February 13, 2024
MINUTES
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Nerio-Guerrero, Launer, Prado, Reynosa, Thusu
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
None.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Alaniz, Avila, Chastain, Hurtado, James, Iriarte, Lew, Montejano, Solis
1. OPENING CEREMONIES
1.1. Welcome and Call to Order
Mayor Reynosa called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
1.2. Invocation
The Invocation was led by Police Chief Iriarte.
1.3. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Parks and Community Service Director Hurtado.
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. 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.
Felipe Martinez, a city resident approached the podium to address the council regarding the city website. Martinez advised that the city website is hard to navigate. Martinez asked that the council and city staff work on making the city website easier to navigate. Martinez advised that he has attempted to contact city staff without success.
4. 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.
4.1. SUBJECT
Resolution No. 2024-10 Authorization to Execute Program Supplement for $1.3 Million in HSIP Cycle 11 Projects (GA)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council adopt Resolution No. 2024-10 authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the necessary Program Supplement Agreements for $1.3 million in Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11 funds.
4.2. SUBJECT
Instructional Service Agreement between Fresno City College and City of Dinuba (GC)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to approve the Instructional Service Agreement Between Fresno City College and the City of Dinuba and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement.
Interim Fire Chief Chastain reported that this is an instructional service contract renewal with Fresno City College. This agreement allows Fire staff training hours that meet Fresno City College requirements to be reimbursed by the state.
A motion was made by Council Member Thusu, second by Council Member Launer, to approve the Instructional Service Agreement Between Fresno City College and the City of Dinuba and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
4.3. SUBJECT
Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes (MA)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to review and approve the City Council meeting of January 23, 2024 as presented.
4.4. SUBJECT
Resolution No. 2024-12 Approving a $10,000 Budget Amendment for the 2nd Annual BBQ & Brew Fest (SH)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council takes the following action by one motion:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-12 approving a budget amendment in the amount of $10,000 for the 2nd Annual BBQ and Brew Fest; and,
2. Approve fees and pricing for merchandise sales.
Council Member Launer requested that item 4.2 be pulled for further discussion.
A motion was made by Council Member Prado , second by Council Member Launer, to review and approve the Consent Calendar as presented, except for item 4.2 which was approved separately.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
5. WARRANT REGISTER
5.1. SUBJECT
Warrant Register January 26 & February 2 & 9, 2024 (KS) a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to review and approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
A motion was made by Council Member Thusu, second by Vice Mayor NerioGuerrero, to review and approve the Warrant Register as presented.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
6. PUBLIC HEARING
6.1. SUBJECT
Resolution No. 2024-11 Authorization to Apply for CDBG Program Income Funding to fund Rose Ann Vuich Park Improvements (GA)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council adopt Resolution No. 2024-11 authorizing submittal of an application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Income funding in the amount not to exceed $1,000,00 and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute related documents.
Public Works Director Avila reported that this item originally came to the Council in July 2023. The original Resolution authorized staff to use $600,000 in CDBG Program Income for new restrooms, a Pavilion, and a commemorative Sister City area at RoseAnnn Vuich Park. Avila reported that staff is now expecting an additional $400,000 in CDBG Program Income for a new total of $1,000,000.
Resolution 2024-11 will authorize staff to submit a funding application for up to $1,000,000 as required by Federal regulations.
Mayor Reynosa opened the public hearing.
No comments were made.
Mayor Reynosa closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Council Member Thusu, second by Vice Mayor NerioGuerrero, to adopt Resolution No. 2024-11 authorizing the submittal of an application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Income funding in the amount not to exceed $1,000,000 and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute related documents.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
7.1. SUBJECT
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2022-23 (KS)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council to receive and accept the City of Dinuba's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the year ended June 30, 2023.
Administrative Services Director Solis introduced Ahmed Badawi, President of Badawi & Associates Certified Public Accountants, the City's Audit Firm. Badawi presented the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, ACFR for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. Badawi reported that the independent auditor's report reflects that the City's Financials comply with the required government accounting standards. Badawi advised that Tax Liability was reported on a separate line indicating the pending Best Buy sales tax. Badawi thanked the city staff for their cooperation during the audit.
Council Member Thusu thanked Badawi for his firm's audit and asked where there was room for improvements. Badawi advised that the City's Capital Assets and accounting have some deficiencies and room for improvement. Badawi will follow up with staff on the new 2024 audit challenges.
A motion was made by Council Member Launer, second by Council Member Prado , to accept the City of Dinuba's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the year ended June 30, 2023.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
7.2. SUBJECT
Authorization to Request Proposals for Franchise Agreement for Solid Waste, Recycling and Organics Collection (GA)
a
RECOMMENDATION
Council authorize staff to request proposals for solid waste, recycling and organics collection services.
