MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
April 5, 2022
The Council meeting was held in the Council Chambers with members of the public attending virtually with the use of an online meeting room and teleconference dial-in phone number.
CALL TO ORDER - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Nagy called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Council Members: Brazil – Ford - Alexander – Mayor Nagy Staff present: City Manager Doug Dunford, Attorney Ann Siprelle, Police Chief Ruben Chavez, Economic & Community Director Jami Westervelt, Finance Director Jas Birring, Public Works Manager Jesus Chavez, Recreation Manager Tiffany Vitorino, Fire Chief Patrick Borrelli, and Deputy City Clerk/Human Resources Director Melanie Correa Council member Bonta was absent.
PRESENTATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Darlene Ingersoll, Merced County Registrar of Voters, advised of the many options County voters will have to cast their ballot in this year’s upcoming elections, which include voting assistance centers, ballot drop boxes and mail-in.
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and may be approved by one action of the City Council, unless any member of the City Council wishes to remove an item for separate consideration.
Are there any items on the consent calendar that any member of the public would like to comment on?
1. Minutes of the March 15, 2022 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
2. Minutes of the March 21, 2022 Special Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
3. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and approve
4. Approve Resolution Directing the Filing of Annual Reports for the City’s Assessment Districts
Recommendation: Review and approve
5. Approve Request for Use of City Streets and Services for Annual 4th of July Celebration
Recommendation: Review and approve the use of City staff, services, and Park
6. Approve Employment Contract for Administrative Services Director Recommendation: Review and approve
7. Approve Addendum to Employment Contract for Public Works Manager Recommendation: Review and approve
8. Approve Amendments to Job Descriptions – Administrative Services Director, Economic & Community Development Director and Recreation Manager Recommendation: Review and approve
9. Approve Gustine Employee Salary Schedule
Recommendation: Review and approve
Mayor Nagy introduced the consent calendar. City Manager Dunford distributed the employment contract to Council on the dias. There was no public comment. Council member Brazil inquired on Cornerstone Dance warrant, to which Chief Chavez provided information. Council member Brazil further inquired on the need to adopt a new salary schedule, to which Deputy City Clerk Correa provided information. There was some commentary related to the need to increase staff salaries across the board to remain competitive. Mayor Pro Tem Alexander advised that the Recreation Manager job description doesn’t account for the full duties of that position. Council member Ford inquired when staff would be presenting the FY 22/23 budget, to which City Manager Dunford provided information. Council member Ford requested that Council have the opportunity to compare salary schedules, to ensure that unfilled positions are not memorialized on the salary schedule. Mayor Nagy inquired on Citizens Bank warrant, to which City Manager Dunford and Finance Director Birring provided information. Mayor Nagy advised of the removal of consent calendar item #8 from consideration, so that staff can review the contents of the job descriptions. Council member Brazil made a motion to approve the consent calendar, less consent calendar item #8. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander and carried 4-0 with Council member Bonta absent.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
10. Consider Request for Use of City Streets and Services for 5th Annual Westside Color Run/Walk
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve the use of City services and streets, and allow mobile food vendors for 5th Annual Westside Color Run/Walk event Recreation Manager Vitorino presented the staff meeting. There was no public comment. Mayor Pro Tem Alexander inquired on the repetitiveness with Council’s approval of this reoccurring event, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino provided information. There was a discussion related to food vendors. Mayor Pro Tem Alexander made a motion to approve the use of City services and streets, and allow mobile food vendors for 5th Annual Westside Color Run/Walk event. The motion was seconded by Council member Ford and carried 4-0 with Council member Bonta absent.
11. Consider Request for Use of City Streets and Services for Special Event
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to authorize the use of City streets for Tip Top Farms special event
Police Chief Chavez presented the staff report. There was no public comment. Council member Ford inquired whether Chief Chavez had verified signed waivers from neighboring businesses, to which Chief Chavez advised he had not. There was some discussion related to the length of street requested for closure and the nature of the event. Council member Ford relayed that he would like to see waivers before event.
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander made a motion to authorize the use of City streets for Tip Top Farms special event, contingent on verification that neighboring business waivers have been obtained. The motion was seconded by Council member Brazil and carried 4-0 with Bonta absent.
