MINUTES OF
SPECIAL MEETING
May 16, 2023
CALL TO ORDER - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Nagy called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. and conducted the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Council Members: Marsigli - Bonta - Mayor Pro Tem Ford - Mayor Nagy Staff present: City Manager Anna Nicholas, City Attorney Ann Siprelle, Finance Director Jennifer Morrison, Economic & Community Development Director Jami Westervelt, Recreation Manager Tiffany Vitorino, City Engineer Mario Gouveia, and Administrative Services Director Melanie Correa
Police Chief Ruben Chavez joined the meeting at 6:02 P.M.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council member Bonta made a motion to approve the agenda as published.
The motion was seconded by Council member Marsigli and carried 4-0.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Richard Cornell inquired on the City’s street sweeper service, to which Mayor Nagy advised the City does not have a street sweeper. Mr. Cornell provided his opinion on status of City streets. He inquired on plans to acquire a street sweeper, to which Mayor Nagy advised the City is working on it.
City Attorney Siprelle reminded Council that public comment should be made with minimal discussion.
City Manager Nicholas requested Mr. Cornell’s contact information so that they could arrange a meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
1. Consider Appointment to City Council Vacancy
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive Public Comment
3. Conduct appointee interviews and consider a motion to appoint a candidate to the vacant City Council seat for a term expiring in November 2024 Administrative Services Director Correa presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Nagy called up the first applicant, Blake Giles, to be interviewed.
Blake Giles, City Council applicant, provided his background and his current seat on the Planning Commission. He also advised he believed applying for City Council would be a good opportunity to take his public service to the next level.
Council member Marsigli inquired on what Mr. Giles likes the most and least in regards to living in Gustine, to which Mr. Giles advised he likes the feel of the community and the room to move and breathe. He advised he dislikes the lack of diverse food.
Council member Bonta inquired what Mr. Giles could contribute as a member of the City Council, to which Mr. Giles advised he is level-headed, logical and compassionate.
Council member Ford inquired how Mr. Giles would resolve conflict between his personal philosophy and what is best for the City, to which Mr. Giles advised he does not feel pressure by people to make certain choices. He also stated if he was in doubt he would research more into the item. He advised this type of scenario would encourage him to ask more questions.
Mayor Nagy inquired on Mr. Giles long term goals for the City, to which Mr. Giles advised his long-term goals would be business sustainability, resident involvement in community events, and work on the lack of maintenance on infrastructure.
Mayor Nagy called up the second applicant, Derek Alexander.
Derek Alexander, City Council applicant, provided his background and experience on City commissions. He withdrew his application for City Council vacancy and advised he is in favor of having a new and young perspective on the Council.
Council member Marsigli made a motion to appoint Blake Giles to the vacant City Council seat for a term expiring November 2024.
The motion was seconded by Council member Bonta and carried 4-0.
Mayor Nagy administered the Oath of Office to the elected official, Blake Giles.
Council member Giles took his seat on the dais.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 6:20 P.M.