MEETING MINUTES
The City Council/Successor Agency of the City of Firebaugh Vol. No. 23/07-17
Location of Meeting: Andrew Firebaugh Community Center
1655 13th Street, Firebaugh, CA 93622
Date/Time: July 17, 2023/6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order by Mayor Pro Perez at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL Mayor Felipe Pérez
Mayor Pro Tem Elsa Lopez
Council Member Silvia Renteria
Council Member Brady Jenkins
ABSENT: Council Member Freddy Valdez
OTHERS: City Attorney James McCann; New City Attorney Christina Di Filippo; City Manager, Ben Gallegos, Deputy City Clerk, Rita Lozano; Public Works Director, Michael Molina; Finance Director, Pio Martin; Police Chief, Sal Raygoza, & others.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Silvia Renteria led pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion to approve agenda by Council Member Jenkins, second by Council Member Renteria, motion passed by 4-0 vote.
PRESENTATION None
PUBLIC COMMENT
Bethany Azevedo-Matos, Dean of West Hills North District-Firebaugh, provide invitations to events the College will be holding, provide demographics of the college and new semester. Advised Council if they need anything from the college, please reach out to her office and she will be glad to assist if possible.
Ramiro Ramirez stated concerns regarding business license fees for ice cream trucks vs taco trucks and inquired if council would consider reducing the license fees for ice cream vendors.
Motion to move agenda item #8 to be the first agenda item voted on by Council Member Jenkins, second by Council Member Lopez, motion passed by 4-0 vote.
8. RESOLUTION NO. 23-27 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH APPROVING AND
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES AS CITY ATTORNEY.
Motion to approve Res. No. 23-27 by Council Member Renteria, second Council Member Perez; motion passed by 4- 0 vote.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – The City Council special meeting on June 19, 2023.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – The City Council regular meeting on June 19, 2023.
3. WARRANT REGISTER – Period starting June 1 and ending on June 30, 2023.
June 2023 General Warrants #44450 - #44580 $ 1,573,260.99 Payroll Warrants #72044 - #72063 $ 144,767.33
TOTAL $ 1,718,028.32
City Council Minutes
July 17, 2023
Council Member Jenkins asked Council Member Renteria about a refund to their organization will receive for event held on June 30, 2023& if paid were charged at non-profit fee. Council Member Renteria replied, no refund will be received.
Motion to approve consent calendar by Council Member Jenkins, second Council Member Renteria; motion passed by 4-0 vote.
PUBLIC HEARING
4. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING FOR CLOSEOUT OF 18-CDBG-12911 GRANT, 20-CDBG-12000 GRANT, 20-CDBG-CV1-00030 GRANT & 20-CDBG-CV-3- 00017GRANT.
Hearing open at 6:28 pm – P. Ashby stated a delay on order stalled the Fire Station project. City Clerk Fleming asked how many businesses were helped. Staff replied three: Firebaugh Pizza, Nutrition Hub & Miguel Plumbing. Closed hearing at 6:30 pm.
Consensus of the council directed City Manager to move forward with closing of the grants.
5. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH TO CONSIDER AND DISCUSS APPROVING AN
APPLICATION FOR FUNDING AND THE EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO FROM THE 2023-2024 FUNDING YEAR OF THE STATE CDBG PROGRAM.
Hearing open at 6:36 pm – Ramiro Ramirez stated he would like to see a youth center at the park and/or a new PAL center. Council Member Jenkins asked for a new or remolded snack bar at Dunkle Park. City Manager Gallegos requested a soccer field at Maldonado Park to finish the park project. Paul Ashby state all mention projects could be eligible, but the city needs to see which project is a priority and the city must do work on the proposed or desired project prior to applying for the grant funding, to have the project shelf ready. City is limited to how many grants/projects the city can apply for most of the grants are coming to a close, but the Dunkle Park is already built and just required a remold which is about $144, 000. Closed hearing at 6:45 pm.
Consensus of the council directed City Manager to move forward with the grant application process.
NEW BUSINESS
6. RESOLUTION NO. 23-25 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH ACCEPTING COMPLETION OF THE J STREET AND 10TH STREET IMPROVEMENTS, FEDERAL-AID PROJECT NO. CML-5224(027), AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO RECORD A NOTICE OF
COMPLETION WITH FRESNO COUNTY, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE FINAL PAYMENT OF RETENTION MONIES TO EMMETT VALLEY CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Motion to approve Res. No. 23-25 by Council Member Jenkins, second Council Member Renteria; motion passed by 4- 0 vote.
7. RESOLUTION NO. 23-26 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH
CONCERNING MEASURE C EXTENSION LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PURPOSE PASS-THROUGH AND PROGRAM FUNDS ANNUAL ALLOCATION FOR FY 2023-2024.
Motion to approve Res. No. 23-26 by Council Member Jenkins, second Council Member Renteria; motion passed by 4- 0 vote.
9. RESOLUTION NO. 23-28 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH ACCEPTING THE CDBG NEW FIRE STATION PROJECT, PROJECT NO. 20-CDBG-12000AS COMPLETE,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO RECORD A NOTICE OF COMPLETION WITH FRESNO COUNTY,
AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE FINAL PAYMENT OF RETENTION MONIES TO ARDENT GENERAL INC.
Motion to approve Res. No. 23-28 by Council Member Jenkins, second Council Member Renteria; motion passed by 4- 0 vote.
City Council Minutes
July 17, 2023
10. RESOLUTION NO. 23-29 - A RESOLUTION OF THE FIREBAUGH CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH AND ITS NON-REPRESENTATIVE EMPLOYEES.
Motion to approve Res. No. 23-29 by Council Member Jenkins, second Council Member Renteria; motion passed by 4- 0 vote.
