MINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
December 5, 2023
CALL TO ORDER - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Nagy called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. and conducted the pledge of allegiance
ROLL CALL
Council Members: Giles - Marsigli - Bonta – Ford - Mayor Nagy Staff present: Interim City Manager Melanie Correa, Assistant City Attorney Anne Branham, Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt, Recreation Manager Tiffany Vitorino, Police Chief Ruben Chavez, Finance Director Jenny Morrison, Administrative Assistant Desirae Porras, Fire Chief Pat Borrelli, and Public Works Director Gary Ingram.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council member Marsigli invited Assistant City Attorney Branham to provide additional information in regards to the order of the administrative calendar, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham informed Council of their option to switch the order of administrative items #3 and #4.
Council member Marsigli made a motion to flip the order of administrative items #3 and #4.
The motion was seconded by Council member Giles and carried 5-0.
Mayor Nagy made a motion to pull closed session.
The motion was seconded by Council member Bonta and carried 5-0.
Council member Bonta made a motion to approve the agenda with the stated changes.
The motion was seconded by Council member Marsigli and carried 5-0.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
PRESENTATIONS
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Craig Christenson, 657 West Ave., advised of his conversation with a Comcast representative in regards to the installation of 110 Comcast poles in town. He also advised of his opinion preferring more undergrounding and less poles in the City.
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 21, 2023 Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Review and approve
2. Warrants
Recommendation: Review and ratify
Mayor Nagy introduced the consent calendar.
Interim City Manager Correa advised of a typographical error in the minutes on page 2.
There was no public comment.
Council member Marsigli made a motion to approve the consent calendar with the stated changes.
The motion was seconded by Council member Giles and carried 5-0, with Council member Bonta abstaining from consent calendar item #1 due to his absence.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
4. PUBLIC HEARING – Consider Resolutions Approving Vesting Tentative Subdivision Maps; Richard & Rebecca Rasmussen – APN: 063-180-032 and Michael and Dana Rasmussen; APN: 063-180-033
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Open the public hearing
3. Receive public comment
4. Close the public hearing
5. Consider a motion to approve Resolution adopting the Michael and Dana Rasmussen vesting tentative subdivision map for Southeast Gustine Development
6. Consider a motion to approve Resolution adopting the Richard and Rebecca Rasmussen vesting tentative subdivision map for Southeast Gustine Development Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt introduced Brad Kilger, Consulting Project Manager.
Mr. Kilger presented the staff report.
Mayor Nagy opened the public hearing at 6:54 P.M.
Max Garcia, Applicant Engineer, provided background of the projects, including the timeline this project has worked its way to this point, and advised of the importance in approving the tentative subdivision maps.
Tom Gomes, 1065 Brentwood, clarified when the project was brought to the Planning Commission with smaller lots the Commission spoke with the developers and expressed they did not want smaller lots. He recommended the Council approve the tentative subdivision maps.
Mike Rasmussen, applicant, advised the idea to have smaller lots was not their original idea and stated both Rasmussen applicants solely wanted what was best for the City.
He asked for the Council to approve the tentative subdivision maps.
The public hearing was closed at 7:03 P.M.
Council member Marsigli inquired why the resolutions for both tentative subdivision maps do not mention that the area can be served by the high school, to which Mr.
Kilger apologized and advised additional language can be added.
Council member Marsigli inquired if a fee agreement was in place the City could receive the fees earlier, to which Mr. Kilger advised he has not read that provision in State law and was unsure.
Assistant City Attorney Branham advised there is a voluntary component, which would apply if the developer was willing to meet with the City and come up with a mutually agreeable determination.
Mike Rasmussen advised he is willing to work with the City but at this point in time if changes were made it would stop the project completely.
Council member Marsigli inquired on including additional language in the resolution that would say “at the final map stage specific acres will be rezoned,” to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised the following language would have to be included in the resolution “applicant and City agree that prior to final map approval the applicant and City, voluntarily, will discuss rezoning.” She stated the applicant has to be voluntarily willing to agree.
Mr. Kilger clarified it is purely the applicant’s decision whether they want to proceed with rezoning.
