MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
May 3, 2022
CALL TO ORDER - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Nagy called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Council Members: Brazil - Bonta – Ford - Mayor Nagy
Staff present: Interim City Manager Brad Kilger, Attorney Ann Siprelle, Police Chief Ruben Chavez, Public Works Director Jesus Chavez, Recreation Manager Tiffany Vitorino, Fire Chief Patrick Borrelli, Finance Director Jas Birring, City Engineer Mario Gouveia, Police Officer Kevin Roseen, and Administrative Services Director Melanie Correa
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor introduced Interim City Manager Brad Kilger. Mr. Kilger explained his priorities in keeping projects moving forward, and to assist staff with goals and any issues. He also advised that he would be helping Council find a permanent replacement, and will strive to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Craig Christenson, inquired whether Tesla paid for using the airport for protocol testing.
He also extended a welcome to Interim City Manager Kilger.
Fire Chief Borrelli, 3259 Hwy 33, advised that he had spoken to Interim City Manager Kilger earlier in the day about the concerns he was about to relay. Fire Chief Borrelli shared the department’s goals and responsibilities in serving the City and its residents.
Mr. Borrelli went on to state that on April 25th his department had begun checking water hydrants throughout town to ensure adequate pressure was attainable. It was discovered that many hydrants were not supplying adequate pressure as expected by the Fire Department. Through research, it was learned that the water system pressure was lowered, as a means to prevent infrastructure leaks. Chief Borrelli advised that the hydrant maintenance program was being neglected. He implored the City to look at adding personnel vital to ensuring the hydrant maintenance program is monitored and facilitated, or consider contracting with an outside agency.
Craig Christenson, commented that hydrant down street from his residence has been leaking.
Supervisor Lloyd Pareria, welcomed Interim City Manager Kilger and offered that the County is available to assist the City in any way during his transition into his new role.
Interim City Manager Kilger indicated that he had discussed Fire Chief Borrelli’s concerns with Public Works Director Chavez. Mr. Kilger advised that he would report back to council.
Council member Bonta advised that Mayo Pro Tem Alexander was absent due to his attendance on One Voice delegation in Washington DC.
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 April 19, 2022 Special Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
2. Minutes of the April 19, 2022 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
3. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and approve
4. Approve Request for Use of City Streets and Services and Waive Fees for Annual 4th of July Parade
Recommendation: Review and approve
5. Authorize Execution of Amendment #1 to Recreation Manager Employment Contract
Recommendation: Review and authorize execution
6. Approve Request for Use of City Streets and Services for Annual Gustine Pentecost Society Celebration
Recommendation: Review and approve
7. Approve Resolution Naming and Confirming Signatories on the City’s Banking Accounts
Recommendation: Review and approve
Mayor Nagy introduced the consent calendar. There was no public comment. Council member Brazil inquired information on warrants made out to Los Banos High School, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino provided information. Mayor Nagy advised that the parade route on consent calendar item #4 was amended to state that the parade would head north on 6th Street, and terminate at Henry Miller Park. Council member Bonta made a motion to approve the consent calendar as amended. The motion was seconded by Council member Brazil and carried 4-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Alexander absent.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
8. Consider Resolution Adopting List of SB1 Funded Projects for FY 2022-2023
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve the resolution
Finance Director Birring presented the staff report. There was no public comment.
Council member Ford inquired why projects were not allocated specific dollar amounts, and how did staff come to identify these projects. Finance Director Birring provided information. Council member Ford remarked that Hwy 33/SR 140 intersection was not a priority for this funding source. Mayor Nagy provided additional background on project list. There was a discussion related to identified projects. City Engineer Gouveia also provided information. Finance Director Birring provided information on the state’s requirement to pre-approve resolutions prior to Council consideration. Interim City Manager Kilger advised he would consult with staff and bring this item back to Council at the first meeting in June.
9. Consider Resolution Calling for Election and Consolidating City’s Municipal Election with Statewide General Election
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Consider a motion to approve the resolution
Administrative Services Director Correa presented the staff report. Mrs. Correa also advised of a typographical error on the title of the resolution, which should read MidTerm Election, instead of Presidential Election. There was no public comment. There was a brief discussion related to tie-breaking procedures. Council member Brazil made a motion to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Council member Ford and carried 4-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Alexander absent.
10. PUBLIC HEARING – Consider Introduction and Waiver of the First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Gustine Municipal Code Section 4-66-030 Regarding Park Land Dedication and Fees
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Open the public hearing
3. Receive public comment
4. Close the public hearing
5. Consider a motion to introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance amending section 4-66-030 of the Gustine Municipal Code regarding Park and Land Dedication and Fees
City Attorney Siprelle presented the staff report. Mayor Nagy opened the public hearing at 7:00 P.M. There was no public comment. The public hearing was closed at 7:01 P.M. Council member Ford inquired whether Developers were given the option to dedicate land or pay in-lieu fees, to which City Attorney Siprelle provided information.