12. Consider Request for Use of City Services for Support the Troops Motorcycle Ride
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to authorize the use of City staff and streets for Support the Troops motorcycle ride
Police Chief Chavez presented the staff report. There was no public comment. Mayor Pro Tem Alexander inquired whether this motorcade had come through town in past years, to which Chief Chavez provided information. Council member Ford made a motion to authorize the use of City staff and streets for Support the Troops motorcycle ride. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander and carried 4-0 with Council member Bonta absent.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Chavez reported on recent gunshot reports and activity. He presented Finance Director Birring with a check for the Gustine Explorer Post for their assistance with the AT&T Pro Am event. Chief Chavez advised that the Police Officer of the Year award ceremony is scheduled for May 4th. Chief also advised of his department’s hosting of the FBI - Sacramento Region National Academy Associates Luncheon at the Goman Center. Lastly, he reported on updates from CSO Gallardo on recent blight reports.
Recreation Manager Vitorino reported of the success of Adult Craft Night. She advised of the upcoming Pickle Ball Clinic to be held on April 23rd, and the rescheduled Baseball/Softball Clinic to be held on April 16th. Mrs. Vitorino advised that preparation meetings for Color Run have commenced. She reported that facility rentals were ramping up with reservations, and thanked Public Works for their assistance with rentals as well. Lastly, she expressed her gratitude for Public Works in keeping the newly planted trees maintained during the winter months.
Fire Chief Borrelli updated on the recent standoff situation just outside of town on March 26th. He reminded Council of the departments upcoming Driver/Operator Training on April 22nd-24th.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt reported on the recent submittal of a Broadband Availability Community Project through Capitol Advocacy Partners. She reported that 535 5th Street’s new occupants are to open a retail storefront, and that the owner of 374 5th Street will be selling the building. She shared local business owner gratitude with Council for the COVID-relief business funding program. She reported that One Voice delegation meetings have increased to weekly.
Mrs. Westervelt advised that she’s been in communication with a grocery store owner who is interested in seeking space in Gustine. There was some related discussion.
Finance Director Birring updated that approval has been granted by the CA Department of Community Services and Development for low-income household water assistance. She advised that a citizen portal will be available for residents to apply for assistance. She reported that information will be sent in utility bills for residents. Mrs.
Birring advised that she had been conducting budget meetings, and advised that Council can expect a Budget Workshop in early June. She reported that the single audit is complete, and that she is working on quarterly reporting. Lastly, she advised that she would not be present at the next Council meeting.
Public Works Manager Chavez reported on the departments ongoing projects. He advised of his recent meeting with Mid-Valley Disposal LLC to discuss how public works can assist with a smooth transition. He also advised of his attendance with community group PLTI, to discuss their concerns with walking accessibility, the group also extended an offer to assist the City by way of grant support letters. Mr. Chavez advised that egrets have been reported in 3 locations: 1150 West, 285 Laurel, and 387 Carnation. He advised that he had recently secured his own Wastewater II certificate. He reported on a fallen tree limb on Laurel. Mayor Pro Tem Alexander offered kudos to the department on excellent maintenance of City parks. Council member Brazil inquired on asphalt repairs near Green Acres Mobile Home Park, and advised that corner was sinking.
Deputy City Clerk/Human Resources Director Correa advised that the City was recruiting for lifeguard staff. She advised that the Recreation Department would be hosting a Lifeguard Certification Course at the Aquatic Center in mid-May. She reported that RSVPs for the next City-County Dinner in Merced on April 12 were due Wednesday.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Dunford advised that he had nothing to report.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Brazil inquired on the status of the 218 process, to which City Manager Dunford provided information. Mr. Brazil inquired on an update on the status of PG&E/Engie Solar switch over, to which City Manager Dunford provided information.
There was a discussion related to Tennis Court lock codes and camera access, during which City Manager Dunford provided information. Council member Brazil advised that he had attended Darrell Fonseca’s retirement party.
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander advised that he had nothing to report.
Council member Ford advised that he had nothing to report.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether the City’s current Declaration of Emergency could be undeclared, to which City Attorney Siprelle provided information. Mayor Nagy declared rescinding the City’s State of Emergency, and advised that public meetings would now be opened to the public. Mayor Nagy commended staff for their dedication, and conveyed that Council would be looking to fill the City Manager position with someone who will fit. He closed his comment period with expressing his appreciation for staff.
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6. Agency Negotiator: City Manager: Employee organization: City of Gustine Clerks Association.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6. Agency Negotiator: City Manager: Employee organization: City of Gustine Public Works Association.
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6. Agency Negotiator: City Manager: Employee organization: City of Gustine Police Officers Association.
4. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT. Position: City Manager
Council returned to open session and it was advised that there was no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 9:19 P.M.