11. RESOLUTION NO. 23-30 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH
APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE FIREBAUGH MISCELLANEOUS EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION AND APPROVING RELATED SALARY SCHEDULES.
Motion to approve Res. No. 23-30 by Council Member Jenkins, second Council Member Renteria; motion passed by 4- 0 vote.
12. RESOLUTION NO. 23-31 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH
APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE FIREBAUGH POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION AND APPROVING RELATED SALARY SCHEDULES.
Motion to approve Res. No. 23-31 by Council Member Jenkins, second Council Member Perez; motion passed by 4-0 vote.
13. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH TO REVIEW AND DISCUSS RENTAL RATES OF THE ANDREW FIREBAUGH COMMUNITY CENTER.
Informational item only.
14. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FIREBAUGH TO REVIEW AND DISCUSS CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS STIPEND AND INSURANCE PREMIUMS.
Informational item only.
STAFF REPORTS
City Manager, Ben Gallegos – Police Station is scheduled to be completed July 31st, tentatively scheduling the grand opening on August 4, 2023, at 10:00 am.
Gouveia Engineering Rep. Roberto Orozco – gave an update on the closeout projects. The CDBG Water Line Replacement Rehab has a punch list with a few items to address before we can closeout, as well as the Utility & Alley Improvement project. Provide an update on the Highway Beautification Project, it has been an ongoing project for several years. Work will begin in October 2023 on the Highway 33; it will be night work to void issues with local business operating hours.
Public Works Director, Michael Molina - the sweeper is not operating again, it seems to be electrical, it may not be able to be repaired, staff looked in to sweeping services or contracting out the service, but it is cheaper to purchase a new. Staff with Mario Gouveia will start looking for funds to purchase a new one, funding via CMAQ/COG is restricted to what type of sweeper can be purchased. Public Works Dept. is looking to hire two new employees to fill vacant positions. Working with Sal to cleanup the new Fire and Police Station to prepare for the tentative date of the ceremony. Working with Rigoberto on the remodeling of Dunkle Park, to replace dance floor, electrical, basketball court and several other updates needed at the park. Fire Dept.: started moving items to the fire station last Wednesday, turnouts, office equipment, got rid of a lot of outdated equipment, will have a Sky life Training at the airport for the department. Responded to a medical call and structure fire at on estimated 300,000-acre wheat field, fire dept. assisted at a call at Sante Fae – Eagle field. Day Staff is doing ok with the heat, they have been advised to drink plenty of water, sit in a vehicle or shaded area if needed and report to the supervisor if they aren’t feeling well. They are coming in at 6:00 am , filling up the jug with ice as needed.
City Council Minutes
July 17, 2023
Police Chief Sal Raygoza – busy 4th of July with calls on illegal fireworks, would like to pass an ordinance to hold property owners responsible for any illegal fireworks setoff at their homes, will work with the City Attorney. Council Member Lopez suggested including fired guns in the ordinance, since New Year’s is coming and there has been issues with that in the past. Department had a couple of search warrants that are leading to other search warrants or arrests, working to keep illegal drugs out of the city, we have seen fentanyl in town. Will have a full-time Code Enforcement, so he will be addressing issues throughout town. Would like to have a workshop for business owners to make sure they all comply with regulations with tobacco sales, are not selling to minors, business license and provide additional information. Have been busy at the new police station moving, transferring services, getting the landscape completed, & putting the finishing touches. Has about 250 kids’ sign-up for PAL soccer program. Council Member Jenkins – Has Police planned anything to meet with parents in the community to address the vapes & illegal drug use with kids as an educational or outreach program. We have had a few cases of fentanyl in town, is there a Narcan available, where, do officer have them with them to assist if needed, should we ever need to save someone. Police Chief Raygoza is collaborating with the school to address these issues and the School District is willing to pay for a resource officer. Like to make the city better place for staff, we have been losing a lot of staff lately & want to change us (Firebaugh) just a steppingstone. We need to make and keep things positive, motivate staff and management should get raining and how to treat people to make it a better place so staff wants to be stay. Finance Director, Pio Martin – working on yearend reports and preparing for the audit. City Attorney, James McCann – working with previous city attorney and staff to get caught up to make the transition. City Clerk Amanda Fleming - reported she had received comments about the food trucks in town, don’t want to look like Mendota and business owners prefer to have the food trucks to operate after restaurants are closed to avoid losing business.
Resident recommended limits the number of trucks to operate in town, instead of leaving it open to everyone. Deputy City Clerk, Rita Lozano – will work with the new attorney to get all the required training for city council and staff to be in compliance .
Council Member Renteria - Thanked everyone/team/staff that worked on the negotiations, it’s hard work and it’s not easy. Council Member Perez – had a great meeting last Friday, need to make things better, asked the City Manager to open the restroom for 4 hours at the rodeo grounds, because Gabby cannot let people in to use the restrooms, when their using the hall.
PUBLIC COMMENT None
Motion to enter close session at 8:12 pm by Council Member Jenkins, second by Council Member Renteria, motion passes by a 4-0 vote.
CLOSED SESSION
15. Government Code Section 54957.6.
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS: ALL REPRESENTED & UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEES City Negotiator: Ben Gallegos
Employee Organizations: Police & Public Works bargaining units and all unrepresented positions. Motion to return from close session at 8:30 pm by Council Member Jenkins, second by Council Member Perez, motion passes by a 4-0 vote.
ANNOUNCEMENT AFTER CLOSED SESSION
No reportable action, no action taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn at 8:32 pm by Council Member Jenkins, second by Council Member Perez, motion passes by a 4-0 vote.