KINGSBURG CITY COUNCIL
WORKSHOP MINUTES
March 9, 2022
Council Chamber, 1401 Draper Street, Kingsburg, CA 93631 (559) 897-5821 www.cityofkingsburgca.gov THE COUNCIL CHAMBER IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT 100% CAPACITY.
Call to Order and Roll Call: Mayor Laura North called the regular meeting of the Kingsburg City Council to order at 6 P. M.
Council Members present: Vince Palomar, Brandon Pursell, Jr., Michelle Roman, and Mayor Laura North.
Council Member absent: Jewel Hurtado.
Staff Present: City Manager Alexander Henderson, City Attorney Michael Noland, Finance Director Alma Colado, Community Service Director Adam Castaneda, Police Chief Neil Dadian, Public Works Director Daniel Galvez and City Clerk Abigail Palsgaard.
Public Comments: None.
The American Rescue Plan- Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Use DiscussionCity Manager Alexander Henderson presented the final guidance from the federal government, our allocation is $2,896,491. All cities, villages and towns will get an allocation to assist with the recovery from COVID. Reporting is simplified, we can use it on anything that we would use money on from a local government. Received funds and credited for utility bills from the federal government. New project ideasfiber optic, public safety cameras, development incentives, beautification efforts, general plan and North Kingsburg Specific Plan update. We have until the end of 2024 to allocate and the funds must be spent by 2026. Staff recommends looking at the next year, we are in a good spot and we do not have to spend all the money right now.
Community needs:
Bruce Blayney, resident, it is important to have current general plan, including park, housing elements, and environmental impact. The cost for a general plan is very expensive. There is also a need for downtown parking.
Reggie Gierke, president of the Chamber, sustainably is important. Non-profits didn’t qualify for relief funds. Infrastructure in place is important. Grant program for non-profits. Fiber optics.
Judy Pagel, Kiwanis, asked what the description is of a non-profit for a grant. City Manager Henderson said the description would have to have some type of parameter. Council Member Pursell, Jr. asked what type of impact Kiwanis had during COVID. In 2021 it was about $5,000 Ms. Pagel reported.
Mayor North said families are worried about safety- cameras would be helpful. Fiberoptics stands out for our residents. Mental health has had a huge impact, a sports complex can really impact for generations to come. She asked costs of phase 1 of the sports complex. Council Member Pursell, Jr. asked how much for a true capital fund. City Manager Henderson the cost of phase 1 would depend on what is included in phase 1. The cost is estimated from $3,000,000 to $5,000,000. City Manager Henderson said fiber optics will be $2-$2,500,000 for a full build out for the city. The spoke about the federal infrastructure bill.
Kingsburg City Council Minutes
03/09/2022
Council Member Pursell, Jr. said fiber optics will help public safety, low-income residents, people working from home and bring businesses. If we lease, we have some control, so we aren’t owned by comcast.
The workshop reviewed the breakdown of costs of the proposed projects:
$350,000 general plan, staying who we are
$100,000 competitive small business grant
$400,000 senior center and sports complex
Mayor North asked if the business grant will include non-profits. Council Member Pursell, Jr is not sure, asked about churches. Mr. Gierke said give them the opportunity to apply, they have been left out.
Council Member Palomar is for building out fiber optics, grants for small businesses and non-profits, and a general plan update.
Council Member Roman is for economic development, tourism, businesses including grants and façade improvements, the sports complex and parks, fiber optics, and the senior center.
Staff’s directionGrants or incentive or small business and non-profits, staff put together a program. Needs to show how it would benefit the community as a whole. Put money aside and cap it, for example $25,000 every four years. We have had success downtown with partnerships with a business or non-profits for larger projects.
For example, turning alleys in to walkable parklets.
Staff will put out a survey to the community. CJ Brock, local contractor and commercial property owner, when asked, said that he believes businesses should have some skin in the game with grants and city incentives for beautification.
Public Works Director Daniel Galvez said city facilities have some immediate needs, roof issues, $60,000- $80,000.
Adam Hughes, resident, said fiber optics important for cameras.
The Kingsburg City Council Workshop was adjourned at 7:14 P. M.
Submitted by:
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Abigail Palsgaard, City Clerk