Council member Bonta made a motion to introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance amending section 4-66-030 of the Gustine Municipal Code regarding Park and Land Dedication fees. The motion was seconded by Council member Ford and carried 4-0 with Alexander absent.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Chavez announced that today was Officer Roseen’s birthday. He reported on a successful Tip Top Farms community event. Chief Chavez provided information on the major accident occurring at the intersection of Hwy 33/SR140. He expressed his honor to attend the candlelight vigil for Fallen Officers of California in Sacramento.
Chief Chavez advised that the Officer of the Year ceremony would be held on Wednesday, May 4th. He announced that Officer Erickson was selected as Gustine’s Officer of the Year. Council member Ford inquired on drive-by shootings in Gustine within past 3-4 months, to which Police Chief Chavez provided information. Council member Brazil commended that CSO Gallardo was doing a great job. Mr. Brazil suggested that one of the new police cars be designated as an SRO car, with decals aligning with GUSD’s graphics for recognition purposes.
Fire Chief Borrelli introduced CalFire Battalion Chief Joey Felix, and Captain Adam Kernaghan, and thanked them for their service to the Gustine station. Chief Borrelli updated on the department’s recent driver/operator training course. He reported that the department would be participating in the National Burn Association “Fill the Boo” drive on May 28th. Mayor Nagy welcomed Battalion Chief Felix and Captain Kernaghan, and commended department for their continued dedication to the City.
Council member Brazil commented that the City’s priority should be to get the station to a 2-person staffing model, and suggested lobbying for state and county funding for assistance in achieving that goal.
Finance Director Birring advised that the City’s CalPERS unfunded liability bond signing occurred on Monday and that closing was scheduled for Thursday. She reported that the first payment is due in October, and the second in April. She relayed that the bond is estimated to save the City $600K over its 20-year term. Mrs. Birring advised that she had met her quarterly reporting deadlines, and successfully submitted the ARPA report.
She shared that she was finalizing budget figures, and would discuss a date for a Budget Workshop with the Interim City Manager.
Public Works Director Chavez advised of his attendance at CA Rural Water Association Expo and Training. He reported that the department recently repaired a water leak on Ash Ave, which interrupted water service for a 2-hour period. He shared that he was assisting Mid-Valley Disposal with identifying location for bin staging area, and that the department would be staffing a Spring Collection event on Saturday May 7th. Mr.
Chavez advised that he has had discussions with Fire Chief Borrelli and Interim City Manager Kilger on hydrant concerns. Council member Ford inquired whether MidValley would be continuing bulky-item pickup, to which Public Works Director Chavez provided information. Council member Ford also inquired whether Mid-Valley Disposal would continue e-waste collection events, to which Mayor Nagy provided information.
Council member Brazil inquired on status of staffing at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, to which Public Works Director Chavez provided information. Mayor inquired on sand filter installation at Well #7, to which Mr. Chavez provided information.
Recreation Manager Vitorino advised of upcoming clinics and classes, she also advised that Color Run sponsorships were coming in and that preparations were ongoing. She shared that Aqua Zumba was scheduled to start in June. Recreation Manager Vitorino advised that deadlines to sign up for Miss Gustine and Little Miss./Mr. pageant were drawing near. Mrs. Vitorino reminded Council that the City would be hosting a Lifeguard Certification training next week, and commended Public Works for keeping the pool in pristine condition. She shared that she was working with Chamber of Commerce and Gustine Pentecost Society on upcoming special events. Lastly, she advised that she was working with Backyard Market to coordinate 4th in the Park vendor booths.
Administrative Services Coordinator Correa advised that the recruitment for lifeguards was still open. She reported that the One Voice delegates had arrived safely in Washington D.C. Lastly, Mrs. Correa reported that the Gustine Community Foundation was in the final stages of being incorporated.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Interim City Manager Kilger advised that Gustine has a lot going on. He thanked former manager, Doug Dunford, for compiling a list of projects and remarked that he is compiling his own list to ensure that priorities are in order and continuing in forward motion. He remarked that at their May 17th meeting, Council would be discussing the recruitment of a permanent City Manager.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Bonta welcomed Mr. Kilger, and complimented his communication style and work ethic.
Council member Ford welcomed Mr. Kilger, and remarked that it was nice to have the City Engineer in attendance.
Council member Brazil welcomed new CalFire staff to the community. He also welcomed Mr. Kilger and thanked him for commitment.
Mayor Nagy welcomed Interim City Manager Kilger, and welcomed the CalFire staff and thanked them and police personnel for their dedication to the City.
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.
Council returned to open session and it was advised that there was no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 8:07 P.M.