Council member Marsigli inquired on making the final map contingent on rezoning, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised of the risks if the City made it contingent. She also advised by offering to discuss and come to an agreement prior to final map recordation the City will have more flexibility.
Mr. Kilger advised of items that will be required if the City decided to change the density, such as completing a separate Environmental Impact Report and having to amend the Master Plan. He suggested the City hire an Environmental Planning professional to scope out the requirements to amend documents.
Council member Giles inquired how long the Environmental Impact Report would push back the project, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised it would take approximately two years.
Council member Giles inquired what is waived during this process, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised there are specific CEQA provisions that apply and stated CEQA happens when development happens.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford expressed his opinion on moving the project forward.
Ron Katakis advised of the issues that could arise from stalling the project further. He suggested the City look at the smaller sites along Sullivan for the Housing Element. He provided his opinion on developing smaller units.
Council member Bonta made a motion to approve resolution adopting the Michael and Dana Rasmussen vesting tentative subdivision map for Southeast Gustine Development.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 4-1 by roll call vote, with Council member Marsigli in opposition.
Council member Bonta made a motion to approve resolution adopting the Richard and Rebecca Rasmussen vesting tentative subdivision map for Southeast Gustine Development.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford and carried 4-1 by roll call vote, with Council member Marsigli in opposition.
3. PUBLIC HEARING – Consider Approving Site Inventory List for Sixth Cycle Housing Element Submission
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Open the public hearing
3. Receive public comment
4. Close the public hearing
5. Consider a motion to approve the site inventory list for the City’s Sixth Cycle Housing Element submission
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt presented the staff report.
Assistant City Attorney Branham advised of each Council member’s 1000’ radius conflict of interest within the site inventory list and stated during discussion of specific sites the Council members will have to recuse themselves accordingly.
Mrs. Branham also addressed the minimum density topic. She stated single family residences are not a permitted use in R3 and R4 zones. She advised the State has mandated a minimum of 20 dwelling units per acre for high density. She also reminded the Council and residents that no one is required to sell or develop their parcels.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt clarified not all of the items up for rezoning are proposed to be the highest density.
Assistant City Attorney Branham also stated from the State’s perspective, access would not be a reason to preclude the sites from the inventory list.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired if he owns an R1 lot and it is rezoned to R3 and he can’t build on the lot, who is paying for the loss, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised that cities are subject and required to rezone lots from time to time, per the law unless you have a vested tentative map, your rights over the zoning designation is subject to potential change. She also advised just owning a vested parcel is not sufficient vested rights under the law.
Council member Bonta inquired if the General Plan precludes building single family residences and asked if the General Plan can be amended, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised the General Plan and Zoning has to match and also stated the mandate for a minimum of 20 dwelling units per acre has to be included in both General Plan and Zoning Code.
Council member Marsigli advised the guidebook for site inventories states rural communities not having to meet some of the RHNA numbers, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised the rezoning is not effective tonight and stated it will be completed at a later time. She informed Council the City is considered a suburban community and advised the only communities that qualify as rural are unincorporated, low-populated areas.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on his conflict of interest due to having customers in the north area that he lists on his Statement of Economic Interest, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham clarified that the site inventory conflict of interest is calculated from a Council members primary residence location but advised if Mayor Pro Tem Ford feels as if he cannot make an unbiased decision, he can voluntarily recuse himself.
Council member Marsigli inquired on the lot size of sites 12 and 13, to which Mayor Nagy advised site 12 is 6.96 acres and stated the info is in one of the exhibits in the agenda packet.
Assistant City Attorney Branham reminded Council general questions can be asked about properties but Council is unable to further discuss on replacing the proposed sites with un-noticed sites.
Mayor Nagy opened the public hearing at 7:53 P.M.
Assistant City Attorney Branham advised public comment is not for back and forth discussion and stated she will write down all questions and answer at the end of public comment.
Lana Edwards, 51 West Ave., advised site 5 is currently being farmed and reminded Council the presentation states the site had to be vacant and reiterated that site 5 is not vacant and is currently being used for farming.
