May 23, 2023
MINUTES
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Nerio-Guerrero, Prado, Thusu, Launer, Reynosa
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Alaniz, Avila, Iriarte, James, Montejano, Patlan, Solis, Watts, Webster, Yanez
1. Work Session - 5:30 PM
1.1. Presentation of Preliminary Budget for FY 2023/24 (KS) Mayor Reynosa opened the work session at 5:31 p.m.
Fire Chief Webster expressed budget concerns.
Administrative Services Director Solis presented the projections for the Fiscal Year 2022/23 and the preliminary budget for the fiscal year 2023/2024. Due to the uncertainty of the city's sales tax and the CDFTA audit, a conservative approach was used while preparing the budget. Solis reported budget challenges including, a potential Economic Slowdown, CDTFA Audit of Online Sales Tax Revenues, US Debt Default, and Homelessness; opportunities including Solid Sales Tax revenues, Viscaya Community Park, Street Improvements, Downtown Investments, Grants, and Mercantile Row Shopping Center.
City Manager Patlan advised that the city has many needs and it is the administration's responsibility to maintain fiscal sustainability for the city. Until the CDTFA audit is complete, the city must use caution in incurring expenses.
Launer requested that funding for the code enforcement/community improvement inspector position be available to help with enforcement. Mayor Reynosa added that all inspectors should be cross-trained to assist when one officer is out. Council asked that vacant positions in the public eye such as fire, police, and parks be filled. Patlan advised that positions are being filled as they become vacant.
The budget presentation will continue at the next council meeting.
Mayor Reynosa adjourned the work session at 6:26 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 Police Chief Iriarte.
A moment of silence was held in memory of a city employee, Rolando Garcia.
2.3. Pledge of Allegiance
The pledge of allegiance was led by Council Member Launer.
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).
Council requested to hear item 5.8 separately.
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.
Rosaly Ware a Dinuba resident approached the podium to advise that on Northway and Villa, there is a house that has suspicious activity including homeless trespassing. Ware is concerned that there is questionable activity occurring. Ware advised that in June her neighborhood on Millard Way plans on having a Neighborhood Watch event, and the Council is invited to attend. Ware thanked the Police and Fire departments for their service.
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
Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes (MA)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to review and approve the City Council meeting minutes of May 9, 2023 as presented.
5.2. SUBJECT
Request for Sponsorship of the Annual Dinuba Lions Club & Dinuba Chamber of Commerce Car Show and Cruise Night Event June 9-10, 2023 (DJ)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to approve sponsorship of the annual Dinuba "Cars in the Park" Car Show event on June 9th & 10th, 2023 in the amount of $7,000.
5.3. SUBJECT
Resolution No. 2023-30 Approving Participation in the Public Provider Ground Emergency Medical Transport Program (PP-GEMT) with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) for EMS Ambulance Transport Service Reimbursements; and Resolution No. 2023- 31, Approving Budget Amendment No. 2023-16
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to take the following action by one motion:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-30, approving participation in the Public Provider Ground Emergency Medical Transport Program (PP-GEMT) with the California Department of Health Care Services for EMS ambulance transport service reimbursements; and,
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-31, approving Budget Amendment No. 2023-16 including the funds in the FY 2022-23 budget; and,
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all agreements associated with the PP-GEMT program.
5.4. SUBJECT
Proclamation No. 2023-02 Memorial Day (MA)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to adopt Proclamation No. 2023-02 honoring Memorial Day and those who have given all in order that Americans might enjoy liberty and peace.
5.5. SUBJECT
Proclamation No. 2023-03 Dinuba High School Graduating Class of 2023(MA)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to adopt Proclamation No. 2023-03 honoring Dinuba High School Graduating Class of 2023.
5.6. SUBJECT
Ordinance No. 2023-03 (Montebella) Second reading and Adoption (KSch) a
RECOMMENDATION
Council conduct the second reading, waive reading in full, and adopt Ordinance 2023-03 pertaining to a change of zoning on one parcel located on the west side of Englehart Avenue north of the SaginawAvenue alignment.