Public Works Director Avila reported that the City's current contract with Pena's Disposal has been in place since 1981 and has been extended on four occasions. The current contract is set to expire on June 30, 2025. Avila is requesting that the Council approve an authorization to request proposals for a Franchise Agreement for Solid Waste, Recycling, and Organics Collection. Avila advised that the proposal is meant to ensure that the community is receiving competitive rates and service.
Council Member Thusu requested an internal work session for a better understanding of what the cost would be to the citizens. Thusu wants to know more about mandates that trickle down to the residents.
Avila advised that this is a large contract and ensured that before any decisions are made the scope of the bid will be discussed with the Council. The approval for an RFP is the first step of the process.
Council Member Launer shared that it is time to take a look at what's available.
Launer wants to look at each proposal submitted for fairness and not drive a local business away. Launer would like a work session once proposals are received.
Avila reported that he will keep the Council engaged in the process.
Council Member Prado reported that he is open to receiving proposals.
Assistant City Manager James advised that each community has individual needs. The proposals will be tailored to meet those needs.
Mayor Reynosa expressed the need for a work session.
A motion was made by Council Member Thusu, second by Council Member Launer, to authorize staff to request proposals for solid waste, recycling, and organics collection services.
Ayes: Launer, Nerio-Guerrero, Prado , Reynosa, Thusu
8. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Thusu reported attending the Mayors and Council Members Conference in Monterey. Thusu shared that during the San Joaquin Air Board Meeting, two representatives were selected, one small city representative and one large city representative from Visalia and Los Banos. Thusu advised that he will attend a League Board Meeting on February 22 & 24 and that he is now on the Small Cities Council.
Thusu reported that during the Tulare County Regional Transportation Meeting the Board approved Micro Transit to Dinuba.
Council Member Launer reported that she will attend the next San Joaquin Valley Council of Governments meeting in Sacramento and will attend the next San Joaquin Valley League meeting on Tuesday the 20th.
Council Member Prado reported that he will be attending the Economic Summit scheduled for March 4th. Prado shared that there are several High School sports in the playoffs and encouraged attendance.
Vice Mayor Nerio-Guerrero reported attending the Superior Grocers and the Sequoia Foods Grand Openings.
Mayor Reynosa reported attending the Superior Grocers, Sequoia Foods, and Walmart Grand Openings. Reynosa thanked the city staff for their work over the weekend.
9. CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
Assistant City Manager James thanked staff for their work on the Audit and reported that staff did a great job during the Strand fire. James reported that the Superior Grocers Grand Opening went well and that the Dinuba Library will soon open. James will keep the Council advised and if possible coordinate a tour. James advised that the Trap & Release Voucher program is posted on the city website.
10. CITY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Attorney Lew reported working with several departments on various items.
Public Works Director Avila reported that crews are preparing for rain and possible flooding. Avila shared that the new Building Official, David Little started last Monday and his department will be reviewing Administrative Assistant applications.
Parks & Community Service Director Hurtado thanked the Council for their support of the upcoming Brew Fest. Hurtado shared that the Tiny Tots Program only had nine applicants but she will be reaching out to other organizations and parents for options.
Hurtado reported that her department received 135 applications for Ground Maintenance Worker I.
Mayor Reynosa asked if the Jolly Trolley could be fixed to be used for special events.
Reynosa asked for more social media posts highlighting Parks & Community Services events. Reynosa suggested that the department get their own social media page.
Chief Iriarte reported attending the Memorial Services for Selma Police Officer Carrasco and in two weeks will be attending Reedley Police Officer Bejar's Memorial Service. Iriarte reported that almost all officers are back from Administrative leave. Iriarte reported that two new Police Officers and a Dispatcher will be presented at the next Council Meeting. Iriarte advised that two entry-level Officers will be hired in the next few weeks.
Interim Fire Chief Chastain reported that the two new Firefighter/EMT started on February 5th and his department has conducted final interviews for Fire Inspector.
Chastain reported minor repairs being done at the firehouse.
Human Resources Director/City Clerk Alaniz advised the Council that on Tuesday, February 20th the League of Cities will hold a General Meeting in Fresno. Alaniz will email the Ruiz Foods Health Center Invitation to the Council.
11. CLOSED SESSION
11.1. Liability Claim (MA)
Pursuant to GC 54956.95; Claimant(s): Abundio Medina
Agency Claimed Against: City of Dinuba
The claim was rejected.
11.2. Conference with Labor Negotiators (MA)
Pursuant to GC Subdivision 54957.6; Agency designated representatives: Maria Alaniz; Karina Solis, Luis Patlan; Daniel James
Employee Organizations: City Employees Association; Firefighters Association; and Police Officers Association
No action was taken.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m.