Keith Collins, 76 Linden Ave, advised the properties on exhibit A and B presents an amount over the required Housing Element recommendations. He also advised the residents of Gustine were not involved with the site inventory selection process. He asked Council to not approve the proposed site list. He provided his written statement to Council.
Mr. Cozzitoro, Gustine resident, asked for further detail on access and inquired who is liable for residents walking through his driveway to get to the development. He expressed his concerns with lack of right of way.
Rachel Correia, 1235 North Ave., reiterated her concerns over lack of access. She asked Council to direct staff to remove site 11 due to lack of access. She also advised of lack of consideration of site DD, she stated the site is fully accessible and meets size requirements. She asked Council to reconsider site DD and removing sites 2-5 and 11.
She suggested staff submit a Housing Element that works best for the City.
Gayle McWilliams, 1280 Brenda Drive, relayed her concerns with entrance access and increased traffic. She asked Council to not approve the proposed site list until further research is completed for access. She also asked Council to listen to residents’ concerns and recommendations.
Mario, 205 Linden Ave., advised of a letter that was signed by his neighbors stating their opposition in the low-income housing development.
John Nunes, 1275 North Ave., commented on how low-income housing development could impact future development in Gustine. He asked Council to remove all sites on the north side of town.
Cara Oliveira, Brenda Drive, expressed frustration with trying to work with City staff on the site inventory list. She advised of the constraints in the sites in the northern quadrant of town. She pointed out that the 2023 Opportunity Map does not state rezoning must occur in each quadrant. She asked Council to not approve the site inventory list.
Melanie Gomes, 1065 Brentwood, reminded Council that no one is less than because they live in low-income housing and expressed her concern with having all sites established in one neighborhood. She advised of her agreeance with the site inventory as listed in exhibit A.
Craig Christenson, 657 West Ave., advised of his perspective that in order to make changes they need to vote out the State representatives.
Mr. Dylina, site 10 owner, advised of his purchase of this lot due to the current zoning sunset date. He also advised of a development project that was submitted to staff but has not yet been proposed to Council. He inquired on the minimums for the zoning code. He expressed his objection to the rezoning of site 10 to R4. He provided additional information on his development project for the City.
Lloyd Vierra, 68 Linden Ave., asked staff to go back and make sure the City will have adequate water, sewer, police and fire. He also inquired on who will be paying to make sure there is enough of those items for the City.
The public hearing was closed at 8:19 P.M.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford commented on site DD and advised how it will work perfectly for development, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised the site was not noticed for discussion for tonight’s meeting and stated he can recommend staff reconsider site DD and discuss it further at the December 19th meeting.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised the project submitted by Mr. Dylina was not approved. She stated current zoning requires a 20-24 dwelling unit per acre requirement. She informed Council the site was submitted with the 5th cycle Housing Element.
Council member Marsigil inquired if the site is currently proposed as R3 or R4, to which Economic & Development Director Westervelt advised it is proposed as R4 in this cycle.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired clarification of the sunset note on the current Housing Element, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised the note states a requirement of 20-24 dwelling units per acre and stated there was additional information listed in regards to occupancy and income.
Assistant City Attorney Branham provided additional information in regards to a similar event in the Martinez vs. the City of Clovis. She advised the General Plan densities have to match the zoning codes.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired how the sunset clause fits into the Housing Element, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised the note on the last Housing Element cycle does not address what happens to the site zoning after the 2024 expiration date.
Assistant City Attorney Branham advised Mr. Dylina would have to establish the minimum density when submitting the project.
Council member Marsigli inquired on the maximum density amount listed in presentation, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham clarified that the portion to look at is the bottom portion of exhibit B, sites proposed to rezone high density.
Council member Marsigli inquired what the State looks at maximum density allowed or the realistic allowable density, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised the minimum density obviates the rest of the analysis.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on the minimum density for site 10, to which Assistant City Attorney advised going forward the minimum density will be 20 units per acre if it is not meeting low or very low income.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford expressed frustration with not being able to discuss sites that are not on the proposed list. He advised that he is not in agreeance with submitting a Housing Element that works for the State and stated the Housing Element should work for the City.
