REGISTER
6.1. SUBJECT
Warrant Register for March 3 & 10 2023 (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 Launer, to review and approve the Warrant Register as presented.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
7.1. SUBJECT
Overview of Citywide User Fee Update and Council Discussion (KS) a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to receive, review and provide feedback for the Citywide User Fee Update.
Administrative Services Director Solis presented Tony Thrasher, Project Manager with Wildan Financial Services. Solis stated she wanted to present the study before the public hearing to receive feedback from Council. Thrasher presented an overview of the citywide user fee update. Thrasher stated that the study is meant to determine the full costs incurred that support the various activities for which the City charges user fees. Thrasher advised that city staff provided input and closely evaluated costs. Thrasher shared that these are operational costs for providing services and do not include taxes or impact fees and the study results determined that the city is currently not charging the full cost of service.
Council Member Launer asked if the city was in line with other communities.
Thrasher advised that Dinuba service fees are low. City Manager Patlan advised we have established incentives that subsidize fees.
Solis reported that it is unknown when the last study was performed, there was an ordinance passed in 1992 and rates have been increased by CPI annually. Solis also informed Council that the building and impact fees were re-evaluated in 2019.
Council Member Thusu thanked city staff for the work put into the study. Thusu asked how the study's figures will impact operations in the next 5 or 10 years.
Thrasher advised that the use of a CPI is a valid calculation rate to use as an inflator. Thrasher reported that the industry standard for a revenue vs cost study is 3-5 years.
Mayor Reynosa thanked Thrasher and the city staff for their work.
7.2. SUBJECT
Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Board Small City Representative Nomination (MA)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to recommend a representative to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFC) City Selection Committee as a "small city" representative on the LAFCO Board.
City Clerk/Human Resources Director Alaniz presented to the Council the need to nominate a representative to serve on the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) City Selection Committee as a "small city" representative for the term ending May 2027.
Mayor Reynosa was selected to serve on the board.
A motion was made by Council Member Thusu, second by Council Member Launer, to nominate a representative to serve on the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFC) City Selection Committee as a "small city" representative.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
7.3. SUBJECT
First Annual Dinuba BBQ Fest (SH)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to consider adopting registration and event fees and allowing craft breweries for the first annual Dinuba BBQ Fest at Rose Ann Vuich Park on August 4th and August 5th.
Parks and Community Services Director Hurtado presented details on the first annual BBQ Fest that is scheduled for August 4th and 5th at Rose Ann Vuich Park. Hurtado shared that this is the first event with Kansas City BBQ in this area and anticipates 20-30 participants for the first year. Hurtado shared that the BBQ competition will be judged by Kansas City BBQ judges. Hurtado stated she is seeking approval from the City Council to permit beer tasting and to set registration and sponsorship fees for this new event.
Mayor Reynosa asked if there would be a beer garden. Hurtado advised, that for now, the city is only selling a passport for beer tasting that includes a tasting glass but is open to working with a nonprofit to run a beer garden with conditions in place.
Council Member Thusu asked what the event will cost to execute. Hurtado did not have a cost at this time. City Manager Patlan advised that advertising will most likely be the highest cost.
Council expressed its approval of the event and believes it is a good opportunity to market Dinuba.
A motion was made by Council Member Launer, second by Council Member Prado , to adopt registration and event fees and allow craft breweries for the first annual Dinuba BBQ Fest at Rose Ann Vuich Park on August 4th and August 5th.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
8. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Prado reported attending the Parks and Recrecreation basketball finals. Prado asked for prayers for students and family of a former student of Dinuba Unified School District who passed away on Sunday.
Vice Mayor Nerio-Guerrero advised she attended several scheduled meetings, including the Council of Cities General Meeting, the in-person Ethics training, and Friday's Goal Setting.
Council Member Launer reported attending the TCAG training which went over funding and budgeting. Launer thanked Fire Chief Webster for giving her a ride-along tour of the flooded areas. Launer reported that the City's Goal Setting was informative.
Council Member Thusu thanked Public Works, Police and Parks and Recreation staff for their hard work during the storms. Thusu reported that he will attend a morning meeting in Bakersfield on the 17th. Thusu shared that he attended the Women's Club Luncheon today.
Mayor Reynosa reported attending the Council of Cities, the city's Goal Setting, and the Women's Club Luncheon. Reynosa thanked Public Works Director Hernandez for taking her around to see the city's problem areas. Reynosa thanked the Public Works staff for assisting Cutler with their flooding. Reynosa asked that an event center be added to the city goals.
9. CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Patlan shared that there will be an Alta Historical Society Luncheon this Thursday in appreciation of City Staff. Patlan thanked the Council for participating in the City's Goal Setting. Patlan thanked Public Works and Parks and Community Service staff for working to ensure flooding is mitigated. Patlan shared that there will be a poststorm staff meeting to identify areas that have flooded and possibly request reimbursement through FEMA.
10. CITY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Assistant City Manager James shared that he has received positive feedback from the pictures posted to social media of Public Works assisting with flooding in the Cutler area. James shared that the façade improvement program is in its second round of participants. James advised that there will be a discussion about the two-hour parking downtown, per the council's request.
Administrative Services Director Solis shared that the March delinquent water turn off's have been postponed due to Public Works staff working on storm issues.
City Attorney Yanez shared a reminder to complete the required training and shared that he is available for any ethics questions if needed.
Fire Chief Webster shared that his department has been busy with the storm. Webster shared that an engine was sent to assist Tulare County with flooding and has spent the day at Lake Success. Webster shared that staff has spent the week preparing with Public Works and attending preparedness meetings. Webster shared that the City of Visalia and the City of Porterville have issued a state of emergency and the Dinuba Memorial Building has been identified as a temporary evacuation point for the north county. Webster advised that the Dinuba Family Resouce Center has been identified as a drop-off location for supplies. Webster shared that the two Battalion Chiefs interviewed the five candidates for Firefighter/EMT B position and will soon be making conditional offers of employment.
Police Chief Iriarte reported that four Reserve Officers will start employment on April 3rd. Iriarte shared that the department is participating in the Fresno State and Reedley College Job Fairs.
Parks and Community Service Director Hurtado thanked the council for approving the First Annual Dinuba BBQ event fees. Hurtado shared that the baseball draft is happening tonight and that the CDBG senior meals grant award will be announced in March.
City Engineer Watts shared that Englehart will close for the installation of sewer and water for the Vineyard Estates subdivision and that all notices have been made. Watts advised that he is busy working through plans, Road 74 bids are ongoing, the Entertainment Plaza restroom project is out to bid and striping around town is in progress.
Public Works Director Hernandez thanked the council for their support. Hernandez gave a brief overview of grant awards and the improvement projects, including safety improvements to pedestrian crossings and sidewalk enhancements. Hernandez announced the award of the 9 million dollar grant that will be used to support Dinuba's groundwater sustainability and provide funding for three to five new wells.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 pm