MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
November 15, 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, Public Works Director Jesus Chavez, Recreation Manager Tiffany Vitorino, Police Chief Ruben Chavez, Project Manager Danny Reed and Administrative Services Director Melanie Correa
PRESENTATIONS
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Brian, who identified himself as an Orestimba High School student, advised he and his classmates in attendance have been tasked with writing an essay covering the Council meeting for their Government class.
Craig Christenson, 657 West Avenue Gustine, inquired whether there was code that prohibited landscapers from blowing debris onto City streets. He suggested adopting a code in regards to this matter.
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 November 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
2. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and file
3. Treasurer’s Report – September 2022
Recommendation: Review and file
4. Ratify Emergency Expenditure for Water Line Repair
Recommendation: Review and approve
5. Approve Resolution Confirming Participation in Merced County MultiJurisdictional Housing Element and Cost Sharing Agreement Recommendation: Review and approve
6. Authorize Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment to Contract for Accounting Services
Recommendation: Review and authorize
7. Authorize Expenditure for Grant Application Development and Submittal for Fire Department Radio Equipment
Recommendation: Review and authorize
Mayor Nagy introduced the consent calendar.
There was no public comment.
Council member Bonta inquired the difference between bids for consent calendar item #7, to which Mayor Nagy advised all three bids included encompass the entire scope of the equipment requested through the grant application.
Council member Brazil made a motion to approve the consent calendar.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander and carried 5-0.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
8. PUBLIC HEARING: Consider Resolution Authorizing Application and its Execution, and Adopting Permanent Local Housing Allocation Plan for the Program
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Open the public hearing
3. Receive public comment
4. Close the public hearing
5. Consider a motion to allocate $2,500 to Self Help for development of the application
6. Consider a motion to approve the resolution
Interim City Manager Kilger presented the staff report.
Mayor Nagy opened the public hearing at 6:41 P.M.
There was no public comment.
The public hearing was closed at 6:42 P.M.
Council member Ford inquired on the process, to which Interim City Manager Kilger advised that Council will apply for the funds and Self Help will assist the City with the application.
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander inquired if there is a time limit to use the funds, to which the Self-Help representative advised that funds expire after five years from the date of the standard agreement.
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander made a motion to allocate $2,500 to Self Help for development of the application and to approve the resolution.
The motion was seconded by Council member Bonta and carried 5-0.
9. DISCUSSION & DIRECTION: Traffic Control and Schedule Impacts of SR-33/140 Roundabout and Downtown Roundabout Projects
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Hold discussion and provide staff with direction
Danny Reed, Project Manager, Gouveia Engineering, presented the staff report.
Council member Bonta inquired on the closure’s impact for Saputo employees, to which Mr. Reed advised there will be no impact.
Council member Ford inquired on warning signs on Hunt Road, to which Mr. Reed advised there will be warning signs leading up to the temporary stop signs at all locations.
Council member Bonta expressed his concern with the traffic by the school, to which Mr. Reed advised he would look into it.
Council member Ford inquired on through traffic on 5th Street during construction of the downtown roundabout project, to which Mr. Reed advised vehicles would have to make a U-turn due to the intersection of 5th Street and 4th Ave closure.
Council member Ford inquired on the closure timeline, to which Mr. Reed presented the project timeline.
Council member Brazil inquired whether notices to businesses would be distributed altering of the street closures, to which Mr. Reed advised the contractor will distribute notices outlining the details. He also advised the notices will be sent out two business days prior to the closure. Council member Ford suggested sending out the notices a week prior, to which Mr. Reed advised that the request can be added to the bid requirement.
Mayor Nagy inquired whether Main Street could accommodate straight-end parking temporarily, to which Mr. Reed advised he would look into it.
Craig Christenson, 657 West Avenue, voiced his concerns with the absence of railroad safety arms on East Avenue and Railroad Avenue. He also expressed concern with big rigs making turns on Sullivan Avenue at Hunt Road.
The Council directed staff to have both projects run simultaneously.
Council member Bonta inquired on the status of having 4th Avenue paved, to which Mr.
Reed advised the paving could not be done with the CMAQ funds that are covering the downtown roundabout project, but that Measure V funding would be another funding source, he also suggested the use of SB1 funding for the paving project.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Chavez commended VFW on their recent Veteran’s Day parade. He updated on the success of the recent animal licensing and vaccine clinic. He advised the department is unable to locate cars to fulfill the approved grant through San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.
Council member Bonta inquired on charging stations, to which Police Chief Chavez confirmed that there will be charging stations installed.
Public Works Director Chavez advised staff has been busy with Christmas decorations.
He updated on the Revenue Report received from Schneider Electric on the new water meters. He also advised that letters for backflow annual testing were mailed out to businesses. Mr. Chavez informed Council that Mid-Cal Piping will be replacing hydrants and valves on Sherwood Avenue tomorrow, as part of the water valve and hydrant replacement project. He advised well #6 is being tested and diagnosed. He also advised staff will begin leaf pick up next week. He informed the community that sand and sandbags are available at the Corp Yard.
Council member Ford inquired on the Schneider Electric Report, to which Public Works Director Chavez advised that the reported accuracy is 101%.
Mayor Nagy informed Public Works Director Chavez of a decorative street lamp needing repair located at Fentem Rd. and Via Milano.
Council member Bonta suggested a replacement sign on West Avenue and 33 Highway, to which Public Works Director Chavez advised they would replace the sign.
Recreation Manager Vitorino updated on staff’s donations towards Wreaths Across America. She commended Public Works on the installation of the Christmas street decorations. She advised the Christmas tree will be decorated by the Chamber of Commerce this weekend. She updated on the Christmas in the Park sponsorships and preparations. She informed Council of the V.I.P. raffle opportunity for Christmas in the Park. She reminded everyone of the Lions Club pick-up date, which is December 9th.
She provided details on the Chamber’s Old-Fashioned Christmas event.
Administrative Services Director Correa informed Council the City added the Merced County Broadband survey to the City website. She also advised of the available grants to assist valley residents with upgrades to burn clean through the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, and that links to access the grant opportunities are also on the City’s website.
Administrative Services Director Correa, on behalf of the finance department, advised the audit is still ongoing. She also advised that the online utility bill pay system is having issues with their current phone number and advised that community members call City Hall for an updated phone number to make phone payments.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Interim City Manager Kilger updated on the status of the Katakis and Rasmussen projects. He advised that the Rasmussen’s are still considering a development agreement. He also advised that amendments to the Katakis vesting tentative subdivision conditions are being taken to the Planning Commission at a special meeting on November 30th. He informed Council this is would be his last Council meeting and he thanked Council for the opportunity to work with Council, community, and the staff. He recommended the City be strategic in planning and executing goals and projects.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Brazil thanked Interim City Manager Kilger for his dedication to the City. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Council member Bonta echoed Council member Brazil’s comments and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Council member Ford advised it was a breath of fresh air working with Interim City Manager Kilger and voiced his appreciation for the transparency.
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander advised it was a pleasure working with Interim City Manager Kilger. He congratulated Sherri Marsigli on her successful win in the recent election. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Mayor Nagy thanked Interim City Manager Kilger for all of his assistance. He asked for council consensus to add an item to an upcoming agenda related to closed session.
There was no opposition.
CLOSED SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 7:57 P.M.