Council member Giles advised with enough justification for access, safety and infrastructure the sites would have to be considered.
Council member Marsigli recommended to add sites DD and EE and leave site 10 as R3.
Mayor Nagy expressed appreciation for all the work that has been done by staff, consultants, attorney and commissions. He advised he acknowledges the ramifications of non-compliance and what that could cost the City. He advised of grants and projects that came from being in compliance with past Housing Elements.
Mayor Nagy advised components of this Housing Element cycle is due to Attorney General Bonta’s housing initiatives. He further stated none of the previous Housing Elements spurred any development. He discussed his position with the League of Cities and advised of their goal to protect local control. He advised of requests from the League of Cities for the Mayor to write letters and call local elected officials to vote for or against local legislations that could harm local control. He also advised of the lack of control the City has when submitting the Housing Element. He advised Council should have been more involved with the Housing Element process and stated that this is their fault not staffs. He recommended staff submit a Housing Element that makes sense for the City not for the State. He voiced his concerns with developing low income housing.
He advised he would like to send back the site inventory list back to staff for revision.
Assistant City Attorney Branham inquired on the Council consensus on the presented site inventory list, to which a consensus of the Council affirmed the proposed site inventory list is not the final list for submittal.
Assistant City Attorney Branham inquired consensus on site 6, to which Council advised to leave site 6 on the site inventory list.
Assistant City Attorney Branham inquired consensus on site 7, to which Council advised to leave site 7 on the site inventory list.
Assistant City Attorney Branham inquired consensus on site 9, to which Council advised to find an alternate site to use in the place of site 9.
Assistant City Attorney Branham inquired consensus on site 10, to which Council advised to leave at R3 and find an alternate site to allocate the additional units in place of site
10. Assistant City Attorney Branham advised if site 10 is left on the Housing Element then the 20 units per acre will be required. She also advised it is listed as a site for low income and the City is unable to go backwards and change the zoning from the 5th cycle designation.
Council member Marsigli inquired why the applicant was not informed of this information, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised she did inform Mr. Dylina in October, prior to his purchase of the site.
Mayor Nagy inquired the difference between R3 and R4 if it is the same density, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised the low income and very low-income designations are what creates the difference. She provided the process for creating a site inventory list and defined “shortfall list” which happens when there are not enough already zoned sites to meet RHNA numbers.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired who included the note in regards to site 10 in the 5th cycle, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised she was unsure but clarified, it was a footnote included in the previous Housing Element submittal.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on credit for the site 10 project being high density, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised the City will only receive credits for sites that have entitlement.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired if the City could still approve the project, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised the project would have to come in at 20 units per acre then the City could approve it.
Council member Giles inquired if 20 units per acre is the realistic number, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised the project would be permitted at 20 units per acre. She advised the realistic figures are only looked at specific to shortfall sites which are rezone sites that are required to meet RHNA numbers because the City does not have enough sites zoned.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired if the lots could be split, to which Assistant City Attorney affirmed the applicant could come in for a lot split and advised the zoning would remain the same.
Mayor Nagy inquired if he can discuss sites that are not on the map, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised when proper noticing has been done, the Council can discuss it.
Mayor Nagy advised of sites that should not have been on the original site inventory list due to size requirements.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford also advised of access issues within the original site inventory list.
Mayor Nagy inquired on vacant lots down Meredith, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised the State has not given the City clear direction. She advised of the City’s process when eliminating sites from the original site inventory list.
Council member Marsigli commented on the guidebook not stating that the City couldn’t rezone commercial, to which Gina Paolini, contract Planner with CSG, advised if the City has enough vacant lots in their inventory then there is no reason to look further into rezoning commercial. She also advised as a planner, common practice is to not touch the commercial and industrial sites because you want to preserve those zoned sites because those developed sites could add revenue to the City.