5.7. SUBJECT
Proclamation No. 2023-04 Alternative Education Graduating Class of 2023 (MA)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council approve Proclamation No. 2023-04 in recognition of the 2023 graduates of the Ronald Reagan Academy, Sierra Vista and Dinuba Adult School.
5.8. SUBJECT
Urgency Ordinance No. 2023-04 Adding Section 190, “Prohibited Activities in Public Parks and Recreation Facilities” to Title 9, Chapter 48 Public Parks of the Dinuba Municipal Code (DY)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 2023-04 Adding Section 190, “Prohibited Activities in Public Parks and Recreation Facilities” to Title 9, Chapter 48 Public Parks of the Dinuba Municipal Code.
A motion was made by Council Member Launer, second by Council Member Thusu, to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of item 5.8 which was pulled for separate discussion.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
Item 5.8 Discussion:
City Attorney Yanez advised that this is the same item that was adopted last year.
The item is back on Consent Calendar due to an oversite in the expiration date, the previous emergency ordinance expired in April 2023. The ordinance will be introduced as a permanent ordinance at the next meeting in June. This is a temporary ordinance meant to maintain the status quo. There will not be any gaps when the final ordinance takes effect.
City Manager Patlan advised that the previous temporary ordinance introduced in 2022 should have been extended for an additional 10 months during the final adoption process. Patlan reported that city staff has a good plan to deal with the implementation and active enforcement of the ordinance.
Launer asked if this emergency ordinance would allow for enforcement. Patlan advised that the ordinance would be enforceable and that the property owner at Mercantile Row Shopping Center has approved the enforcement on his property.
Police have started giving warnings and after this ordinance is approved they will begin to place signs that include the ordinance information.
Launer asked about abandoned/parked vehicles, and what the rules are regarding abandoned vehicles. Yanez advised that abandoned vehicles are not included in this ordinance but can be added to the final ordinance.
A motion was made by Council Member Thusu, second by Council Member Prado , to adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 2023-04 adding Section 190, "Prohibited Activities in Public Parks and Recreation Facilities" to Title 9, Chapter 48 Public Parks of the Dinuba Municipal Code.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
6. WARRANT REGISTER
6.1. SUBJECT
Warrant Register May 12 & 19, 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
Authorization to Request Proposals for Street Sweeping Services (GA) a
RECOMMENDATION
Council receive information on the City's current street sweeping program and consider authorizing staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to outsource street sweeping services to a third-party vendor.
Interim Public Works Director Avila presented the request to consider an RFP for street sweeping services for the entire city. Avila stated that currently, Public Works staff provides street sweeping for residential areas twice per month and three times a week for downtown areas. The current annual budget is $200,000 which includes the cost of a full-time operator, fuel, and any cost associated with the service. Recently the primary street sweeper has broken down and the 10- year-old backup sweeper is being used.
Avila stated that after a review of the program staff determined there are two options, the purchase of a new sweeper at a cost of $400,000 or a contract with a street sweeping business at a cost of $175,00 per year. The contract maintains the current level of service and requires a commitment of 5 years with a savings of $25,000 per year. The contract would eliminate the large investment/cost of a new sweeper. If the council decides to go with the contract, the current staff assigned to street sweeping will be transferred to the street crew.
Council Member Thusu liked that the street sweeping staff would be able to help other work crews. Thusu asked how the outside contractor would deal with emergencies that arise and how flexible they would be. Avila advises we could keep the current sweeper in working order to use for emergencies and make the contractor aware of special events/circumstances so they may add additional services at an additional fee. Avila advised that bids can be screened to ensure the needs of the community are met. At this time the request is only for an RFP.
A motion was made by Council Member Prado , second by Council Member Launer, to authorize staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to outsource street sweeping services to a third-party vendor.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
7.2. SUBJECT
Letter of Support for SB 244 - Right to Repair to Reduce E-waste (DJ) a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to consider a letter of support for SB 244, "Right to Repair to Reduce Ewaste".
