Kingsburg City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes
September 18, 2024
Invocation was given by Pastor Rickey Chambers, Kingsburg Community Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Brandon Pursell, Jr.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Mayor Pursell, Jr called the regular meeting of the Kingsburg City Council to order at 6:02pm.
Council Members Present: Vince Palomar, Laura North, Staci Smith, and Mayor Brandon Pursell Jr.
Council Members Absent: David Silva.
APPROVE AGENDA – A motion was made by Council Member Palomar, seconded by Council Member Smith, to approve the agenda, as published. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote of those present.
PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR: A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member North, to approve the items appearing on the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote of those present.
1. Approval of City Council Minutes: Approve the minutes from the September 4, 2024, Regular Council Meeting as prepared by City Clerk Abigail Palsgaard.
Sponsor: City Clerk’s Office
2. Check Register: Ratify/approve payment of bills listed on the check register for the period August 27, 2024, through September 9, 2024, as prepared by Accounts Payable Clerk Marsha Alves.
Sponsor: Finance Department
3. Accept the SR 201 RRFB Improvements Project and authorize the City Engineer to file the Notice of Completion.
Sponsor: City Engineer
REGULAR CALENDAR
Kingsburg Health Care District Grant - Police Department – Presentation by Police Chief Neil Dadian
Sponsor: Police Department
Chief Neil Dadian presented the Kingsburg Health Care District Grant, where he recommended the council to accept a $68,000 grant that would help and benefit Kingsburg Police employees.
Chief Dadian is requesting this grant to allow a full mental and physical wellness check for all police employees. Full body scans are becoming a common practice for Public Safety employees. It would benefit police employes to get in front of potential health issues. As for the mental wellness check, it will be mandatory, however, it will be up to each employee whether they will engage in a conversation. The results would remain confidential and not go to Chief Dadian.
Council Member North asked for clarification regarding the mental wellness check, will it be once, once a year, or ongoing? Chief Dadian said it would be one time but would like to make it an annual visit.
Council Member Palomar wanted to know how the body scans would show injuries. Chief Dadian clarified that while it is outside his field of expertise, the body scan can show injuries and other health concerns. Employees could potentially take these results to their primary care and help correct any issues that come up. Chief Dadian wants to do everything he can do for current employees.
Mayor Pursell Jr. wanted to make sure this will not replace our EAP program and used in addition to our current EAP. Chief confirmed, it is on top of it.
A motion was made by Council Member North, seconded by Council Member Palomar, to authorize the acceptance of the Kingsburg healthcare District grant funding in the amount of $68,000 and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote of those present.
Quarterly Crime Stats and General Police Update – Presentation by Police Chief Neil Dadian
Sponsor: Police Department
Chief Dadian presented the crime statistic for the months of July and August. Larceny (theft) is the biggest concern right now, and they are working on abating property crimes. Officers have more proactive calls for service compared to citizen called in calls for service. Another concern Chief Dadian addressed is the school shooting threats that have been circulating in Kingsburg.
Chief Dadian confirmed that the source was a student threatening violence against a teacher. The rest of the rumors have been false claims. Chief Dadian wants parents and students to know these threats are serious, and if anyone is perpetuating these rumors, they could be held responsible with search warrants, seizing their weapons, and potentially face being arrested. A training and hiring update was also given.
Chief Dadian highlighted the work of Detective Jennifer Colegio. Detective Colegio worked with FBI agents to arrest a Texas man exploiting two Kingsburg girls. Council Member Palomar thanked Detective Colegio for her work in the case.
Council thanked Chief Dadian and his department for our low crime in our city.
Informational, no action needed
Ordinance Determining the Salaries and Compensation – Presentation by Assistant City Manager Christina Windover
Sponsor: Assistant City Manager’s Office
Council remarked they discussed it enough at previous council meeting.
A motion was made by Council Member North, seconded by Council Member Palomar, to introduce Ordinance 2024-05, waive the first reading and pass the ordinance to a second reading and adoption. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote of those present.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Housing Element has been certified.
COUNCIL REPORTS/COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Member North said the next BID meeting is October 1, 2024, the Chamber will meet October 8, 2024, and Center Point will be meeting here soon. She also reminded Council of the upcoming Crayfish festival that will be 5pm-10pm. The Chamber reviewed the bi-laws and voted to hire a 3rd party auditor.
Council Member Smith said the Community Services Commission is scheduled to meet 9/25/2024.
Council Member Palomar noted the Kingsburg Health Care District reviewed 2 letters of guidance regarding conduct and completed grant updates. EDC met agreed with moving forward with the business park sign improvement. Council Member Palomar also thanked Public Works for removing graffiti. Kingsburg High School graduate, Andrew Vorhees, is starting on the NFL Baltimore Ravens team. Council Member Palomar notes the Planning Commission meeting was canceled this month, will meet in October. SKF the PAC is going to review a basin for SKF Ground water recharging.
Mayor Pursell Jr. adjourned the Regular Kingsburg City Council Meeting at 6:42 PM.
Submitted by:
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Abigail Palsgaard, City Clerk