Council member Marsigli inquired on dilapidated properties, to which Ms. Paolini advised those are redevelopment sites.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired at what point outside of City limits sites can be considered, to which Ms. Paolini advised the Housing Element does not allow the City to step out of the city limits.
Council member Giles inquired on City property being donated to be rezoned, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised there are specific requirements to dispose of park land. She also advised the burdens that arise from submitting non-vacant sites.
Council member Giles advised of his conversation with an Economic Developer and suggested the City look into non-vacant and under-utilized sites such as the old Beatrice Plant.
Assistant City Attorney Branham informed Council if they do not adopt the site inventory list by December 19th the City will be out of their jurisdictional Housing Element process and the City will be on their own to finish the Housing Element process.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired what part of the jurisdictional plan is needed, to which Assistant City Attorney Branham advised the site inventory list is required to remain on schedule with that process.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised there are multiple Housing Element chapters the City has not worked on and stated the City could not begin the site environmental work until the site inventory portion is approved by Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired who is doing the environmental work, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised the jurisdictional consultants, Rincon Consultants, will be completing the required environmental work.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired if the City could submit the December 19th final site list directly to the State, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt answered no and stated the City has to complete further analysis, which is then included in the draft, the draft will then go to the public for review and then back to Council for approval, before being submitted to the state.
Assistant City Attorney Branham clarified the State requires the whole package to be completed before review.
Assistant City Attorney Branham reminded Council this item is just to finalize the site inventory list and this is not the rezoning process.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired the deadline for the site inventory list, to which Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised it is December 15th and stated the City will be beyond the deadline due to the numerous processes that need to occur after the site list is approved.
Assistant City Attorney Branham inquired on the Council consensus on site CC, to which Council advised to remove site CC from the preferred discussion on December 19th.
Assistant City Attorney Branham inquired on the Council consensus on sites 2 and 3.
Council member Giles recused himself at 9:08 P.M., due to conflict of interest.
Council inquired the acreage for site 2, to which Interim City Manager Correa advised it is 0.58 acres.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford recused himself at 9:10 P.M., due to expressed conflict of interest.
Council members Bonta, Marsigli and Mayor Nagy advised to remove sites 2 and 3 with further intention to replace the allocations elsewhere.
Assistant City Attorney Branham clarified these sites may have to be added back on so the requirements of the Housing Element are met.
Assistant City Attorney Branham inquired on the Council consensus on site 4.
Council member Marsigli recused herself at 9:13 P.M.
Assistant City Attorney Branham informed the remaining Council members she would have to draw straws, according to the rule of necessity, to bring the Council back to a quorum.
After drawing straws, Council member Marsigli returned to the Chambers at 9:15 P.M.
Council members Bonta, Marsigli and Mayor Nagy advised to remove site 4 with further intention to replace the allocations elsewhere.
Assistant City Attorney Branham inquired on the Council consensus on site 5.
Council member Marsigli recused herself at 9:16 P.M. due to conflict of interest.
Council member Giles returned to the Chambers at 9:17 P.M.
Council members Bonta, Giles and Mayor Nagy advised to remove site 5 with further intention to replace the allocations elsewhere.
Assistant City Attorney Branham inquired on the Council consensus on site 11.
Council members Bonta, Giles and Mayor Nagy advised to remove site #11 with further intention to replace the allocations elsewhere.
Assistant City Attorney Branham inquired on the Council consensus on site 8.
Council member Bonta recused himself at 9:18 P.M. due to conflict of interest.
Council member Marsigli and Mayor Pro Tem Ford returned to the Chambers at 9:18 P.M.
Council members Marsigli, Giles, Mayor Pro Tem Ford and Mayor Nagy advised to leave site 8 on the site inventory list.
Mayor Nagy inquired if staff could number the sites the same on all future maps.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford asked for hard copies of all future maps.
5. DISCUSSION & DIRECTION – North Ave Sidewalk Infill Project Sidewalk Drainage
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive public comment
3. Conduct discussion and provide staff with direction on remedial option City Engineer Gouveia presented the staff report.
There was no public comment.
