MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
August 2, 2022
CALL TO ORDER - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Nagy called the meeting to order at 6:31 P.M. and conducted the pledge of allegiance
ROLL CALL
Council Members: Bonta - Brazil - Ford - Alexander - Mayor Nagy Staff present: Interim City Manager Brad Kilger, City Attorney Ann Siprelle, Police Chief Ruben Chavez, Recreation Manager Tiffany Vitorino, Economic & Community Development Director Jami Westervelt, Fire Chief Pat Borrelli, City Engineer Mario Gouveia, and Administrative Services Director Melanie Correa Mayor Nagy introduced Los Banos Council member, Deborah Lewis, who was also in attendance.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Air Quality Efforts in the San Joaquin Valley
Jaime Holt, Chief Communications Officer of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, provided information on the air quality effort programs available to Merced County residents.
Los Banos Council member, Deborah Lewis, advised the City to spread the word on the available programs and incentives for Merced County residents.
2. M.A.P.S. Program Update
Youth Services Program Coordinator Caleb Wilkinson and Police Officer M. Erickson provided an update on the M.A.P.S. program.
Police Chavez commended Mr. Wilkinson for everything he has done and accomplished so far for the City through this grant.
3. AB481 – Military Equipment, Funding, Acquisition, and Use Police Chief Chavez provided details on the proposed AB481 policy.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Craig Christenson, 657 West Avenue, advised of a letter he received from Gouveia Engineering, and provided background from his standpoint on the ADA Parking Stalls at Schmidt Park project.
Mr. Christenson further advised of very tall weeds growing at the Public Works Corporation Yard.
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?
4. Minutes of the July 19, 2022 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
5. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and approve
6. Approve Request for Allowance of Mobile Food Vendors and Annual Flea Market Event
Recommendation: Review and approve
7. Approve Claim Denial and Direct Staff to Distribute Notice of Action on Claim (J Everett)
Recommendation: Review and approve
8. Approve Resolution Approving Amendments to Memorandum of Understanding Between City of Gustine and Gustine Clerks Association
Recommendation: Review and approve
9. Approve Resolution Adopting Part-Time/Seasonal Salary Schedule for Fire Department Personnel
Recommendation: Review and approve
10. Approve Request for Use of Streets and Services for Annual 9/11 Memorial Walk Recommendation: Review and approve
Mayor Nagy introduced the consent calendar.
There was no public comment.
Council member Brazil inquired additional information on the Windecker warrant, to which Administrative Services Director advised she would look into and provide information.
Council member Brazil also inquired the difference in rates with Mid-Valley Disposal, to which Interim City Manager Kilger advised he would find this information and get back to Council. Interim City Manager Kilger advised increased rates for Commercial refuse service were delayed.
Council member Bonta inquired on the Federal Advocacy and Grant writing warrant, to which Administrative Services Director Correa advised the invoice included a regular monthly service fee for June and the additional fees were for two grant applications for Police Department grants. Police Chief Chavez advised the first grant is to have a clinician added to the Police department and the second grant is to create a Crisis Intervention team. Council Member Bonta inquired on the grant amounts, to which Police Chief Chavez answered approximately $500,000 for one grant and $600,000 for the other. Interim City Manager Kilger inquired if a summary report for the grants have been given to Police Chief Chavez, to which Police Chief Chavez answered no.
Council member Bonta advised of his abstention from the consent calendar item #4 due to his absence at that meeting.
Council member Brazil made a motion to approve the consent calendar. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander and carried 5-0, with Council member Bonta abstaining from consent calendar item #4.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
11. Consider Request for Use of Streets and Services for National Night Out Event
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive Public Comment
4. Consider a motion to approve the request for use of City streets and services for National Night Out event
Recreation Manager Vitorino presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Council member Brazil inquired if the City did a similar event in the past, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised the Travelling Library may have held a small National Night Out event in recent years.
Council member Ford inquired what school supplies would be given out, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised backpacks, pens, pencils and bikes will be raffled. She also advised each child will be able to craft their own backpack with assistance from A Crafter’s Paradise.
Council member Bonta made a motion to approve the request for use of City streets and services for National Night Out event. The motion was seconded by Council member Ford and carried 5-0.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Interim City Manager Kilger informed Council that Public Works Director Chavez is dealing with a family matter and was not in attendance.
Recreation Manager Vitorino informed Council the Gustine Lions Club donated $2600 for fireworks, which came from their beer booth at4th of July in the Park. She updated on the new overall deficit amount of $17,007 for the fireworks.
She also updated on Movie Night that took place on July 29th. She informed Council of a $1000 donation from the Gustine Lions Club to the Aquatic Center.
She advised donation letters for Kid’s Fishing Day, Halloween Trunk or Treat and Christmas in the Park, have been mailed.
She updated on open registration for the Kid’s Fishing Day.
Council member Brazil inquired on the Tree Tribute program, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised she has finished the diagram and is waiting for a planting date to arrange volunteers.
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander inquired on the replacement of damaged tribute trees at Schmidt Park, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised that the replacement trees are waiting to be planted.
Fire Chief Borrelli reported there were no calls for service over 4th of July weekend. He advised a volunteer firefighter helped with executing the 4th of July firework show.
He updated on the department’s Family Night event.
He also updated on the Department’s fundraising breakfast.