Assistant City Manager James request the City Council's support for SB 244, Right to Reduce E-waste which aims to provide resources needed to limit ewaste. Senate Bill SB-244 supports the repair of electronic goods and would require manufacturers to provide owners with service repair facilities information and service dealers for the maintenance or repair of products.
A motion was made by Council Member Launer, second by Council Member Thusu, to consider a letter of support for SB 244, "Right to Repair to Reduce Ewaste".
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
8. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Thusu attended the Transit meeting where the discussion was Porterville's withdrawal from TCRTA, no action was taken. TCRTA has contracted with an agency for the recruitment of a new CEO. Thusu reported meeting with Regional South San Joaquin in Madera where flooding was discussed. Thusu attended a ICSC Conference in Las Vegas and brought back information for city staff to review for followup. Thusu will be attending the Revenue Taxations meeting on June 23, 2023.
Council Member Launer reported attending the South San Joaquin Valley meeting along with Council Member Thusu and Vice Mayor Nerio-Guerrero where information was shared about the current state of Tulare Lake and flooding. Launer reported that there are still funds available for flood assistance. Launer will attend the TGAG board retreat Thursday. Launer thanked city staff for recognizing the issue at Nebraska Park.
Council Member Prado reported making connections at the Las Vegas ICSC Conference that he will pass along to city staff. Prado will attend the EDC meeting tomorrow and the upcoming Dinuba High School graduation.
Vice Mayor Nerio-Guerrero toured the new High School with Mayor Reynosa and Council Member Thusu. Nerio-Guerrero thanked Public Works staff for painting curbs in her district.
Mayor Reynosa reported attending the TCAG meeting, touring the new High School site, and attending a Downtown meeting with the Chamber and business owners.
Reynosa reported attending a LAFCO meeting. Reynosa advised that a sprinkler is broken in the flower bed located in the parking lot next to the bowling alley.
9. CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Patlan met with Terra Adams and gave an update on city activity and funding needs. Patlan reported that City Hall will be closed Monday in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday. Patlan thanked the Police Department for addressing homeless activity at the Mercantile Row shopping center.
10. CITY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Assistant City Manager James provided an update on two houses pending air boards approval for demolition. James reported that the Planning Department is working on building permits for the old Rite Aid building.
City Attorney Yanez shared that he is working on the updated homeless ordinance. Yanez reported that he attended the City Attorney Conference in Monterey where organic waste was a topic of discussion. Yanez learned useful information that can be found on the Calcities website.
Administrative Services Director Solis shared the loss of the City Accountant Rolando Solis. Services will be held Sunday at 11 a.m. in Visalia. Solis asked for his family to be kept in prayer.
Chief Iriarte shared that three Reserve Officers began their one-week orientation they are assigned to an FTO. Iriarte reported the department will serve as security at the Intermediate Washington, Sierra Vista, and High School graduations.
Chief Webster shared that there are four Single-Role Paramedic vacancies, and one applicant failed background. Webster is currently working on filing positions. Webster advised that weed abatement notices are going out.
Interim Public Works Director Avila thanked staff for their assistance in the right-of-way maintenance. Avila reported that his department is working on the recruitment of maintenance staff and hope to fill the vacancy soon. Avila reported that Utility Workers assisted in the maintenance of the roundabout and that the city has contracted with Abel Industries to help with the Golf Course maintenance.
11. CLOSED SESSION
11.1. Liability Claim (MA)
Pursuant to GC 54956.95; Claimant(s): Robert Esquivel.
Agency Claimed Against: City of Dinuba
Council rejected the claim.
11.2. Liability Claim (MA)
Pursuant to GC 54956.95; Claimant(s):Josephie Sosa.
Agency Claimed Against: City of Dinuba
Council rejected the claim.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Reynosa adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m.