Council member Marsigli advised of flooding at the North Ave/West Ave intersection that occurs. She distributed photos of flooding at that location from the November 2023 rain.
Mr. Gouveia provided his opinion that several CCID valves may need to be opened on the North side of North Avenue.
Council member Marsigli inquired if the valves were closed when the rain occurred, to which Mr. Gouveia advised he did not have that answer.
Council member Marsigli provided her opposing opinion of removing the two Modesto Ash trees and advised she did not believe this would help the issue at hand, to which Mr. Gouveia advised it would help alleviate the issue but would not remove the issue.
Mr. Gouveia advised the CCID valves should be opened now throughout the season.
Council member Marsigli inquired what other options are available, to which Mr.
Gouveia advised other options, outside of what is being proposed, will require a tremendous amount of funds.
Council member Marsigli commented on possible flooding that could occur due to the sidewalk infill project, to which Mr. Gouveia advised the project would not cause additional flooding.
Mayor Nagy inquired if the syphon would reduce the need to open the valve, to which Mr. Gouveia answered no and advised the valve allows run off from the City storm drain to go in CCID’s pipe, Mr. Goveia continued that the syphon would be hooked up to this line, still requiring the seasonal opening.
Mayor Nagy inquired if it would need its own valve, to which Mr. Gouveia answered no and stated it would be one drain inlet tied to the existing drain inlet.
Mayor Nagy inquired if option 2 was chosen how far down West Avenue would the fix extend, to which Mr. Gouveia answered a couple hundred feet.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired if any issues would arise if the project was pushed to a later date, to which Mr. Gouveia advised it would be most economical to take care of the issue now but stated solutions can be accomodated at a later date.
Council member Giles inquired if the fiscal impact would be larger at a later date, to which Mr. Gouveia affirmed.
Council member Marsigli inquired the deadline to use CMAQ funds, to which Mr.
Gouveia advised it is June 30, 2025.
Council member Giles inquired the amount of water that would be there if the valve was open, to which Mr. Gouveia advised this would be a question for Public Works.
Mr. Gouveia clarified the project would have to be completed and fully expended by June of 2025.
Council member Bonta inquired if the tree roots can be cut instead of removing the trees, to which Mr. Gouveia advised the trees would be unstable if the roots were cut.
Mayor Pro Tem inquired the amount in the storm drain account, to which Finance Director Morrison advised the balance is $15K in the other contract services account.
Mayor Nagy inquired which option would alleviate the issue the most, to which Mr.
Gouveia advised the syphon while adding another maintenance component to the Public Works department, would best alleviate the issue.
Mayor Nagy inquired if the inlet would collect the other three storm drains along North Ave., to which Mr. Gouveia advised the drain pipe would cross over North Ave, and travel along the north side dumping into CCID’s line.
Mayor Nagy inquired if the design and construction is included in the estimate, to which Mr. Gouveia advised it is an educated approximation.
Council provided direction to authorize option #1, constructing a strom drain inlet on the south side of North Ave and connecting it to the existing inlet on the north side of the road to connect to CCID’s conveyance system.
6. DISCUSSION & DIRECTION – Police Vehicle Graphics
1. Receive Staff Report
2. Receive public comment
3. Conduct discussion and provide staff with direction on vehicle graphics options Police Chief Chavez presented the staff report.
Police Volunteer Janis Peters handed out toy car duplicates that match the proposed graphics to Council along with a printed mockup of the Ford Explorers.
Craig Christenson, 657 West Ave, provided his opinion on the all black vehicle graphics option and advised he likes the design and stated it would make it harder for criminals to see them coming.
Mayor Nagy inquired if the existing vehicles will be painted all black, to which Police Chief Chavez answered no and advised he is hoping to continue adding to his department fleet since his current fleet is deteriorating.
Council member Marsigli inquired on the outline of the design, to which Police Chief Chavez advised it will just state Gustine Police and will be a little more visible than the printed mockup.
Mayor Nagy informed residents that the department is also bringing a motorcycle Officer to the City.
Police Chief Chavez thanked Mayor Nagy for allowing him to drive the Sister-City officials around in the new police vehicles.