He provided an update on the Oak Fire in Mariposa County and advised that one of the stations County engine was assisting with that fire. He also advised the City engine was covering the City.
Chief Borrelli updated on a visit from Dante Moreno, of Capitol Advocacy Partners, to tour the department’s newest engine, which was obtained by funding secured by Capitol Advocacy Partners.
Chief Borrelli advised of a request to use the City’s engine to assist with the wildfires in Northern California, and advised he will research and provide additional information on the final decision.
Police Chief Chavez reported on a recent assault incident that occurred at Dollar General.
He advised that two officers were sent to the Oak Fire to assist with evacuations and traffic control.
He also advised of speeding complaints on Meredith Avenue.
He informed Council of the promotion of Reserve Officer Troy Paredes to full time Officer.
He also advised that the City lost five Reserve Officers to the City of Merced.
He updated Council member Brazil on the R.V. that was parked behind Tip Top Farms.
He advised of complaints in regards to a big rig truck being parked on North Avenue, Council member Brazil inquired on weekend code enforcement, to which Police Chief Chavez advised Officer Gallardo is taking time on the weekends to work on abandoned vehicle abatement.
Mayor Nagy inquired on the issue with big rigs being parked along the north side of Fentem Rd., to which Police Chief Chavez advised the only way to cite the driver is to catch the vehicle in motion, or the driver sleeping within the cab.
Council member Ford inquired if North Avenue is a truck route, to which Police Chief Chavez advised he would look into it.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised staff is working hard putting together the 2022 Fly-In event and are in need of sponsors.
She informed Council the Airport gate is experiencing mechanical issues and that a technician would be out this week to repair it. She advised the gate will be left open until repaired.
She informed Council of two cannabis-related items that were approved by the Planning Commission and would be considered by Council at their August 16th meeting.
She updated on the opening of L&E Café.
She advised of the Planning Commission’s approval of use permits for Apricot Valley Urgent Care and Whichcraft Taproom. She also advised that both businesses need to pass inspections prior to being able to open.
She updated on a new business coming to town, Precision Genetic Solutions, owned by Tony Lopes.
She informed Council she is working with Interim City Manager Kilger on the Rasmussen Southeast Annexation project.
Council member Brazil inquired the location for Apricot Valley Urgent Care, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt provided 408 5th Street.
Council member Brazil inquired on the Airport gate code access issue, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised she was working with Police Chief Chavez on a universal entry code and provided the department with additional instructions to open the gate.
Council member Bonta inquired information on the two cannabis items, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt provided some clarifying information that the items are associated with two separate businesses.
Administrative Services Director Correa reminded everyone that the candidate filing period for the upcoming election is open and will remain open until August 12th.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Interim City Manager Kilger advised he is waiting for responses from the City Council in regards to dates for the School District Subcommittee meeting. He also advised he would like to set it up after school begins in August.
He updated on a conversation he had with the County CEO in regards to setting up a meeting with Cal Fire to discuss staffing issues.
Council member Ford inquired on the 96-Gallon cans, to which Interim City Manager Kilger advised Mid-Valley Disposal stated the difference between going down residential streets compared to commercial. He advised he and Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt are working to get a better explanation from Mid-Valley Disposal on the price differences.
He updated on the street sweeping schedule. He also updated the he worked with staff to create a Request for Bids which was published this week.
Council member Brazil inquired an update on the Feihe property, to which Interim City Manager Kilger advised the City may have to turn to City staff to help with the upkeep of this property, while staff worked on a code enforcement solution.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Bonta advised of a successful meeting with Assembly member Gray.
Interim City Manager Kilger advised he reached out to Assembly member Gray’s aide in regards to homeless grants and is awaiting additional information.
Council member Ford inquired on who calculated the rate schedule, to which Interim City Manager Kilger answered Mid-Valley Disposal. Interim City Manager Kilger advised he is hoping to get more information from Mid-Valley Disposal on their script to these questions.
Council member Ford inquired on the commercial recyclable can waiver, to which Interim City Manager Kilger advised he would contact Mid-Valley Disposal.
Interim City Manager Kilger advised Council and residents to articulate any issues they are having with Mid-Valley Disposal, so the City can plan a sit down with Mid-Valley Disposal to address the issues. There was some discussion in regards to the issues.
Council member Brazil inquired on the profit from recyclables, to which Interim City Manager Kilger advised he would look into it and provide information.
Council member Brazil inquired on the roundabout at Sullivan Road, to which Interim City Manager Kilger advised through hearsay, that an amendment to the Katakis small lot contract included the roundabout at Sullivan Road. Interim City Manager Kilger advised he would look further into it.
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander advised that he had nothing to report.
Mayor Nagy inquired if the City is advertising Back to School and safe driving on the marquee, to which Administrative Services Director Correa advised the City will arrange the addition.
Mayor Nagy updated on his attendance at the Merced County Association of Government Governing Board meeting.
He commented on the issues with Mid-Valley Disposal. There was further discussion in regards to Mid-Valley Disposal.
Mayor Nagy provided background into the gavel he was using at the meeting, and asked to adjourn open session in memory of his lifelong friend, and longtime Porterville Council member Cameron Hamilton.
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: Interim City Manager: Employee organization: City of Gustine Public Works Association
After returning to open session, it was reported that there was no reportable action from closed session.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 8:52 P.M.