Council provided direction to move forward with the all black contemporary design.
CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Fire Chief Borrelli thanked everyone for attending the Breakfast with Santa event on November 25th and assisting with the breakfast. He advised they served almost 630 plates and raised $1700 and was able to leave $300 in the bank for next years’ event.
He also thanked the 4H group for their help. He expressed appreciation to the community for attending.
Public Works Director Ingram advised of normal routine maintenance and tree maintenance. He also advised they are doing their best with leaf pickup and stated when the leaf pick-up truck goes down the departments top priority is to get it back up and running.
Council member Marsigli inquired if the aerator at Schmidt Park pond is running because she noted a green oil slick on the pond, to which Public Works Director answered no and advised the oil slick could be from the geese. He further stated muck can come to surface as the weather changes.
Council member Giles inquired if the aerator is installed in the pond, to which Public Works Director Ingram answered no and advised the aerator project will not begin until spring.
Mayor Nagy inquired why there is a section that has been saw cut and removed in Schmidt Park on the side part of the walking path, to which Public Works Director Ingram advised of estimates received for a new crack sealing and an overlay or a slurry coat for the walking path. He further advised he will bring these estimates to a future meeting for Council’s approval.
Mayor Nagy inquired if the crosswalk signs were installed along Sullivan Rd., to which Public Works Director Ingram affirmed and stated the signs have been installed in front of school and advised he has two lighted LED stop signs that will be installed along the Roundabout detour route.
Recreation Manager Vitorino advised of her and Recreation Volunteer, Tianah Vitorino’s, attendance at the California Aquatics Management School. She informed Council of new Red Cross Lifeguard training that will be in effect for the next pool season. She updated on the Downtown Christmas event. She also updated on sound system. She also advised Soundscapes will be replacing all speakers due to corroding and relayed the speakers are still under warranty. She informed Council they served around 650 people and were able to pay for all hot chocolate and s’mores due to sponsors. She also advised of volunteers assisting with train rides and bounce houses.
She thanked all sponsors. She updated on the aeration project and stated it will begin in spring 2024. She informed Council of upcoming Miss Gustine Toy Drive and Gustine Lion’s Club Food Drive and advised they are looking for toy and food donations and stated the final donation date is December 15th.
Council member Giles inquired if the City is still tied in with the aeration contractor, to which Recreation Manager Vitorino advised the City is tied in with the contractor because it was approved at a past Council meeting and stated the contractor has already purchased items for the project.
Council member Giles suggested purchasing a smaller aerator and sharing parts with the WWTP aerators. Recreation Manager advised she will discuss this with Public Works Director Ingram.
Mayor Nagy commented on how outstanding the national anthem was and how great the speakers were remitting sound at the recent lighted holiday parade.
Finance Director Morrison advised the City has received its last draw down for the body-worn camera grant and is awaiting final payment.
Economic & Community Development Director Westervelt advised that she had nothing to report.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
None.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Interim City Manager Correa updated Council on new legislature that is coming through the pipeline in regards to labor such as updates to the part time sick leave policy, and bereavement policy. She advised of a vacancy on the Airport Commission.
She also advised City Manager recruitment will be going out for a request for proposals for another executive search firm very soon.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Council member Marsigli advised of the fun she had helping at Breakfast with Santa.
She updated on Pat’s House of Beauty open house on November 16th and Crinklaw’s Art Gallery 5-year anniversary on Saturday. She advised of the upcoming One Voice meeting and asked for City project recommendations.
Council member Bonta advised that he had nothing to report.
Council member Giles advised that he had nothing to report.
Mayor Pro Tem Ford advised that he had nothing to report.
Mayor Nagy thanked Chief for the toy car. He advised of his attendance at Crinklaw’s Fine Art 5-year anniversary gathering. He reminded everyone Gustine Lion’s Club will be picking up food donations on December 15th. He commended Crue Correa for dressing up as the cow at the Downtown Christmas event. He advised of his attendance at the 80th Annual Rotary Tournament at the high school. He thanked the community for attending the meeting.
CLOSED SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 10:05 P.M.